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College Heights Connection
March 28, 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Spring break is around the corner. Just a reminder College Heights is closed to all programs the week of April 1st-5th. I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy the time with your family and loved ones. We have a busy next few months. A few save the date reminders (details to come):
- Pre-K field trip to K-2 schools (staff/student only field trip) on May 2nd
- Parent/Teacher conferences begin May 6th.
- Field Day May 9th @ 8:30-12:00 pm
- Pre-K Parade May 16th @ 9:00 am
- Last day of school for Pre-K and preschool special education programs May 22nd
- Memorial Day May 27th - School closed for 0-3 program
Have a great break,
Principal Garland
Good Equity Troublemaker Award Winner
Every year the district awards one staff member from each school as the Good Equity Troublemaker Award Winner to recognize those among us who rise above and beyond the everyday work we do toward equity in our school system. These are individuals who never hesitate to speak up, speak out, and contribute through their work, risk-taking, and sacrifice in the name of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our 2024 Good Equity Troublemaker Award goes to our media clerk, Leslie Joiner. Ms. Joiner's troublemaker qualities extend far beyond her daily routines and actions, she consistently goes above and beyond her role and responsibilities. She is a proactive problem solver who anticipates and plans for our needs and takes an active role in identifying solutions. Leslie recognizes that a strong sense of community is essential for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion to thrive. She builds our school community through her efforts to bridge the gap between families and the school through her student and family early literacy programs. In addition, Leslie leverages her technological skills to find innovative solutions that promote equity in our school building and with families. The term "Good Equity Troublemaker" implies a willingness to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. Leslie’s proactive problem-solving, community focus, collaborative spirit, and innovative approach make her a true Good Equity Troublemaker who is constantly working to create a more just and equitable learning environment for all. Leslie's commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion makes a daily significant difference in the lives of the youngest learners, their teachers and their families in City Schools of Decatur. Her focus on early learning, equity, and family literacy and engagement is laying the groundwork for a more just and equitable Decatur community.
School News and Announcements
Eclipse Day Information - Monday, April 8
On April 8, residents in northern Mexico, the U.S., and southeastern Canada will witness totality – a rare darkness during daylight offering a glimpse of the Sun's corona. Scientists suggest that this could be the best eclipse in many centuries and for years to come.
To ensure safe viewing of the eclipse, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Astronomical Society are collaborating to educate the public. Staring directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can lead to permanent vision damage or blindness.
Since the solar eclipse will occur during dismissal, CSD will provide solar eclipse glasses for Pre-K-12 students to safely enjoy the event. However, after students are dismissed from school, as walkers or after they disembark from the bus, CSD cannot monitor nor ensure proper use of the eyewear by students. The solar eclipse is set to end by 4:21 pm in Georgia.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS FAMILIES - please note:
- To ensure the safety of the students enrolled in our 0-3 and after school program we will refrain from afternoon outdoor play.
- If you are planning on checking your student out early to enjoy the solar eclipse please do so by 1:00 pm. Children will not be permitted to return to school if checked out early.
- We will do a rainy day dismissal for Pre-K students on this day (students will remain indoors to wait to be picked up).
Pre-K Families - Parent Coffee Chat on May 3
Pre-K families, please save the date of May 3 at 8:30 am for an informative parent coffee chat on making the transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten. More details will be available after Spring Break. We hope you will join us.
*Editor's note: last week's newsletter had an incorrect date. We apologize for the error.
Pre-K Student Kingston Roberts Honored by CSD
The City Schools of Decatur’s Special Education Department recently introduced a new category of student awards, the Yes I Can Award, to recognize and celebrate the achievements of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The award highlights the unique talents, accomplishments, and contributions of these students within the educational community. The award is given to special education students from each school by nomination. Thirty students were honored in these categories: character, IEP goal improvement, self-advocacy, class participation and behavior improvement.
