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HMES NEWSLETTER

2025-2026

HMES NEWSLETTER 2025-2026
HMESNEWSLETTER2025-2026
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Good Afternoon, Hawks Family,


We had a great first week of the second semester, and it has been wonderful to see our students return focused, energized, and ready to learn. Thank you for your continued support in helping us start the semester strong.


Thank you to all families who have taken the time to share feedback through our recent survey. One concern that surfaced from both parents and staff is the late arrival of students. When students arrive after 7:45 AM, it disrupts instruction and impacts learning for both the child and the class. We ask for your continued support in ensuring your child arrives on time and ready to learn each day. Consistent, on-time attendance plays a critical role in academic success, helping students stay engaged, build routines, and fully access daily instruction. Please review the arrival guidelines below and help us start each morning strong below.


To strengthen communication and planning, a parent suggested sending home a hard copy of our monthly events. With the support of our Parent Liaison, Ms. Illnets, we created a school calendar. A January calendar was sent home with all students this week, and we will continue sending calendars home monthly to keep families informed of important dates and events. Please note that all dates are subject to change; updates will be shared on ClassDojo and SMORE as needed.


Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to our school community.


Together, we are #MissionPossible!


-Dr. Blanton

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

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🎉 Congratulations to Our Team of the Month –1st Grade! 🎉

We are thrilled to recognize our incredible 1st Grade Classroom Teachers for their dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to student success. Because of your hard work and intentional instruction, 1st grade achieved the highest growth in math on the Winter MAP, a powerful reflection of your consistent focus on meeting students where they are and moving them forward.


✨ You work tirelessly as a team to provide differentiated instruction, ensuring every student receives the support and challenge they need to grow.
✨ You build strong, nurturing relationships that create safe, supportive learning environments.
✨ You plan with purpose and flexibility, adjusting instruction to respond to student data and needs.
✨ You support students consistently both in and beyond the classroom doing the hard work that drives real growth.
✨ You bring patience, positivity, and collaboration into every learning space.
✨ You model grace, resilience, and instructional leadership for our school community.
✨ You show empathy and care in every interaction with students, families, and colleagues.


Our 1st grade team remains steady and committed, even when faced with challenges. Your unity, professionalism, and belief in your students uplift our entire school. Each day, you show up with high expectations, strong instruction, and a shared commitment to growth and the results speak for themselves.


👏 A special thank you to Ms. Likely, Mrs. Muhammad, and Mrs. Frazier (Grade Chair) for leading with passion, purpose, and Hawk Pride!


Your teamwork and dedication are what make Henderson Mill soar. Thank you for the impact you make every single day.

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1st Semester Report Cards

Please be sure to view your 1st grade—5th grade child's 1st Semester 18 Week Report Card on January 9th, after 3 p.m. on Infinite Campus. A hard copy of the progress report will not be sent home.


Kindergarten Teachers will send home GKIDS Reports and report cards.

Please click on the website below for Infinite Campus support:
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/virtual-learning-support/#tab-dba9077bf96d1254ec9

Please see the video to support how to see your child's grades in Infinite Campus: https://youtu.be/CFPCORjNazY

If you have questions or concerns about grades, please contact your child's teacher to schedule a parent-teacher conference. See links below.

ADDITIONAL STAFF ALERT ADDITIONAL STAFF ALERT

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We are excited to re-introduce Mr. Garcia, a dedicated member of the Henderson Mill Elementary community. Born in Nicaragua, Mr. Garcia moved to the United States in May 2024 and began serving at Henderson Mill in August 2024. He has worked in our cafeteria, served as our soccer coach for the past two seasons, and supported summer school operations in both the kitchen and front office. Mr. Garcia is always eager to grow and serve, and he has recently accepted a new role to further support our students, staff, and families as a paraprofessional. We are grateful for his commitment and are proud to have him as part of the Henderson Mill team.

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We are excited to introduce Mr. Reid, one of our newest STAR substitute teachers at Henderson Mill! Mr. Reid is a proud product of the DeKalb County School System, having attended Evansdale Elementary, Henderson Middle, and Lakeside High School.

After graduating in 2017, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Kennesaw State University in 2020 through the dual enrollment program. Throughout his college experience and professional work at Kennesaw State, Mr. Reid developed a strong passion for giving back to the community and supporting students through education.

Mr. Reid is excited to bring his knowledge, skills, and commitment to service back to DeKalb County as he helps inspire and support the next generation of learners. We are thrilled to have him as part of the Henderson Mill family!

