ECMS PTSA

ECMS PTSA GENERAL MEETING FEBRUARY 23 AT 6PM

Join us at the ECMS PTSA General Meeting on Thursday February 23 at 6pm in the ECMS Theater.  A school presentation will begin immediately after the meeting then International Night follows!

ECMS PTSA Members will vote on the following:

Nominating Committee Elections

By Laws change to increase dues from $5 to $6 due to the $1 increase from State and National PTA (50 cents each)

Budget Amendment to include TEACHER GRANTS!! Please see budget below: 

Download 2012 Amended Budget Feb 22

Download REVISED Feb- proposed budget 2011-12

See you there!

Barbara Dyck and Alison Agnew

ECMS PTSA HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

The ECMS PTSA wishes all our families a Happy New Year!

As school begins, we have much in store for our students and upcoming students.   The PTSA also encourages you to be a part of the ECMS volunteers and take some time to volunteer for at one event this winter and spring.    

ECMS PTSA GENERAL MEETING – IMPORTANT VOTING OPPORTUNITY

The next ECMS PTSA General Meeting is on Thursday February 23, 2012, at 6pm, immediately before ECMS International Night.  We will have two important votes:  Nominating Committee Chairs and an increase to the ECMS PTSA dues from $5 per year to $6 per year starting next school year.   And it is never too late to join ECMS PTSA – just send in a check for $5 made out the ECMS PTSA with your student’s name and homeroom class.  It is tax deductible.

Barbara Dyck and Alison Agnew

ECMS PTSA Co-Presidents

ECMS PTSA HAPPY DECEMBER!

PTSA Angel Tree - A HUGE SUCCESS!  ALL OUR ANGELS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED AND OUR FAMILIES WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Dear ECMS Families,

This fall the PTSA had challenges – a drop in PTSA membership and a severe drop in revenue due to low returns on the gift wrap sale and the book fair during conference week.  But we had more than money and membership could buy – VOLUNTEERS!  Yes, we were able to do more with less by the support of our mighty volunteers!  You showed us that you support PTSA and ECMS by showering us with your most valuable asset – TIME.  Every function was met with enthusiasm from the Meet and Greet to the Holiday Staff Luncheon – we had donations, volunteers and great attitudes.  Locker Stocker, Ambassador Desk and Copy Cats are great ways to volunteer throughout the year.  The fall Reflections program was a huge success with more entries than ever.  Students even entered in multiple categories.  Our next big student event is Honoring Our Heroes.  Encourage your child to submit an entry and share their hero with us.  Our ECMS families are the PTSA’s heroes!

Just as so many of our families are getting by doing more with less, so is our ECMS PTSA.  But our spirits cannot be higher as you consistently show us that you value our support of our students and ECMS.  It is never too late to join PTSA. 

Thank you,

Barbara Dyck and Alison Agnew

ECMS PTSA Co-Presidents

 

  

2012 “Honoring Our Heroes” Writing Contest

 

Honoring Our Heroes is a writing contest what was developed in 1995 by the Eastern Cobb County Council of PTAs.  The program was designed to encourage students to discover the “real life” heroes in their lives and to honor them in written form.  Essays are judged by volunteers outside of East Cobb Middle School.  Two winners are chosen, and will represent our school at a county-wide reception in March.

 

The contest begins January 17th and ends February 2nd.  All entries must be attached to an official entry form that will be provided to the Language Arts teachers.  Please submit all entries to Mrs. Masters in the Guidance Office.

Download HOH_Entry_2012

Please take this opportunity to honor your special hero with your best work.  If you have any questions, please contact:

 

Mrs. Moran whmracer99@aol.com

Mrs. Singer lesliesingerpta@gmail.com

 

Community Outreach 2011  

 

Help ECMS families this Holiday season! 

ECMS sponsors an Angel Tree to benefit students and families in need within our own school community.  Look for the tree in the main office.  

Stop by, choose an Angel from the tree and help fulfill a family's wish for a joyful holiday this year.  

 

Full instructions are available in the office.  Your donations will touch hearts and impact lives. The Outreach Committee, ECMS social worker and counselors thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

If you are interested in providing assistance and/or resources for Community Outreach, please contact Shay Antoniades (770) 971-0206 or ShayA@mindspring.com.

 

Toiletries Donation Drive

 

The Student Forum will begin their annual toiletries drive for a local battered women's shelter on November 28.  Donations of small, hotel-sized shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc. will be accepted during this drive, which will conclude on December 15.  Save up any extras you might obtain during Thanksgiving travel!  Containers for these donations will be available in both the main building and the annex.    

 

Help Feed the Hungry Staff   

We have a big event coming Tuesday Dec.6, the Staff Holiday Luncheon.    We will serve a beautiful lunch to our teachers, administrative staff, administrators, and custodial and lunch staff.

