Me typing these words signals that the temporary restraining order that was in place between my computer and me has been lifted. I have to admit, it was nice to unplug and rest over the Winter Break. Shortened days force rest, but the days will soon be stretched by longer daylight hours. We will need those extra hours with all of the events scheduled at Vanderlyn in the second half of the school year!

Many grade level performances will be held this second semester. You may notice that some of the performances were traditionally held in the Fall semester. Ms. Teyf's absence earlier this year required that we postpone many performances until the Spring semester, and we feel very fortunate that our students are still given this opportunity to perform. Vanderlyn's grade level performances are tremendous! A lot of work goes into each production, and we encourage you to volunteer your efforts with your child's class if you have time and ability to share.

The International Potluck Dinner is one of the premier events on our school calendar! This evening accomplishes so many important things, and we encourage you and your student to participate. On this evening, food and traditions are shared in a way that facilitates cultural pride and deeper friendships, understanding and appreciation. Mark your calendar for Friday, January 25-this event is one you really want to experience!

The Annual Fund climbed over the $70,000 mark over the last weeks of December! Thank you for your amazing support! Your PTA leadership is committed to being good stewards of your funds, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Of course, donations to the Annual Fund are accepted throughout the school year.

We are glad to be back in the routine! Have a great week!

Julia LeDoyen and Courtney Kuriger 

Co-Presidents Vanderlyn PTA 

Vanderlyn's School Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow, January 7, at 1 p.m.   DeKalb Board of Education member Nancy Jester is expected to speak. 

The School Council will discuss and consider a response to DeKalb's academic probationary status (and potential accreditation loss) and the proposed redistricting plan that will redraw attendance lines in the Dunwoody cluster. 

Everyone is invited to attend. Contact Bill Florence at bill.florence@gmail.com for more information. 

We hope that your family will join us for our 7th Annual International Potluck and Performance Night. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 25, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. and promises to be an enriching and fun experience! We do need your help to make the evening a success!

Click here if you would like to bring a dish that represents your country or culture. 

Click here if you would like to help out with logistics on January 25. 

We really appreciate your support!

Sabrina Rahim and Sangeeta Nainwal 

Co-Chairs, Vanderlyn International Committee

January 16, 2013

Dunwoody High School

6:30 to 8 p.m.

Every five years, school districts across the state submit a list of schools to participate in the state capital outlay program. The DeKalb district is completing an application for funding that requires a list of its schools, and the DeKalb County "Proposed School Organization" meets the state requirements. It is not a redistricting plan.

In January, DCSD planning staff will revise its briefing to focus the community's understanding on DeKalb's list of schools and minimize any discussion of boundary changes. This list of schools will incorporate the new schools added under the SPLOST IV capital program.

The staff briefing in January will clarify that a list of schools is all that is needed to begin the state application process. The list of schools does not require any information about boundary lines. Consequently, the proposed school organization is not a redistricting plan but a list of school facilities the district expects to operate in the out years. This list is used to determine the state's award for capital project funding.