8th Grade Newsletter
September 4 - 8, 2023
September 4 - 8, 2023
Our Mission
Grace Snell Middle School provides a culture of excellence that prepares all students to reach their maximum potential today, tomorrow and beyond.
Our Week at a Glance
8TH GRADE MATH
In math this week, students will finish preparing for our first unit test over solving linear equations and inequalities and then transition into our second unit, which will have them take their knowledge from Unit 1 and transform that into a fundamental understanding of linear functions.
ENHANCED MATH / ALGEBRA CONNECTIONS
In enhanced math this week, students will continue learning about the different types of functions, beginning with the linear functions we studied last week while introducing quadratic, cubic, square root, cube root, and absolute value functions.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In language arts this week, students will continue with Unit 1: Gadgets and Glitches by reviewing the elements of argument and explore how the writer supports the main idea in the article "Heads up, Humans." Students will also continue to draft their informational essays for the end of the unit.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
In science this week, students will begin to analyze and develop models of electromagnetic and mechanical waves. Students should also have gone to sciencebuddies.org to search for a science fair project that interest them.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In social studies this week, students will begin to analyze the relationships between Mary Musgrove, Tomochichi, and James Oglethrope and how Savannah became Georgia's first civilized colony. The students will also compare and contrast the Trustee Period and the Royal Colony Period.
CONNECTIONS
Monday: No School (Labor Day)
Tuesday: B-Day
Wednesday: A-Day
Thursday: B-Day
Friday: A-Day
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September 4 - LABOR DAY - SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSED - NO SCHOOL
September 5 - Deadline for requesting accommodations for PSAT 8/9, for students who qualify for testing accommodations.
If requesting test accommodations for your scholar, click the link: PSAT Accommodations Link
Please call Dr. Derrick Shelton, Testing Coordinator, at (770) 554-7756 with PSAT 8/9 accommodation questions
September 15 - Digital Learning Day (STUDENTS WORK ON ASSIGNMENTS INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME)
September 27 - School Picture Day
October 5 - 9 - Fall Break for Students & Teachers
October 25 - Eighth grade students will take the
PSAT 8/9 on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
We are now entering the 5th week of school, and we continue to be laser-focused on cultivating excellence in teaching and learning. At Grace Snell Middle School, we want to partner with our parents and community, as we prepare our scholars for an exceptional future.
Empathy, equity, effectiveness, and excellence are the four strategic priorities, which define GCPS Blueprint for the Future, through 2027. Grace Snell Middle School teachers and staff are committed to incorporating each of these priorities into our daily work with our students and families, as we chart pathways to high school graduation, college, careers and beyond.
We believe that our scholars must begin preparing for high school graduation NOW!
This last year of middle school is crucial, and will set our scholars up for future success, when they make the commitment to strive for excellence in their academics, attendance and behavior, each and every day. Parents and students, we implore you to take full advantage of opportunities to earn high school credit in MIDDLE SCHOOL, thereby opening up doors to take more advanced high school courses, enroll early in college, explore career-related internships and certifications, etc.
How can scholars achieve excellence in academics, attendance and behavior? Below are a few recommendations:
Show up to school on time, each day, prepared with essential resources ready to engage with learning
Participate in class discussions, showing empathy and respect for diverse ideas and perspectives
Embrace a spirit of collaboration, inquiry and perseverance in learning
Complete all class and homework assignments within stipulated deadlines
Ask the teacher for help and attend tutorial sessions as needed
Communicate and engage respectfully with teachers, staff, and classmates in all interactions
Regulate one's own emotions in order to positively contribute to a safe and orderly learning environment in class, hallways, restrooms, cafeteria, on the bus, etc.
My name is Emanii Davis and I am the 8th grade school counselor. I have been a counselor for 3 years in Forsyth County and I am so grateful to now be a part of the Grace Snell team. I have a beautiful family of five that keeps me busy and always having fun. I love to travel, eat at new restaurants, watch Netflix, and workout . My goal as your school counselor is to provide quality service to ensure equitable resources for all students, while working independently and collaboratively with parents and teachers to achieve increased student success.
Watch this video to get a snapshot of the competencies our scholars are developing at Grace Snell Middle School now, to prepare them to reach their maximum potential today, tomorrow and beyond!
Our 8th Grade Teams
Team G.O.A.T.
Team Blaze
Ms. Green
Science
ciara.green@gcpsk12.org
Mr. Howell
Math
micah.howell@gcpsk12.org
Team Phoenix
Team I'So Elite
Team Trailblazers
State law requires that children between the ages of 7 - 16 attend school daily.
Students will be excused from school for the following legal absences:
Personal illness
Death in the immediate family
Recognized religious holidays observed by your faith
Absences mandated by governmental agencies
Service as Page in the Georgia General Assembly
Visit with parent or legal guardian prior to deployment or while parent is on leave (up to 5 days)
Instances where attendance would be hazardous
Students absent from school for legal reasons stated above, will be excused IF they bring a written excuse from a parent, guardian, or medical provider, stating the reason for the absence.
The written excuse must be given to the desk clerk in the front lobby on the day the student returns to school.
8th Grade Office
Dr. A. Brown, Assistant Principal
Ms. E. Davis, Counselor
School Hours
8:55 AM - 4:00 PM
No drop-offs before 8:50 AM
Missed instructional time is detrimental to a student’s performance.
Parents are urged to make dental, medical, and other appointments before or after school hours.
If it becomes necessary for a student to check out during the day, parents must report to the desk in the front lobby to sign out the student.
Parents will be required to show picture identification in order to check out their children.
No check-outs or transportation changes shall be made after 3:30 PM
It is the expectation that students make up missed assignments whenever they are absent from school, or check-out early