Teacher and Staff Tributes

Senor T,

Thank you for bringing so much positive energy and creativity to the classroom – both Ian and Andrew learned a lot in and enjoyed your class this year. Your encouragement with and patience for the kids and your passion for teaching Spanish is a gift and we are grateful for you!

Thanks for your warmth, patience, energy, and encouragement of Everett this year!

Thanks, Ms. Cain, for being so kind and helpful this year. Your approach to teaching math has renewed Everett’s confidence in his problem solving skills. We appreciate you!

Thank you, wonderful FAVE teachers and staff, for all you’ve done to help empower all of our boys over the years. We’ll miss each of you and will be forever grateful for the positive roles you’ve played in our kids lives these past 7 years.

Mr. M,

You have been very nice to me this year, and you never give up on our class. It has been a really good year being with you. Even before Kindergarten I hoped that you would be my Second Grade teacher. I will miss you and will never forget how kind you were to me.

From Hannah
xoxo

Ms. Edwards US History class was very engaging. She encouraged group work and cooperation amongst students, and was kind and thoughtful. Thank you Ms. Edwards!

Mr. Salvador – Thank you for being so awesome. I appreciate how approachable and supportive you are!

Ms. Leach – Thank you for the parent/guardian book club you hosted all year. It was such a joy to get to read what Payton was studying and hear more about how the material was discussed in class.

Thank you so much for being so awesome! I appreciate all that you have done for me this past year. You helped me to reach all of my academic goals. Best, Emily Silver

Thanks to ALL our teachers for all their hard work everyday inspiring & educating our children!

Coach Alex – Thank you for your dedication to the girls lacrosse team! Your inspiration and encouragement helped the team become better, stronger, more confident, and led them to area champions and the third round of the GHSA playoffs!

Ms Shakir – Thank you for creating a warm, friendly, welcoming learning environment where you meaningful engagement with the students and thoughtful explanations inspired them to greater learning.

Mrs Fowler went beyond just being a teacher and treated everyone like a kid, not just a student. When she decides to have a fun day, it’s a fun day. She makes every unit a blast. My favorite unit was either stage conbat where we learned multiple different moves then created our own scene, or stage make up where she taught us a few at a time how to do scars and bruises and then let us practice on each other. She was overall the best teacher I’ve ever had.

Thank you for creating such an engaging, fun class–sometimes the only thing keeping me sane through the first half of the year! Lila

Je l’adore cette classe. C’est tres interestante, et je me sens prepare pour chaque examen. Vous creez une environnement amusant dans votre classe. Merci beaucoup. -Lila

I appreciate what a kind and funny teacher you are. You make class fun and I’ve learned so much. Thanks-Wade

Thank you for always being kind, positive and supportive of me! I genuinely appreciate it. Wade

Thank you for all that you do for our kids!

Ms. Nicks,
Thank you for all that you have done for me this year, whether in the classroom, or when I needed it most. I hope you have a awesome rest of the year.

Thank you, Mr. Holliday, for bringing history to life with enthusiasm that is contagious and for supporting Evan and his classmates with such commitment and care! Your energy, encouragement and extra effort have made a difference in Evan’s experience this year. We appreciate you!

Thank you, Ms. Swann for your dedication and unwavering support of Zoe this year. You have made a lasting impact and we are so grateful for you!

Mrs. Jones, we are so grateful for you! Thank you for being such a kind, patient, and inspiring teacher. You’ve made a lasting impact on Susie’s confidence, curiosity, and love of learning. The warmth and creativity you bring to the classroom each day do not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for all the ways you nurture and challenge your students—you’ve made this school year truly special.

Ms. Pierce, thank you for filling Susie’s school days with music, joy, and creativity. You’ve helped her find confidence in her voice , and we’re so grateful for the way you make music fun and meaningful. Your passion and energy are contagious, and it’s clear you’re creating something truly special in your classroom.

As Leigh is approaching graduation from DHS, we have thought of you often and are so grateful for the strong start you provided for her in kindergarten at Clairemont so many years ago. Thank you!

Thank you for making our Glennwood journey such an incredible experience these last three years. We’re grateful for your dedication to teaching and for all you’ve poured into Mira over these last few years. We’ll never forget you!

You all do SO MUCH for our students, and we’re so lucky to have you. Thank you for making our first Glennwood experience such a magical one. We’re grateful for your dedication to teaching and for all you’ve done over the last few years. We’ll never forget you!

I will never forget how you helped Avery and Julia develop a love of reading during the pandemic. The books you handpicked for us and left on the shelves at the front of the school each week made such a difference. You set them up for a lifetime of joy in reading, and I hope that when you reflect on your career, you know how much that meant to us. As our time at Winnona Park comes to a close, you are truly one of the people we will miss the most. Thank you for everything!

