JULY 6 - 19, 2018
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Education | 5
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tles, he said. But the program has enough popularity that hundreds of students apply for the spots to be essentially in school for four to six weeks over the summer, depending on their grade level. Over 900 students applied for the 370 spots Odyssey had this year, Cohen said. The students have strict attendance requirements and are only allowed to miss three days, he said. Michael Hambrick, who was a guest teaching at Odyssey, said the commitment from the students to show up each day is “amazing.” Odyssey absorbs most of the $2,500 cost to teach and feed each student for the entire summer of programs, lessons and field trips. It only requires families pay a $35 fee to show their committed to the staying in the program, Cohen said.
Odyssey also pays for its students to take the SAT, the standard test for college applications, he said. Odyssey is a nonprofit funded through year-round fundraising efforts. Contributions come from foundations, individuals and corporations, with in-kind donations from Westminster through the free office and classroom space it provides. It also relies on volunteers who assist instructors and help students. Many, like Micah Daly, are from nearby schools and return to volunteer for several years, Cohen said. Daly, who attends Woodward Academy in Johns Creek, has volunteered at Odyssey for three years, he said. “The kids are incredible,” he said. “They remember me every year. You realize you have such an impact on them and their future.”
Education Briefs
The assisted living services at The Piedmont at Buckhead Senior Living Community are about the whole family and the whole YOU. Of course, we can help you with your daily needs. But did you know you will also have options for fitness, socializing, healthy fine dining, and more? And services are tailored to you, so you’ll get just the right amount of help you need, when you request it. But the best part? No matter if you need a little help or a lot, the difference you’ll feel will be amazing. Please call The Piedmont at Buckhead to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour.
LO CAL S C H O OL DI STRI C TS AP PR OV E N EXT YEA R’ S BUD G ET S
The DeKalb, Fulton and Atlanta public school districts each approved their budgets for the 2018-2019 school year in June, which all include pay increases for employees. The DeKalb Board of Education approved the district’s $1.8 billion budget at its June 26 meeting. The budget includes a 2.5 percent pay increase for employees, according to a press release. Following protests by bus drivers over low salaries and benefits, the budget includes a $772,418 increase in the transportation budget, the release said. Funding for 10 new school resource officers and one new sergeant was also approved at a cost of $860,000, according to the release. DeKalb lowered its millage rate to 23.18 mills from last year’s 23.28 to offset property tax revenue increases, the release said. The Fulton board approved its $1.7 billion budget at its June 28 meeting. With the new budget, most employees will see a 2 percent pay increase beginning in January 2019, according to the release. The budget also includes funding for school safety advisory committee, the release said. Atlanta Public Schools adopted its $1.1 billion budget at its June 4 meeting, according to the system’s website. The budget included a 1 percent pay increase for employees, according to the website.
B I A S EL EC TS N EW AS S O C IAT E H E A D OF S C H O OL
Brookhaven Innovation Academy has selected a new associate head of
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Everything You Need to Know About Assisted Living
PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTY MORRELL
Christy Morrell has been selected as the new associate head of school at Brookhaven Innovation Academy.
school following the school’s approval of a new head of school in April. BIA announced June 25 that it has selected Christy Morrell, who was previously at Oconee County Schools where she taught third and fourth grades along with health and physical education. The new head of school, Julie Tolbert, also previously held a position at Oconee County Schools. BIA has received failing grades in a state review and has experienced frequent leadership turnover, but school officials say they are dedicated to turning the school around. BIA was originally envisioned by Brookhaven city officials, but the city is no longer involved. It is temporarily located in Norcross and plans to permanently move to Chamblee.
Tuesday, July 17th • 12:00 noon & Wednesday, July 25th • 12:00 noon
Join us with a panel of professionals for an interactive discussion on transitioning a loved one to assisted living. We’ll talk about the advantages of assisted living, as well as tips and resources. To RSVP please call 404.381.1743.
I n de p e n de n t & A s s i s t e d L i v i ng
650 Phipps Boulevard NE • Atlanta, GA ThePiedmontatBuckhead.com • 404.381.1743