“An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students”

CYCLONE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

650 A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30328 404-835-9000 www.cumberlandacademy.org

2007 *Celebrating Our 7th Year* 2014

Our Mission is to provide a safe, supportive, educational environ-

ment in partnership with students, parents, faculty and staff. The Cumberland family embraces the

uniqueness of every child by challenging and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Our academic and social curriculum encourages the development of life skills essential to becoming independent and self-sufficient

adults.

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Fall is in the air! September was

a busy month! We did our big

rafting trip down the

Nantahala River; this was a first

for so many of our students. I am

so proud of all of our rafters.

Well done!

Our cross country team continues

to improve their personal best and our volleyball

league has been winning games!! I see so many stu-

dents making new friends every day.

The Sandy Springs Police were at Cumberland to

help us with a hard lock-down drill. Thank you so

much to the local police. We have worked hard to

develop a safety plan with Sandy Springs Police to

ensure safety of students and staff.

Please check your calendar for important dates. We

will have our fall break this month. Happy Fall!!

Volume 7 October 2014 Issue 7

Recently at morning announcements I

shared a reflection with the students

about Thomas Edison and the virtue of

perseverance. Once when a friend

was consoling Edison after many

unsuccessful attempts to make a storage battery work,

Edison said, “I have not failed I’ve just found a

thousand ways that didn’t work.” Edison knew what

most successful people know. Talent and skills and even

luck can take you a long way. But perseverance can take

you further. Those who learn to stick to their tasks

usually end up doing well in life. (From The Book of Vir-

tues for Young People, Edited by William Bennett.) Af-

ter sharing that reflection, a student came up to me

and said rather sheepishly, “Mr. Sasso, I think you are

repeating yourself. You have told us that story before.”

I said to the student “Exactly, I do this intentionally

because some messages are so important they bear re-

peating. I feel this way about perseverance. “

Debbi Scarborough Don Sasso

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Mrs. Gelbaum’s Classes & Pioneer Pride Pioneer Pride:

The Pioneer students have been hard at work at school. They all helped

paint a beautiful piece of art that will be displayed at school. Parents,

please remember to send a snack in with your child everyday. We are

happy to store non-perishable snacks, if needed. When celebrating birth-

days, please keep in mind some of our students have food allergies; there-

fore, non-edible treats are always best!

Mrs. Gelbaum’s Classes:

In 6th grade writing, students have been busy working on their Wordly

Wise lessons and increasing their vocabulary! We are also composing

narrative writing pieces on a variety of topics.

In 5th grade literature & writing, students have been hard at work learning new vocabulary through their Wordly

Wise lessons. They are also becoming great writers and composing a variety of narrative pieces. In Literature

we have begun our first novel study, Holes. Students are loving our new layered curriculum that allows them to go

at their own pace while being supported by teacher’s assistance.

In 4th grade Science, students have completed their study of plants and are now learning about the variety of

animals and classifications of animals. After this unit, they will be learning about the Earth’s resources and how

we can help protect our earth.

In 4th grade Social Studies, students have been studying the different Native American tribes and their life-

styles. This unit will be culminating next week with a project on Native American homes!

4th Grade Math

In class we are reviewing and expanding our skills. The students are also working very hard on multiplication. We

are using our Promethean board with games, music and videos that help us learn.

5th Grade Math

The students are learning to multiply two digits by two digits and also three digits by two digits. We are using

several different methods to learn this valuable skill. Ask one of the students about the Chinese method. It will

amaze you. Our class will also be working on long division with many strategies to help them understand this con-

cept.

5th Grade Science and Social Studies

We are finishing up the Civil War and moving on to the Reconstruction Period. The students are finding that life

during this time was very interesting. There were lots of new inventions and the country was doing lots of things

to rebuild after the war.

In Science, we have just finished our study of classification of animals and plants. We are moving on to construc-

tive and destructive forces. We are working hard on a project to share with the Pioneers. Did you know that vol-

canoes can be destructive and constructive?

Course 1 Math

Our class is exploring factors and the greatest common factor. We are finding that skills such as multiplication

and division are connected to other standards we are learning. The students will also start working on exponents.

