🌱 DEI Practices Removed From Teacher Manual + Upcoming Job Fair

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back with your new copy of the Cumming Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now, including updates on...

• A proposed development set to bring hotels, shops, and more
• The City of Cumming Job Fair
• A new art show at Cumming Arts Center

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 66 Low: 42.

Business owners and marketers in Cumming: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. State government officials have eliminated the phrase “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) from a manual for prospective teachers. Mikayla Arciaga, a former math teacher who is now with the Intercultural Development Research Association, was among the educators who noticed that the DEI language had quietly disappeared. This year, state Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) introduced a bill called "End Political Litmus Tests In Education Act," which would eliminate DEI questions from school applications. (11Alive.com WXIA)
2. A proposed development that includes a $1 billion arena is set to be introduced at a Forsyth County Commission work session on Tuesday, Apr. 25 at 2 p.m. The development is planned for a 100-acre site just off Georgia 400 near Union Hill Road. The Gathering at South Forsyth would include an 18,000-seat arena, hotels, shops, homes, restaurants, and the potential for a National Hockey League franchise at the arena. (WSBTV)
3. As a reminder, the City of Cumming Job Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 27 from 2-6 p.m. offering a range of entry-level positions. Jobseekers will have the chance to meet city representatives from the Cumming Aquatic Center, Cumming Fairgrounds, and more. Representatives are encouraging attendees to bring copies of their resumes and come prepared to speak with managers of the departments. (City of Cumming, GA via Facebook)
4. A new art show titled "Let the Sunshine In" is now open at the Cumming Arts Center until Jun. 24. The exhibit features member art, including some calendar contest artworks and a newly curated artisan gift shop. (Cumming Patch)
5. Looking for a new house but don't know where to start? Check out the latest homes to hit the market near Cumming, including a five-bedroom, four-bath home for $469,900. (Cumming Patch)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Cumming Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Cumming Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Cumming:

• Story Stroll In The Secret Garden At Cumming Library (All Day)
• Family PJ Storytime At Sharon Forks Library (6:30 PM)
• Trivia Night At Five Boroughs Pizza Tavern (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Lakeside Middle extends a warm welcome to Sarah Woods, who will be a new Spanish teacher for the upcoming school year. Woods, who fell in love with the Spanish language as a high school student in Louisiana, has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and her master's in teaching. To learn more about her story, visit the link. (Lakeside Middle via Facebook)
• On Saturday, Forsyth Central High School held a "Today’s Out of Darkness" walk as a reminder that no one walks alone in their fight against depression. (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• Recycle or safely dispose of household hazardous items at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event on Saturday, May 6. Accepted items include paint, pesticides, cleaners, electronics, gasoline, antifreeze, and other chemicals. Pre-registration is required. (Forsyth County News via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (April 25)
• Social Security Seminar at City of Sugar Hill - E Center (April 26)
• Casa Nuova Community Block Party (April 30)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - With One Accord (May 6)
• Add your event

Featured housing:

• 4 NEW amazing Senior Independent Communities near you (Details)
• Add your listing

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.