This year's theme is Celebrating the Women Who Tell Our Stories.

Find resources for communicating to students the many ways women and girls have changed the world through the power of their voices

Enjoy! 🗣 🎤🪧✍🏽

We invite you to sign up for a Parent-Teacher Conference on March 5th and 6th. These conferences are an essential opportunity to collaborate with your child’s teacher and gain valuable insights into their education.

Parent-Teacher Conferences provide:

✅ Understanding of Expectations – Learn about the curriculum, teaching methods, and classroom expectations to better support your child’s learning.

✅ Insight into Your Child’s Progress – Receive a comprehensive overview of your child’s academic achievements, strengths, and areas where they may need additional support.

✅ Ways to Support Learning at Home – Discover strategies to reinforce classroom learning and help your child succeed.

Building a strong partnership between home and school is crucial for your child’s success. We encourage all parents to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with teachers and stay informed about their child's academic journey.

Please sign up for a conference at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to call the school at 770-972-2220.

We look forward to meeting with you and working together for your child’s success!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Garner
Parent Instructional Coordinator

March 03-Scholastic Book Fair: In-Person Shopping (Day 1/4)

March 04-Scholastic Book Fair: In-Person Shopping (Day 2/4)

March 05-Scholastic Book Fair: In-Person Shopping (Day 2/4)

Early Release (Parent Teacher Conferences) 11:45 am Dismissal

Play 2 Learn 9:30 – 11am

March 06-Scholastic Book Fair: In-Person Shopping (Day 4/4)

Early Release (Parent Teacher Conferences) 11:45 am Dismissal

March 07-Technology and Pastries with Parents 7:15AM-8:00AM

March 12-Play 2 Learn 9:30-11:00AM

March 13-Math Workshop 5:00PM-6:30PM

March 14-Digital Learning Day # 4

March 17-St. Patrick's Day

March 18-Community Reader Day

ELT Afterschool

March 19-Play 2 Learn 10:00AM/Centerville Library

March 20-ELT Afterschool

March 25-ELT Afterschool

March 26-Play 2 Learn 9:30-11:00AM

March 27-ELT Afterschool

March 28-Local School Council Meeting 7:30 – 8:30am

Kona Ice

Ready By 5 (RB5) is a FREE 8-week program designed for families with children from birth to age 5. This program offers a unique chance for parents and children to learn together in a fun and engaging way, supporting families in being their child’s first and best teachers.

GWINNETT COUNTY PARENT MENTORS PRESENT

For All Families of Students Receiving Special Education Services in Gwinnett County Public Schools

Topic:

“Planning for an Engaging Summer Break”

This session is highly recommended for families of students at all levels (elementary, middle, and high school).

It’s hard to believe but it is already time to begin thinking about the summer break. What will your child do

over the summer months? Planning for a fun and fulfilling summer takes thought, time, and preparation. Now

is the time to begin making and solidifying those summer plans, as many options require registration in the

Spring. In this session, we will discuss options such as summer camp, volunteerism, public library programs,

family field trips and more.

Presented by:

Dawn Albanese – Parent Mentor

GCPS Special Education Department

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

10:00am – 11:30am Session - In Person

J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, Suwanee, GA 30024, Building

200, Central Gwinnett Room 2.111

Registration link for 10:00am session:

https://forms.gle/DfiQ6wSLp32X614Q8

OR

6:00pm – 7:30pm Session – Zoom

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Registration link for 6:00pm session:

https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/jQ4LzTO-RIS19CF1Wm-iqw

If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Albanese:

dawn.albanese@gcpsk12.org , (678) 301-7212

LOS PADRES CONSEJEROS DEL CONDADO DE GWINNETT

PRESENTAN

Para TODAS las familias de estudiantes que reciben servicios de Educación Especial, en las Escuelas Públicas

del Condado de Gwinnett (GCPS, por sus siglas en inglés)

Tema:

“Planear unas vacaciones de verano cautivadoras”

Esta sesión es muy recomendable para familias con estudiantes en todos los niveles (primaria,

secundaria intermedia y bachillerato). Es difícil de creer, pero ya es hora de empezar a pensar en

las vacaciones de verano. ¿Qué hará su niño durante los meses de verano? Planear un Verano

divertido y gratificante requiere consideración, tiempo y preparación. Ya que muchas opciones

requieren que se haga inscripción en la primavera, ahora es cuando uno debe comenzar a planificar y

confirmar los planes de verano. En esta sesión hablaremos de opciones como campamentos de verano,

voluntariado, programas de las bibliotecas públicas, excursiones familiares y más.

