VOLUME 22 NUMBER 7
FREE
MAY 14,2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Rebirth of the Tupac Amuru Shakur Center
New owner launches business incubator, inflatables play place for kids under way
City of Lithonia to be included in Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails
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he City of Lithonia will soon get two roadway markers so tourists and others will know of its role in the Civil War. And State Rep. Doreen Carter says she’s happy she’ll be able to walk about a block from her house and see one of the signs that designate Lithonia as part of the Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails. “This is really exciting for me. We’ve heard stories that Sherman’s troops camped in my backyard,” said Carter. “It will proState Rep. Doreen Carter vide a great economic boost to the areas with the increase in history tours throughout the state. It puts Lithonia on the map and it will help benefit merchants in our downtown area as James Burnett stands in the parking lot of the former arts center, 5616 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, where he is opening the Elite Executive Center and Jumps R Us. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG people explore historic sites.” News General Tecumseh William Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea” campaign wound its way through captured Atlanta areas, inBy Valerie J. Morgan “Since Afeni’s death, we have had so many cluding Lithonia, in 1864. The troops burned enemy military targets, people stop by to visit, including media who want buildings, civilian homes and other property as they made their way ames Burnett is redeveloping the to know what will happen to the property,” Bur- to the Savannah port. long-neglected Tupac Amaru Shakur nett said. “They are excited to see the work that is The Georgia Department of Transportation is funding the trails, which are part of a web of driving routes across the state. Georgia’s Center for the Arts in DeKalb County. going on. The property had fallen into disrepair, trails are part of a larger network, the Civil War Heritage Trails, The Stone Mountain businessman purchased the the grass was tall, it was a mess. We’ve clean it which also includes driving routes throughout South Carolina and Memorial Drive property last December and now up. We want to do something positive to remem- Alabama. ber Tupac and his mother’s legacy. It’s a piece of he has embarked on a project to pay homage to Carter was instrumental in connecting Lithonia Mayor Deborah the late rapper icon and his mother, Afeni Shakur, history.” Jackson with officials of the Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails. The Lithonia City Council approved the right-of-way for the two markers who died of a suspected heart attack on May 2. Tupac Amuru Shakur Center page 8 at its May 2 meeting. She was 69.
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Mission Possible: County leaders launch beautification unit to keep DeKalb clean
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eKalb County has launched its Keep DeKalb Beautiful Beautification Unit, a one-stop shop that will include code enforcement, the county’s Foreclosure/ Vacant Property Registry, and mowing and herbicide crews. Its mission: to give DeKalb a beautiful new image. The county officially opened the unit on May 12 at 1807 Candler Road in Decatur. The building, which had been vacant for years, formerly served as DeKalb’s office for Community Development. Marcus Kellum, the county’s former code enforcement administrator, was announced as the new director of the beautification unit. “We will have 190 people in this unit. That’s a lot. Not only is it pulling people together, we’ve invested in hiring to enhance our beautification efforts,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May. May said he also has tasked the county’s legal department with putting more teeth into DeKalb’s ability to assist code enforcement officers with sign litter, which he considers a big problem, especially in South DeKalb.
DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May plants flowers at the Beautification Unit on Candler Road. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Meanwhile, Kellum said he is looking forward to heading up the new office and commended county leaders for pulling all of DeKalb’s beautification resources under one roof. “This is the natural synergy that we always needed,” Kellum said. “I’m looking forward to some great
projects, some really incredible things we can do as a unit to change the way DeKalb County looks, to focus on beautification and to prove to folks that we care about our county.” DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, who also attended the kickoff, said it will not only take county employees
but everyone in the community working together to make a difference. “I’m excited for helping to push the ball forward. I’ve been fighting for this for years. It’s in District 3 and 6. For me, it’s the gateway to South DeKalb,” said Johnson. “When you come down Candler Road, it should be the epitome of beautification.” DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon, whose District 6 includes Candler Road, said she is hoping the new unit will help to educate the community on how it can take more pride in keeping the areas clean. “We have a lot of education to do,” said Gannon, as she pointed out that a motorist was emptying an ashtray out of the window. “This is our county and we need to start picking up after ourselves. There are entirely too many fastfood restaurants without garbage cans and people walking around with fastfood in their hands and when they’re done, they throw it.” To participate in DeKalb’s ongoing beautification initiative, contact Nichole Simms at jnsimms@dekalbcountyga. gov or call 404-371-2552.