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We are excited to share that we have two new staff members joining our school community:


  • Ms. Medina, our new Nutrition Staff member

  • Ms. Croft, our new Virtual Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)


Please join us in giving them a warm welcome! I will be sharing a short bio and picture for each of them soon so you can get to know them better and welcome them to our wonderful school community.


Thank you for continuing to support and welcome new members to our team!

🚌IMPORTANT REMINDERS🚌 🚌IMPORTANT REMINDERS🚌

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🦠 Flu Season Is Here 🦠

As we move through the school year, it is important to remember that flu season is among us. Schools can expect that both children and staff may get sick during this time. In a recent survey and according to the CDC, more than two-thirds of children missed at least one day of school due to illness or injury in the previous year, with about half of those absences lasting 1–3 days.


We encourage families and staff to remain vigilant by practicing good hygiene, staying home when sick, and seeking medical guidance when needed. To help keep our school community healthy, please review the CDC resources linked below for up-to-date information on flu symptoms, prevention, and care.


Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students, staff, and families safe and healthy this flu season.

Click here to learn about when students are sick
Click here to learn about signs and symptoms of Flu
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🚗✨ Arrival & Dismissal Reminders ✨🚶‍♀️

As we continue a successful school year, please review and follow our arrival and dismissal expectations to ensure a smooth and safe day for all students. Thanks to our survey, it has come to my attention that our late arrival students are a huge parent concern as well. This is a distruption to our classrooms and teaching/learning. Please try your hardest to have your child to arrive to school on time, please see below.:

🌅 Morning Arrival:
🕖 7:00 AM – School doors open and breakfast begins. Please be sure your child has parent supervision if they arrive on campus before 7am.
🍽️ After breakfast – Intervention & Enrichment starts (FREE TUTORING FOR YOUR CHILD). This is a critical time for academic support and acceleration please ensure your child arrives on time.
⏰ 7:40 AM – Breakfast service ends.
📣 7:40 AM – Morning announcements begin. Students should be in their classrooms.
📘 7:45 AM – Instruction begins promptly.
🏁 Afternoon Dismissal:
🕝 2:15 PM – Dismissal begins in this order:
➡️bus riders
➡️ van riders
➡️ walkers
➡️ car riders
➡️ aftercare
Please remember that our buses must be in line first.
🕝 2:30 PM – All students should be fully dismissed from classrooms.
🕒 2:45 PM – Students not picked up by this time will be sent to aftercare, and a drop-in fee will apply. Communication is key!


Your partnership helps us create a safe and focused environment for all learners.


Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

HMES UPCOMING EVENTS HMES UPCOMING EVENTS

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🎉💃 Come Support Our First-Ever Dance Team Competition!

We are excited to invite our families and community to cheer on our students as they compete in our very first dance team competition!


📅 Saturday, January 17
🕛 Doors open for spectators: 12:15 PM
🕐 Performances begin: 12:45 PM – 3:45 PM
📍 Location: Redan High School- Address: 5247 Redan Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30088


This is a special moment for our dancers as they showcase their hard work, talent, and school pride. We would love to see our families in attendance to help encourage, celebrate, and support our students. Come out and be part of this exciting milestone, we hope to see you there!

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Counseling Lessons

Our Counseling Lessons this semester will focus on three types of skills:

• Personal Safety: Students will learn important safety rules, such as safety with guns, sharp tools, and fire, and when riding on wheels or in cars. They will also learn ways to help them decide if something is safe or not.

• Touching Safety: Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They’ll also learn to say no to unsafe or unwanted touches, and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts.

• Assertiveness: These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations.

If you do not want your child to participate in these lessons, please complete the link to OPT-OUT by Monday, Jan 12th.

Click link to OPT-OUT by Monday, Jan 12th

IMPORTANT SCHOOL SURVEY

Thank You for Sharing Your Voice! We listen!


Thank you to the parents who have already completed our Georgia Climate Survey, so far, we have only 39 submissions! Your feedback is incredibly important. Increased participation ensures that your voice helps guide our school improvement efforts and directly influences decisions that support our students and our school community.


If you haven’t had a chance to complete this survey yet, please use the link below. Your input matters, and your partnership makes a real difference! Thank you for helping us grow and strengthen our school together.