This is not a sit down event like the beginning of the year party but a drop in during their regularly scheduled lunch. 

 

Below is the link to the please bring it to sign up:

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/DiC9iCEy$Gs

 

 

Student Holidays

No school Friday December 23 - January 9

School returns Tuesday January 10, 2012 

 

Chanukah - Tues Dec. 20th at sundown - Wed. Dec. 28 at Sundown. 

Christmas - Sunday Dec. 25

Kwanzaa - Monday Dec. 26 - Sun. Jan.1, 2012

 

ECMS Needs You!

Volunteers are needed on a daily basis to walk the halls and keep our

students headed to class.  As you know, middle school can be a very social

time.  Having a little extra boost to get the students to class on time and

keep the hallways moving is a big help for our staff.  If you can volunteer

ANY time during the hours of 9am to 2:30pm, please come by the front office.

 

Locker Stocker

 Help sell school supplies and spirit wear to students Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8:45 until 9:15.  Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.   For additional information, please contact the Locker Stocker coordinator, Rhonda Kaye, at

rhondalk@bellsouth.net or Email Email Ginger McCoy 

for more information

 

  Listed below are the links for Locker Stocker and Ambassador Desk.   Please take a minute to sign up for a morning shift.  New incoming parents please sign up as well!!   Just a reminder that when you sign up for a shift but cannot make it, please find a replacement volunteer. 

 

6th Grade Locker Stocker: 

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker7  

 

7th-8th Grade Locker Stocker: 

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker8  

 

Ambassador Desk: 

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/ambassador7  

 

 

For complete instructions, please visit the PTSA blog at  

http://eastcobbmiddleschool.typepad.com/ptsa/.   

ECMS Foundation Weekly Wishes     Subscriptions to Current Science Magazine   Our science teachers have requested subscriptions to Current Science magazine from Weekly Reader.   An annual subscription costs $10.15 per student and includes print and digital editions, teacher guides and online trivia. Our teachers have asked for at least one subscription per classroom - and class sets would be ideal.       First Aid Kits for Each Classroom   Our teachers want to make sure they are equipped for life's little accidents.  They are requesting a first aid kit for each classroom.  This kit would include... an assortment of band aids antiseptic spray such as Bactine or Neosporin first aid/antibacterial wipes See the entire wish list HERE To donate, email Nick Mitchell or Toi Wilson. If you'd like to purchase the item directly or donate something you already have, contact Nick or Toi to arrange this. The Foundation will deliver your donation to the appropriate classroom on your behalf and provide you with a receipt for your charitable contribution.

 

Recycle, Reuse and Earn Money!      Cartridge Donation Bin Bring in any used printer and toner cartridges and the Cumberland Area Cartridge World will return the proceeds to the ECMS Foundation.   The Cartridge World bins are located in the Guidance Office and the Mailroom on the main hallway. So bring in your cartridges from home, work, church or school and help pay for the much-needed projects at East Cobb!   See how the program works HERE http://www.cartridgeworld.com/learnmore/

 

 

 

 

ECMS October 17, 2011

Since it is football season, some football quotes:

 

I've been big ever since I was little.
William "The Refrigerator" Perry

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.
George Halas

 

The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.
Vince Lombardi

 

Dear ECMS Chairs,

 

Thank you to Janet Zonio for always keeping us informed by keeping our Marquee up to date with the latest events! 

Thank you to Ginger McCoy for getting our volunteers in place for Locker Stocker, Copy Cats, and Ambassador Desk!

 

Volunteers are needed on a daily basis to walk the halls and keep our students headed to class.  As you know, middle school can be a very social time.  Having a little extra boost to get the students to class on time and keep the hallways moving is a big help for our staff.  If you can volunteer ANY time during the hours of 9am to 2:30pm, please come by the front office.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

Next week is BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK, and we need your help! Please take a moment to sign-up to bring or volunteer a small amount of time to show our appreciation to our bus drivers!

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/xq$Yl8S7LTU

Thank you,

Frieda Brown

HEARING & VISION/SCOLIOSIS NEEDS YOU OCTOBER 31, NOVEMBER 1 & 2.  Please contact Alison Agnew if you have any time during those days to help: agnew_ali@bellsouth.net

 

Gift Wrap Fundraiser pickup is November 9 in the Media Center at 4:30pm

 

The Parent Workshop Series: Parents "Go Green" with Language Arts scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 13 has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 3.

 

ECMS Book Fair October 20 - 26

It's that time of year again for our Annual ECMS Book Fair!

