Radloff Newsletter
Week of August 3rd
Principal Updates
Greetings, Radloff Families,
We want to thank all of the families who attended Open House on Friday. The building was filled with excitement, smiles, and anticipation for what is sure to be an incredible school year. We also appreciate everyone who contributed shared homeroom supplies. These materials will support our classrooms throughout the year and help ensure that all scholars have access to the resources they need to be successful. Thank you for your generosity and partnership.
We would also like to thank the families who brought or uploaded documentation to update their proof of residency. We know this process can be one more step in an already busy back-to-school season, and we truly appreciate your patience and cooperation.
We are excited to welcome our scholars back on Wednesday, August 5, as we begin our journey to "Ignite, Capture, & Share the Light." The first few days of school are dedicated to building community, establishing shared expectations, and helping scholars understand how we learn and grow together. This foundation is essential to our long-term success.
When your scholar returns home on Thursday and Friday, consider asking:
Which community norm or agreement did you honor today?
Which community norm or agreement was most challenging for you today?
Who is a new Radloff scholar you met today?
Which Radloff scholars did you discover you have something in common with?
These conversations encourage reflection and support your scholar's social and emotional growth.
This week, scholars will also begin participating in Joint Productive Activities (JPAs). JPAs are structured, student-centered collaborative learning experiences that emphasize norm-setting, conversational goals, civil discourse, and teamwork. These activities require active participation from all group members and help scholars deepen their understanding of academic content while building communication and collaboration skills.
Our theme this year, "Ignite, Capture, & Share the Light," encourages scholars to discover their unique strengths, recognize moments of growth and success, and share those experiences with others. By intentionally celebrating positive stories and achievements, we strengthen our school community and continue reshaping the narrative of Radloff Middle School.
Scholars will participate in at least one JPA each week in every core content area. To learn more about their experiences, consider asking:
Which JPA did you enjoy the most this week?
Which JPA challenged you the most?
What role did you play during your JPA? (Timekeeper, Team Leader, Materials Manager, Recorder, etc.)
We look forward to an outstanding year of learning as we work together to ignite the light, capture it, and share it with others.
In Partnership,
Dr. Jennifer Callahan (Dr. C)
1:1 Chromebook Devices (Going Home Daily)
This year, scholars will take their school-issued Chromebook home each day. This transition provides additional opportunities for learning and practice through platforms such as Imagine Reading, Progress Learning, i-Ready, Amplify, Desmos, Wayground, and others.
To ensure scholars are prepared for learning each day, please help your child establish a routine for bringing their fully charged Chromebook to school daily. Devices should remain in bookbags so they can be scanned efficiently through the Evolve Express screening system each morning.
Please note:
Scholars are responsible for the care and safekeeping of their assigned device.
Lost or damaged devices may result in financial obligations and, depending on the circumstances, disciplinary consequences.
Chromebooks should be used solely for educational purposes and to support classroom instruction.
Inappropriate use of school-issued technology will be addressed according to district guidelines.
Thank you for partnering with us to make our 1:1 take-home Chromebook program successful.
Away for the Day & Board Policy JCDAF
To support a focused learning environment and minimize distractions, Radloff Middle School will continue implementing our Away for the Day procedures, which align with Georgia law and Gwinnett County Board Policy JCDAF.
During the instructional day, cell phones must be:
Powered off.
Stored in students' bookbags.
Kept in designated classroom storage locations as directed by teachers.
Please reinforce these expectations with your scholar before the first day of school. Cell phones may not be carried on a student's person during the school day and must remain off and away at all times.
Gwinnett County Public Schools has established an eight-step progressive discipline process for violations of this policy. Scholars will review these expectations and consequences during the first 20 days of school.
We encourage families to review the resources below to learn more about the benefits of reducing cell phone distractions during the school day.
Additional Resources
Academic Research: https://www.awayfortheday.org/studies-academics
Georgia Law Information: https://www.awayfortheday.org/latest-news/georgia-school-districts-must-have-cell-phone-ban-policies-in-place-by-july-1
Student Accident Insurance
Gwinnett County Public Schools provides families with the opportunity to purchase optional student accident insurance through K&K Insurance.
