Parent Resources
Welcome to the Marietta City Schools Parent Resource Center! You are your child’s first and best teacher and we support you in your efforts to help your child receive a quality education. This page has numerous online resources, parenting tips, and other helpful publications. .
Marietta City Schools wants to partner with you to provide all students with a positive and enriching educational experience.
News
Georgia Releases List of Focus Schools, March 20
On March 20, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) released a list of 156 schools that need additional attention to address gaps in achievement and graduation rates between groups of students. Those schools are designated "focus" schools, one of the three new designations required to be used by Georgia as a result of the waiver from federal No Child Left Behind accountability mandates. Marietta Middle School and Marietta High School are among the 156 “focus” schools named in the GaDOE list. What is a GaDOE Focus School?
On March 20, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) released a list of 156 schools that need additional attention to address gaps in achievement and graduation rates between groups of students. Those schools are designated "focus" schools, one of the three new designations required to be used by Georgia as a result of the waiver from federal No Child Left Behind accountability mandates. Marietta Middle School and Marietta High School are among the 156 “focus” schools named in the GaDOE list. What is a GaDOE Focus School?
Aspen Family Portal Parent Tutorial Video
Marietta City Schools (MCS) parents/guardians now have access to an online tutorial video about the new MCS student information system parent support feature: Aspen Family Portal (AFP).
MCS Begins Statewide Physical Fitness Assessment, Jan. – Apr. 2012Beginning in January 2012, all Marietta City School students in grades 1 -12, enrolled in a physical education class taught by a certified physical education teacher, will begin undergoing Georgia SHAPE - a mandated annual fitness assessment launched by Governor Nathan Deal in May 2011. Aggregate fitness assessment results are reported to the Georgia Department of Education, and individual results for students in grades 4 – 12 are provided confidentially to parents. There will be no release of data or information that can be identified with, or linked to, a specific child.
Information for ParentsMCS Student Sexual Harassment Training
In accordance with Board Policy JAEB, Marietta City Schools (MCS) is required to conduct age-appropriate training and education for all students (grades PreK-12) regarding what constitutes sexual harassment, the school district's policy and disciplinary consequences for violating the policy, and procedures for reporting student sexual harassment. Preventing and remedying student sexual harassment in schools is essential to ensure a nondiscriminatory, safe environment in which all students can learn.
Parent Letter
Training Presentation (Grades 7-12)
In accordance with Board Policy JAEB, Marietta City Schools (MCS) is required to conduct age-appropriate training and education for all students (grades PreK-12) regarding what constitutes sexual harassment, the school district's policy and disciplinary consequences for violating the policy, and procedures for reporting student sexual harassment. Preventing and remedying student sexual harassment in schools is essential to ensure a nondiscriminatory, safe environment in which all students can learn.
Parent Letter Training Presentation (Grades 7-12)Marietta City Schools Offers Internet Essentials
Marietta City Schools offers Internet Essentials, an ambitious and comprehensive broadband adoption program recently launched by Comcast. Internet Essentials provides families with children eligible for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Program with Low-Cost Internet Service, Affordable Computers and Digital Literacy Training. Internet Essentials participants receive: Residential Internet service for $9.95 a month plus applicable taxes with no price increases, no activation fees, or equipment rental fees. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com for English or visit www.internetbasico.com for Spanish. Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-855-846-8376, or for Spanish, 1-855-765-6995.
Internet Essentials Fact Sheet
Marietta City Schools offers Internet Essentials, an ambitious and comprehensive broadband adoption program recently launched by Comcast. Internet Essentials provides families with children eligible for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Program with Low-Cost Internet Service, Affordable Computers and Digital Literacy Training. Internet Essentials participants receive: Residential Internet service for $9.95 a month plus applicable taxes with no price increases, no activation fees, or equipment rental fees. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com for English or visit www.internetbasico.com for Spanish. Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-855-846-8376, or for Spanish, 1-855-765-6995.
Internet Essentials Fact Sheet Back To School - Parent Resources/Articles
Free "Back to School" newsletters in English or Spanish are available from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension/Cobb County Web site. This collection of articles for parents includes expert advice on cyber bullying, involving children in community service, packing lunch boxes, social networking, and more.
Free "Back to School" newsletters in English or Spanish are available from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension/Cobb County Web site. This collection of articles for parents includes expert advice on cyber bullying, involving children in community service, packing lunch boxes, social networking, and more.
