Hembree Highlights

Greetings Hembree Families!

It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the end of January—this month is flying by! As we keep a close eye on the changing weather forecasts, I want to share the latest official update from the district regarding the predicted conditions.

Fulton County Schools is closely monitoring the winter weather system expected to move through Georgia over the coming days. The district’s Emergency Response Team remains in regular communication with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service and is closely monitoring the latest forecasts and potential impacts.

What does this mean for students and employees?
Based on current information, weekend activities are expected to be most impacted. As a result, the district has made the following decisions:

• Saturday, January 24: All activities scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. or later are cancelled or may be rescheduled.
• Sunday, January 25: All activities, regardless of start time, are cancelled or may be rescheduled.

At this time, no decisions have been made about Monday’s school schedule. District leaders will assess conditions throughout the weekend, including road safety and building operations, before making any determinations.

Where can I get more information?

Please continue to monitor the FCS website (www.fultonschools.org) and our official social media channels (Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram) while staying in touch with your student’s school. If conditions warrant a change to school schedules we will update you through a follow-up notification as soon as possible. Email notifications can sometimes end up in spam folders, so please consider the FCS website and social media channels the official source for weather-related closing information.

What can I expect from Teachers?

We are preparing for the possibility that Monday could be a remote day for students and staff:

• In their backpacks, children will bring home work this afternoon that can be done remotely if needed.

• Teachers will communicate assignments that need to be completed.

Annual Survey

Thank you to the 50 families who have already completed our survey—we truly appreciate your time and feedback. We are still in need of many more responses. Please take just 5–10 minutes to help us reach our completion goal by January 30th.
Thank you so much for your support!

Math Night at Tres Hermanos – Thursday, January 29

Join us for one of our favorite annual events! Math Night will take place at Tres Hermanos Grocery Store, and it’s always a blast. Plus, there’s a delicious restaurant in the back—perfect for grabbing a quick dinner. Flyers with details are below. Don’t miss it!

Student-Led Learning Celebration – Thursday, February 12 | 5:00–7:00 PM

Mark your calendars for our big annual showcase! This event highlights the incredible work our students have accomplished and gives you a glimpse into their daily learning. All staff will be present, and we’d love your support in making this a huge success.

I hope everyone stays safe and warm this weekend—and most importantly, that you don’t lose power. Fingers crossed that the predictions turn out to be wrong!

Warm Regards,

Nancy Lahey

https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=1704BCF1

1/29 Math Night at Tres Hermanos @ 6:00-7:00pm

2/5 Pastries and Parent Resource Engagement Program- Math Resources (Pre-K and K families) @ 8:00-9:00am

2/9-2/13 PTA Teacher Appreciation Week

2/10 General PTA Meeting & Principal Chat @ 8:30 am in the media center

2/12 Student-Led Learning Celebration @ 5:00pm-7:00pm

2/16-17 No School- Teacher workday

2/20 Spirit Night Village Burger

2/27 Family Dance & Silent Auction @ 6:00-7:30pm

$2,400 awarded to Hembree classrooms

Thanks to the generosity of our school community, the PTA was able to fund a wide range of teacher grant requests totaling $2,400 that directly support student learning, engagement, and well-being. Here’s a snapshot of what those funds for the fall semester helped provide:

📚 Literacy & Reading Support

· Arrival Phonics Groups (3rd–4th ESOL)
Magnetic letters, sight word games, sand trays, and hands-on phonics tools to help struggling readers build skills faster.

· Fidget Into Reading Kits (K-3 ESOL)
Science of Reading-aligned, multi-sensory games and mats that boost phonics, comprehension, and confidence.

· Lesson Pix Subscription (pre-K)
Visual supports and vocabulary tools for both General Ed and Special Ed students.

· We Will Write (RELA License)
An online tool that makes writing more fun and engaging for students.

· Biography Readers (3rd Grade Social Studies)
Enrichment booklets to bring history to life for students.

✏️ Classroom & Instructional Tools

· Double-Sided Magnetic Whiteboards (1st grade)
Used daily for writing, reading, and math practice with proper letter formation lines.

· 4th Grade ELA Supplies
Materials to improve instruction and create a stronger learning environment.

· Flexible Seating & Classroom Tools
Items like gel pens, washi tape, and calming tools to support organization, focus, and student incentives.