Presentación a cargo de:

Dawn Albanese – Padre consejero

Departamento de Educación Especial de GCPS

Martes, 11 de marzo de 2025

Sesión presencial de 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, Suwanee, GA 30024

Building (edificio) 200, Central Gwinnett Room (salón) 2.111

Enlace para inscribirse en la sesión de las 10:00 de la mañana:

https://forms.gle/DfiQ6wSLp32X614Q8

O

Sesión en Zoom de 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Después de inscribirse, usted recibirá por correo electrónico una confirmación con la información para unirse a la reunión

Enlace para inscribirse en la sesión de las 6:00 de la tarde:

https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/jQ4LzTO-RIS19CF1Wm-iqw

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor comuníquese con Dawn Albanese:

dawn.albanese@gcpsk12.org , (678) 301-7212

Welcome to the Front Lobby.....

Ms. Rainge welcomes you to our school!

She asks that you be patient and understanding as we continue to offer a safe environment for everyone.

We are using the Raptor technology system to check-in subs, contractors, visiting family members, and other visitors who enter the building beyond the front lobby. An official photo ID will be inserted and scanned, in order to receive a picture temporary pass.

In addition, those students who are tardy (after 8:15a.m.) or check out prior to dismissal (before 2:15), will do so electronically at the front desk. This will assist in a timely and accurate record of the student's time and attendance on any given day. To avoid this additional delay in the day, we encourage car riders to arrive before the tardy bell.

An official photo ID must be presented for student checkout. In addition, a student will not be released to anyone not authorized in the student's file. Please update your student's file accordingly BEFORE the need arises.

Please remember "Early Checkout" ends at 2:15pm. Your child is learning from the beginning of the school day until the close of the day. We encourage you to allow your child to complete the full school day, so no instruction time is missed. Picking up after 2:25pm in the bus lane also interferes with bus arrival and preparations for dismissal.

Changes in your student's transportation mode ( from bus to car or car to bus), will be REQUIRED IN WRITING AND SIGNED by parent/guardian of record. We cannot accept a change request by phone. This is for the safety of your child

School Hours 7:45am - 2:45pm

Car riders can arrive and enter the building at 7:45am

Car rider lane closes at 8:10

Parents must drop students off in front of school after this time.

***Please make sure your student comes to school with a book bag EVERY DAY. This guarantees a safe and secure travel home.***

It is very important that students are in school before 8:10 to begin their academic day.

PLEASE NOTE.... Breakfast ends at 8:10.

**Students arriving after 8:10 - parent MUST come into the building to check them in**

Make sure that individuals authorized to check your student out of school are listed on the student registration form and remind them to have their photo identification.

Students cannot be checked out after 2:15pm.

Dismissal begins at 2:45pm.

Car riders 2:45 - 3:10 after this time you must come inside to pick up your child.

Office Hours 7:45am - 3:30pm

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Gwinnett County Public Schools utilizes MyPaymentsPlus as a convenient, all-in-one platform for school payments and important documentation. Once registered, you can use the site to:

• Pay for school lunches and field trips
• Review and sign important documents related to your child’s school experience.

To streamline the payment process for field trips and school activities, we highly recommend that all payments be made through MyPaymentsPlus. This platform provides a secure, convenient way to manage school-related expenses, ensuring timely and accurate processing.

To help you get started, we have two helpful videos:

1. How to Register for MyPaymentsPlus: [https://vimeo.com/345028817]
2. How to Review and Sign Documents: [https://vimeo.com/345054468]

Please take a moment to create your account if you haven’t already done so. This will ensure you have a seamless experience with future school transactions.

Thank you for your cooperation in making school processes efficient and accessible.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Garner
Parent Instructional Coordinator

Dear Parents,

Happy new school year! We hope you and your children are as excited as we are for another fantastic year at Centerville Elementary.

To help us maintain a focused and inclusive environment in the cafeteria, please note that outside food from restaurants (such as Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Zaxby’s, etc.) is not permitted. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition back to school for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we begin this journey together. We look forward to a wonderful year filled with growth, learning, and success for our students!

Warm regards,
Centerville Elementary School

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Children need healthy meals to learn. Gwinnett County Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. The application for free or reduced-price meal benefits and a set of detailed instructions are included in the link below.

http://gwinnett.schoollunchapp.com/

WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS?

• All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP or TANF are eligible for free
• Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free
• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free
  
• Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility scale. Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price meals if your household income falls at or below the limits on household chart.

