Dr. Fehrman's Friday Follow-Up
March 11, 2022
March 18, 2022
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Stronger Together Shout-Out
DHS Culinary Arts Recognition
This week’s Stronger Together Shout-Out goes to Kara Vona, DHS MTSS Lead Teacher; Chefs Scot Blair and Jules Shelkoff, DHS Culinary Arts Teachers; and the DHS Culinary Arts Students past and present. Please read the message below and watch the video to learn more about the recognition of their efforts to bring comfort food to the families of the soldiers in the 1st Brigade of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. Way to go, Ms. Vona, Chef Blair, Chef Shelkoff, and students!
On New Year's Day 2020, the 1st Brigade of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, participated in a "no notice" rapid deployment (less than 18 hours to wheels up) to Iraq following threats to the U.S. Embassy. Ms. Kara Vona’s brother-in-law was one of the soldiers that deployed from Ft. Bragg, NC. In one of the many teary conversations with her sister-in-law, she told her, “I wish I could bring you a casserole. And everyone else a casserole.” Ms. Vona then half-jokingly asked Chef Blair and Chef Shelkoff if she raised money for ingredients could making the casseroles be a culinary project, and they immediately said yes. As a result, the Decatur Career Academy Culinary classes made 130 frozen casseroles that Ms. Vona and her parents delivered during February Break 2020. A little bit late, but this week, Ms. Vona got a certificate from Ft. Bragg recognizing the DCA Culinary Department.
Click here to see a video of Ms. Vona and Col. Richards, DHS JROTC, presenting the certificate.
Top Dog Awards
In honor of the opening of Decatur High School’s Mamma Mia!, I am honoring the Top Dog nominees that work with our students in band, chorus, and orchestra. Our winners this week are Dr. David Hirschorn, Dr. Elise Eskew Sparks, Heston McCranie, Christine Kraemer and Tyler Ehrlich.
Please continue to submit nominations for the Top Dog Awards by clicking here. I love recognizing our employees!
Dr. David Hirschorn, Choral Director at Renfroe Middle School
“Dr. Hirschorn works tirelessly to inspire students to develop and express their love of music. He plans, organizes, and attends in-school concerts and out-of-school opportunities for his students. The hours he spends for our chorus students go way beyond the school day. He embodies professionalism and passion for his subject and his students. He has been both of my children's chorus teacher for the last five years, and I have witnessed his tremendous efforts to keep the music program afloat during the pandemic and his ability to be flexible and pivot with all of the COVID restrictions and challenges. He has kept the joy of music alive for our children, and for that, we think he should be recognized as a Top Dog.”
Dr. Elise Eskew Sparks, Choral Director at Decatur High School
“Over the years, Dr. Eskew has been a source of inspiration and disciplined structure—delivered with caring, compassion, and humor. She seems to do the work of two if not three people. First, she trains students in a professional way so that they are learning not just songs but, more importantly, how theater/musical art demands discipline, endurance, and awareness of one's collaborators. Secondly, she trains students for all-state tryouts in both chorus and reading chorus (students singing music from notations on a score—a top-level accomplishment that requires top mentoring). Truly a top dog model.”
“Of course, I’m proud of the All-State singers. But when you see 35 students from one school, you know it’s not just the students. You know there has to be a charismatic, dedicated, highly skilled teacher at the center of the program. Dr. E.S. combines extraordinary musicianship with high energy and—perhaps most of all—deep compassion for each student. She doesn’t just teach the students to sing. She calls them into new ways of being in the world.”
Dr. Heston McCranie, Orchestra Director at Renfroe Middle School
“I could go on and on about what an amazing teacher Dr. McCranie is. But there are a few things about her that have a special place in my heart. Dr. McCranie always encourages all of her students to try their hardest and take opportunities they may not have taken without her. She makes orchestra super fun by making us all laugh and bringing us together as a family. Because of Dr. McCranie, our small orchestra has grown so much musically and socially. I can't imagine our orchestra without her.”
Christine Kraemer, Band Director at Renfroe Middle School
"Only Our Best is Good Enough” is the RMS band motto. Every day, Ms. Kraemer leads us to excellence and has really shown such dedication, care, and effort to her students. As an 8th grader, I have really been able to go all 3 years with Ms. Kraemer, which meant I got a first-hand experience for the knowledge that she shares. Even during virtual learning, our class was still able to improve, learn, and even perform. My middle school experience would have never been the same without Ms. Kraemer.
