East Lake Elementary

Our 5th graders are currently working through a reading unit on “Inventors at Work”. Today they used their creative minds to complete a STEM activity making structures of their own.

It was a great day to be an Eagle! Welcome to the 24-25 school year! 🦅

Lots of excitement around the building last night as we opened our doors for the 24-25 school year open house. Champions are made here!

Where can I find the academic calendar for this year?
The academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year and approved calendars for future years can be found on the district website at bit.ly/HCSCalendars. The calendar includes important dates such as breaks, holidays, and early release days.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

What is the Infinite Campus Portal?
The Infinite Campus Portal (also known as the “Parent Portal”) is a web-based program that provides parents and guardians the ability to view academic information for their student(s). The Parent Portal also allows families to update contact information, request transportation, and complete the federal lunch application. The portal can be accessed via the web or a mobile app.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

We look forward to seeing everyone at open house on Tuesday, July 30th from 4-6pm. Please click here for more information: https://sites.google.com/henry.k12.ga.us/sy24-25openhousetoolkit

What mental health supports are available to students?
School counselors, social workers, Mental Health and Wellness Facilitators, and school psychologists are available in all of our schools for students. School counselors and social workers can provide referrals to outside mental health clinicians for more intensive ongoing therapeutic services. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line (1-800-715-4225) and 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline are free resources available 24/7 to assist families experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

Who should I contact if I have questions concerning my student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
Special Education services are provided to meet the needs of students with disabilities and for students in all eligibility areas recognized by the State of Georgia. If you suspect that your child has a disability, you should contact the Principal or Student Support Facilitator at your child's school. For more information on IEPs, contact the Exceptional Student Education Department at (770) 957-8086.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

Are there before or after school programs for students?
The Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) Program provides tuition-based programs for elementary and middle school students. Before-school programs support early drop-off for middle school families and provide a safe, structured environment to prepare students for learning, while after-school programs offer elementary-aged students a safe and supportive environment following afternoon dismissal. Visit www.henry.k12.ga.us/Page/152609 for more information.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

Where can I find this year's Code of Conduct?
The Code of Conduct can be found in the Student and Parent Handbook. Additionally, an electronic copy is available at the following link: bit.ly/3WDvrne.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

Where can I find this year's Student and Parent Handbook?
A digital copy of the 2024-2025 Student and Parent Handbook can be found at https://www.henry.k12.ga.us/Page/140952.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

Welcome to our 2nd grade team!

Who do I contact for Language Services?
The Language Services team provides language assistance to families, schools, and district offices. If you have difficulty understanding English, you may request language assistance services by calling (770) 957-3945 or emailing [email protected]. The team is located at the Welcome Center at 166 Holly Smith Drive, McDonough, GA 30253. Handbooks are available in multiple languages, along with registration, enrollment, and other documents.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

What is Henry Connects?
Henry Connects is a one-stop shop developed to strengthen the partnership between home and school. It connects families to school information, tools, and instructional resources specifically tailored to your student's courses. Explore this vital resource by visiting bit.ly/HCSHenryConnects.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

Where do I find my child's bus route information?
All families are encouraged to sign up for the "Here Comes the Bus" mobile app. The district code for HCS is 29902. Bus routes will be posted on Monday, July 22. If you have any questions, please contact Transportation Services at (770) 957-2025.
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Find the answer to this question and many more in our FAQ at https://bit.ly/3zOOMJl.

Hola ! My name is Denise Santana. I’m super excited to be joining the East Lake Elementary team. Let me tell you a little bit about myself! I was born and raised in New York City and moved to Georgia eight years ago with my husband and two children. I graduated from Queens College. I taught for seven years at a dual language school here in Georgia and I am excited to help our scholars learn Spanish!

Welcome, Khristina Russell! Ms. Russell will be joining our fabulous kindergarten team!

Alma Mater: I earned my bachelor’s and Masters Degrees from Fayetteville State University and my Specialist is Teacher Leadership from Thomas University
Years in Education:
Hometown: New Bern, NC
4 children: Valorie (UGHS), Tristan (UGMS) , Luke (ELE), and Kooper (ELE)
I love Jesus, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, hiking with my kids, and trying new restaurants. I also love the beach!!