Mrs. Evans’ Classes

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Ms. Thurmond’s Classes & Navigator Nook I can't believe that October has arrived. September was very busy with all of my classes taking 2 tests and learning

the Saxon format. My classes have added several foldables to their Interactive notebook. We are learning to use the

notebooks as resources when completing homework. Math Course 2.5 will review and master integer rules and solving

for unknown variables in multi-step equations in October. Pre-Algebra students will demonstrate mastery of complet-

ing operations with decimals and fractions. We will also increase our math vocabulary practicing geometry and using

radicals and exponents. Math Course 2 students will review

and increase their ability to complete operations with

fractions and decimal numbers. We will also introduce

concepts with exponents and radicals. Students will

be asked to demonstrate mastery of basic geometry

skills in October, as well.

In 1st and 4th period Literature, we have reached the middle of Treasure Hunters. Students have been working with

partners on a writing assignment based off of How I became a Pirate by Melinda Long.

In 2nd and 6th period Literature, we are almost half way through The Warrior Heir. Students are working on creating

their own character archetypes, using characters from the novel as examples.

In 3rd period Literature, students have been competing in a contest to show off their best

descriptive writing. Students are continuing to read Treasure Island. Students will be

working on a pensive pirate creative writing assignment, applying some of the vocabulary that

has been picked up from the novel.

Writer’s Workshop – We will continue to apply the writing process in the different styles of writing. October will

have a focus on producing final drafts that demonstrate accurate spelling and the correct use of punctuation and

capitalization. Understanding, acquiring, and using new vocabulary correctly in our writing will continue to be applied in

each class.

Cyclones Volleyball – It has been a great season full of scoring points as well as improvement of each student-athlete.

The Jr. Varsity team will look to finish the season during mid-October’s APAC tournament.

Cyclones Cross Country - Cumberland Academy of Georgia Jr. Varsity and Varsity Cyclones have represented very

well in the school’s second season participation in the AAC cross country meets.

We look to acknowledge the student-athletes Tuesday, October 21 in our end of season celebration. Information for

winter basketball will be coming out soon. Come out and support your Cumberland Academy of Georgia Cyclones.

Coach Henck’s Classes & Cyclone Athletics

Mrs. Bishop’s Classes

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Mrs. Liang’s Classes

We have had a busy month calculating money equations as well as calculating calories and recipe measures. We

have been reading a variety of literary genres. Through Literature, Science and Social Studies and Life Skills, we

will be learning about the historical and social importance of the text. We will begin reading Dracula as soon as we

finish our current study.

Our Independent Living Class has begun working at Furkids in Doraville.

Students worked on cleaning and caring for the animals as well as helping

train animals by teaching appropriate social skills to prepare them for adoption.

In Geography, students have continued their study of South America. We did a collaborative project this month

using the sharing features in Google Drive. Students shared a template document, completed research about

Simon Bolivar and used their collaborative notes to create an eye catching poster about the "George Washington

of the Southern Hemisphere". We are just about done with Caribbean South America and will move into the An-

des and Pampas soon.

For Georgia Studies, the eighth grade just completed a unit on "Early Georgia". We learned how to take notes

using a Cornell template while studying the early native civilizations of Georgia and the early Spanish explorers

and settlements on St. Catherine's Island. Our next unit will be about the colony of Georgia and its role in the

American Revolution.

Fall is here and science is in full swing for the Navigators at Cumberland! We have covered the basics of Science

and are on to the nitty gritty.

In Earth Science we are moving and shaking while we wrap up our study of rocks and the rock cycle and start fo-

cusing on the big stuff: Plate Tectonics and forces within the earth. From the odd history of the theory of mov-

ing plates to the excitement of volcanos and earthquakes, we will be covering the bigger picture of the earth be-

neath our feet.

On the Life Science side of things we will continue our study of the minute: cells and their

functions. We will take a detailed look at the intricate dance that is cell division and all of the

the funky things that can go wrong with it. From there we will meet our good friend Gregor

Mendel and realize why those pea plants were so important.

