Summerour Blue Devil Blast

Volume 6, Issue 6 - September 4, 2026
Dr. Looney's Message
Important Dates
Upcoming Dates
- September 5 - JLC Beginning of Year Celebration
- September 7 - Labor Day: No School
- September 9 - ESL for Parents (third session)
- September 9 - Civics for US Citizenship (second session)
- September 9 - Volleyball @ Pinckneyville
- September 9/10 - 6th Grade Instrument Startup Camp
- September 14 - ESL for Parents
- September 14 - Science Olympiad
- September 16 - ESL for Parents
- September 16 - Civics for US Citizenship
- September 17 - Gear Up to Mercedez Benz Stadium
- September 17 - PBIS Family Night
- September 18 - Digital Learning Day #1
- September 21 - ESL for Parents
- September 21 - Science Olympiad
- September 23 - ESL for Parents
- September 23 - Civics for US Citizenship
- September 24 - GCPS Board of Education Meeting
- September 25 - Café con Leche
- September 25 - Progress Reports Go Home
- September 26 - JLC Raider Competition (@Grace Snell)
This Week
Summerour Specific
Teacher of the Year
Congratulations Ms. Dailen Harris, OUR 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year.
We would also like to recognize all of our finalists, who were incredibly deserving of this prestigious honor. Their dedication, excellence, and commitment to our students make Summerour Middle School a truly special place. Congratulations to Ms. Harris and all of our outstanding finalists! 🎉
Norcross XC
Our XC team traveled to Gainesville Wednesday afternoon to compete in the North Hall Invitational. This meet was chosen partly because of the stiff competition we would encounter early in the season.
Our boys finished 12th out of 15 teams with Didier Lopez and Emiliano Hernandez leading the way with strong races.
Our girls finished 5th out of 16 teams, being bested by three super strong programs and former state champions, Jefferson, Oconee County, Chestatee, and Buford MS.
Elizabeth Gomez and Betsy Najarro amazingly ran "Personal Records" on an extremely challenging and hilly course with temperatures nearing 100 degrees! Edith Manzanares had a great race as well and is getting her groove back.
No races this weekend. We'll be in action again on Saturday, Sept. 12th in Conyers at the Gwinnett County Meet.
Intramurals This Week
Don't forget the permission form before you bring them the first time.
Support DJDC
We are raising funds through Double Good Popcorn to support the Summerour Middle School Premier Dance Company (DJDC). Our dancers work hard to grow not only as performers, but as confident, creative, and compassionate young leaders.
This fundraiser will help make it possible for our students to attend the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference in Chicago, Illinois, where they will experience inspiring performances, educational workshops, and meaningful connections with artists from around the world.
September IB Learner Profile: Inquirers
IB Learners are inquirers. They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
University faculties regularly note IB students’ passion for discovery.
PTA Fundraiser is still running
(until November 8)
Grade Level Information
Welcome to 6th Grade!
Ms. Belinda Terry
6th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Tannia Sims
6th Grade Counselor
770.417.2491
Language Families
6th graders studying Language Families in Individuals & Societies courses this week.
Norcross Coloring Pages
OUR Art program is working closely with organizations in and around the City of Norcross. We have chairs being painted for an upcoming auction, we have a Flag Boxes collaboration coming soon, and right now we are working on Norcross Coloring Pages.
Here's an example with the 6th grade student who completed it.
Welcome to 7th Grade!
Mr. Al Sadler
7th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Yasmi Velasquez Rocha
7th Grade Counselor
Yasmi.VelasquezRocha@gcpsk12.org
770.417.2480
This Week in 7th Grade
Language Arts:
This week, students will read "A Police Stop Changed This Teenager's Life" to analyze expository techniques and organizational text structures before taking their first unit test.
Science:
This week students will be learning about the organelles that make up a cell.
Individuals & Societies:
In Unit 1, students will begin exploring important personal finance concepts related to spending, saving and budgeting their money.
Welcome to 8th Grade!
Ms. Christy Gray
8th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Robin Blackwell
8th Grade Counselor
770.417.2487
Science Review
Science Review
Welcome to Gear Up!
Dr. Toni Weir
Gear Up Assistant Principal
Ms. Allegra Morgan
Gear Up Counselor
770.797.2960
Coming Soon
Blue Bucks Café
Our PBIS Blue Bucks Café opened up today. Students who earned Blue Bucks could spend them and take some time to study in comfortable environs. Thanks to the great students who earned the Blue Bucks to spend, and thank you to the PBIS team who made this time possible.
PBIS Partnership (English)
PBIS Partnership (Spanish)
Cafe Con Leche (English)
Cafe Con Leche (Spanish)
Norcross High School Football Remaining Games
If you will be attending a GCPS sporting event, please remember: middle school students will not be permitted to attend athletic events at Norcross High School (or anywhere within GCPS) without the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
2026-2027 School Year
Dual-Language Immersion students practicing their spelling skills.
Robotics: Day 1
Robotics Club started today. We had a great turnout: 15 students! Thank you to all the parents who brought their future roboticists out to participate.
My Payments Plus
Paying for school meals, fees, exams and activities online helps speed up lines, ensures the safety of your payment and is convenient and easy whether using the MyPaymentsPlus website or App.
Signing up is free & easy:
• Go to www.MyPaymentsPlus.com to register for a free account or
• Search and download the MyPaymentsPlus App on your cellphone.
• Click “Register for a Free Account”
• Add your student(s) by using their student ID number.
Need help setting up an account?
- 1-877-237-0946
- support@mypaymentsplus.com
- online chat