Beaver Ridge ES Family Newsletter

Student Arrival- 7:45 AM
Student Dismissal- 2:45 PM (early check-outs end at 2:00 pm)
Office Hours- 7:30 AM- 4:00 PM

• Mission
  

  The mission of Beaver Ridge Elementary School is to develop life long learners achieving academic and personal excellence.

• Vision
  

  The vision of Beaver Ridge Elementary is to be a community of empowered and productive lifelong learners.

Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/beaverridgees
Location: 1978 Beaver Ruin Rd Norcross, GA 30071
Phone: (770) 447-6307
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaverRidgeES

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaver_ridge_es/?hl=en

Look for the accessibility icon to choose font size, light or dark mode or your preferred language! Just click on TRANSLATE on the top of this newsletter.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you and your family well. As we step into the beautiful month of October, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.

October is a busy and exciting month at our school! Students are settling into their routines, and learning is in full swing. We have several upcoming events and activities designed to enrich their academic and social experiences. Please watch for updates about parent-teacher conferences, cultural celebrations, and extracurricular programs.

With cooler weather approaching, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately and label their jackets/coats/sweaters with their first and last name. We also encourage you to continue supporting reading habits at home and checking your child’s homework agenda and reading log regularly.

Together, we can ensure this month is full of growth, learning, and positive experiences for every student. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community.

Here are some important upcoming events:

• Local School Council Meeting: September 30, 4:30–5:00 PM, right before Literacy Night. Parents interested in joining the council are encouraged to attend. See information below for details.
• Literacy Night: September 30, 5:00-7:00
• Dental Bus Visit: October 6
• Fall Picture Day: October 07: (see flier for information)
• 1st Grade Field Trip: October 7 or 8 (signed permission slip and field trip fee required)
• Fall Break: October 9- 13
• Multilingual Learners Parent Workshop: October 16, 11:00
• Early Release: October 22-23
• Parent-Teacher Conference Week: October 20-24
• Pink Out Day: October 24
• Fall Festival: October 28, 5:00-7:00
• Book Character Dress-up Day: October 31
• Digital Learning Day #2: November 04

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at these events and sharing another wonderful month of learning together!

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Martina Luna-Liranzo

ATTENDANCE NEWS: Thanks to a generous donor, a $50 gift card will be awarded to one student per month who exhibits perfect attendance. Any student who has perfect attendance for that month will be entered into the raffle.

The School counselors will be helping BRES students engage in developing the following healthy habits:

Mindfulness Monday, Oct 27th: How to Have Healthy Emotions

Tasty Tuesday, Oct 28th: How to have Healthy Eating Habits

Wellness Wednesday, Oct 29th: How to be Physically Healthy

Thoughtful Thursday, Oct 30th: How to Stay Away from nicotine and vaping

Family Friday, Oct 31st: How to have Healthy Relationships

Please help your child to receive 9-12 hours of sleep (depending on the needs of your child).

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps your body get into a routine.
• Turn off the TV, computer, and other devices, including cellphones, at least 1 hour before it’s time to sleep. (Remember to put away all devices at night so children cannot use them).
• Follow a bedtime routine that is calming, such as taking a warm bath or reading.
• Don’t have drinks with caffeine in them, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas have caffeine.
• Don't watch scary TV shows or movies close to bedtime because these can sometimes make it hard to fall asleep.
• Use your bed just for sleeping — not doing homework, reading, playing games, or talking on the phone. That way, you'll train your body to connect your bed with sleep.

Individuals and Families often have questions regarding the age children may be left unsupervised. While there are no State Laws regarding the supervision of children, DFCS has guidelines that may help protect children from neglect and injuries. The State guidelines are as follows:

• Children eight years or younger should not be left alone.
• Children between the ages of nine years and twelve years, based on level of maturity, may be left alone for brief (less than two hours) periods of time; and,
• Children thirteen years and older, who are at an adequate level of maturity, may be left alone and may perform the role of babysitter, as authorized by the parent, for up to twelve hours.

These guidelines pertain only to children who are not in the Department’s custody. Situations involving children for whom the department has placement responsibility are governed by foster care requirements.

There are sometimes circumstances where an unsupervised older child is at risk or where a younger child has the maturity level to be left alone or to care for other children. Some examples are:

• It may not be advisable to leave an older child who has a special condition or disability alone.
• Consideration may be given to a child younger than 13 years, who exhibits strong mature skills and has participated in a course on babysitting, to be alone or to care for other children. Suggested questions to ask are:
• Does the child know the emergency plan for the family?
• Does the child know the parent's phone numbers (work and home)?
• Can the child demonstrate the plan and recite the numbers?
• What is the availability of the parent during this time?
• Are there environmental factors that add further risk to the situation?
• Are there factors that reduce risk, i.e. supportive/available neighbors?

