After School Activities
SGE is currently offering Girls on the Run, with the possibility of adding more after school opportunities as the school year progresses.
ASEP (After School Enrichment Program)
ASEP provides a warm, caring environment beyond school hours, when your scholar has the opportunity to play with school friends and get homework out of the way.
Back to School Open House
The Open House is typically the week before school starts. Grades 1-5 meet with their specific teachers to get all details about back to school. Kindergarten does not attend Open House. They have Orientation Day during the first week of school. Check the PTA website for Open House dates/times.
Beginner’s Day
Beginner’s Day is a day held at the end of spring for incoming kindergartners and their families so they can get to know the teachers and staff, and learn more about what to expect at SGE.
Birthday Celebrations at School
On your scholar’s birthday, you can choose to send in a store-bought treat for the class to be eaten at lunch. Contact your scholar’s teacher to coordinate.
BOG Tests (Beginning of Grade Tests)
A standardized literacy test given to all 3rd graders at the beginning of the school year. It is considered a pre-test to establish a baseline measure to compose a growth model for each individual scholar.
Book Fair
Each year, usually in the winter, the SGE PTA will run a Scholastic Book Fair to give families the opportunity to grow their home libraries, while also raising money for the PTA.
BOX Tops For Education
Canvas
Canvas is an online learning management software program. It streamlines classroom work to one location where teachers can post and grade assignments, and scholars can complete work and receive feedback from teachers.
Child Nutrition Services
The CMS department that provides breakfast and lunch to our scholars each day. For more information visit: https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/nutrition/Pages/default.aspx
Chats with Principal Potter
There is a monthly chat with Principal Potter during which she informs families about all the happenings at the state, district, and school levels. Families are encouraged to ask questions. The chats are usually held at the beginning of the month on a Thursday evening and again on a Friday morning. Check the school website calendar for the next one: https://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/shamrockgardensES/_layouts/15/charmeckSchoolfiles/School_Calendar.aspx?isdlg=1
Club Fridays
Club Fridays are typically offered by SGE at no cost to families. These twice monthly clubs are non-academic and offer scholars a fun break at the end of the week.
CoGAT (The Cognitive Abilities Test)
This test is a multiple choice assessment that measures reasoning and problem solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and non verbal. This test is normally given in the fall of the scholar’s second grade year. These test results are one of the criteria used to determine if a scholar is gifted. Find more information about this process here: https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/astd/pages/gateway.aspx
Curriculum Night
An event where families can discover what their scholar will be responsible for learning this year and the strategies the families can use to support the learning process.
Connect Classes
Elective classes taught by specific, specialized teachers to give scholars a more rounded education. The Connect Classes at SGE are Physical Education, Music, Science, Art, and Media & Mindfulness.
Connect Ed
Connect Ed is a recorded phone call from Principal Potter that is used to update families with important information. If you prefer to receive an email in addition to the recorded call, reach out to Ms. Vanderhall by calling the school at 980-343-6440 or emailing valeried.vanderhall@cms.k12.nc.us.
Dragon News
Monthly PTA newsletter sent home to families in Thursday folders, typically the last week of the month. Electronic copies can be found at the bottom of the Dragon News page.
Dress Down for FUN(d)
On the first Friday of each month SGE has a dress down day (no uniform required) that benefits a designated cause at SGE or within the local community. Scholars can make a $2 suggested donation (any amount is appreciated and accepted) in cash, check or Zelle (sgemoney@gmail.com).
EOG Testing (End of Grade Testing)
The North Carolina End-of-Grade tests are designed to measure scholar performance on the goals, objectives, and grade level competencies specified in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. These tests are for grades 3rd, 4th and 5th grade scholars only. Learn more here: https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/accountability/statefed/Pages/default.aspx
Edukits
SGE offers the Edukit program as a convenient option for busy families to order school supply kits online. Edukits are custom made to include the supplies selected and approved by SGE. Order at www.edukitinc.com at the beginning of the summer (prior to your scholar’s school year) for the best pricing and free shipping. Your scholar’s Edukit will be in the classroom on their first day of school. Reminders will be sent out from the school at the beginning of the summer.