🧠 Sensory & Special Needs Support

· Occupational Therapy Materials
Weighted lap pads, fidgets, fine motor tools, adaptive pencils, and more.

· Sensory Toys for PSE
Age-appropriate tools that encourage communication, turn-taking, and joint attention.

🌱 Enrichment Programs

· Garden Club
Supplies to help students learn how to grow their own food and explore hands-on science.

Included as part of the fall grants, PTA was also able to support new teachers to Hembree Springs at the very start of the school year, amounting to $800, to help them buy supplies and decor to prepare for students entering their classrooms.

The application period is now ongoing for the spring semester of grants. Thank you for your partnership in helping Hembree soar!

Get ready to glow, Hembree! ✨ Our Together We Soar Silent Auction & Family Dance is happening Friday, February 27, from 6–7:30 PM at Hembree Springs Elementary, and it’s going to be a night you won't want to miss.We’re bringing back our fan-favorite DJ Ronnel Blackmon (and proud Hembree parent!) to keep the dance floor moving with all the best vibes. Families can also browse and bid on awesome items in our Silent Auction, with all proceeds supporting important PTA programs for our students and staff. Snacks and drinks will be provided, but make dinner plans before or after the event!

New this year: We’re excited to offer a lower-stimulation, sensory-friendly area hosted by Art it Out Therapy where they can create and hang out. This space is perfect for students who may need a break from the noise and lights, or who prefer a calmer environment.

• 🎧 Music
• 💃 Dancing
• 🛍️ Silent Auction
• 🧠 Sensory-Friendly Space
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun
• Free entry. Not a drop-off event.

Bring the whole crew and let’s glow together!

Our Together We Soar Silent Auction & Family Dance is coming up on February 27, and one of the biggest highlights of the night is our Grade-Level Gift Baskets — some of the most popular and competitive items at the event!

These baskets help fund so many important programs, including:
🎓 Teacher grants
🎨 Afterschool clubs
🚌 Field trips
🌟 Student-led learning celebrations
🎉 School events throughout the year
🎓 5th Grade promotion festivities
👕 Our Giving Closet
🏫 Campus improvements
💙 Teacher & staff appreciation
…and more!

Each grade has a themed basket, but families are welcome to donate to ANY grade-level list of their choosing. Every contribution helps make these baskets amazing! The following Amazon lists are set up with an address to mail to so that PTA can assemble them for the event.

Pre-K – “We All Scream for Ice Cream”
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1222W2VQ8T40F

Kindergarten – “Water Fun”
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1U8XP2XE8B2LD

1st Grade – “Pamper Yourself!”
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/CV93G4R9GIT0

2nd Grade – “Sports”
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3I4242BTGKXOA

3rd Grade – “Arts & Crafts”
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3S191OMCNFWKE

4th Grade – “Movie Night”
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/QNYHNBZO54K

5th Grade – “Legos”
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1L6HY4T04E6NI

🗓 Donation Deadline: February 2

Every item — big or small — helps support our students and school community.
Thank you for helping Hembree soar! 💜

📢 P.R.E.P. Workshop at Hembree Springs Elementary!

Join us for our Parent Resource & Engagement Program session on Math.

📅 Date: Thursday, 2/5/26

🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

📍 Location: Hembree Springs (Family Resource Room)

Learn strategies to support your child’s language development at home! Flyer attached for details.

📢 ¡Taller P.R.E.P. en Hembree Springs Elementary!

Acompáñenos en nuestra sesión del Programa de Recursos y Participación para Padres sobre Matemática.

📅 Fecha: Jueves, 5/2/26

🕗 Hora: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

📍 Lugar: Hembree Springs (Centro de Medios o Sala de Recursos Familiares)

¡Aprenda estrategias para apoyar el desarrollo del lenguaje de su hijo en casa! El volante está adjunto para más detalles.

Please join us for our 2/12 student-led learning celebration, “Wild About Learning,” from 5:00-7:00pm. Sign in at the cafeteria entrance to receive your safari map. Grab some pizza or begin your learning safari with your student as your guide! Each stop will have an opportunity for your student to discuss and demonstrate experiences and activities that are part of their school day. They’ll also share some of their projects, writing samples, and more in their classrooms.

We’ll have pizza, games, giveaways, and more as we celebrate your student(s) and their accomplishments together! Please plan for at least (1) hour at the event (up to 10 minutes at each stop). You will end your tour at the front desk and be asked to complete our Title I input survey. Receive a giveaway ticket once you’ve finished your survey.

