Eagle Edition
November 12, 2020
Glennwood Elementary ~ Where Learning Takes Flight
Holly Brookins, PhD, Principal ~ Jill Tolsma, Instructional Coach, Karen Hearn, School Manager
Email: hbrookins@csdecatur.net
Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/glennwood
Location: 440 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404.370.4435
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gleagles/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Eagle Happenings
Monday, November 16
4:00-5:30 pm
Wednesday, November 18
Lunch n' Learn with Mr. Blase
11:45-12:30 pm
Topic: Kids and Anxiety
Thursday, November 19
Virtual Author Visit with Susan Horne
1:30-2:20 pm for grades K-2
Glennwood Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) Meeting at 8:30 pm (Details below)
Friday, November 20
Virtual Community Circle
Ms. Turnipseed's Class Hosting
November 23-27
Thanksgiving Holidays
Where Learning Takes Flight
November Design Principle: Service and Compassion
"Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
~Mark Twain
Hello Glennwood Families!
I want to share some updates with you. As you know, CSD announced that we would not return to in-person learning any earlier than January 5th, however, we do want to be prepared when we do bring students back into the building. We also want to ensure that all of our students, whether virtual or in-person, receive the same top-notch Glennwood education.
With that in mind, the staff has participated in several trainings on best practices in concurrent learning, which is the model that will likely be used when we are able to return to the building. Concurrent learning is a model where the teacher teaches the in-person and virtual students simultaneously. These trainings have been conducted virtually, but we did get permission to bring some of the staff into the building (with masks, social distancing, and lots of hand-washing!) to do some real-life simulations of concurrent teaching and learning in the classroom. These simulations will entail part of our staff acting as the in-person students and part of our staff at home acting as the virtual students. This will allow us to have real-life learning and ensure that we are able to troubleshoot any possible scenario that may come up before we are teaching and learning concurrently with students. As we conduct these simulations, I will be sure to update you with how it went and what we learned!
CSD has also set up a COVID team with staff, parents, and experts within the district. This is similar to our school-wide COVID Readiness team but it is district-wide. I am part of this team on the student-focused subcommittee.
I am so proud of the work that our own COVID Readiness team has done. Our team is working to create protocols that facilitate learning and keep all kids and staff healthy. Here is a draft of the staff document that we worked on prior to learning that we would not come back quite yet. This has been vetted by our own team of experts but please feel free to review and send me any feedback. Again, this is a draft because guidance may change as the situation changes from day to day. Once we have a better idea of the date of return, we will adjust our plans accordingly. Based on this guidance document, we have also begun to create a parent video that explains processes and procedures as well as kid-friendly documents. All of the PPE listed in this document has been ordered and delivered to ensure that we are ready when the time comes.
Finally, unrelated to reopening, CSD will be going through the school system accreditation process through Cognia. More information will be forthcoming on this but I did want to let you know that surveys will be going out to families and staff within the next couple of weeks. The information gathered through the surveys will help the accreditation team determine how we are doing and where there is an opportunity for growth. Please take the time to do the (quick!) survey as it will provide us with the needed information so we can continue to improve as a school and a district!
In the meantime, thank you for all that you are doing. I know it is hard but you are doing a good job! I am grateful for our families, students, and staff!
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Brookins
Information on Accessing Your Child's Report Card
I also taught an equity lesson about immigration that will be shared with all homeroom teachers to teach on their own. We used an equity framework to discuss immigrants and refugees. We used the wonderful book, Dreamers by the author-illustrator Yuyi Morales. Students were asked to relate the experiences of the author coming to America to their own lives and how they would treat others in a similar situation. Here is a short video of Yuyi Morales discussing the symbolism of her book Dreamers.
Additionally, I created a Wellness Wednesday lesson on Compassion to follow last week's lesson on self-compassion. These pre-recorded lessons are available for students to view on Wellness Wednesdays (or whenever) and to continue the SEE Learning program that we began in the first half of the year.