New Online Parent Contact Information Update Form
Marietta City Schools (MCS) parents and guardians can now update their personal contact information (telephone numbers, e-mail) online. Simply use our new Parent Contact Information Update Form at www.marietta-city.org/parents/infoupdate.
Marietta City Schools (MCS) parents and guardians can now update their personal contact information (telephone numbers, e-mail) online. Simply use our new Parent Contact Information Update Form at www.marietta-city.org/parents/infoupdate.
Academics
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS)
Georgia joined with 47 other states well over a year ago to develop a set of core standards for K-12 in English language arts and mathematics. On June 2, 2011, the Common Core State Standards were released. These standards provide a consistent framework to prepare students for success in college and/or the 21st century workplace. These standards represent a common sense next step from the Georgia Performance Standards. More information about CCGPS. A Parents' Guide to Student Success in Common Core is available at www.pta.org/4446.htm.
Georgia joined with 47 other states well over a year ago to develop a set of core standards for K-12 in English language arts and mathematics. On June 2, 2011, the Common Core State Standards were released. These standards provide a consistent framework to prepare students for success in college and/or the 21st century workplace. These standards represent a common sense next step from the Georgia Performance Standards. More information about CCGPS. A Parents' Guide to Student Success in Common Core is available at www.pta.org/4446.htm.
State Phases Out Graduation Test
The State Board of Education recently approved State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge's plan to phase out the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT). Students who enter high school in fall 2011 will no longer take the GHSGT in English, math, social studies and science, in order to graduate. This new plan will require students to pass all required courses, and the End-of-Course Tests (EOCT) will now count 20% of a student's final grade, rather than the current 15% weight.
The State Board of Education recently approved State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge's plan to phase out the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT). Students who enter high school in fall 2011 will no longer take the GHSGT in English, math, social studies and science, in order to graduate. This new plan will require students to pass all required courses, and the End-of-Course Tests (EOCT) will now count 20% of a student's final grade, rather than the current 15% weight.
Whole Grade Acceleration
Marietta City Schools offers whole grade acceleration as an appropriate educational intervention for exceptionally capable second thru seventh grade* students. Parents/guardians interested in whole grade acceleration should first consult with their child’s teacher and/or counselor concerning the suitability of whole grade acceleration for their child. For more information, parents should contact their child’s school.
Marietta City Schools offers whole grade acceleration as an appropriate educational intervention for exceptionally capable second thru seventh grade* students. Parents/guardians interested in whole grade acceleration should first consult with their child’s teacher and/or counselor concerning the suitability of whole grade acceleration for their child. For more information, parents should contact their child’s school.
Move On When Ready Program
The Move On When Ready Program (MOWR) is a dual enrollment opportunity for Marietta High School students to attend a postsecondary institution on a full-time basis during their junior and/or senior year of high school.
The Move On When Ready Program (MOWR) is a dual enrollment opportunity for Marietta High School students to attend a postsecondary institution on a full-time basis during their junior and/or senior year of high school.
Changes to Grades 9-12 Math Courses
Implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) math curriculum at Marietta High School began in 2008-09.
Implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) math curriculum at Marietta High School began in 2008-09.
Response to Intervention (RTI)
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a learning process that matches general education classroom instruction to each student’s learning needs. In other words, educators respond to a student’s academic and/or behavior challenge with the right amount of intensity in classroom learning supports.
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a learning process that matches general education classroom instruction to each student’s learning needs. In other words, educators respond to a student’s academic and/or behavior challenge with the right amount of intensity in classroom learning supports.
School and Internet Safety
Web Photos Can Reveal Secrets
Parents may not realize that when they or their children upload photos to the Internet they can disclose where they live, work, and play. Geotags identify where the photo or video was taken.
• New York Times: Web Photos That Reveal Secrets, Like Where You Live
• Birmingham science news | Examiner.com: Geotagging photos endangers children
• NBC Chicago: Online Photos Could Give Strangers Your Exact Location (Video)
Parents may not realize that when they or their children upload photos to the Internet they can disclose where they live, work, and play. Geotags identify where the photo or video was taken.
• New York Times: Web Photos That Reveal Secrets, Like Where You Live
• Birmingham science news | Examiner.com: Geotagging photos endangers children
• NBC Chicago: Online Photos Could Give Strangers Your Exact Location (Video)
Bus Safety Is Every Student's ResponsibilityAccording to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "School buses remain one of the safest forms of transportation in the United States." However, proper student behavior while on the bus leads to a safe environment for everyone and plays an important role in bus safety.