In Physical Science, we focus on the smallest things of all: Atoms and Molecules,

specifically how they link together to make chemicals and then how we can break them

apart. We will explore the different types of bonds in the world and then see how

we can change them through chemical reactions: observing them, describing them, and

controlling them.

Its set up to be an exciting month in Science class!

Ms. Goodwin’s Classes

Mr. Allpere’s Classes

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My favorite time of the year is here - Fall! The Explorers are already back into the "swing" of things - we're completing homework, traveling to various college and career site visits, and everyone has settled into their schedules nicely. Our seniors have begun applying for colleges and contemplating their "What's Next?" after Cumberland. My classes are currently working on... Life Skills Math - We've been comparison shopping for products, learning about probability, and comparing perimeter and area. Literature - We've recently wrapped up the book, The Diary of Anne Frank, and we're about to begin our 2nd novel. Environmental Science - The Environmental Science students have been learning about the EPA, sustainability of natural resources, and how cultural and economic background influences individual's thoughts about the environ-ment. College and Career Prep - The College and Career Prep class will visit Oglethorpe University during the month of October as well one other vocational visit. In addition, the class took an inventory of life skills and we are cur-rently going through the various life skills the students needed aid with via lessons and hands on activities!

In Algebra 1 class we are studying mathematical functions and relationships.

In Advanced Math, we are concluding our unit on matrices. The students handle the tedious challenge of multiply-ing and finding the determinants of matrices.

In Pre-Algebra, we are discussing the properties of numbers and operations.

Geometry class is extrapolating our postulates and theorems to shape. The first shapes we will be focused on are polygons. Specifically we will be looking at triangles.

My Biology class has enjoyed learning about ecology. A few labs included building an enclosed terrarium and an enclosed aquatic ecosystem. I am proud to let you know that our plants and fishes are still alive.

In Sociology the focus has been on culture. We just finished up a test on United States culture. One of the high-

lights was looking at the different dialects that are used in different regions of the country. Coming from Michi-

gan the students like to laugh at the different words that I use.

World History is making its way through the early river civilizations all around the world. We finished up Mesopo-

tamia and Egypt and will be making our way to India next. The main focus has been on the rivers that gave our

early civilizations life.

Mr. Hofmeister’s Classes

Ms. King’s Classes & Explorer’s Exclamation

Ms. Mitchell’s Classes

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Counselor’s Corner

In Spanish 1, we have been learning to write our schedules, tell time, and use personal pronouns. We are beginning

to conjugate regular verbs and translate small phrases. This month we are going to focus on speaking with an em-

phasis on proper pronunciation and conversing.

In Spanish 2, we have been talking about parts of the house and going on vacation. Using this vocabulary, we cre-

ate complex sentences using proper subject/verb conjugation and sentence structure.

In both classes we learn Spanish culture by watching short clips. Thus far we have studied: Frida Kahlo, Gaudi, La

Tomatina, la ciudad de Juarez, and The Running of the Bulls. Using this component we discuss our similarities/

differences between countries and how upbringing can change a person’s perspective.

In British literature, we have been continuing to read Frankenstein. We have been dissecting the novel and find-

ing the meaning of dense vocabulary words through context. The students created visual aids to retell the story

through their group drawings.

In Advanced literature, we have been discussing how to write a proper

research paper starting with a thesis that includes a good hook and strong

body paragraphs. Additionally, we have been gathering evidence to support

our opinions.

As we embark on October, we’ll continue to work with the students on fostering self-efficacy including social

skills and life skills. October’s theme is “Authentic Me.” We’ll be weaving this theme into our Social and Life

Skills Groups, helping our students foster awareness of their unique, inner gifts. Each of us houses an inner gift

and we’re here to help your child unearth that treasure. Social worker, teacher, speaker and researcher, Brene

Brown, said “Authenticity is a daily practice of letting go who we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.”