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GA Climate survey please click here to complete
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Lighthouse Foundation Mobile Vision Clinic, this Monday

Henderson Mill Elementary was selected to earn an opportunity to have a moblie clinic visit our school. The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation Mobile Vision Clinic will be coming to our campus on Friday, January 12th! A flyer was sent home with students on Thursday with more details to help support your child’s participation. This mobile clinic brings high-quality vision care directly to our school. Their mission is to ensure every child has access to proper eye care, regardless of family financial circumstances, so students can see clearly and succeed both in and out of the classroom.


If you do not want your child to participate, please notify your classroom teacher directly or indicate your choice on the flyer that was sent home.


To learn more about this foundation, click link below.

Click here to learn more about Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

There will be no school on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This federal holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, who worked tirelessly to protest racial discrimination and promote equality in our nation. Parents, please see video below that you can use to share with your children. Please review first. Thank you.

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President
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📢 Join Us for Family Math Night!

Henderson Mill Elementary is excited to invite all families to Family Math Night on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00 PM! This event is free and will be facilitated by our Instructional Advisory Committee. Family Math Night is designed for fun and learning together! Parents will explore engaging math games and activities that can be easily enjoyed at home with their children. The evening will resemble our popular STEAM Night Challenge, focusing on hands-on, interactive math fun for the whole family. Come learn, play, and discover ways to make math an exciting part of family time. We can’t wait to see you there!

Click here to sign up to join us
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🍽️🎉 Join Us for Spirit Night! 🎉🍽️

We invite all Henderson Mill families to join us for Spirit Night on Monday, January 20 at Marlow’s Tavern, Tucker location!


This is a great opportunity to enjoy a meal with family and friends while supporting our school and showing your school spirit. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our school, so your participation truly makes a difference.


📅 Date: January 20
📍 Location: Marlow’s Tavern ( 4156 Lavista Rd, Tucker, GA 30084)


I can’t wait to have dinner with our students and families and spend time together as a school community! We hope to see you there for a fun night of food, fellowship, and school pride.

Parent Walkthroughs (Another form of collaboration)

Based on your feedback, we are excited to welcome parents to participate in Parent Walkthroughs. Parent Walkthroughs are scheduled, brief visits with Admin that allow parents to see teaching and learning in action during the school day. These are not formal observations or conferences. They give parents the opportunity to observe instructional practices, student engagement, classroom routines, and gain a better understanding of curriculum and school initiatives to give us feedback.


Please note: Parent Walkthroughs are short, scheduled only, and parents observe quietly without interrupting instruction. You may or may not visit your child's classroom. Feedback will be collected to support school improvement. To participate in Parent Walkthroughs click link and sign up below.

Click here to sign up to participate.
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📢Conferences Night & 3-5 Milestones Boot Camp

Henderson Mill Elementary will host Parent Conferences, Student-Parent Data Talks, and Georgia Milestones Boot Camp. These events are designed to inform parents about their child’s academic progress on NWEA MAP and provide strategies to support learning at home.


Parent Teacher Conferences at the times in the links below:

  • Monday, January 26th

  • Tuesday, January 27th

  • Wednesday, January 28th


Georgia Milestones Boot Camp and 3rd - 5th Student-Parent Data Talks (January 28th)

No need to sign up just join us at one of the times below with your child this is their time to share their progress with you:

  • 3:00–3:30 PM - 1st Session of students and parents

  • 3:45–4:15 PM- 2nd Session of students and parents

  • 4:30–5:00 PM 3rd Session of students and parents


Important: Please sign up using the links below to reserve your spot for Parent Teacher Conferences. If you need a virtual conference, please notate that when you sign up and your child's teacher will send you a Microsoft Teams Meeting link.


This is a valuable opportunity to gain insight into your child’s learning, celebrate progress, and work together to support their success on the Georgia Milestones.


To learn more about Georgia Milestones, please see the Parent Resources section in the SMORE newsletter below.


We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to sign up for a conference for Kindergarten
Click here to sign up for a conference for First Grade
Click here to sign up for a conference for Second Grade
Click here to sign up for a conference for Third Grade
Click here to sign up for a conference for Fourth Grade
Click here to sign up for a conference for Fifth Grade
Click here to sign up for a conference for Connections Teachers
Click here to sign up for a conference for Resource Teachers

STEAM LAB HAPPENINGS STEAM LAB HAPPENINGS

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Hello families! We are excited to share that all grade levels have officially kicked off their yearlong PBLs! Read below about the importance of PBLs and what each grade level is working on!


