Dr. Fehrman's Friday Follow-Up
April 1, 2022
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Stronger Together Shout Out
School Library Month
April is School Library Month and I want to give a big shout-out to our media specialists and media clerks! These individuals are critical members of our school communities. These employees do so much more than their titles describe. They make sure our media centers are inviting places where students can learn and grow their passion for reading. They also support the teachers with instructional technology needs, and many of the media specialists are the school webmasters and create and send the school newsletters and so much more. They also love to have fun! We are so thankful to have these multi-talented, hardworking individuals in our schools. Thank you, media specialists and media clerks, for all that you do!
Top Dog Awards
This week, our Top Dog Awards go to Beth McMahon, Dr. Charlie McAdoo, Latonya Henry, and Christie Manasso. Click here if you would like to nominate a staff member for the Top Dog Award.
Beth McMahon, Teacher and Debate Coach at Decatur High School
“Several years ago, a group of students expressed an interest in restarting the long-dormant DHS Debate Team. Beth McMahon stepped up to sponsor and coach the team and has rebuilt the program into a force in Metro Atlanta debate. Ms. McMahon devotes countless hours to organizing weekend practices and tournaments, all while maintaining high standards for herself and her students in the classroom. Her leadership in debate is an outstanding example of a staff member stepping up to meet a need for our students.”
Dr. Charlie McAdoo, Digital Design and Communications Teacher at Renfroe Middle School
“I am a 12th grader at Decatur High School on the education pathway. I am an intern at Renfroe and Dr. McAdoo is my mentor teacher. He does a lot for me and has taught me so many things about education! He also never fails to make sure his students understand the material. He has been a great person to work with and an amazing mentor teacher to learn from! I plan on using the stuff he taught me when I go to college next year as an education major. For this, I believe that he is well-deserving of a top dog award!”
Latonya Henry, PE Teacher, and Christie Manasso, Instructional Coach at Westchester Elementary
“Where to begin....Christie Manasso and Latonya Henry are amazing. They stepped up last fall to be interim co-principals and the Westchester staff couldn't have asked for anything better. They didn't miss a beat and jumped right in as co-principals while continuing to maintain their regular positions: Mrs. Manasso as Instructional Coach and Coach Henry as PE teacher. They handled every situation that was thrown their way without batting an eye and always with grace and a smile on their faces. And all in the middle of a pandemic. As we welcome our new principal, and Christie and Latonya return to their primary positions, WE, the Westchester staff, would like to say thank you for going above and beyond and being our TOP DOGS!”
Congratulations! Great job! Way to go!
DHS Advanced Placement Honor School
Congratulations to Decatur High School for being named an Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School in the following categories:
AP STEM School: Schools with a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses. (AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles)
AP STEM Achievement School: AP STEM schools (see above definition) with at least 50% of all AP STEM exams earning scores of 3 or higher.
Click here to read the press release from the Georgia Department of Education.
Way to go, DHS!
Congratulations Eliot Isbister
Oakhurst Elementary School's 2nd grader Eliot Isbister was recently named a 2022 Georgia Poetry State Winner for his poem "Wonders of the Ocean." Eliot will be recognized at the Georgia ROW Awards Ceremony on May 1 along with other state winners. We are so proud of this Oakhurst Owl! Way to go, Eliot!!
RMS Debate Team
25 Renfroe students spent last Saturday debating at the Atlanta Urban Debate League Middle School State Championship Tournament. We are super proud of everyone who participated!
In speech and debate, sweepstakes awards are given to the overall strongest teams. Renfroe won 2nd place sweepstakes in the league for this school year! This reflects the year-long effort to compete and succeed in debates in the AUDL this season and is quite an honor to beat out schools with much larger teams.
In the Junior Varsity division, Anushruti Ram and CJ Crenshaw took 2nd place team, and Anushruti, CJ, Cole Buckley, Vaishali Raol, and Tamryn Buckley were recognized with individual speaker awards.
In the Novice division, Rain Solomon and Laney DeSimone took 6th place team, and Rain, Laney, and Nuha Muneer won individual speaker awards.
6th grader Calla Lockwood was recognized for finishing 3rd in the Spring Argumentative Speech Bowl this semester - a huge individual honor as Calla was competing against students from all other AUDL schools in grades 6-8.
Finally, Coaches Vivian Dawson and Tommy Sharp were named AUDL Coaches of the Year!
Congratulations, Bulldogs!
Talley Elementary Black History Museum
Talley Street Upper Elementary hosted its Black History program on March 27. Members of the community gathered to witness dance and singing performances. Then they made their way around a living wax museum to meet important historical figures like Barack Obama, Henry "Box" Brown, and more. Congratulations to our students who worked so hard to put this on. Also, shout out to the teachers and staff who worked tirelessly to plan the event and help students practice. The show was absolutely incredible!
Tech & Learning Recognition
Congratulations to Assistant Superintendent Kristy Beam for being one of four Georgia recipients of Tech & Learning’s Innovative Leader Awards. Dr. Beam was recognized for her role in supporting teachers and students with CSD’s virtual learning program in fall 2020. Chief Information Officer Eston Melton was also a finalist for the award. Congratulations Kristy and Eston!
Renfroe Basketball Undefeated!
Basketball season is over, but I want to send a shout-out to Renfroe Boys Basketball and recognize their accomplishments this season. The team was UNDEFEATED this season! Congratulations to all of the players and coaches for a great season! GO BULLDOGS!
