Message to ESS Remote Learners

Thank you for your patience as we finalize our remote learning schedule and plans. We have selected our certified teachers, and they are hard at work in preparing for your child to have a successful and engaging remote learning experience. Although students will be still attached their previously assigned teams (Bobcats, Cheetahs, Cougars, Lions, and Jaguars). As remote learners, they will be part of the Space Cats! Each teacher has been assigned a virtual homeroom class. Their homeroom teachers will be in contact with you on Friday, August 7^th.

 Change in “Meet the Teacher Drive Through” Time

The teachers are really excited to meet their Space Cats on Wednesday, however, we have had to change the time in order for them to attend a training on Wednesday afternoon. Therefore, we have changed the remote learners iPad/supply kit pick-up time to 8:30 am on Wednesday, August 5^th. I do apologize for this late notice.

We will follow the same process as mentioned in the email last week.

1. You will enter through the main front driveway via East Samford Ave. 
2. Be prepared to provide your child’s full name to pick up your iPad and pre-ordered supply kits. You will see our remote learning teachers at their assign spot waving and happy to welcome you to East Samford! iPads will be distributed only to those who have signed the agreement and paid the fee.

 As a reminder, before the device can be issued to the students, parents must do the following:

1. Carefully read the iPad Handbook . A copy is available on the ESS website under "Parents". The link is titled: "iPad 1:1 PACE Initiative". 
2. Electronically sign the “Student/Parent iPad Agreement" on “MySchoolBucks”
3. Pay the $50 Technology Fee on “MySchoolBucks”

Schedules for Remote Learners

At this time, we are student schedules are being finalized which include their electives. We will assign the students’ electives based upon preferences made in the spring. The only elective choices for remote learners will be the following listed and described below. More information regarding your child’s schedule and what to expect during the 1^st week of school will be shared at the end of this week.

Electives for Remote Learners

Art- Students transition from exploratory art discovery to a more discipline-based approach. This new approach focuses on developing students’ skills and techniques as well as content knowledge, while still allowing for exploration and individuality. Students have the opportunity to act as real artists through repeated sketching, concept development, and continued research and observation activities while they work with a variety of media. Art 7 includes a strong focus on independent, creative thinking and problem solving through project-based learning. This course is designed to cover a half year of instruction, but it can be completed at each student’s own pace. The project-based activities have dedicated, multi-day lessons to allow students time to sufficiently and successfully develop their ideas and artwork.

Middle School Coding- Do you find yourself wondering how your favorite apps, websites, and games were made? Maybe you want to try building your own. Well, now you can! In Coding 1a, you will learn all about the technology you use in your day-to-day life as well as explore how the internet functions. Get an introduction to the basics of computer science and discover how to create and build your very own website using HTML and CSS. You’ll also become familiar with programming languages like JavaScript and Python Programming. You will leave the course with your very own portfolio of work that will showcase your skills and all that you’ve created.

7^th Grade Music- Students explore the history, development, and attributes of American music. They will learn music theory and music reading skills, which are presented and reinforced within the context of historical musical works. Students interpret sheet music that represents various genres of American music. Additionally, students practice performing music vocally and with a pitched instrument.

 Middle School Exploring Music- What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘music’? Do you think about your favorite band or artist? Or do you think about instruments and scales and chords? The word music means something different to everyone. Which is why in this Music course, there’s a little bit of something for everyone! You will learn about how we hear music; how music affects our lives; important elements of music like rhythm, pitch, and harmony; different musical genres; singing and your voice; various instruments; music composition; and the history and culture of music over the years. Tune up your understanding and appreciation for all things music.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. 

Hello ESS parents!

We are so excited to welcome our 7th grade students to East Samford School on Monday, August 10^th.  Here are a few announcements and reminders as we prepare to begin another great school year.

Meet the Teacher Drive-Thru- August 5^th

We are so excited to host our annual “Meet the Teacher”- Drive Thru Edition. Parents and students are invited to drive through the Bus Line and meet their team teachers. Please see schedule below:

• Jaguars 8:30-9:30
• Cheetahs 9:45-10:45
•  Cougars 11:00-12:00
• Bobcats 1:00-2:00
• Lions 2:15-3:15
• ALL Remote Learners 2:15-3:15

While you are here, you will be able to do the following:

1. Meet your teachers!
2. Pick up your pre-ordered supply kits
3. Drop-off any medication at the outdoor nurse’s station (if applicable)
   1.  Click here  to access the medication guidelines and the required school medication forms. Be prepared to provide the completed form to Nurse McClary.