What Are PBLs?
Project-Based Learning is an engaging, hands-on approach where students explore real-world problems and challenges to build deeper understanding. Instead of just learning facts, students investigate a meaningful question, design solutions, and create a final product to share their learning using the engineering design process. Through PBL, students develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills while connecting what they learn in the classroom to the world around them.


PreK- How can we help bees do their important work in our school gardens?

Kindergarten- How can we support the pollinators in our community?

1st grade- How can we design a space in our community that helps plants and animals thrive in the right conditions?

2nd grade- How can we help bring the nature trail behind our school back to life so that people, plants and animals can enjoy it?

3rd Grade- How can we, as environmental engineers, design and create a safe solution for the erosion that occurs along the path to the PE building?

4th Grade- How can we, as hydrologists, use our knowledge of water to ensure our aquaponics system is a home for healthy plants and fish?

5th Grade- How can we use sustainable composting to turn food and yard waste into nutrient rich soil to help our garden grow and flourish?


If you or anyone you know may be able to support us in any of these PBLs, please click the following link: 👉https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoGQzXIPN_gUs1V1-pAcVw-HpyI04oY9vmBc7RaPl9IoOA4A/viewform?usp=dialog

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Do you have photos from our school events?

We would love to feature them in this year’s Henderson Mill Yearbook! If you’ve captured any great moments classroom activities, field trips, performances, or celebrations—please feel free to share them with us. 📸 Send your photos to: HMESYearbookPhotos@gmail.com


Thank you for helping us make this year’s yearbook special!

🏫 2025 - 2026 PTO School Calendar 🏫 🏫 2025 - 2026 PTO School Calendar 🏫

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📈SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS📈 📈SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS📈

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HMES Hawk Rock is Here! 🎉

Thanks to Mrs. Edwards, our PTO, and Atlanta Landscape Materials for supplying this beautiful boulder, we now have a fun way to celebrate special occasions! Families can “rent the rock” for $30 per three-day block to honor birthdays, holidays, achievements, or show appreciation for students, teachers, or staff.


Click link below to learn more and rent the HAWK ROCK. For questions, email hendersonmillpto@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting this fun PTO fundraiser, we hope you enjoy celebrating on the HMES Hawk Rock! 🦅

Click here to learn more and rent the HAWK ROCK!
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📚 Support Our School Through SchoolStore!

Thanks to your efforts, some of our teachers have already earned gift cards worth up to $500 through the School Store program, we are truly grateful!


To participate:

  1. Go to schoolstore.net/sid.t?0000008355

  2. Send the invitation emails to family and friends or put it on your social media page.


Your participation takes just minutes and helps provide important resources for our students and teachers. Thank you for your support! Click link to watch video to learn more: https://videos.schoolstore.com/kick-off-video

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Support Henderson Mill While You Shop at Kroger! 🛒

It’s quick, easy, and free to help our school earn rewards!

Here’s how:

  1. Create a Kroger digital account (if you don’t already have one): https://www.kroger.com/account/communityrewards/

  2. Link your Kroger Plus Shopper’s Card.

  3. Go to Community Rewards in your account settings.

  4. Search for Henderson Mill Elementary and select our school.

Every time you shop and use your Kroger Plus card, a percentage of your spending is donated to Henderson Mill, at no extra cost to you!

💚 Thank you for supporting our students, one grocery trip at a time!

🏅STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY🏅 🏅STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY🏅

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📢 Spring Sports Registration is Open with i9 Sports!

Henderson Mill Elementary is excited to share that i9 Sports spring sign-ups are now available! Registration must be completed by Friday, January 26th. i9 Sports is the nation’s largest youth sports provider, offering high-quality, community-based programs for kids ages 3 and up. Popular sports include flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, and tennis. i9 Sports is committed to age-appropriate instruction, fun, and teaching valuable life skills, including good sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence. See flyer for details on how to sign your child up.

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EIM Dance (Various grade levels)

Afterschool Clubs that still have spots available for second semester!!!

Opportunities include:

  • EIM Dance (Various grade levels)

Use the links below to explore all options and sign up today, spots may fill quickly!