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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Veteran prosecutor named to DeKalb DA’s gang unit Career criminal prosecutor Lance Cross is joining the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office to work with the organized crime unit. In nine years as an assistant district attorney with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Cross made a name for himself prosecuting and convicting deadly murderers and gang members. Noteworthy among the cases he successfully prosecuted in Fulton are the death penalty trial of De’Kelvin Martin, who was convicted for murdering his girlfriend’s grandparents and 12-year-old son; the 30 Deep gang robbery and murder that resulted in the January 2009 death of Atlanta bartender John Henderson; and the trial for the Jack Boys robbing crew that led a murderous month-long crime spree through Atlanta in 2010. DeKalb District Attorney Robert James welcomed Cross
to the office. “We’re pleased to add a prosecutor of Lance’s caliber to our ranks,” James said. Cross is a graduate of Georgia State University Law School and Hawaii Pacific University where he earned a degree in Political Science, and he was a prosecutor in Paulding and Cobb counties before moving to Fulton. Cross also served as an explosives ordinance disposal diver during his six-year career in the U.S. Navy. He replaces Antonio Veal, whose work in the gang unit helped build cases against, among others, members of the Georgia H.A.T.E. Committee of the Gangster Disciples and members of the Rollin’ 60s Bloods. Veal recently left to join a national private law firm. “I look forward to working with DA James and helping him to build the best gang unit in the nation,” Cross said.
Local investors purchase former East Mountain Studios in Rockdale The former East Mountain Studios, 2030 East Park Drive, Conyers, is now Eastside Stageworks. John Raulet, part owner in Mailing Avenue Stageworks and Westside Stageworks, assembled a group of local investors to purchase the property. The group preleased the studios to a major company already filming in the area and renamed the building. “When we were presented with an opportunity to add a Conyers facility into the Stageworks family, we jumped at the chance,” said Raulet. “There were two key factors that made this decision very easy: One, a very healthy industrial real estate market, and two, a very solid base of film infrastructure that serves the area.” Built by Takahashi Works in 1990 to manufacture front-end loaders and tractors, the plant closed in 2000. The property was purchased by Clarence Hall in 2005. The 130,000-square-foot building on 23 acres remained empty until 2009 when Georgia’s Entertainment Industry Investment Act (film tax credits) brought more
than 300 film productions to the state. The Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC) says several films have been shot in Rockdale County over the last several years. Rockdale is home to Warner Bros. Entertainment, which currently leases approximately 350,000 square feet of production sound stage space in several buildings, employing more than 300 employees,. Twentieth Century Fox now leases 216,000 square feet of industrial warehouse space in two buildings, employing 300-plus employees. “For the past 8 years, CREDC has facilitated leasing this industrial building and others in Conyers Rockdale as production sound stages for big budget feature films like Universal’s Fast and Furious Five and American Reunion; Columbia Pictures’ Zombieland; Sony Pictures’ Goosebumps; as well as several smaller productions filmed for television,” said Gina Hartsell, project manager and Camera Ready Film Liaison for Conyers and Rockdale County.
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DeKalb Medical diabetes workshop
Coming Up
Learn more about living a healthy life with diabetes at DeKalb Medical’s monthly diabetes discussion on the connection between sleep disorders and diabetes, Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at DeKalb Medical’s North Decatur campus, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. All seminars are held in the Nutrition and Diabetes Education Center, classroom 0865 on the ground floor. The workshop is free and open to the public. Participants must register online or by calling 404-501-WELL (9355).