One final announcement: Please join us next Wednesday, November 18th from 11:45-12:30 for a Lunch N' Learn on Anxiety. This has been a frequent topic of conversation with parents and it is the most prevalent mental health concern amongst children. We will delve into what anxiety is, its most common symptoms, when to be concerned, and most importantly, what to do about it. You can access the Lunch N' Learn at the following link: https://meet.google.com/wyv-xkxv-ekz. If you are unable to attend, the presentation will be recorded for you to view at another time. I will also share a resource folder I have created specifically on this topic.
Wellness Wednesdays Update
Reminder to Pick Up Book Gift from Book Character Parade Held on October 29th
Student Materials Pick Up at Glennwood
We are better organizing student materials pick up for each grade level so that there are not so many containers for parents to sort through and so that the entrances to the building are more accessible for staff and deliveries. Moving forward, please look for your child's materials in one of the following locations:
Kindergarten - Under the vestibule located on Joyce Parris Lane by the exit doors near your classrooms
First & Second Grade - Under the vestibule located by the car rider doors
Specials, LINKS, Office & Library - Under the vestibule located on the front doorsteps
Thank you for your flexibility in picking up student materials! Hopefully this will make it easier for everyone.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Updates:
DEI Series: The Myths of Racism and Beyond (Next Session November 17th):
The next session in the DEI Series, "The Myths of Racism and Beyond," will take place Tuesday, November 17th at 8pm on Zoom. Whether you are a social justice champion or wrestling with these topics for the first time, this workshop will help all of us deepen our understanding of racism and strengthen our commitment to action.
Through independent individual reflections in a personal journal and group sessions reflecting as a community once a month, our Glennwood Elementary community will examine the power of race and discuss its impact across racial lines. Everyone is invited to provide their voice, perspective, and experiences with the power of race. Specifically, the series will cover the article “The 10 Myths White People Believe About Racism,” with a paired bite-sized reading and short racial equity video assigned each month. The series will include time for independent individual reflections through a personal journal and time for community reflections during group discussions once a month.
If you are unable to attend all sessions, you can work through the personal reflections asynchronously and join the community reflections as you can.
Its not too late to participate, even if you missed the first series. To participate, please fill out this google form. Email Charlie Copp at charlesdcopp@gmail.com with any questions. Charlie is a CSD parent and will help facilitate the series. All are invited to participate!
Next DEI Meeting: Thursday, November 19th:
The next Glennwood Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) meeting is Thursday, November 19th at 8:30pm on Zoom. All are invited to participate. Zoom details are below.
Thursday 11/19 at 8:30pm
Zoom link here
Meeting ID: 994 6908 8303
Passcode: 797267
Glennwood SLT Meeting - Monday, Nov. 16
Meeting Agenda
I. Call to Order
II. Agenda: Revisions and Approval
III. Minutes
i. Approval of 12Oct2020 Minutes
IV. Public Comment
V. PTA Update
VI. Principal's Report
i. Asynchronous curriculum videos
ii. Training for new SLT members
iii. Update on school re-opening plan
a. Timeline update
b. Return to school activity from CSD parents
iv. School accreditation
VII. Chair's Report
i. Update on Ad-free YouTube
ii. Approach to social studies learning targets
iii. Curriculum offerings for Thanksgiving - indigenous people's perspective
iv. Wellness Wednesday offerings with the ending of SEE
VIII. Any Other Business
Looking for some awesome Decatur Farm to School SWAG? Look no further! We have freshly designed t-shirts, caps, face masks, and tote bags ready for purchase. All proceeds from merchandise sales will benefit the Wylde Center’s Decatur Farm to School program which includes CSD garden maintenance, CSD mini-grants, DHS summer internships, scholarships to attend conferences, twice-a-year vegetable taste tests, and educator-led programs in the classrooms and gardens.
Pre-order your merchandise before November 23 at the link below and pick up at the Wylde Center’s Oakhurst Garden in Decatur the week of December 14. Customers will be contacted via email with additional instructions when products are ready for pick up. Interested in having your order shipped? Let us know by responding to your confirmation email following your purchase. Thank you for your support!