Video: School Bus Safety is Every Student's Responsibility
New Law Places More Children In Booster Seats
More children must use car booster seats under the new state law. Under the measure, nearly all children ages seven and under will now have to sit in booster seats while riding in a car in Georgia.
Changes to GA Booster Seat Law
What you need to Know Booster Seat Law
More children must use car booster seats under the new state law. Under the measure, nearly all children ages seven and under will now have to sit in booster seats while riding in a car in Georgia.
Changes to GA Booster Seat Law What you need to Know Booster Seat Law
MCS Response to National Terrorism Advisory System
Marietta City Schools (MCS) uses the National Terrorism Advisory System to inform the public and our employees of changes in the terrorist threat level in the United States and its possessions. Comprehensive response procedures are contained in the district-wide safety plan and each local school safety plan. For more information on the National Terrorism Advisory System or to receive NTAS alerts, visit www.dhs.gov/alerts.
Marietta City Schools (MCS) uses the National Terrorism Advisory System to inform the public and our employees of changes in the terrorist threat level in the United States and its possessions. Comprehensive response procedures are contained in the district-wide safety plan and each local school safety plan. For more information on the National Terrorism Advisory System or to receive NTAS alerts, visit www.dhs.gov/alerts. 
What is School Bullying?Marietta City Schools and the Marietta Police Department have developed a useful video to educate parents about bullying in schools and how to recognize its signs and intervene appropriately. Visit our School Safety page for more helpful resources and information.
Cybersafety Booklet For Parents/Kids Now Available
Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online, a new booklet released by the Federal Trade Commission, tells parents and teachers what they need to know to talk to kids about issues like cyber bullying, sexting, mobile phone safety, and protecting the family computer. The free booklet is available at OnGuardOnline.gov, the federal government’s online safety Web site.
Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online, a new booklet released by the Federal Trade Commission, tells parents and teachers what they need to know to talk to kids about issues like cyber bullying, sexting, mobile phone safety, and protecting the family computer. The free booklet is available at OnGuardOnline.gov, the federal government’s online safety Web site.
What Parents Need to Know About Social Networking and More
Cable in the Classroom has created short online videos illustrating the major elements of social networking, using MySpace as the example, and explaining the characteristics of Web 2.0.
Cable in the Classroom has created short online videos illustrating the major elements of social networking, using MySpace as the example, and explaining the characteristics of Web 2.0.
Financial Aid
About GAcollege411.org
GAcollege411.org, a free and powerful online resource for Georgians pursuing higher education is the official source for all information regarding state scholarships, grants, loans and other financial services. This powerful online resource is a one-stop shop that helps Georgians plan, apply and pay for college. GAcollege411 is a free service of the State of Georgia provided by the Georgia Student Finance Commission and many of its partners. For more information, visit www.GAcollege411.org.
GAcollege411.org, a free and powerful online resource for Georgians pursuing higher education is the official source for all information regarding state scholarships, grants, loans and other financial services. This powerful online resource is a one-stop shop that helps Georgians plan, apply and pay for college. GAcollege411 is a free service of the State of Georgia provided by the Georgia Student Finance Commission and many of its partners. For more information, visit www.GAcollege411.org. Georgia Special Needs Scholarship and SB10
The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship provides eligible special education students with the opportunity to attend another public or an approved private school. To apply for a Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, click here.
The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship provides eligible special education students with the opportunity to attend another public or an approved private school. To apply for a Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, click here.
Health
Understanding Meningitis
Every parent should know about the dangers of meningitis and how to help protect their kids. Read about it at VoicesOfMeningitis.org.
H1NI Flu: General Information
For more information, visit CDC H1N1 General information or GA DOE H1N1/Pandemic Flu Information
Flu Prevention Guide GA DCH
Food Recall Information
Free Updates Via E-Mail
FoodSafety.gov provides the latest information on all food recalls and alerts as well as food illness outbreaks. Sign Up for Free Recall Updates by Email. It’s easy.
Information about “PeachCare for Kids” 
affordable health insurance
PeachCare for Kids Website
Let's Move - Help Solve Childhood Obesity
Join First Lady Michelle Obama, community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads in a nationwide campaign to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity. Let's Move provides parents the support they need to provide healthier food in schools, help our kids to be more physically active, and make healthy, affordable food available in every part of our country.
Helpful Publications
Educational Terms in Everyday Language
Education, like all professions, has a specialized vocabulary that parents and others may have a difficult time understanding. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development has assembled an online glossary, “A Lexicon of Learning,” which provides clear definitions of educational terms in everyday language.
