Dr. Fehrman's Friday Follow-Up
February 25, 2022
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Decatur Career Academy Spotlight
February is Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Month and I would like to shout out and recognize CTAE Director Duane Sprull and the amazing educators in our career academy at Decatur High School. The Decatur Career Academy (DCA) offers pathways related to in-demand career fields. The training prepares students for college and/or entry-level employment in a competitive market. Each classroom focuses on hands-on tasks and student-centered learning. The DCA provides students the training to excel in the workforce. An emphasis is placed on employability (“soft”) skills to prepare students to participate in work-based learning as a senior in high school. The career pathways and programs offered at DCA include:
Architecture, Design, and Drawing
Army JROTC
Career and Technical Education
Convergence Media/Audio-Visual Technology/Film
Computer Science
Culinary Arts
Early Childhood Education
Foundations of Electronics
Fine Furniture and Cabinet Making
Graphic Design
IB Design Technology SL
Jobs for Georgia graduates
Teaching as a Profession
Web and Digital Design
Work-Based Learning
These programs have been tremendously successful, and our students are thriving and receiving education to help them succeed in college and/or careers. Thank you, DCA staff, for all you do! Click here to read about the highlights and accomplishments of DCA students and staff this school year.
Black History Month Staff Highlight
In support of Black History Month, CSD would like to share with our community the stories of the unsung Black American heroes who shape, challenge, and ultimately strengthen CSD. These are everyday people who make a difference in the lives of our staff and students through their personal qualities and efforts.
This week I am highlighting Tanisha Frazier, Principal at Oakhurst Elementary School.
We talked with Ms. Frazier about her great-grandmother, being a proud HBCU graduate, and the fantastic work happening at Oakhurst Elementary. I hope you enjoy reading about Ms. Frazier and learning more about her passion for education and her students.
Pictured below: Ms. Frazier’s great-grandmother and her class.
From Ms. Frazier:
My great-grandmother, Annie Belle Deason White, is Black history for my small, rural hometown of Brundidge, Alabama. She was the first to start Kindergarten for Black students in our community in the 1950s. When people share stories about my great-grandmother, they speak about her passion for helping kids learn to read. She was an educator at heart and a hometown hero.
I didn't always know I wanted to be an educator. I was the first paternal grandchild to pursue a degree in my family. I went to college at Alabama A&M University as a biology major and switched to education in my sophomore year. Attending an HBCU was very important to me. I loved the family feel, and I felt like every professor was invested in my success. The HBCU experience is credited for shaping so many successful African American professionals, and I am proud to be among that group. This is what makes HBCUs special.
I have a goal to make my own Black history as the first doctor in my family. As the first to pursue a terminal degree, I'm nearing the end of my first year in pursuit of a Doctor of Education degree at Georgia State University. It was instilled in me from childhood to set goals and be my best. This pushes me to always be the best version of myself. As I continue to learn about my great-grandmother's legacy and her enormous impact on our community, her passion has inspired me to carry on that legacy. I am the only other educator in my family, and I know in my heart that she would be so proud of me.
I have an important responsibility in my role as a Black female school administrator. I strive to be an example for our Black students and help them realize that they can accomplish their goals. Also, I believe my role creates an opportunity for all students and stakeholders to have a positive experience and relationship with a Black woman in leadership.
This month at Oakhurst, we have celebrated the accomplishments of notable African Americans and highlighted many aspects of Black culture like HBCUs, music, etc. For us, this work spans beyond the month of February as we are intentional about celebrating various cultures and races throughout the school year. Our daily Crew lessons create space for celebration, discussion, and expression. Additionally, we are intentional in our lesson designs and ensure all are represented in the materials we use. We teach students to value diversity and multiple perspectives creating a safe learning environment where all can experience success.
My humble beginnings are a testament that we can achieve any goal that we set for ourselves with the right supports and attitudes. We have such an important role to play in the trajectory of our students' lives, and my role as the leader is to foster an environment where students and teachers feel empowered.
The phrase "We are Crew, not passengers" speaks to the culture we have at Oakhurst. Our goal is for everyone - staff and students- to feel safe, seen, and successful every day.
COVID Updates
CSD Budget
On Thursday, I held the final public presentation to share an in-depth look into historical budget data and discuss several factors that are influencing the FY23 budget. You can listen to the recording here. At the March 8 Board meeting, Chief Financial Officer Lonita Broome and I will present the tentative FY23 budget to the Board.
Top Dog Awards
The Top Dog Awards go to Yadira Ramos, Joseph Deminsky, Kendra Hampton, Stephanie Walker, and Corinne Smith this week. Thank you to all who submitted nominations for these outstanding employees. You can read their nominations below. Please keep the nominations coming. I love reading them!