BREAKFAST - ALL students will receive breakfast at NO CHARGE.

LUNCH - ALL students will be charged for lunch based on their current eligibility status (Free, Reduced, Full Pay)

Meal prices for lunch are as follows:

REDUCED: $0.40 (will receive FREE lunch this school year)

FULL PRICE: $2.50

The online SY24 Free and Reduced application is available.

5 Reasons for Completing Free & Reduced Applications

One Meal Application Affects Many Areas

1. Free or reduced meal prices for healthy, nutritious student meals.

2. Additional funding for technology and internet access.

3. Discounts for fees associated with the college application process.

4. Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams along with scholarship opportunities.

5. Increased funding to support student education.

If you have other questions or need this information in other languages, please call the School Nutrition Office at 678-301-6307 for assistance.

Smart Snacks Cart -- Ala Carte Pricing:

CES School cafeteria now offers snacks during lunch at an additional charge. These items can be purchased using CASH ONLY. Money cannot be taken from school meals account to purchase these items. Please do not send your child with bills larger than $5.00. Please direct any questions to our Cafeteria Manager, Mrs. Irene Adesina at 770-972-2220 or Irene.Adesina@gcpsk12.org

Drinks:

Dasani Water - $1.50

Envy Sparkling Juice - $1.50

Snacks:

Baked Chips - $1.00

Cookie - $0.50

Doritos - $1.00

Fruit Snacks - $1.00

Rice Krispie Treats - $1.00

MyPaymentsPlus.com

We are asking all families to make sure to register on MyPaymentsPlus. All fees associated with CES and your child will be paid via this portal. This includes: Lunch, field trips, lost textbooks or library books, extracurricular activities, etc. This is also the location for all school documents you need to read and sign off on.

https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome

We are excited to announce that our school district has adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called ParentSquare. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with your child’s school and Gwinnett County Public Schools. The integrated translation feature enables automatic translations for multilingual families, helping you stay effortlessly connected with school, students and families.

ParentSquare provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to receive and send information, such as:

• Weather-related closings & delays
• School and class information
• Share pictures and files
• See calendar items
• Upcoming class activities

Please make sure you have downloaded this app and created an account. This is our way of keeping you informed. Class Dojo will not be used for messages between teacher and parent.

ParentSquare Tips for Parents and Guardians

Option 1:

Parents with a Parent Portal account can activate via Parent Portal.

1. Once logged into the Parent Portal, open ParentVUE.

2. Once ParentVUE has opened, select the ParentSquare tab in the left-hand toolbar and select Open ParentSquare.

3. When you click on the Open ParentSquare link the first time, you will receive a message to confirm your account.

Option 2:

Parents with a Parent Portal account can activate via ParentSquare directly.

1. Parents can go directly to ParentSquare.com (or via the app) and enter a phone number or email address. If an email address is entered, the following message will appear.

An email has been sent with password reset instructions. Remember to check your spam folder too. If you don't receive the email, it is likely that your email is not in our system or not being sent to ParentSquare from your school . Please contact your school to add this email.

2. Within the email, you will be prompted to reset your password. Select the Reset Password button.

3. Enter your desired password and select Update Password.

Please note: Parents will not receive an email from ParentSquare if the email address they entered is not the same address they use for the Parent Portal at the time of Online Registration. You will need to contact your local school to update the email address they have on record. Any changes will appear in ParentSquare the next day.

Option 3:

Parents without a Parent Portal account can activate via ParentSquare directly.

1. Parents can go directly to ParentSquare.com (or via the app) and enter a phone number or email address. If an email address is entered, the following message will appear.

2. If the email address is a valid email address loaded into ParentSquare from our student information system, you will receive the following email.

An email has been sent with password reset instructions. Remember to check your spam folder too. If you don't receive the email, it is likely that your email is not in our system or not being sent to ParentSquare from your school . Please contact your school to add this email.

3. Within the email, select the Activate your account button. A new window will open for you to create a new account.

Please note: Parents will not receive an email from ParentSquare if the email address they entered is not the same address they use for the Parent Portal at the time of Online Registration. You will need to contact your local school to update the email address they have on record. Any changes will appear in ParentSquare the next day.

Download the GCPS Mobile App

Students, families, and staff can download the free GCPS Mobile app to stay on top of the latest news, calendar events, and emergency information. You can enable notifications and choose your preferred language.

Why download the app?

• Receive alerts for school closures or delays and important districtwide information.
• Check school and district events calendars.
• Access your school’s lunch menu and add money to your student's account..
• Access districtwide digital resources.
• Read the latest district news.

Search for Gwinnett County Public Schools in the App Store or Google Play to download our app for

Only 48% of children in our community start school prepared to learn. Early brain development is a key factor in making sure children in Gwinnett County are ready to thrive in kindergarten and beyond!

A parent is a child's first teacher. Gwinnett Building Babies’ Brains focuses on building awareness around early learning opportunities for families of children ages birth through five.

Children exposed to positive early learning experiences—like reading, singing, and talking with caregivers—are less likely to have academic and behavioral problems in school. They are more likely to be strong readers by 3rd grade and graduate from high school.

This early learning initiative is vital to our community's success, Building Babies' Brains Gwinnett offers a toolkit with resources and opportunities to help enhance brain development in children under the age of 5.

Gwinnett Building Babies’ Brains encourages parents to follow them on social media and check out their website using the information below.

Website: https://buildingbabiesbrains.com/

Facebook: Building Babies’ Brains Gwinnett

Instagram: buildingbabiesbrains.gwinnett

Twitter: @B3_Gwinnett

Play 2 Learn

REGISTERING STUDENTS NOW....

It is a FREE program offered at all Gwinnett elementary schools.

Looking for children ages birth to 5 years to be a part of our Play 2 Learn program. Class is comprised of 20 students enrolled. Please see Mrs. Garner (Family Engagement Center) to register your child.

Our main goal of this program:

• Build the capacity in parents to be their child's first teacher
• Expose children to a high quality school environment
• Provide social opportunities for children
• Increase access to books and resources for children and parents

We meet Wednesday mornings 9:30am - 11:00am

(an adult must stay with child during the class).

Must provide:

• copy of birth certificate
• must reside in Gwinnett County
• two proofs of residency
• identification of enrolling parent
• P2L enrollment form completed

These items must be submitted before your child can start the program.

Our Play 2 Learn@home website is filled with exciting read-alouds, easy ideas for activities at home, and important early learning resources.

Please complete the Georgia Parent Survey

The Georgia Parent Survey is designed to give parents an opportunity to share input about their child's school. The information parents provide by completing the survey will be used as part of the calculation of the school's School Climate Star Rating with the state. Individual data results from the Georgia Parent Survey will not be available to personnel of Gwinnett County Public Schools and will not be posted online.

Parents may complete the survey using a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. Parents that do not have access to the Internet may contact Brookwood Elementary to arrange to complete the Georgia Parent Survey at the school.

Please click here to complete the survey. We appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey!

Parents, please see important information about the Think First and Stay Safe/ Child Lures lessons taught by our school counselors below:

What is Cooperation?

Cooperation is our character trait this month. Have you heard that word before? What do you think it means?

Let’s listen to the Cooperation song to learn all about Cooperation! Click the link https://youtu.be/66kjhnXxkgA and move and sing along. Then, we’ll practice repeating the definition of Cooperation together.

Reflection

• What did you learn about Cooperation from the song?
• Can you think of a time you Cooperated with a group?
• How can we show Cooperation at school or home?

Bio

I am thrilled to introduce myself as your Parent Instructional Coordinator here at Centerville Elementary School. My name is Emily Garner, and I am deeply committed to supporting you and your family in your educational journey. I currently live in the Snellville area. I received my BS degree in Community Health Education from Morris Brown College. I received my MA degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Michigan University. I have worked in Gwinnett County Schools for 16 years. I joined the Centerville family in 2017 as a Special Education Teacher.

As the Parent Instructional Coordinator, my primary goal is to serve as a bridge between our school and our wonderful parent community. I am here to facilitate communication, provide resources, and create opportunities for collaboration that will enhance your child's educational experience.

As your Parent Instructional Coordinator, my goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where parents and guardians are empowered to motivate their children in our ever-changing world of learning. I am here to support you; through the resources we have in the Family Engagement Center.

I bring with me a passion for family engagement and a strong belief in the power of partnership between parents, educators, and students. Together, we can create a nurturing and enriching environment where every child can thrive.

I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you, listening to your ideas and concerns, and working together to make our school community even stronger. Please feel free to reach out to me at 678.639.3721 with any questions, suggestions, or if you simply want to connect.

Let us embark on this exciting journey together, dedicated to the success and well-being of our children. I cannot wait to meet you all and build a supportive and collaborative relationship.

Emily Garner

Parent Instructional Coordinator