Thursday, 10/20 thru Wednesday 10/26 from  8:30 - 4:00
We are in need of many volunteers to fill shifts.  We also need volunteers for set-up and break-down.
Please sign up at:
http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/qnMaQ1dtx1s
or contact any of the Co-Chairs listed below.
Ellen Adams      Co-Chair      epadams@comcast.com
Jill Lynch           Co-Chair      jillanddave@bellsouth.net
Holly Moore      Co-Chair      hollymoore1@bellsouth.net 

 

Sign up HERE:

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/qnMaQ1dtx1s

 

GIFT WRAP FUNDRAISER

PICK UP

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9

4:30PM TO 7PM

ECMS MEDIA CENTER

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE ECMS PTSA A SUCCESS!

Did you have over $50 worth of sales?  Get a prize on pick up day!

ECMS Upcoming Events

Family Science Night  October 20 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

We are inviting the feeder elementary schools for a night of great activities from the portable Star Lab Planetarium and visitors from the Chattahoochee Nature Center.    

 

 

ECMS Needs You!

Locker Stocker

 Help sell school supplies and spirit wear to students Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8:45 until 9:15.  Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.   For additional information, please contact the Locker Stocker coordinator, Rhonda Kaye, at

rhondalk@bellsouth.net or Email Email Ginger McCoy 

for more information

 

  Listed below are the links for Locker Stocker and Ambassador Desk.   Please take a minute to sign up for a morning shift.  New incoming parents please sign up as well!!   Just a reminder that when you sign up for a shift but cannot make it, please find a replacement volunteer. 

 

6th Grade Locker Stocker: 

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker7  

 

7th-8th Grade Locker Stocker: 

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker8  

 

Ambassador Desk: 

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/ambassador7  

 

 

For complete instructions, please visit the PTSA blog at http://eastcobbmiddleschool.typepad.com/ptsa/.   

 

Cobb County 

Magnet School Open Houses

 

  

Pebblebrook High School Center for Excellence 

in the Performing Arts

Friday, October 14, 2011, at 7:30 PM, 

Jennie T. Anderson Theater, Cobb Civic Center  

Contact: Frank Timmerman

Phone 770.819.2521

 

Wheeler High School Center for Advance Studies
in Science, Math, & Technology

October 17 - Application available online

November 8 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Open House in the Gymnasium 

 

 

North Cobb School for International Studies

Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 7:00 PM, 
Media Center, North Cobb High School  

Contact: David Stephenson 

Phone: 770.975.6685 ext. 301

 

Campbell High School International Baccalaureate Program 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at 7:00 PM    

Contact: Dan Penick

Phone: 678.842.6856

 

Kennesaw Mountain High School Academy of 

Mathematics, Science, and Technology 

Thursday, November 17, 2011, at 6:30 PM, 
Kennesaw Mountain High School TheaterContact: Dr. Mimi Dyer

Phone: 678-331-3954

 

South Cobb High School Academy of Research and Medical Sciences

Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 7:00 PM,
Theater, South Cobb High School

Dr. Erika Ijames-Wilson, Coordinator

Phone 770.819.2611, x. 283.

 

ECMS PTSA September 2011

2011 - 2012 REFLECTIONS THEME IS "DIVERSITY MEANS..."

Students can download the entry forms and rules for the National PTA sponsored art contest

Entry forms can be found downloaded here:

http://www.cobbk12.org/EastCobb/pdfs/Reflections/ECMS_2011_Student%20Entry%20Form_ENG.pdf

 

This year’s forms have a few additional requirements. Title of Work and Artist Statement are required on the entry form. An entry form is required for each submission. The Consent Form should be used if a child or adult’s recognizable image or voice is included in a Reflections entry. We are going green and you must download forms from the website and, if possible, type the information before printing. But forms can also be found at the school at the front office or through your teacher.

The theme this year is “Diversity Means…” Students may submit original work for this theme in the following categories: Musical Composition, Visual Arts, Literature, Photography, Dance choreography, and Film/Video Production. A student could write/perform or sing a song they wrote related to the theme. Or they could draw or paint a picture that inspires one to think of this theme. A student may also write a poem, story, or essay about what “Diversity Means…” There are so many ways to participate in all of these categories.

The deadline for entries is Friday, October 7^th.

Come on everyone. Let’s all get inspired to create and enter this contest! Students may enter as many times and categories as they wish. Entries will be judged at the local school level ( that’s us here at ECMS). Winners will then be sent to the county and then if they place there they compete statewide and then at the National level .Please contact Amy Hunkler with any questions or concerns at JamesHunkler@gmail.com.

ECMS PTSA BOOKFAIR:

It's that time of year again for our Annual ECMS Book Fair!

Thursday, 10/20 8:30 - 4:00

Friday, 10/21 8:30 - 4:00

Monday, 10/24 8:30 - 4:00

Tuesday, 10/25 8:30 - 4:00

Wednesday, 10/26 8:30 - 4:00

Please come out and support the ECMS Book Fair. We have something for everyone. This year, we are also offering ordering books on-line through Scholastic from 10/20 - 10/28. The link for ordering on-line will be put on the ECMS website.