Click here if you would like to nominate a staff member to be a Top Dog.
Yadira Ramos, Spanish Teacher at Winnona Park Elementary
"Yadira is a cheerful and positive presence wherever she goes. She starts her day by greeting students in Spanish as they walk through the front door of the school. She teaches her Spanish classes throughout the day and has a lunch duty assignment. Three times a week, she teaches Spanish in the Decatur Virtual Academy, and as she does this in the Media Center, I hear her cheerful voice engaging students in a virtual format. And if that isn't enough, she is one of the primary members of the Sunshine Committee, AND she's pregnant with her first child!!"
Joseph Deminsky, Facilities Services Supervisor
"Joseph works tirelessly every day to carefully balance relationships and excellence among his maintenance team, over 100 custodians, contractors, and his leadership team. He strives to build positive relationships at every school and facility in the district and gets the greatest joy when he knows that someone's day is better because of how he is able to serve them. With patience, diligence and care, he faces many obstacles and curveballs every day from the time he wakes up in the morning into the evening after many others have gone home. Most people in the district will never see, recognize or appreciate the incredible amount of work and planning he does behind the scenes. He is a teacher and coach for those lacking skills; he is an advocate for change to make our district better and those who work for it more successful; he is a skilled fixer of whatever is broken; he is a calm presence when others struggle with composure; he is a lifeline to call whenever he is needed. Joseph entered his role as supervisor just two short months before COVID-19 shut down our district. Two years later, as we still struggle under the weight of COVID-19 and the staffing shortages and unique challenges that come with it, he has been there, doing all he can every day to meet high expectations and keep our district safe and running."
Kendra Hampton, Bus Driver
"Ms. Hampton drove the Decatur High Bulldogs to Calhoun for State playoffs. Ms.Hampton drove the team safely and was the biggest cheerleader at the game. Ms. Hampton was courteous to the players and coaches. She was extremely patient as we had several stops prior to reaching our destination. You could never tell that she arrived to work at 6 am and her day didn't end until after 11 pm. When she arrived back at the high school, she was friendly and professional despite working all day! She returned our Bulldogs back safe and sound!"
Stephanie Walker, School Manager at Oakhurst Elementary
"Stephanie is a true gift to our staff, students, and families. She goes above and beyond to make all feel special and seen. She greets students daily at the front door with a huge smile and sanitizer. They love her! She has done an amazing job building relationships with staff also. She provides laughter and is super resourceful. She does whatever she can to assist teachers and staff. Parents love her too! They often call to speak to her directly because they know she will answer any question. Stephanie has willingly helped other school staff at other CSD schools also. She is a treasure to have in CSD!"
Corinne Smith, Media Specialist at Fifth Avenue Elementary
"For Black History month, Corinne, with the help of FAVE staff who are alumni of HBCUs, created an amazing Google Earth Tour of the HBCUs attended by our FAVE staff. This Google Earth tour is such a creative way to make a presentation. The videos made by our HBCU alumni embody the spirit of the schools they attended, which is now evident in the work they do here at FAVE. Click here to see the video."
Congratulations! Way to Go! Go Bulldogs!
Talley Street Student's Story Selected by Author Kelly Yang
F.AVE Celebrates Black History Month
F.AVE has had a richly filled month of acknowledging and celebrating highly influential change-makers for Black History Month! They kicked off the month with "Gratitude begins at Home!" They celebrated all staff who attended and graduated from HBCUs and/or are members of one of the African American fraternities and sororities. Their next week was all about "Health and Wellness," where they had the honor of hearing from professionals in the healthcare industry, their specialty, and their success in spite of obstacles presented based upon their race and/or gender. They ended the week with a Cast Gathering all around different forms of movement that can help them stay active and healthy! This week they focused on African American Authors. Tuesday, several parents and friends of F.AVE were able to join the school for virtual read-alouds throughout the day. To showcase all they have learned, they will have a Black History Bowl on Monday, February 28. Thank you to Nailah Carty, Artesha Chaney, Angie Prophet, Charee Waugh, Corinne Smith, Russell Stewart, Lynn Hanson, and Meagan Ferguson for taking leadership of different aspects of this celebratory month. Way to go, F.AVE Falcons!
Pictured: F.AVE HBCU graduates and students learn how to double dutch!
DVA Student Shout-Out - Celebrating Black Excellence Research Project
Ms. Canty and Mr. Credi shared this shout-out for Zenea P. She volunteered her time and expertise to help the K-2 students with their Celebrating Black Excellence Research Projects! She has facilitated each group every step of the way, all on her own. We cannot wait to see the finished products! Way to go, Zenea!
