“An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students”
CYCLONE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER
2007
*Celebrating Our 7th Year*
Volume 7
October 2014
2014
Issue 7
Our Mission is to provide a safe,
supportive, educational environment 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
Debbi Scarborough
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 students 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!!
650 A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Recently at morning announcements I
shared a reflection with the students
about Thomas Edison and the virtue of
perseverance. Once when a friend
Don Sasso
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 Virtues for Young People, Edited by William Bennett.) After 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 repeating. I feel this way about perseverance. “
404-835-9000
www.cumberlandacademy.org
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 birthdays, please keep in mind some of our students have food allergies; therefore, 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 lifestyles. This unit will be culminating next week with a project on Native American homes!
Mrs. Evans’ Classes
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 concept.
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 constructive and destructive forces. We are working hard on a project to share with the Pioneers. Did you know that volcanoes 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.
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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 completing 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.
Mrs. Bishop’s Classes
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.
Coach Henck’s Classes & Cyclone Athletics
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.
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Ms. Goodwin’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.
Mrs. Liang’s Classes
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 Andes 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.
Mr. Allpere’s Classes
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 focusing on the big stuff: Plate Tectonics and forces within the earth. From the odd history of the theory of moving plates to the excitement of volcanos and earthquakes, we will be covering the bigger picture of the earth beneath 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 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!
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the
Ms. King’s Classes & Explorer’s Exclamation
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 environment.
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 currently going through the various life skills the students needed aid with via lessons and hands on activities!
Ms. Mitchell’s Classes
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 multiplying 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.
Mr. Hofmeister’s Classes
In Sociology the focus has been on culture. We just finished up a test on United States culture. One of the highlights was looking at the different dialects that are used in different regions of the country. Coming from Michigan 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 Mesopotamia and Egypt and will be making our way to India next. The main focus has been on the rivers that gave our
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early civilizations life.
Ms. Lueloff’s Classes
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 emphasis 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 create 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 finding 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.
Counselor’s Corner
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 verbal 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
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Haley’s “Wag” = Thank You

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 saving and donating the BoxTops!

Thank you Box Tops Coordinators, Stacey Keisling, Kim Purser and
Megan McNerney!

Thank you Scrip Cards Coordinator, Angelia Robson!
Coming up!

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!
Support Cumberland
Did you know that coke caps can be collected from all these drinks?! Send in your caps and reward codes to Cumberland so we can earn free art supplies, sports gear and educational resources. And… don’t forget to clip your Labels 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, cutting, swiping and shopping. Giving to Cumberland has never
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Corporations Inspire Learning
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.
CFO, Valerie Siciliano Laura
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 Revenue.
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 Cumberland 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
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(404) 262-0404
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[email protected]
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