Families interested in learning more can visit:
Scholar Chromebook Information for Families
Each Radloff scholar will receive a GCPS-issued Chromebook to support learning both at school and at home. Families play an important role in monitoring device use and ensuring devices are returned in the same condition in which they were issued.
GCPS has developed several resources to support families:
1:1 Parent Support Site
Parent and Student Responsibilities
Student 1:1 Support Site
Please note that fines may be assessed for lost or damaged Chromebooks and chargers. The number of incidents does not reset each school year.
Lost or Damaged Devices
If a Chromebook is lost or damaged, please contact the school immediately. Families should be aware that incident counts carry forward from year to year, and fines are assessed according to the district's Chromebook fee schedule.
Dear Families,
As we begin a new school year, we're excited to welcome your scholar back and look forward to a successful year of learning and growth. One of the most important ways you can support your scholars success is by making sure they come to school every day, on time.
When students miss too many days - whether it's a few here or there or several in a row - they can quickly fall behind in their learning. Even just two days a month adds up and can make it harder for your child to keep up with classmates, stay confident, and feel connect at school.
Good attendance helps your child do well in school now and builds strong habits for the future. If you're facing challenges that make it hard for your child to get to school, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help.
If your scholar needs to miss school for any reason, please contact their homeroom teacher as soon as possible. When students are out, they do miss valuable instruction and classroom activities. Notifying the teacher allows us to prepare and support your scholar in catching up when they return.
Thank you for partnering with us to make this a great year!
Common Teen Excuses are Not Reasons to Skip School
Some teens are full of excuses about why they should be allowed to miss school. Many excuses are indications that your teen needs to make some changes. If your teen claims to need more sleep or more time to work on a project, suggest going to bed earlier or getting more organized. Constantly trying to stay home, however, may be a sign of a larger issue you might want to discuss with your teen's counselor.
Las Excusas de los Jóvenes No Son Motivos Válidos para Faltar a la Escuela
Algunos estudiantes tienen miles de excusas para faltar a la escuela. Muchas de estas excusas son señales de que se necesitan algunos cambios. Si su joven dice que necesita más horas de sueño o más tiempo para trabajar en un proyecto, sugiérale que se acueste más temprano o se organice mejor. Sin embargo, si trata de faltar a clase sistemáticamente, podría tratarse de un asunto más importante que debería hablar con el consejero escolar de su joven.
Click on the words "We Need Parent Volunteers" in the title, the link below, or scan the QR code to sign up.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nx6HnTQJd23kT-rZl22bMIO-8eHZMzEv3jwiueHtU78/edit
What is Parent Square?
Here are some helpful links that explain about Gwinnett County's new Parent Square message application and how to navigate it.
Parent Portal
It is very important for you to have as a parent. You will be able to keep track of your student's grades, schedule, attendance, behavior, and email your student's teachers at the click of a finger. Furthermore, the 2nd semester schooling option survey is only present inside the Parent Portal.
To explore information about ways to sign up for the Parent Portal, click below.
Step 1: Complete application. (English)
Application (Spanish)
Other applications are available in other language through this link: https://publish.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps/myhome/public/parents/content/parent-info-resources/parent-portal
Step 2: Once the application is completed. To protect your students' records, you will have to verify your identity by showing a valid ID. Your options for are as follows: 1) Come up to the school. 2) After your have scanned and sent in completed and signed application to 637.radloffeoc@gcpsk12.org . Set up virtual appointment for school to verify your identification alongside the application.
Step 3: Wait to receive email from go2gwinnett.k12.ga.us (Please check spam or junk email as the email path may take it there first.)
In order to increase the convenience for you to complete this process, we are offering the fol extended office times.
Frequently Asked Questions: https://publish.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps/wcm/myconnect/f0552031-cfcc-4755-a223-066c9cca70e3/2020-21-Parent-Portal-Signup-Flyer_FINAL.eq.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=nkDFt-Z
Come to the front of the school, ring the bell, and ask for a Parent Portal application.
Louise Radloff Middle School
"We are respectful."
"We are responsible."
"We don't have to get ready, because we stay ready."
Email: Jennifer.Callahan@gcpsk12.org
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/RadloffMS
Location: 3939 Shackleford Road Duluth, Georgia 30096
Phone: (678) 245-3400
Facebook: facebook.com/Radloff Middle
Twitter: @RadloffMiddle