Family Handbook
Available in English and Spanish, this handbook gives families information about school procedures like what to do when your child is absent, the Title I family involvement policy and information about support services available. It's great to review this resource periodically.
Field Day
Field Day is a fun celebration, usually held in the spring, where scholars from all grades participate in fun outdoor activities with their classes.
Field Trips
The SGE community is united in its belief that true learning can take place anywhere, at any time. In staying true to this belief, we offer several unique learning experiences to scholars, both within the walls of the school and outside of the school.
Fifth Grade Promotion
This event typically takes place in the morning on one of the last days of school. Families attend to celebrate their 5th grade scholar moving on to 6th grade.
Grade Coordinator
Helping Hands
A weekly PTA committee that helps teachers and staff by taking care of tasks like: preparing copies, creating bulletin boards and prepping learning materials, which provides teachers with additional time to plan engaging and rigorous instruction for scholars.
Here Comes the Bus App
Here Comes the Bus is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for families and scholars by giving them real-time bus location and text/email notification alerts to help them get to the bus stop on time. Here Comes the Bus utilizes GPS data and an easy and an easy to use customizable map that works on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Sign up and learn more here: https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/transportation/Pages/Here-Comes-The-Bus.aspx
Kindergarten Promotion
This event typically takes place in the morning on one of the last days of school. Families attend to celebrate their Kindergarten scholar moving on to 1st grade.
Kindergarten Staggered Entry
During the first week of school, kindergartners will only attend one of the first three days to allow them to meet all of the kindergarten teachers and slowly adjust to elementary school. Staggered entry gives kindergarten scholars time to transition and allows the teachers to get to know each scholar in a smaller group setting. After the first week, each kindergartner will receive their teacher assignment and will report to that class the following week of school.
LI/TD (Learning Immersion/Talent Development Program)
The SGE magnet program is the Learning Immersion and Talent Development Program. This program provides scholars a learning environment focused on instructional strategies for advanced learners and a rigorous curriculum. The Learning Immersion (LI) program serves grades K-5. Scholars are taught using rigorous instructional strategies and curriculum to foster critical and analytical thinking skills to help them reach their greatest academic potential. The Talent Development (TD) program serves grades 3-5. The TD program provides a full day, inclusive program for identified gifted scholars. Learn more about this CMS magnet and the SGE program.
Live With Lucky
Love for Math Week
Love to Read Week
A week-long celebration of reading, normally in the spring, where scholars can log their reading minutes in a Read-a-Thon while participating in themed days of the week.
Lucky The Dragon
The SGE school mascot.
Lucky Dads
Lucky Dads is a group of SGE dads who volunteer at the school and help with different activities, such as carpool, throughout the year.
Lucky’s Birthday Party
Lunch Visits
Due to COVID restrictions, no lunch visits are allowed until further notice. When COVID restrictions are lifted, visitors are required to check in at the front office and log in to Lobby Guard before joining their scholar for lunch.
MAP Testing (Measures of Academic Progress Testing)
The assessment tool used for measuring achievement and growth in math, reading, and language usage. It helps teachers target instruction for each scholar.
Nutrislice
PayPams (Pay Parent Account Management System)
Online payment service used by CMS to manage all cafeteria purchases. Families can load money on their scholar’s account to be used for an extra treat during school breakfast and lunch. More information is available here: https://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/nutrition/Pages/PayPams.aspx
Polar Express Pajama Day
The last day before winter break when the scholars are allowed to wear pajamas to school instead of their uniforms. The Polar Express movie is shown in classrooms.
PowerSchool
Prospective Parent Open House
SGE holds several Open House meetings throughout the fall and winter to give prospective families the opportunity to learn more about the school. During the Open House prospective families meet and hear from the school community and tour the school.
PTA (Parent Teacher Association)
School Hours
The bell schedule is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
School Supply List
Shamrock Rocks!
Two large rocks located at our original SGE building site that families can pay to paint as a way to announce birthdays, celebrations and special accomplishments. Rock rentals will be available when we move back into our new building.