CLICK HERE EIM DANCE Tues. 2:30 - 4:00 prek-1st Thurs. 2:30 - 4:00, 2nd - 5th
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HMES AFTERCARE, "BRIGHT MINDS"

We’re thrilled to announce that Henderson Mill’s Aftercare Program has more openings, students will benefit from a well-rounded experience that includes:

✔️ Dedicated time and support for homework completion
✔️ Hands-on STEAM activities to spark creativity and critical thinking
✔️ Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) opportunities to build confidence and connection
✔️ Classic board games to encourage teamwork and fun


If you wan to sign up for aftercare, no problem! Simply complete the registration form using the link below, and be sure to submit your registration payment using the second link below.


We’re excited to support your child after school in BRIGHT MINDS this year! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Terry-Boyd (Roderika_Terry-Boyd@dekalbschoolsga.org).

Click here to sign your child up for Bright Minds (Henderson Mill Aftercare)
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📢 Sign Up for the Black History Program extended 1/12

Planning is underway for Henderson Mill Elementary’s Black History Program, and as always, our committee is preparing a grand performance to celebrate and honor Black history.


We invite your child to participate in this special program! These performances provide students the opportunity to express themselves through singing, dancing, and speaking while celebrating an important part of our history.


Important Details:

  • Practice Days: Mondays or Fridays only. A committee member will reach out to you directly with practice times

  • Run-Through: Monday, February 25th (until 4:00 PM)

  • Performance: Tuesday, February 26th at 6pm. Performers will be asked to report at 5:30pm.


Please use the link below to sign your child up to participate and be part of this exciting celebration on or before January 12th.


We look forward to seeing our students shine on stage and share their talents with our Henderson Mill community!

Click here to sign your child up for the program
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🏑 Join the Fun with DLYLA Lacrosse! 🏑

Exciting news! Our new lacrosse season is kicking off this February at Tucker Rec, and we’re looking for more local kiddos to join the fun!

✨ Who Can Join: Boys and girls in Kindergarten through 8th grade
✨ Where: Tucker Recreation Center
✨ When: Season starts February!

DLYLA (Decatur/Lakeside Youth Lacrosse Association) is all about teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership—a perfect way for students to grow on and off the field.

📣 Don’t miss out—sign up today and be part of a team that plays hard, supports each other, and makes new friends!

📄 See flyer below for details!

#YouthLacrosse #StudentLeadership #Teamwork #DLYLA #K8Sports

Click here to learn more
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La Amistad AFTERSCHOOL

La Amistad is continuing services for Henderson Mill Elementary students and currently serves 18 enrolled scholars. The program provides free academic support, including homework assistance, reading and math support, and engaging educational activities designed to support Latino students.


Enrolled students are conveniently picked up by La Amistad on Mondays and Wednesdays, making participation accessible for families.


If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like additional information, please refer to the contact information located on the enclosed flyer and call to sign your child up.

📡COMMUNITY SUPPORT📡 📡COMMUNITY SUPPORT📡

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FREE MEALS FOR DEKALB FAMILIES

Families in DeKalb County can access free meals at eight convenient distribution centers across the district. Meals are available to anyone in the community, and each site offers pick-up on scheduled dates each month. See below for the full list of locations, dates, and times.- Click for details:https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/divisions/wrap-around-services/food-distribution

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PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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Become a certified DCSD Volunteer

By signing on as a volunteer, you become a member of our team of professionals that proudly provides educational services to more than 93,000 students in our DeKalb County School District. Click on link below, this document was created by the District and is designed to assist you in registering to be a volunteer with the DeKalb County School District. Please complete the following steps to become a DCSD Volunteer. The process for volunteering takes about 30 minutes total and includes about 20 minutes of online mandatory child abuse reporting training required by the State of Georgia for all volunteers.


Steps to Complete the Volunteer Process:

  1. Complete the Volunteer Application and Release Form:

    • English Application
    • Spanish Application
  2. Review and Complete the DCSD Volunteer Code of Conduct:

    • English Code of Conduct
    • Spanish Code of Conduct
  3. Complete the Mandated Reporter Training:

    • Watch the Mandated Reporter Video and complete the quiz before attending a training session.
    • Steps to complete the training:
      • Create a free account
      • Select State: GA
      • Click on Child Abuse and Neglect Course: Mandated Reporter
      • Start the course and complete the quiz
      • Save or print your certificate and email a copy to DCSDvolunteer@dekalbschoolsga.org
    • Training link: Mandated Reporter Course


Upcoming DCSD Volunteer Training (via Zoom):

Join a Zoom Session That Fits Your Schedule

Spring 2025 Volunteer Training Dates (COMING SOON)

Please select the Zoom session that works best for you from the options below:


Join the DCSD Volunteer Training Zoom Meeting:

🔗 Join Zoom Meeting
📌 Meeting ID: 857 5784 5773
🔑 Passcode: 598219


Thank you for your dedication to supporting our schools! We look forward to your participation!