If you or a family you know could use extra support or resources, please call the 1-800-CHILDREN Helpline (1-800-244-5373).

If your lease or rental agreement is set to expire this month, it is required that you schedule an appointment to update your residency information. To prevent unenrollment, please ensure that all documentation verifying your residency is submitted promptly.

• Reach out to Ms. Vanessa Esparza Cortes at vanessa.esparzacortes@gcpsk12.org via email if your lease is nearing expiration.
• Please reach out to Ms. Nicole Montero at nicole.montero@gcpsk12.org via email if you need assistance with updating your proof of residency.

Column A: Present one of the following (must include address):

• Non-contingent sales contract
• Current lease/rental agreement
• Current residential property tax statement or bill
• Current warranty or quit claim deed
• Current home purchase agreement
• Current homeowner’s insurance policy

AND

Column B: One of the following:

• Current water bill
• Current electric bill

• Documents presented for residency verification must include the same address as the accompanying utility bill.
• The bill must have the name and address of the enrolling parent/guardian. If the bill does not have the enrolling guardian’s name, one piece of business mail in the parent/legal guardian’s name with the address of the home or apartment in which the student is residing is permitted.
• A telephone bill is not acceptable.
• A contingency sales contract is not acceptable.
• Exception: A deed without an address is acceptable if accompanied by two utility bills (excluding telephone bills) with same address in attendance zone.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4 PM

• All visitors must sign in at the welcome desk and please be prepared to provide some form of identification upon request.

Student Hours: Monday - Friday 7:45 AM - 2:45 PM

• Students should arrive between 7:45 AM- 8:10 AM

Students are considered tardy after 8:10.

Early check-outs end at 2:00 pm.

This month we are talking about Responsibility. One way to define Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others.

Your children’s teachers are working hard to teach them to read. There are lots of things you can do at home that can help, too. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Speak to your child in your home language. Children are able to learn many languages at once. Using your home language will not confuse them, even if they speak English!

2. Talk about the benefits of being bilingual with your child:

• a strong connection to family and culture

• more opportunities for education, careers, and travel

• lifelong benefits for the brain

3. Share stories, songs, games, and rhymes from your culture. Children love stories! Share family stories as well as songs, games, and rhymes from your childhood.

4. Share special traditions and recipes from home. Talk about important traditions from your culture and choose some special recipes to prepare together.

5. Talk with your children about their day. Ask them to tell you about something they enjoyed, something they found difficult, or something they learned.

6. Encourage your child to write every day. Ask your child to help you write your grocery list or a note to a relative. They can write a text message on your phone, an email on the computer, or a handwritten note on paper.

7. Listen to your child read out loud. Ask your child to read to you from a book, your mobile phone, or the labels on your groceries.

8. If you have Internet service, you can: • sign up for a free library card to download e-books • look for educational websites, videos and apps

GCPS will continue to follow strict guidelines as it relates to safety & security by visitors producing identification when inside the vestibule to check out students (as well as during visiting lunch hours). Also, to familiarize our students with PBIS Expectations at the beginning of each school year, there will be no parental lunch visitation until after Labor Day.

The safety of your child and all children at Beaver Ridge ES, as well as the safety of the school staff and support personnel is very important to us. In order to maintain a safe environment for our school community to teach and learn, it is necessary that we practice our Safe Schools Plan. Our Safe Schools Plan was developed with district guidance. Part of the plan involves conducting training for staff to familiarize them with the school emergency plans.

Annually, the school resource officer and I review and complete a Safe School Plan for our school. Each year, the School Safety Plans for Gwinnett County Public Schools are approved by Gwinnett County Emergency Management Agency and are on file at each local school. These plans are shared with local police and fire jurisdictions.

As part of our Safe Schools Plans, we will be conducting various drills throughout the school year. This letter is to help you understand the importance of this as well as to understand each type of drill.

The students and staff of your school will be practicing 3 primary emergency drills each year. They are “FIRE DRILLS”; “LOCKDOWN DRILLS”; and “SEVERE WEATHER DRILLS.” Each type of drill is explained below.

FIRE DRILLS

The school will conduct a “fire drill” each month that school is in session. This is a state requirement per Life Safety Code 11-7-1. These drills are recorded on the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s website. We want each student to understand and be aware of the importance of this drill and not be afraid when the fire alarm is sounded. By practicing they will know what to do and how to do it.

