Talley Street received some fantastic news this week — we have been named a 2025 Title I Distinguished School! 🎉
This prestigious recognition honors the highest-performing Title I schools in the state of Georgia. Distinguished Schools represent the top 5% of Title I Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance schools, based on combined ELA and math content mastery scores from the most recent statewide assessments. This is an incredible accomplishment, and it belongs to our entire Talley Street community! Thank you for your continued dedication and support — this recognition reflects the hard work we've done together.
We also received $4,669 from the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) for Teacher Innovation Grants! Congratulations to the following teachers for earning these awards:
- Laurie Kezh – $546 for Talley Zen Den
This grant will be used to enhance my Zen Den, a calming space where students can come to practice self-regulation and mindfulness skills. The funds will be used to add essential sensory items such as tactile tools, soothing lighting, and relaxation materials that support emotional balance and focus. These additions will help create a more supportive environment where students can manage stress, build coping strategies, and return to the classroom ready to learn. I am so appreciative of Decatur Education Foundation for continuing to provide materials that enhance student learning and growth.
- Tanya Jessup – $850 for Music Instruments for All
Ms. Jessup has purchased accessible instruments that are adapted to accommodate a user's specific abilities. They have buttons instead of keys, and adjustments for physical support, like thicker grips. The sensory benefits and these adaptations foster creativity, independence, and social interaction. Thank you DEF!
- Alan Pendrick – $1,500 for Sensory Path
Thanks to a very generous grant from the Decatur Education Foundation, Talley will soon be installing a Sensory Path! Sensory Paths create a space for safe, structured movements that promote regulation and focus. While it has particular benefits for neurodiverse students, this path will be available to all Talley Tigers. You can click to read more about the benefits of the Sensory Path, and see an example of a path design.
- Colleen Dunbar – $300 for Tiny Art Gallery
Talley Art revived a DEF Innovation grant to start a Talley Tiny Art Gallery! This will be a student-curated display space for our school. Think “little free library type space that displays tiny works of art”. A team of 5th grade curators will launch the gallery in January. Stay tuned!
- Jennifer Thomas – $1,473 for Interactive Adapted Book Library for Diverse Learners
This project aims to develop a comprehensive library of interactive adapted books designed to enhance the reading experience for children with developmental, cognitive, physical, and/or language impairments. The goal is to transform traditional reading materials into engaging, accessible, and multisensory learning tools that cater to the unique needs of diverse learners.
We are so grateful to the Decatur Education Foundation for their generous support and for all that they do for CSD staff and students. Thank you, DEF — Talley Street appreciates you!
With gratitude,
Billy
