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Originally delivered on 8/2/2026 9:03 am

SUBJECT: Peachtree Middle News - August 2, 2026

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August 2, 2026
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UPCOMING DATES
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Aug 3                   First Day of School

Aug 7                   Student Appreciation Treats - sign up to serve

Aug 25                 Curriculum Night - all grades

Aug 26                 PTSO Coffee/General Meeting - 9:00 am 


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PTSO & SCHOOL NEWS
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Principal's Pulse on Peachtree Message


Hello Patriot Families,

Thank you for coming out to Open House. I know it gave you a lot of energy and excitement about the 26-27 school year. 

Please share your Open House feedback in this two question form:  Open House Feedback Form

I am so proud to be the principal at Peachtree, and I look forward to a productive year of growth. I want to remind you of a few housekeeping items as we move through week 1:


Schedules

If students did not get their schedule at Open House, a table will be set up in the lobby before first period to pick it up.


Infinite Campus help

If you are not receiving messages from me or want to add someone to your Infinite Campus profile, please wait until Thursday or later. We are very busy enrolling new students, but usually our queue dies down later in the week, and we can provide quicker service. Contact Keesha Rice for help.


Cell Phones, Ear pods, and Smartwatches

Cell phones and smartwatches are not allowed on the students from 8:50am-4:00pm. They will stay in the backpacks. Do not send students with smartwatches. If we find your child with a phone, smartwatch, or bluetooth ear pods, we will take them and put them in the AP's office or front office. Please speak to your child about this. We are serious about avoiding these distractions in school. This is state law. If you need to contact your child for any reason in the day, you can call the front office. We are not liable for lost or stolen items.


Bus Routes

Bus Routes are linked here. Find the closest stop to your house or apartment.


Lockers

Your child's teachers will assign lockers in the first week. Lockers are optional, but most students find them helpful.


Connections Classes

Your child may not have met their Connections teachers at Open House. Never fear. The core teachers are escorting students to connections and will ensure your child knows where to go.


School Supplies

The supply list is on the school website linked here and below in the newsletter.


Arrival

Doors open at 8:15am. Doors close at 8:45am.

6th graders wait in cafeteria until 8:30am

7th graders wait in the gym until 8:35am

8th graders wait in the gym until 8:40am

Tardy students enter through front door after 8:45am.


Dismissal

Car riders and walkers exit at 3:55pm.

Bus riders usually exit at 4:00pm or 4:10pm, but on day 1, buses may be delayed.

Please be patient and ensure your child knows how to get home.


Let's have a great first week!

Amy Heutel

Principal

Student Appreciation Ice Cream Friday


This Friday is our first Student Appreciation Day of the year - ice cream treats at lunch! 

Sign up to distribute ice cream treats to students on August 7.



Annual Update Required PTSO Site


All families must re-enroll annually on our website. Update your personal information today on our PTSO site so that you can continue to seamlessly access our directory and receive emails and other important information! This is for PMS specifically and not related to annual verification with the school district. It takes around 2-3 mintues to complete. 

You will see a prompt in the top center of the page when you visit our homepage here. 

Peachtree Middle School Supply List

The supply list is the same for all grade levels. Teachers may have additional wishlists for their individual classrooms. Look for that information from teachers at Open House and during the first days of school. 

Peachtree Middle Family Handbook


Hello Parents,

Here is a link to the parent/student/family handbook for Peachtree Middle School 26-27. It is an electronic resource that can be translated into English and Spanish.

Peachtree Middle School Handbook

Thanks,

Amy Heutel
Principal

This will also remain linked at the bottom of all PTSO emails, along with the school calendar and other links. 

School Cafe Lunch Accounts


Students may use their School Cafe account to purchase lunch at school. Funds can be loaded into their account and accessed via their student ID.

Visit SchoolCafé or download the School Cafe app.

Free and Reduced School Meal forms/information will be available at Open House on Thursday, July 30. 

Coffee Cart - Fall Semester Sign Up


Would you like to make a teacher or staff member's Monday morning a bit brighter? This is a great volunteer opportunity to bring a smile to their face with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a small snack. 

Sign up HERE to pickup coffee/hot chocolate and deliver to the school or to work the cart distributing treats to teachers and staff at school. Please sign up for only one shift to give others a chance to volunteer. 

Spring semester dates will be added at a later time. 

2026-27 Annual Fund


*Curriculum Night will be the next opportunity to pick up your magnet and yard sign at the PTSO table if you've completed your Annual Fund donation


Help the Peachtree PTSO Achieve its Annual Fund goal of $50,000!

The Peachtree PTSO strives to create an excellent educational environment for every student and teacher by utilizing Annual Fund donations to pay for school activities and projects that would not otherwise be possible.

