Dr. Fehrman
February 3, 2023
In this newsletter:
Black History Month in CSD
Community Celebration of Black Joy
Strategic Plan Update: CSD Vision and Mission Statement Survey Coming Soon
Run With the Dogs
Shout-outs: Westchester Author Visit, DHS Student Performs at Carnegie Hall, BHMS Clarinet Honors Ensemble, BHMS Chorus and DHS Advance Treble Chorus, BHMS 8th Grader Service Project, Winterguard Competition, BHMS Fab Lab, and Top Dog Award Winner
CSD announcements and updates about the Pre-K Enrollment, K-12 New Student Enrollment, Graduation Requirement Input, BESS Parent Information Sessions, Connection Sessions, Kings Awards, DSC Family Meetings, Decatur Performs Upcoming Performances, Atlanta Hawks - City of Schools of Decatur Night
Community partner announcements and updates from the College Heights ECLC Annual Auction, Decatur Fire Department, Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Parks and Recreation, and YMCA
Black History Month in CSD
February is Black History Month, and I am excited about all of the upcoming school and community events and activities planned to recognize and celebrate the rich contributions and achievements of African and Black Americans! Watch for announcements in school newsletters and calendars for all of the amazing Black History celebrations like author visits, read-ins, celebration programs, and more happening around the district.
I hope you can join me this evening at Decatur High School for the Celebration of Black Joy!
Community Celebration of Black Joy
This evening, February 3, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, GPB and Decatur High School Library program partnership, ASALH, and AAHGS will host a “Community Celebration of Black Joy” at DHS. Events will include a panel discussion centered around clips from the series “Making Black America: Through the Grapevine,” spoken word performances, a student-curated gallery walk, a genealogy exhibit, and more facilitated by the DHS Black Student Union.
Click here to register for this event.
Strategic Plan Update - CSD Vision and Mission Statement Survey - COMING SOON!
We want to hear from you! As part of the CSD strategic planning process, we are reviewing and updating our vision and mission statements. Next week, we will open a short survey designed to capture your thoughts about what you like and what you think we should change or add to these foundational parts of our strategic plan.
Why are we doing this? Vision and mission statements help ground the work school districts do and represent the shared values and goals that everyone in the school community is committed to working toward. They form the foundation for developing and implementing policies and practices to support staff members, families, and students.
How you can help: We can’t do this without you. We ask that you take 5-7 minutes to review the current vision and mission statements (we’ll also include these in the survey) and share your thoughts with us.
Look out for a link in the school and Friday Follow-Up newsletters next week. Thank you in advance for your contributions to this work!
Run With the Dogs
Thank you to everyone that came out last weekend to support the Decatur Bulldog Booster’s (DBB) Run with the Dogs. It was so great to see so many students, staff, and community members out running together to support our students. I was so excited to get my picture with the face of the race, Tuck the Pug!
Congratulations! Great job! Way to go!
Westchester Author Visit
Westchester kicked off Black History Month with an author’s visit by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, author and illustrator of Becoming Vanessa. Vanessa Brantley-Newton shared that our differences are what make us unique, and despite looking and feeling different, she learned to be proud of who she really was. The students participated in a play on words game and learned to draw pictures using letters, numbers, and shapes.
DHS Student to Perform at Carnegie Hall
Congratulations to DHS 10th-grade student Zeke Werner has been selected for the High School Honors Performance Series. He will join other students in New York City, where they will learn from world-renowned conductors. The Honors Performance will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Carnegie Hall. Way to go, Zeke!
DHS and BHMS Singers and Musicians Perform at GEMA
The Beacon Hill Chorus and Decatur High School Advanced Treble Chorus had a magnificent concert last Friday during the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Inservice Conference. Their performance was led by Dr. Hirschorn (NHMS) and Dr. Eskew Sparks (DHS). The students performed alongside some of the leading Chorus programs in Georgia. Their performances were described as nothing less than brilliant. BRAVO to Dr. Hirschorn, Dr. ES, and the BHMS Chorus and DHS Advanced Treble Chorus!
Following the BHMS Chorus and DHS Advanced Treble Chorus, the BHMS Clarinet Ensemble wowed Band Directors and music educators all over Georgia with their outstanding performance! They couldn’t have ended the last day of the GMEA Conference on a higher note! Way to go, BHMS Clarinet Ensemble!
BHMS 8th-Grade Student Service Project
Kenneth “Kenny” Jackson appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show (5:20) last week for his efforts in a neat service project he did for his 13th birthday. Kenny chose a non-profit called Eco Sneakers, an organization that recycles, reduces, and reuses shoes to donate to those in need as well as repurpose shoes to make athletic surfaces. Being really into sneakers himself and seeing a need, Kenny jumped right into supporting this effort. He raised over $1,200 in one month from family and friends, exceeding his goal. This is a fantastic way to implement the IB Learner Profile trait of Caring. Great job, Kenny! We are so proud of you!
