🌱 Kilombo Academic & Cultural Institute + Dyslexia & Recommendations

Hi there, everyone! It's me, Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters, your host of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including:

• Kilombo Academic & Cultural Institute.
• Dyslexia and recommendations for The City Schools of Decatur School Board.
• Zaxby’s restaurants in DeKalb County's citation by the Department of Labor.

But first, today's weather: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 73 Low: 60.

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Here are the top stories today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

1. Decatur Farmers Market, open Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m., was one of the first of its kind in the Atlanta suburbs. Within the market, customers have a variety of shops to choose from. There's also space for families to sit and relax or have family fun. The market, as a whole is open from March to November, and the mini market is held during the colder months from January to March. (Thrillist)
2. During its April 25 work session, The City Schools of Decatur School Board addressed recommendations from the community representing dyslexia. Issues of concern were the current screening procedures that some children may have missed. According to records, a number of parents have asked the CSD to implement better reading instruction to lessen the challenges some students are facing. Parents also voiced their concerns regarding the Individualized Education Program plans, mentioning that many of the children diagnosed with dyslexia, were being falsely considered to be on grade level. (Decaturish.com)
3. Zaxby’s restaurants in DeKalb County have been cited by the Department of Labor. However, a news release by the department claimed that Clarkesville’s Zaxby’s location was actually fined by the state. According to reports that were later removed from multiple websites, “Investigation finds child labor violations at Clarksville (sic) restaurant.” A Zaxby’s spokesman made an announcement that "McDreams Enterprises, Inc., in Clarkesville, operates six Zaxby’s locations in DeKalb County, five of which were cited. They include two locations in Lithonia, two of the company’s three locations in Decatur (4805 Flat Shoals Parkway and 3809 North Druid Hills Road), and a location in Stone Mountain. The restaurant at 3490 Memorial Drive in Decatur had no violations. (Northeast Georgian)
4. Kirkwood Spring Fling Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The festival has partnered with Good Food and Company for this well-celebrated event. Good Food and Company’s Atlanta Breakfast Club Restaurant has been featured on ESPN, Food Network, Cooking Channel, and many other major outlets. A kickoff dinner is scheduled for May 12. There will also be an official after-party for the Spring Fling on May 13, hosted by Good Food and Company at The French Quarter. (Decaturish.com)
5. Within the past few years, there have been a series of books banned from schools across the country. Thus far the numbers have reached more than 5,000 schools in 32 states from June 2021 to June 2022, this is according to free-speech nonprofit PEN America. This issue has resulted in more Black families leaving public schools. Public school enrollment of Black students between pre-K and 12th grade has declined since 2007. Kilombo Academic & Cultural Institute in an Atlanta suburb is a private, K-8 school that occupies the basement of Hillside Presbyterian Church just outside Decatur. Families pay tuition on a sliding scale, some supplemented by donations. The school has been in operation for 18 years and has 53 students, up a third since the start of the pandemic. Recently the enrollment growth is attributed to the increase of parents desiring to find schools that won't shy away from Black history as they have been previously during the period in time when so many books were being banned. (GPB News)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Webinar — All About Certification for Small Business (10:00 AM)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) — DeKalb County Public Library (10:15 AM)
• Financial Literacy Workshop Series — Decatur Library (11:00 AM)
• Open Technology Lab — Decatur Library (11:00 AM)
• STEAM After School: Our Water & Pollution (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Young Luna is said to be a great gal, but also a confident lady. She is also up for adoption. It is believed that she is a husky-shepherd Carolina dog. According to her caregivers, she shows traits of a hardworking herd breed. If Young Luna sounds like she could be a great fit for your fun-loving family, stop by the Doggie Harmony Rescue for more information. (Doggie Harmony Rescue via Facebook)
• A huge thanks went out to the City of San José for its commendation for the 2023 Welcoming Interactive! The Welcoming America program has partnered with that city as it hosted its conference this year. (Welcoming America via Facebook)
• Those interested are encouraged to stop by Legacy Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays to record their favorite Decatur memory. Visitors have the opportunity to have their stories becoming part of the Decatur Bicentennial celebration as well as part of the City’s archive. (City of Decatur GA- Government via Facebook)
• Now is the time for the Step Up for Teachers tribute. Students, faculty, parents, and community members can go to www.stepupforteachers.com. For a $50 donation or more, donors can choose a 'Step Up for Teachers' or 'Congratulations Class of 2023' yard sign. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• According to reports, The PTA at Glennwood can be such an individualized experience. There are so many benefits, to the school, but also on the individual level. People have made a difference within their community and self-awareness and surroundings. Those interested in joining this venture may contact the Glennwood PTA. (Glennwood PTA via Facebook)

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• High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass (April 28)
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• Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)
• Water Safety Party (May 13)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters

About me: Cherryl Young DBA MamaNyeMatters. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Georgia in 2017. My first children's book, You Are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow was published in 2021. https://www.mamanyematters.com... I've worked in Atlanta and Gwinnett County Public Schools assisting children who have special needs. I studied Community Development @ Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. My Purpose In Life Is To Connect, Create, Inspire, Write, and Expand and I am ELATED to Be Here as a Contributing Writer @ Patch! Journey With Me...

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