The 2023-24 school year continues to impress. As I travel and engage with our DeKalb County School District (DCSD) schools and community, I feel unmistakable pride and excitement about our achievements and where we are heading to support our students, families, and staff.
At last week’s Board meeting, Coach Bob Mullen of Southwest DeKalb High School was recognized for his selection as the 2023 Boy's High School Track and Field Coach of the Year. The award, presented by the US Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association, was given to Coach Mullen for his leadership skills and dedication to making a positive impact on his student-athletes, in addition to his team's achievements. Congratulations to Coach Mullen on this well-deserved honor!
We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication displayed by our phenomenal teachers, school leaders, parents, school board members, and most importantly, our students. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to fostering a strong literacy culture in their schools. We also thank all State Board of Education members, senators, and representatives for their unwavering support.
Literacy is a fundamental skill that empowers individuals and opens doors to endless possibilities. The achievements of these elementary schools in promoting literacy are truly commendable and deserve to be celebrated. We applaud all those involved for their tireless efforts in helping our students develop a love for reading and the necessary skills to succeed academically.
Once again, congratulations to Avondale, Austin, Dunaire, International Community, Leadership Prep, McLendon, Montgomery, Museum, Oak Grove, and Vanderlyn elementary schools for their well-deserved recognition as Literacy Leaders. We are honored to have such exceptional schools within our district and look forward to continued success in pursuing literacy excellence.
A special “THANK YOU” to the City of Stonecrest and Mayor Jazzmin Cobble for the generous donation of $1.2 million to the district. These funds will provide essential wrap-around services to the 12 DCSD schools within the Stonecrest city limits, including creating "Zen Dens" to promote self-awareness and relaxation for those affected by COVID-19. This remarkable initiative will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our community.
Speaking of COVID-19, please be aware that DCSD is closely monitoring the reported cases in Dekalb County and the surrounding regions. In the event of a surge in absences due to illness, we will recommend the following measures to control the spread of infection:
· Encourage all staff and students to stay home from school when sick.
· Have individuals test for COVID-19 and Flu when symptomatic.
· Encourage proper respiratory and hand-washing etiquette.
· Encourage both COVID-19 and flu vaccination for all staff and students.
To access the latest information on COVID-19 trends, click on this link HERE.
Before closing, we sincerely apologize for canceling the September 8 football game between Druid Hills High and Dunwoody High and rescheduling it to September 9 at Adam's stadium. We recognize the disappointment and frustration this may have caused the athletes, students, coaches, and families involved; however, it is important to understand that, as a district, we do not have control over the scheduling of referees. That is arranged by the Georgia High School Association.
We are working diligently with all parties involved to ensure that such cancellations and rescheduling issues do not occur in the future. Our goal is to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators of our athletic events. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding.
Thanks for all you do to support our schools, students, staff, and community. Have a happy and productive week!
Dr. Devon Q. Horton
Superintendent DeKalb County School District
ABOUT US:DSTV is an educational access channel operated by the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), which serves more than 92,00 students. The channel is available to Comcast subscribers in DeKalb County on channel 24. To learn more, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org. Submit questions or comments to Communications@dekalbschoolsga.org.
