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Falcon Flyer

Important Events & Dates from F.AVE

Falcon Flyer Important Events & Dates from F.AVE

November 13, 2025 November 13, 2025

In this Issue

Principal's Corner

  • Message from the Principal
  • Mark Your Calendars

F.AVE News

  • Student Council Packet
  • Message from the School Bookkeeper
  • Cast Blast
  • Color and Culture
  • Wylde Wreaths
F.AVE PTO News
  • Movie Night
  • Staff Holiday
  • Holiday Cards
  • Say Cheese!
  • Adult Recess
  • Crossing Guard Appreciation
  • Fall Spirit Wear
  • Yearbook
  • Staff Wellness
  • 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.
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It's Getting Cold Outside

We've had some very cold temperatures this week, and I'd like to share a few reminders:

  1. Doors open at 7:20 a.m.; please do not drop students off before this time.

  2. Encourage students to dress in layers on chilly days.

  3. Remind your student to check the Lost and Found, as several coats and jackets are left behind each day.

Thanksgiving Luncheon

We're excited to host our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 14, 2025. As a reminder for those who have purchased tickets, please present a printed or digital receipt upon arrival to serve as your ticket.

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!

Holiday Spectacular: A Nutcracker Dream

We are excited to announce that Holiday Spectacular: A Nutcracker Dream, a two-act holiday celebration where imagination, movement, and magic come alive, will feature seven of our 4th and 5th-grade students. The performance will take place at Georgia Tech's Ferst Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, November 23, with performances at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. featuring the following seven dancers from F.ave: Shea McPherson, Lucy Ryan, Avery O'Brien, Keira McPherson, Nora Stone, Ella Sutandi, Emilia Grace Castaño.

This is not your typical Nutcracker — it's a fresh, joyful retelling filled with rhythm, wonder, and the magic of the season.

Tickets are through Georgia Tech’s Box Office
Sunday, November 23 | 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM



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

Mark Your Calendars 📅

  • Thanksgiving Parent Luncheon - November 14

  • F.Ave Movie Night - November 14

  • Thanksgiving Break - November 24-28

  • CSD Board of Education Meeting - December 9

  • Early Release Day - December 19

Interested in student council? Please speak to a counselor!
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Interested in serving on student council?

Student Council Information Packet

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Message from our school’s bookkeeper!

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 the 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

Color and Culture

It's that time of the year! We're excited to announce that Color and Culture will hold an interest meeting on Thursday, November 18th, for FAVE's annual Black History Program. This year, the program will focus on A Tale of Two Americas: From Struggle to Soaring Heights.

The interest meeting is open to 4th and 5th-grade students only and will be held during the school day (time TBD and communicated to homeroom teachers). If your child is interested in participating in this year's program, please encourage them to attend the meeting.

The performances are scheduled for the evening of February 25th and 26th. For questions, feel free to reach out to Shira Burns at sburns@csdecatur.net or Natasha Cain at ncain@csdecatur.net. We look forward to seeing students bring their talents and enthusiasm to this meaningful event!


Natasha Cain

EIP Teacher

City Schools of Decatur

Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary School

O: 404.371.6680

ncain@csdecatur.net | www.csdecatur.net/fave

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

District News District News

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Read the November 13, 2025, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

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This year's CCRPI results reveal that every tested grade 3-12 in CSD achieved a perfect score of 100 in the Closing Gaps category, marking the highest attainable score for student progress toward performance targets. This accomplishment signifies an improvement of nearly 30 points compared to the past two years.


In 2023, DHS recorded a score of 48.2% in the Closing Gaps category, which increased to 93.2% in 2024 before reaching a perfect 100% this year. The middle school improved its score by almost five points from 2024 to 2025, while upper elementary schools maintained their score of 100 from the previous year.


Additionally, CSD's Content Mastery score has consistently increased over the last two years for all grades, demonstrating steady progress across all grade levels, with a nearly five-point rise at the high school level. Learn more here.

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During the Board of Education meeting held on November 11, 2025, the board decided to reassess and revise the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process. The process has been renamed the K-2 Utilization Process, and the timeline will be modified to allow for more public feedback.


BOE consultant Education Planners will host a public forum on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beacon Hill Middle School. The community is invited to provide input and offer considerations to Education Planners regarding the K-2 School Utilization Process. The meeting will replace the previously advertised second public hearing on the K-2 School Consolidation and Redistricting Process.


The meeting format will be as follows:

  • General Information Session: Information Presented

  • Committee Work Sessions: Public Input


Education Planners recommended the creation of four committees to guide the next phase of planning. The proposed committees are:

  • Facilities & Finance Committee: enrollment, costs, and capital planning

  • Student Experience Committee: instructional programs, transitions, and early-learning access

  • Safety & Operations Committee: traffic, walkability, and daily operations

  • Culture & Communication Committee: transparency and ongoing engagement


Community members are invited to sign up for one of the committees here. More information about the K-2 School Utilization Process is available on the CSD website.

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

Movie night at FAVE is November 14th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
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DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 5PM TONIGHT

Movie Night Fundraiser

One of our kiddos' favorite fundraisers is back: Movie Night! Drop your FAVE student off for a night of fun, pizza and movie!

When: November 14th 5:00-8:00.

What to bring: Water bottle and, if desired, comfy blanket/pillow to sit on.

All important info (including registration and ticket purchase) HERE!

Staff Holiday Party ❄️🩵❄️

The PTO loves celebrating our FAVE Staff at our annual holiday party. This year it will be on December 18th at the Solarium. Sign up HERE if you would like to volunteer!

Save money for the holidays by shopping with Minted.
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Calling all Holiday Card Orderers!! ♥️✉️♥️

FAVE partners with Minted for one of our easiest fundraisers!

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

Say Cheese for a Cause!

Speaking of those Holiday Cards: We’re so excited to announce our first ever F.AVE Fall Photo Fundraiser — perfect for family photos, holiday cards, or fun buddy shots with friends!

Addison Hill Photo, an Atlanta-based professional photography studio, will be capturing the magic. Addison holds a BFA in Photography from SCAD and has over 10 years of experience photographing weddings, families, events, and more. Fun fact — he’s married to an amazing second-grade teacher at Oakhurst Elementary, so he knows just how to bring out those bright smiles!

Enjoy a 15-minute mini session for $225, including 8 high-resolution images (with the option to purchase more). Choose from five November dates at Shady Side Park, a beautiful fall backdrop.

25% of proceeds go right back to F.AVE, supporting our incredible students and staff!

Spots will go fast — click the link to book your session today!

Addison Hill Photo

Adult recess is being held at the Marlay House.
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Adult Recess – Let's kick off the holiday season 🎄

Adult Recess is back — and trust us, you don’t want to miss this party! 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!

Crossing guard appreciation week is celebrated November 10-14.
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Crossing Guard Appreciation Week Ends Tomorrow 🦺🚲🦺

Thank you to everyone for showing our beloved crossing guards how much they are appreciated this week! Tomorrow is the official last day of appreciation week - but we know our families always show up with love and support.
Fall Spirit wear is available for purchase.  Limited quantities.
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New Fall Spirit Wear is Here! 🍂 🍁🍂

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!

Email pictures of Fave Falcons in action for the school yearbook.
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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.

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!


The Staff Wellness Committee is also looking to offer yoga for our teachers and would love for a parent to 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.

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
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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
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