Renfroe Middle School - DPI's Youth Action Team (composed of Renfroe Students) have created a scavenger hunt within Decatur to promote drug and alcohol prevention in youth. We would love for this to become a competition within your school. There will be one winner from each school who will receive a $20 Chick Fil A gift card. The competition begins this Friday the 13th and ends Friday the 20th with winners announced on December 2nd. And...drumroll...you can participate too as a Decatur Community Member!
I have attached the following marketing materials:
PDF with a built-in link and QR Code
PNG for FB
PNG for IG
Youtube Video link to be paired with PNG
Feel free to contact me should you have questions.
On your mark, get set, GO!
Warmly,
Marnie Grodzin, LMSW
My Motto: Connecting People and Building Bridges
Youth Development Coordinator: www.decaturpi.org
Founder: www.gatheredandgrounded.com
From CSD Nutrition - Meal Delivery Reminder: There will be no meal deliveries during the week of Thanksgiving Break, Monday, November 23-27. There will also be no meal deliveries during the Holiday Break from, Monday, December 15 through Tuesday, January 5, 2020.
CSD Special Education November Virtual Meetings
Navigating Employment & Social Security Benefits
Sally Atwell
November 12, 2020
6:00pm - 7:00pm
*Target audience- parents of eighth grade & high school age students with an IEP
RSVP with Cheryl Grant cgrant@csdecatur.net
Sally Atwell, Benefits Navigator will guide families through an overview of how individuals with special needs can maintain disability benefits while working under the WIPA program (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance).
Community Work Incentive Coordinators provide information on:
- How your Social Security benefits and other State or Federal benefits would change if you were employed
- Work incentives such as Plan to Achieve Self Support, the Trial Work Period, and Impairment Related Work Expenses
- Other programs and services that can help you create a plan for successful employment.
* Please read the attached brochure for more information
____________________________________________________________________________________
RESCHEDULED MEETING
Supporting Student Behaviors Virtual Meeting
(in the classroom and at home)
November 18, 2020
6:00-7:00 pm
RSVP with Cheryl Grant cgrant@csdecatur.net
Supporting Student Behaviors
Ms. Reynolds will present behavior strategies to assist families and their students with the transition from virtual learning to in-person schooling. She looks forward to connecting with parents and offering meaningful support during these new ways of delivering the curriculum.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Understanding Evaluation and Eligibility
Presented by Vickie Wingard
November 19, 2020
6:00pm - 7:00pm
RSVP to Cheryl Grant cgrant@csdecatur.net
experience in conducting psychological evaluations and in leading special education eligibility teams in the decision-making process. She also works closely with the Multi-Tiered System of
Support (MTSS) Teams at her assigned schools and is an important resource for identifying research-based interventions and progress-monitoring tools in order to document students’
Response to Intervention (RtI), which is a requirement for special education consideration.
Holiday Tree, Wreath and Candle Sale at Winnona Park
The Winnona Park PTA is gearing up for its Annual Holiday Tree, Wreath and Candle Sale on December 5, 2020. Buy your item online and have it delivered fresh-cut right to your door December 4-6. This year's fundraiser will feature Fraser fir trees, wreaths, and Hanukkah candles all delivered directly within a 5-mile radius. Pre-Order your holiday items now to ensure free delivery!
Where do we get our trees from you ask?
Cool Springs Nursery will deliver freshly cut Frasier fir trees and wreaths direct from their farm in North Carolina. There are several sizes to choose from, with prices ranging from $85 to $120. Wreaths and candles are also available for $30 and $10 a pack, respectively.
The Fraser fir tree has a symmetrical shape and very tapered, sometimes described as an upside-down cone. The needles are soft and short, deep green on the top, and a silverfish-blue on the bottom. The branches are strong with a sweet fragrance, and it has excellent needle retention. Due to the branches turning slightly upward, it has somewhat of a compact appearance.
Why this fundraiser is so important? The Winnona Park PTA supports many offerings and initiatives including:
- Classroom libraries
- Teacher and parent grants
- Field trips
- Guest speakers for all students
- Facility enhancements
- Various community-building events
- School community garden
- Yearbooks
- Incoming Kindergartener tees
Got questions about the specifics of these areas of support? Reach out to us as we would be happy to share them with you so that you understand the vital importance of the PTA that makes Winnona Park Elementary School so special.
