Smore logo
remove_red_eye 397
page background

Falcon Flyer

Important Events & Dates from F.AVE

Falcon Flyer Important Events & Dates from F.AVE

November 20, 2025 November 20, 2025

In this Issue

Principal's Corner

  • Message from the Principal
  • Mark Your Calendars

F.AVE News

  • Assist Workshop
  • Field Trip Fees
  • Cast Blast
  • CML Champs
  • Wylde Wreaths
  • The Masked Reader
F.AVE PTO News
  • Adult Recess-Check it out!
  • Holidays Around the World
  • Minted Holiday Card Orders
  • Staff Wellness
  • Yearbook
  • Follow us on socials!

CSD News

  • CSD Weekly


Scroll down to learn more!

Principal's Corner: A Message from Principal Thomas Principal's Corner: A Message from Principal Thomas

This is a picture of Mr. Derrick Thomas, Principal of Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary.
zoom_out_map

Message from The Principal

As we look ahead to the coming week with our families, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the tremendous support shown by the Fifth Avenue community during these first few months of school. Even early in the year, it's clear that the deep sense of community that defines F.Ave is alive and well. While we've experienced a few bumps along the way, our students continue to show resilience and a strong commitment to growing through challenges for the good of our school.


I'm inspired by the dedication of our teachers and staff as we prepare for the second semester in January. With a committed School Leadership Team (SLT) and an incredibly supportive PTO, we truly have all the key ingredients needed to take F.Ave to the highest levels of success.


So, again, I just want to take this opportunity to simply say thank you and enjoy your Thanksgiving break.


Arrival and Dismissal Reminders

Thank you for helping make our arrival and dismissal routines run smoothly! A couple of important reminders:

  • Car riders must be dropped off and picked up on Oakview Road. For the safety of our students, we ask that you refrain from using the front of the school for car rider drop-off or pick-up.

  • U-turns on Oakview are only allowed at the second loop.


Following these guidelines helps ensure the safety of all our students. We appreciate your cooperation!


One Flock, One Flight: F.Ave Falcons Unite!!!

Mark Your Calendars 📅

  • Thanksgiving Break - November 24-28

  • CSD Board of Education Meeting - December 9
  • Early Release Day - December 19
A class for suicide prevention is available in February and March of 2026.  Contact Dr. Heron with anything questions.
zoom_out_map

Assist Workshop

Please join this interactive workshop to learn intervention methods to provide suicide first-aid. Contact our school counselor Dr. Rachina Heron at rheron@csdecatur.net if you need more information

Field Trip Fees

Good afternoon!


This is a reminder that all field trip fees were due October 30, 2025. We have scheduled educational field trips for all grade levels and want to be sure that we include all students. It is difficult to do this if fees aren't paid in a timely manner. In the next couple of weeks Ms. Edwards, school bookkeeper, will send home notices in an effort to collect these fees. Payments can be made by check (made out to FAVE), cash (exact amount) or via Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please contact Ms. Edwards if you have any questions or concerns.


Shronda Edwards

404-371-6680

sedwards@csdecatur.net

Cast Blast-November 21st

Our next Cast Blast will take place Friday, November 21.

Below are the times for each grade level.

Parents are invited to attend.

November 21: 3rd Grade 8:00 - 8:50; 4th Grade: 8:40 - 9:30; 5th Grade: 9:35 - 10:25

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

CML Champions

Continental Math League


Congratulations to our November CML Champions for fourth and fifth grades! We are so proud of the high level of participation and hard work of all our CML team members! Our next meet for 4th and 5th grades is scheduled for December 16th. Third grade's first meet will be in January.


Fourth Grade: Lydia Broman-Fulks, Neesh Dunworth, Andrew Fagan, Simon Hurst, William Waltemath Lewicki, Ellie Postage, Duncan Williams


Fifth Grade: Luna Ambabo, Wesley Bauman, Ethan Fang, Ethan Jiang, Henry Lewis, and Ben Sears

The Wylde Wreaths will host an event from November 25-Dec13 in Oakhurst Garden.
zoom_out_map

Wylde Wreaths: A Decatur Tradition

The Holiday Season is just around the corner. Now is the time to reserve your spot at Wylde Center’s annual Wylde Wreaths event!

This beloved tradition offers you the chance to create a beautiful wreath, perfect for adding a personal touch to your seasonal decor. Whether you’re gathering with friends or family, enjoying a solo creative evening, or picking up supplies to craft at home, Wylde Wreaths is a joyful way to kick off the holiday season.