When we’re wearing our social masks, we become in conflict of ourselves, constricting the true nature of who we

are inside. Encourage and celebrate your child’s inner gifts and passions through compassionate listening and ver-

bal validation of their emotional experiences. Keep in mind the following RAIN technique so we can help utilize

this with the students:

R – Recognize what is going on with you and others around you.

A – Accept what is happening in that moment, without trying to change it.

I – Investigate the heart (what are you feeling?).

N – Non-judgment (of our own feelings and others’ feelings).

RAIN was developed by Tara Brach, Ph.D., meditation teacher, author & clinical psychologist. In addition to being

highly effective with adults, RAIN can be modified to be a powerful tool in school settings – helping students

process individual emotional challenges and peer conflict.

We’re here to support your child’s holistic growth & well-being so please feel free to call us to schedule a meeting

so we can learn more about your child.

With Gratitude, The Counseling Team

Ms. Niki, Mrs. Stephanie, Mrs. Lena, Ms. Belinda, Ms. Erean & Ms. Yvon

Ms. Lueloff’s Classes

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Support Cumberland

Thank you Sandy Springs police for your assistance in our school drills. We all feel extra safe thanks to you all.

UC Berkley you all are awesome! Thank you for your recognition of our special school-the t-shirts will go to

great use!

Thank you Robson, Melton, Mench, Purser, Vladick families for the Kleenex.

Purser & McNerney families (and anyone else), thank you for sav-

ing and donating the BoxTops!

Thank you Box Tops Coordinators, Stacey Keisling, Kim Purser and

Megan McNerney!

Thank you Scrip Cards Coordinator, Angelia Robson!

Gala Meeting, October 7 @ 1:30

Fall Break, October 10-13

Noon dismissal, October 17

Cumberland Café - Each Friday Cumberland students sell breakfast items. Proceeds go to charity!

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, another Ms. Jen performance coming in December.

Faculty vs. Students Basketball Game, December 12.

BOOTS & BANDANAS, FEBRUARY 21, 2015. SAVE THE DATE!

Did you know that coke caps can be collected from all these drinks?! Send in your caps and reward codes to Cum-

berland so we can earn free art supplies, sports gear and educational resources. And… don’t forget to clip your La-

bels for Education and Box Tops and use your Publix key card!

Designate Cumberland as your charitable organization on these websites and we will get a portion on your purchase

price: www.Target.com/tcoe; www.Smile.Amazon.com; www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com. Thanks for clicking, cut-

ting, swiping and shopping. Giving to Cumberland has never been easier.

Haley’s “Wag” = Thank You

Coming up!

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Cumberland Academy of Georgia loves our corporate sponsors! Each of our students learning experiences will be

enriched due to the generosity of the following companies:

Hands on Atlanta and LexisNexis spent a day volunteering at Cumberland.

Many hands worked on the storage shed in the back, painted lines on the parking

lot and put together several picnic tables (which the students have been enjoying!).

Thank you all so very much!!

Get Grounded, thank you for the huge donation to Cumberland.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TAXES!

Redirect the Georgia income taxes you ALREADY pay to provide scholarships!

Invest in Cumberland and receive a 100% Georgia Income Tax Credit by following these 5 Simple Steps:

APPLY NOW! Complete the 2015 GOAL Tax Credit From at www.goalscholarship.org.

GOAL Submits to DOR. Beginning 01/01/2015, GOAL submits your form to the Georgia Department of Reve-

nue.

Approve to Contribute. The DOR notifies you and GOAL of your tax credit approval.

Make Payment. Pay GOAL by check or credit card within 60 days of your DOR approval notification. That’s

not until 2015!

Take the Credit. GOAL sends you an IT-QEE-SSOI Form for your 2015 tax return.

The GOAL Scholarship Program is an incredible and proven opportunity that allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect

a portion of their state income tax to provide needs based scholarships for eligible students to attend Cumber-

land Academy of Georgia!

Please sign up today!

If you have any questions, need help completing your form online, or need hard forms, please contact me at any

time.

Valerie Siciliano Laura ● (404) 262-0404 ● valerie.laura@cumberlandacademy.org

Corporations Inspire Learning

CFO, Valerie Siciliano Laura

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