Dr. Fehrman's Friday Follow-Up
March 11, 2022
March 11, 2022
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Stronger Together Shout-Outs
National School Social Work Week
This is National School Social Work Week, and I want to give our school social workers a special shout-out. Social Workers Dr. Melvin Ratcliff, Madison Bobbitt, Nicole Jefferson, John Howarth, and School Social Work Intern Rashad Morgan make up our fantastic social work team. These individuals are vital members of the CSD team as they work to remove barriers to academic success for our students. In addition, they work with community agencies to provide tools for students and their families to function and be productive in every phase of school and social life. The theme for National School Social Work Week is “Time to Shine,” and our school social workers shine brightly for all members of the CSD community. Thank you, to the CSD social workers, for all that you do!
School Board Appreciation Week
This week was also School Board Appreciation Week, and I would like to shout out this amazing group of people. Our Board Members, Jana Johnson-Davis, James Herndon, Tasha White, Carmen Sulton, and Hans Utz, work tirelessly for our district. Thank you, CSD Board, for all that you do!
Top Dog Awards
Reading the Top Dog Award nominations continues to be one of my favorite activities each week. I am honoring a great group of employees this week. Our winners are Kate Lesser, Candace Jones-Boynton, Taylor Tate, Akila McDonald, Missy Rose, Kathryn VanDuzer, Kelly Stopp, LaTangela Irons, Nicholas Thompson, Lyndsei Pacini, Laura Evans, and Latasha Ogletree.
Click here if you would like to nominate a staff member for the Top Dog Award.
Kate Lesser, Frasier Center Teacher
“Ms. Kate consistently goes over and above for all of her students. She creates an environment that is loving, open, caring, and most of all FUN. Teaching toddlers in a normal setting is a challenge and in the middle of a pandemic has been next to impossible, but she has managed it flawlessly. Her students are not only learning but thriving despite the less than ordinary circumstances. Ms. Kate creates activities that not only engage her students but make them excited about learning. She works late and on the weekends to make sure that her students have innovative and exciting activities. It has been a thrill to watch her students grow and develop this year.”
“Ms. Kate is one of the most loving teachers I have ever known. She has created a positive and warm classroom community that nurtures some of Decatur's smallest students. She is helping our daughter grow into a confident and enthusiastic learner. We are so thankful for her and the entire Frasier Center staff. It is a special community, and we love our Frasier family. Our daughter says- "I love Ms. Kate because she gives me lots of hugs!" Thank you, Ms. Kate!”
Candace Jones-Boynton, Preschool Teacher at College Heights; Taylor Tate, Preschool Assistant Teacher at College Heights; and Akila McDonald, Part-time Assistant Teacher at College Heights
“I would like to nominate these ladies on how great they have been as teachers and co-workers. They have all shown great leadership through their work in the classroom. They have taught their students all about black history and showed them how so many black Americans have amazing skills and talents. For example, currently, her classroom has a mini salon in the housekeeping area where students can come over and see and touch differences in hair colors, styles, and textures. Students love it. They had the great idea to place all books dedicated to black authors in the classroom library. Even though we are not in the month of black history, I have also noticed that this is truly black excellence shown from all three of these teachers. As we go into a new month, Ms. Jones and her teachers are currently going into a new unit called “The World of Colors.” The students are creating artwork inspired by another black artist, learning about Jean Michel Basquiat. The students are enjoying it. This is why I think these teachers all are deserving of being TOP DOG!!!”
LaTangela Irons, Teacher at Talley Street Elementary; Lyndsei Pacini, Teacher at Talley Street Elementary; Missy Rose, Teacher at Glennwood Elementary; Kelly Stopp, Teacher at Winnona Park Elementary; Nicholas Thompson, Teacher at Talley Street Elementary; and Kathryn VanDuzer, Teacher at Glennwood Elementary
“For the last few months, Georgia Virtual School has been consulting with CSD on what resources went into our successful virtual school operations at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. To assist GAVS and our colleagues statewide, we've shared several actual exemplar Google Classrooms with GAVS staff. The aforementioned educators created those Classrooms and the conditions to support their learners through virtual learning last year, and we are proud to share their and their colleagues' hard work as models to the rest of the state.”
Laura Evans and Latasha Ogletree, Custodians at Decatur High School
“Every SINGLE time I see either of these women in the building, they are working so hard to beautify our surroundings. They take pride in their work and are invested in our students. Their smiles are apparent in their eyes and their words. They are a gift to our school system!”
Click here to see all of the Top Dog winners.
Congratulations! Way to go! Go Bulldogs!
Congratulations Erynn Mathews-Davis
A very special congratulations to College Heights Pre-K teacher Erynn Mathews-Davis, who was selected to receive Mercer University's Outstanding Student in Elementary EDS Award. Erynn will be presented with her award during the Honors Convocation ceremony on April 8 in Macon. Although we are not surprised, we are incredibly proud of the hard work Erynn has done with her program. She is a rockstar!!
Decatur High School Presents: Mamma Mia!
Tickets are on sale now for Decatur High School’s presentation of Mamma Mia! The students and staff have been working so hard on this show, and I know it is going to be great. Go to https://decaturperforms.org to get your tickets. Hurry, I know they will sell out! Way to go, Bulldogs!
