Falcon Flyer

In this Issue

Principal's Corner

Message from the Principal
Mark Your Calendars

F.Ave News

Speaker Series
Author Visit- Feb. 10th!

F.Ave PTO News

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CSD News

CSD Weekly

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

Congratulations to our Fifth Avenue WordMasters

A team representing Fifth Avenue Elementary School achieved Highest Honors in the 39th annual WordMasters Challenge, a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 125,000 students annually. The fifth-grade team scored an impressive 180 points out of a possible 200 and placed ninth in the nation.

Competing in the difficult Blue Division of the WordMasters Challenge™, fifth graders Anne Hecker, Grady Russell and Oliver Sanford each earned a perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Nationally, only 29 fifth graders achieved this result. Other students from Fifth Avenue Elementary School who achieved outstanding results in the meet include fifth graders Rex Greenfield and Gus Schaudies. Way to go, kiddos! Great job to Ms. Broman-Fulks, Ms. Ellis, and Ms. Waugh for coaching these students!

Arrival Reminders

We're beginning to see more and more drop-offs at the front of the building. This creates a safety concern with the crossing of foot and bike traffic with car traffic.

As a reminder, car riders must be dropped off and picked up on Oakview Road. For the safety of our students, we ask that you do not use the front of the school for car rider drop-off or pick-up. 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 📅

CSD Board of Education Meeting - January 13
MLK Jr. Day - January 19
Dr. Whitaker’s Winter Listening Session (Virtual) - January 20 https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/92376058628
CSD Board of Education Community Meeting - January 21
Early Release Day - January 28

We are hosting another event on January 22 for Decatur parents to have a community conversation: Navigating the Changing Drug Landscape: Talking to Our Kids about Dangerous Substances. This is in direct response to parent concerns about Fentanyl and other dangerous illicit substances.

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.

We are excited for our upcoming author visit! Our 4th and 5th grade scholars will have an opportunity to meet Taryn Souders. Books can be purchased up through January 20th.

Author Visit-Feb. 10th!

We are excited for our upcoming author visit! Our 4th and 5th grade scholars will have an opportunity to see and hear from author Taryn Souders.

Books can be purchased up through January 20th. Please see the attached order form.

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Taryn Souders (F.Ave) order form for author visit (1).pdf

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Read the January 8, 2026, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

Take GaDOE's Annual School Climate Survey

Please take a moment this week to make your voice heard and participate in the Georgia Department of Education climate survey for your school! Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated. The data collected will help determine the School Climate Star Ratings for the 2026-27 school year, which will enable schools to improve or build upon their successes.

Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary School Family Survey