Dr. Fehrman's Friday Follow-Up
June 4, 2021
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Enrollment Open House Events
I have been monitoring enrollment numbers for next school year over the past few months. Currently, we are about 300 students below our projected enrollment in kindergarten through 5th grade. We typically see a steady stream of parents enrolling students over the summer; however, we have never been this far below our projected numbers at this point. Many other school districts are seeing similar patterns.
I will host an Open House Enrollment event at each lower elementary during the week of June 14-18. This event is mainly focused on sharing information about our amazing schools with prospective parents who have not yet enrolled their children in CSD. We will share this information broadly via several media outlets, but please also share this information with any of your neighbors and friends who have not yet enrolled their children for the 2021-2022 school year.
Open House Enrollment Event Overview
Welcome to one of the top school districts in the state of Georgia! City Schools of Decatur will be open for in-person learning five days a week in all grades for the 2021-2022 school year. We have rigorous mitigation strategies in place to ensure students are safe and healthy while experiencing a rich, engaging, and fun learning experience. CSD also has a full virtual learning option for all grade levels for families who prefer the virtual learning environment.
Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman will host an Open House Enrollment Event in collaboration with principals at each lower elementary for parents of newly enrolled and prospective families. We will also share an overview of the enrollment process and what documents are needed to enroll your child in CSD. Students are welcome to attend as well. If you cannot attend the event at your zoned school, you are welcome to attend any of the scheduled events.
Monday, June 14th at Winnona Park Elementary at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 15th at Glennwood Elementary at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 16th at Clairemont Elementary at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 17th at Oakhurst Elementary at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, June 18th at Westchester Elementary at 5:30 p.m.
State Board Resolution
I and the rest of the leadership team, school board, and DEF submitted this letter to the State Board of Education yesterday ahead of their vote on a resolution that is diametrically opposed to the values and priorities of City Schools of Decatur. The resolution, which expresses beliefs about how to educate students and staff about race and racism, was nevertheless approved. It is hurtful and disappointing to see state leaders express beliefs that are harmful and ill-informed. I am also concerned that this resolution’s beliefs undermine key tenets of local control in making curriculum and professional learning decisions. The resolution stops short of enacting rules or directions. City Schools of Decatur will continue to explicitly address race and racism. You can learn more about the CSD equity plan and resources at https://equity.csdecatur.net/.
Launchpad for Learning Summer Camp
Launchpad for Learning Summer Camp is an exciting opportunity for students to be introduced to upcoming grade-level standards with hands-on activities. The summer camp environment will also help students connect to their school by learning building-specific chants and procedures. It’s not too late to sign up for the Launchpad for Learning Summer Camp! If you are interested in registering your child, complete one of the interest forms below for every child you plan to register.
Rising Kindergarten-2nd Grade Interest Form
Decatur Virtual Academy
Now that all families who originally expressed interest in the Decatur Virtual Academy (DVA) have had a chance to secure their enrollment, we have a limited number of K-12 spots remaining, and we would like to offer those up to the wider CSD community.
If you are interested in your child attending DVA for part of all of the 2021-2022 school year, please review the information provided below and then commit to your preference by completing this brief form as soon as possible but no later than June 15, 2021.
View additional information here.
DEF Mental Health Listening Sessions
If you are on Facebook, please share Decatur Education Foundation’s post about their teen-led listening sessions for 8th-12th graders. Students can earn $25 for participating and sharing their ideas. https://www.facebook.com/DecaturEducationFoundation
If you are not on Facebook, see the info below to share via email.
The next session is on June 15!
The Decatur Education Foundation wants to hear what you have to say about mental health in our community. Partnering with VOX Teen Communications, we are holding virtual listening sessions (a safe space for you to speak) to better understand what young people want and need to feel supported.
These sessions will be teen-led and uncensored.
There is a $25 stipend for participating and multiple opportunities over the summer. The link to register is bit.ly/decaturMH.
Job(s) Well Done
Orchestra Program
This year, CSD launched a new fine arts program by adding Orchestra to our music department. Dr. Heston McCranie delivered an exemplary spring program despite all the hurdles of teaching during a pandemic.