Thank you for being an amazing teacher. Constance has loved being in your class this year!

Thank you for being an amazing teacher. Constance has loved being in your class this year!

Thank you for being an amazing teacher. Justus has loved being in your class this year!

Thank you for all you do – we appreciate you!

Thank you CSD teachers, staff, and crossing guards!

Thank you for igniting an excitement for chemistry. I have enjoyed your class this year. Thank you for being a great teacher.
-Maya

Thank you for going above and beyond, and for being a great teacher. I really appreciate all the hands on learning in your class and the effort that you put into the deep sea project.

Thank you for introducing Luke to theater. He loved taking your class and loved participating in the school plays. You are a passionate educator that devoted so much time outside of the classroom to the kids. They are lucky to have you. – Luke’s Parents (Eric & Jessica)

Quinn loves you so much! You have really made a lasting imprint on this childs heart. He’s asked me more than once to stop by your house during a weekend because he misses you when he’s not in school. Thank you for making his transition back so easy.Quinn has cherished your loving spirit and how you treat all of the kids like your very own!

Thank you coach Jones for being a good teacher, I love how you hold kids accountable, and have taught us to make sure we take care of ourselves, I will always use what you have taught me throughout the rest of my life.
Thank you again coach Jones.

Ms. Payne,
Thanks for ALL you do for your students! Allie has had such a great year learning from and with you! Enjoy your time this summer!
With Gratitude,
The Hogan Family

Thank you for helping me enjoy math again and making a fun memory for me to look back on for middle school. You have made a great impact on my life and have set me up for success in my Freshman year. I miss your class and everything that came with it and I hope to see you as a teacher at the high school before I graduate. Thanks again!
-Anna

Thank you to Brandon Perkins and Kim Mitchell!
From the Burby Family

Mrs Miller, you have been awesome! I will miss you next year. But you have prepared me for Beacon Hill.

Alaina

Ms. Kaplan has been an absolute light in our son’s life since we moved here. Her warmth, dedication, and joy in teaching have made all the difference. We are so grateful for the way she sees and supports each child—she is truly a phenomenal teacher, and we feel lucky every day to have her in our lives.

Mr. Holliday – You are a national treasure that we’re very lucky to have right here in Decatur. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into your work — it really shows, and has left an indelible impact on Avery. Thank you for being you and for all you do!

It’s difficult to put into words what you and your work have meant to our family. We are so grateful both Julia and Avery had the chance to learn from you and grow with you. As we say goodbye to Winnona Park, we will forever be grateful for being a part of your crew. Thank you for everything!

Thank you for an amazing year! Julia has grown so much in your classroom — Thank you for creating such a safe, fun, and loving environment and for challenging her in new ways. You are amazing and we are lucky to have spent our final year at Winnona Park with you. Thank you for everything.

As we say goodbye to Winnona Park, it’s hard to put into words how appreciative our family is of all you do. Thank you for creating a safe, joyful, and inclusive learning environment where children can grow and realize their full selves. You’ve left an indelible impact on both of our children, and we will forever be grateful for your leadership and for being a part of your Crew. Thank you for everything!

As we say goodbye to Winnona Park, it’s hard to put into words how appreciative our family is for you, Ms. Tavel. Thank you for seeing the special light in both Avery and Julia and for creating a safe, joyful, and inclusive learning environment where they were able to begin to grow and realize their potential. You’ve left an indelible impact on all of us, and we will forever be grateful for being a part of your Crew. Thank you for everything!

Dr. Smith has been such an inspiration to Owen during his high school career. We’re forever grateful for the opportunities she has provided!

We’re so grateful to the great teachers, administrators, and staff who supported Owen during his preK – 12th grade “career” at CSD!

Ms. Pitts – the one who launched Owen on his journey and inspired him to love learning!

We are so thankful to have such caring teachers this year! We’ve had such a great year and it’s been so great to see Rian grow.

We are so thankful for Ms Turnipseed who has been such a sweet and caring teacher this year. Thanks to listening to all the baseball talk from Reis!

We are so grateful for Mr. Holliday for being an amazing educator and really cool human being. He brings energy, kindness, creativity, and humor into the classroom every day, and has a knack for drawing in goofy 4th graders. 🙂 He clearly cares about each of his students’ growth and well-being. Thank you, Mr. Holliday, for making this such a special year for our family and others—you’ve made a lasting impact!

We see Mr. Hatfield go above and beyond for all Decatur High students. We appreciate you!!!

Hi Blue Team Teachers,

I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do. I appreciate all the hard work you put into helping us learn and making this a great year.

TY!
Grayson Ryan

Thank you for all your support of Kimball over the past couple years!

Thank you for being such an amazing teacher- for making class fun, and for being incredibly patient and supportive and loving with all of the kids! We are so grateful!