LOCKDOWN DRILLS

The school will conduct two “Lockdown Drills” each school year. This type of drill will secure the school building and safely shelter all students, staff and visitors inside the building. The purpose of this drill is to keep the students safe from any danger outside or inside the building. During a “lockdown drill” all of the perimeter doors to the school building will be locked and will remain locked until the danger or issue outside or inside the building is removed. To enable everyone to remain safe, no one will be allowed to enter the building or leave the building until the drill is completed.

SEVERE WEATHER DRILLS

The “Shelter-in-Place” drill will be conducted each school year. The purpose of this drill is to be prepared to move to a safe location within the building in case of severe weather or tornados.

Please remember that these safety practice drills are done to help maintain our schools as a safe place to learn and work.

If you have any questions regarding any of these Safety Drills or other safety concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.

The Pedal Across Norcross Contest is here! Students are invited to show off their creativity by designing a poster that celebrates the benefits of biking.

Contest Dates

September 22 – October 3

Poster Themes

Your poster should promote one or more of these biking ideas:

• Bike Safety

• Eco-Friendly Biking

• Sustainable Biking

• Family Fun and Adventure

• Biking is Great Exercise and Good for Your Health

• Biking Can Create a Greener Tomorrow

Prize

🎉 The winning poster artist will receive a new bike!

This is a fun way to highlight the importance of biking for health, the environment, and our community. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!

You’re Invited!

Out of This World Family Literacy Night

📅 Tuesday, September 30
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Beaver Ridge Elementary School
1978 Beaver Ruin Rd, Norcross, GA 30071
📞 770-447-6307

🚀 Join us for an evening filled with reading, fun, and family activities!

• 📖 Read-Aloud Sessions

• 🎲 Literacy Games & Activities

• 📚 Free Book Giveaways

• 🍎 Snacks

• 🌟 Special Guest Readers

Blast off into reading – bring a blanket to read under the stars! ✨

🎉 Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week 🎉
Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Spirit Week fun!

📅 Dates: September 29 – October 3

Here’s what to wear each day:

• Monday (Sept 29): Vaquero Day – Wear your cowboy attire

• Tuesday (Sept 30): Fútbol Jersey Day – Wear your favorite soccer team jersey

• Wednesday (Oct 1): Traditional Outfit Day – Wear clothing that represents your country

• Thursday (Oct 2): Floral Day – Wear your best florals from head to toe

• Friday (Oct 3): Lotería Day – Dress up as a lotería card (school appropriate)

Let’s celebrate together!

El Cusanito Book Festival & Mercado Navideño Presents:

2025 Concurso de Escritura (2025 Writing Contest)

El Cusanito Book Festival & Mercado Navideño (The Little Piggy Book Festival & Christmas Market) is excited to announce the 2025 Writing Contest, celebrating Heritage Stories in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Voices of Strength Categories

• Heroism (Grades 3–5)

• Hope (Grades 6–8)

• Vision for the Future (Grades 9–12)

• Heritage and Strength (Adults 18+)

📅 Submission Deadline: September 19, 2025

How to Enter

Submit your story by visiting the contest submission link.

Winner Announcements

Winners will be announced at the El Cusanito Book Festival & Mercado Navideño event:

📍 Plazas Las Americas, 733 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn, GA 30047
📆 Sunday, November 9, 2025

All winners must be present.

Sponsored by The Little Book Spot and 1100 Publishers.

Local School Councils meet four times per year in each learning community. The primary goals of local school councils are: to strengthen partnerships between the school and community, to improve academic achievement, to provide support for teachers and administrators, and to bring parents into the decision-making process. We are looking for parents that would like to join our School Council to provide advice and recommendations.

Local School Council meetings will be held at 4:30 pm, prior to PTA or school events, to make it easier for parents to attend. The following are the dates for the meetings:

• 09/30/2025 (UPDATED)
• 10/14/2025
• 01/13/2026
• 03/17/2026

If you are interested in joining, please complete the following survey:

Staff will be on the sidewalk to supervise students exiting their cars, beginning at 7:45. Please do not allow your child to exit the car until a member of the staff is present.

• It is very important to be courteous to other drivers. Also, please drive carefully and put your phone away to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We ask that you remain in your car and not exit. By doing so, you help us to efficiently and safely complete the arrival process with minimal delays.

• Staff will wave you forward and will let you know when it is safe for your student to exit the car.

• Car rider staff will only assist your child in exiting the car if needed.

• Please make sure your child is able to unbuckle their seatbelt and open the car door independently.

• At 8:10, staff will proceed to walk back to their classrooms. If you miss the window, you must park in a Visitor Parking space in the front of the school, and come inside to check your child in.