Our goal is to raise $50,000. Thanks to your generosity, we are over halfway there - $30,500! Please consider a donation of any amount to help us reach our goal and create an excellent educational environment for our kids.

The PTSO is entirely funded by donations from Peachtree families, and 100% of the money is used to directly benefit your students and your school!

With your donation, the PTSO will be able to accomplish the following:

 

  • Contribute to and host exciting events for our students, such as the all-school Patriot Games, a rising 6th-grade “Summer Bridge,” the 8th-grade Celebration Week, and more.
  • Thank our teachers and staff for all they do with a cash gift during holidays and special events, such as Bus Driver Appreciation Week in the Fall, Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in the Spring, and monthly coffee carts and multiple themed potluck meals throughout the year.
  • Show love to our students with three Student Appreciation Events throughout the year
  • Provide scholarships to pay students’ dues for school clubs – sports, fine arts, and others – when financially necessary.
  • Provide each classroom teacher with a $125 stipend to purchase targeted items for use in their classrooms.
  • Support cultural arts programming and grade-level enrichment.


Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our Annual Fund campaign this year. The Peachtree PTSO is diligent in assuring that your funds are used wisely. 

 

A family donation of $250 is suggested, but donations of any amount help our school! Fifty-five percent of our students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. If possible, please consider adding to your donation to support those who are unable to contribute.

 

As a thank you, all donors will receive a Car Magnet and recognition at various levels:

 

$250 – Peachtree Annual Fund yard sign and name listed in emails.

$500 – Yard sign, name listed in emails, and name entered into a raffle.

$1,000 – Yard Sign, name listed in emails, name entered into a raffle, and a Family Sponsorship Package for the CV Classic.

 

Corporate Matching

Many companies have matching programs for employee donations, which can sometimes DOUBLE your contribution to Peachtree Middle School. Contact the HR department at your organization to determine if they will match your donation and to find out the guidelines for obtaining matching funds.


Start the school year off with a contribution today!

DONATE NOW
Principal's Fund


In addition to the PTSO Annual Fund, you may also contribute to the Principal's Fund before completing your cart/checkout. 

The Principal's Fund is a flex fund for our school principal to use.  Examples of where these funds may be used are for faculty professional development, teacher/student incentives, and more. A donation of $10 is suggested but not required.


Staff Holiday Gift Fund


Take care of everything early this year! When completing your Annual Fund and Principal's Fund donations, you can also contribute to the Staff Holiday Gift Fund. 

This is collected on behalf of families who wish to give a gift to our Peachtree Middle School staff before Winter Break. The funds are distributed evenly among all Peachtree staffers. A donation of $25 per student is suggested but not required.

View the form Staff Holiday Gift Fund as well before completing your cart/checkout.


PAC Candidate Declarations


Are you passionate about education and committed to making a meaningful difference in your school community? If so, DCSD invites you to declare your candidacy for the 2026–2027 Principal Advisory Council (PAC). The candidate declaration window is open now through Friday, September 4, 2026. If you are a current PAC member whose term ends September 30, 2027, you do not need to reapply this election cycle.

Please complete the form to run for a position on your school’s Council.


Serving on the Principal Advisory Council offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the success and continuous improvement of your school. As a PAC member, you will collaborate with parents, school staff, students, and community partners to foster mutual respect, embrace diverse perspectives, and develop strategies that enhance student achievement and school performance. 

Principal Advisory Council members make a meaningful impact in the following ways:

  • Serving as essential liaisons between the school and the wider community

  • Promoting transparency, encouraging meaningful engagement, and sharing effective practices

  • Reviewing and providing input on the school’s Continuous Improvement Plan 

  • Participating in the selection process for the school principal. 

Individuals who are enthusiastic about educational excellence and community collaboration are encouraged to consider this important leadership opportunity.

 

To learn more about the work of Principal Advisory Councils, visit: https:www.dekalbschoolsga.org/divisions/access-and-opportunity/principal-advisory or contact schoolgovernance@dekalbschoolsga.org.

CV Classic 5K - November 7


Save the date!  Registration is open for our annual CV Classic 5K event on November 7.  The event begins and ends at PMS next to the track. 

Runners, Family Sponsors and phantom runner registrations all available now - CV Classic for Peachtree Middle School  

PMS School Tours


We'd love to show you our school!  Sign up for a tour here

The Peachtree Middle School PTSO will be hosting upcoming (parent-only) middle school tours led by our dedicated parent volunteers! As we understand the importance of making informed decisions about your child's education, these tours aim to provide you with a firsthand experience of our school environment. 