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Decatur Athletes
Thank you to the Decatur Commissioners for recognizing the six Decatur athletes who have been inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all the inductees! Click here to read the resolution from the City of Decatur.
Decatur Bulldogs Continue to Receive Accolades
DHS students continue to receive accolades in sports and extracurricular activities. Below are a few of the recent accomplishments:
Congratulations to our girls and boys Bulldog Basketball teams. Both teams advanced to the GHSA State Playoffs.
On February 22, the DHS Literary Team traveled to Johns Creek for their Regional Competition. The team could only send five members to compete in essay writing and extemporaneous speaking. At the end of the evening, they earned high scores in each event bringing home the Regional Championship. The team will be moving on to the State Competition in March.
Gray Hamby: 1st in Extemporaneous Speaking Domestic
Lydia Witter: 1st in Extemporaneous Speaking International
Molly Khayat: 2nd in Argumentative Essay
Dinah Rogers: 1st in Personal Essay
Bridget Goodman: 1st in Rhetorical Essay
CSD Announcements and Updates
Literacy Grant
The Georgia Department of Education announced last week that CSD is a Readiness in Literacy Grant recipient. We are excited to be awarded this $26,775 grant to be used by September 30 to provide our classroom teachers with Orton Gillingham initial training.
City Schools of Decatur is dedicated to helping quality reading instruction for all students. We know that, according to research, dyslexia is a learning difference that affects up to 20% of the U.S. population. To best address the needs of all students, including those with characteristics of dyslexia, as identified through our rigorous screening measures, we are implementing a high-quality curriculum district-wide, including Fundations, a structured phonics program. We are training all teachers in the Orton Gillingham approach. The resources and training being requested through this grant will accelerate our work and allow us to meet the needs of all of our students more rapidly. The grant will fund work that fits with our 5-year district improvement plan and literacy action plan:
Since September 2020, we have accomplished the following:
First, we created a systematic plan for screening all students in grades K-3 to identify characteristics of dyslexia.
Currently, we are using MAP reading and Acadience for screening all students in grades K-2
We use AimsWeb as a secondary screener in the third grade.
Students who meet the criteria on those assessments are referred for an individual screening using the KTEA-3 (The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement Third Edition).
The Dyslexia Pilot requires that we provide interventions for students that are identified with characteristics of dyslexia. One of our district priority initiatives is to create a guaranteed and viable curriculum for ALL students. So, going beyond the requirements of SB48, we have made the decision to universally screen all students, provide all students with explicit instruction in structured phonics, and train all classroom teachers. However, there is not a one size fits all approach to serving students.
We start with a strong structured phonics approach for all students.
Then we layer more support depending on student needs.
Your SPLOST V Dollars at Work
Our Operations Division has been hard at work and has recently completed three projects at schools: roof replacements at Glennwood Elementary and Westchester Elementary and new auditorium seating at Clairemont Elementary. In addition, we are working on the schedule for the ECLC roofing replacement, a new intercom system at DHS, replacement of kitchen equipment for several schools, and the installation of an electric charging station at Talley Street Elementary and Renfroe Middle School.
Decatur Student Center Parent Education Program
The Decatur Student Center will be offering a 6-week parent education program on Family Meetings. For more information on the program and registration information, please see this flyer.
ESOL & Federal Programs Department and Parent Advisory Council Town Hall
Attention Parents! The ESOL & Federal Programs Department and its Parent Advisory Council (PAC) invite you to attend our first department PAC Town Hall on Thursday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m.
At this town hall, you will learn more about how the PAC can help you stay informed and enhance parent home-school connections!
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Parent Town Hall
Thursday, March 3, at 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Link: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/93731088035?pwd=Wmk0K3IvVmhWcStUU1BuSEJRcHg1dz09Special 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 that have 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 News and Announcements
Decatur Education Foundation
Mead Road Mardi Gras Parade is TOMORROW! This fun community event benefits music and theatre grants for City Schools of Decatur. If you’re not marching with your school, we hope you’ll come to Oakhurst and watch the parade march from F.AVE through the village down Mead Road to the Imperial. Sponsors The Imperial, Spectre Brewery, and Ford’s BBQ will offer Mardi Gras specials all day.
The 20th Tour deCatur is Saturday, March 12, and is now a certified course for Peachtree Road Race seeding! Register soon at www.tourdecatur.com. After 2-28, race shirts are no longer guaranteed.
DEF also has several ways in which you can donate your time:
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 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 2-4 hours per month.
If you've got a little extra time to share your life wisdom with a Decatur student, we've got opportunities! Please visit www.decatureducationfoundation.org/mentoring to learn more and apply.