🎲✨ Casino Night Is Coming Soon! ✨🎲

Get ready for an exciting Casino Night experience! We are currently seeking parent volunteers to help make this event a success. If you’re able to volunteer and support this fun evening, please click the link below to sign up. Your help is greatly appreciated!


Thank you for always supporting our school and community, we couldn’t do it without you!

Click link to volunteer for our PTO Casino Night
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Parent help needed

We are excited to expose our students to Black History throughout the school this year! Thank you to the Instructional Advisory Committee for continuing to keep our building vibrant, engaging, and culturally enriching for our students.


📅 Doors are due February 6


We invite parents and families to come into the building to support teachers by helping design and decorate classroom doors. Your creativity, time, and partnership are greatly appreciated! Please reach out to your child's teacher soon to be involved in the planning and creation process.


We can’t wait to see our hallways come alive with history, pride, and creativity!

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📣 Volunteer Opportunity: 3rd Grade Cheer Coach Needed! 📣

We are currently looking for a volunteer cheer coach for our 3rd Grade Cheerleaders for the upcoming basketball season, as our previous coach is no longer able to continue. Practices would be held on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.


This is a wonderful opportunity to support our scholars, build teamwork, and be part of a fun and rewarding experience with our girls!


If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out. We would love to have you join us this season!

📆DCSD UPCOMING EVENTS📆 📆DCSD UPCOMING EVENTS📆

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P3 & PreK Application Support Sessions

Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 Virtual Application Support Session time and date is below. This is designed to help families understand the process and prepare required materials ahead of time. Please also see the flyer for prek lottery information.



Date: January 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Register: https://bit.ly/prek34infonight

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Parent Tech Café

Join us for the last Parent Tech Café for the 1st semester! Parent Tech Cafe' is a virtual series designed to empower parents, guardians, and stakeholders with insights into the digital tools supporting teaching and learning across DeKalb County School District. See flyer to learn when sessions takes place. This is a great opportunity for families to explore the resources that enhance student success. Please help us spread the word to your school communities. Click here for more information: https://its.dekalb.k12.ga.us/TechCafe_202581813581964.aspx

CLICK HERE FOR THE PARENT TECH CAFE VIRTUAL SESSION
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FY27 Budget Survey

The FY27 Budget Survey is now open, and we invite you to share your input as we begin planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Your feedback will directly contribute to enhancing the school experience for students and families.

Please take a moment to complete the survey by February 13, 2026. The survey is available in 16 languages to support all members of our community. Survey Link: https://survey.sogolytics.com/r/NJ7MYV


Thank you for your participation and continued partnership as we work together to support student learning

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#ForwardTogether Forums

🌅 Join us in January for #ForwardTogether Forums with Interim Superintendent Dr. Sauce. Hear themes from his entry survey and share your voice as we shape the path ahead for #DCSD.

Columbia High School 1/13

Cross Keys High School 1/21

MLK Jr. High School 1/27

🕕 6–7:30 PM


#IStandWithDCSD #TheDeKalbDifference💙🧡

Literacy, Math, Mental Health, and lifelong learning Literacy, Math, Mental Health, and lifelong learning

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3 More District Family Engagement opportunities

Please see the flyers below for more opportunities to engage with your child and support family learning at home. These resources are designed to provide additional support, activities, and tips for parents to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and get involved your participation makes a meaningful difference!

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Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (HRRB)

Henderson Mill is participating in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (HRRB) for the 2026 competition.

Competition Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Location: Arabia Mountain High School, 6610 Browns Mill Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038

More details to come!

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DeKalb County School District Technology Competition

The Division of Information and Instructional Technology is excited to announce the upcoming 2026 DeKalb County School District Technology Competition, themed “Dare to Dream: The Future is Now.” This inspiring event will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Middle School (2190 Wallingford Dr., Decatur, GA 30032). More details to come.


Thank you for supporting Dekalb County's Digital Dreamers!

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The DCSD Weekly Digest – January 12, 2026

Hello, DCSD Community!


Click the link below for The DCSD Weekly Digest – January 12, 2026 Newsletter. Stay Connected and Stay Informed: https://bit.ly/3YyuMUz.


