Dunwoody Crier - May 16, 2024

Student artists expand reach to storefronts

Ga. — The annual Storefront Art exhibits returned May 1 with final presentations from 15 Dunwoody High School students during an on-campus kickoff event.

The Dunwoody Economic Development Department manages the Storefront Art program, which features student artwork in the windows of businesses in the Dunwoody Village for up to three months.

More than 70 students from Dunwoody High submitted 85 designs in March. Then, business owners and managers ranked their preferred pieces. The 15 works of art with the highest points were chosen for the exhibit, following the approval of the Dunwoody Art Commission in April. The city will award the students $200 each for materials and work.

“The Storefront Art Exhibit ties together three priorities: supporting small businesses, partnering with our schools and embracing public art,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “I am so pleased that we are continuing this project, and I can’t wait to share these students’ works with the community.”

Tom Bass, principal of Dunwoody High School, said he appreciates the school’s partnership with the city.

“We’re proud of the leadership provided by our outstanding teachers in visual arts,” Bass said. “Storefront Art opens doors for our students and showcases their talents to the entire community.”

Several designs from the 2022 and 2023 Storefront Art exhibits are on display as part of Dunwoody’s Green Light Art project, which features original canvases that are digitized, printed and wrapped onto traffic light boxes across the city.

In addition, 13 paintings from last year’s exhibit are currently featured along a new art wall inside Perimeter Mall at the entrance between Maggiano’s and Macy’s.

Business and Cultural Development Manager Rosemary Watts said the public art programs aim to draw more visitors

See EXHIBIT, Page 8

Sarv Dharavane, 10, a fourth grader at Austin Elementary School, holds a trophy more than half his size after winning the 63rd Annual Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee in March. Austin Elementary held a ceremony May 8 to honor Sarv.

Elementary student wins Georgia spelling bee

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Austin Elementary School held a ceremony May 8 for fourth grader Sarv Dharavane, who won the 63rd Annual Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee in March.

At just 10 years old, Sarv prevailed against all other contestants across the state, up to age 16.

Defending champion Matthew Baber, an 8th grader from Rising Star Middle School in Fayette County, finished runner-up.

After the 2023 Georgia State Spelling Bee champion misspelled a word in the 18th round, Sarv spelled “Seoul” and “dashiki” correctly to take home the title.

What’s more, he also won the Georgia State Technology Competition in project programming.

“When I spelled my championship word right, I was non-plussed and elated at the same time,” Sarv said. “I love words, and back in November, when I heard there was a classroom spelling bee, I thought, ‘Why not?’”

As the winner of the state spelling bee, Sarv has earned an all-expenses paid trip to National Harbor, Maryland, where he will compete in the nationally televised Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The preliminaries begin May 28, concluding with the finals May 30.

“I couldn’t have done this without my teachers at Austin Elementary and the Georgia Association of Educators,” Sarv said. “Last but not least, I cannot thank my parents enough for helping me so much.”

DUNWOODY,

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Dunwoody High School mourns student’s death

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody High School community is mourning the death of a 15-year-old female student May 6 while she was on campus.

In a letter to Dunwoody High School families, Principal Tom Bass said the medical emergency occurred during testing.

Sgt. Michael Cheeks, public information officer for the Dunwoody

POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Jewish organization reports antisemitic call

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police are investigating multiple antisemitic phone calls from an unidentified man to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta May 3.

An officer said he met with the community center’s head of security who told him about multiple calls with hate-filled remarks toward the Jewish community from an unidentified suspect.

The officer said he also spoke with the front desk representative who took the calls.

The receptionist said she first answered the phone around 1 p.m. After passing off the phone to another employee, the caller continued his antisemitic rant.

The officer said the head of security gave him the two phone numbers that the caller used.

The head of security also said he would try to send the audio recording of the suspect’s rant to the Dunwoody Police Department.

Open to the community FUN for everyone! We will have a dinner offering and desserts (prices vary, always affordable). Beer and wine $4. Soft drinks $2. $18 admission w/cash payouts OVER $900 plus 50/50 split the cash drawing. FREE door-prize drawings. All Saints Social Hall, 2443 Mt. Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, doors open at 6:30pm.

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Police Department, said the DeKalb County School District took over the investigation because the incident occurred at the school.

“Our officers did initially respond, and they did initially help DeKalb Fire administer some medical aid,” he said.

DeKalb County School District Police have arrested a juvenile in connection with the medical emergency that occurred at Dunwoody High School.

Due to the individual's status as a minor, their personal identifiable

Doraville man arrested after reported stabbing

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police arrested a 52-year-old Doraville man for an alleged aggravated assault after a 32-year-old Dunwoody man reported being stabbed.

When officers arrived at the Dunwoody Glen apartments on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, they said they found the victim with a laceration to his left shoulder.

American Medical Response came to treat the victim but did not transport him to a hospital, officer said.

The victim said a male stopped him and told him he was driving too fast. During the argument, the victim said the suspect broke two Heineken bottles and used the glass to cut him.

While officers were on scene, the suspect approached them.

The suspect said the victim hit him with a red pole, and in response, he cut him with a beer bottle.

Officers said the suspect admitted to drinking several beers earlier in the day.

A 38-year-old Dunwoody man, witness to the altercation, said the suspect smashed the beer bottles and cut the victim first. The witness also said the victim retrieved the red pole after being stabbed and hit the suspect with it.

Officers said their investigation determined the suspect was the primary aggressor, and the victim had acted in self-defense.

Police transported the suspect to North-

information is not being disclosed.

The juvenile has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct and has been transported to the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center.

DCSD Investigators are actively continuing their investigation.

The full letter from Principal Tom Bass reads:

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the tragic loss of a student today

See MOURN, Page 9

Four handguns stolen in vehicle burglaries

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police identified four car break-ins at Perimeter Mall the evening of May 3 after a victim reported a smash-and-grab.

Officers met with the caller and victim, a 34-year-old Kennesaw man, who said he was working on a film shoot at Von Maur.

The victim said he arrived at the Cheesecake Factory around 9:30 p.m. and left about an hour later.

When he returned to his vehicle in front of Dillard’s, the victim said he found his passenger window shattered and bookbag missing.

The stolen items include a handgun, two magazines, 100 rounds of ammo and a laptop.

During the investigation in the Perimeter Mall parking lot, the officer said three additional vehicles had been burglarized.

The officer said he entered the handgun’s serial number as stolen into the Georgia Crime Information Center.

The officer totaled around $3,900 in stolen items from the four vehicles, including four handguns.

Mall security said there was no one able to review the security camera footage while the officer was on scene.

Officers did not identify a suspect in their report.

side Hospital before taking him to DeKalb County Jail.

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Adell

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Dunwoody approves mid-year pay hike for city employees

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council’s approval of a 4.25 percent midyear pay increase for city employees will take effect May 30.

Last year, the city approved a raise for police officers, detectives, sergeants and lieutenants, averaging 14 percent.

Since 2021, Dunwoody has adjusted pay seven separate times for police. As a result, officers and detectives have seen pay increases of just under 45 percent.

City Manager Eric Linton said the Dunwoody City Council made a commitment to support police with salary increases during planning for the 2024 budget.