CSD Announcements and Updates
Renfroe Middle School Renaming
The Board of Education revised the school naming and renaming policy in October 2021. This policy revision requires that school buildings where students attend have names of local communities, neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks. Therefore, in accordance with our policy, we are embarking on a process to rename Renfroe Middle School, and we are inviting the entire CSD community to participate in the process.
Individuals are invited to submit a name for the Board to consider by clicking here. The form will close on April 15.
The proposals will be vetted by the System Charter Leadership Team (SCLT), and they will present two names for the Board to consider. Only submissions that meet the following criteria will be considered:
School buildings where students attend will be given names of local communities, neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks.
The name recommended will not duplicate, cause confusion, or otherwise conflict with the names of existing facilities in the school system.
Thank you in advance for participating, and we look forward to reading the nominations.
COVID Updates
At the Board meeting this Tuesday, Dr. Fehrman shared the updated Mitigation Rubric. The rubric aligns our mitigation strategies with the new guidance from the CDC. We are still awaiting updated guidance from the CDC on how to adjust mitigation efforts such as contact tracing, Test to Stay Protocols, and weekly COVID testing. Once that guidance is released, we will update our mitigation rubric to align with the CDC. Until then, we will continue with weekly testing, point of care tests, contract tracing, and Test to Stay.
City Schools of Decatur Summer Programs-Save the Date
CSD is delighted to share that we will offer an in-person summer program for students who qualify in grades K through 12. The program will run June 6-23 from 8:30 to 11:30 am, Monday through Friday. Students will be invited to participate in the summer program based on the eligibility criteria described in the linked document. Participation in the summer program is not required or mandated for any student. However, we highly encourage students who qualify to engage in this opportunity as it will set them up for success in the next grade level. For the summer program, which will be held at Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary and Decatur High School, the availability of student transportation is limited. Click here for more information.
Decatur Bulldog Bash
The CSD Wellness Department would like to extend an invitation on behalf of the Decatur Bulldog Booster Club to the 2022 Bulldog Bash. 100% of proceeds support our Decatur High and Renfroe Middle School athletic programs. Mental and physical health is a priority in our athletic programs. Funds raised on Saturday will benefit our coaches as they focus on the development of our students!
We welcome everyone to come out to Legacy Park tomorrow (March 12), 7-11 pm; however, attendance is not required to participate. Visit the website HERE to buy your tickets or, if you are unable to attend in person, donate towards a Coach's Wish List and bid on some fantastic silent auction items.
Go Bulldogs!
DEF Scholarship Opportunity for CSD Staff
The scholarship was founded in 2007 by Jane Carriere, retired City Schools of Decatur Mathematics and Science Coordinator, to enhance instruction in mathematics and science by supporting Decatur teachers seeking an advanced degree. The Carriere Family Scholarship for Teachers provides up to $1,500 for a teacher in the City Schools of Decatur to pursue an advanced degree in any content area, in education or leadership. The application is due April 9.
Award Criteria: (NOTE: the criteria for this award has changed, and it is now available to CSD teachers seeking advanced degrees in any content area, in leadership or education.)
Applicant must have been an employee of the City Schools of Decatur for a minimum of two years.
Applicant must be a K-12 classroom teacher seeking an advanced degree in a content area, in education, or in leadership.
Applicant has been accepted into and plans to attend an accredited college or university (degree programs offered by institutions that offer primarily or exclusively online instruction do not qualify).
Applicant must remain an employee of the City Schools of Decatur for a minimum of one academic year following the payment of the scholarship award or agree to reimburse the amount of the scholarship to the Decatur Education Foundation.
Link to application: https://forms.gle/GdtWorP3grHRQxzs9
If CSD employees have questions about this scholarship or the application process, please contact Gail Rothman, DEF Executive Director, at gail@decatureducationfoundation.org.
Special Education March Meeting
The Georgia Tech Excel Program provides a structured, supportive, and inclusive postsecondary educational opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It also addresses the full scope of the needs of this population, from fundamental academics to social activities and vocational preparation.
The program activities are categorized into one or more categories: academics, social fluency, independent living, career exploration, and development.
Target audience: Parents/students with disabilities in the 8th-12th grades.
Date: March 24
Time: 6-7 pm
Location: Virtual Meeting
Click this link to RSVP or email Cheryl Grant (cgrant@csdecatur.net).
Special 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 with 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 Partner Announcements and Updates
Decatur Education Foundation
This Saturday’s Tour deCatur 5K or one-mile Fun Run is offering SAME DAY registrations starting at 7:30 am at the DHS cafeteria. Registrations are still lower than average this year – your participation is KEY to helping DEF continue all its good work in helping Decatur students learn and thrive. We hope to see you out there!
Did you know that DEF is celebrating its 20th year as an organization? To celebrate, we’re hosting a TREASURE HUNT during March! The first 20 families who complete the hunt will be entered into a raffle to win some great prizes including a week of Little Shop of Stories Summer Camp for the 2022 OR the 2023 season. Go to www.decatureducationfoundation.org/DEF-treasurehunt for instructions to sign up (It’s FREE!).