We are in need of many volunteers to fill shifts. We also need volunteers for set-up and break-down.

Please sign up at:

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/qnMaQ1dtx1s or contact any of the Co-Chairs listed below.

Teachers - there will be wish lists available so start working on your lists.

Cash/Credit Cards Only ------ No Returns/Exchanges

Ellen Adams Co-Chair epadams@comcast.com

Jill Lynch Co-Chair jillanddave@bellsouth.net

Holly Moore Co-Chair hollymoore1@bellsouth.net

ECMS News

Hello ECMS Families!

If you have joined PTSA, thank you!! If you haven't joined yet, we hope you will consider sending in your $5 membership. ECMS PTSA e-news is just one example of the communication tools brought to you by the ECMS PTSA to help improve the home-school connection.

 

Each grade level will soon have their own PTSA-sponsored
after-school party: $2 for PTSA members and $3 for nonmembers. Food and drinks will be on sales as well.

8th grade on Sept 1
7th grade on Sept 8
6th grade on Sept 15.
Students must have a permission slip signed in advance to attend.

 

Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser is well under way, with orders due by Sept 7. Prizes will be awarded to top sellers, including a raffle for three hours of free housecleaning.

 

Come cheer for our school at the East Cobber Parade on Sept 10. Route is down Johnson Ferry Road starting at Mt. Bethel Elementary.

 

If you have signed up via the volunteer form and haven't heard from anyone yet, please be patient!! Someone will be in touch with you soon. You can also visit and help in your student's classrooms. Just email the teacher and check in at the office. Our wonderful principal Ms. Honore and her stellar team have made it clear that the doors at ECMS are always open to each of us.

 

Barbara Dyck and Alison Agnew

ECMS PTSA Co-presidents

 

ECMS Events

 

8th Grade Football at Wheeler

vs. Centennial

Saturday Sept. 3 at 5pm

 

8th Grade Party

Sept. 1, 4:30pm to 5:30pm

 

Monday September 5
NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Holiday

 

7th Grade Party

Sept. 8, 4:30pm

 

6th Grade Party
Sept. 15, 4:30pm

 

Fall Bowling Fundraiser

Brunswick Zone Marietta, 2749 Delk Road

Sunday, Sept 18, 2-4 pm

Feeder School News   Follow the Wheeler High School renovation project here: http://www.cobbk12.org/wheeler/SPLOST_Index.aspx   Sedalia Park Fall Festival and Art Show September 21 at 5:00 pm Sope Creek Octoberfest - Oct 1 from 2pm to 6pm   Wheeler High School September 1st: Open House at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.   Be in the Band! Save the Date! The Wheeler High School Wildcat Pride Marching Band would like to invite 7th and 8th grade band students and parents to one of the true highlights of the fall semester! Come experience the fun of being part of a high school band! Students get to be members of the Wheeler Wildcat Pride band for the night. They play in the stands with Wheeler's award-winning band, receive a special T-shirt for the evening and have lots of fun. This year Middle School Night will be on October 28, 2011. Parents, forms will come home with your student during the third week of September. They will also be on the ECMS band blog at that time. Let's make this the best Middle School Night ever!!     Community News East Cobber parade on Sept 10 @ 10:00am   ** We want to hear from you. Send us important dates and events that would be of interest to our readers. To get your school and community news listed here, send email to Allison Carter, Newsletter Editor.   ECMS Needs You! Locker Stocker Help sell school supplies and spirit wear to students Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8:45 until 9:15. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. For additional information, please contact the Locker Stocker coordinator, Rhonda Kaye, at rhondalk@bellsouth.net or Email Email Ginger McCoy for more information   Listed below are the links for Locker Stocker and Ambassador Desk. Please take a minute to sign up for a morning shift. New incoming parents please sign up as well!! Just a reminder that when you sign up for a shift but cannot make it, please find a replacement volunteer.   6th Grade Locker Stocker: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker7   7th-8th Grade Locker Stocker: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker8   Ambassador Desk: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/ambassador7

ECMS BACK TO SCHOOL!

Dear ECMS Chairs,

ECMS will extend the time for Back to School Night just
slightly (6:00-8:30). ECMS is planning for everyone to meet in the gym from
6:00-6:20. PTSA will open the meeting with a welcome and brief meeting,
followed by the Foundation and Principal Honore will close the meeting with a
welcome and overview of the evening. Each class session will be 10
minutes and we have built in time for parents to obtain Pinnacle
information. The revised times will be posted on the webpage. See
you Thursday!