Winterguard Competition
Congratulations to the DHS JV and Varsity winterguard members for an outstanding debut competition this past weekend at Cass High School. There were 49 colorguards competing at the show, and our guards placed 6th overall in each of their respective classes. Both JV and Varsity earned 3rd place in the General Effect. Their next competition is on February 25, at Villa Rica High School. Way to go, winterguard members!
BHMS Fab Lab
Each month the Beacon Hill Middle School FAB LAB puts on a Makerspace Workshop. This month's workshop introduced students to woodworking and basic tools, where all participants made their very own gumball candy machine! This month's lab had nearly two dozen participants! All the FAB LAB Makerspace workshops are run by the BHMS Design Engineering instructor Mr. Matt Heuser. The labs are open to all community members, young and old. This year's workshops have introduced participants and students to woodworking, vinyl cutting, apparel, and more! Watch for future workshops that are run each month, and if you have any questions, reach out to Mr. Matt Heuser at mheuser@csdecatur.net to learn about the FAB LAB program and Makerspace workshops.
Top Dog Award Winners
Our Top Dog Award Winners this week are Michelle Reynolds and Amelia Copp!
Michelle Reynolds, PE Teacher at Oakhurst Elementary, received this nomination from a parent:
“On multiple occasions, my kindergartener has been upset about me leaving him at drop off, and Coach Reynolds made a point to come out to the parking lot and comfort him. Including walking him to the classroom hand in hand, offering support and comforting words. She always has a smiling face when greeting kids at the door and genuinely cares about the students. Both of my children love her class and always tell me what they did during PE class. Thanks for always caring, Coach!”
Amelia Copp, EIP Intervention Teacher at Glennwood Elementary, received this nomination from a parent:
“Mrs. Copp, hands down, is the most unbelievably caring, supportive, direct but still loving support teacher! She goes beyond measure for my son no matter the challenge and for the other children she assists. She’s phenomenal, to say the very least. She deserves to be recognized and then some! Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Copp! We love you.”
Way to go, Michelle and Amelia!!
Do you know someone who deserves Top Dog recognition? Nominate them here.
CSD Announcements and Updates
Pre-K Enrollment
K-12 New Student Enrollment
Enrollment for new students for the 2023-24 school year starts on March 6. All current students do not need to reenroll to move to the next grade band. However, current students entering K, 3rd, 6th, and 9th grades should be prepared to provide (at their school) updated residency information when school starts. Please go to https://www.csdecatur.net/enrollment to review the enrollment process and required documentation.
Graduation Requirements - We want your input!
As the Board continues to update its policy manual, one important policy coming up for review is our Graduation Requirement Policy and the accompanying procedure. As part of our policy revision process, GSBA drafted this Proposed Graduation Board Policy for the Board to consider. The draft policy states that CSD may exceed or waive certain state graduation requirements. Currently, the state of Georgia requires 23 units of credit for graduation. CSD requires 25 units and can be found here. The first step in updating our graduation requirements is to gather input through this feedback form.
Additional information may be found in this very brief presentation which was shared with the SCLT at a recent meeting.
REMINDER - BESS Parent Information Sessions
Want to learn about the Behavior & Emotional Screening System (BESS) Pilot? Please plan to attend a virtual Parent Information Session from one of the following offerings:
Monday, February 6 from 12-12:30p
Wednesday, February 8 from 9-9:30a
Wednesday, February 8 from 12-12:30p
Wednesday, February 8 from 4:30-5p
This pilot screener will be administered to students in grades 3, 6, and 9 during the Spring semester February 27 – March 3, 2023. If you have any questions about the BESS, please plan to attend one of the virtual sessions and submit your questions here. If you would prefer that your student NOT participate in the pilot universal screening, please complete the opt-out form by clicking here. The deadline to opt your child out of completing the BESS is Thursday, February 23, 2023.
Zoom link: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/94781957398?pwd=MHRLQmZ5UXJTS1dadWV2L0lvNzFNdz09
Connection Sessions
Connection Sessions are conversations between CSD's Equity Director, various invited guests, and the CSD POGM* community. During each session, community members are introduced to a person who is integral to supporting the school system while we discuss thoughts, interests, and concerns regarding City Schools of Decatur. Each session uses a racial equity lens - always asking the question - "What does race have to do with this?"
These sessions may not always have the answers, but they provide an opportunity for members of Decatur's POGM community (as well as all others) to explore perspectives, pose questions, and share thoughts.
Each meeting starts at 6 pm. Access it by using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2yuj2tbs.