“I worked closely with staff to crunch the numbers and fulfill the council’s commitment,” Linton said. “This increase continues a pattern of prioritizing public safety in Dunwoody.”

For comparison, the starting pay for a police officer with a high school degree and no public safety experience at the end of 2020 was $44,567. The city increased that starting pay to $59,391, effective May 30.

Also, the starting pay for a police officer with a bachelor’s degree and five years of public safety experience at the end of 2020 was $49,794. The city increased that starting pay to $71,351,

effective May 30.

Amid concerns from residents about public safety throughout Perimeter Center and questions about funding priorities, the actions from the City Council have vaulted the Dunwoody Police Department to a level of competitive pay.

City officials have said competitive pay helps fill vacancies in the Police Department.

The Dunwoody Police Department offers a competitive package of benefits that includes:

• A take-home vehicle program

• A $15,000 signing bonus

• An $800 per month housing stipend for living in the city limits

• A 100 percent city-paid employee medical plan, starting on the first day of work

• A 90 percent city-paid family medical plan, starting on the first day of work

• An employer retirement contribution up to 21.2 percent

• A 100 percent city-paid life insurance with short and long-term disability insurance

• An up to $4,000 annual tuition assistance program

• A total of 15 paid holidays

• A $2,500 payment for SWAT operators

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

A Dunwoody Police Department patrol car drives through Dunwoody’s Perimeter Center. The Dunwoody City Council approved a 4.25 percent mid-year pay increase for police and other city employees, effective May 30.

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“As a former city council representative in the City of Dunwoody, I know how important it is to be a team player and represent all of your constituents. In these challenging times, we need leaders who are not afraid to tackle the pressing issues.”

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TALK BACK TO THE CRIER

Dunwoody officials ignore public views

TO THE CRIER,

The Dunwoody Crier, owned by Appen Media, actively reaches out to the public for their input and concerns on local issues. We applaud the Crier’s approach and only wish the Dunwoody mayor and City Council did the same.

However, they do not. Most of our elected officials and government staff continue to disregard the results of the public referendum last November. The citizens of Dunwoody nixed the unreasonable and expensive plan to add 69 miles of unwanted mixed-use trails in locations where they are not wanted or needed. This is the same approach they have taken on the controversial planned path for the east side of Tilly Mill from Womack to Mt. Vernon.

Yet, the city continues to press forward with wasteful and needless projects such as a new Winters Chapel 12-foot wide path – despite an adequate sidewalk which already exists along that road. The city and its Public Works Department also insist that the homeowners affected in Four Oaks Subdivision pay for storm water repairs in their neighborhood – something for which the city is responsible, not the homeowner.

Talk Back to the Crier

The city continues to say that it has plenty of money for basic government operations; yet, behind the scenes, it is looking for ways to increase ad valorem taxes to pay for expanded city services.

The city exists to provide important core government services, such as police services, paving streets, repairing potholes, maintaining right of ways, repairing the storm water system, fixing key intersections, addressing traffic congestion, zoning, code compliance. We have many parks with playgrounds, and some with open spaces, which is desirable. But these also need to be maintained. Funding the community nonprofits (The Spruill Center and Nature Center was overly generous at $1 million each). Spending should be within the budget and focused on core community needs.

In just over one year, three local council seats will be up for re-election. Maybe it’s time to put new councilmembers in who are focused on essential needs first and listening to what a majority of citizens want and need.

Send your letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com by Sunday night and they’ll end up here that week. Park locations, tree-lined medians and backyard chickens welcome.

Rules of engagement:

• Typically we restrict letters to 300 words. To limit fury from the copy desk, try and stay below that line.

• We normally do not publish letters written in response to other letters. We are going to waive that policy for the time being.

• We won’t publish your letter or name without explicitly getting your approval.

Tom Simon Dunwoody

Readers recall S&H Green and other loyalty stamps

When I asked the question, “Do you remember S&H Green Stamps?” it brought back memories for several readers. The loyalty stamp programs of the past occasionally helped families out, just when they needed it most. They also provided a fun moment for children, who could trade completed stamp books for a toy.

Gary Field, who grew up on a dairy farm north of Cincinnati, shared memories of his family collecting Top Value Stamps. The local Kroger had Top Value Stamps, but his family also collected S&H Green Stamps. “I remember licking all those stamps and putting them on the book pages.” He also remembers “…the excited anticipation of what we were going to select at the redemption store.”

Years later, Field remembers an S&H redemption warehouse in the southwest area of the intersection of I-85 and Jimmy Carter Boulevard. That spot was later home to Western Electric.

S&H Green Stamps and Top Value Stamps were an important part of Susan Edmonson’s young married life, especially when the first child of the family was born in 1968. “I acquired many of the major items when my children were born, crib, etc., with filled books of stamps.”

Growing up, Sandy Feit’s Providence, Rhode Island, family was an S&H Green Stamp family, but they also collected Top Value Stamps “for those infrequent trips to our less preferred store.”

“After getting married, I moved to Vermont and was glad to find S&H stamps in Burlington,” recalls Feit. One February, the temperature dipped down to -27 degrees F. “Just about no one’s car started that morning, and like most of our neighbors, we needed a service call. Hours later, when it warmed to -11 degrees F, I drove to the redemption center and traded in my stamp books for a little piece of mind – my very first set of jumper cables.”

In the early 1960s, Charlie Evans was in high school in Huntington, West Virginia, and his dad managed a company called Family Stamps. “The company catered to individuals and businesses in hard-to-reach areas.”

PHOTOS BY VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF/APPEN MEDIA

This tin Trading Stamps Saver and Books container was a handy place to keep the collection.

An S & H Green Stamp savings book and Hastings Savings Stamp book for stamps issued by Hastings Nursery of Atlanta.

Customers would fill their books with stamps and return to the store where they originally received them to decide on a loyalty gift by looking through a catalog. Employees of Family Stamps drove to a warehouse to redeem the stamps. They also sold stamps to the stores.

Evans’ dad managed a region that

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

City officials and Dunwoody High School educators gather to embrace 15 high school students May 1 selected for the 2024 Storefront Art exhibit. The temporary pieces will be displayed in Dunwoody Village business for up to three months.

Exhibit:

Continued from Page 1

to the Village.

“This year’s designs will be eligible for future installations of the Green Light project,” Watts said. “We’ll also be able to add them to the new Perimeter Mall exhibit.”

Student artists include Bobbi Allen, Brinkley Parrish, Clara Green, Elder Coria, Stella Cronin, Elizabeth

Buckareff, Hannah Hazen, Harrison Flynt, Jenna McJunkin, Jeston Huang, Lilah Paradice, Lydia Bizzell, Magadhi Sathyanarayanan, Mira Walter and Nia Elekwachi.

Their art is on display at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, Enchanted Forest, Royal Spice, CrossFit Dunwoody, The Whole Tooth, Chupito’s, The Music Class, Budi’s Sushi, Dunwoody Prep, Functionize, Christine Scott Dentistry, Village Orthodontics, Karate Atlanta, Dunwoody Ace Hardware and Alloy Personal Training.