DeKalb History Center sets Civil War Walking Tour
14th Annual Kirkwood Spring Fling, 5K & Tour of Homes The community is invited to Kirkwood’s annual Spring Fling & Tour of Homes, Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Bessie Branham Park, 2051 Delano Drive NE, Atlanta. The 5K Road Race starts at Kirkwood Station, on Hosea Williams Drive at Howard Street NE. The gently sloping route passes by historic homes and tree-lined boulevards before finishing in downtown just as the Spring Fling is getting started. Runners can stick around to enjoy the festival (with a free drink!) after the race. Registration is $30. Pets and strollers are welcome. The Spring Fling will feature an artists’ market, live music and food and drink from local vendors and participants in the BBQ competition. The Spring Fling Kids Area will feature a day filled with activities for children of all ages. Activities will include crafts, robotics, storytelling, a bounce house, dunk tank, and special guests such as the Chic-Fil-A cow and the Georgia Bubble Man. Admission is free, however, there is a fee associated with some of the attractions. Visitors are invited to step inside the vibrant homes of local residents to score interior design ideas with the Tour of Homes on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available online or in the park during the festival. Tickets are $20, and all proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Neighbors’ Organization. Visit www.kirkwoodfling.com for tickets and more information.
Atlanta
Fernbank hosts Martinis & IMAX Catch a flick on the biggest screen in town, Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre, Friday, May 20, at 7 p.m., 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX® is one of the most unique “culture and cocktail” opportunities in Atlanta. Guests enjoy special cocktail menus, small plates, live entertainment, dancing and a chance to see a film on the biggest screen in town, Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre. This popular event, the first of its kind in Atlanta, is held every Friday (excluding holiday weekends) from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.fernbankmuseum.org or by calling 404-9296400. Please be aware that some shows do sell out and may not be available.
DeKalb
Concerts on the Square Come out and enjoy music under the sun at the Decatur Concerts on the Square series scheduled every Saturday during the month of May at 7 p.m. on the square in downtown Decatur. For more information, visit www.decaturdba.com, call 404-371-8386 or email info@decaturdba.com. Remaining dates for May: May 14— Villain Family | Americana, Folk, Bluegrass with Special Guests: Halem Albright Band | Cover Band May 21— Flat Rock Swing | Americana, Country, Rock May 28 — Bogey & The Viceroy 5 | Motown, Soul, Funk
Experience Civil War history in a special walking tour that will be held on Friday, May 20, 3 p.m., at the DeKalb History Center, 101 East Court Square in downtown Decatur. Walking Tour. This hour-long guided walking tour allows you to learn in-depth information about the Battle of Decatur, the Atlanta Campaign and the social effects of the Civil War on the people living in DeKalb at the time. The tour is and10 for adults, $6 for children, and free for children ages 5 and younger. For more information, call 404-373-1088, ext. 20. or visit www.dekalbhistory.org.
Lithonia First United Methodist Church sets Spring Festival, barbecue Save the date! Lithonia First United Methodist Church, 3099 Stone Mountain Street, Lithonia, will host its Spring Festival, barbecue, bake sale and flea market on Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Barbecue dinners (pork or chicken, Brunswick stew and cole slaw, $8) will be sold starting at 11 a.m. The semi-annual event is held to raise money for the church’s ministries, which include a community food bank. The church, under leadership of the Rev. Leon Matthews, has a history dating back over 150 years. It is the one with the welcoming red doors. 770 482-6394, or email: lithoniafumc@bellsouth.net.
GWINNETT
Strawberry picking season is here This Spring, Strawberry lovers are invited for a fun, unique experience picking strawberries straight from the local strawberry patch Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Washington Farms, 270 Willow Wind Drive, Loganville. The farm offers both pick-your-own ($12 plus tax/gallon) and prepicked ($14 plus tax/gallon) strawberries throughout the spring season, which usually lasts until early June. Hours are always subject to change due to weather conditions and availability of berries. It’s always best to call the farm to confirm picking availability. You can also check daily picking conditions online. Washington Farms is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit www.washingtonfarms.net or call 770-554-8119.