Recently 8th graders and some 7th graders got to perform at LGPE, or 'Large Group Performance Evaluation.' Under her guidance, the band achieved a 'Superior' rating + straight 'A's. Ms. Kraemer is a superb teacher and a wonderful role model that we all strive to be like. Thank you, Ms. Kraemer.”
Tyler Ehrlich, Band Director at Decatur High School
“Tyler Ehrlich is definitely a Top Dog! He is a collaborative teammate to all of our AMAZING CSD music teachers. He always goes above and beyond, leading the DHS band to excellence with passion and enthusiasm. He also does an amazing job recognizing the achievements of his students. I got to see him in action at LGPE, where he brought the judge to tears with his direction and connection to the students!”
Congratulations! Way to go! Go Bulldogs!
Congratulations Rainey Solomon and Autumn Spiegler!
Congratulations to Renfroe 6th-grade students Rainey Solomon and Autumn Spiegler on having their pandemic stories published on Kelly Yang's website. Kelly Yang is the author of Front Desk, Three Keys, Room to Dream, and her latest book- New From Here. Way to go, Rainey and Autumn!
Decatur Bulldog Bash
The Decatur Bulldog Booster Club held a successful Bulldog Bash, which is a major fundraiser for extracurriculars. This was the first Bash since the start of the pandemic. Coach Robby Gilbert was named 2019-2020 Coach of the Year, Coach Mary Souther was named 2020-2021 Coach of the Year and Coach William Felton was named 2021-2022 Coach of the Year. Congratulations, Bulldog Coaches!
Teacher Leader Cohort 2021-22
With gratitude, the Teaching and Learning Department would like to shout out our Teacher Leader Cohort 2021-2022! This team has met throughout the year to provide teacher voice in creating K-5 district-wide common pacing guides and assessments. This work is vital in improving student outcomes. Thank you to Jennifer Barrenger, Michelle Block, Len DiGiacomo, Charity Duernberger, Meagan Ferguson, Stacey Foster, Noelle Friedrich, Matthew Hicks, Corinne Jolley, Marnie Kaplan, Michelle Knapton, Tara Kramer, Allison Mansfield, Angela Marquez, Nora Olson, Natasha Patten, Jennifer Querubin, Hillary Seides, Russell Stewart, Julia Swank, Nancy Turnipseed, Samantha Vickery, and our Facilitators, Gail Hardwick, Julie McFaddin, Jennie Muhlhausen, and Shannon Stewart.
Congratulations to the Decatur and Renfroe Bands!
Last Thursday and Friday, the Decatur High School Bands and Renfroe Bands attended the 2022 District IV Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) hosted at Southwest DeKalb High School. This event is administered through the Georgia Music Educators Association and provides both qualitative and quantitative feedback to band, orchestra, and choir programs throughout the state.
All four bands from our school system received unanimous superior ratings – the highest possible rating at LGPE. This distinction demonstrates the high level of musicianship and artistry students achieve in our band programs. Congratulations to our young musicians on this tremendous accomplishment; this outcome would not have happened if they had not worked hard both during curricular school-day instruction and through individual, deliberate at-home practice.
Adjudicator comments included:
"Beautiful sounds throughout. Great job."
"Wonderful teaching and learning!"
"Bravo, very well prepared."
"Expertly performed."
"Bravo, a true joy to listen to you tonight."
"I wish I could've heard more. Wonderful job!"
Way to go, Bulldogs!
CSD Announcements and Updates
Save the Date---Launchpad for Learning Camp
The Launchpad for Learning Summer Camp will be held July 11-22. Launchpad for Learning Summer Camp is an exciting opportunity for students to be introduced to upcoming grade-level standards with hands-on activities, field trips, and much more! Be on the lookout for more information.
Renfroe Middle School Renaming
The Board of Education revised the school naming and renaming policy in October 2021. This policy revision requires that school buildings where students attend have names of local communities, neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks. Therefore, in accordance with our policy, we are embarking on a process to rename Renfroe Middle School, and we are inviting the entire CSD community to participate in the process.