Dunwoody sets array of summer activities

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Visitors can enjoy a free treat from King of Pops at the Dunwoody Park and Recreation Department’s Kickoff to Summer at Two Bridges Park Friday, May 24 at 11 a.m.

The event marks the 2024 opening of the park’s popular splash pad, which debuted last year.

Two Bridges Park is at 50 Perimeter Center East.

“After a very successful first season, we’re excited to start running the splash pad again this year. It’s just so much fun for families,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “We are also look forward to adding new shade structures at Two Bridges Park to make the park even more inviting.”

The summer calendar of events in Dunwoody includes free outdoor concerts and movies.

Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays, organized by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, will move to a monthly schedule with a variety of food trucks.

Here are some activities to mark on your calendar:

• May 16 at 5 p.m., Food Truck Thursdays Season Opener, Brook Run Park

• May 18 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Kids to Parks Day, Brook Run Park front field. The National Park Trust recognizes the third Saturday in May as a national day of outdoor play. Dunwoody’s celebration will feature balloon artists, bubbles and face painters.

• May 24 at 11 p.m., Kickoff to Summer at Two Bridges Park

• June 7, July 5 and August 2 at 9 p.m., Pics in the Park, Pernoshal Park

• June 8 at 6 p.m., Groovin’ on the Green Series Opener. The series will feature nine acts performing at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater on the second Saturday of the month from June through October. The family-friendly concerts begin at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to walk or ride bikes to the concerts since the Amphitheater is located along the Dunwoody Trailway. Patrons can also bring picnics, pick up dinner at a food truck and bring their dog on a leash. Additional dates are July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12.

The events are free and open to all. For more information about park events, visit dunwoodyga.gov/parkevents.

Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Waldron said summer is her department’s busy time and its favorite season to showcase Dunwoody parks.

“We’ve developed a loyal following with our Groovin’ on the Green series,” Waldron said. “These community concerts provide a great opportunity to gather with friends and family to enjoy music in a beautiful, outdoor setting.”

In addition to community events, the Parks and Recreation Department offers new programs this summer. They include the free Equalizer Health classes, free selfdefense classes, Dwarf Goat Pilates and Meditation and Tree Wellness Walks.

For more information about the programs, visit https://secure.rec1.com/GA/ dunwoody-ga/catalog.

Community Assistance Center offers families deals on meals

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A recent analysis from the Community Assistance Center shows that the average family of four is receiving food worth around $800 per month through its supplemental food program.

The nonprofit works to eradicate food insecurity for local families in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs through weekly visits to any of the three CAC Mini-Markets in the Perimeter area.

The food pantries, which operate like a grocery store, encourage households to select groceries based on their individual needs and preferences, helping them maintain access to nutritious foods as they resolve a personal financial crisis.

Offerings in the CAC Mini-Markets include shelf-stable and fresh foods like produce, bread, meat, dairy products and prepared foods.

Every week there are different, high-

quality items for clients to select. There is no cost to clients for shopping at CAC Mini-Markets. Instead, they are limited to a certain amount per week based on the size of their family.

Gretty Figueroa, a food pantry manager, took a faux shopping trip at the main Mini-Market located at 8607 Roswell Road. Figueroa selected food as if she were a client shopping for a family of four.

The trip resulted in a shopping cart filled to the brim with the standard allotment for a typical client family at the Community Assistance Center.

Fresh leafy greens, new potatoes, apples, refrigerated dairy products, cans and boxes of pantry staples, several pounds of frozen cuts of meat, pre-made fresh meals, a package of baked pastries and whole-grain breads rounded out the

See CAC, Page 23

Treasury official touts clean energy plan for local governments

Sandy Springs to weigh offer for federal dollars

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Regional Commission Board heard a presentation May 8 from a representative of the U.S. Treasury Department on its direct pay program for clean energy initiatives.

The program, part of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, offers tax-exempt organizations, specifically local governments, federal money to offset project costs associated with clean energy, like electric vehicles.

David Eichenthal, representing the White House, is a senior policy adviser with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Inflation Reduction Act Implementation Office.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, created more than 20 tax incentives for clean energy and manufacturing.

The projected impact of the bill on inflation is disputed.

One role of the U.S. Treasury Department, responsible for major elements of the law, is to implement tax incentives for investments in clean energy and manufacturing.

Individuals are eligible for federal tax credits for the purchase of a qualifying clean vehicle purchase and energy improvements to their home.

Most of the tax incentives apply exclusively to businesses, revolving around energy generation and carbon capture, vehicles, manufacturing, fuels, energy efficiency and healthcare.

For many of the incentives, bonuses are available to increase private sector

Mourn:

Continued from Page 2

following a medical emergency while at school. We will not disclose additional information about the circumstances surrounding this student’s passing out of respect for the family's privacy.”

“The incident occurred as many students were testing. After the medical emergency, the school was put on lockdown to limit movement within the building. We understand the gravity of the situation and have shared the news with our students, teachers, and staff this afternoon. We are providing the necessary resources and personnel to assist the staff with grief counseling and are here to offer support to anyone

investment in energy security and climate. Eichenthal almost exclusively discussed the direct pay program.

The Treasury’s Office of Tax Policy and the Internal Revenue Service developed tax regulations and guidance to implement the act’s energy credits and other tax law changes.

Eichenthal said the direct pay program allows for the “blending and grading of different resources,” which allows tax credits to be combined with some loans.

Since some cities and counties across the country started qualifying projects last year, a few have started filing for the tax credits.

“At some point this year, I’m not going to be talking to groups like this about

affected by this tragedy.”

“Starting tomorrow morning, students will be able to meet with our District Crisis Team members, including school counselors, psychologists, and additional staff. The team will remain on-site to provide support as long as they are needed.”

“Everyone reacts to death differently. Our priority is respecting each other's feelings and emotions. As a family, we encourage you to talk with your child about this incident to help them share their thoughts and reactions. “

“The Dunwoody High School community is here to support and uplift in any way we can. If you need additional assistance from our administrative or school counseling team, please contact us at 678 8748502.”

hypothetically what people are doing,” he said. “I’ll be able to say, the city of ‘X’ made this investment, and they got a check from the federal government covering 30-50 percent of the cost.”

Unfortunately, the credit payment comes after the project goes into service.

“There’s an upfront financing issue that folks need to consider,” Eichenthal said.

He gave some examples of projects, like fleet electrification and central geothermal heating, that require a hefty initial capital investment but project a reduction in a local government’s operating cost.

A payment from the Internal Revenue Service can be expected within 45 days after a project goes into service,

Eichenthal said.

“Finance directors can now model out what that will look like,” he added.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, serving as the North Fulton County mayoral representative on the ARC Board, said city staff will review the information and determine whether it can meet the needs of the city.

The city is installing electric vehicle charging stations at its new Police Department and Municipal Court on Morgan Falls Road and its new Fleet Center on Roswell Road.

“There are some vehicles in our fleet where the direct pay program may offer us some opportunities,” he said. “We need to dig into it a bit deeper than the cursory overview we got today.”

David Eichenthal, senior policy adviser with the U.S. Treasury Department, speaks on the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay program May 8 to the Atlanta Regional Commission Board.