Back to School Night with PTSA General Meeting Volunteers Needed

Thursday August 25th 5:30pm to 6:30 pm – please sign up: http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/Te20ARIXheM

The first few weeks of school are the hottest Locker Stocker days with
students lining up to buy school supplies. Please help us get our students the
supplies they need to help them have a successful new year:

6th grade Locker Stocker: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/locker7

7th-8th grade Locker Stocker: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/locker8

Ambassador Desk: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/ambassador7Thank you to all our ECMS families and we look forward to a
great year!

ECMS PTSA WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012!

Dear ECMS PTSA and Volunteers,

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

The week before school was a great success! Jr. Wildcat Daze, packet stuffing, the back to school Staff Luncheon and all that went along with it went very well. We could not have had such great success without the great Committee Chairs and the volunteers and students who helped get thsi school year started.

But, wait! There's MORE! Yes, it does not end here! The first few weeks of school are the hottest Locker Stocker days with students lining up to buy school supplies. Please help us get our students the supplies they need to help them have a successful new year:

 

6th grade Locker Stocker: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/locker7

7th-8th grade Locker Stocker: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/locker8

Ambassador Desk: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/ambassador7

 

ECMS PTSA thanks you ahead of time for taking the time to kick of the school year in a great way. We especially need your help next week.

You may notice that we have not scheduled a Chair Committee Meeting for next week because we are already asking for so much of your valuable time this last week before school starts. On Wednesday August 10, students are a great help in the packet stuffing and we will write Community Service letters to any groups that come help. Please forward this email to service groups – Leadership Clubs, Scouts, Church, etc. WE NEED YOU!

ECMS NEEDS YOU! MANY WAYS TO HELP! PLEASE FORWARD!

Jr. Wildcat Daze - Tuesday Aug. 9

Please volunteer for Jr. Wildcat Daze (meet and greet) which will be held Tues. August 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Check the Please Bring It list at the link below and sign up if you can help us sell memberships, calendars, directories, Spirit Wear, and locker stocker items.
Sign up here:
http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/6ibRkl4CC+U

 

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 10 from 9AM TO 12PM –

CCSD PACKET STUFFING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS WILL BE NOTED FOR SERVICE UNITS:

Please help us stuff CCSD packets that go home with students the first day of school. The more volunteers, the faster this goes and we need your help. Leadership Clubs, Scout Troops, Church Groups, ANY and ALL service groups – this is a way to get service hours! Please join us East Cobb Middle School ANYTIME between 9am and 12pm. We will take as little or as much time as you can give us. It’s easy and COOL since it will be inside!

Questions? Contact Barbara Dyck at barbara@thedycks.com

 

Teacher Luncheon - Thursday Aug. 11

We need your help to kick off the new school year and welcome our teachers back.. The ECMS Teacher's Pre-Planning Luncheon has been scheduled for Thursday, August 11. This year we will do a Taco Bar.

Please plan to drop off your items between 9 and 10 at ECMS. If that time does not work for you, please contact Beth Jacob to arrange to meet you. If possible, please bring food in containers that do not need to be returned. If containers need to be returned, please put your name and phone number on them. I will let you know when you can come back to claim your dishes. Beth Jacobs Hospitality Chair phone number 770-303-0299

Thank you to all who can sign up.

Sign up to bring items to the luncheon:
http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/Q4ZmIxmLkE8

 

Sign up to staff the luncheon:

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/3EJl1wrT0hs

Please help us make this a great success!

 

Back to School Night with PTSA General Meeting
Thursday August 25th 6pm – Volunteer info will be posted closer to the date

 

 

After all your help, let us thank you at the PTSA First Chair Meeting - Monday Aug. 22

Monday August 22 9:30am – come join us for a light breakfast!

 

 

Dear ECMS Families,

Can you believe that in less than one month, our children will be back in student mode?! The summer just flies by! We hope everyone had a safe and fun summer break.

Tuesday August 9th from 5:30 - 7pm Jr. Wildcat Daze

Thursday August 11th Back to School Staff Luncheon (volunteers always needed!)

To sign up to help with the staff luncheon:

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/Q4ZmIxmLkE8

or contact Beth Jacobs at bwjacobs@comcast.net or 770-303-0299

Monday August 15th First Day of School

Thursday August 18th 5:30pm - 8pm Orchestra and Band Instrument Test Drive

Monday August 22 9:30am ECMS PTSA Chair meeting

Thursday August 25th 6pm Back to School Night with PTSA General Meeting

 

ECMS NEEDS YOU! Be part of your student's middle school experience. ECMS has many ways for you to participate in the capacity that works for you - with time at school, working on projects from home, donating goods or services, helping with business contacts, etc. The ECMS PTSA, Foundation, and school want you to be part your student's school life. And we can help you by getting your information so you can be an active participant. Please download the volunteer opportunity sheet below and find what interests you.

