KSE Administration

A message from KING SPRINGS

A message from KING SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 

Friday Q & A

April 26, 2019

 

Who writes the answers to these questions? Thank you. Cindy Szwec, Sassy Szwec, Snarky Szwec and Soap Box Szwec collaborate to provide answers. 

Does KSE have a program in place to assist underfed kids in the summer? I know some Cobb County schools have backpacks and local places for kids to meet to get a meal. I am interested in helping out if we do. I also want to put this out there in case
a family needs assistance and doesn't know where to go. King Springs does not have a summer food program. MUST Ministries has wonderful programs that support students all year long. Local churches support the backpack ministries that provide food
on weekends for students. Here are 2 links for summer food programs:

https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1711

https://www.mustministries.org/summer-lunch

Can the questions for the Friday Q&A not be anonymous? Can people be forced to include their names and stand behind the things they say? Otherwise, many sound like they came from Regina George (yes, that's a Mean Girls reference). The anonymity of
the internet is a power too great for some. I agree that the anonymity with technology makes people brave. In this situation, I’d rather have people submit questions that I can address directly, rather than have questions floating through
neighborhoods with answers that may not be completely accurate.

I’m sorry to ask this-I know it’s probably out there, but will there be clubs offered next year? Yes, we will have a limited number of clubs offered next year. Please stay tuned for more information.

I have heard that next year KSE will no longer be providing the EIP program. Having a child currently in this program, I am concerned for these children in the coming year. I know there are 5 different delivery models that schools may utilize based
on the Georgia Department of Education’s website. Will any of these models be implemented? If so which ones? If we are getting rid of the pullout method, why? Our classroom sizes have been very large which does not give our teachers the time to for one
on one attention as the pullout program has provided. Furthermore, with the 2 different campuses and having to shuttle kids back and forth, our school hours are shortened as it is at K-1. How is KSE going to be proactive in making sure these kids do not
fall further behind? With all the changes that are happening in the coming year, I am extremely concerned. We will be using the reduced class size model for serving EIP (Early Intervention Program) students next year. Differentiation during small
group instruction will meet the needs of all students in the classrooms. We will be using all of our teacher allotments to try to reduce the student teacher ratio in classrooms. There will be no teachers used as “pull out” teachers next year. You should
have received an email from me this week regarding the change in school hours. This change will put back the 20 minutes we were losing.

Hello, I need to know what is being done about the pest control problem in the school? Today, when I volunteered at the 2-5 campus, I saw 2 large cockroaches scurrying in the hallway and 1 in the classroom. When I spoke to my daughter about them, she
said that she sees them all the time. Roaches are filthy and they can spread diseases. When they are visible during the day, that usually indicates an infestation has occurred. How is this being addressed? Monthly pest control is done
at all Cobb County schools. If we have a specific concern, we can call for an additional service. I anticipate that we will have an increase in pests with the construction. No one wants to see bugs! I will call the pest control company and ask for additional
service now that we have started construction.

How can I receive the Q & A emails? The Q & A emails are sent to the email address of the enrolling adult. The good news is that all Q & As are posted to the administrator’s blog on the KSE website. Click on Administration at
the top of the website. You may also want to keep an eye on our new construction blog which is located front and center on our website.

 

I received 2 editorial comments from last week’s Q & A:

From a Staff Member: This is more of a reflection and suggestion. I am often times hesitant to read the Q&A emails because many of them throughout this year have been disheartening because of either tone and/or content. Several
in particular have been about administrative direction, wanting to check papers of students, classroom makeup and just out right blame. As a teacher, I look forward to teaching my class that is extremely diverse, not only in ability, but also diverse in race,
religion, etc. I teach and respect the students in my class and ALL of the students here at King Springs. I LOVE what I see in this building. I see students who look like me and many that don't. I also see teachers and administration doing everything they
can to meet the needs of students, because that's why we became educators in the first place. Also, as a parent of a child who attends this school, I chose King Springs for a reason outside of me teaching here. I chose this school because of its diversity. 
My child could have gone to our home school (please remember teachers have a choice in where their children may go), which is an excellent school; however, my husband and I promote and look for opportunities for our children to be around others who are different
from us because that is reflected of his world. So, when you think about your child attending this school, please think about the bigger picture. Think about how your child will learn how to interact and respect people. Think about the manners that we teach
here. Think about why we have P.R.I.D.E. We are all humans who need to grow and we should know that as adults. But, growth can't happen when we can't adjust to change, build together, or tear each other down. Let's learn to grow together as a community
that desires to leave this world better than we found it. Thank you and enjoy your stay at King Springs Elementary. :o)

 

From a Parent: In response to last week's WOW Q&A. First I want to say I think the administration is doing a wonderful job for the school and our students. Dr. Szwec I love how you handled each question, your responses were perfect.
I am sadden by how many entitled parents there are at this school. Do they have any idea what it takes to run a school with 1000+ plus kids? I sure don’t and I am not going to tell them how either. To the ignorant parent about not wanting to have your child
in a “special education” class. As a parent of a child in this so-called special education class and a child in Talent Development you need to check yourself. As a parent myself who suffers from a learning disability your question was so hurtful on so many
levels. Let me educate you, we don’t call them special education classes anymore they are called inclusion classrooms the least you could do is educate yourself on current terminology before using words that no longer exist. Our inclusion classrooms are wonderful,
my child has grown leaps and bounds by being in this class with nurturing teachers and friendly children who love him for just being him. Those children in there have no idea what is going on with each child, they know no difference and it’s a shame you don’t.
You clearly have never been in one to see what a day is like in there and I highly recommend you make an appointment before making any assumptions. To the parent complaining about their child getting wet in the car pool lane. Ha! The only person I know that
melted when getting wet was the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz, last I looked children don’t melt in the rain and secondly did you notice or even pay attention that Dr. Szwec was actually standing under the awning part so if you had pulled up like she
asked your child would not have got wet. Get it together parents let’s ask some more intelligent questions please.

 

Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail."

A message from KING SPRINGS

A message from KING SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Friday Q & A

April 19, 2019

 

Hi, this is a follow up to my question last week about background checks for construction workers at the 2-5 campus. E-Verify is not a criminal background check. E-Verify is a free service that verifies the legal status employment eligibility of an
individual, but does not check an individual's criminal history. I am concerned because they are working on school grounds in close proximity to children. Also, do they now or in the future have access to the school building or playground? On last weeks Q&A
there was a question on background checks for construction workers. Response was only that they are e- verify checked which only confirms eligibility to work in US. So what you are confirming is there are no other criminal background checks done on these individuals
whom will be in close proximity to children everyday, correct? Per the school district, a criminal background check will be conducted on all construction workers involved in the King Springs project. Construction workers will not have access
to the school building or playground when students are present.

Another morning car rider safety concern! I have noticed parents dropping their children off at the 4-way stop in front of the 2-5 campus instead of coming through the car rider lane. Children are exiting their car in the middle of the street! Plus,
it slows downs the flow of traffic and cars that are following the rules by going through the car rider lane. I know there is a crossing guard at the intersection, but it just doesn't seem safe. Thanks for everything you do. We love King Springs!  
The only safe drop off area is through the car pool line. We continue to convey the message that procedures are in place for the safety of all students, rules apply to everyone, and no one is entitled to different rules to suit their needs.

Will there be A.C. classes next year for 4th and 5th grade or are you taking away that opportunity from our children? When can I turn in my letter to make sure my child is not in a special ed class? Wow, here’s the reason I’m so thankful these
are anonymous submissions. Every child that comes to King Springs is a precious human being. Every child deserves a quality education that includes academics and character development. Diversity is one of the greatest strengths at King Springs. We have
the privilege of serving students from different cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities. Diversity also includes learning styles and abilities. King Springs provides an incredible opportunity for children to learn about the make up of the real world and how
to see the value in every person.

To answer your question, yes Advanced Content (A.C.) curriculum will be offered in 4th and 5th grade. The only change will be the structure of how it is provided. If your child qualifies for A.C. curriculum, they will be provided that through the differentiated
instruction in each classroom. We will cluster students together so that teachers have a group of high achieving students for the purpose of differentiating instruction. All classrooms will be built as heterogeneous groups of students. We will no longer
have the A.C./high achieving classes separate.

You may drop off input letters about teaching styles for your child any time. Please do not email because of our new SPAM filter.

From teachers: Birthday celebrations at school have gotten way too big. Balloons, goodie bags, cupcakes, and a family entourage are too much. Can you please ask parents to bring a small treat to celebrate and not expect to have a party during lunch. 
Birthdays are very exciting for children and we want everyone to feel special. As a staff, we love for families to come to school to celebrate. We ask that you keep the celebration to a small treat for 2 reasons – 1. Not every child
has families that can do this for them. 2. Children are not ready to learn after a party and sugar fest in the cafeteria. We feel totally comfortable sugaring them up and sending them home, but please don’t sugar them up and send them back to class…don’t
leave us with the babies!

I do not appreciate the way YOU asked people to move down to the end of the sidewalk this morning during car pool. If I want to stop and drop my child close to the doors I should be able to do that. Please allow us to unload
as many cars as possible to keep the line moving. I have many more things I would like to say, but I love my job.

Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail."

Friday Q & A April

Friday Q & A

April 12, 2019



Who grades the Georgia Milestones tests and how do scores influence class placement at King Springs? 
 The DRC – Data Recognition Corporation scores the Milestone assessments. 
Milestone results are one piece of information that we use to develop a complete picture of students. 
We use all of our data, both formal and informal, to place students with the best possible teacher. 
The Milestone results can be used as one piece of information in qualifying students for advanced content in 4th and 5th grade.

Data Recognition Corp:

https://www.datarecognitioncorp.com/Pages/default.aspx

FAQs about the Milestone:

https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Documents/Milestones/Milestones%20FAQS_EOG%20FINAL.pdf

There are rumors that the district is backing off on its commitment to ensure there is a safe, covered, walkway between Griffin and King Springs. This is imperative
as all bus riders will use this path throughout the course of construction, and during the second year of construction every student will use this path to attend PE classes at Griffin. What exactly are the plans regarding this pathway? 
There will be a covered walkway from the Griffin parking lot
 to the back gym door at KSE. 
The walkway will be paved to cut down on mud and debris entering the gym. 
Students will go through the gym and into the building. 
Thanks for letting me cut off that rumor!

Are the construction workers at the 2-5 campus background checked? Since they are working in such close proximity to our children I feel it is important to address.
  All contractors are required to meet the E Verify background check as well as use proper identification while on
site.

 

I was surprised about where the trees are being cut down. I thought the new school was being built on the school bus lot
side of campus. So why are trees on the front car parking side of campus being cut down?
The front area where the trees are coming down will be the location for the retention pond for the new school.







Updates:

Tree harvesting is going smoothly. 
Trees near the portables at 2-5 will be taken down on weekends. 
Tree harvesting will not interfere with testing.We continue to wait on approval for the layout of the portables at the K-2 campus. 
Once the approval is given by the Fire Marshal, the layout will be shared.Schedules for both campuses for next year have been created with the input of staff.Rumor Control – no, we are not losing the side parking lot/bus port at the 2-5 campus before the end
of the school year. Transportation will remain the same through the end of this year.

Note: “This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or e-mail."