Principals- Elections Work Plan- Priority Action Steps 

1. Post candidate recruitment announcement on school’s webpage.
2. Prioritize adding and cleaning email addresses in Infinite Campus.  Only parents with accurate email addresses in Infinite Campus be sent electronic ballots.
3. Principal & PAC Chairs notify the School Innovation team of any changes in the number of open seats on your PAC
4. Principal sends an email to teachers encouraging them to declare candidacy. 
5. Identify & encourage parents/guardians to declare candidacy. 
6. Post a link to the district’s PAC elections landing page on your school’s website.  Engage the school community during registration and Back-to-School activities
7. Schedule & finalize plans for at least 1 virtual event during the week of September 15th-22nd to draw participants to the school’s website during the voting window.
8. Schedule at least 1 virtual faculty meeting during the week of September 15th-22^nd window to engage staff in elections process.

2020 At-Home Learning Kit Distribution

School Re-opening Stakeholder Input Survey Results

Deadline to Apply for the Schools of Excellence Award Extended

The Georgia Department of Education is extending the deadline for schools to apply for the Schools of Excellence Award, which recognizes high-achieving schools as well as those making the greatest gains.  Applications were initially due June 30 but, due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, will now be due December 18. A question has also been added to the application allowing schools to spotlight their transition to distance learning during the COVID-19 school closures. 
 

One school in each category (high-achieving and greatest gains) will be recognized in each Congressional district in Georgia, based on five pillars: content mastery, school climate, operations, environmental and sustainability education, and innovation. Winning schools will also be awarded $1,000.  “Georgia public schools are succeeding every day, providing new opportunities and opening new pathways for their students,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “This became more clear than ever as COVID-19 disrupted the traditional learning model and Georgia schools responded with exceptional creativity and compassion. We look forward to providing a much-needed recognition of schools’ efforts and the impact they are having on children each and every day.” 
 

The Meemic Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1992 to provide funding programs and other initiatives to support educational excellence, is the Title Sponsor of the Schools of Excellence program.  Any K-12 school may apply using the link below. Additional information is also linked. We suggest assembling a team to complete the application; this team might include teachers, parents, community leaders and students along with the district’s curriculum director, finance department representatives, food services director, facilities manager, and physical education director.

Updated application link – due December 18, 2020

APPLICANT CONTACT: Keisha Ford-Jenrette, [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT: Meghan Frick, [email protected]

DeKalb County Schools Remembers U.S. Rep. John R. Lewis
 

DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is deeply saddened by the passing of Civil Rights icon and Georgia U.S. Rep. John Lewis. His courage, integrity, and advancing human rights around the world was an inspiration to us all. DCSD joins the country in mourning the loss of an extraordinary leader, and we will continue to encourage our students to live by his example.

DCSD students, teachers, administration, staff and community leaders celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the new John R. Lewis Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019. It was the first school in the nation to be named after Lewis.

Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris said, “It’s a great honor that DeKalb County School District had the first John R. Lewis Elementary. Congressman Lewis is a great example of what it means to not only be a champion for children, but a longstanding champion for human and civil rights.”

The new John R. Lewis Elementary is located at 2630 Skyland Dr. NE and is built on five pillars: targeted instruction, bridging gaps, communicating with the community, improving the school climate, and working in partnership. The school is state-of-the-art, offering students collaborative learning spaces, a brand new, spacious courtyard and amphitheater, as well as a sparkling new gymnasium and cafeteria.

The congressman warmly greeted each student and took photos with students, teachers, administrators and families last October. Lewis expressed his gratitude for the school bearing his name.

“I feel blessed, more than lucky, blessed. These children are beautiful and smart. They will help save America,” said Lewis. He also thanked the architects and builders for providing a space for in his words “yet unborn generations.”

On behalf of DCSD, we extend our deepest condolences to Lewis’ family and friends.

Inviting Cross-Council Virtual Workshop Ideas

Due to the threat of COVID-19 exposure, the Fall Cross-Council event will be a series of workshops facilitated by specialists using a virtual format.  Attendees will be able to participate in a variety of sessions that are critical to their school's success.  Please email topics of interest that will help and support your school's goals.  The School Innovation team will compile a list of topics and  schedule experts and specialists to deliver virtual workshops.  Please email your choice/s of topics to [email protected].