• On rainy days, you can anticipate a longer car rider line.

• Car Riders must be picked up no later than 3:10 pm. We will walk “late” students to the front office and reach out to a parent/guardian. You will need to pick up your child from the front office and sign a “late” form.

• Please hang your 2025-2026 car rider tag in your rearview mirror.

• Please be patient with us as we are trying to locate and load car riders every afternoon. Also, please practice reciting car rider numbers with your child so that we can load them as quickly and safely as possible!

Thank you for your help and cooperation!

October 22–23

• Dismissal begins at 11:45 am

• Parent-Teacher Conferences will be scheduled via PTCFast

Gwinnett County Public Schools finds that the quickest and most effective way to resolve a concern regarding your child is by addressing it at the most direct level.Addressing Concerns at School graphic

In our school district, we care about each and every student. We also believe that open and honest communication between parents and teachers is a key to student success. Thank you for partnering with your child’s teacher and school to address any concerns.

1. Teacher - First, talk to your child’s teacher or a counselor at school for assistance. Most concerns are resolved at the classroom level.

2. Assistant Principal - If the concern is not resolved at the classroom level, please contact your child’s assistant principal.

3. Principal - If working with the AP does not adequately address the issue, please contact the school principal.

We know that families want easy access and one go-to location for need-to-know information about their student’s education—from records to resources. The ParentVUE app gives parents access to grades, assignments, and more.

Student information is only as helpful as it is current. That’s why parents can count on always seeing up-to-the-minute information.

• Everything in One Place - Access student information in a single location, including student information, grade book data, discipline, report cards, transcripts, calendars, and more.
• Class Schedule - Check your student’s schedule for course titles, teacher names, and room assignments.
• Grades and Assignment Scores - Check performance immediately to learn about missing assignments and whether your student is on track academically or needs extra help.
• Course History - View final grades for all grade levels and use easy-to-read graphics to track progress toward graduation for high school students.
• Customizable Grade Alerts - Opt-in to get mobile notifications about student grades and overall class averages.
• Fees - Find fees that are owed and what textbook/library books are checked out by your student.

Please log into the ParentVUE website before trying to use the mobile app for the first time.

The ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Google Play store for Android Devices and the App Store for Apple (iOS) devices.

Find help with using the ParentVUE app on the GCPS website.

Come to our Book Fair! #ScholasticBookFairs

SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER

Gwinnett has partnered with Vision To Learn to provide free eye exams and prescription glasses to children in underserved communities, ensuring they get the eye care they need.

• For children ages 5 to 18.

• Available at multiple locations in Gwinnett.

• Appointments are required.

Book your appointment today!

Sponsored by Vision To Learn and Gwinnett County Government

Have You Heard?
Gwinnett County Public Schools offers a free Birth to Five program for you and your child!

Play 2 Learn
Because brains are built, not born…

• For children birth to age 5

• For parents and caregivers

• Learning through play

• Be your child’s first and best teacher!

Ask us about it today!

Department of Early Learning & School Readiness / EL & SR

Please join us as we learn to play with Play 2 Learn. Classes are held every Wednesday from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Please contact at giselle.gomez@gcpsk12.org or 770-326-8093 to participate or learn more. P2L focuses on building the capacity of parents to be their child's first teacher as well as providing an opportunity for children to be in a group setting.

Spiritwear is on sale for $15! Visit our SuccessFund spiritwear store to see all designs and to place an order.

Order your yearbook today for $30.

The Family Center offers parents help and resources you can use to support your child at home. Research shows that involving families and communities in their local schools improves children's academic and social success.

What can the Family Center do for you?

• Build parent capacity
• Volunteer opportunities…We need you!
• Check out books, games, and more to help your child at home
• Workshops, English and technology classes
• Help with school-related paperwork, website activities, ParentSquare, ParenVue MyPaymentsPlus, Free and Reduced lunch.
• Teach me what my child is learning
• Help me communicate with teachers
• Community resources
• Build community involvement

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23, 2025. Students will dismiss early at 11:45 a.m. both days. To schedule your conference, please visit our school website and click the PTCFast link. Follow the prompts to choose a date and time that works best for you. Conferences are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and ways we can work together to support their success.