Make dinner plans easy and support our school at the same time! Join us for a Hembree Springs Spirit Night at Village Burger on Friday, February 20, from 4–8 PM.

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, just mention Hembree Springs Elementary when you order, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to our school to support PTA programs, events, and student initiatives.

It’s the perfect Friday night excuse to skip cooking, enjoy some great food, and give back to our school community.

📍 Village Burger
🗓 Friday, Feb. 20
⏰ 4–8 PM

Thanks for supporting Hembree — we appreciate you

Teacher and Staff Appreciation week is coming up soon, Feb. 9-13! We love to involve our students in the celebration with our Notes of Appreciation. This year we are celebrating the Winter Olympics and we're asking students to color/fill out gold medal notes. Please have your student write or draw a note for their homeroom teacher, Specials teachers or any staff member. We encourage you to decorate several! We've attached a medal template here that your student can use, or they can make their own! Copies will also be sent home in Friday folders, and blank copies will be available outside of the school in a tub marked "Blank Notes" if you would like to pick up additional copies.
Please have students bring them in to their teachers on Monday, February 9th, or they can drop them in the "Completed Notes" tub outside of the school and we will deliver them.

We are also seeking donations to make raffle baskets for the final day of Teacher Appreciation Week — the finish line! This is a personal favorite of our staff. You can find the signup listing the items needed here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-54428672-teacher
You can drop off the giveaway items with the front desk or have your student bring them to school. Write “Teacher Appreciation Giveaway” on the items and we'll try to keep it a surprise! Please turn in all items prior to February 7th so that we have time to organize the baskets.

No time to shop? Donate directly and we'll use these funds to support additional activities PTA supports during the week including a luncheon, breakfast and more: https://hembreespringselementary.givebacks.com/shop/items/b49fb8c11d21af

Thank you for showing your love to our teachers and staff! Please email PTA Teacher and Staff Support Chair Kate Humboldt with any questions at kate.humboldt1@gmail.com.

They did a superb job last time, so we’re handing the carpool lane keys over to the DADS — and all the awesome father figures, uncles, and grandpas too! 🏅

On the final day of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, Feb. 13, Dadpool volunteers will carry the torch and take over A.M. carpool drop-off, giving our incredible carpool staff a well-earned break. Olympic teamwork at its finest.

Help our students hop out of their cars and head into school feeling confident and ready to win the day. Let’s show our kiddos that carpool can be fun, fast, and full of elite dad jokes.

Throw on your best smile (or your best dad hat), bring that gold-medal energy, and help make morning drop-off legendary.

✨ No experience needed — just be a friendly face, help with backpacks, and guide students to the double doors.

Who’s ready to roll and finish the week strong? 🏁🔥

Click here to sign up

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-58691459-dadpool

Moms are welcome to join in the fun too if interested!

Come meet your friendly PTA team and attend our upcoming General Meeting Feb. 10! We'll meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Media Center.

We'll present a budget update and discuss upcoming events. This is a great way to become or stay involved with the school!

We will also be announcing members to serve on our PTA Board Nominating Committee, who will help form the board for the 2026-2027 school year. Voting for that will be held at our April General Meeting.

If you are interested in any open positions on the PTA Board, please email hembreepta@gmail.com. Available positions for the 2026-27 school year include VP Teacher and Staff Support, VP Fundraising, VP Student and Academic Support and Treasurer.

We’re now collecting donations for the PTA Together We Soar Silent Auction Feb. 27-March 8, and we’d love your support! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.

Not sure what to donate? These items are always a hit:

--Tickets to pro sports games, concerts, or popular shows

• --A stay at a vacation home
• --Original art like paintings, pottery, photography, or sculptures
• --A “101” class using your talent (cooking, knitting, gardening, you name it!)
• --Service-oriented certificate like a house cleaning, yard pickup, pressure washing, beauty and skincare consultation, you name it!
• --Gift cards from favorite local restaurants. Or maybe you got a gift card over the holidays you don't plan to use?

Donating is also a great way to spotlight your business — and all donations are tax deductible. Every contribution directly supports programs and experiences that benefit our students, teachers, and families at Hembree Springs Elementary.

Thanks for helping make this event amazing!

