22 | Education
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A healthy, safe environment that serves the whole child, as well as the family, through fostering learning and social development.
We have served the Dunwoody community for over 30 years.
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Privately owned and operated Full day, year-round programs - Infants - Toddlers - Preschool - Pre-K - Kindergarten Safe, Secure facility 3 outdoor playgrounds and an indoor gym Strong, academic curriculum Professional, degreed teaching staff and administrators Chef prepares snacks and Lunch on site Tuition assistance available for Pre-K and Kindergarten Sibling Discount Accredited with Quality by Georgia Accrediting Commission Current Cogina Accreditation Licensed by Bright from the Start Conveniently located in Dunwoody Village
Let us help you navigate your child’s education safely during this pandemic
770-396-2973 • www.dunwoodyprep.com 5493 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. • Dunwoody, GA 30338
1 8 M O N T H S – 8 T H G RA D E
Continued from page 20 Spirit Preparatory School, Maddalena said 2020 helped her to have more patience and be grateful for the gifts we are given. “Teaching these online Zoom classes to younger children was certainly challenging at times for myself because I did not have much experience in this area and I was unsure if the children were really appreciating the classes half as much as the time and effort I was spending putting into them. However, I realized that if I was patient, then everything would work itself out the way it was meant to. Another thing I realized was how blessed I am to have been able to grow up with a wonderful gift such as dancing. Sharing that gift with younger children during the pandemic was really something special and it warmed my heart getting to see the smiles on the younger kids’ faces every time that I would teach a class.”
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he pandemic couldn’t stop Zoe Glickman, 17, and her dedication to combating racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimination against the LGBTQ community. The North Atlanta High School senior developed the idea for a Black and Jewish student coalition and reached out to peers from both those groups as well as community leader to present the idea of a union. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and social distancing, Zoe’s efforts resulted in the inception of the first student organization of its kind at North Atlanta. “The most valuable lesson that I’ve learned as a volunteer this year, is to take time to educate yourself rather than sitting and waiting for someone else to do it. By educating yourself, I mean taking time to listen to stories of people whose lives are far different than your own, as well as learning the history behind why a community might be hurt.”
Zoe Glickman
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li Rubenstein, 16, was feeling isolated and lonely during the pandemic, so he came up with an idea to create an online community for LGBTQ teens – the only one of its kind in Georgia. Early last summer, the Ben Franklin Academy sophomore launched “The Closet,” an online chat for teens age 14 to 18 held every Friday and Saturday night. The online chat events are moderated by an LGBTQ adult to ensure the space is safe, appropriate, and fun. The chats have been such a success, that Eli hopes to create a hybrid of virtual and in-person chats post-pandemic. “Starting ‘The Closet,’ I was able to virtually connect with kids from Georgia who had similar interests and it really gave me a sense of community. We watched movies, talked, and were able to share what we were all going through during a really difficult time. I’m really looking to connecting face to face with all the friends I’ve made online and expand our relationships.”
Eli Rubenstein
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Some things have changed, but Springmont School still offers an authentic Montessori experience, where individualized learning inspires students to become creative, independent thinkers. Virtual Open House Jan. 24 Applications due Feb.15 Contact admission@springmont.com or call 404.252.3910 for more info or a virtual tour.
ATLANTA’S F I R ST MONTE S SOR I SCHO OL
Kaili Stith
aili Stith, 12, organized a protest in Morningside against police brutality and racial injustice at the height of this summer’s demonstrations, rallying dozens of her classmates and neigbhors to participate. The Howard Middle School seventh grader also designed and commissioned the manufacturing of a line of shirts on Etsy called, Tee Shirts for Justice. The shirts sold out almost immediately and Kaili is using the proceeds to put together care packages for local women living in shelters. “I am looking forward to continuing protesting for human rights, but with a larger audience. I look forward to giving back in a way when I can interact with people face to face, that really just brightens up my day when I am able to see the impact I make.” BK