Falcon Flyer

Principal's Corner

• Message from the Principal

F.AVE News

• School Pictures
• Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition
• Masked Reader
• Red Ribbon Week
• Holiday Assistance
• National School Principals Month
• Mark Your Calendars

• Falcons Soaring
• Holiday Orders
• Adult Recess
• Spirit Wear
• Yearbook
• Staff Wellness
• Follow us on socials!

CSD News

• CSD Weekly

Scroll down to learn more!

The Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition is a yearly state-wide writing competition open to any student enrolled in a Georgia public school, grades K-12. Participation is completely voluntary for students, but we hope to get many quality entries! Please contact jbroman-fulks@csdecatur.net with any questions. Happy writing!

Here are a few guidelines to help you through the process:

• any genre is allowed (short story, poetry, essay/literary criticism/analysis, journalism, academic/research reports, personal narratives, any other original student writing)

• writing piece must be created by the student without the help of others

• entries do not have to be work completed for a class assignment

• 1900-word maximum length

• individuals only, no group entries

• can be typed or legibly hand-written on only one side of the paper

• writing pieces should be turned in to homeroom teachers or shared with jbroman-fulks@csdecatur.net by Wednesday, November 12 - be sure student's name and homeroom teacher are clearly written or typed on writing piece

• one winner will be chosen per grade level by a team of scorers to represent FAVE in the district competition

• District winners will represent CSD in the regional competition

Hello! Are you interested in reading a story or two to your child's class? If so, it would be awesome if you could wear a face mask/costume face (something fun or even related to your story of choice), think "the masked singer."

We have books here available for you to read, or feel free to bring a beloved book from home. We look forward to working with you to create a wonderful reading experience. Click here!

If you have any questions, please email erica.macon@csdecatur.net. Hope to hear from you soon!

During October 27-31, 2025, we’re celebrating Red Ribbon Week — a special time to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage students to make positive choices! The national theme this year is “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free."

Each day, we’ll have fun activities and spirit days to show our commitment to staying drug-free and making safe, healthy choices. Together, we can make a difference by showing that we care about ourselves, our friends, and our community. Let’s celebrate making smart, healthy choices every day!

Apply at : www.aseasonofgiving.org/child-application

Requirements : City of Decatur resident, City of Decatur or City Schools of Decatur employee, Receiving homeless/transitional housing assistance (McKinney Vento) or referral from school social worker/counselor.

Email : aseasonofgivingdecatur@gmail.com with any questions.

Read the October 23, 2025, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

On October 16, Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker emailed a letter to City Schools of Decatur community that the Board of Education has initiated a comprehensive review of K-2 school utilization. This review will assess how CSD's K-2 schools are currently being utilized to ensure that space, staffing, and resources align with student needs while also maintaining operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

The Board of Education work session on October 14, 2025, served as a preliminary discussion to review various options, including the potential closure of a K-2 school. The consulting firm Education Planners has been engaged to facilitate this process and presented a timeline for the first time at the board work session, along with a detailed overview of the school closure and redistricting process. The board has not yet decided which school, if any, will be closed. There will be opportunities for families to share their input in the upcoming weeks.

Please read the full letter in English here. Additional language translations of the letter and up-to-date information about the process are available on the K-2 School Consolidation & Redistricting Process webpage. Stakeholder engagement is encouraged and vital as we work together to make the best decisions for our students and schools.

The community is invited to upcoming public hearings to provide feedback:

• Wednesday, October 29, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Beacon Hill Middle School, Cafeteria
• Thursday, November 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Beacon Hill Middle School, Cafeteria

In addition to the in-person public hearings, input may be submitted via this feedback form.

Thank you to our amazing Falcons, families, and teachers for making this year’s Read-a-Thon a huge success!

Grade-Level Winners:

• 3rd Grade: Mrs. Hancock – 4,546 minutes

• 4th Grade: Mrs. Weaver – 4,596 minutes

• 5th Grade: Mrs. Miller & Mr. O’Keefe – 9,103 minutes

Congratulations to our winners and to all Falcons for their outstanding participation!

Final Step: Turn in Pledges by Friday, October 24.

• Cash & Check pledges can be sent to school with your student in their folder: Place in a labeled envelope marked “PTO Read-a-Thon."

• Online PayPal Donations: Use paypal.me/FavePTODecatur and write “Read-a-Thon” in the comments. Or scan for the link.

Thank you again for your support and partnership in making Read-A-Thon a success and giving back to our school!

For any questions, please contact:

Molly Riccardi

865-742-9337
molly.a.riccardi@gmail.com

Thank you for helping our Falcons soar!

Minted code: FUNDRAISEFIFTHAVEUE (no 'n' in Avenue)

Mark your calendars! Adult Recess is back on Friday, December 5th at The Marlay House from 6:30–10:30 PM. Join fellow parents and staff for a fun evening of food, drinks, and community.

Tickets are on sale now—scan the QR code or visit the PTO website to grab yours. To sweeten the deal, all tickets purchased by October 31st will be entered into a raffle for a chance for your child to be Principal for a Day!

Don’t wait—let’s make this our best Adult Recess yet!

Show your F.Ave pride with our brand-new Fall Spirit Wear Collection—available now through the PTO website or by scanning the QR code below. Don’t forget to include your child’s name and classroom when ordering so items can be delivered directly. Sizes are limited, so don’t wait—order today before they’re gone!

The FAVE Yearbook Committee wants to see all you've been doing in school this year! Please email your photos of FAVE Falcons in action to yearbook@favepto.org. We love photos of school events, field trips, student groups, and school work! Important: Please include student names and teacher/grade in your email if known.

Help Us Create a Zen Space at FAVE!
We are working on creating a relaxing “Zen Space” at FAVE for staff to unwind, reset, and recharge. We are seeking donations of calming items such as massage chairs, tabletop fountains, aromatherapy diffusers, soft lighting, cozy seating, and other items that promote relaxation.

If you have something to donate or would like to contribute, please contact Erica Bacher at ecarlin31@gmail.com. Together, we can create a peaceful space for our school community!

The Staff Wellness Committee is also looking to offer yoga for our teachers and would love for a parent volunteer! If you have experience teaching yoga or know of a teacher who is available, please reach out to Erica Bacher at ecarlin31@gmail.com.

Instagram: IG link

Facebook: FB link

Website: WS link

Principal

Derrick Thomas

dthomas@csdecatur.net

Assistant Principal

Meagan Ferguson

mferguson@csdecatur.net

Assistant Principal

Shannon Stewart

sstewart@csdecatur.net

School Manager

Malik Morrow

mmorrow@csdecatur.net

Bookkeeper

Shronda Edwards

sedwards@csdecatur.net

Who Do I Contact?

Email: fave@csdecatur.net
Website: https://fave.csdecatur.net/
Location: 101 5th Avenue, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: (404) 371-6680

Please do not reply to this newsletter. See the Who Do I Contact link above and direct your inquiries to the correct individual.