Thank you for being such an amazing teacher- for making class fun, and for being incredibly patient and supportive and loving with all of the kids! We are so grateful!

Thanks for a great senior year!

Thanks for a great senior year!

Thanks for making psychology fun! I’ve really enjoyed having you as a teacher.

Thanks for your support and guidance, Ms. Vona!
Ava DeFilippo

Thanks for all you do to support and inspire our community through theatre!

Thank you to all the teachers and staff who have touched William’s life during his time in the City Schools of Decatur!

Ayan has had the most fantastic year under your leadership, Ms. Reno! He has learned to lead under your guidance and has had an absolute blast leading Reveur alongside you. We are also consistently amazed and in love with your morning dance parties as the kids come into school. Talley is so lucky to have you and your energy is contagious. Thank you for everything!

You are the GOAT of all science teachers! Thank you so much for helping me and building my science confidence!

Dr. Parham has been phenomenal in providing guidance for high school and college. He is dedicated to the success of students! Thank you for supporting Robert and Austin.

You are an AMAZING coach! Thank you for helping me this year and seeing all the good in every situation! I’m going to miss seeing you everyday!

Thank you Dr H for teaching me to be a bass singer! I will miss you.

Thank you for your support

Thank you for teaching me graphic design for two years! I’ve always enjoyed being a student of yours and I am going to miss you next year! Thank you for everything!

Thank you, Ms Howard, for reigniting me in ELA this year

Thank you for such a fantastic 5th grade year, Ms. Young! We had always heard what an amazing teacher you were, but are so happy we got to experience it first hand. Ayan has grown leaps and bounds this year, and we know it is due to your guidance and engaging instruction. You are gifted at what you do, and we see and appreciate all the effort your pour into your students. Your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm are so evident and we are so appreciative. Thank you for everything!

Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and for creating such a fun and positive atmosphere for learning, where Autumn truly enjoys coming every day. She has loved first grade and we have you to thank for so much of that!

Thank you for being such an amazing teacher, Mr. T! Michael has had the best fifth grade year thanks to you!
Love,
The Popes

Dr. Jackson has served our Decatur kids for many years and has consistently shared his deep wisdom, insights and knowledge creatively and compassionately with students, faculty, staff and parents! He is a tireless advocate for all kids, across differences, not just quietly guiding but voicing his concerns and speaking out on behalf when he sees the needs of anyone being overlooked. We are lucky to have him!

Kim is an amazing part of CSD / DHS as she creatively, energetically, and wisely runs the student center and counsels our kids who are struggling with behavioral health concerns. She loves our kids and has honest and nurturing relationships with faculty, staff and parents as well. She works tirelessly to find ways to meet the needs of kids first! Without Kim, far fewer of our kids would be served and in these stressful times, she is needed more than ever. We are so very lucky to have her!!!

Thank you for showing up for me in so many different ways!

Thank you for making school fun and exciting for your students and for helping make our transition to CSD go so smoothly. Clairemont is lucky to have you!

Thank you for seeing me for who I am, encouraging me to learn, and making every day at school feel extraordinary.

Thank you for seeing me for who I am, encouraging me to learn, and making every day at school feel extraordinary.

Thank you, Dr. Jenkins, for the countless hours you devote to our kids and music education.

Thank you for the many years of inspiration, influence, support, and friendship to our entire family. The world is a better place because of you!

Love,
The Ludlam Family

Thank you for the many years of inspiration, influence, support, and friendship to our entire family. The world is a better place because of you!

Love,
The Ludlam Family

Thank you so much, Ms. Wilson, for teaching our kids how to approach literary expression with openness, wonder, critical thinking, and such powerful creativity throughout your creative writing classes and the literary magazine. You have had such a positive impact and we feel lucky that our daughter learned with you!

So grateful for Zander Borowski’s DHS teachers!

Thank you Ms. Kelly Mccool for being an involved and outstanding teacher!

Penny says Ms Hartnett is kind, giving, and helpful. She recalls multiple examples of this, including one day when she made Penny feel better after she fell while walking to the cottages.

Congrats Kira!

Thank you!

Thank you for being an amazing teacher!

Thank you for all that you do.
from Aiden D. and family

Thank you for all that you do.
from Aiden D. and family

Thank you for helping Payton to soar this school year.
From Payton and her parents.

Thank you for a great 7th grade year.
From Payton and her family.

thank you for a great 7th-grade year.
From Payton and her family.

Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and instilling a love for learning and a confidence in reading in Wyatt and all the kiddos you’ve taught over the years! You set the bar.

Thank you Mr. C for being a kind heart and a safe space and a fun time for all these kiddos! Wyatt has loved being in your class and grown so much this year.

Thanks for inspiring Drew to learn more about our world and for all you do to nurture kids at BHMS!

Thanks for all you do to make life science come alive! Drew has had a great year in your classroom.

