Aug 24-Sept 4 MAP Testing Window Aug 26 PTSO Interest Coffee/General Meeting - 9:00 am Sept 1 Curriculum Night - 5:00-7:00 pm - NEW DATE!! Sept 7 Labor Day - No School
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Scroll through the whole newsletter each week! New content is added by section so don't miss the Clubs, Sports, Arts section and others. |
Principal's Pulse on Peachtree Message
Dear Parents, As we enter into the 4th week of school, academic rigor will increase. The role of a middle school parent is sometimes tricky. How much should I interfere with their accomplishing homework or studying? I find these strategies useful:
1. Check Infinite Campus on the weekend to ensure that work is turned in. You're not checking for all A's. Just ensure your student knows that the expectation is that work is turned in. If it is not, you take their phone (or other privilege) until it gets remedied. This is a good time to teach your child how to email and discuss grades with teachers. Make your child email and discuss-- it's not your job anymore! This sets them up for good habits in High School when the grades start to count.
2. Set limits on phones. I know-- I have 2 screen-agers at home too. My husband and I take their phones at 10pm so they can sleep. Sleep is utterly important to adolescent brains, and they do not have the self-control to turn off their phones.
3. Let them make mistakes. And teach them how to recover.
The administration team is having a BLAST working with this group of kids this year. It has been a great start to the year. Thanks for all you do to support us. Yours in Partnership, Amy Heutel |
Key Updates from Principal Heutel
Curriculum Night Logistics Sept 1; Doors open at 5pm. Families will start in their first period class at 5:15 and rotate to each period every 15 minutes. Each teacher will make a brief presentation. The last rotation ends at 7pm. Parents- you may come without your child, but make sure you have the student's schedule to know where to go.
Foreign Language Updates Last year we decided to end offering Spanish/French 1 for 7th grade. However, we needed to honor Spanish/French 2 for those students in 8th grade who took Spanish 1 last year. This left us in a bind because we do not have enough language teachers to offer both 1 and 2 this year for 8th grade. I apologize that our 8th graders got squeezed in all this. Also, the course requests went out in December, and being a new principal to middle school, I did not fully understand course requests and how that system worked. Rest assured, if your child did not take a foreign language in middle school, they will have plenty of time to catch up at DHS. Also, if you are interested in another course like Chorus, Orchestra, Year long art, etc, please contact Alex Brown to adjust your child's schedule. This is only available if we have openings in the class. The window to change classes closes on Labor Day.
Orchestra/ Chorus Teacher We hired a new chorus and orchestra teacher, Erika Arango. Her start date is 8/27. I anticipate her classes beginning the next Monday, August 31. If your child requested Orchestra or Chorus last year, they will automatically be moved into that course and taken out of one of their current Connections classes. We still have open spots for both Orchestra and Chorus, so if your child is interested, please contact Mr. Alex Brown to be added to the class.
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Assist the Nurse with Dental Screenings
Opportunities to assist on Wednesday, September 2, with Dental Screenings! Come help Nurse Sears with the dental screenings at Peachtree Middle School on Wednesday, September 2nd. You will be escorting the students who have a signed form to the screening. Please check in at the front office and then report to Nurse Sears' clinic. If a parent/guardian has any questions, please call the school clinic 678.676.7707 and speak with the school Nurse. |
| Student Assignment Project Advisory Team
Help Shape What's Next for Dunwoody Cluster Students The Student Assignment Project is inviting Peachtree Middle School families to join a Community Advisory Team this fall. Advisory Team members work alongside district leaders to help shape recommendations before anything reaches the Board of Education in December — no decisions have been made yet, and your voice matters. The commitment is three evening sessions between September and November. Submit your Interest Form between August 11–25 at https://survey.sogolytics.com/r/GMJr7e. Space is limited to 10 seats per school. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Front Office Volunteers
Front Office Volunteer Sign Ups Now Live! This unique, ongoing, volunteer opportunity provides volunteers the perfect chance to get to know our students, staff and community members! During the two hours shifts you'll help welcome students and parents, answer phone calls and complete other needed tasks. It is so much fun, you'll want to sign up for recurring slots!!! Second semester dates will be released at a later date. Sign up here.
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| 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. |
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Cyber Champions Program The Cyber Champions Program is our student cybersecurity ambassador initiative designed to empower our students to become leaders in digital safety, cybersecurity awareness, and responsible technology use. Cyber Champions participate in engaging lessons, awareness campaigns, and leadership opportunities throughout the school year. If you have tech savvy students who may be interested in serving as Cyber Champions, please encourage them to submit an application using the link below: Student Application: https://bit.ly/26-27CyberChampions |
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 - $37,100! 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! |
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.
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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.
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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| PTSO Interest Coffee & General Meeting
Join our PTSO on Wednesday, August 26 at 9:00 am in the Media Center for an interest coffee. Find out more about what we do to support our school, what committee chair opportunities we have remaining, and how you can help. We look forward to seeing you there! |
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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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| 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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SPORTS, CLUB & PERFORMING ARTS NEWS |
Junior Wildcat Softball
- Gold Team vs. St. Pius-Gold - 8/25- 5:00 pm; Brook Run
- Gold Team vs. Galloway-Gold - 8/26 - 5:00 pm; Brook Run
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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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Camp MAGIK
Camp MAGIK, a healing camp for children and adolescents who have lost a parent, sibling or a close caregiver, is announcing its Fall 2026 camp session. This session will be held at the North Georgia Christian Camp in Clarkesville October 2-4, 2026. Applications need to be postmarked or emailed to us no later thanSeptember 21, 2026. We will arrange free transportation to camp and back based on need. English Flyer Spanish Flyer Camp MAGIK is well suited to all youth ages 6 through 18 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or a close caregiver within the past 3-4 years (longer losses evaluated on an individual basis), especially youth who have experienced a traumatic loss. Professional bereavement counselors, trained in grief and trauma, lead all counseling sessions. This is our 31st year providing this evidence-based service to the community. There is also a retreat available for adults who want to process their own grief with other adults who are grieving. Our camp sessions are FREE OF CHARGE to all participating children, adolescents and parents/guardians. Please share this information/announcement with families you feel may benefit from this FREE service for bereaved children and with other professionals as you see fit. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. www.campmagik.org |
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 |
School Phone: 678-676-7702Please 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 McQueen: danielle_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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