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College Heights Connection
March 14, 2024
Principal's Message
I hope you are having a wonderful week and enjoying the warmer temperatures. A special shout out to Ms. Asia Sylvest, lead one year old teacher. On Tuesday Ms. Asia was recognized by the School Board and Superintendent for her work as our infant-preschool teacher mentor. You can read about Ms. Asia's work and the award below in our newsletter. As a reminder, College Heights will be closed to all students and staff for Spring Break the week of April 1st-5th.
Have a great weekend,
Principal Garland
School News and Announcements
Asia Sylvest honored at CSD School Board meeting
At Tuesday's school board meeting, Asia Sylvest was recognized as a champion for early learning. Here are the remarks made by Principal Sarah Garland at the meeting:
College Heights would like to recognize Asia Sylvest in her role as the infant-preschool teacher mentor. Imagine an educator who seamlessly embodies the qualities of a collaborator, leader, and expert. Asia doesn't just guide her young students in their journey, she creates a community of learning where children, families, and fellow teachers all play their parts in harmony. Her deep understanding of best practices is demonstrated by the engaging activities and nurturing environment fostering each child's unique potential.
But Asia's impact extends far beyond her own classroom. She is a champion for collaboration, leading, supporting, and empowering her team to achieve excellence together. Her collaborative spirit isn't just a philosophy, it's her lived reality.
Yet, what truly sets Asia apart is her profound understanding of the critical role of social-emotional development, attachment, and attunement in young children. She doesn't simply teach, she connects, building bridges of trust and understanding that become the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional well-being. This commitment makes her a fierce advocate for the youngest learners in our district, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Congratulations, Asia!
College Heights to observe World Down Syndrome Day
On Thursday, March 21, College Heights will join schools, organizations, and individuals around the world to observe World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). This day of awareness has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. This date (the 21st day of the third month of the year) was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
On Thursday, March 21, students, teachers, and families are encouraged to wear crazy, colorful, or mismatched socks to show our love, appreciation and support for our differences. Please join us!
Media Center News
Author Visit - Brendan Wenzel
We are delighted to welcome author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel to College Heights in April! He will be visiting Pre-K and three year old students to talk about his new book, Two Together, a lively story about the adventures of a dog and cat. Families are invited to purchase a copy of Two Together and/or two of his other popular books, They All Saw a Cat (Caldecott Honor winner) and Inside Cat. These books will be signed by Mr. Wenzel when he comes to visit. Click here to access the form. Order forms and payments are due Wednesday, April 10.
Media Center This Week
Pre-K students are in the first of two weeks of an author study. We are learning about Kevin Henkes, award winning author and illustrator of Chrysanthemum, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten's First Full Moon, Sun Flower Lion, and many, many more.
Other books we read this week:
Carina Felina by Carmen Agra Deedy and Henry Cole
Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Caldecott Honor winner)
The Digger and the Butterfly by Joseph Kuefler
Port Side Pirates by Oscar Seaworthy, illustrated by Debbie Harter
Seen around College Heights
Ms. Collins' class had a celebrity mystery reader: The Cat in the Hat! Special thanks to Kaminski Ivory Tambajang (mom of Kingston) for sharing your time and this great photo.
Pre-K aftercare students enjoyed the sunshine and warmer temperatures with some parachute play.
CSD News and Announcements
From CSD School Health: Immunization Requirements
To maintain the health and wellness of school-aged children and adolescents, The state of
Georgia requires that students receive immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases before
and while attending school.
The CSD School Health Team continuously assesses the immunization status of all CSD
students in all grades. As students are identified with expired certificates, Form #3231, or
invalid immunization documentation, parents/guardians will receive a notification from the
school nurse requesting that the student obtain the required vaccinations for school attendance.
If applicable, a medical exemption on Form #3231 with a current expiration date should be
noted. Summary of Georgia Immunization Requirements for Child Care and School Attendance
According to Georgia Immunization Law (O.C.G.A 20-2-771) and DPH Rules and Regulations
for Schools and Childcare Facilities, a valid immunization certificate, Form #3231, or a notarized
Affidavit of Religious Exemption, Form 2208, is required for school attendance. If a certificate
marked with a “Date of Expiration” expires on the date indicated, a current certificate
must be submitted within 30 days of expiration.
