PAGE 4 • AUGUST 11, 2018
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Jesse Cunningham Foundation to host backpack giveaways
DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Johnson to host Coffee with the Commissioner
The Jesse “Jay” Cunningham Foundation, in Partnership with Ark Of the Covenant Fellowship Center and Foresters Financial, will host a Back-to-School backpack giveaway on Aug. 18, 6 to 7 p.m., at the church, 568 Ladonna Drive, Decatur. Jesse ‘Jay” Cunningham The foundation was set up in memory for Jesse Jay Cunningham, who formerly served as a DeKalb County School Board member. Cunningham died on April 6 after health complications. Organizers said backpacks will be given while supplies last.
DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson will host “Coffee with the Commissioner” to meet and greet constituents In her district. The event is scheduled Wednesday, Aug. 15, 8 to 9 a.m., at Panera Bread, 8200 Mall Mereda Davis Johnson Parkway, Stonecrest. This is an opportunity for residents to hear updates on what is happening in DeKalb County. Residents also will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various county departments to discuss any concerns. For more information, visit www. commissionermeredajohnson.com.
Clarkston Police sets “Active Shooter Awareness” class The City of Clarkston Police will hold an Active Shooter Awareness Class on Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Clarkston Library, 951 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. The Clarkston Police Department is providing the free class so that the public may learn what to do when an active, mass casualty shooting occurs. Class topics will include Avoid/Deny/ Defend (ADD) survival tactics and techniques, local law enforcement preparedness, response and readiness; and U.S. Active Shooter events information and data. The class is open to the public. For more information, contact: Lt. Harry Hess, Clarkston Police at hhess@cityofclarkston.com or 404-292-9465.
Rockdale Chairman Nesbitt to host third “Shop Talk” forum
Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. will host the third “Shop Talk” forum on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Trim Starz Barber Shop, 1910 Highway 20 SE, Suite 230, Conyers. The event, the third in the series, will feature the following speakers to answer community Oz Nesbitt residents’ questions and concerns: • Probate Court Judge Clarence Cuthpert • State Court Judge Nancy Bills • Cynthia Welch, Board of Elections Director The Shop Talk series introduces elected officials to those who may not know who they are or what their roles, duties and responsibilities are. For more information, contact Jorge Diez at jorge. diez@rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-7056.
DCSD invites parents, teachers to run for 2018-2019 Principal Advisory Councils Those interested in uniting school communities while increasing student achievement and performance are invited to participate in DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Principal Advisory Councils. Principal Advisory Councils are coalitions of parents, guardians, and teachers that serve their school communities at 112 DCSD schools. Councils act as a link between the school and the community, encouraging engagement with stakeholders, increasing transparency, monitoring progress, and participating in the selection of a school’s principal.
Those interested in joining a 2018-2019 Principal Advisory Council can declare their candidacy now until August 31. Applicants are required to complete a candidate declaration form, which can be
found at www.dekalbschoolsga. org/school-councils. The voting window for 2018-2019 elections will be open Sept. 18-25 from 8: a.m. until 5 p.m. Votes can be cast electronically via DCSD’s Infinite Campus system for parents/guardians, and on Outlook for teachers. For more information, contact Kina Champion, School Governance Liaison, at kina_champion@ dekalbschoolsga.org or (678) 676-0718. Further information can also be found at the DCSD website, at www. dekalbschoolsga.org.
Rep. Johnson announces annual App challenge for students Congressman Hank Challenge reception in Johnson (GA-04) is D.C. and serve as guests excited to announce of honor at a reception in the start of this year’s Georgia’s Fourth District Congressional App Chalwhere they will showcase lenge (CAC), an open their games and mobile competition for all K-12 applications. More prizes students who reside or will be announced closer attend a school in Georto the deadline for app gia's Fourth Congressiochallenge winners. nal District. The CAC was created Congressman Hank Johnson “Science and techbecause Congress recognology are transforming our world nized that STEM and computer-based and we must do all we can to ensure skills are essential for economic our kids are taking part in and helping growth and innovation, and that the shape the changing economy,” said U.S. has been falling behind on these Johnson. “I’m proud of the students fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. who participate in the challenge. This may be short by many as a million competition has showcased some of programmers by 2020. These are the Fourth Congressional District’s high-paying, high-demand jobs. brightest young minds as they take on To maintain American cutting-edge technology that is becom- competitiveness, it’s crucial that the ing an increasing part of all our lives.” United States invests in our youth now The challenge will run until Oct. and helps them acquire these valuable 15. The competition is open to all skills. The CAC encourages students students who meet the eligibility to pursue those skills and recognizes requirements, regardless of coding ex- them for their efforts. perience. Johnson encourages students Recognizing the racial, gender, of all skill levels to participate and to and other disparities in the tech sector, learn how to create their own apps. the CAC also focuses on inclusivity Winners will be selected by and making the Challenge widely a panel of judges and be given accessible to students from all backCongressional recognition for their grounds. Deliberate efforts are made achievements in STEM and Computer to include students from all backScience. Their apps will be featured grounds, including those traditionally on a display in the U.S. Capitol in underrepresented in tech. Washington D.C., on house.gov, and For more information about the on the Congressional App Challenge Congressional App Challenge, visit website. Winners also will receive an https://www.congressionalappchalinvitation to the Congressional App lenge.us/2018-student-registration/