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Members of the Atlanta Regional Commission Board gather at the metropolitan planning organization May 8 to hear a special presentation from the U.S. Treasury Department.

Sponsored Section May 16, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | 10

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To make this high level of education possible, At Endeavor Montessori, our staff includes professionally-trained Montessori educators who understand the importance of accommodating each student’s needs and learning style. We take this approach to ensure every student succeeds and realizes their educational goals while being part of a close-knit school community.

Endeavor Montessori offers a learning environment where children experience appropriate levels of technology that are integrated seamlessly into an enhanced Montessori curriculum. This approach, along with a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) program, addresses

the demands placed by modern education while also strengthening children’s innate desire to seek knowledge and find the answers.

Let your child thrive with Endeavor

Montessori.

To learn more about our curriculum and for enrollment for children ages six weeks to 12 years, call (770)637-1242 or visit our website at endeavormontessori.com

Endeavor Montessori offers a modernized and holistic educational approach designed for infants through elementary school. Our students benefit from:

• A proven Montessori curriculum developed by top education experts

• Age-appropriate activities to develop leadership and problem-solving skills

• STEAM topics and global languages integrated into a balanced curriculum

• A community-based approach that drives strong bonds between staff and families

• Montessori-certified teachers who are passionate about the growth of each child

• Beautiful outdoor learning spaces and purposeful play areas

The Magic of Middle School

Brought to you by -

High Meadows

With one foot rooted in childhood and the other stepping eagerly into adolescence, middle schoolers can pose a perplexing combination of needs and contradictions. High Meadows Middle Years teachers would tell you, however, that this distinct age and stage is also marked by heightened information processing abilities that allow students to delve more meaningfully into complex thinking, problem solving, self-reflection and growth.

What do middle schoolers need to grow

and thrive?

Collaborative Learning: One key element of adolescence is a strong social drive. Instead of trying to control and minimize socialization in the classroom, High Meadows teachers utilize this social motivation through collaborative work, dialogue-driven lessons, and exploring different perspectives and lenses on topics.

Exploration and Self-Expression: High Meadows robust mini-course offerings provide Middle Years students the opportunity to choose from and try many different specialized courses including Animal Care, Yoga, Band,

Debate, a variety of Fine Arts courses, Theatre, World Peace Games, Culinary Arts and more.

Fostering Independence & SelfConfidence: High Meadows middle years program empowers students to grow in independence, study and research skills, time management, and accountability. Students reflect regularly on their own growth and set goals for themselves.

Mentorship & Leadership: HMS Middle Years students enjoy the role of being campus-wide mentors, and leaders who serve as role models to the younger students in the community. Sixth

through Eighth grade students serve as “buddies” to even our youngest Pre-K students on campus.

Intellectual and Academic Challenge: High Meadows graduates enter their high school years with a strong academic foundation, a passion for learning, and a keen understanding of what they need to be successful. The majority of HMS alum start their high school careers in AP and Honors courses.

To learn more about High Meadows’ Middle Years program, visit highmeadows.org.

Beyond high school readiness, our rich and rigorous program inspires students to be positive change makers and lifelong learners.

Age 3 through Eighth Grade | Roswell, GA

770.993.2940 | www.highmeadows.org

An International Baccalaureate® School

Group tours offered weekly. Visit our website to register. Since 1973, the school has inspired children to think critically, learn creatively, act globally, and live compassionately. &

Change lives, change the world

Brought to you by - Wesleyan School

Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.

A college preparatory environment,

students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-ofthe-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.

Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,206 students in grades K-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate.

Wesleyan School

5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640

https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

Holy Spirit Preparatory School

Helping Students Grow in Virtue

Brought to you by - Holy Spirit Preparatory School

Holy Spirit Preparatory School is an independent, Catholic college preparatory school serving Preschool-12th grade students with a profound educational vision. Our curriculum combines the best of classical pedagogical traditions in a joyful, engaging, and thoroughly Catholic environment.

This curriculum includes STEMbased coursework, fine and performing arts, and a very active athletic program. Through these means, we seek to enkindle in students the desire to pursue excellence in every endeavor they undertake and provide them with all the tools necessary to lead successful, rewarding lives in a manner consistent with the sublime end for which they have

EDUCATION NEWS

been created: eternal life with God.

This vision deeply informs our curriculum and animates our efforts to help students grow in virtue and to know and love truth, goodness, and beauty, the three divine attributes upon which all authentically classical, Catholic education is grounded. “A saint,” our beloved late Pope Benedict XVI observed, “is one who is so captivated by God’s perfect truth and beauty as to be progressively transformed by it.” We strive to provide a learning environment that advances this noble aspiration, so our students are fully prepared to go into the world firm in faith, joyful in hope, and active in charity.

https://holyspiritprep.org/ admissions@holyspiritprep.org 678.761.7992

Tuition. fees to increase at Georgia’s public universities starting fall 2024

By ROSS WILLIAMS Georgia Recorder

ATLANTA — A degree from a Georgia public college or university will soon cost a little more under a plan approved by the Board of Regents April 16.

The regents voted to approve a plan that increases tuition by 2.5% for most instate students. Out-of-staters will pay 5% more, and the plan also creates a new rate for students from other countries, set at 2% higher than out-of-state students.

Chancellor Sonny Perdue praised the regents for keeping tuition flat at all institutions except Middle Georgia College for six of the last eight years but said colleges and universities must deal with higher prices for most of their expenses.

“Anybody that goes to the grocery store and the gas pump or eats out, guess what’s happened? Everybody’s paying more and the inflation has taken over on our campuses as well, from salaries to food costs to virtually everything else. It’s just like our whole economy, just because you’re university doesn’t make you immune to economic trends of inflation, and that’s what’s happened.”

The increase means an in-state University of Georgia student taking more than six credit hours will see their tuition rise from $4,895 to $5,017 per semester, while an out-of-state student will need to fork over $15,136, up from $14,415. The

newly-created out-of-country category of students will pay $15,424 for a semester at UGA.

The new rates are set to be effective for the fall 2024 semester. A full list of tuition rates for each institution is available on the University System of Georgia’s website.

Students who take classes online will also pay more – eTuition rates are set to increase by 2.5% for most courses, and the regents approved new fees for fully online students. Web-based learners will soon pay a fee equaling their institution’s technology fee plus half of the institution’s mandatory fees.

The university system’s Chief Fiscal Officer Tracey Cook said the number of students taking classes fully online increased 91% between 2019 and 2022, and most of those students did not have to pay their institution’s mandatory fees.

“Less students paying these fees translates into less revenues to cover expenses, and these declining revenues are occurring while institutions are experiencing increasing costs,” she said. “Some of those costs include, again, increased wages, competition, rising food costs, fixed and escalating debt payments on our public/private venture projects.”

This story comes to Appen Media through a reporting partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom that covers statewide issues.

North Springs High prepares for construction on new school

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — With the April 26 approval of a $14.1 million contract for site work at North Springs High School, dirt at 7447 Roswell Road will be moving soon.

The Fulton County School Board of Education approved the contract with Cumming-based Vertical Earth, with an additional $1.4 million contingency, for phase one site work at the new school.

North Springs is a Fulton County public high school in the heart of Sandy Springs.

