🌱 CCSD Denied Disability Services + Schools New Crisis Alert System

Hey, Smyrna-Vinings! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Because community information is power!

But first, today's weather:

Showers around; not as warm. High: 67 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories today in Smyrna-Vinings:

1. Brenda Rodriguez filed a complaint with the Georgia Department of Education after the individualized education program team for her 5-year-old son with Down Syndrome and feeding issues denied her request for hospital homebound services. Despite submitting paperwork from two doctors deeming the eight-week intensive feeding therapy program medically necessary, the request was denied in September 2022. The Georgia Department of Education has agreed to oversee needed changes in the district to ensure the violation of student rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Act and Georgia law does not happen again. (Cobb County Courier)
2. Georgia schools are testing a mobile panic alert system called "Alyssa's Law," which can alert first responders in case of emergencies, and it's being piloted in several metro Atlanta school districts. The Centegix CrisisAlert program, which is part of the system, uses badges worn by staff to signal different types of emergencies to the district police department, including a full school lockdown, while also pinpointing the location where the alert is activated, and it's already in use in some schools in the state. The technology is considered a time-saving upgrade to current systems, requiring less time and quicker emergency response. (11Alive.com WXIA)
3. MARTA's plan to extend streetcar service and possibly add light rail to the BeltLine was discussed at the town hall meeting last night in nearby Atlanta, with potential stops including the Edgewood Commercial District and Ponce City Market. Local reactions have been mixed, with some businesses concerned about interruptions and others championing public transit. MARTA's streetcars are expected to return to service on Mar. 2 following repairs due to wheel degradation. (WSB Radio)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Black History Month Dinner At the Smyrna Community Center (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• What's happening in town this weekend? Check out the list of upcoming events in and around the Smyrna-Vinings area at the link! (MDJOnline.com)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Smyrna-Vinings area at the link! (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• Woodward and Park, a neighborhood bistro in nearby Grant Park, is closing on Feb. 26 after three years at the location due to the impending relocation of its partners, chef Christian Heninger and general manager Amanda Heninger, to Savannah. The closure follows that of Full Commission, a neighboring restaurant that closed in January. (Eater Atlanta)

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Featured events:

• Paranormal Author finally comes to Atlanta! (February 24)
• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (February 26)
• Minority Men's Health Discussion (March 9)
• GO Kickball Spring Leagues - Registration Deadline March 9th (March 9)
• Advancing Neuroscience and Health Equity (March 23)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.