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Originally delivered on 8/30/2026 9:49 am

SUBJECT: Peachtree Middle News - August 30, 2026

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August 30, 2026
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UPCOMING DATES
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Aug 24-Sept 4     MAP Testing Window

Sept 1                  Curriculum Night - 5:00-7:00 pm - NEW DATE!!

Sept 7                  Labor Day - No School


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PTSO & SCHOOL NEWS
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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


Curriculum Night Logistics

Sept 1; Doors open at 4:45 pm.

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.

For Curriculum night, please note that if your 8th grader is on the STEMboks team, they will start at 5pm and have 7 rotations: not 6.


Hello Patriot Parents,

I was able to watch our Lady Patriots volleyball team defeat Stone Mountain on Wednesday August 26. What I loved even more than winning was watching the way the girls cheered each other on. They were a great example of our core value of teamwork. Congratulations to the girls and thank you to Ms. Miklowski and Mr. Whitehead for coaching.

The Secondary Area 1 Mental Health Coordinator, Christa Robinson, is leading a virtual session for Peachtree parents Sept. 9th at 7pm called "Mental Health 101". This presentation will be full of valuable information about how to work with your adolescents to improve their mental health and when to know the warning signs of a crisis vs. normal adolescent behaviors. I will send the flyer and link this week directly through School Messenger.

I'm looking forward to seeing Patriot Parents at our Curriculum Night on Tuesday Sept 1 (students optional). Doors open at 4:45pm and we will start for most teams at 5:15. 8th grade STEM team begins at 5:00pm with first period.

Yours in partnership,

Amy Heutel

Principal

Congratulations - Achievement Awards


Peachtree Middle School received awards from DCSD for the following: 

  • Top 10 in the county for achievement in the areas on the award as measured by GMAS: Math EOG, Social Studies, Math EOC, Science EOC
  • Top 10 in DCSD for gains in Science

Congratulations to our Teachers and Students!

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


The Student Assignment Project is entering its first Engagement Session for the six clusters. This is an opportunity for families, staff and community members to learn more about the process and provide input that will help shape School Attendance Zones.

The first Engagement Session runs from August 26 through September 9 and focuses on defining the goals, process and expectations for this work.

We encourage you to first watch the 20-minute Engagement Session 1 presentation, available in six languages. After watching the presentation, there are three ways to participate: complete the Engagement Session 1 survey by September 8, sign up for an online focus group after completing the survey, or register to speak at a public comment session.

Learn more and participate at the Student Assignment Project website.

Watch the presentation:
Engagement Session 1 Presentation

Learn more and participate:
Student Assignment Project

Free & Reduced Lunch Forms


Find Free & Reduced Lunch Forms in English and in Spanish here.

Backpack Buddies


Peachtree Middle School is participating in the Backpack Buddies program, which provides supplemental food to eligible students. Backpack Buddies helps ensure that students have access to nutritious food over the weekend so they can return to school ready to learn. If your child is enrolled in the program, he/she may pick up a bag of child-appropriate food from the Counseling Office every Thursday of the school year. The food is provided at no cost to you through donations from the Cowart Family YMCA.

La Escuela Intermedia Peachtree participa en el programa Backpack Buddies, que proporciona alimentos suplementarios a los estudiantes que reúnen los requisitos. Backpack Buddies ayuda a garantizar que los estudiantes tengan acceso a alimentos nutritivos durante el fin de semana para que puedan regresar a la escuela listos para aprender. Si su hijo(a) está inscrito(a) en el programa, puede recoger una bolsa con alimentos apropiados para niños en la Oficina de Consejería todos los jueves durante el año escolar. Los alimentos se proporcionan sin costo para usted gracias a las donaciones de la YMCA de la Familia Cowart.

When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zGH7ysGx98

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. 

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.


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. 

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 - $37,800! 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  

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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. 

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
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Junior Wildcat Softball


  • Gold Team - 8/31- 6:30 pm; at Mt. Paran
  • Gold Team - 9/2 - 5:30 pm; at Marist
  • Silver Team - 8/31 - 4:30 pm; at Mt. Paran
  • Silver Team - 9/1 - 5:00 pm; at Brook Run
  • Silver Team - 9/2 - 5:00 pm; at Brook Run
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!

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
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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 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
DCSD Bus Routes 

PTSO Calendar Coming Soon!

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