Our school uses Microsoft Teams to host virtual meetings and workshops for parents. Teams is easy to use on your phone, tablet, or computer. Here’s how you can join:

1. Look for the link – A meeting link will be sent to you by email or text before the event.

2. Click the link – At the scheduled time, simply click the link to join.

3. Choose how to join – You can use the free Microsoft Teams app (recommended) or your internet browser.

4. Enter your name – Type in your name so we know who is joining.

5. Join the meeting – Click “Join Now” to enter the meeting room.

If you need help getting started, please reach out to the school, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Your support helps put academic success within your child’s reach

Some kids (and even some adults) believe that successful students are just born that way. But teachers know that students can learn and build the skills they need to do well in school. To help your child develop them, make learning a priority and provide lots of fun ways to do it. Maintain a balance in your child’s life between school and sports, work and play. And if your student is struggling, work with the teacher on a plan to help.https://www.parent-institute-online.com/wcs/wcstod2.php?18608-ETIPCKE3-W695215-2025-09-20

Join us on Thursday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the Media Center for a workshop for families with multilingual learners. Learn about the BRES MLL program, ACCESS scores, and get practical tips to support your student’s learning at home.

Imagine Learning is an online program that helps students build skills in reading, math, and language. It provides interactive lessons that adapt to each child’s learning level, giving them extra practice where they need it most. Students use Imagine Learning at school and can also log in at home to continue learning. This program is a great way to support your child’s growth and confidence!

Using Imagine Learning at Home
Students can continue practicing language and literacy skills at home using Imagine Learning. To get started:

1. Go to the Beaver Ridge ES landing page.

2. Click the “Booster” icon on the left side of the page.

3. Log in using your child’s school username and password (contact your teacher if you need this information).

4. Work 20–30 minutes a few times a week to build skills and confidence.

If you have any trouble logging in, please reach out Ms. Gomez at 770-326-8096 or Ms. Montero at 770-847-2680

Come join Ms. Montero every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to learn the basics of English and build your confidence. Everyone is welcome! For more information, please call Ms. Montero at 770-447-2680.

Are you looking for ways to partner with us? We are looking for volunteers to assist with Friday folders, bulletin board preparation, assisting in the media center, or volunteering in the Family Center? Please call 770-326-8093 or email giselle.gomez@gcpsk12.org or nicole.montero@gcpsk12.org to sign up and/or acquire more information.

We're here to support you!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

📞 Ms. Gomez — 770-326-8093 | ✉️ giselle.gomez@gcpsk12.org

📞 Ms. Montero — 770-447-2680 | ✉️ nicole.montero@gcpsk12.org

We’re happy to help!

E-SPLOST is a one-cent sales tax that ensures one cent of every dollar spent on retail purchases in Gwinnett County funds school renovations, modifications, expansions, and improvements for GCPS students.

Your Pennies for Schools

In-Person Tutoring
Location: 2500 Beaver Ruin Rd., Norcross, GA 30071
Monday - Friday

• Kinder - 5th Grade: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

• 6th - 10th Grade: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Virtual Tutoring
Join via Google Meets
Monday - Friday

• Kinder - 12th Grade: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Transportation
Transportation to SmarterMe® is available from:

• Summerour Middle

• Beaver Ridge Elementary

• Norcross Elementary

• Baldwin Elementary

Tuition

• $40 per student

• $10 for each additional sibling

• FREE for Summerour students ONLY

Contact Information

• (K-5) Contact Ms. Jessica at (678) 367-4329

• (6-8) Contact Ms. Izabel at (404) 552-3573

STAY AT YOUR SCHOOL!

• Stay at your school - no day care van ride needed
• Affordable tuition: $75 per week, billed monthly
• Homework help
• Quick, easy pick-up with our Kiddo-To-Go program
• Organized outdoor play: volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more
• Healthy snacks
• STEM, arts and crafts, karaoke
• We accept CAPS

GASP!-TASTIC GUARANTEE! Love us your first 2 weeks or it's free

For Español, Tiếng Việt, or 한국어, visit www.GASP-ga.com

$75 per week

Open until 6:30 pm

"It's the cool way to end your school day!"

Limited space. Register now!

www.GASP-ga.com

English: 770-318-7848

Español: 404-358-6772

• For long-term transportation changes, download and complete the form below, bring it to the school. A driver's license will be required along with the form.

• In the event of an emergency, and you need to make a transportation change, please send a written note with your student's name, grade-level, and teacher detailing the date for the transportation change.
• IF A WRITTEN CHANGE OF TRANSPORTATION IS NOT RECEIVED, STUDENTS WILL LEAVE SCHOOL ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION ON THEIR TRANSPORTATION TAGS.
• Changes in the transportation of any kind will NOT be accepted via email, FAX, or phone. Please do not email the teacher any time-sensitive information. This is for the safety of your child.

Please frequently check our website, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and read all emails from Beaver Ridge Elementary School and ParentSquare to stay up-to-date on all current and upcoming events, important updates, and invaluable information.