ROCKDALE
Book sale set at Nancy Guinn Library The Friends of the Nancy Guinn Library will host its book sale, Saturday May 14, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the library located at 864 Green Street, Conyers. A wide variety of books from all genres are priced to sell and proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and their awareness and promotion of the library in the community. Book sales are held every second Saturday. For more information, call 770-388-5040 or visit www.conyersrockdalelibrary. org
Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com.
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Commissioner Barnes-Sutton honors PepsiCo for 10-year milestone in Stone Mountain
DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes-Sutton and the Board of Commissioners recently honored PepsiCo for its 10-year anniversary in Stone Mountain. Barnes, who represents District 4, which includes Stone Mountain, proclaimed May 10 as “PepsiCo’s 10-Year Anniversary Day” in DeKalb. The commissioner acknowledged the company for its dedication and commitment to the community. “PepsiCo has proven to be a vital member of DeKalb’s business community and is a great supporter of District 4,” Barnes-Sutton said. “It is most appropriate that PepsiCo be recognized and celebrated for reaching this milestone. I look forward to another 10 or 20 years of PepsiCo being in DeKalb County.” PepsiCo employs more than 4,000 people in four plants that are located in the state of Georgia. The bottling company manufacturers beverages and distributes snacks throughout the Southeast and has invested more than $250 million in capital projects over the past 8 years in Georgia. Barnes-Sutton had the opportunity to join employees, staff, and the families of PepsiCo Bottling Group in Stone Mountain as the company kicked off a week of activities to celebrate its anniversary. “Celebrating 10 years is a phenomenal accomplishment and it shows that we’ve made great leaps and bounds in helping the community,” said Dwayne Daniel, PepsiCo General Sales Manager.
Dawkins-Haigler to keynote GLCC May 18 luncheon State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, will be the keynote speaker at the Third Wednesday Lunch for the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, May 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This is It banquet facility, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. The Caucus has worked tirelessly to ensure minorities are included in contracting opportunities in Georgia. Most recently, it worked to have language written in the 2015 Transportation Act to ensure that minorities would be awarded contracts. Now, it is working to increase minority participation in Georgia’s thriving film and television industry. Please plan to join the Chamber for an informative legislative update and learn more about the work that the Black Caucus continues to do on behalf of businesses and working families. To RSVP for the luncheon, visit greaterlithoniachamber.com.
MAY 14, 2016 • PAGE 5
DeKalb Medical employees turn out for March for Babies, Relay for Life
More than 100 DeKalb Medical employees and their families turned out to support fundraising events for the March of Dimes’ March for Babies and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in April. DeKalb Medical raised nearly $17,500 for the events. “The employees really enjoy being a part of these events,” said Director of Community Outreach Gail Winston. “It’s important to us to be able to participate and support the crucial work that these organizations do.” Several members of DeKalb Medical’s Maternity and Infant Services, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team, attended the March for Babies to support a cause near to their hearts. Last year, DeKalb Medical welcomed 4,500 babies and treated 500 NICU babies. Staff members happily marched to raise money for the March of Dimes and its commitment to prevent birth defects, premature births and infant mortality. DeKalb Medical was well represented at the Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer. Both Relay for Life and March for Babies were attended by employees from other areas of the hospital as well.
Rockdale health fair to offer free screenings for adults Rockdale County Senior Services is inviting the public to the annual Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaborations (S.P.A.R.C) health fair on Thursday, May 19, 9 a.m. – noon, at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center, 1240 Dogwood Drive, Conyers. As a part of the observance of Older Americans’ Month, Senior Services has partnered with several organizations including the Atlanta Regional Commission, Mercy Heart, the American Cancer Society and View Point Health to promote health within the community. SPARC encourages adults of all ages to participate in a variety of free health checks and screenings, including blood pressure and glucose checks, diabetes screenings, clinical breast exams and mental health screenings. Those who attend are also encouraged to bring all of their medications for a brown bag medicine review, as well as learn more about Legal Aide, Medicare and other healthcare assistance. SPARC is free for adults of all ages. For more information, call 770-278-7274 or 770-278-7277 or email inam.withers@rockdalecountyga.gov or Georgia.oxford@rockdalecountyga.gov.