Download Volunteer Positions for All ECMS Committees & Foundation

ECMS welcomes families and kicks off the new year with the following August events:

We can't wait to see you here!

Barbara Dyck and Alison Agnew

PTSA Co-Presidents

1ST PLACE OUTSTANDING LOCAL UNIT FOR DISTRICT 9!

WE DID IT! 

 

All our hard work these past two years have truly made a difference for the ECMS PTSA.  Your efforts and dedication have made our PTSA one of the best in Georgia!  Today Barbara Dyck, Cindy Davis and Principal Honore attended the PTA 9^th District Spring Conference where our success shone!  The 9^th District represents Cobb County, Douglas County, Haralson County, Carroll County, Polk County, and Paulding County PTA’s.  During the conference, awards were presented to the PTA’s who submitted Priority Reports for this year.  The Priority Reports entail describing the PTA’s roll at the school and how we encompass the National PTA’s Standards into our school.  WE ROCKED!

 

Drum roll please!

 

1^ST PLACE OUTSTANDING LOCAL UNIT

 

MODEL PTA - District and STATE LEVEL!

 

National Standards for Family-School Partnerships Certificates:

SILVER – STANDARD #1 WELCOMING ALL FAMILIES INTO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

SILVER – STANDARD #2 COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

BRONZE – STANDARD #3 SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

BRONZE – STANDARD #4 SPEAKING UP FOR EVERY CHILD

SILVER – STANDARD #5 SHARING POWER

SILVER – STANDARD #6 COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY

 

Last Wednesday, we also won at the East Cobb County Council Level:

SPECTACULAR SIX AWARD

BEST IDEAS CERTIFICATE for the Rising 6^th Grade Dinner/Information Session

So go ahead and brag to your neighbors and friends!  You deserve a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE!

And we could not have come to this point without the tireless effort of our incredible PTSA Co-Secretary Kristin Blackstock.  Her tireless devotion to ECMS has put this PTSA on the top!  A standing ovation for 8TH GRADE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR KRISTIN BLACKSTOCK!

 
 

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!!!

April 20th News

Yesterday the twig was brown and bare;
To-day the glint of green is there;
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare;
I know no thing so wondrous fair,
No miracle so strangely rare.
I wonder what will next be there!
~L.H. Bailey

Dear ECMS Chairs,

A little more than a month to go!  How quickly middle school flies.  Thank you to everyone who has made this year so incredible.  We have a few more big events and we hope spring fever holds off for a little while longer so we can get through the rest of the school year.  Thank goodness CRCT’s are over!

Early Release Days Scheduled:
Please note the early release schedule for May 24 & 25, 2011:
  • High Schools: ALL Students released at 11:30 a.m.
     (no regular dismissal at 3:30 p.m.)
  • Middle Schools: Students released at 12:30 p.m.
  • Elementary Schools: Students released at 1:30 p.m.

ECMS Awards Days Updates Due to Early Release Day Changes:

Students who receive invitations will be awarded according to the following schedule:

6th May 23rd 9:30AM

7th May 24th 9:30AM

8th May 25th 9:30AM

ECMS PTSA NEWS

Staff Appreciation Help Needed
 Donations of food and/or time is needed to create a wonderful Staff Appreciation Week.  This event is held April 25-29th.  However, we need to work on this week NOW!  We are planning a lunch, breakfast and several small tokens of appreciation.  If you prefer to support this event by making a donation of money, please e-mail ecmschairs@live.com.  Please check out the following links to offer your support.
 There are items that cost no money (write a note of appreciation),  gift cards ($5- I am happy to have a different location than what is listed), food of varying prices-some store bought, some homemade, and volunteer opportunities.  Please support this event.
 Gift cards are needed asap.  The food will not be needed until the end of April-but please sign up now so I know we have the supplies that are needed for a nice celebration.
 This is the link to donate food. 
http://ecmsvolunteers.pleasebringit.com/public/aIDJnn5lGbU 

This is the link to donate time or goods.
http://ecmsvolunteers.pleasebringit.com/public/vHxvLKOATcI    
This is the link to donate gift items. 

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/oEF1bDm8RFs

If you have any questions, please contact Kristin at ecmschairs@live.com.
Thanks for your support!

 

ECMS Foundation News

 

The ECMS Foundation seeks committed volunteers to help raise friends and funds as a member of its 2011-12 board and committees. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate, contact a member of the nominating committee: http://ecmsfoundation.org/board/
This year more than ever, as ECMS adjusts to historic budget cuts, the Foundation wants to help fill classroom and equipment needs from its teacher wish list.. You may donate online with PayPal or mail a check. Click here for details. http://ecmsfoundation.org/give/ .

