Titan Talk

Dear Titan Family,

I needed an extra day to be thoughtful in my letter this week. I had a full week.

It was a wonderful week because I had a day celebrating our Professional and Teacher of the Year. Juan Gomez Cegarra is our head custodian, who works tirelessly to ensure our building is clean and stocked for our students and staff. He takes pride in knowing that our students and staff have a well-maintained space to work and learn. Profe Maria Mejia is one of our Spanish teachers. She works so hard to create authentic learning experiences for our students. She hosts our K-Pop and Interact Clubs. She is leading the celebrations and learning during Hispanic Heritage Month, which we are currently celebrating. Both individuals exemplify our Titan spirit of teamwork, integrity, leadership, and love. They do everything with love for those they serve. Congratulations to Mr. Gomez Cegarra and Mrs. Mejia.

Even with wonderful things happening, I hit a wall this week. My confidence took a hit simply because I have not been able to keep up with my workload. I didn't call a parent back in a timely manner, I overbooked the media center for a special event, and I made other mistakes that left me disappointed in myself. Mrs. Denise Lewis, our wonderful front desk assistant, told me back in my early teaching days at Elkins Pointe, "Haste makes waste." Sometimes I need to slow down, reassess, and prioritize.

I did that this week. I pulled out my old folder of core values and made a list: glass balls and rubber balls. I know those are strange headings. But ya see, the rubber balls will bounce back if I drop them, and the glass balls shatter if I let them fall. I dropped some balls this week, but I took care of the students and staff fully. Those are the glass balls that deserve protecting and prioritizing.

People over paper is another mantra I live by. If I dropped a ball that impacted you this week, I promise I will get caught up this fall break. I will always put people over paper and other tasks that need to be completed.

I didn't share all of that so you would question my abilities as a leader. I shared it because we get into the same space as parents. We go, go, go, and then something happens, and we question our parenting. Doubt and fear creep in and take hold. The next thing you know, it feels like a nasty spiral.

From one parent to the next, I hope this week you can be reminded that haste makes waste. From that, I hope you can slow down enough to identify the glass balls and the rubber balls. Then you can protect the important things and trust that the ones that bounce will come back for you to handle another time.

We are in this together, and our village is simply the best. It is not the best because it is made up of perfect people, but instead because it is made up of people who love, serve, and lead. Thank you for being a part of this village!

Sincerely,

Principal AJ Smith

Elkins Pointe Middle School Annual Title I Parent Meeting - Everyone Is Welcome! All parents, caregivers, family members, and community partners are asked to join the online meetings.

Why it matters: Parent involvement plays an important role in your child's academic success. Join us to learn about your rights under Title I, how Elkins Pointe's Title I program supports student achievement, and ways families can partner with the school throughout the year.

📅 Meeting Details

• Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
• Times: 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM
• Location: Microsoft Teams
• Join Link: https://tinyurl.com/ATIPM-FY27

🎯 What You'll Learn

• About the school-wide goals for Literacy and Math
• How Title I funding supports all students at Elkins Pointe
• Family engagement opportunities throughout the school year

Bottom line: This is an opportunity for parents to learn how the school supports your child. We hope to see you online on September 29 at 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM.

Our school proudly celebrated profe Maria Mejia, World Language Spanish Teacher, and Mr. Juan Gomezcegarra, Head Custodian, who were honored at the Fulton County Schools Legacy of Excellence Awards as the Elkins Pointe Teacher of the Year and Professional of the Year.

Their well-deserved recognition highlights their dedication, hard work, and commitment to our school community. Joining them for the celebration were Principal AJ Smith, Monsieur Jean Louis Mendy, French World Language Teacher, and their spouses. Congratulations to Profe Mejia and Mr. Gomezcegarra on this outstanding achievement and for representing our school with excellence and Titan pride!

A special thank you to profe Mejia and the Spanish World Language Department for helping our school celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15th-October 15th, students will learn about the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through engaging videos and activities. We invite families to continue the learning at home by watching the videos together.