First, we welcomed her as a mom. Then, we welcomed her as a PTO volunteer. This past spring we were blessed to have her serve as a long term substitute in third grade. And now….

Surprise!! 🙂 My name is Amber Gordy and I will be teaching 3rd grade!!!! I am originally from Michigan but I moved here 14 years ago! I graduated from (CMU) Central Michigan University…Fire up Chips! That is where I met my husband, Josh. We have been married for 9 years and we have a 3rd grader and a 5th grader here at East Lake! Hey Micah and Jaela 🙂 I absolutely love spending time with my family, traveling, singing, teaching, and filling my space with laughter! I’m looking forward to an amazing school year!

My name is Michaela Philmon and I will be joining the 4th grade team at East Lake! This will be my 13th year teaching in Henry County Schools. I am also a graduate of Henry County Schools myself. I graduated from Georgia State University in 2012 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am thankful to have a big, blended family. My son will be going to high school this year and my daughter will be joining the East Lake family as well. I enjoy traveling, all GA sports, and spending quality time with family and friends. I consider myself lucky to be a part of the East Lake family!

Welcome, Sarah Palmer to 4th grade! Here’s a little info about Mrs. Palmer:

-teaching 4th grade ELA & Social Studies this year
-University of West Georgia for my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood and Masters in Reading Instruction
-August will be my 10th year teaching in HCS
-Raised in Henry County. I went to ELE & Union Grove
-Married 5 years to Dillon who is a Lieutenant for Henry County Fire and we have two girls, Avery (3 y/o) and Hallie (2 mo)
-Love to spend time with my family at the lake making memories.

Ready to start shopping for back to school? Here’s the link to our suggested school supplies for the new year.

2024-2025 Suggested Supply Lists

Welcome Courtney Fuller to 1st grade! Here’s a little bit from her:

Hi East Lake! My name is Courtney Fuller, and I’m so excited to be joining the amazing first grade team at ELE this year. I’m the mom of five who are 10-24 years old. My oldest and only daughter is also a teacher and my youngest will be coming with me to ELE.) I love to travel, spend time near the water, and be the biggest cheerleader to my children. I spend much of my time that I’m not in school in stadium stands and in auditorium seats watching marching bands, musicals, theater, martial arts, along with band and chorus concerts. This is my 9th year in education and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great school year.

We cannot wait to see our Eagles on Tuesday, 7/30 from 4pm-6pm!

Mark your calendars! We're excited to welcome students and their families to Open House on Tuesday, July 30, to meet their teachers, explore their classrooms, and prepare for an incredible school year ahead!
Elementary school (Grades K-5; Impact Academy Grades 4-5): July 30 from 4-6 p.m.
Middle school (Grades 6-8 and Impact Academy): July 30 from 3-5 p.m.
High school (Grades 9-12 and Impact Academy): July 30 from 1-3 p.m.
Academy for Advanced Studies: July 30 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Welcome, Stephanie Marquez to our 5th grade team!

Alma Mater: Mercer (Bachelors), Walden (Masters), KSU (specialist)
Years in Education: 20
Hometown: born and raised in McDonough
Family: Drew and I have been married for ten years this October. We have three fur babies, Jaxon (nicknamed AJ), Kevin, and Howie, that are named after the best band in the world- Backstreet Boys!
Hobbies: My husband and I like to go to concerts and other live events. I am a big Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block fan who has been to over 40 concerts between the two. I love to read cheesy light comedies and thrift.

Welcome to East Lake, Ms. Trammell!

My name is Alexis Trammell and I will be the new music teacher at East Lake!
⁃ I Graduated from Brenau University in 2022 with a BFA in Musical Theatre
⁃ This is my 1st year in education
⁃ I’m from Stone Mountain, GA
⁃ In my free time I enjoy singing, acting, writing songs, shopping, cooking, traveling, exploring, playing tennis/pickleball, supporting the arts (going to the movies, seeing musicals and plays, etc.) and spending time with friends and family.

Come join our family!