SCHOOL NEWS

Sweets & Swing: WHS, EMCS Jazz Bands 
The East Cobb Middle School and Wheeler High School jazz ensembles come together for Sweets & Swing, an evening of jazz and dessert, Tuesday, April 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the East Cobb Middle School cafeteria. All are invited to enjoy great tunes and sweet treats donated by parents and local businesses! More >  http://wildcatpride.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/sweets-swing-april-26-at-ecms/

Wheeler night at Bingo!
Come play bingo with other Wheeler students and families this Saturday evening, April 16, from 6:30-9:30 at the VFW  at 140 Powers Ferry Road (between the 120 loop and Roswell Road).

Calling starts at 7:30, but be there early to buy your games and find a table with friends.

Students, parents and family members are welcome. Anyone over age 6 can play, as long as they are with an adult if they’re younger than 18. Bingo is an alcohol-free and smoke-free environment.

A $10 minimum per person — cash only! — buys two books, and prizes range from $70 to the jackpot of at least $920. The snack bar sells hot dogs, burgers and other goodies, or you can bring your own. At Wheeler nights in previous years, one student won the jackpot, and another won a game. 

Bingo is a year-round fundraiser for Wheeler’s Wildcat Pride Band, which hosts occasional Wheeler nights.

More > http://wildcatpride.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/bingo-wheeler-night-this-saturday/

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

FROM GEORGIA PTA – YOUTH SERVICES WORKSHOP

Recognizing and Managing Anxiety Disorders in    

Children and Adolescents

Ashraf Attalla, M.D.

April 20, 2011     10:00 - 11:30 am

Ridgeview Institute, Professional North Building

The workshop helps parents and educators identify and understand anxiety symptoms and risk factors in children and adolescents. Treatment options (including both psychological interventions and medications) will be presented, along with typical outcomes.

Ashraf Attalla, M.D., is the Program Director of Youth Services at Ridgeview Institute, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Psychology at Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine and the Director of Clinical Trials at the Institute of Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Attalla completed his child and adolescent psychiatry training at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. His practice is located on the Ridgeview campus. For more information, (770) 319-8013 or www.ashrafattalla.com

The workshop is free and open to the public.  No reservations are required.

DIRECTIONS to RIDGEVIEW INSTITUTE:

3995 S. Cobb Drive
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Phone: (770) 434-4567 (800) 329-9775

Ridgeview is located off I-285 at Exit 15 (S. Cobb Drive). From Exit 15, you will travel north on S. Cobb Drive approximately 2.5 miles. Ridgeview is on the right. When you enter the campus, the Professional North Building is the first building on left.  Parking is available adjacent to the building.

Thank you for all you do!

Barbara and Alison

WELCOME SPRING! ECMS PTSA NEWS APRIL 2011

March comes in like lion and leaves like a lamb – EXCEPT FOR THIS YEAR!  Let’s hope April brings us warmth and sunshine.

 Dear ECMS Chairs,

 April is upon us with all that it brings – Spring Break, CRCT’s, Teacher Appreciation Week, and hopefully lots of clear sunny days!

 March has been a very busy month.  Our music students had their Large Group Performances, all state events, and jamborees.  We are so fortunate have such an incredible music department.

 Our biggest success this month was the CAMPUS CLEAN UP DAY!  An ENORMOUS ROUND OF APPLAUSE for Beautification Chair Christie Newhouse who worked tirelessly to get all the groups involved to make this project a success.  The rain has put a damper on the week but you can tell much was accomplished since there is no orange dirt running across sidewalks and the parking lot during these rainy days.  We had close to 60 people join us on a very cloudy Saturday but Mother Nature let us finish our work.  Over 300 bags of leaves, weeds, and trash were picked up and over 100 bales of pine straw strewn out.  Thank you to ECMS PTSA, Foundation, administration, teachers, students, parents, Student Council, 7^th grade cheerleaders, Academic Habits teams, high school students, and Keep Cobb Beautiful who joined in the clean-up effort with donations of time, supplies, cash, flowers, and pine straw.  It was truly a combination of all these teams who worked non-stop for 4 hours to make our campus beautiful and ready for spring.

If anyone needs a service letter or a tax exempt donation letter, please email me and I will get that to you ASAP.  You deserve it!

 

Now it is time to introduce our 2011-2012 ECMS PTSA Executive Board as elected at Monday March 28, 2011, PTSA General Meeting:

CO-PRESIDENTS:  Alison Agnew and Barbara Dyck

CO-VICE PRESIDENTS:  Kimberly Berman and Cindy Davis

CO-SECRETARIES:  Alanne Orjoux and Jana Brubacher

TREASURER:  Hulya Seymour

 

Thank you for serving and it is going to be another great year!