It is the state's only dual magnet school, allowing students to participate in the Visual & Arts magnet, Mathematics & Science magnet, or both, depending on their qualifications and abilities. Built in 1963, the school is one of the oldest in the Fulton County system.

Fulton County Schools’ “Bricks and Clicks” 2027 Capital Plan, funded through the education special purpose local option sales tax, calls for replacing North Springs High.

Since Fulton County voters first approved ESPLOST in 1997, it has become

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED

A rendering shows the campus layout of the new North Springs High School, anticipated to open in August 2027.

the primary funding source for capital improvements, with $3.2 billion generated to date.

The replacement of the school and construction of a new campus will cost around $108 million, according to a February estimate from Noel Maloof, chief operations officer for the district.

Replacing the school requires significant coordination. Construction will take place on-campus while school is in session.

The $15.6 site work project calls for the demolition of the softball field, competition field, stadium, practice field, tennis courts

and surrounding parking lots, driveways and hardscape.

Site work also includes installing a new curb cut at Trowbridge Road and new access driveways as a part of the new layout of the school’s replacement.

Other phase one tasks include construction of new soil-nail and concrete retaining walls, relocation of existing utilities and installation of new utilities, storm drainage pipe systems and three detention ponds.

Anne Boatwright, media relations manager at Fulton County Schools, said all other site work and building construction will happen in a later phase.

She also said the estimated time for completion of the first phase is this December. Because of potential dangers, Boatwright said the campus will be subdivided to keep all construction activities separate from school activities.

“There will be safety fencing and other controls in place to make this possible to manage,” she said. “Safety is always the priority when a contractor is working on the campus while school is in session.”

Boatwright also said the school district coordinates on a regular basis with Princi-

pal Sott Hanson and his staff.

Because phase one involves the demolition of athletic facilities, high school sports will move to other schools, including Sandy Springs Middle.

Appen Media also asked Fulton County Schools representatives about the potential for noise disruptions during the 2024-25 school year and beyond.

Because site work is anticipated to conclude at the end of the year, construction of additional phases is expected to continue until the new school’s projected opening date in August 2027.

“Due to the location of the construction, being elevated and on the back side of the building that faces the gymnasium and other large activity spaces, the noise factor is expected to be minimal,” Boatwright said.

She listed student safety and preserving a disruption-free learning environment as the top priorities of Fulton County Schools.

“Communication has already begun about some adjustments and more will be conducted in the fall to ensure all students and teachers understand the safety and access parameters while the project is ongoing," she said.

Valor Christian Academy celebrates the successes of its seniors through Life Prep | College Ready Model

Brought to you by – Valor Christian Academy

Valor Christian Academy, founded in August 2020, grew out of the desire to educate, strengthen and equip the whole child in a unique environment where learning fits the way God designed each child. At Valor, we’ve reimagined educational offerings, and parents may choose from a variety of educational modes, from virtual, hybrid, full-time, or homeschool,

we seek to meet the education needs of every child and family. Our high school model is one that prepares students to be Life Prep | College Ready, which includes four days of on campus learning and one day of at home independent study. We are proud to announce that several students in the Class of 2024 will graduate with a diploma of distinction, which serves as an opportunity for students to receive credit for further study, research, and experience in Fine Arts, Communications,

or STEM. No matter what mode fits an individual child, we aim to launch each student as a servant leader who knows how to shape culture through a biblical worldview. Our team looks forward to prayerfully walking you through the admissions experience where your family can be a part of Education Reimagined.

Contact Valor Christian Academy at 770-751-1972 or visit us at www.valorlions.org.

Media programming inspires civic engagement

By CHRISTINA RAND GPB NEWS

GEORGIA — Beginning this year, PBS KIDS is rolling out a full slate of civicsthemed content. The effort will span across a range of both new and existing series aimed at encouraging viewers to get involved in their communities and learn more about what’s happening around them. The programming, which will expand on PBS KIDS’ Social Studies learning goals, will feature a second season of hit shorts series, “City Island”, and two new music video series, “City Island Sings” and “Together We Can”, created with Sesame Workshop.

“Kids are so perceptive to everything happening around them, and at PBS KIDS, we believe it’s important that they have a place to go to learn about civics in an age-appropriate way,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “At a time when many K-12 schools have cut back on civics curriculum requirements, we are significantly expanding our offerings to meet the growing need, reinforce the core principles of citizenship, and help kids understand how they can be a good neighbor and have a positive and lasting impact in their communities.”

PBS KIDS’ civics-focused content integrates foundational Social Studies concepts to support the core idea that everyone, including children, can be active and contributing members of their home, school, and broader communities. When they work together as a member of a group, conduct themselves responsibly, and develop conflict resolution skills, children begin to explore ideas at the heart of government and the democratic process.

“City Island”, from creator Aaron Augenblick and Future Brain Media, is a series of animated shorts for early elementary school-aged children set in

Ameen Abarry

Regan Abbott

Joycelyn Aguilar

Taim Alayssami

Georgia Alford

Garon Allen

Bradley Amato

Jacqueline Arias-Nunez

Natalie Astrogano

Andrew Atkins

Aiyana Atkinson

Luc Attal

Sofia Aviles Guillen

Anai Ayers

Binta Bah

Landen Bailey

a thriving metropolis and living city, where every object is a character. It includes local organizations, government institutions, and a diverse citizenry (like main character Watt, a lightbulb, and his friend Windy, a kite), while highlighting topics like cooperation, conflict resolution, and city planning. The series aims to help foster young viewers’ understanding of how cities and communities work.

The growing world of “City Island” will include a new suite of games that will enable young players to become City Island citizens, along with a new music video spin-off series, “City Island Sings”, which encompasses 10 music videos that will debut across streaming platforms every Wednesday and Friday beginning May 29. Season 2 of the series, which will include 20 episodes that will roll out every Friday, is set to premiere on July 5 and builds on the first season’s focus on civic engagement, expanding the curricular focus to media literacy, covering topics such as news media, factbased reporting, advertisements, and the flow of information on the internet.

The new music-focused series “Together We Can”, created and produced by Sesame Workshop, consists of 20 live-action music videos that cover civics topics such as what it means to be a member of a community, the importance of rules and rights, and broader civics engagement concepts from voting and symbols of democracy to our Constitution. “Together We Can”, for children 4-8, will premiere the first ten episodes on July 3, with the remaining ten rolling out on August 7.

Meet the characters of “City Island” at pbskids.org/video/city-island

This story comes to Appen Media through a reporting partnership with GPB News, a non-profit newsroom covering the state of Georgia.

Congratulations North Springs Spartans Class of 2024!