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JOIN US
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Follow Us & Share


Stay in touch with all that goes on at Peachtree Middle School! Follow us @peachtreeptso and Peachtree Middle PTSO on Facebook!

Pictures from your club, sport, arts event or more? Share your content for socials with peachtree.socialmedia@gmail.com

Newsletter Submissions: The Peachtree Middle School E-News is typically delivered on Sundays. If you wish to submit an announcement for an upcoming edition, send the details to pcmsnewsletter@gmail.com by noon the Thursday prior. 

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SPORTS, CLUB & PERFORMING ARTS NEWS
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Scouting America Info Event - August 30


Scouting America Troops 477 and 1919 are welcoming new scouts, both boys and girls, this fall.  See flyer below and join us for an informational come-and-go event on Sunday August 30th, from 3:00-5:00 at Brook Run Park. 

Fellowship of Christian Anybodies (FCA)


Use the QR codes in the images or the quick links below:

Peachtree Jewish Club


The Peachtree Jewish Club is a unique way for students to enjoy a variety of Jewish programming.  Sessions will be led by community leaders to provide a unique perspective on Jewish topics.  

Tentative meeting dates for the 2026-27 school year, first semester, are as follows: 

September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8. 

We hope to see everyone there! 

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Check our Community News page weekly for a variety of items that are of community interest!

Bring It Home Dunwoody


Future Wildcats, we need you to help us Bring It Home!

Bring It Home is an opportunity at Dunwoody High School to create home side bleachers, a press box, concessions, bathrooms, entrances, plazas, and green spaces that will enhance the experience for all Dunwoody students daily, as well as for sports and activities.

To make this long-awaited dream a reality, we must raise $1.5 million. The necessary approvals to move forward with the project have already been received, meaning construction can begin as soon as the funds are secured. Every contribution makes a difference and is deeply appreciated!  Donate today and Let’s Bring It Home!

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Who To Contact With Questions
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School Phone: 678-676-7702

Please review and save the list below so you aware whom to contact when questions arise.

Please keep in mind that we have a communication protocol at Peachtree for concerns.


  • If you have have a concern about your student/class, you should email your child's teacher directly first
  • If the concern/issue continues, you should email the Assistant Principal assigned to your grade level: 6th Grade - Tarnisha Dent at tarnisha_l_dent@dekalbschoolsga.org; 7th grade - contact Dr. Breana Mitchell at breana_mitchell@dekalbschoolsga.org, and for 8th Grade - contact Mr. Alex Brown at alexander_brown@dekalbschoolsga.org
  • If you continue having concerns, please reach out directly to Ms. Heutel, Principal.


Skipping a step above will actually slow down the process of getting help for your child, as the person you contact will have to back track and gather additional information. By starting with the person who spends the most time with your child - their teacher - you are most likely to get the information you need and reach a solution more quickly.


If you have questions regarding any of the following items below - please contact the person listed.


Direct questions regarding the following items to the people below.

  • PTSO Membership - Ms. Lindsey Gaines: peachtreeptso.lgaines@gmail.com
  • General questions pertaining to your child's class - email your child's teacher
  • Questions related to gifted eligibility - email our gifted liaison, Renee Stanton: renee_stanton@dekalbschoolsga.org
  • Questions related to special education - email our LTSE, Dr. Ann Harrold: annerys_y_harrold@dekalbschoolsga.org
  • Questions related to school counseling - email one of our school counselors: 8th grade - Ms. Katie Havens: katie_havens@dekalbschoolsga.org;7th grade - Ms. Danielle McQueendanielle_mcqueen@dekalbschoolsga.org;
    6th grade -Ms. Carrie Ringler: carrie_ringler@dekalbschoolsga.org
  • Questions pertaining to class schedules, progress reports, and report cards - email our Assistant Principal, Mr. Alex Brown at alexander_brown@dekalbschoolsga.org
  • Questions pertaining to districtwide assessments (MAP, CogAT, GA Milestones, ACCESS) - email our School Test Coordinator/Assistant Principal,Dr. Breana Mitchell at breana_mitchell@dekalbschoolsga.org
  • Questions pertaining to school wide operations - email Principal Amy Heutel: amy_heutel@dekalbschoolsga.org


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Thank You PMS Premier Sponsor
Thank You CV Classic 5K Sponsors
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Our Peachtree Middle School Mission

Through inclusive and open communication with all stakeholders, the Peachtree Middle School PTSO will foster a warm, respectful, and engaging environment to support the academic and extracurricular goals of Peachtree Middle School. 

Peachtree Middle School  Web Site
Peachtree  Middle School -  Parent Site
Patriot eNewsletter Archive
Peachtree Middle School Handbook
DCSD School Calendar 2026-27

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