Decatur Education Foundation News
In non-pandemic years, we would be gearing up for our big fall party, Supper & Sips. Since we can't gather together in support of Decatur's kids to enjoy some delicious local food, drinks and fun games, we're launching our "Just Another Thursday Night at Home." While you won't enjoy the party and camaraderie of the supper this year, you can still have that great feeling of fellowship by supporting our families with a gift to DEF. To participate: put on your jammies, pour yourself a beverage, get cozy on the sofa and click here.
Do you have some positive support to give to a Decatur student? DEF is still seeking some adult male volunteer mentors for their AIM Scholars Mentoring Program. AIM mentors are paired with 3rd-grade students and “meet” regularly throughout the year. In just 2-4 hours per month, mentors help connect their mentees with educational and enrichment activities so they can find their passions and develop life skills. For more information, please visit decatureducationfoundation.org/mentoring
A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur
A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur is beginning preparations for our 26th year of service to the City of Decatur community. As with everything else in 2020, this program will be a little different than we are used to! Due to the pandemic, we will be changing our program to be managed online. If your family would like to request assistance with holiday gifts for children who live with you, through 8th grade, you must complete the SurveyMonkey application by THIS SUNDAY, November 15: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020ASeasonofGiving If you have trouble with the form, questions, or concerns, please email us at aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com or call our voicemail, 404-378-8068, and leave a message. For those families who do not need assistance, and would like to participate, we would love your help! We have changed how we will handle the program for 2020. We will not be collecting physical gifts but providing gift cards to the families requesting assistance. If you would like to help us this year, please donate at https://legacydecatur.com/give/. Please select ‘A Season of Giving / Christmas Decatur’ for the organization in the donation form.
Decatur Active Living is offering Sports Conditioning for Ages 8-14
Decatur Active Living will be offering a four week, one-hour conditioning program for boys and girls ages 8-14. The sessions will be held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning November 18; exact times will be determined by the number of participants. Class sizes will be limited and all safety protocols will be in place. Classes will be held on Ebster Field.
The purpose of conditioning is to get youth in shape, teach them how to create healthy habits, and to get athletes prepared for their next athletic season.
Registration is via RecTrac and begins November 12. Cost is $75 for residents, and $100 for non-residents. For more information please contact Stacy.Green@decaturga.com.
Decatur Strategic Plan 202s
The roundtables process included 800 registrants who contributed thousands of comments. Many of these comments about Decatur’s future were in agreement, but some topics revealed conflicting perspectives about how Decatur should chart its course for the next 10 years.
The 202s will allow for a deep dive on these topics. After hearing from subject matter experts, we will join together in virtual discussion groups to help understand tradeoffs and find balance among differing perspectives. Input will be used to form recommendations on how the Strategic Plan should address these issues. The 202s will seek to answer the question: “What does success look like in a community of 25K people within a metropolitan region of nearly 6 million people?”
Here’s the line-up:
Mobility:
Thursday, Nov. 19, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Housing:
Thursday, Dec. 10, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Equity & Racial Justice:
Thursday, Jan. 14, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Climate Change:
January 2021, Date TBD
Speakers will be announced closer to the event. All events will occur on Zoom and will be recorded and available after the meeting. Visit decatur2030.com for details.
Decatur Anti-Racism Speaker Series December Speaker
Speaker: Tim Wise
Thursday, Dec. 3 • 6-7:30 p.m.
Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. He has spent the past 25 years speaking to audiences in all 50 states, on more than 1,000 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to community groups across the country. He has trained corporate, government, entertainment, media, law enforcement, military and medical industry professionals on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions.
Visit decaturga.com/speakerseries to register and view recordings of past speakers.
Decatur CREATES Leaders at Glennwood Who S.O.A.R.
S.O.A.R.
Show Self-Control
Offer Kindness
Act Responsibly
Respect Others
*SOARIN' image created by GL art teacher, Kasey Burkhalter*
Virtual Learning Help
If you need to complete a request for a tech ticket, please follow this LINK. Before entering a tech ticket, please check on the CSD's Tech Help Support Page for parents and students first.