February 20th, 2022 - Dr. Curtis Armour, Principal, Clairemont Elementary
* People of color, despite being minoritized in the US, are a global majority. Thus, previously entitled BIPOC Connection Sessions, the name of this event is now Connection Sessions for POGM (People of the Global Majority). There is conflict regarding the use of the term BIPOC and this article details many relevant concerns. In short, the term BIPOC, which stands for Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color, elevates some cultures over others in a way that does not reflect the respect each culture deserves.
Kings Awards
ALL CSD students, PK-12, are invited to apply for their school's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King Awards. This joint award recognizes student teams who best demonstrate the beliefs and visions of two great Civil Rights leaders. Complete this application (one per team) by Monday, February 27, at 4 PM EST. Contact Anthony Downer at adowner@csdecatur.net for more information.
Summer Offerings
Get ready for a great summer with CSD!
Launchpad for Learning is an exciting, 1-week summer camp hosted by the City Schools of Decatur at each school for students entering grades K-8 in the 2023-24 school year. The Launchpad for Learning Summer Camp will be held July 10-13. Launchpad for Learning Summer Camp is an exciting opportunity for students to be introduced to upcoming grade-level standards with hands-on activities and fun experiences for $225 per student or $200 per student with the sibling discount. Registration opens next week!
Save the Date!
We will continue to offer students academic support through Summer School, Extended School Year (ESY), ESOL, and Title I this summer as well. More information will follow soon!
Decatur Student Center Offering - Family Meetings
Would You Like to Learn How to Conduct Family Meetings?
Are you tired of constant family arguments?
Are you tired of feeling as if your family is disconnected?
Are you tired of your family not knowing the schedule for the week?
Then perhaps Family Meetings are for you! Participants will learn how to conduct effective family meetings that will benefit all family members and encourage cohesiveness. Family Meetings have been shown to increase family members’ self-esteem, communication & conflict-resolution skills, and instill a sense of belonging & resilience.
When: Wednesdays, beginning March 1, 2023
What: 5 weekly, 45-minute Google Meet sessions from 12:00 - 12:45
How: Attend weekly interactive meetings with camera on & ready to participate!
Cost: FREE and limited to 6 families
Click here to register and learn more!
Decatur Performs Upcoming Performances
Save the date for the upcoming performances by Decatur Performs.
Atlanta Hawks - City Schools of Decatur Night
Join the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, March 3 for City Schools of Decatur Night at State Farm Arena. Each ticket includes $10 worth of food and beverage credit that can be used at our restaurants inside the arena the night of the game. Special pregame performance by the BHMS Chorus!
To purchase tickets, click here. See flyer for details.
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
College Heights ECLC Annual Auction
College Heights PTA is hosting its annual auction TONIGHT! There’s still time to purchase tickets to the auction.
**Some special items will ONLY be available at the live auction event**
If you are interested in helping at this event, please fill out this form. We need your help!
Please join us TONIGHT for the LIVE (in-person) event. To purchase tickets, click here.
Decatur Fire Department
The Decatur Fire Department Blood Drive will be February 4, from 11-5. See flyer for more details.
Decatur Education Foundation
THIS SATURDAY: Mead Road Mardi Gras Parade is THIS Saturday, February 4th starting at 1 pm at F.AVE. Every CSD school is invited to march in the parade that has raised more than $30K for music and theatre grants! Let’s gather as a community to carry on this fun homegrown tradition that celebrates music and creativity! As a reminder, this is a “walk or roll only” parade, no motorized vehicles allowed (we’re keeping it old school!) Laissez les bons temps rouler!
At the beginning of each month, our BHMS snack pantry and weekend backpack programs are depleted and need to be replenished. You can help by donating directly to them using these links:
Beacon Hill Middle Snack Program: /a.co/d0HJHTr
Weekend Backpack Program: https://a.co/6Etc74W
We are also in need of a snacks coordinator/committee to organize and deliver the snacks once per month. This would be a fun, easy way for a couple of friends to volunteer together for a couple of hours each month. For more information, please contact marie@decatureducationfoundation.org
IN MARCH: Registration is for the 21st Annual Tour deCatur is NOW OPEN at www.tourdecatur.com. Decatur’s favorite 5K and one-mile fun run is scheduled for Saturday March 11th. All adult participants who register on or before February 18th will receive a race t-shirt. Youth participants for both the Fun Run and the 5K will receive a participation medal. As DEF’s biggest fundraiser, your participation helps fund everything we do to help our students learn and thrive. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Mathnasium of Decatur who will be there at the race with math games and giveaways!
Decatur Parks and Recreation
The Decatur Parks and Recreation Master Plan, known as Recreatur, is in its final planning phases. Learn about the research and findings, review the proposed plan recommendations, and provide your feedback for the future parks and recreation in Decatur. Visit recreatur.konveio.com to add your input!
YMCA
Looking for a camp during winter break? For information about the winter break camp offered at the Decatur Family YMCA, see flyer for details.