This year's event will take place from Nov. 25-Dec. 13 in the newly renovated Oakhurst Garden building with a robust offering of over 40 unique adornments available for your wreath creation!

We have an amazing amount of parents/guardians that have signed up to read to our scholars.
zoom_out_map

The Masked Reader

Falcon Family, you are simply the BEST!

We have an amazing amount of parents/guardians that have signed up to read to our scholars.

Please be on the lookout for an email from me to get you scheduled. Get your masks ready! So excited to have each of you.


Thank you!

Dr. Macon

District News District News

User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size

Read the November 20, 2025, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Following two public meetings and community feedback regarding the timeline and public engagement, the Board of Education has decided to reassess and amend the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process. This revision was discussed during the work session of the board meeting on November 11, leading to a new name: the K-2 School Utilization Process.


During a board retreat on Tuesday, November 18, the board agreed to proceed with the administration's recommendation that any decisions regarding the K-2 School Utilization Process will not impact the 2026-2027 school year. At the community's request, the board emphasized that the central need is to balance K-2 schools by evaluating total enrollment figures, building usage, and staffing resources, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility and honoring the unique culture of Decatur's small, neighborhood schools. Furthermore, the board emphasized that there is no connection between the K-2 Utilization Process and the new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).


Starting in January, four previously proposed community-led committees will convene to explore the next phase and collaboratively create thoughtful, community-centered solutions for our K–2 schools. During their meeting on December 9, the board will continue discussions regarding the scope of work, criteria, and parameters that will guide the committees’ efforts. This clarity will enable all committees and working groups to embark on the next phase with a unified foundation.


All board meeting recordings are available on the CSD website. Community members can view these recordings at their convenience and may focus specifically on sections related to K-2 School Utilization to hear the complete board discussion.


Thank you again for your partnership, commitment, and engagement as we strive to support every child and strengthen every school within City Schools of Decatur. We look forward to continuing this collaborative effort to co-create solutions that are student-centered, fiscally responsible, and aligned with our community's values.

News From The PTO at F.Ave News From The PTO at F.Ave

This is one of F.Ave’s biggest fundraisers of the year and the perfect excuse to grab your friends, get a sitter, and enjoy a well-deserved night out.
zoom_out_map

Adult Recess — Let’s Kick Off the Holiday Season!

Two weeks until Adult Recess is here — and trust us, you don’t want to miss this party! Get your tickets HERE

This is one of F.Ave’s biggest fundraisers of the year and the perfect excuse to grab your friends, get a sitter, and enjoy a well-deserved night out.

We're taking over The Marlay House exclusively for our F.Ave crew — picture a cozy pub all decked out for the holidays, the fireplace glowing, delicious food, great drinks, and a room full of fellow neighbors and parents.

No auction. No bidding. Just good vibes, good company, and a super fun night for a great cause.

Tickets include dinner + beverages, and we expect them to go fast — so rally your crew and snag yours now! Let’s kick off the holiday season together and make some merry magic for our school!

On Wednesday, December 10th, F.Ave will be celebrating the unique foods and treats of cultures and traditions around the world and we'd love your help!
zoom_out_map

FAVE Holidays Around the World Celebration 🍭🍭🍭

A favorite FAVE holiday tradition! On Wednesday, December 10th, F.Ave will be celebrating the unique foods and treats of cultures and traditions around the world and we'd love your help! Whether you've got an amazing family recipe, want to learn to cook something from a new region or culture, or just would love to volunteer to help broaden our children's horizons, we can use your help! Please sign up to bring in a dish or help at the event in the Falcon's Nest on December 10th HERE.

Save money for the holidays by shopping with Minted.
zoom_out_map

Calling all Holiday Card Orderers!! ♥️✉️♥️

FAVE partners with Minted for one of our easiest fundraisers!

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

Yoga at F.AVE had its first session on Monday 11/10 at 3:15 in the music room.
zoom_out_map

Staff Wellness 🧘🧘

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!


Yoga at F.AVE had its first session on Monday 11/10 at 3:15 in the music room. The after class vibe was warm and blissful, and the teachers in attendance shared their gratitude! Yoga teachers from the Atlanta Healing Collective will be providing up to 2 classes per month on site for staff going forward.

Yoga at F.AVE had its first session on Monday 11/10 at 3:15 in the music room.
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Email pictures of Fave Falcons in action for the school yearbook.
zoom_out_map

FAVE Yearbook: Candid Photos 📘📸📕

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.

Follow us on socials and online! 📸📸📸

Instagram: IG link


Facebook: FB link


Website: WS link

Basic Incident Response Protocol
Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary Seal graphic
zoom_out_map

About Us

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.

Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter