DeKalb schools launch relief efforts for Haiti

During March, the school system is collecting a list of items for ServeHAITI’s relief efforts.  All DeKalb County  schools, centers and administrative buildings will serve as collection sites. The school system is asking its employees, students, parents and the broader DeKalb County community to donate any of the items listed below (all are safe for students to bring into school):

• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

• Sterile gauze pads (regular or non-stick)

• Gauze/elastic tape

• Alcohol wipes

• Cotton swabs

• Q-tips

• Exam gloves (latex or non-latex)

• Saline solution

• Aloe vera lotion

• Antiseptic towelettes

• Vaseline

Due to distribution restrictions, the school system can only collect these or similar items and are unable to accept items such as food, water or clothing.

“Because the conditions are so dire after any natural disaster, we find it is imperative that those who can extend themselves do so—especially in this case where the devastation is very much widespread. The items will do an immeasurable amount of good as rebuilding and maintaining the health of the Haitian people is just as, if not more, important than rebuilding facilities,” said Joanne McGriff, executive director of ServeHAITI. “We are so thankful for DeKalb School’s partnership and the possibility of student participation is inspiring. I think they will learn from their gift-giving the invaluable lesson of brotherly love and compassion for mankind.”

Donations may be left at collection boxes marked “Haiti Relief” located in the DCSS school or administrative buildings by March 31.

For more information about ServeHAITI, visit  http://www.servehaiti.org/.

ROCKDALE

Superintendent sets community forum

Rockdale Superintendent of Schools Dr. Samuel King will hold a community forum on March 9, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Rockdale Center Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers.

The program will include a demonstration of teaching and learning in the 21st century classroom, round table discussions and a question-and-answer period with the Superintendent and School Cabinet members.

Middle and high school students, parents, and teachers are encouraged to attend. For more information 770-483-4713 or 770-388-5677.

DEKALB

School System is seeking your opinion

The DeKalb County School System is looking for your input as they set the district’s Student Code of Conduct for the 2010-2011 school year.

All comments and recommendations must be sent to DeKalb County Student Relations at 5823 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain.

The County’s Code of Conduct covers everything a student should follow in keeping classes safe and in order including a Student Against Violence Everywhere or SAVE agreement and the Keeping Weapons out of Your School booklet.

A copy of the current Code of Student Conduct is available in every DeKalb County School or online at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/administration/safety/studentconduct.html. 678-676-1200.

ATLANTA

Kaplan to host graduate admissions seminar

Kaplan experts will hold a free seminar on March 23, 6 – 8 p.m., in Room 209 of the Georgia State University Brookhaven campus to address how graduate programs (business, graduate, law and medical) evaluate applicants, and how to create an outstanding application package including essays, letters of recommendation and interviews.

Attendants will also receive inside information on the entrance exams, including test format, questions types, scoring and tips and strategies.

The importance of the personal statement in your admissions package will also be discussed. Develop personal statement topics based on your vision, goals and accomplishments; focus your theme and get expert tips on writing and editing to create a great essay for the application process.

Kaplan’s event is free to attend but you must RSVP. Call the GSU Alumni Association office at 404-413-2190 or register online at http://netcommunity.gsu.edu/.

The GSU Brookhaven campus is located at 4362 Peachtree Road, Atlanta.

Applications accepted for Youth Leadership Training

Leadership DeKalb is now accepting applications for its premier youth leadership training program, Youth Leadership DeKalb (YLD). YLD develops the leadership skills of students (rising 10th & 11th graders) in DeKalb County so they may confidently become leaders of tomorrow. Celebrating the rich cultural and ethnic mix of our county, YLD participants learn ways a diverse group of people working together can positively impact their community.

Esteemed Leadership DeKalb graduates connect with and mentor the students to cultivate long-lasting relationships during the 10-month training program. Each month, YLD presents interactive sessions on juvenile justice, banking and finance, healthy relationships, etiquette, the seven habits of highly effective teens, civic engagement and youth for a healthy DeKalb. In addition, participants attend an overnight retreat, a county bus tour, a service day, a page day at the Capitol and a Career Fair.

Approximately 40 students will be selected through the highly competitive application process to participate in the Class of 2011. Applications are available at www.leadershipdekalb.org and are due by March 17. For more information, call 404-373-2491.

ATLANTA

College Park Library sets free tutoring sessions

College Park Library, a Fulton County Branch located on 3647 Main St., College Park, will hold free tutoring sessions for children in the surrounding community on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the month of March.

Tutoring sessions will be held from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Students may sign up for tutoring at College Park Library. Students must attend Holmes Elementary, McNair, West Middle, Banneker or Creekside High School in order to participate. For more information, call 678-799-2222 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

GWINNETT

BOE approves five principal appointments

Gwinnett County has recently approved the appointments of five educators, four of whom are principals for the 2010-2011 school year.

The appointments are the result of principals transferring to open new schools in August, as well as retirements. All appointments are effective July 1, with the exception of the executive director of special education and psychological services, which takes effect May 1.

The new assignments are:

Penelope “Penny” Palmer Young, assistant principal of Knight Elementary School, will serve as principal of Arcado Elementary School.

Lisa Marie Johnson, assistant principal of Berkeley Lake Elementary School, will become principal of Lawrenceville Elementary School.

Kelly McConnachie, assistant principal of Norcross Elementary School, will serve as principal of Rockbridge Elementary School.

Chandra Young, assistant principal of Stripling Elementary School, will become principal of Simonton Elementary School.

Paula Everett-Truppi, principal of McConnell Middle School, will become the County Executive Director of Special Education and Psychological Services. Everett-Truppi received the office due to the retirement of Susan White, who previously served Gwinnett County for 19 years.