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Elections 2016 Your Voice Your Vote Weekend early to begin in DeKalb Early voting will be available Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at three locations in DeKalb County: • Main Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, in two separate areas; one section designed exclusively for seniors aged 70 and older, voters with disabilities, and a general voting area for all other voters. • Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA 30084 • South DeKalb Mall – The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034 Early voting also will be available Sunday, May 15, noon to 4 p.m., at the Main Office and the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, as well as the Chamblee Civic Center at 3540 Broad Street in Chamblee. There will be additional early voting locations starting Monday, May 16. For more information, and additional locations, please visit www.dekalbvotes.com.
NAACP sets DeKalb candidate forums The NAACP DeKalb County Branch will host a candidate’s forum on Saturday, May 21, 2 to 3:40 p.m., 3011 Rainbow Drive, Suite 180A, Decatur. The forum, which will be divided into two sessions, will feature DeKalb candidates who are seeking election or re-election. The 10 to 11:40 a.m. session will be for the CEO, District Attorney and Tax Commissioner candidates. The 11:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. session will be for the Sheriff, District 4 Commissioner and the District 5 Commissioner candidates.
Jesse “Jay” Cunningham to host meet and greet Jesse “Jay” Cunningham is hosting a meet and greet for DeKalb County candidates running for Sheriff, DeKalb Tax Commissioner, District Attorney, DeKalb Commissioner District 4 and State Rep. District 91. The community is invited to come out and meet the candidates in a casual setting on May 17, 6 to 8 p.m. at Jesse’s Restaurant Lounge, 2440 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur (in the shopping plaza with Georgia Piedmont College). The meet and greet will provide an opportunity for candidates to briefly introduce themselves, pass out campaign materials, talk to constituents one on one and enjoy some appetizers. The election is May 24.
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Tupac Amuru Shakur Center continued from page 1
Burnett has gutted and opened 4,000 square feet of the building for an incubator offering offices for lease to small businesses. Next door, he’s transforming the rest of the building into a 16,000-square-foot indoor playground that will be filled with inflatables and other activities for children under 12 years old. An outdoor spray park with inflatables, located on six acres of the property, is scheduled to open on the Fourth of July weekend. Burnett said he plans to park admission reasonable and reserve pavilions on the site for family reunions and other groups who want to picnic. “The spray park, which will be similar to Atlanta’s Centennial Park, will be named in remembrance of Tupac,” said Burnett, who plans to leave in tact a memorial garden honoring the rapper who was 25 years old when he died days after being gunned down in in Las Vegas in 1996. Burnett said the small business incubator, the Elite Executive Center, will be named in remembrance of Afeni Shakur, who was an inspiration in her own right. The former Black Panther who overcame drug addiction inspired the work of her son and guided his estate after his murder. She founded the Shakur Family Foundation to preserve the legacy of her son, and opened the performing arts center in Stone Mountain in 2005. The arts center provided poetry and theater camps, and other activities for children before it closed in late 2014. Afeni Shakur reportedly provided most of the money to launch the $4 million first phase of the arts center. A generous philanthropist, she is said to have helped provide educational resources to many disadvantaged children. For information on the Elite Executive Center or Jumps R Us under development at the site of the former arts center, call 470 -273-6331.