Video Links:

• Hispanic Heritage Month!
• What is National Hispanic Heritage Month?
• National Hispanic Heritage month begins today

Learning was extra cool in 8th Grade Physical Science as students turned a sweet treat into a scientific experiment! With Mr. Bradley, Ms. Holley, and Dr. Boone leading the way, students churned through key science concepts while making their own ice cream.

What was the scoop?

• 🧂 Salt helped turn down the freezing point and turn up the science.
• ❄️ Liquids got their chill on and changed into a semi-solid treat.
• 🥛 Ingredients mixed together to create a recipe for success.
• 🌡️ Heat said "cone-gratulations" and moved out so the ice cream could freeze.
• 🌬️ Churning whipped in air for a texture that was anything but vanilla.
• 🍦 Smaller ice crystals made for a smoother scoop and sweeter results.

The activity proved that science is everywhere. Thanks to the engaging lessons from Mr. Bradley, Ms. Holley, and Dr. Boone, students got the inside scoop on physical science while enjoying a hands-on experience that was truly cool to the core! 🍦🔬

Share your photos of family adventures, whether you're traveling or enjoying a staycation, or relaxing with a good book.

How to share your photos?

• Email them to Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles at ohanlon@fultonschools.org
• Upload them to the Yearbook link https://photos.jostens.com/97YQTY or use the QR Code
• Facebook: Share on Elkins Pointe MS Community Page the post or send in messenger to Elkins Pointe Parent Liaison

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

• FALL BREAK FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

• Roswell Day of Hope at Roswell

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

• INTERACT CLUB: at 8:00 AM - 8:40 AM in Cooper's Room
• B-Ballers from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM in the Gym

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

• Title I Annual Meeting from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• PTSA Pizza with the Principal from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
• B-Ballers from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM in the Gym
• Title I Annual Title I Meeting via Teams from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

• Wear College T-Shirts for AVID Wednesday
• Titan Store open from 8:25 - 8:45 AM
• Soccer Game: Home vs. Sandy Springs from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

• Book Fair Begins (continues through October 7)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

• 📚 Book Fair continues through October 7
• Band 8th Grade Night at MHS from 4:30 P

📚 The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming! 📚 Get ready to shop for your next favorite book! The Scholastic Book Fair will be in the Media Center October 1–7.

Students will have the chance to browse great books, discover new series, and pick out some fun reads to take home. The Book Fair is always something our students look forward to, and we can’t wait for another great week!

Book Fair is Cash and physical credit card ONLY this year. Please note that this year students will NOT be able to use Apple Pay or credit cards stored on their phones or Smart Watches due to the FCS NO Phone Policy.

👉 Sign up for a volunteer shift here:https://tinyurl.com/ykc6udx9

Thank you to all of our volunteers who help make special events like the Book Fair possible!

PTSA has so many upcoming volunteer and participation opportunities for parents and students after the fall break! We need your support to make these programs a success—please read below for details and sign up if you are able. Volunteer commitments range from 45 minutes to two hours. Have fun and get involved while making a REAL difference at our school!

Pizza with the Principal

All PTSA student members are invited to Pizza with the Principal on Tuesday, September 29. Student members love having the chance to voice their opinions on school improvements while enjoying a complimentary pizza lunch! Join PTSA for $10 per person. We also are looking for parent volunteers to help serve pizza during lunches.

Sign up to serve pizza.

Titan Store

We are so excited to announce that beginning September 30, the Titan Store will be open on Wednesday mornings, 8:25 - 8:45 a.m. Students can make a quick stop by the store for snacks, drinks, school supplies and Titan spirit items, each priced at $1.

Sign up for parents to help at the Titan Store.

Tree Day

Students and teachers, we need your help on Wednesday, September 30, 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. Meet in the rotunda and then head outside to help water and spread mulch around the trees planted earlier this year. This is the final phase of our Making the Shade project, made possible by a grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission. Your volunteer service will help us complete the project and meet the requirements for grant reimbursement. Students from Interact Club, Student Council, and Junior Beta will be leading the volunteer effort. Come lend a hand, earn service hours, and help keep our campus green and beautiful!

