community newsletter

December may be short, but it’s packed with excitement at Piney Grove! From end-of-semester chorus and band concerts to Robotics and Science Olympiad competitions—and of course, basketball season—our students are shining in every way.

At Piney Grove, we work hard, and we are family. That spirit drives everything we do and makes our school such an amazing place. We’re proud to share that Piney Grove has been named one of the Top 10 Middle Schools in Georgia for CCRPI scores, in addition to being recognized as both a Literacy Leader School and a Math Leader School by the Georgia Department of Education. These honors are possible because of the support of our families, the commitment of our teachers, and the effort of our students.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

With #pineypride,

Lori

December 15-18 - Midterms

May 18 - 22 - Finals

Midterm exams will be held Tuesday, December 16 through Thursday, December 18. Midterms are mandatory and will count as the final test/summative grade of the semester. These midterms are common across Forsyth County.

Attendance during this time is very important, as these exams will be counted as a single test grade in your student’s semester average. Students must bring their charged Chromebook to school on each of these days in order to take the exams. Additionally, all students will take the Math Assessment on Thursday, December 18. We are asking that students bring their calculators to their Thrive teacher on Monday, December 15.

The daily bell schedule will be adjusted December 16–18 to accommodate testing sessions while ensuring students can attend their Connections classes.

Students who need to make up an exam will have two opportunities: Friday, December 19, or Monday, January 5. Please note that the January 5 make-up session will take place in the Media Center from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

If a student anticipates being absent for more than 10 consecutive days, we ask that they reach out to their grade-level administrator and counselor in advance. Extended absences may affect enrollment status, so early communication is essential to ensure your student stays on track.

Thank you for your support as we work to provide your student with the best academic experience.

Sixth and seventh grade students will take two midterm exams on Tuesday (ELA and Social Studies) and one midterm on Wednesday and Thursday. Eighth-grade students may have up to two midterms on Tuesday and Wednesday, and one midterm on Thursday.

Please help ensure your child is present during these testing windows so they can complete their assessments on time.

If your child will be absent for any of the dates listed above, please contact your grade-level administrator:

• 6th Grade: Danielle Sherfey — Dsherfey@forsyth.k12.ga.us
  
  

• 7th Grade: Ryan Cross — RCross@forsyth.k12.ga.us
  
  

• 8th Grade: Missy Marsh — f44895@forsyth.k12.ga.us
  
  

They will assist you with the make-up process for any missed assessments.

Teachers will be preparing students over the next few weeks to help them do their best. Please check Canvas for study resources and materials in the upcoming future.

We will continue to send out more information in the upcoming weeks for parents.

The Georgia Department of Education (GA DOE) requires all public schools to participate in the Georgia School Climate Survey. To see the GA DOE information website click here.

FCS values parent feedback, and all FCS schools utilize this survey feedback in the school improvement process. Please provide feedback by completing the Georgia School Climate Survey. The link to the survey for Piney Grove Middle School can be accessed by clicking here.

G3 – Grizzlies Great Day of Giving is our annual day of service where every student makes a difference in our community. This year:

• 8th graders will head to community sites off campus to make an impact beyond The Grove.
• 7th graders will serve at local elementary schools, mentoring and helping younger students.
• 6th graders will stay at The Grove for team-building and on-campus service projects.

Your $20 student dues (before January price increase!) cover:

• A G3 t-shirt
• Lunch for your student
• Supplies for on-campus projects

In the spirit of the season, we invite families to sponsor students who cannot pay and help provide supplies. If you’re able to give more, please explore our partnership levels:

Partnership Levels (Pay through SchoolPay)

• $20 – Individual Student Dues
• $75 – Grizzly Partnership: Multiple students + supply donation
• $150 – Green Partnership: Multiple students + sponsor a student + supply donation
• $250 – Gold Partnership: Green package plus your family name/business logo on the back of the G3 t-shirt

Thank you for partnering with us to make G3 a meaningful day of service and a lasting tradition of giving for our students and community.

We are excited to offer your child an opportunity to join the Piney Grove Middle School Weight Training program. This course is designed to introduce students to strength and conditioning in a structured, safe, and highly focused environment. Because this is considered an advanced class, expectations for effort, behavior, and attention to detail are high.

Our Core Priorities: Technique & Safety

Before anything else, students will learn proper form, body mechanics, and safe training habits. Correct technique is the foundation of long-term strength development and injury prevention. We will progress gradually, ensuring that every student can demonstrate safe and consistent movement patterns before increasing load or intensity.

Weekly Training Structure

• 3 Days/Week – Strength Training: Students will work on fundamental lifts and movement patterns, including squats, presses, pulls, and core stability work.

• 1 Day/Week – Speed & Agility: This day focuses on quickness, acceleration, coordination, body control, and overall athletic movement.

Who This Class Is Designed For

This course is geared toward students who are motivated to improve as developing athletes. While all students are welcome, they should expect a challenging and disciplined environment similar to the structure of a team practice. Students will be held accountable for effort, attention, and respect for classroom expectations.

What You Can Expect From Us

• A safe, supportive, and structured training environment

• Instruction rooted in proper technique and long-term development

• A positive atmosphere that builds confidence, work ethic, and athletic skills

• Clear communication regarding expectations and student progress

What We Expect From Students

• Consistent participation and effort

• Willingness to learn and apply feedback

• Respect for equipment, classmates, and class safety rules

• A commitment to improving both physically and mentally

If you and your child are interested in joining the Piney Grove Middle School Weight Training Program, please fill out this survey by Friday, December 12th. Space is limited, thus filling out the survey does not guarantee a spot in the class. Students' schedules will change before 2nd semester begins if they are admitted into the program.

I am looking forward to a great semester of growth, learning, and achievement. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at any time.

Thank you for your support,

Coach Jager

Strength and Conditioning Coach

We can’t do any of this without YOU! We have a few open positions on our PTSO board including Co-President, Vice President, VP of Fundraising, and VP of Programs. We also welcome parents who want to get involved in any capacity, big or small. If you have any questions, please email us at pineygroveptso@gmail.com.

To join the PTSO, click HERE.

Want to celebrate one of our AMAZING Piney Grove Staff Members? Please use THIS FORM to shout out our staff and celebrate the incredible ways they support our students!

We are excited to launch Partner Connect, a special opportunity for parents, families, and community members to get involved and support our students. Whether it’s volunteering at events, sharing your expertise, or lending a helping hand, your partnership makes a difference in the success of Piney Grove Middle School.