THE NORCROSS ELEMENTARY EAGLE
January - Family Newsletter
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
We’re excited to welcome all of our students and families back for a fresh new year of learning and growth. We hope your winter break was restful and filled with moments of joy. As we step into January, our classrooms are buzzing with energy, new goals, and renewed enthusiasm.
This month, students will be diving into new units, reconnecting with classmates, and building on the strong foundation they created in the fall. Our staff is ready to support them every step of the way.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for being such an important part of our school community. We’re looking forward to a wonderful start to 2026 together.
#NorcrossStrong
Sincerely,
Dr. Kassia Sutton
Proud Principal of Norcross Elementary
January
January 5 - Students return to school
January 13 - ACCESS Testing
January 15 - 100th Day of School
January 16 - STEM Projects due
January 19 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Student Staff Holiday)
January 21 - STEM Night & STEM Fair at 5:30pm -7:00pm
January 26 -28 - Dental Screenings
January 30 - Local School Council Meeting/Student of the Month
The health department will be at Norcross the last week in January to provide free dental cleanings for 1st, 3rd, and 5th-grade students. Please see the attachment for more details.
Your student will receive a dental health form today. If you would like your child to receive this service, please complete the form and return it to your child's teacher.
Thank you,
Mrs. Crapo and Ms Gonzalez
February 2 - Kids Heart Challenge Begins
February 6 - Digital Learning Day
February 11 - EES Student Survey
February 12 - 16: Februar Break/No School
February 18: Family Luncheon for 1,3, 5, & ASD
February 19: Family Luncheon for K, 2, & 4
February 20: Progress report sent home
February 26: Literacy Night
February 27: Student of the Month
Book Fair: February 19 - 27
Teachers will send home work, assignments and resources for the day.
Meals will be provided via bus distribution for all scheduled SY26 Digital Learning Days.
Below are the future dates:
- Friday, February 6th
- Friday, March 13th
Buses will distribute lunches on the DLD days. Students do not need to be validated as GCPS students. Meals can be served to anyone 18 and under when we do bus distribution.
Projected bus schedule for bus distribution days(times approximate):
- Drivers arrive at schools 9:45-10:00
- Load lunches 10:00-10:15
- Leave schools 10:15-10:30
- Arrive at 1st stop 10:45-11:00
Andrea Eberhart and Venice Hinds are our instructional coaches. Their role includes supporting teachers and students.
Use the link below for activities to ENGAGE!
Please use the link to access news from our parent center.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ROnMNAZajW5DJU7lrkewREJtAf8qT8ac/view?usp=sharing
Coming Soon!
Have a great summer!
Tips to help children develop healthy digital habits:
Create screen-free times and places in your home, such as meals and bedtime. Set do-not-disturb on phones when you want undistracted time. For younger children, it helps to have consistent and predictable media routines and time limits. Use built-in timers to make it easier for young children to transition away when time is up.
Have regular discussions as a family about your online activities. Discuss new areas of learning, fun discoveries, as well as difficult experiences–for both parents and children. This fosters open discussion about a sometimes-challenging topic.
Talk about social media. Start regular, open-minded conversations with your children (even the youngest ones!) about their media use, and yours. You don't have to be an expert on each platform to have meaningful discussions! Ask questions like: What do you like about social media platforms? How do you feel when you're on social media? And when I'm on social media? Have you seen anything concerning?
Make sure your kids know they can come to you about their experiences online, even if they feel embarrassed or worried. Let them know you're there to support them through challenges, since we're all learning as we go.
Help children understand what's real and what's edited, how to recognize ads or inappropriate content, and when influencers are being authentic versus outrageous.
Talk about how media and emotions connect. We sometimes crave social media when we're stressed or want to share our joy. At the same time, what we see online shapes how we feel. This is an important insight for both children and parents.
Set a good example. Include your own habits in discussions about social media usage. Be aware of when your attention is on your device and what you may be role modeling. When you must use your device around your family, tell your kids what you're doing and how you're supporting others online.
Check settings. When your child or adolescent starts a new social media or video game account, set parental controls and privacy settings at the most secure level. Discuss safety rules for who they can chat with online, how to report problematic posts and whether they can make purchases. Get familiar with how the platform works by reading about it or having your child take you on a tour.
Watch for signs of problematic media use. In adolescents, this could include withdrawing from friendships and hobbies. In younger children, signs include arguing about the media constantly and lack of interest in other activities. At all ages, another red flag is if time on social media, devices or video games interferes with physical activity, healthy eating or bedtime.
Happy New Year! As we begin this fresh chapter together, the start of a new year offers an excellent opportunity to pause, reflect, and focus on what matters most—our well-being.
This year, we invite families to set family wellness goals that support both physical and emotional health. Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple practices such as sharing meals, taking family walks, creating calming bedtime routines, practicing gratitude, or spending intentional, screen-free time together can make a meaningful difference.
When families prioritize wellness together, children learn lifelong habits that support balance, resilience, and self-care. Small, consistent steps can create a home environment filled with connection, calm, and encouragement.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Wishing you and your family a healthy, peaceful, and joy-filled year ahead.
How to Stay Connected
Principal – Dr. Kassia Sutton (kassia.morris.sutton@gcpsk12.org)
Assistant Principal – Gr. 4, 5 – Mrs. Contacia Cross (contacia.cross@gcpsk12.org)
Assistant Principal - Gr. 1, 2, 3 - Dr. Katrina Bilal (katrina.p.bilal@gcpsk12.org)
Assistant Principal - K, Special Education - Dr. LaTonya Parker (latonya.parker@gcps12.org)
Counselor - Gr. K/2/4 - Ms. Shelby Gonzalez (shelby.gonzalez@gcpsk12.org)
Counselor Gr. 1/3/5 - Mrs. Amy Crapo (amy.crapo.@gcps12.org)
Location: 150 Hunt Street, Norcross, GA, USA
Phone: 770-448-2188
Facebook: facebook.com/NorcrossElementarySchool-GCPS