Individuals are invited to submit a name for the Board to consider by clicking here. The form will close on April 15.
The proposals will be vetted by the System Charter Leadership Team (SCLT), and they will present two names for the Board to consider. Only submissions that meet the following criteria will be considered:
School buildings where students attend will be given names of local communities, neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks.
The name recommended will not duplicate, cause confusion, or otherwise conflict with the names of existing facilities in the school system.
Thank you in advance for participating, and we look forward to reading the nominations.
2022-2023 Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP)
The City Schools of Decatur is now in the process of soliciting feedback and input from all stakeholders as we revise our CLIP for the 2022-2023 school year.
We ask that you take an opportunity to review the CLIP documents found on the CSD Website linked HERE and then use the Feedback form linked HERE to provide your input and feedback by Friday, May 20.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact ESOL and Federal Programs Director Willie Washington.
Special Education March Meeting
The Georgia Tech Excel Program provides a structured, supportive, and inclusive postsecondary educational opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It also addresses the full scope of the needs of this population, from fundamental academics to social activities and vocational preparation.
The program activities are categorized into one or more categories: academics, social fluency, independent living, career exploration, and development.
Target audience: Parents/students with disabilities in the 8th-12th grades.
Date: March 24
Time: 6-7 pm
Location: Virtual Meeting
Click this link to RSVP or email Cheryl Grant (cgrant@csdecatur.net).
Special Education Parent Survey
The Special Education Parent Survey is a survey that helps the state determine parents’ perception of the success of parent engagement relating to 10 specific areas of special education and the IEP process and is used to improve services and results for children with disabilities. Georgia’s parent survey is available to all families of students with IEPs.
* Families with more than one student with an IEP, please complete an individual survey for each student.
For more information about the survey, click here! Thank you in advance for your participation!
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
Decatur Farm to School
Save the date! The Wylde Center's Decatur Farm to School (DF2S) Spring Dine Out is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20. Just eat at/take out from a participating restaurant and a portion of total sales will go to DF2S! Participating restaurants include Wahoo! Grill, Farm Burger, Oakhurst Market, The Marlay House, My Parents’ Basement, Brick Store Pub, Butter & Cream Decatur, Raging Burrito, Arepa Mia, Folk Art Decatur, Sapori di Napoli, BBQ Cafe, Leon's Full Service, and more! Details can be found at https://www.wyldecenter.org/decatur-farm-to-school-2/. All proceeds support our farm-to-school activities, including Decatur High School summer internships, school grants, conference scholarships, and taste tests. Thank you for your support!
Decatur Education Foundation
Thank you to EVERYONE who braved the cold, windy weather last Saturday to participate in the Tour deCatur! You did it for the kids, and we are so grateful! If you’re seeking another fun family activity, we hope you’ll try out our DEF Treasure Hunt! It’s a fun way to get outside and maybe learn some things you didn’t know about your community. And there’s a chance to win some cool prizes like a week of Little Shop of Stories Summer Camp!!! Just go to www.decatureducationfoundation.org and click on the pop-up to get started.
There are other ways that you can help DEF help Decatur’s kids, through snack donations and volunteering. Renfroe and Talley are accepting donations at these links:
RMS Snacks: https://a.co/d0HJHTr
Tally Snacks: https://a.co/8BxrMEz
Weekend Food Backpacks: https://a.co/8BxrMEz
Volunteering opportunities abound for both adults and upper high school students in need of hours:
As a Virtual Pals tutor -- we need tutors to be paired with a 2nd- 8th grade Decatur student for a one-hour weekly session. Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/LoiZxoi6WvSe6WEr6
As a Virtual Pals Coordinator -- we need one person who checks in with the tutor pairs on a weekly basis. Time commitment is 1 hour per week. Email muslimo@decatureducationfoundation.org to apply.
As an AIM Mentor -- we need adult male and female mentors to be paired with a third grader to have new experiences and find their passions. The time commitment is just 2-4 hours per month.
As a REACH Mentor – we need just one more adult male to mentor an 8th grade student who has been nominated by his teachers for the REACH GA program. REACH mentors help their mentees through the rigors of high school and college applications. Time commitment is just 2-4 hours per month.