The Southlands

The Education Corner by Hanifa Shabazz

Feb 21, 2001

The Education Corner
The Education Committee was formed at the request of Surina Jordan, President of the Southland Owners Association. So we would like to thank her for motivating us into action. At present, we are a committee of four and come together once a month. Our first meeting was held on December 3, 2000. Our goal is: To improve our community by empowering residents to control our schools through community involvement.

Please do not think that because we are an education committee that we only want input from parents. It does not matter whether you have children in the neighboring schools or not. Whether you are trying to buy, sell, or maintain your beautiful home in Southland - the neighboring health of our schools impact upon all our residences.

Some of the issues we want to address are:

?§ Overcrowding In The Schools
?§ Improving Test Scores Of Our Students
?§ Improving Distribution Of Educational Information To All Residents
?§ Improving The Number Of Volunteers In Our Schools
?§ Designing And Implementing More Community Activities

Of course we would like to hear your suggestions, comments, and criticisms [(light on the criticisms :) - heavy on hearing possible solutions :)]

Really, we indeed, need and want your help in making Southland the best place to live in Dekalb County!!!

FYI - Did You Know That:
?§ Wynbrooke Elementary will not open on time in August 2001- looks closer to
Nov.
?§ Stephenson High School was selected to be in the Rose Ball parade in 2002
?§ Stephenson Middle School girls basketball and the boys football team won championships
?§ Africa was named after a Roman General named Scipio Africanus

Black History Notes:
Looking back to Black History Month, there are several great Black men and women who contributed to our history prior to our slave history that are not usually mentioned, unfortunately, in many schools that our children attend. Let us try to expand our conversations and study of Black History by mentioning such great leaders as Hannibal and the Queen of Sheba. Black History should focus beyond our slave history. We are the oldest people on the earth, so let's try to learn about them and honor them. ?’
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Hanifa Shabazz is the chairperson of the Education Committee.