Agenda Item
c. Exceptional Children’s Week (March 6-10, 2023)
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Anna Hill, Board Member, District 1
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education officially recognize March 6-10, 2023, as Exceptional Children’s Week in the DeKalb County School District.
Why: DeKalb County School District recognizes March 6-10 as the week to celebrate exceptional education in all schools. This is an opportunity to support teachers and students with disabilities.
Details: During Exceptional Children’s Week, schools are incorporating learning activities that promote an awareness of and interaction with exceptional students. The 2023 theme is Power in Our Differences. The highlight of the week is the Exceptional Children’s Week Awards Night where approximately 100-125 students and their families will be recognized for progress made during the year.
Financial impact: Local school sites will fund activities.
Contact: Ms. Stacy Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0731
Ms. Michele Summerlin, Executive Director, Exceptional Education, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.2163
Effective: March 6, 2023 through March 10, 2023
Status: Attorney approval is not required.
PPRROOCCLLAAMMAT
ATIIOONN
Exceptional Children’s Week
WHEREAS: Exceptional children may be identified as students with: autism spectrum disorder, emotional
and behavioral disabilities, intellectual disabilities, orthopedic impairments, other health
impairments, significant development delays, specific learning disabilities, speech/language
impairments, traumatic brain injury, visual impairments, and those who are deafblind, deaf/hard
of hearing who, by reason thereof, require special education and related services, and
WHEREAS: Being consistent with the pursuit of achievement, it is essential that all children receive equal
opportunities to education, and
WHEREAS: Exceptional children possess the same need to receive a high-quality education, and
WHEREAS: Many DeKalb County students and community residents may not be aware of the needs and
true potential of exceptional individuals, and
WHEREAS: It is the intent of the DeKalb County School District to provide all students the opportunity to
lead meaningful and productive lives, and
WHEREAS: DeKalb County can be proud of its exemplary leadership and endless dedication to
exceptional children, and
WHEREAS: The Council for Exceptional Children, a professional organization which promotes the
advancement and education of all exceptional persons, has helped and will continue to help
make advancements in the field of special education; and
NOW, THEREFORE, The DeKalb County Board of Education does hereby proclaim March 6 - March 10, 2023,
as Exceptional Children’s Week. In official recognition, whereof, we hereby affix our signatures, this 13th day of
February 2023.
Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Chair Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Vice Chair
Mr. Diijon DaCosta Sr., Board Chair Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Vice Chair
Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris, Superintendent
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent