Hembree Highlights

Hello Hembree Springs Families,

It’s been a very busy week here at Hembree! Unfortunately, due to enrollment shifts following the 10-day count, we had to surplus one of our teachers. Today, we said goodbye to Ms. Tuggle from 4th grade. It was a sad moment for all of us, and I truly hate to see her go. Ms. Tuggle has been a valued member of our team, and I know she will be a wonderful addition to River Eves Elementary. I sincerely hope we’ll have the opportunity to welcome her back to Hembree Springs in the future.

We’ve completed our beginning-of-year screening assessments and are now working diligently to ensure every student receives targeted instruction in their skills groups. One of Hembree’s greatest strengths is our ability to meet each child where they are—closing gaps and enriching learning. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our incredible teachers, our data continues to improve.

Please mark your calendars for next Friday, September 5th, from 7–9 PM for our very first STEM and Star Night! It’s going to be an exciting evening, and we’re looking forward to seeing many of you there. Thank you to those who have RSVP’d for pizza—it helps us plan accordingly. Events like these are a reflection of the vibrant, supportive community we have at Hembree, and I’m always grateful for the amazing turnout from our families.

This weekend kicks off my favorite time of year—football season! My Georgia Bulldogs have their home opener tomorrow. While Marshall may not be the most thrilling opponent, I’ll be planning my game-day snacks and watching every minute. Go Dawgs!

Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend. We look forward to seeing your children back on Tuesday!

Warmly,
Nancy Lahey

9/1 No School- Labor Day

9/5 STEM & Star Night @7:00-9:00pm

9/9 Annual Title I meeting @6:30-7:30pm on TEAMS (General PTA meeting to immediately follow)

9/16 Surcheros Spirit Night @ 5:00-8:00pm

9/17 PTA Reflections Workshop @7:10-7:40am (Cafeteria Stage)

9/18 PTA Reflections Workshop @7:10-7:40am (Cafeteria Stage

9/19 PTA Reflections Workshop @7:10-7:40am (Cafeteria Stage)

10/7 Title I ELL Parent Workshop @7:40-8:40am

10/7 Your Pie Spirit Night 3:00-9:00pm

10/13-10/17 No School- Fall Break

A big thank you goes to roughly 30 room parents who have pledged to help with communications in grade-level classrooms at Hembree Springs! Our room parent coordinator, Meredith Herndon, held a meeting for room parents Monday night to discuss events for the upcoming school year, how to keep communication going to families , and shared information on class parties. Hembree families will be hearing from their class representatives by next week via email.

Did you know the Room Parent program was developed by the PTA? This program began a few years ago in an effort to streamline communications and party planning.

If you haven't joined PTA yet or would like to renew for this school year, you can do so here https://jointotem.com/ga/roswell/hembree-springs-es-pta. If you'd like to help support the PTA financially with initiatives such as our room parent program, consider donating to our Annual Fund at https://hembreespringselementary.givebacks.com/shop/items/b49fb8c11d21af.

The purpose of the School Governance Council is to provide parents, school staff, and community members with a leadership role in the management of the school. The School Governance Council is a governing body that is representative of the community and the school but operates under the control and management of the Board of Education. The Council is responsible for making decisions regarding the strategic direction of the school including:

· Approve the school strategic plan and updates

· Approve the annual budget and annual resource allocations

· Manage the Request for Flexibility process

· Participate in hiring the principal (in the case of a vacancy)

· Provide annual feedback on principal performance.

Hembree Springs School Governance Council (SGC) is excited to announce its 2025-2026 council members.

· Tammie Peters (Chair)

· Kara Peters (Vice Chair)

· Beth Daly-Torres (Parliamentarian)

· Nancy Lahey (Principal)

· Monique Erskine-Wilson

· Michelle Leatherman

· Joanna Ordonez

· Jennifer Ries

· Ellen Watry

· Bernard Wolff

To learn more about Hembree's SGC, visit our website at: https://hembreesprings.fultonschools.org/our-school/school-governance-council-sgc/sgc-overview

Our grade levels are racing toward success with a fun Attendance Competition! Each grade level has its own racecar on the track, and the cars will move forward based on their attendance. The grade with the best attendance for the month will be announced and celebrated! 🎉

Why does attendance matter?

• Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with learning.
• Good attendance builds strong habits that prepare children for future success.
• Every day counts. Missing just a few days can add up and make it harder for students to stay on track.

Please help your child's grade level race ahead by making sure they are at school on time every day! Together, we can build strong attendance habits and set our students up for success.

As the school year gets under way, we can’t wait to bring you all the fun events and initiatives we have in store! Many hands make light work and this is a great opportunity for you to feel connected to our wonderful school community and make a difference.

We are looking for volunteers to help on different committees. From Trunk or Treat, the Silent Auction and Family Dance to the new International Night, teacher appreciation, 5th grade promotion, media center helpers and everything in between, there is a little bit of opportunity for every availability!

Here is the link to our Google form for volunteer interest https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc1hgOVGyF.../viewform...

Filling it out doesn’t obligate you to anything, but it guides us in seeing what your interests are. Our VP of Volunteers will reach out to you shortly!

The PTA Reflections Art Contest is officially launching with a kickoff on Sept. 17, but your student can start creating NOW! This is a great chance for your budding artist/writer/photographer/actor/orator to show off their skills. This year's theme is "I Belong." and Categories include: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.

Workshops will be scheduled in the HSES Cafeteria from 7:10 to 7:40 a.m. Sept. 17, 18 and 19. Please find the volunteer link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-58016873-reflections

These are interactive sessions for Students to start brainstorming and working on their projects with guidance and support from volunteers.

Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

Make plans for your September 16th Taco Tuesday at Surcheros for the next Hembree Springs Spirit night! 15% of proceeds benefit our PTA program!! See you all there

Student Success Skills are a set of standards that will be taught in all schools, to all students, by all teachers throughout the school year. These standards include six skills that are broken down into several standards across grade levels. Teaching these skills will support students in creating a foundation for managing emotions, healthy relationships, understanding and empathizing with others, being responsible and safe, and learning to cope with difficult life situations.

Click on the following links to learn more, including information opt out information (if desired).

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Please RSVP by 9/2!

RSVP here for a free pizza dinner at STEM and Star Night: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-stem4#/

See flyer below for more details.

Join the PTA for its General Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9 on TEAMS!

The meeting will start immediately following the Title 1 meeting at 6:30 p.m. We will give an update on events planned for this school year, as well as approve our budget. We hope you'll join us! Here is the link, http://bit.ly/45y2agW.

We would love your SUPPORT! We are looking for adult male role models to volunteer as a Dad’s Club Mentor, serving as a group mentor to our Hawks boys in grades 3rd-5th.

The purpose of the Dad’s Club program is to provide students with an additional adult who will encourage them to feel good about themselves, make positive choices, positively connect with one another, and give back through various actions of helping others!

The mentors will meet as a group with the boys every Friday before school from 7:10-7:40 am. It’s okay if you’re not available every Friday. Any time that you have is greatly appreciated!

If interested or if you have additional questions, please reach out to Shannon Reynolds (School Counselor) at 470-254-9456 or reynoldssn@fultonschools.org.

Thank you for your support!

Join the PTA, donate to the Annual Fund, or Both!

We are at 70% of our goal for PTA memberships and getting much closer to 250 members, but we need your support!!

Remember, memberships are just $10. Renew for this school year or become a new member. You can add a spouse/partner, student or grandparent! While you are joining via TOTEM, you can also add a donation to our Annual Fund.

Here's the link to join: https://jointotem.com/ga/roswell/hembree-springs-es-pta.

Your contributions help us keep our events free and support students and teachers alike. This is becoming increasingly important with public education facing cuts. Becoming a PTA member doesn't obligate you to anything! If you don't have time/desire to volunteer, you don't need to.

Whether you are a PTA member or not, you can help us make this year one to remember. Here is the link to our Annual Fund, https://hembreespringselementary.givebacks.com/store/items/b49fb8c11d21af.

If your company matches charitable donations, you can make your gift go twice as far (or even more!) — at no extra cost to you.

Hembree Springs Elementary PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and qualifies for most company matching programs. It’s quick and easy:

1. Make your 2025 gift online at https://jointotem.com/ga/roswell/hembree-springs-es-pta. To print a receipt for a TOTEM membership, log in to your TOTEM dashboard and navigate to the "Payments" section. From there, click on the blue receipt link to view and print the receipt.

2. Complete your company’s matching gift form—either online or on paper. Our EIN is #58-2616970.

Once we receive your match form, we handle the rest! That one extra step could double—or even quadruple—the impact of your donation, helping us do even more for our students and school community.

If you’re not sure whether your company offers matching gifts, check with your HR department or benefits portal. And if you have questions, we are happy to help. Email us at hembreepta@gmail.com.

Thank you for making a difference!

Families! YOU are your child’s first and most influential teacher. As such you have so much to offer your student! To encourage family engagement at home, we are offering family engagement Thursdays. Each week there will be (1) activity to do at home to be completed prior to Friday. We’ll list the activities for the month in Hembree Highlights and offer reminders via social media. Your student will have the opportunity to receive a *bonus* Hawk’s ticket for participating (look out for more details from your teacher) We’ll include tips and tricks to get the conversation started and reinforce learning from the school day. Please spend anywhere from 10-20 minutes with your child engaging with them around their day at school and encouraging their social and emotional skills. We’ll also encourage you to practice other skills inclusive of Math and ELA. Please feel free to reach out to me Lucy Gilbert, Title I Parent Liaison (gilbertl2@fultonschools.org) with any questions.

Del Título I

Jueves de Participación Familiar

¡Familias! USTED es el primer y más influyente maestro de su hijo. Como tal, ¡tiene mucho que ofrecer a su estudiante! Para fomentar la participación familiar en casa, estamos ofreciendo participación familiar los jueves. Cada semana habrá (1) actividad para hacer en casa que se completará antes del viernes. Haremos una lista de las actividades del mes en Hembree Highlights y ofreceremos recordatorios a través de las redes sociales. Su estudiante tendrá la oportunidad de recibir un boleto * extra* de Hawk's por participar (esté atento a más detalles de su profesor). Incluiremos consejos y trucos para iniciar la conversación y reforzar el aprendizaje de la jornada escolar. Pase entre 10 y 20 minutos con su hijo, involucrarse con ellos durante su día en la escuela y fomentando sus habilidades sociales y emocionales. También te animaremos a que practiques otras habilidades, como las matemáticas y Arte del Lenguaje en Ingles. Por favor, siéntase libre de comunicarse conmigo Lucy Gilbert, Enlace de Padres del Título I (gilbertl2@fultonschools.org) con cualquier pregunta.

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

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 will begin to welcome lunch visitors the week of August 18th, 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