Book Fair

Parent volunteers are needed to help at the EPMS Book Fair in the Media Center October 1-7. No experience is necessary; we will go over everything you need to know! Funds raised at the Book Fair go directly to our Media and Education Technology Instructor, Patti Hutchison, to purchase books for the Media Center.

Sign up to volunteer at the Book Fair.

Copy Helpers

We are looking for parent volunteers to support our teachers by making copies and delivering them to teachers' classroom doors. Sign up for a Monday or Wednesday shift and volunteer at your convenience during school hours. This is a great way to help our teachers while getting a glimpse of the EPMS school day!

Sign up to be a copy helper.

Reflections Art Competition
Does your student love to explore the arts and express themselves creatively? Encourage them to participate in the National PTA Reflections Art competition. This year's theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” Students can participate in several categories, including Music, Dance, Film, Literature, Visual Arts, and Photography. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts and is a great opportunity for your student to showcase their skills! Entry forms can be found in the Media Center. Click here for entry forms and submission guidelines. Entries are due to the Media Center by Friday, October 16. Submissions then will be judged, and winners in each grade/category will move on to the next level. Any questions—please reach out to Ashley Mixon at ptsa.epms@gmail.com.

EPMS 2026 PTSA Silent Auction

The EPMS PTSA is seeking in-kind donations from local businesses to help raise funds for programs that directly benefit our students, teachers, and school community. A donation could be restaurant gift cards, car washes, cleaning services, event tickets, spa/beauty certificates, gift baskets, vacation stays—big or small, it all helps! If you or your business want to contribute (and get some great community visibility), please contact Auction Chair Sara Fuchs at sfuchs@gmail.com

The Interact Club, Student Council, and Junior Beta Club invite all students and teachers to join us for Tree Day on Wednesday, September 30, from 8:15-8:45 a.m. Meet in the rotunda before heading outside to help water and spread mulch around the trees planted earlier this year.

This volunteer event is the final phase of our Making the Shade project, made possible through a grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission. By working together, we can help maintain and beautify our campus while supporting the long-term health of our newly planted trees.

Come lend a hand, earn service hours, and make a positive impact on our school environment. Let's work together to keep our campus green, beautiful, and thriving! 🌳🍃

Sponsored by Interact Club, Student Council, and Junior Beta Club.

🚍 Get ready to attend the FCS All Access Expo! Elkins This is a fantastic opportunity for the Titans to explore exciting programs, pathways, and opportunities that can help shape their future.

• WHAT: All Access Expo: Explore Your High School Options
• WHO: Current 8th grade students and their parents/guardians
• WHEN: Saturday, October 3 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  
• WHERE: North Springs High School, 7447 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, GA 30328
  
• QUESTIONS? Email Mrs. Shannon Reynolds, Elkins Pointe 8th grade Counselor, at ReynoldsSN@fultonschools.org

Let us know if you plan on going by complete the form:

FCS All Access Expo - 8th Grade Family Interest Form – Fill out form

* Give your 8th grader a head start on high school! Learn about high school programs, meet CTAE representatives, and find the best fit for your future high school student.

• October 16, 2026 - Milton Homecoming Football Game @ 7:00 PM , MHS Stadium
• October 16 2026 - Roswell Homecoming Football Game @ 7:00 PM, RHS Stadium

Go Eagles! Go Hornets!

Spin with the Eagles is a special opportunity for K-8th grade students to learn how to "spin" with the Milton Band Colorguard and then perform at the Milton High School Homecoming Halftime Show.

• Practice: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:00-7:30 PM
• Performance: Friday, October 16, 2026 (Homecoming vs. Alpharetta)
• Location: Milton High School
• Registration deadline: October 2, 2026

Calling all middle school students! Have you ever wanted to perform under the Friday night lights? Join the Milton High School Colorguard for Spin With The Eagles, our fun annual event at the Homecoming game on Friday, October 16 (vs. Alpharetta)!

You'll learn a routine alongside our high school colorguard and then perform with the team at the game - no experience necessary, just bring your school spirit! It's a great way to try colorguard, make new friends, and be part of the Milton Eagle family for a night.

Sign up at miltonband.org/spin