W.E.stchester Weekly
News from the Principal
Greetings WE Families,
We have come to the end of January. It sure was a month like no other. We started back to school and then we were out. Back in and then out again. It sure has been good to be back for five straight days. Let’s hope this will continue. Thank you again for your flexibility and understanding as we had to make changes for the safety of everyone.
It has come to our attention that several children are wearing a Smartwatch device to school. It is important for you to know that these electronic devices should be treated in the same maner as cell phones. These devices are expected to be kept in the students’ backpacks during the day. Thank you for your cooperation in helping students understand this expectation.
And just like that, we are coming to the end of January. Mark your calendars for the upcoming events
January 31st: Community Circle - All invited
February 12th: Dine Out - Community Q
February 17th-21st: Winter Break- No School
February 26th: Early Release
February 28th: Community Circle - All invited
From your very grateful principal,
Christine Knox
CSD Hosts Public Hearings for Homestead Exemption Opt-Out (Georgia HB-581)
CSD will host five hearings in January for the public to learn more about the district's plans to exercise the one-time option for local governments to opt out of Georgia House Bill 581, which establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption and cap on property taxes.
The schedule for the remaining public hearing is:
Thursday, January 30, 6:45 p.m. (virtual only, access the meeting here)
Passed during the 2024 Legislative Session, HB 581 impacts property taxes for cities, counties and school districts by capping the annual increase in property values for tax purposes, effective January 1, 2025. The bill aims to provide property tax relief for local residents, using the Consumer Price Index as an inflationary index. Since school districts rely heavily on property taxes for funding, this cap could impact the availability of CSD schools' resources and programs.
The Board of Education will follow the legal procedures to opt out of the exemption, including holding the three virtual public hearings. Following the hearings, the board will vote to adopt an opt-out resolution at the February Board of Education meeting and file the resolution with the Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.
Reminders
School Lunch Policy: Please be sure to maintain a positive lunch balance for your child. This will help us avoid any unexpected lunch changes for students. Check your Parent Portal frequently to make sure your child has adequate funds for the cafeteria. You may also find the Parent Portal app (for Apple or Android) to be more convenient.
iRUN and PE News
All Westchester students will participate in iRUN during their physical education class. The purpose of iRUN is: to teach students, faculty, and parents the fundamentals of a lifetime skill that makes running/jogging/walking enjoyable and safe. to train students, staff and families to successfully participate in a one mile fun run. The Westchester community is encouraged to support the Decatur Education Foundation’s Tour Decatur 1 mile fun run or 5k (Saturday, March 15th). Registration fees from this event are used to support City Schools of Decatur through the Decatur Education Foundation. For more information about Decatur Education Foundation and to register for Tour Decatur check them out here: www.decatureducationfoundation.org or www.tourdecatur.com Feel free to contact Dionne Cannon with questions regarding iRUN at dcannon@csdecatur.net.
Winter Break Camps at the Wylde Center
Wylde Center Winter Break Camps have returned! We are offering the Wylde Winter Nature Camp at Oakhurst Garden andCooks Gone Wylde at Edgewood Garden. Join us!
Annual School Climate Survey Open
Please take a moment to participate in CSD's climate survey relevant to your school and ensure your voice is heard! Remember, these surveys will be available until March 31, 2025. Your participation is vital, as the data collected will help determine the School Climate Star Ratings for the 2025-26 school year. City Schools of Decatur values the input from parents, students, and staff!
Take the Westchester Family Climate Survey through March 31, 2025.