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MAY 14,2016 • PAGE 9
Rep. Johnson nominates 23 Rockdale School District scores above state average on CCRPI students to U.S. military he Rockdale County Public Schools District maintained service academies its above average score on the Georgia College and Career
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ongressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced the nominations of 23 Fourth District students to the United States Military Service Academies for the class of 2020, including the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. In advance of this round of nominations, staff from Johnson’s office held more than 24 information sessions at schools throughout the district, which includes parts of DeKalb, Newton and Gwinnett counties and all of Rockdale County. “Putting forward nominations of Fourth District students for admission to the U.S. Military Academies is one of the most important jobs we do each year,” said Johnson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “The nomination process is not easy. It’s a long road, and I congratulate all our nominees. All of our outstanding nominees are at or near the top of their class in academics, athletics and community service. It’s quite an accomplishment and all our students and their parents should be justifiably proud.” U.S. Naval Academy – Annapolis, Maryland Lifahn Adams – Heritage High School Joshua Denton – Brookwood High School Nakayla Smith – Newton High School Christopher Stoves – Parkview High School U.S. Military Academy – West Point, New York Riley Eck – Grayson High School Maxwell Grum – St. Pius X Catholic High School Artice Hobbs – Newton County High School Ayden Martin – South Gwinnett High School Trontavious Tate – South Gwinnett Micah Williams – Seoul American High School U.S. Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs, Colorado Michael Bauh – Shiloh High School Dorsey Beckless – Miller Grove High School Devon Canterbury – South Gwinnett High School Blake Davis – Rockdale County High School Beka Dufera – Tucker High School Sierra Durden – South Gwinnett High School David Hagler – Brookwood High School Brandon Hines – Stephenson High School Andrew Rankin – Brookwood High School Edgar Woods – Miller Grove High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – Kings Point, New York Getwon Butler – Salem High School Isaac Church – Druid Hills High School Alexander Zielinski – Ben Franklin Academy To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by a member of Congress or other authorized nominating source. However, final admission is determined by the respective academy. All members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates per opening. Those who graduate from a Service Academy will receive a Bachelor of Science degree, be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, and honorably serve in the military for a minimum of five years. For more information about the nomination process, contact Congressman Johnson’s office at 770-987-2291 or visit hankjohnson.house.gov/ serving-you/military-academy-nominations.
Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), the most recent results show. The CCRPI measures schools and school districts on a 100-point scale and the current scores are based on the 2014-15 school year. The overall result for Rockdale schools was 76.5 compared to the state average of 75.5. “We are pleased that overall our district average remains above the state,” said Rockdale Schools’ Superintendent Richard Autry. “Our high schools have significantly increased to close the gap with the state average, our middle schools remain consistent with the state average, and our elementary schools continue to be above the state.” Autry said the increase at the high school level is largely due to the considerable increase in graduation rates at each of Rockdale’s high schools. “The CCRPI accountability system measures changed for 2014-15 and it has been communicated that they will change again for the current school year. We will celebrate our successes and identify our challenges as we take a closer look at these results from the last school year. I appreciate all of our teachers, students, administrators and support staff who continue to focus on excellence in teaching and learning, regardless of the changing assessments and accountability measures,” Autry said. The CCRPI is Georgia’s statewide accountability system, implemented in 2012 to replace No Child Left Behind’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measurement, after the U.S. Department of Education granted Georgia’s waiver from NCLB. Because of changes to the way CCRPI is calculated – including but not limited to a new assessment system, changes in weights, and recalculated performance targets – a direct comparison between 2014 and 2015 CCRPI scores is not possible. The GaDOE also released Student Growth Model data for 2014-15. This is a metric designed to help educators, parents, and other stakeholders better understand and analyze the progress students make year to year. It provides a deeper look at student growth by school and school district, providing answers to questions such as, “Did students in this school grow more or less than academically similar students across the state?” or “Are students growing as much in math as in English Language Arts?”