Adherence to this guidance is crucial. Being adequately vaccinated safeguards the health and
well-being of individual students and contributes to the school community's overall safety and
vitality. Additionally, ensuring students are immunized creates a protective barrier that minimizes
the risks of outbreaks within the school population.
Thank you for your cooperation. Please contact your child’s school nurse if you have any
questions.
Music In Our Schools Month®
March is Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). This year’s theme is “I See ME in Music Education.” MIOSM raises awareness about the importance of music education for all children. Join us in celebrating our amazing CSD music teachers!
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
In March, City Schools of Decatur will participate in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month ("DDAM") with the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. The theme for 2024 is "A World of Opportunities."
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Student Restorative Practices and Code of Conduct Handbook (SRPCCH)
It’s time for the yearly review of the Student Restorative Practices and Code of Conduct Handbook (SRPCCH), and we value your feedback and contributions. Please use the provided link or QR code to access the Stakeholder Review Feedback Form. The deadline to submit feedback and input is March 31, 2024.
FY25 Budget
The City Schools of Decatur is in the process of establishing the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. We are interested in input from the community on any suggestions, concerns, or questions. Please click here to provide your feedback. To access the entire FY25 Preliminary Budget 5-Year Financial Review presentation, click here.
Community Partner News and Announcements
PTA/PTO/PTSA/Bulldog Boosters Upcoming Events
March 15: Oakhurst Auction from 7-11 p.m.
March 16: Glennwood Casino Night from 7-10 p.m.
March 23: Talley Tigerfest from 11-3 p.m.
Volunteers (older students or adults) needed for Tigerfest! Click here for more details.
March 23: Westchester Holi Event from 2-4 p.m. (College Heights PTA is a co-sponsor of this event)
Tour deCatur is days away!
Join your Decatur community on March 16th for Decatur Education Foundation’s annual Tour deCatur 5K, One-Mile Fun Run, and the adorable Tot Trot (for the four and under crowd)!
This is DEF’s largest fundraiser, and your support provides funding for programs addressing racial and economic inequity, food insecurity, behavioral health, and learning differences.
Beat the race-day rush, and register now! In-person registration and packet pick-up will be available at the following locations:
DEF’s Office at Legacy Park - 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
Wednesday, March 13 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday, March 14 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Friday, March 15 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Mathnasium - 1248 Clairmont Rd #3C, Decatur, GA 30030
Thursday, March 14th, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (Mathnasium Decatur's Pi Day Party)
Thank you for supporting this important work! See you at the starting line!
Fair on the Square
Come join the Decatur Youth Council and friends at the inaugural Fair on the Square! It's next Saturday, March 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Decatur Square.
This year's Decatur Youth Council Spring Project is something special! The DYC, along with help from other high-school leadership teams and city staff members, is hosting the first-ever Fair on the Square.
Our event is a way to leap into spring with a carnival-themed festival that will be fun for the whole family. Entry to the festival is free, and attendees will enjoy live music performed by local bands.
There will be the opportunity to purchase carnival tickets for carnival games and attractions. Some of the attractions at this year's festival include a mechanical bull and a dunk tank with your favorite local celebrities!
Food trucks will be on-site with carnival treats for purchase. Attendees can also pop into the local restaurants surrounding the Square.
The DYC and friends look forward to seeing you at the Square on March 16 from 12 to 5 p.m.!
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta - S'mores and Swiftie Singalong!
Tuesday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m.
The Wylde Center - Oakhurst Garden
435 Oakview Road, Decatur, Georgia 30030
We will also be registering new girls and volunteers, and forming new troops.
Please join me in welcoming our newest Decatur Daisies!
RSVP: aritchie@gsgatl.org
Save the Date
March 20 - School to Heart to Home virtual parent session
March 27 - Early Release Day (Pre-K)
April 1-5 - Spring Break (school closed for all students)
April 18 - School to Heart to Home virtual parent session
April 24 - Final Early Release Day for 2024-25 school year (Pre-K)
May 9 - Field Day
May 16 - Pre-K Parade