Thank you for teaching Reid this year and helping all these kids to grow!

Thank you for making school and learning exciting and motivational for our daughter! We appreciate how much heart you put into your work. Thank you!

Thanks for all you’ve done for our boys, and all of your students!
Barbara and Kent Fisher

Thank you for your incredible ability to inspire your students in chorus. The high school journey has been so much richer and more meaningful because of all that you do for your singers. We are so grateful for you!

Thanks for all you, we appreciate you!

Thanks for all you do, we appreciate you!

We love and support you and appreciate you!

Thank you for encouraging Sullivan’s love of Science and Math!

Thank you for a fantastic Pre-K year! You are an amazing addition to College Heights and we are so glad that June was in your classroom this year. The energy and care you put into creating a fun and impactful learning environment is evident. Thanks for all you do!

We miss you Ms. Melanie! Thank you so much for the great care and kindness you brought to June and her classmates this year.

Thank you for your dedication to learning and the support, hard work and patience you show everyday!

You’re one in a million. Talented, brilliant, supportive and kind. Thank you for EVERYTHING these past four years. Love, Gillian Fishman and family

Thank you so much for all your support and kindness the last few years. You’re a wonderful teacher and I have learned so much from you!!! Love, Gillian Fishman and family

Ms. Wilson is a comprehensive and detail-oriented teacher, as shown by my passion for literature, even one year after finishing her class. She always wants to know the well-being of her students and creates an environment where excitement for learning is the norm. Entering any class on a Monday morning is an exasperating task, yet hers is an exception. Thank you, Ms. Wilson, for teaching my peers and me the importance of dedication to all kinds of literature.

Thank you, Mr. Archer, for your patience in teaching such valuable skills. Your cabinet making class provides life lessons and builds student confidence. We are grateful to have you at DHS!

Ms. Wilson is a comprehensive and detail-oriented teacher, as shown by my passion for literature, even one year after finishing her class. She always wants to know the well-being of her students and creates an environment where excitement for learning is the norm. Entering any class on a Monday morning is an exasperating task, yet hers is an exception. Thank you, Ms. Wilson, for teaching my peers and me the importance of dedication to all kinds of literature.

Thank you for being so passionate and hard-working. We appreciate you and your dedication to music education.

We could not have asked for a better teacher this year for Benjamin! Your dedication to ensuring each of your students has what they need to shine allowed Benjamin to grow immensely this year and be the best version of himself. We are thankful for all you do everyday!!

The Silver family appreciates all of the City of Decatur teachers, especially our amazing 5th grade teachers!

Thanks to all teachers and staff!

Dr. H, Thanks for a great year in Chorus!

Ms. Wicks, Thanks for a great year!

Mr. Moore, You always made Intro to Draft Design engaging and fun while teaching us so many new things. Thank you for a great year!

Mr. Shelton, Thank you for teaching Economics and Civics this year. I learned a lot in your class and really enjoyed it.

Thank you for being so supportive of Mateo this year. You made second grade very special for our family. We hope you enjoy a restful summer with your families. Much love from Team Goldring

We’re so lucky that Audrey had two amazing years with you at Glennwood – she couldn’t have had a more attentive, thoughtful and perceptive teacher, or one she admired more.

Thank you for inspiring William to work hard and pursue his interests. You have made a lasting impact on his education, and we are grateful for you!

Thank you for making this a great year!

Thank you for being an amazing teacher!

We are so grateful for our Glennwood crew! Thank you for everything you do for our community and Logan. It has been wonderful to see his confidence and curiosity grow this year and a lot of that is due to encouraging environment you all provide.

I have really enjoyed your class this year and found what we learned very interesting. I’m glad to have been your student. Thank you for everything.

Thank you for being my favorite teacher this year! You have a genuine passion and love for teaching and I always look forward to your class. I’m going to miss you a lot when I graduate!

Your students love being your class! Thanks for a wonderful year.

You’ve been such an awesome principal and have made Biden’s time at Oakhurst so special. Thank you!

Thank you for creating a safe space for us to learn and grow!

Ms. Greenfield, your dedication made Howard’s first year of school fun and meaningful. Setting Howard up to enjoy school in the years ahead. Grateful for you and your clear love of the children. – Mark & Becca Neill

I wish I had had a teacher as fun-loving and talented as you when I was a kid. Your vibrant energy and calm, cool, and collected spirit make you the kind of superstar teacher that my daughter looks forward to seeing every day. Thank you for being you!

Some people are born to grow up and become amazing teachers who forever imprint hundreds of young minds. You are one of those! We are so grateful for you and the talent and passion you bring into the classroom. It’s all I had hoped for when we enrolled our kids in Decatur Public Schools.

Charlotte and Jack have had such wonderful years thanks to you two and the way you engage with them and help them on their learning journey. Thank you so much for all you do.