Together We Climb
Week of December 1st, 2025: Vol. 1 Issue 16
Calendar
Important Dates:
12/1 - AI Module 3 Due
12/3- Evacuation Drill 1:30pm
12/3- Leadership Huddle
12/4 - Winter Chorus Concert
12/5 - Amira Testing
12/4- PTO Boxed Holiday Lunch
12/5 - Staff Holiday Party
12/8 - Amira Testing
12/9 - TKES Mid-Year Reflection Form
12/9- Continuous Achievement Grade Level Meetings
12/12-PTO Snack Cart
12/15 - Continuous Achievement Recs Due to Marla
Action Items:
1. TKES Walk-Throughs continue, focus TPT and student engagement
2. Complete AI Module- Part 3
FCS Budget Information
Fulton County Schools is committed to being transparent about our financial outlook. Following the November 20 Board meeting, we want to share important information with families regarding the district’s budget planning for the 2026–2027 school year.
The district is currently facing a projected $94 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2026. To address this challenge, the Board has reviewed several possible strategies after months of analysis. No decisions have been made at this time. These discussions are part of an early communication effort so employees and families have time to understand the issues before the budget is finalized this spring.
While staffing adjustments may be necessary in the future, the district’s first step will be to eliminate vacant positions or roles that become open through retirement or resignation. Any further decisions will be thoughtful, transparent, and focused on protecting students and classrooms.
What could this mean for Wilson Creek Elementary?
Two notable recommendations under consideration are the loss of one Assistant Principal and one part-time counselor if this proposal moves forward. Again, these are recommendations only—no final decisions have been made.
Other possible funding losses being considered districtwide include:
- Reduction of flexible money for schools
- Loss of floater substitutes
- Elimination of Extended Learning programs
- Cancellation of summer school
- Freezing the teacher pay scale
- Furlough day(s) for staff
- A possible retirement incentive
Your voice matters! Feedback is now being evaluated by the FCS Board. You can share your input at tejoin.com using code 354-522-171 or by attending upcoming community meetings.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we navigate this process. Our goal remains clear: to maintain high-quality learning experiences for every student while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Continuous Achievement Timeline
It is time for us to look at all students for the possibility of changes in placement in RELA and Math. It is board policy that "student performance and placement be reviewed every 18 weeks to determine if the placement level continues to be appropriate in meeting the students' learning needs." On December 9 during PLC specials time, Marla will meet with each grade level to review student data. Recommendations for changes in placement will be due to Marla on Monday, Dec. 15. Letters will go home with students who are changing levels on or before December 19. Thank You!!
Lost and Found Help Needed!
As the weather gets colder, our students bring their coats and lose them too! Grade levels can help! All grade levels should clear the playground and field at the end of each recess time and try to get the coats back to their rightful owners. This will cut down on the number of items in the lost and found. It is recommended to have a procedure in place. For example, each class could have a spot or bucket for placing water bottles and coats. It could be a student's job to make sure they are collected and brought inside. Teachers should scan the area and make sure it is clear as they leave for recess. Thanks in advance for your help!!
December Creating Character: Gratitude
This month our creating character word is gratitude. Gratitude teaches our children to recognize and appreciate the beauty in both big and small moments. In classrooms we will be discussing gratitude, all the ways we show it, and how it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
We will continue to focus on the word safety during the Think First, Stay Safe lessons. We want to ensure that all students know the importance of being safe and protected. If you receive any opt-out forms, please let us know prior to the lesson. Thank you!
Be on the lookout for students that demonstrate gratitude and input their name into the spreadsheet by Thursday, December 11. Thank you! WCES 25-26 Monthly Awards.xlsx
Celebrating Holidays Around the World
WCES Vounteer Needed 1-10-2025 at NSHS
I hope this message finds you well. As we prepare for the upcoming Fulton County Technology Competition, we are reaching out to confirm volunteer support from each participating school.
At this time, we have not yet received a volunteer from your school. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the success of this event, and we truly appreciate your assistance in identifying someone who can help.
Please share with your school community the volunteer sign up link and flyer to secure a volunteer from your school, no later than December 3, 2025. If we don't have a volunteer from your school, your student project(s) may not be eligible for judging without enough volunteers.
Wilson Creek ES 2025 Holiday Count Down
Don't forget to place your order! REPEAT
We are scheduling a TAZIKS boxed lunch event on Monday December 15th, 2025, to celebrate the Fulton County School District's 91.9% graduation rate. Our Superintendent Dr. Looney and Zone Six Superintendent Mr. Downey, have expressed such pride and appreciation to all staff members (K-12) for your contribution to the highest graduation rate EVER. The district will be funding $10 per person for this special treat. 🙂
Congratulations! Please pick one item off the attached menu link- No substitutions.
If you change your mind, you will need to unclick the box before submitting.
91.9% FCS Graduation Rate Celebration! TAZIKIS Boxed Lunch Extravaganza – Fill out form
TKES Mid-Year Reflection
Please fill out the attached TKES mid-year reflection form before Tuesday, December 9th. We would like to do a quick check-in during PLC meetings on Tuesday, December 9th to sign off on the mid-year conference. Please email your TKES evaluator before December 12th if you would like to schedule an individual mid-year conference.
Amira Testing Schedule
Amira testing for all students in grades K–3 will take place on Friday, December 5 and Monday, December 8. Please download and print the attached updated schedule to review specific dates, times, and locations. Note: Minor edits have been made, so make sure you print THIS most recent version.
All available rooms and spaces will be utilized during testing. Even if you are not a K–3 homeroom teacher, please review the schedule so you’re aware of what’s happening on these dates. For example, EIP teachers will be testing almost all day, which will likely impact 4th and 5th grade EIP classes.
Action Required
Homeroom Teachers:
Please open the “Winter Amira Testing Groups” document using the button below and complete it by Tuesday, December 2.
- Locate your name and divide your students into four groups.
- Assign a support teacher/administrator for each group.
- Fill your own group first before assigning others.
- No group may exceed six students.
Rosters will be printed for all faculty administering the assessment.
Teachers, on the day of testing, please make sure students are ready at their assigned time with their device, headphones, and login information.
Grading Reminders
A few questions came up recently about grading. Sharing our Grading Reminders guidance from our preplanning folders. Please review, especially around student's retaking a major assessment.
Progress Report Time - Semester 1: 13.5 Weeks
The posting window will open on Wednesday for the 13.5 week progress report. It closes at midnight on Tuesday, November 18th. All teachers should run their grade verification report prior to Tuesday morning. We will check grades at 9:00 AM on Tuesday. Please remember that you should have 50% of your grades in the gradebook at this point (even if it is just the assignment with the date). Non-academic grades are not posted for this report.
Repeat Info From Last Week
National World Kindness Day
What is World Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day is an annual event that encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives. It highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation to create a more harmonious and caring world.
How to Participate in World Kindness Day 2025?
Participating in World Kindness Day is a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference in the world. Here are ways to get involved:
- Perform Acts of Kindness: Throughout the day, consciously perform acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, complimenting a colleague, or donating to a charity.
- Spread Positivity: Share uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.
- Volunteer: Offer your time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.
- Donate: Make a donation to a charitable cause that you believe in, whether it’s for humanitarian aid, education, or healthcare.
- Teach Kindness: Educate children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise someone with a random act of kindness, such as buying a stranger’s coffee or leaving an encouraging note for a friend.