Week of October 2, 2017

Every day, the schools of the DeKalb County School District are bursting with activities that supports college and career readiness. Twice a month, we’ll share that news in TRUST in the Schoolhouse. Below are some examples of that work.  Got an idea? Please share it here.

Arabia Mountain High School
The Technology Student Association, under the leadership of Shenica Bridges, competed at the Chapter Officer Retreat for Excellence. Four Arabia Mountain High School students brought home the following statesman awards: Amanda Turner – TSA president; Aleah Stephens – Vex Robotics president; Meklet Sultan – TSA treasurer and Student Award; Emioluwa B. Adenuga – Chapter Award.

Chamblee High School
Eight students qualified for recognition as 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists. Also, 15 students are recognized as Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Program.

Chapel Hill Middle School
A $2,000 IBM Community Grant for Chapel Hill Middle School has been approved for its Pearls of Promise Mentoring Program. The goal is to help Chapel Hill Middle School improve literacy skills and increase academic achievement while preparing the at-risk young ladies to be sensitive and skilled in interacting with others. This grant will support the Chapel Hill Middle School’s Girls Mentoring Program, where trained facilitators and mentors will work directly with the students.

Coralwood Center
Former Coralwood parent Marmar Stewart authored a book titled “We Are Special”. Her son, Ali, was non-verbal when starting at Coralwood. This is Mrs. Stewart’s way of thanking those who helped Ali “find his voice.” All proceeds from the sales of this book will go to the Speech Therapy Department. Mrs. Stewart personally delivered her first check for $2,000 on Sept. 18. The book can be purchased on Amazon.com for $9.99. Mrs. Stewart will also be present at Coralwood events where she will have her book for purchase.

DeKalb Alternative School
Chyna Grant, 11th grade, and Miles Lewis, 12th grade, assisted representatives from 11Alive News at the Woodruff Arts Center by loading items onto tractor trailers that will be transporting donations and relief items to areas ravaged by hurricanes.

Oakcliff Elementary School
Oakcliff was given an opportunity to send three teachers and three students to an ASIFA-South animation conference at the end of August. The event was called Saturday Morning Cartoons. They listened to a presentation about the developments of TV and comic cartoons and different techniques for creating them. They watched cartoon productions from different countries and also voted for the best cartoon of the series that will go to a larger international competition.

Oak Grove Elementary School
As part of a “community give-back day” created by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, he wants his team roster to show appreciation to others in service positions and children across the metro during the same hour. Falcons players Andy Levitre, Austin Paztor, Derrick Coleman and Jamil Douglas served lunch to Oak Grove Elementary School students on Sept. 19. The 4th and 5th grade students lined the hall from the principal’s back door to the café as a human tunnel to invite the Falcons players in.

Redan Elementary School
Congratulations to Vanessa Fortenberry, the media specialist at Redan Elementary School. She will be presenting her new book at Wesley Chapel Library

Redan Middle School
Redan Middle School celebrates teacher and football coach Keldrick “K.D.” Dunn. After being drafted to the NFL in 1985 by the St. Louis Cardinals, Dunn is now a veteran educator. Dunn was picked up by the Redan Middle School Raiders for the 17-18 school year where he created “Eat with the Pros” to help kids grow into those big dreams. Each Friday during football season Coach Dunn has invited retired professional athletes living in the Atlanta area to visit the school and share their wisdom as well as a meal with the team.

Stoneview Elementary School
On Sept. 22, Stoneview Elementary celebrated grandparents by inviting them to their annual Title I Grandparents Supporting Education Day. Approximately 80 grandparents enjoyed a continental breakfast followed by reading to classes, working in small groups, and other instructional activities.

Woodward Elementary School
A 4th grade class was chosen to spend the day with Rob’s Rescues. Rob is a 4th grader who attends school in Cherokee County. Woodward was his first choice of a school to visit to have a collaborative conversation with about his volunteer rescue non-profit efforts. He is a published author. Rob personally gave each student one of his books. Marcia McGowan, academic coach, facilitated this effort.