 Directions to the Bus Line (Traditional Learners Only!)

1. The only way you can access the bus line area is via the Wrights Mill Road entrance. Once on Wrights Mill Road, you will turn at the big blue sign labeled “City of Auburn Samford Pool” and continue around the curve. You will see the team teachers at their assign spot waving and happy to welcome you to East Samford!
2. DO NOT get out of the car! You will be directed to pull up to the nearest station
3. If you pre-purchased a supply kit, be prepared to provide your child’s full name.
4. If you have medication to drop-off, you will be directed to drive into the 7000 Building parking lot. Nurse McClary will be there to assist you.

 Directions to the Front Drive (Remote Learners Only!)

1. You will enter through the main front driveway via East Samford Ave. Be prepared to provide your child’s full name to pick up your iPad and pre-ordered supply kits. You will see the team teachers at their assign spot waving and happy to welcome you to East Samford! iPads will be distributed only to those who have signed the agreement and paid the fee(see details below).

 iPad Distribution

Traditional Learners: iPads will be distributed during the first week of school. Before the device can be issued to the students, parents must do the following:

1. Carefully read the iPad Handbook . A copy is available on the ESS website under "Parents". The link is titled: "iPad 1:1 PACE Initiative".
2. Electronically sign the “Student/Parent iPad Agreement" on “MySchoolBucks”
3. Pay the $50 Technology Fee on “MySchoolBucks”

First Days of School

Students will only need to bring their backpack, pen, binder and paper.

Each day, all doors will open at 7:40am. Supervision will not begin until that time. If students arrive before 7:40am, they will need to remain in their vehicle or bus.

Once doors open, they will have an opportunity to purchase and eat breakfast in the cafeteria then report directly to their homeroom. Seating in the Tiger Café has been limited to follow social distancing guidelines.

 To help students find their team area, staff members will greet students in both the bus and car lines. We will have directional signage to assist as well. Once they arrive to their team area, team teachers will direct them to their homeroom classroom.

 Homeroom begins at 8:10am. students will be marked tardy if they are not in their homeroom class at that time. Once students arrive to homeroom, they will need to ask permission to leave.

 We will extend homeroom on the first days of school in order to discuss the following:

1. Receive class schedules
2. COVID-19 procedures and expectations
3. Discuss general school expectations and procedures
4. Team building
5. iPad training and distribution

 Other Reminders

1. Those who purchased lockers have been refunded via MySchoolBucks.
2. The following items are available for purchase via MySchoolBucks:
   1. Elective Fees (if applicable)
   2. ESS Student Planner= $5
   3. Yearbook= $30 or $35 w/name stamp
3. 2019-20 DMS yearbooks will be distributed to students once they arrive.
4. Virtual Curriculum Night- 6:00-7:00pm
   1. Cheetahs/Cougars/Lions- Tuesday, August 18th
   2. Jags/Bobcats- Wednesday, August 19^th
   3. Accelerated Math Sessions will be held at 5:30pm each night

ESS Virtual Orientation Video

Click here for the ESS Virtual Orientation

Return to Learning Plans

Click here for the ESS Return to Learning Plan. This plan includes details specific to ESS.

Click here for the ACS Return to Learning Plan. This plan is for all of ACS and includes the link for parents to select the learning model for their children.

Items Available for Purchase

The following items are currently available for purchase via MySchool Bucks (https://www.myschoolbucks.com):

• ESS T-shirt = $10
• ESS Student Planner= $5
• Yearbook= $30 or $35 w/name stamp
• iPad Technology Fee= $50
  • Before the device can be issued to the students, parents must do the following:
    1. Carefully read the iPad Handbook . A copy is attached and also available on the ESS website under "Parents". The link is titled: "iPad 1:1 PACE Initiative".
    2. Electronically sign the “Student/Parent iPad Agreement" in “MySchoolBucks”
    3. Pay the $50 Technology Fee on “MySchoolBucks”

** Elective Fees- 

• Medical Detectives= $10
• Design and Modeling = $40
• Band Fees= $60
• Choir Fees =$60

Supply List 2020-21

Supply List

Student Accident Insurance

2020-2021 Student Accident Insurance Plans - English

2020-2021 Student Accident Insurance Plans - Spanish

ESS Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

ESS Arrival/Dismissal Video