The state’s average score for each level is: Elementary School – 76.8 Middle School – 71.7 High School – 76.1
Rockdale County Public Schools’ results
Elementary School – 80 Middle School – 71.2 High School – 75.1
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Atlanta’s Mays High School wins prom safety contest
Atlanta’s Benjamin E. Mays High School won the Prom Safety contest sponsored by Fulton County Youth Commissioners, V103, Capitol Records Music Group, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and A-Tow. The youth commissioners decided that Mays had the best prom safety video compared to six other competing schools. The winning video was broadcast at Mays to encourage safety during prom season. Students enjoyed a celebrity performance by “Silento,” A V-103 DJ and High Definition Sound System and a live radio broadcast by V-103 at their May 6 prom with Celebrity Host “Greg Street” along with free transportation to and from the Prom and discount codes by Uber. Prom goers also experienced a video game drunk driving simulation by AAA, (American Automobile Association) and received giveaways by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The prom safety campaign among Atlanta and Fulton County public/private high schools was designed to raise awareness of the need to avoid intoxicated and reckless driving, which has led to tragedy for students of some metro schools during prom season. During the contest period, participating schools were asked to submit safety campaign presentations that featured the following themes: Prevention of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol • Prevention of alcohol consumption • Prevention of drug usage • Prevention of texting while driving • Prevention of peer pressure and bullying • Prevention of violence/weapons
The North Georgia Live Steamers train rides
The North Georgia Live Steamers (NGLS) is opening its tracks at the Georgia International Horse Park for its signature $2 train rides, Saturday, May 14, 1 to 4:30 p.m., 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy NE, Conyers. NGLS is an incorporated non-profit miniature outdoor railroad club that encourages and assists others interested in the construction of scale steam engines, locomotives and railroad equipment through fellowship with others in the Live Steam hobby. Run days may be canceled for inclement weather. The track at the Georgia International Horse Park is located next to the Steeplechase across from Hawthorn Suites Golf Resort Hotel. Other ride dates scheduled in 2016 include: June 18, Aug. 27 and Oct. 15.
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MAY 14, 2016 • PAGE 11
On Common Ground News Marketplace
CLASSIFIEDS Services Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503
RESTAURANTS
For Rent Mni Mall All event facility. Parties, Church Meetings, Seminars, Business Meetings, Wedding, Graduation Parties. $20-$125 per hour. 7173 Covington Hwy 678-755-5955
770-484-3355
Now Hiring
2910 EVANS MILL ROAD, LITHONIA, GA
WEEKLY LUNCH SPECIAL
Now Hiring Sub-Contractors for Directv Installers/ Sales. Exp will cable, phone, electric a must. Must pass background. Must have van, truck, suv..$1000 weekly. Call Byram at 678-7760228
Advertise in the MINI MALL Marketplace. $ 500 Call EVENT FACILITY On Common ALL* Parties * Church Meetings * Seminars * Business Meetings Ground News * Wedding * Graduation Parties 678-526-1910 678-755-5955 7173 Covington Hwy ,Lithonia, GA 30058 Special
Banquet Hall
CALL TODAY!
Smoke Rise Baptist Summer Day Camp Weekly sessions starting May 31- August 5 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Smoke Rise Baptist church offers a convenient extended day with a busy schedule of varied activities for children 5 to 16. Our day camps include: field trips, hot lunch, academics, and an experience to please any kid. Teens have a steady diet of team building, community service, academics and summer fun. Early enrolment discount, season pass to Both Six Flags and White Water – weekly tuition is all inclusive.
ACA Accredited and voted best in Atlanta 2012.
5901 Hugh Howell Road Stone Mountain, GA. 30087 Contact Gregory Burdett Ed.S. 678-469-1377 daycamp@smokeriseministries.org
Convenient extended day (6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
www.SmokeRiseMinistries.org/camp
Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates is proud to announce the association of
Nader Dbouk, M.D. for the practice of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Conyers 678.745.3033
Lithonia 770.817.0224
www.atlantagastro.com AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.
J U S T W E AV E S
$
NEW LOCATION!!
40
1 & 15TH ONLY ST
Formally The Weave Stop 2091 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA
404-458-3581
SUMMER
May 31st - July 29th
CAMP
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Ages 3-12 Breakfast, Lunch, & Snack Included Academic Enrichment Field Trips include but are not limited to: Catch Air, Browns Mill Aquatic, Movies, Zoo Atlanta, Monkey Joes, Fun Junction, Roller skating, Stone Mountain Great Barn. Activities: arts and crafts, physical fitness, computer, indoor games. Academics: Math speed+ accuracy, Reading (phonics+ comprehension) Critical Thinking Skills.
New Generation Learning Center and Academy 3271 Turner Hill Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 678-691-5187
PAGE 12 •MAY 14, 2016
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