 

FOUNDATION NEWS: The ECMS Foundation seeks committed volunteers to help raise friends and funds as a member of its 2011-12 Board of Directors. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate, contact a member of the nominating committee: http://ecmsfoundation.org/board/

 

Wednesday, March 30th @ 5:30 in the Gym - Winter Guard Championship Send-Off - Our Winter Guard is going to Macon to compete. We would love to have lots of family and friends come support our girls and send them off with a great Good Luck celebration.  

 

APRIL EVENTS:

 

• Friday April 1^st – 3^rd Quarter Jr. Wildcat Celebration
• Friday, Apr 1st 11:45 - 1:45  in the Old Gym @ Wheeler High School Global Festival '11 -  This is Wheeler's International Festival. They will have student exhibits, International Food and Live Entertainment
• April 4 – April 8 – Spring Break
• April 12 – April 18 – CRCT Testing
• Friday, April 15 – Federal Income Tax Due
• Tuesday, Apr 19th -  Chick-Fil-A Night @ East Lake  5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• April 18 – April 21 – National Turn Off Your TV Week
• Wednesday, April 20 – Jr. Wildcat Newsletter Articles Due for the last newsletter of the year!
• Monday, April 25 – PTSA Chair Meeting at 8:30am in the Media Center
• April 25 – April 29 – Staff Appreciation Week – please see volunteer opportunities and donations needed links below
• Friday, April 29 – Foundation Chic-Fil-A and Krispy Kreme Breakfast in the Lobby

 

VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS NEEDED:

 

The year is not over and we need volunteers for Locker Stocker, Ambassador Desk and Copy Cats as well as Teacher Appreciation Week and 8^th Grade Dance.  Below are the links to help and you can always find the volunteer/donation information on our PTSA blog http://eastcobbmiddleschool.typepad.com/ptsa/

Locker Stocker and Ambassador Desk signups are now on the Signup Genius site. There is also a new chance to help out with Copy Cats. You know that teachers have heavier loads than ever this year and need to spend their time on classroom instruction. This is something we can do to help ease the effects of budget cuts just a bit.
To sign up for 6th grade locker stocker go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker3
To sign up for 7th-8th grade locker stocker go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/locker4
To sign up for ambassador desk go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/ecms2
To sign up for copy cats go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/ecms1

Staff Appreciation Help Needed
 
Donations of food and/or time is needed to create a wonderful Staff Appreciation Week.  This event is held April 25-29th.  We are planning a lunch, breakfast and several small tokens of appreciation.  If you prefer to support this event by making a donation of money, please e-mail ecmschairs@live.com.  Please check out the following links to offer your support.
 
This is the link to donate food. 
http://ecmsvolunteers.pleasebringit.com/public/aIDJnn5lGbU 

This is the link to donate time or goods.
http://ecmsvolunteers.pleasebringit.com/public/vHxvLKOATcI    
 
This is the link to donate gift items. 

http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/oEF1bDm8RFs

 

If you have any questions, please contact Kristin at ecmschairs@live.com.

 

8^th Grade Dance
Do you have any Hollywood/Movie themed decorations or connections to donations? 
 
The PTSA 8th grade Dance Committee is looking for Hollywood/Movie  themed decorations.  We would like to collect the decoratons as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.   If you have anything that the committee can use, please e-mail ecmschairs@live.com or send a note marked ATTN: PTSA to the school.

 Please think about other clubs, churches or groups that you may find decorations through. 
Also, let us know if you have a contact that may offer donations.  We need to find community support as well as, family support.
 
8th Grade Families.....
 
The 8th Grade Dance Committee needs your help.  The committee has projects that can be done from home, on your own schedule, before the dance, during  the dance or after the dance.  Please check out the following links if you can donate time and/or goods.  You can also send a note into your child's homeroom teacher if you are willing to help.  
 
http://ecms.pleasebringit.com/public/ohtPgOfn0dc      This link is volunteers and goods

A food link will be sent closer to the dance.   

The more families that get involved, the better the celebration.  Even though this event is approximately 40 school days away, it takes a lot of planning.  Please sign up now!  Thank you for your support!
 
8th Grade Dance details....
 
The theme is Hollywood: Reach for the Stars.  Date and time:  Friday, May 20th from 6:30-9 pm    PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP AT 9 PM SHARP!!!
Cost:  $7 per child- there is no need to bring money to this dance; all items are included in ticket prices.  Save your money now!
Dress:  The clothing is meant to follow school dress code.  This is a special occasion so we hope the children will be nicely dressed: similar to picture day, a family celebration or church event.  It is okay to wear a long dress but it is not necessary.  Please ask the homeroom teacher if you have questions or concerns about dress code for this event.
Food:  Snacks and sweets will be served.  This event will not be dinner for the children; please feed your child prior to arriving. 
The amount of food, volunteers and donations received will determine what is offered at this dance.
If you have any questions, please contact Kristin at ecmschairs@live.com.

Thank you for all you do!

Barbara and Alison