🌱 Fulton Co. Invests $90 Million In Literacy Program + 6th Best City

Hello, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Sandy Springs Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Times of sun and clouds. High: 92 Low: 76.
• Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m. High: 92 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories in Sandy Springs today:

1. Fulton County Schools is investing $90 million in COVID relief funds to enhance literacy through the Every Child Reads program. The focus is on reading comprehension, and the district aims to improve reading scores on the Georgia Milestones test, with a goal of having 95 percent of third graders reading at or above grade level. The funds will be used to hire specially trained coaches and provide training for teachers and staff, streamlining reading programs across the district for a more standardized approach to improve literacy levels. (11 Alive)
2. Sandy Springs has been ranked sixth in the Best Cities to Move to in America by Fifty Grande. The city offers southern hospitality, access to the Chattahoochee River, and a diverse selection of restaurants and recreational activities. With a robust job market, including big companies like CoxEnterprises, WestRock, and UPS, and over 20 outdoor parks, including the 14-acre City Springs with weekly farmers markets and seasonal festivals, Sandy Springs provides an attractive living environment for residents and visitors alike. (Fifty Grande)
3. The River Park at Morgan Falls Dam on the Chattahoochee River is closed to the public through Jul. 21 due to roadway construction. The park features a dog park, fishing pier, and boat ramp, and the closure is part of the City's Springway Trail development. Overlook Park at 400 Morgan Falls Road will not be affected by this closure. The River Park will reopen on Saturday, Jul. 22. (Sandy Springs Conservancy via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Sandy Springs:

Thursday, July 20

• Tween Library Club Meeting At Sandy Springs Branch (11:00 AM)

Friday, July 21

• In-Person Documentary Night At Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation (6:45 PM)
• Sip And Paint Party: Bright Sunset Lagoon At Painting With A Twist (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Get ready for the Build: Sandy Springs seminar on Jul. 25, hosted by Simpson Strong-Tie. Learn about the proper installation of various anchors and holdowns required by the 2018 International Residential Code (2018 IRC). The seminar will include live demonstrations and tests to failure, highlighting the importance of correct installation for maintaining full design capacity. This event is open to the public — builders, framers, and homeowners are encouraged to attend. (City of Sandy Springs)
• Movies by Moonlight are returning in August at the City Green! Families can bring a picnic or enjoy food from a food truck while watching family-friendly movies on a big screen. The event will take place on Aug. 11, Aug. 25, and Sep. 1. Admission is free, and pets are not allowed on the Green during the event. (City of Sandy Springs)
• Check out the city council recap from Tuesday, Jul. 18 at the link! (Sandy Springs, Georgia: City News via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all soon for another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek