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Dear Kelley Lake Families, Welcome to a new school year at Kelley Lake Elementary! As we begin this journey together, I want to share a simple reminder. Our children do not have to be the smartest in the class, the best on the field, or the most talented in the room. But they do need to be teachable. Being teachable is not about grades or intelligence. It is about being willing to listen, learn, grow, and accept guidance from others. It means understanding that we do not always have all the answers and recognizing that feedback and correction are important parts of becoming our best selves. As educators and families, our goal is not to raise children who always get everything right. Our goal is to help develop children who can learn from mistakes, accept feedback without shutting down, admit when they are wrong, disagree respectfully, and use correction as an opportunity to grow. This year, I encourage us to work together to nurture these qualities in every student. Talent can open doors, but a willingness to learn, grow, and improve will carry our children even further. At Kelley Lake, we believe every child matters and every moment counts. I am excited about the growth, learning, and possibilities ahead for our Lions this school year. Welcome to a wonderful new year at Kelley Lake Elementary! Principal LaToya CarmichealAugust 24 School Store Kick-Off August 25-August 28 NWEA MAP Testing Begins K-5 August 25-5:00PM Annual Title I Meeting August 25 5:00pm-6:30pm Scouts Meeting August 25-5:30pm Curriculum Night August 31-Sept. 4- K-3 Amira Testing NO Early Check-out after 1:30PM Please limit early check-out Car Riders & Walkers need to be picked up by 2:30PM Ensure your child arrives at school by 7:45am Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Increase Reading Growth Increase the number of students meeting Math Growth on NWEA MAP.
At Kelley Lake Elementary School, attendance matters. Every school day is an opportunity for our Lions to learn, grow, and succeed. Consistent attendance helps students stay engaged in learning, build strong relationships with their teachers and classmates, and make continued academic progress. To help our families plan ahead, we have created a 2026 to 2027 School Vacation Planner highlighting school holidays and breaks. Whenever possible, we encourage families to schedule vacations, appointments, and other activities during these breaks to help minimize missed instructional time.
Hello families and students! Welcome back to a brand-new school year! I am thrilled to support your child’s academic, emotional, and social growth this year. Whether helping students navigate friendships, build confidence, or manage big feelings, my goal is to make sure every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition: Returning to school following the summer break can bring mixed emotions. Here are a few simple ways to ease the adjustment: Establish a Routine: Re-introduce early bedtimes and consistent morning habits. Focus on the Positives: Ask specific questions after school like, "What made you smile today?" instead of just "How was your day?" Practice Deep Breathing: Remind your child that it’s normal to feel uneasy some days. Big deep breaths help calm a worried brain. Classroom Guidance Lessons This year, I will continue to deliver: SEL Safety and Career lessons in the classroom or media center Individual Counseling Both teachers and parents can refer students for individual counseling. Referrals should occur after classroom strategies have been implemented (exceptions would be family or safety concerns). Students might see me for individual counseling to work on decision- making, anger management, family changes, friendship skills, or another concern. You can email me at belinda_fryson@dekalbschoolsga.org if you would like to refer a student for individual counseling. Small Group Counseling This year, small groups will continue to meet for 30 minutes for approximately 6 sessions. Topics may include peer relations, anxiety/stress, and organizational skills.
KKKEVERY CHILD MATTERS, EVERY MOMENT COUNTS!KELLEY LAKE ELEMENTARYUpdatesUpdatesUpdatesFrom Mr. Grant & Ms. SawyerLifting Lexile CampaignKELLEYLAKEE L E M E NTARYSCHOOLWelcome to Pride Rock Media Center, where books open the door to adventure, imagination, discovery, and endless possibilities! As students journey through the Enchanted Forest, they will have opportunities to explore new worlds, discover fascinating information, and develop a lifelong love of reading. At Pride Rock, we believe that reading is more than simply turning pages—it is a pathway to independence and intellectual growth. Students will learn and strengthen reading skills that help them become confident, independent learners who can take charge of their own learning journey. Our lions will have opportunities to: · Read independently and discover books they love · Read collectively with fellow lions in the Pride · Explore topics that spark curiosity · Develop strong reading and research skills · Build confidence as independent learners · Grow their mindset and take ownership of their intellectual growth Our Pride 2026 Theme: Growing our Minds One Book at a Time! This year's Pride theme connects with our school's focus on Growth. At Pride Rock, we will encourage every student to develop a growth mindset and understand that their abilities can continue to grow through effort, practice, curiosity, and perseverance. Just like a seed grows into a strong plant, our young lions will grow as readers, thinkers, explorers, and learners! Growing in the Aero Garden Pride Rock is growing something special! Our AeroGarden will give students the opportunity to experience the joy of watching plants grow and thrive. Students will help nurture plants and learn about growth along the way. And the adventure doesn't stop in the Media Center! Students will have opportunities to take plants home so they can continue caring for them and watch them thrive. At Pride Rock, every book is an invitation to explore, every question is an opportunity to learn, and every student has the ability to grow. LIGHTS, LEXILE, ACTION! Kelley Lake Lions Lexile Campaign “Know Your Lexile. Light Up the Forest!” When students learn and confidently recite their Lexile level, they earn a very special place in the Enchanted Forest! 1. Discover It! Students learn their current Lexile level and understand what it means for their reading journey. 2. Know It! Students practice saying their Lexile level with confidence: “My Lexile level is ______!” 3. Earn Your Light! Once a student can confidently recite their Lexile level, their name is added to the Enchanted Forest alongside a sparkling lightning bug! 4. SHINE! Their name becomes one of the glowing lights of the Pride Rock Enchanted Forest! As Kelley Lake Lions walk through the hallway, they will see their friends' names glowing throughout the forest.Media CenterMedia CenterMedia Center
🦁 WELCOME BACK, KELLEY LAKE FAMILIES! Discover the POWER OF TEN! Welcome back to another exciting school year at Kelley Lake Elementary School! We are thrilled to welcome our students and families back and look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, celebrations, and Lion pride! As we begin the new school year, we invite EVERY Kelley Lake family to become a member of our PTA. 💚💛 PTA MEMBERSHIP IS JUST $10! That’s the POWER OF TEN — one simple $10 membership can help make a BIG difference for our students and school community. Your PTA membership helps support: 🎉 Student activities and celebrations 👨👩👧👦 Family engagement events 📚 School programs and initiatives 🏅 Honor’s Day medals and student recognition 🍎 Staff appreciation 🦁 Special opportunities for our Kelley Lake Lions JUST $10. BIG IMPACT. When our families come together, $10 becomes so much more! 10 families = $100 25 families = $250 50 families = $500 100 families = $1,000! Every membership matters, and YOU have the power to help make this an amazing year for our students! JOIN THE KELLEY LAKE PTA TODAY — ONLY $10! 💚 Welcome Back, Lions! 💛 Together, we make Kelley Lake stronger. Kelley Lake Elementary School Learning Today… Leading Tomorrow.