Kingston Roberts was nominated by College Heights and was recently honored at an awards ceremony. Pictures are below, and here's an excerpt from Kingston's nomination:
Kingston has grown so much during his 3 years at ECLC! We are so proud of his accomplishments this year. He has grown tremendously in his independence and communication. Kingston will walk on his own from breakfast to the classroom, often without additional prompting from an adult. Kingston is beginning to utilize self-regulation skills and participates in large and small group activities with enthusiasm. He enjoys completing his class job. Kingston is using his words successfully to communicate his wants and needs with phrases and sentences. We are so proud of Kingston and we will miss him when he goes to Kindergarten!
Way to go, Kingston!
Media Center News
Media Center This Week
Pre-K students, three year olds, and two year olds enjoyed the book Every Dreaming Creature by Brendan Wenzel as we prepare for his visit in a few weeks. We are still taking orders for his books (Two Together, Inside Cat, and They All Saw a Cat) through April 10. Click here to access the order form.
Other books we read this week:
There's a Superhero in Your Book by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Greg Abbott
Trucks Galore! by Peter Stein, illustrated by Bob Staake
A Farmer's Life for Me by Jan Dobbins, Laura Huliska-Beith, and the Flannery Brothers
Good Night, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry
Spring Book Fair - Save the Date
College Heights is partnering with Little Shop of Stories for our spring book fair, which will be the week of April 15-19. Volunteers are needed on April 15 from 8:30 am-1 pm, and daily from 7:30-8:30 am. Please email Leslie if you are available and interested!
Seen around College Heights
Thank you to the Preschool team (Ms. B, Ms. Sela, and Ms. Rahfiya) for organizing a fun, beautiful, and COLORFUL Holi celebration on Monday, March 25.
Happy Tails Pet Therapy came to visit the other four Pre-K classes last Friday and students enjoyed meeting therapy dogs Xia and Leigh.
Pre-K Families: Win Money for Your Child's College Education
Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and Georgia’s Pre-K Program are partnering with the Path2College 529 Plan, the official college savings plan for the state of Georgia, to sponsor this year’s "Path from Pre-K to College" sweepstakes. Four children from across the state will be randomly selected to win a $1,529.00 contribution for their Path2College 529 Plan. The four Pre-K programs that the winners attend will also win a $1,529.00 check made payable to their Pre-K program. Click here to enter the sweepstakes. The deadline to enter is March 31, 2024. See official rules here.
Lost and Found
CSD News and Announcements
CSD K-Day is coming soon
Please see the flyer below for more information.
Pre-K families: this is a separate and optional event for you to visit your zoned K-2 school as a family. College Heights Pre-K students will visit their K-2 schools with their teachers on May 2.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
As a CSD stakeholder, your input and feedback is a critical component to ensuring academic achievement and overall success for all students. Please use the links below to access important feedback forms.
Community Partner News and Announcements
PTA/PTO/PTSA/Bulldog Boosters Upcoming Events
April 21: Community Eid Celebration at Glennwood Elementary
Decatur Education Foundation News
A Tour deCatur THANK YOU!
The 22nd annual Tour deCatur is in the books! Thank you to our CSD families, our CSD coaches and teachers, and our generous sponsors for making this event such a huge success! Your participation supports the important work Decatur Education Foundation does in our schools and in our community!
No Ordinary Joe - a Coffee House Music Series!
Back by popular demand … No Ordinary Joe returns on Thursday, May 2nd at Waller’s! This coffee house music series, featuring DHS singers and songwriters, supports DEF’s behavioral health initiatives. To get your tickets and learn more about Joe’s Fund, use the QR code or go here: www.decatureducationfoundation.org/noordinaryjoe/
Save the Date
April 1-5 - Spring Break (school closed for all students and staff)
April 18 - School to Heart to Home virtual parent session
April 24 - Final Early Release Day for 2024-25 school year (Pre-K)
May 3 - Parent Coffee Chat: Making the Transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten
May 9 - Field Day
May 16 - Pre-K Parade