Picture courtesy of Bulldog Booster Club Instagram page
CSD Announcements and Updates
Staff Recognition Opportunities
We have several great opportunities happening now for staff, parents, students, and community members to recognize our outstanding staff.
1. Top Dog Award
The Top Dog Awards are shared weekly in the Friday Follow-Up and Dr. Fehrman presents the Top Dog lapel pin when she visits the schools. Any member of the CSD community can nominate a Top Dog. Click here to access the nomination form. Staff members can find the nomination form any time via LaunchPad.
2.Extra Mile Award
Students: Do you know a teacher or CSD employee who has gone “the extra mile” this year? Nominate them for the CSD Extra Mile Award! The Extra Mile Award is an annual award that allows students to show their appreciation for the teachers or staff they feel go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Students (not parents) at any grade level can write an essay describing how their teacher (or staff member) goes the extra mile (parents can help younger children write the essay). The essays should be detailed and describe how the employee goes above and beyond.
Click here to submit a nomination. Students can also find the form any time via LaunchPad (it’s the purple icon labeled “Extra Mile Award nomination”). The deadline is May 25.
These awards will be presented at the CSD Opening Day Celebration in July.
Questions? Contact cburnett@csdecatur.net or 404-371-3601
3. Decatur Education Foundation’s Clarence Strickland Make a Difference Award
The Clarence Strickland Make a Difference Award recognizes a school system employee who steps in at a critical moment to help a student in need, and who shows intuitive care and compassion to ensure a student’s health and safety. The award is named in honor of Clarence Strickland, longtime CSD employee and head custodian at Decatur High School, who was the first recipient of the award.
Award Criteria:
Nominee must be a CSD employee
Must show care, commitment and compassion to our youth
Preference given to employees who may be less likely to be recognized (support staff, paraprofessionals, etc.)
Nominations must be submitted by April 15, and the award will be presented at DEF’s Celebration of Excellence on May 17. Find the nomination form HERE. Staff and students can find the form any time via LaunchPad.
Questions? info@decatureducationfoundation.org
CSD Night at Atlanta United Game
City Schools of Decatur has secured discounted ATL UTD tickets for their match on Saturday, May 28 vs. Columbus Crew. All students, family, and friends that purchase through this link will save up to 50% off tickets plus reduced fees while supplies last.
$5 from every ticket will go back to support City Schools of Decatur. The top 20 students who sell the most tickets will also get to participate in the player high-five tunnel experience before the match! Be sure to enter the name of the student who you received this offer from and select your school at the drop-down during checkout.
Offer expires May 14 or until tickets are sold out. Click this link https://fevo.me/csd to learn more.
Fall Break Spain Trip
April 13 is an interest meeting for Decatur High Schools students for the study abroad in Spain trip planned for fall break of 2022. The meeting will be held on Zoom and the information is included below. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 on Wednesday, April 13, and will last about an hour depending on how many questions are asked. We are very excited about this unique opportunity for our students!
Topic: Fall Break Spain Trip Interest Meeting
Time: Apr 13 6:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/96806282528?pwd=aHRHVzQxYndBT2plZmsxcWRFLytDUT09
Meeting ID: 968 0628 2528
Passcode: 063449
Equity in Grading Task Force
In the Friday Follow-Up last week, I gave an update on the Equity in Grading Task Force in my Stronger Together Shout-out. Click here to read the update from last week. We will share more information at the April Board of Education meeting.
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
City of Decatur Children and Youth Services
The City of Decatur’s afterschool lottery remains open through 6 pm on Friday, April 22.
Families with children entering K-5th grades in August 2022 may enter eligible children in the lottery for their school’s location of Animal Crackers (K-2) or Whiz Kids (3-5). For more information on how to enter the 2022-23 Afterschool Lottery please visit the Forms & Documents page on www.decaturga.com/cys.
Please contact cys@decaturga.com or call 404-378-1082 with any questions.
Decatur Parents Network
Two great Decatur Parents Network events are coming up!
1) Virtual Parents' Chat April 11th @ 7:30 pm.
We can't protect our children from everything, but we can educate ourselves and support each other. Many of our parents have requested more time for interaction and NETWORKING. Join us for our NEW monthly, informal parent chats. The next one is April 11 at @7:30 p.m. Please Register Here ahead of time; space is limited.
2) The Speakers Series for April 12 @ 7:00 pm.
According to local surveys, some Decatur youth put themselves at risk by operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs or riding with someone driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.
Parents, you don't have to wait until they get their license to talk with your teens about this. Join us virtually for "If You Feel Different, You Drive Different" on April 12th @ 7:00. Register here Parents AND Teens are encouraged to attend.
Decatur Farm to School
Save the date! The Wylde Center's Decatur Farm to School (DF2S) Spring Dine Out is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20th. 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
DEF Treasure Hunt
Got some free time during spring break? Grab the kids, head outside for our TREASURE HUNT! It’s free, takes 1-2 hours to complete and there’s a sweet treat at the end!
Participating is simple: 1. Download the free app “ActionBound.” 2. Click on the QR code
3. Complete the hunt for a chance to win some cool prizes like a week of summer camp at Little Shop or ColorWheel!
DEF Food Donations
At Decatur Education Foundation, our mission is to eliminate the problems our kids face so they can learn and thrive. You can help us do that through your donations of time and funds. To address food insecurity, we have several Amazon wish lists that continue monthly. 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://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1IVCVGY0GCF9S?ref_=wl_fv_le
DEF Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering opportunities abound at DEF 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/LoiZxoi6WvSe6WEr
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.
Have a safe and relaxing spring break!