Eagle Edition
Calendar of Events
January Now-23, 2026
GL PTA Read-a-Thon
Friday, January 16
Community Circle at 8:30 am - First Grade Hosting/Winter Performance
(January Birthdays Recognized)
Monday, January 19
MLK Holiday (No School)
Thursday, January 22
Spirit Night for Read-a-Thon - Milk and Cookies
GL Media Center from 6:00-8:00 pm
Friday, January 23
Garden Gnomies - 11:30-1:30 pm
Wednesday, January 28
- Early Release Day at 12:50 pm
- PTA Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A North Decatur from 5:00-7:00 pm
Friday, January 30
Community Circle at 8:30 am - Ms. Rose's Class Hosting
Where Learning Takes Flight
Three Dimensions of Student Achievement
- Mastery of Knowledge and Skills
- Character Building
- High-Quality Work
Hello Glennwood Families,
We have had another wonderful week of learning and growth here at Glennwood! As we look ahead to the long weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of the upcoming holiday and give you a quick update on our school goals.
This weekend, our community comes together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many of our families have beautiful traditions for this day, and if you are looking for a way to get involved, I highly recommend the City of Decatur’s MLK Service Project. It is a truly special opportunity for families and children to engage in meaningful service that directly benefits our neighbors right here in our own community.
In addition to service, I want to share a personal tradition of mine. Every year, I take the time to watch and listen to Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. It is a powerful 17-minute experience that never fails to inspire me. If you have the time, I encourage you to gather as a family and give it a listen together; it’s a wonderful way to spark conversation and reflection with your young Eagles while at home.
Our PTA Read-a-thon has officially kicked off! It has been absolutely wonderful to walk through the halls and hear our students so energized and excited about the books they are diving into. Seeing that spark of joy for literacy has been one of the highlights of my week, and we are so grateful to the PTA for organizing such a fantastic event that celebrates our love of reading.
I am thrilled to share that we are making great progress on our GaDOE School Climate Survey! We have officially reached 61% participation, which is a fantastic jump. We are getting so much closer to our 80% goal, and I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to log in and share their feedback.
Interestingly, while looking at our data, I noticed that we have 11 families who have started the survey but haven't quite hit "submit" yet. If that might be you, please take a quick moment to go back in and finish the remaining questions! For the state to count your response and for your voice to truly influence our school's data, the survey must be completed in its entirety. Let's keep this momentum going - we can definitely hit that 80% mark together! Please click here to complete the survey if you have not done so already.
I hope you all have a safe, meaningful, and restful holiday weekend. We look forward to seeing our students back in the building on Tuesday!
In partnership,
Bill Howard
Proud Principal, Glennwood Elementary
What's Happening in the Library?
In library lessons in K-2 this week, students reviewed the difference between fiction and non-fiction books using stories and informational texts about snow and weather. We discussed that fiction books tell made-up stories that may include characters, settings, or events that are not real, even if they are inspired by real weather. Non-fiction books give true information and facts about weather, such as how snow forms, what clouds do, or how seasons change.
Students listened to a story and practiced identifying clues in each type of book, such as photographs, labels, and facts in non-fiction, and storytelling elements like characters and imaginative events in fiction. Through reading, discussion, and examples, students discerned how both types of writing help us learn—fiction through storytelling and imagination, and non-fiction through real-world information.
As a culminating activity, students created their own paper snowflakes. They turned out so beautifully! (See the photo collage below.) This hands-on project connected to our weather lesson and allowed students to express creativity while reinforcing the idea that, like snowflakes, stories and books can be unique in different ways. Who knows? Maybe our efforts will summon the snow!
January Staff Appreciation Table – Calling all 2nd Grade Families!
For January, we're asking second grade families to help kick-start the new year and show appreciation to our staff on Thursday, January 22nd. We will be providing a yogurt parfait bar and other snacks. Please review the available slots and sign up below! Items can be dropped off with Ms. Reynolds at the front office January 20-21 during school hours. PTA will assemble the snack table for our staff to enjoy on Jan. 22nd.
If you are unable to purchase items for the table, but would like to donate funds towards the event or to restock snacks in the teacher lounge, the PTA is also collecting monetary donations. Donations can be made here with a note that it is for the January Snack Table and we'll take care of it for you. If you have any questions, please reach out to Staff Appreciation Co-Chairs: Emily McDowell or Kate Myers (staffappreciation@glennwoodespta.com). Thank you!
Give PTA a FOLLOW on Social!
Stay up-to-date with all things Glennwood and tag us! Our PTA Facebook Page on IG and FB, as well as our parents' page: Glennwood Parents' Page
Join GL PTA Facebook
Join GL PTA Instagram
Join GL Parent Facebook
Speaker Series: Talking to Kids About Dangerous Substances
An ongoing speaker series from DEF, Decatur Prevention Initiative and the Decatur Parents Network returns Thursday, January 22, with a documentary viewing and panel discussion on "Navigating the Changing Drug Landscape: Talking to our Kids About Dangerous Substances." This event is free and open to any adult. Find more information and register in advance here.
Thursday, January 22, 6:30-8 p.m., DHS Learning Commons (Library/Media Center). Enter the bus drop-off area off of Commerce Drive.