Alexander Courtney

Micah Coverson

Lorena Cristancho Baquero

Brad Cruz

Samuel Curtin

Kamilly Da Silva

Nyla Daniels

Jayla David

Rafaela De Souza

Ava Demps

Matthew Demps

Cassidy Dickerson

Jamaya Dotson

Christopher Drake

Lauren Drake

Sylvester Dulcio

Christopher Bailon-Montufar

Mariana Balaustre Gonzalez

Brayan Balbuena Gonzalez

Bryan Baldo

Hasaan Banjoko

Zaia Barbuto

Jaylen Barnes

Antwon Barnett

Kiera Barrett

Reagan Barrett

LeeLyn Beachem

Ava Beard

Cierra Beidler

Emoni Bell

Rayan Bellia

Daniel Benitez

Tanvi Bilimoria

Zynyia Bligen

David Bohorquez-Guerra

Summer Bostick

Antonio Bradshaw

Ava Simone Brooks

Chosyn Brown

Cray Brown

Rhylyn Brown

Sean Brown

Shawn Brown

Jah Dane Bryan

Jy’ya Buchanon

Samuel Bueno

Taris Burnett

Agnew Butler

Aria Byrd

Nicholas Cannon

Griffin Caraway

Peter Caraway

Andre Carranza

Maya Chidiac-Rahaman

Kasir Clark

Fredri-Kaye Clarke

Fredrick Clarke

Miles Cleveland

Nicholas Clyde

Tory Coats

Armani Coleman

Chelsea Colin

Nathan Comeaux

Cymbeline Conde

Cameron Cooper

David Cooper

Massiel Coronado

Corbin Duncan

Owen Dunkley

Kierdra Dykes

Kierstin Dykes

Chizoba Emmanuel

Marck Escobar

Khalyl Evans

Mariana Evans

Jadon Feagen

Luis Figueroa

Taysean Finlayson

Jahkai Francis

Kennedy Francis

Rihanna Francis

William Francis

Aaron Frank

Jordan Frank

Bryce Franklin

Laylah Frazier

Sincere Frederick

Eder Fuentes Sauceda

Shania Fuller

Karl Funderburk

Miriam Gaines

Paige Gamble

Enrique Garcia Arias

Isabel Garcia Gomez

Jeidy Garcia-Evaristo

Cecilia Gardner

Amaya Garth

Paige Gaudet

Jordan Giles

Levi Glasner

Antonia Gomez-Marroquin

Bryan Gonzalez Kluge

Edward Gorgoll

Abigail Grayson

Irvin Guevara

Dorine Gueye

Kent Gussman

Tala Hadid

Clara Haley

Jada Hall

Liam Hall

Daniel Hamlett

Desmond Hardnett

Reina Harris

Kendall Heard

Niara Henri

Alexis Hernandez

Nina Hilaire

Troy Hill Ava Hillman

Emily Hoff

Gabriella Horton

Timilton Ingram

Zaire Jackson

Izhar Jean

Jamiyah Jefferson

Christopher Jimenez

Johan Jimenez

Jawreh Jobe

Anaysa Johnson

Davon Johnson

Mikenzie Johnson

Journee Jones

Italie Jones-Lamy

Celestin Kadjidja

Layla Keadle

Madyson Keadle

Khadija Kellu

Amaria Knight

Ileana Kuran

Samuel Kuran

Corey Lambert

Anabell Larsen

Suriya Lateef

Eli Lev

Gabriella Lewis

Marco Liborio Ramirez

Ethan Liddell

Isaac Linnen

Camila Lopez

Henry Lott

Namiah Louissaint

Kelsey Love

Tai Luckett

Esmer Madesko

Yulie Maimon

Angel Maldonado

Brennan Malone

Vonyeah Malone

Thaj’Marie Mapes

Ruth Marc

Jacob Martin

Diego Martinez

Anderson Martinez

Hernandez

Omar Mbow

Ryan McCain

Leighton McIntosh

Joshua McIntyre

Kori McNair

Naima Melton

Payton Messier

David Miller

Carla Miranda

Aoi Misawa

Isibylla Mitchell

Zanivea Mitchell

Laura Monroy Saenz

Demetrius Moore

Kyan Moorer

Jimena Morales Mora

Solomon Morgan

Chanie Morris

Katlyn Morris

Jicahi Moss

Riley Moss

Luis Mosso-Flores

Jaylen Motley

John Murray

Amani Myers

Princess Myton

Rebekah Myton

Sara Naranjo

Kenya Nesmith

Sofiatou Niang

Carter Noble

Yanni Nolasco Vasquez

Akachi Nwogu

Winfred Odhiambo

Jasmine Ojehomon

Rachel Oliveira

Owen Olson

Aisosa Omorodion

Miriam Owens

Esteban Paez Noboa

Zaida Palacios

Maria Palacios Arredondo

Elijah Paltarak

Brandon Paque

Franchesca Parra Rosillo

Karma Parsons

Rahki Patel

Laura Pentecost

Maya Peoples

Elisha Person

Casey Phillips

Chelsey Phillips

Sean Pitter

Mateo Poole

Landon Powell

Nerisabel Pulgar

Brandon Puntos

Jacob Quintanilla

Angel Ramirez

Malana Ramos

Pavan Reddy

Krystein Reives

Arayah-Grace Richardson

ShaNoria Ridley

Anibal Rios

Sophia Rios

Ximena Rios-Solano

Valentina Rivas Carreno

Matthew Rivera

Elyse Roberson

Anayah Robinson

Ashily Rodriguez Campuzano

Ithzayana Roman Panchi

Gerardo Rondon

Da’Rion Ross

Jace Rubenstein

Lauren Ruddy

Alexandra Salgado Lopez

Nathan Salpeter

Maria Sanchez Santana

Zavion Saulter

Isaiah Scott

Marieme Seye

Sanai Simmons

Poppy Simpson

Benjamin Singer

Cara Singer

Aja’ Singleton

K’rone Sizemore Jamier Smith

Kyndall Smith Shia Smith

Jonah Smith-Onate

Kaya Snyder

Juan Solis Santana Zion Solomon

Daniel Sosa

Janaea Spain

Joanna Speck

Tyshawn Speight Amya Stargell

Jazmyne Stenson

William Stevenson

Joelle Streeter

Tony Strozier

Christopher Sullivan

Sutton Marcal Sykes Aniya Sytsema

Taboada

EDUCATION NEWS

School social worker connects students to resources

Forsyth County Schools posts fewer specialists than in neighboring DeKalb, Fulton counties

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Amy Gamez, one of 14 school social workers in the Forsyth County School District, plants her feet on the ground throughout a scheduled day of meetings, ready to be on the move.

Her role is holistic, communitybased and requires the skill of anticipating needs as well as adapting to change, pivoting when a school calls her in the middle of the workday requiring that she be present for additional student support.

“That’s what I love about my job — I like to kind of be here and there and everywhere,” Gamez said.

Gamez handled 400 to 500 of the 5,100 student cases in Forsyth County public schools this year, though some of those were quick one-anddones versus students who required continuous oversight. Last year, she said, social workers conducted a total of 800 home visits.

Over the course of her 18-year career with Forsyth County Schools, Gamez said the needs have increased, serving more families in a district that has seen nearly 13,000 more students enroll in the last decade. But, she said community resources have grown to meet those needs.

Around a decade ago, Gamez began organizing what is now Family Promise of Forsyth County — a nonprofit that serves families experiencing homelessness. At the time, she knew of five families living out of a hotel, and she began reaching out to churches to schedule a planning meeting.

“I was really frustrated because I saw that they were paying at the time [what] was probably $1,000 a month, which is nothing now, you know, and they were just in a hole,” Gamez said. “Most of these families were in the hotel for six months to a year, and I was very frustrated that they were just stuck in this cycle.”

Gamez is continuing to meet basic needs for students and their families, sometimes doing it through a phone app called Purposity which allows her to request items that individuals around Forsyth County can donate.

AMY GAMEZ/PROVIDED

Amy Gamez, one of 14 Forsyth County Schools social workers, stands by a food donation provided by a local community partner. Gamez serves New Hope Elementary School, Otwell Middle School and Academies of Creative Education, which includes Forsyth Academy, Gateway Academy and Forsyth Virtual Academy.

She said Forsyth County was one of the pilot counties for Purposity, Gamez becoming one of the first slate of school social workers to use the tool.

She said there has also been a shift in focus over the years, from meeting basic needs to mental health challenges. Nowadays, mental health is a large component to her job, though social workers and counselors function differently.

“We really are a connector to families to get them plugged into the resources in our community,” said Gomez, who works with a number of nonprofits and organizations like the Division of Family and Children Services. The week before, she met with representatives of the Boys and Girls Club on how to connect students to its services.

The ratio of students per school social worker in the Forsyth County School District was more than double than in DeKalb and Fulton counties last year. But, the ratio of students per school counselor across all grade levels was mid-range.

There were 378 students per counselor across Forsyth County elementary, middle and high schools, whereas there were 478 students per

JACOB TOMBERLIN/PROVIDED

A comparison of the number of students per school social worker across Dekalb, Forsyth and Fulton county school districts shows that the ratio in the Forsyth County School District is more than double its neighbors in fiscal year 2023. There were 14 school social workers that served nearly 54,500 students in Forsyth County.

counselor in Fulton County and 283 in DeKalb County.

In addition to its team of counselors, Forsyth County Schools has a mental health facilitator, nine student advocacy specialists, eight support staff for behavior support – each with different roles, and 17 emotional behavioral intervention classes.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners in March formed a mental health advisory committee, set to have two school board members. But, Forsyth County Schools opted out.

Jennifer Caracciolo, chief communications officer for Forsyth County, told Appen Media that Forsyth County Schools is “assessing the effectiveness” of its system efforts with regard to its strategic plan.

“It’s not that we don’t want to partner,” Caracciolo said. “We obviously have made a significant investment in mental health, not only for that of our students, but our staff

as well. And, we have a district plan, and we have employed a number of experts in various fields, and so we’re working on that plan.”

She also said the district is trying to focus on getting students graduated.

While investments have been made toward mental health resources, investments in school social workers are lacking. Caracciolo argued that this is because the district plans according to the needs of its specific student population, opting for other methods.

Caracciolo highlighted the school district’s local investment dollars, spending more than $11 million on school counselors than what is received from the state. She also said neighboring school districts receive significantly more federal funding, in part because of their free/reduced lunch numbers.

The Forsyth County School

Does my child have a learning disability?

Brought

by - Rebecca L. Marshall, Ph.D., Summit Counseling Center

If your child is struggling in school despite receiving extra help, you may be wondering if your child has a learning disability. Figuring out whether your child has a learning disability, and what to do about it, can become clear with formal testing by a professional with expertise in the field. Evaluation of suspected learning disabilities is essential to finding appropriate interventions so that children do not fall behind in school.

A learning disability (LD) is defined by poor achievement in particular academic areas compared to a child’s potential, which is based on the child’s general intellectual ability. Poor performance in school is itself not necessarily an indicator of a learning disability (LD); rather, poor performance in the context of appropriate effort, attention, and additional help may be indicative of a specific learning disorder. Learning disabilities may affect particular academic skills, such as reading or math, but often affect a variety of subject areas. Learning disabilities can also be exacerbated or compounded by attention problems. While prevalence estimates vary, a significant percentage of children with learning disabilities also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are several benefits of a comprehensive evaluation for learning disabilities, also called a psychoeducational evaluation. First, the diagnosis of an LD can establish a child’s eligibility for educational services in schools. Second, the reasons underlying poor academic performance in a specific subject area can be determined; and, finally and most importantly, specific learning problems can be subsequently targeted for intervention or remediation.

Sometimes poor performance in school is a result of social or emotional factors that are not associated with a learning disability. It is important to identify and address, for example, whether a child is struggling with anxiety or depression that may be affecting his or her school performance. Comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations help parents and teachers to determine whether social and emotional problems may be interfering with the learning process.

Early identification of learning disabilities leads to targeted interventions that can help children progress in school. Early intervention is best, so it is critical to have your child tested as soon as a learning disability is suspected. Regardless of the reasons behind poor school performance, assessment is the first step in getting your child back on track to academic success.

Rebecca L. Marshall, Ph.D. (rmarshall@summitcounseling.org) is a Licensed Psychologist and Staff Therapist at the Summit Counseling Center in Johns Creek, Georgia.

JACOB TOMBERLIN/PROVIDED

A comparison of the number of students per school counselor across Dekalb, Forsyth and Fulton county school districts shows that Forsyth County Schools is mid-range with 378 students per counselor across its elementary, middle and high schools.

Resources:

Continued from Page 18

District has about half the student population than Fulton and DeKalb counties, and it also works with a much smaller budget. Yet, Forsyth County Schools collects 80 percent of what its neighbors collect in terms of total revenue per student and has 25 percent of the school social worker staffing.

Despite Forsyth County being the richest county in Georgia by per capita income, and its school district maintaining high academic rankings across the state overall, lack of adequate housing for students is growing.

McKinney Vento, a federal, state

and local program created during the Reagan administration to address attendance issues related to homelessness, identifies homelessness as the lack of fixed, adequate or regular nighttime housing.

In March, Appen Media reported there were 1,044 students in the district’s McKinney Vento program, up from the 1,020 students recorded at the end of the 2022-23 school year. There were 610 students in the program in 2019-20.

“Fulton or DeKalb may have a larger number of students that are facing homelessness, and also facing social and economic challenges,” said Caracciolo, who confirmed the district is adding another school social worker next year to serve a growing student population of currently more than 55,300 students.

to you

What does Moonlight Graham have to do with anything?

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

For those of you who don’t know, Moonlight Graham was, according to Wikipedia, “an American professional baseball player and medical doctor who appeared as a right fielder in a single major league game for the New York Giants on June 29, 1905. Moonlight Graham was also one of the main characters in the movie “Field of Dreams” which starred Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster – who played Moonlight Graham. Many believe that Burt hit it out of the ballpark – no pun intended – in this role. I know I do.

In “Field of Dreams,” Moonlight Graham is given the opportunity to go back in time and play professional

baseball again – his dream – on Keven Costner’s (movie name - Ray Consella) baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield - today - in Iowa. In one scene, Ray’s young daughter falls off the bleachers and is choking to death. Moonlight Graham – the baseball player – moves across the ball field toward her. As he leaves the field, he stops. At that point, he must choose between crossing back into the present – as the old physician – to save the girl, or remain on the field as the young baseball player and live out his dream. If he steps off the field, he forever gives up the dream. If he doesn’t, Ray’s daughter dies. He walks off the field and saves Ray’s daughter. As he returns to the diamond toward the cornfield – now, forever the physician – through all the ghosts of legendary ball players who have “come back to play again,” one of the legends shouts out to him, a shout of respect, admiration and validation: “Hey

rookie, you were good.”

