Panther Press
New Prospect Elementary School Newsletter
January 20, 2026
Celebrating Finding Nemo Jr. This Weekend!
One of my favorite parts of New Prospect’s culture is the way we embrace the arts as a powerful part of a child’s growth. Watching a student discover confidence, creativity, or a brand‑new passion—especially in an area beyond academics—is something truly special.
Our annual school musical is one of the best examples of that, and this year’s production of Finding Nemo Jr. is no exception.
Our 3rd–5th graders have been working incredibly hard, and their dedication shines in every song, dance, and line they’ve learned. But just as meaningful as their performance is the community behind it. The sets, costumes, organization, and behind‑the‑scenes magic all exist because of our extraordinary parent volunteers. I am deeply grateful for every hour, every late night, and every ounce of creativity they’ve poured into bringing this show to life. They are the heartbeat of this production.
This year, we’re thrilled to partner with Innovation Academy and perform in their beautiful theater right in the heart of Alpharetta. We’ve even opened ticket sales to the larger community, turning this into a city‑wide celebration of the arts—and of our amazing Panthers.
Here are the performance details—we would love for you and your family to come experience the joy, talent, and heart our students are ready to share:
Location: Innovation Academy Theater~125 Milton Ave., Alpharetta, GA 30009
Performance 1: Friday, January 23 at 7:30 PM (doors open 6:45 PM)
Performance 2: Saturday, January 24 at 6:00 PM (doors open 5:15 PM
Link for Tickets: https://search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/accounts/newprospectpta/buy-tix
I cannot wait to watch our students shine. Thank you for supporting the arts, for cheering on our young performers, and for being part of what makes New Prospect such a special place.
Amy Lemons
Principal
If you love New Prospect...PROVE IT by taking this Survey!
New Prospect Elementary will take the new Georgia School Climate Survey this year. Each parent or guardian is encouraged (PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE) to take the family version, linked below, to answer questions about your experience at New Prospect. If two or more children attend the same school, please complete one survey for that school.
The survey measures what you think about how our school engages with families. Answers are not linked to names in any way. When typing answers, please do not give names or information that you don’t want to share with this school. Data will be shared with school leaders to help improve the school and will be published on the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) website.
Please help by sharing your honest opinion on this 22-question survey. To take the survey, please click the link --> Parent Survey Link
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Amy Lemons, Principal; email: lemonsa@fultonschools.org
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday January 21st-Club Picture Day (was rescheduled)
Friday January 23rd-NPE Production of Finding Nemo @ Innovation Academy- 7:30pm
Saturday January 24th-NPE Production of Finding Nemo @ Innovation Academy- 6:00pm
Monday February 23rd- Parent Workshop by APD 5:30-7:00 pm *info below
Friday January 30th- NPE Spirit Night at iCode 5-8 *info below
Friday February 6th-STEAM Day-Wear House Colors
Friday February 13th- 2nd Grade Musical 8:00am
Daddy/Daughter Dance 5:00pm @ Phase Family Center *save the date below
Spring STEAM Night at Innovation Academy *info below
Monday & Tuesday February 15th & 16th-No School For Students
Have you heard your kids talk about PNN and have no idea what that is?!?!
What is PNN?
PNN stands for Panther News Network. They are our daily video announcements managed by our METI, Ms. Spitzner. She puts the program together each day, and the majority of video segments are created by a dedicated crew of students and, from time to time, staff!
For the first semester of the year, only 5th graders are invited to join PNN. At the beginning of the second semester, the invitation extends to interested 4th graders. Throughout the second semester, the experienced 5th graders coach the 4th graders on how to use Canva (our chosen software for videos), anchor when it's their turn, and manage their time so they don't miss important deadlines. Then, in the following year, those 4th graders become the 5th graders that kick things off!
PNN meets once per month to hand out assignments, set due dates, and - if time permits - learn a new trick on Canva. Then it's up to crew members to get to work! They can come to the Media Center before school or during their recess to work on videos, or they can use Canva at home. Ms. Spitzner is available for support and guidance both in person and on Teams.
Student-made videos include important announcements about what's happening at NPE, fun National Holiday celebrations, interviews around the school, and more. PNN is also a space where we celebrate Panther accomplishments, acknowledge birthdays, and learn fun facts each Friday with Ms. Lemons! It's how all classes start their day, and it's a great way for all of us to connect as a community.
Curious to see what a finished PNN program looks like? Click here!
Think First & Stay Safe
Dear Parents,
We all share a common and critical goal for our children to be safe and protected from all things harmful. In support of this goal, we would like to increase students’ knowledge regarding personal safety and protection with a lesson from the Think First & Stay Safe curriculum. The Think First & Stay Safe™ program is a research-based program that teaches specific personal safety education. Think First & Stay Safe™ enables students to take an active and necessary role in protecting themselves from harassment, abduction, bullying, exploitation, and various forms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional).
Please contact your child’s counselor, Christina McLeod at mcleodcr@fultonschools.org to schedule a preview or if you have any questions.
The materials will be available for preview from 2/2-2/6 in the counseling suite. During the month of February and March, Think First & Stay Safe™ prevention lessons will be implemented for all K-5 students on Brain Building Days.
If you prefer that your child not participate in the Think First & Stay Safe™ program, please email mcleodcr@fultonschools.org by February 13th.
Cabbage Program
Mrs. Davis, our amazing STEM teacher signed up for the 3RD GRADE Cabbage Program from the Bonnie Seed company. They provide every 3rd grade student with a cabbage plant to grow to be able to submit their cabbage to the Colossal Cabbage growing contest. Each student got to to choose a cabbage and will be sent home with growing instructions.
https://www.bonniecabbageprogram.com/student-growing-guide/
We are so proud of this work!
YOUNG GEORGIA AUTHORS WRITING COMPETITION
It’s time for the annual Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education. The purpose of this competition is to encourage our K-12 students to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing, provide a context to celebrate their writing success, and recognize student achievement in the arts and academics. We are inviting our New Prospect Panthers to participate in this amazing opportunity and showcase their writing talents across our district and throughout the state!
Please see the attached document that includes competition rules and entry form. All students have already received a hard copy of this in their Thursday Folder.
Questions? Please contact Heather Alterman, Literacy Coach (alterman@fultonschools.org)
New Prospect Elementary School
Email: lemonsa@fultonschools.org
Website: https://newprospect.fultonschools.org/
Location: 3055 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA, United States
Phone: (470)254-2800
Twitter: @npepanthers