Shamrock Shuffle
The annual 5K run/walk held in March to celebrate SGE and raise money for the school. This is SGE PTA’s biggest fundraiser. Learn more here: https://raceroster.com/events/2021/40972/shamrock-shuffle-2021
Shamrock Way Shirts
Each year, the SGE PTA purchases a shirt for every scholar. The winning shirt design is selected through a contest among SGE scholars.
SIP (School Improvement Plan)
Step by step process for communicating with all stakeholders about SGE’s progress and areas of growth/needs.
SIT (School Improvement Team)
A group of diverse families, staff, and community members who meet monthly to help shape SGE’s vision of the future. At this monthly meeting members develop and support the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and engage in decisions that impact all of our scholars.
Spirit Nights
Throughout the year SGE will have school-sponsored spirit nights where families can get together for dinner/treats and help raise money for the school. How it works: visit the designated restaurant on the scheduled day/time frame and a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to SGE.
Spirit Week
A weeklong celebration, usually around St. Patrick's Day, where scholars are encouraged to wear green and participate in the themed days of the week.
Spiritwear Store
SGE PTA has an online spiritwear store, open year round, offering apparel and other SGE items. Your order can be delivered to the school for free or directly to your home for a small delivery. Visit the store here: http://www.sgespiritwear.com/
Staff Appreciation Week
A week-long celebration in May when the PTA and families celebrate and appreciate the teachers and staff of SGE. Events typically include breakfasts, notes/cards from scholars, a lunch and raffle prizes.
Summer Play Dates
Social events held during the summer, hosted by the PTA, at nearby neighborhood parks. Detailed information is provided at Beginner’s Day in the Spring. These events are a great opportunity for new and rising Kindergarten families to get to know each other.
Talking Points
A two-way multilingual family engagement platform helping teachers and families stay connected via the app or through text message.
The Four E's
These four focuses of the Learning Immersion magnet are the ways SGE scholars are encouraged to learn: Explore, Empower, Enrich, & Engage.
The Shamrock Way
A behavior system that utilizes the FIVE SGE Character Traits; Respectful, Cooperative, Prepared, Self Disciplined and Hard Working; to monitor each scholar. There is a point tracking system for good behavior and quarterly celebrations for those scholars who are well aligned with The Shamrock Way. More information is available in the scholar agenda.
The Shamrock Way Celebrations
Scholars who consistently engage in positive actions and meet the expectations of the Shamrock Way get to participate in a quarterly celebration.
Thursday Folders
Title I
Uniforms
Uniforms are required for all scholars enrolled at Shamrock Gardens Elementary. Find more information about the uniform policy here: https://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/shamrockgardensES/Pages/Uniform-Policy-for-SGE-2015-2016.aspx
Uniform Donation Program
Valentine’s Day Party/Friendship Celebration
Volunteer Registration & Opportunities to Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer at SGE this year in any way, including eating lunch with your scholar, please make sure you register with CMS as a volunteer. This must be done every year to stay in the volunteer database. A quick visit to www.cmsvolunteers.com and you’ll be ready to chaperone the next field trip or be a guest reader in your scholar’s classroom. If you are looking for PTA volunteer opportunities please contact yourshamrockpta@gmail.com.
Winter Concert
A winter holiday celebration for grades K-2.
Early Release Days
Scholars are dismissed from school at noon (12 p.m.) on Early Release Days. Note that they wiill still receive lunch at school on those days.
Car Line Procedures
Drop off: Scholars may be dropped off in the carpool line between 7:30-8 a.m. All families should remain in their cars until they have arrived in the drop off area and their scholar has been assisted by a staff member while exiting the car. Families are expected to stay in their vehicles during the drop off.
If you arrive after 8 a.m., you will need to park, walk your scholar into the building, and sign your scholar in as the staff members facilitating carpool are expected to report to the building at 8 a.m.
Pick up: If you are picking up your scholar from school via carpool they must be picked up no later than 3:15 p.m. On the first day of pick up you will receive a SGE Car Rider Sign, where you will write the name and grade level of your scholar. Please place this sign in a visible space on your dashboard. A staff member will come and read your scholar’s name and issue you a slot number where you will pick up your scholar.
Please review the Car Line Map (also pictured below) for carpool procedures. If you have any questions about carpool, please contact Ms. Miller: jacqueline.shipley@cms.k12.nc.us.