Burt – Moonlight – stops in his tracks. Time freezes. He turns and gazes back at the team, deep in thought and appreciation of the moment. Then he walks into the corn field and reality again.

I thought that it was the best line – and best scene – in the movie; it moved me to tears. It still does.

Moonlight Graham is relevant today on a number of levels. First, to me, is simply the magic of the movie. To have loved this movie, one had to buy into the story of going back into time and living out a dream – “ a willing suspension of disbelief “(Fitzgerald’s definition of what “fiction” must enable). If you weren’t able to do that, the movie didn‘t work.

Life today, often feels like it is powered by disbelief – by skepticism –about anything and everything. It’s so unhealthy and debilitating. We need to be able to believe – even in ghosts

playing baseball. Choices.

“Field of Dreams” told a story about choices. It reminds us that even today when there is so much distraction and white noise, when we see so many things that go the wrong way, that we can still swim against that current and be good, do good, and find good. It is a simple and really obvious message, but it is one that we need to hear, and keep hearing. Young people today, I think, have less opportunity than we did to know this. They need to know this.

Choices we make now and, in the future – choices about helping people, or just ourselves – will define who we are; how we have lived; and what we have collectively accomplished.

Hopefully, some day as we are approaching that cornfield that we will all face sooner or later, we too will hear a voice like Moonlight Graham heard – “Hey rookie, you were good.”

Choosing your next read from a list of possibilities

How do you choose which books to read at what time? For me, the choice is often dictated by what arrives at the library, where I regularly put books on hold. Sometimes, they come in within a few days. Other times, it can be months. Sometimes, I come home with five or six books. Other times with only one. When I don’t have a stack of library books to choose from, I turn to my Kindle and catch up on books I’ve downloaded and not gotten around to. Heaven forbid I run out of books.

This week’s selections were chosen from the TBR stack on my desk because my ship came in at the library. I knew I wasn’t in the mood for the Jane Harper book set in the Australian outback. Her books are extremely well-written but very serious. So, I turned first to a gothic romance, something I’ve rarely read as an adult. Who knows why?

“A Dreadful Splendor” by B. R. Myers

I’m not sure what made me place this book on hold. Perhaps it was reading that it won a Mary Higgins Clark award. Or maybe it was the

blurb from “The Globe and Mail” describing it as a “... gem of a book [that] sparkles with wit and originality . . . There is no shortage of tricks and feints in this excellent novel and Genevieve is a delightful character.”

Whatever attracted me to it, the author Victoria Holt came to mind as I became immersed in the story. I read her gothic romances as a teenager, and I have vivid memories of purchasing her books at school book fairs, along with those of Phyllis Whitney and Mary Higgins Clark.

The setting is a grand estate in Victorian England, complete with a murder victim, a damsel in distress, and possibly even a ghost. It wasn’t jolly, but it was a jolly good read. The twists kept me guessing until the end. If gothic romances appeal to you, I recommend you grab this one.

“The Lost Man” by Jane Harper

I’m a Jane Harper fan and picked this book up thinking it was part of her Aaron Falk series. Instead, I discovered it’s a standalone, and what a tour de force it is. The pacing seemed slow at first, and the uncluttered sentences seemed to mirror the isolation of the life and the land in this bleak Australian setting. This is the remote outback, sparsely populated with cattle ranches and men of few words.

When the middle brother of a

ranching family is found dead in the brutal heat and sun, nowhere near his car, the question is not only how but why? Everyone knows not to set out without water and supplies in the desert. Why did he leave his car without water and walk an unbelievable distance? There’s nothing wrong with the car, and no evidence he was forced to leave it. What happened?

The suspense builds as family secrets come to light. Was the victim troubled? Did he commit suicide? Because walking in the desert is a sure way to do it. Did someone want him dead?

It’s not the police who piece together the clues. It’s the family

DEATH NOTICES

Aubrey Jones, 89, of Alpharetta, passed away on May 6, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Carol Mack, 91, of Roswell, passed away on May 5, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

history and dark events of the present and the past that finally reveal the truth of what happened. Let’s just say, “I never saw it coming.”

This week, I’ve turned to a cozy mystery set in 1920s England and book 10 in The Chronicles of St. Mary’s series. From there, who knows?

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.

John Parsons, 90, of Roswell, passed away on May 2, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Kenneth Walsh, 80, of Roswell, passed away on May 5, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

THE INK PENN

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER/PROVIDED

A shopping cart from the Community Assistance Center’s main Mini-Market at 8607 Roswell Road shows the high-quality grocery items available to families in need. The Community Assistance Center announced the average family of four is receiving food worth around $800 per month through its supplemental food program.

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weekly food supplement.

“This is high-quality food that anyone would be happy to have in their kitchen,” Figueroa said.

Through food partners like the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, and Second Helpings Atlanta and local grocery stores, shelves may hold products from Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Publix, Kroger and Walmart.

Often, products suitable for dietary restrictions are available.

When Figueroa tallied the current market price of the foods in the allotment,

the total came to just over $185 for the week, equating to roughly $795 per month.

The supplemental food program multiplies its impact by providing quality food and freeing up a family’s budget to pay other bills like rent, utilities and car loans.

With Metro Atlanta’s consumer price index continuing to rise, the Community Assistance Center’s supplemental food assistance program can make a real difference for neighbors in need.

To help donate to food pantries, visit www.ourcac.org/give-food.

Donations of most-needed items are welcome at the main CAC Mini-Market (8607 Roswell Road) from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

North Fulton Community Charities, Roswell Ga is seeking a Bilingual Food Pantry Manager. This position reports to the Director of Client Services –Food Pantry. The role will support the Director with inventory control, pantry operations in receiving products, troubleshooting pantry concerns, assisting with client orders, supervising and managing volunteers and entering data and creating reports in the NFCC systems. We are seeking a person who can work and lead a team, has great interpersonal skills, has MS Office experience (Sales Force is a plus), and ability to work evenings and weekends. To be qualified, candidates must be Bilingual (English / Spanish) and able lift up to 50 lbs. This position comes with a Full Benefit package. NFCC is an EEO and drug free employer. We will be accepting resumes until Monday, May 20th. Please send your resume to John Doolen at JDoolen@nfcchelp.org.

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included West Virginia, Kentucky and parts of western Virginia. He often traveled Monday through Thursday, training and managing his employees. Many people in the area worked in the coal business.

Charlie Evans also worked at the Family Stamps warehouse, where the premiums were stored. His dad traveled Monday through Thursday most weeks, training and managing his employees.

Jan Kepic and Sandy Bond shared a piece of S&H Green Stamps history with me. They had a vintage tin box for storing stamps and collection books. This is a step up from the usual method of storage in a random kitchen drawer.

Kepic and Bond grew up in the small town of Fremont, Ohio, where their job was to adhere the stamps to the books. They also shared their collection of Hastings stamps, which go back to the days of Hastings Nursery at Cheshire Bridge and Lindbergh Drive in Atlanta.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.