DCSD CTAE Pathway leads to 98 Percent Graduation Rate

Flu Season Care

School Choice Late Open Enrollment

Public Budget Survey Input Request

Teacher of the Year: Dr. Landra Jeffries

Rockbridge Elementary School Welcomes New Principal

Daily Difference Makers

Honoring Dr. King

Forward Together Forums

Virtual Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 Lottery Support Session

DCSD Spelling Bee

Gifted Education Information Night

Tech For Littles

Weekly and Monthly Recognitions

Photos & Videos of the Week

Let's continue moving forward together because the strength of our community lies in unity and continuous communication.

💻RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT HOME💻 💻RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT HOME💻

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Georgia’s K-12 standards

We know that parents and family members play an essential role in students’ educational success. When schools and families work in partnership, children will succeed at new levels.


The link below, parents and family members of students in Georgia’s K-12 public schools can explore the wealth of resources and services offered through GaDOE. Discover important information on Georgia’s K-12 standards, programming to support your student, ways to get involved, and more.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Click here for MATH PARENT LETTERS FROM GEORGIA DOE

WHAT IS BEANSTACK? HOW DOES IT HELP MY CHILD? WHAT IS BEANSTACK? HOW DOES IT HELP MY CHILD?

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Let’s keep the momentum going!


Congratulations to our Trophy winners Mrs. Eubanks, Mrs. Murphy, and Mrs. Stantos classes. We had a special drawing for any students who are including book reviews when they log their minutes for a chance to win a signed copy of the new Dog Man book.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37vKZ2lU/YHFd93fXoQthLhW6msT8tA/edit?utm_content=DAG37vKZ2lU&ut…


Just 5 minutes a day of logging your child’s reading on Beanstack can help us climb even higher on the county-wide leaderboard!


📚 Here’s how you can help as a parent:

  • Encourage your child to read daily and log their minutes in Beanstack, every minute counts!
  • Parents can track progress and celebrate milestones together with their children.


Together, we can build a powerful culture of reading at HMES, one page at a time! ✨

🎥Click here to learn more about Beanstack

How to use Parent Portal for Infinite Campus How to use Parent Portal for Infinite Campus

How to Use Parent Portal (Infinite Campus) 2022

How to use Parental Portal for Infinite Campus Spanish How to use Parental Portal for Infinite Campus Spanish

How to Use the Parent Portal (Infinite Campus Spanish Audio)

ACCESS Testing is here!

The ACCESS for ELLs test is an annual assessment for students learning English in grades K–12. It measures progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to help teachers support students’ language growth. Testing will take place in January, and results help determine students’ English proficiency and placement for the next school year. Please check out overview video below. You can learn more about the ACCESS test here: https://wida.wisc.edu

Overview of the ACCESS Test
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Georgia Milestones Assessment

In April, students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are required to take the Georgia Milestones Assessment. This test will include Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science (5th grade only). A practice test is available online, with questions set up and structured just like the actual assessment.

Please log on to see what will be expected of your child in April. See video below for more support. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher. We look forward to partnering with you.

https://www.gaexperienceonline.com/

1. Click "Test Practice, Guides, Samples"
2. Click "Online Testing Tools"
3. Click "End of Grade EOG"
4. Click "Test Practice"
5. Click "Online Standard Tools"
6. Click"3rd, 4th, or 5th Grade"
7. Click "Continue"
8. Click "Test Practice for 3rd, 4th, or 5th"

9. Click "Play Audio"
10. If your sound is working, click "Sound is Working"
11. Read the directions. Use the blue arrows to navigate through the directions.
12. Click "Begin Test"
(There is a tool bar at the top to assist while testing).

Get Ready for Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS)? Where to Find Resources.

STUDENT CONDUCT AND HANDBOOK STUDENT CONDUCT AND HANDBOOK

DeKalb County School District Code of Student Conduct
pdf
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Parent - Student Handbook 2025-2026 (1).pdf
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DeKalb County School District Code of Student Conduct (SPANISH)
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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR HMES PARENT VIRTUAL SUGGESTION BOX HELPS US GET BETTER
Support for GA Climate Survey
Henderson Mill Elementary on the Web
Find us on Twitter
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Henderson Mill Elementary

Email: regina_smiley-blanton@dekalbschoolsga.org
Website: https://www.hendersonmilles.dekalb.k12.ga.us/
Location: 2408 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: 678-874-3102
Twitter: @henderson_mill

Dr. Blanton
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