Please email Janet Pelletier with questions or information, janetr2626@hotmail.com or hembreepta@gmail.com.

The application window for the 2026-2027 Pre-Kindergarten Lottery will open on January 12th and close at 11:59 pm on March 3rd . Individual school lotteries will be conducted March 23 – March 25 and schools will notify parents of results by the end of the day on March 27th. Please refer to the 2026-2027 Pre-K Lottery Registration timeline for an overview of the lottery and registration process.

RISE UP! is a free after school character development program for elementary aged children held in local public schools with the purpose of teaching students how to apply relevant Biblical truths for their everyday lives. RISE UP! provides a creative, fun, and memorable environment for kids to hear about God’s amazing love for them. RISE UP! is a non-school, non-pta, non-foundation sponsored club and operates as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.”

https://riseup4christ.com/registration/#reg-form

On Wednesday, February 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Elkins Pointe Middle School is inviting parents, guardians and community members to participate in a free Internet Awesome presentation designed to help families navigate the digital world safely and confidently. More details are coming soon, but save the date and plan to bring a friend, bring your appetite 🍕 and be part of a safer, smarter digital community!

Enjoy ONE FREE ROUND of Student Mini Golf at THE FRINGE ( with one paying Adult) anytime Jan 12th-_Feb 28th!!

Simply show your Digital Mini Golf Coupon when you come. (Not valid on BOGO Thursday, School Breaks, or with any other discount.)

Area 51: Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf—5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell, GA 30076 www.a51fun.com

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s? Enjoy a Friday night date night while your student dives into the exciting world of STEM at Innovation Academy!

The Innovation Academy Foundation STEM Camp offers hands-on experiences in IT, Engineering, and Health Science, giving students the chance to code, build prototypes, and explore cutting-edge health technologies.

While you enjoy a much needed night out, your student can enjoy a fun filled night of STEM! Details and registration found here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/spring-26-stem-camp

Social Competence

As students continue developing Student Success Skills, another skill they will learn is social competence. Being socially competent means knowing how to get along with others in social situations. It helps us get along with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

In our Student Success Skills lessons, students learn how to take turns, cooperate, join group activities appropriately, show loyalty and fairness to friends, and resolve minor conflicts by compromising fairly.

They also learn how to listen to others and take conversational turns. They learn how to read basic social cues (tone of voice and facial expressions).

How you can help your child be socially competent:

Model Social Competence:

Children learn a great deal by observing the adults around them – they are watching and modeling your behavior! Demonstrate respectful communication. Show empathy towards others. Handle conflicts calmly and verbally. Practice social scenarios and role-play these with your child: how to join a game, dealing with teasing, losing a game gracefully, and standing up for themselves in a conflict.

Get them into Social Situations Outside of School:

Arrange unstructured, informal playdates.

Enroll them in group activities (sports, music, or drama clubs, etc.)

Get them off screens so they can exercise their conversational skills.

Have you heard your child mention anything about an app called Beanstack? It was introduced in the Media Center. Beanstack is a digital reading log that students can use to log the number of minutes they are reading. They can earn badges and rewards along the way. If your child is reading at school, home, daycare, etc. they can log their minutes and help us get closer to our goal. The following is a video explaining how to use Beanstack from home. You can always find your child's lunch number/student number in infinite campus or email Mrs. Soberanis: soberanis@fultonschools.org. Happy Reading!

How To Video: https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZQTbzVSAkv

Throughout January, students in grades 1-5 will participate in the Fit Georgia physical fitness assessment during Heath and Physical Education classes. This state-developed program evaluates key components of physical health, including healthy body ranges, aerobic capacity, flexibility, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. It aligns with the Georgia standards.

Students will complete the following assessments: the 20m PACER for aerobic capacity, push-ups for upper body strength and endurance, curl-ups for abdominal strength and endurance, sit and reach for flexibility, and height/weight measurements for healthy body range.

For more information, visit https://fitgeorgia.gadoe.org/About/

Each week the PE department will choose 4 All Star Athletes (2 students & 2 staff members). If your student enjoys hiking, swimming, baseball, softball, football, biking, etc. Please email a picture to marzetti@fultonschools.org.

Thanks,

Ms. Marzetti

We welcome lunch visitors, Monday-Thursday only. Please check in at the front desk before proceeding to the cafeteria.

Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/hembreespringses
Location: 815 Hembree Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 470-254-2902