Agenda Item
b. Renaming of the Mascot at Stephenson Elementary School ~ Updated 5.9.2025
Summary: Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Member, District 6
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the renaming of the Stephenson Elementary mascot to the Jaguar. In addition to the mascot change, the school colors will shift from red and black to royal blue and silver.
Why: The stakeholders of Pine Ridge Elementary School requested that the mascot be changed from the panther to the jaguar. Additionally, the school colors will be changed from red and black to blue and silver. The rebranding is not about letting go of the past. It is about building on a foundation and preparing for the future. The legacy of Pine Ridge will always be honored through the generations of scholars and educators who helped shape it.
Details: The committee, led by Board member Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., was composed of the required Board members and District and School leaders. Additionally, teachers, parents, community members and a student were a part of the committee. There were a total of 21 members on the committee.
The committee met on the following dates:
The committee met on the following dates:
1. April 9, 2025
2. April 17, 2025 *
3. April 24, 2025
*Public input meeting was April 17, 2025.
Financial impact: Areas impacted by the mascot renaming, including murals and miscellaneous, will be reflected in the renaming of the mascot. Items such as letterhead and stationery are estimated to be a small cost that could be absorbed by the local school budget.
Contact: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Member, District 6, 678-676-0722
Mr. Derrick Hardy, Area Superintendent for Horizon Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678-676-2845
Effective: Upon Board Approval, the Horizon Area will work with appropriate divisions for the renaming of the mascot.
Status: Legal Approval Not Needed
Pine Ridge Elementary Rebranding Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 6:05 PM – 6:44 PM
Location: Virtual
Chairperson: Diijon DaCosta, Sr.
1. Welcome and Introductions
Meeting called to order at 6:05 PM by Diijon DaCosta.
Noted that approximately 13 participants were present.
Encouraged members to reach out to any community members who expressed interest but
had not joined.
2. Purpose of Rebranding
Pine Ridge Elementary was originally built in 1988 and opened in 1989.
School was developed to relieve crowding at nearby schools and has historical ties to
community integration e orts.
Due to close proximity to Stephenson High and Middle Schools, rebranding seeks to build
consistency in:
o School colors (royal blue & black)
o Mascot (Jaguar)
o School programs and identity across the cluster
3. Community Engagement Recap
Public notices and surveys were distributed via:
o Champion Newspaper (March 20)
o District website
o Social media platforms
o DCSD text alerts
281 participants engaged through surveys and Direct Exchange
o 73.55% supported the name change to Stephenson Elementary
o Feedback emphasized pride, alignment, and stronger identity
4. Logo Design Feedback
Two logo concepts shared, both featuring a baby jaguar
Committee members responded positively, particularly to the younger design being age-
appropriate for elementary students
Suggestions:
o Match mascot evolution with grade levels (baby jaguar)
o Refine colors and typography
Graphic team will revise concepts based on feedback
5. Name Change Considerations
Majority of participants favored renaming to Stephenson Elementary
A few expressed desire to retain Pine Ridge for historical reasons
Final vote to occur in upcoming meeting
Historical items will be preserved and displayed in a dedicated space at the school
6. PTSA Updates
Committee member provided update on steps to reinstate PTSA:
o State registration complete
o Awaiting 501(c)(3) approval and 990 form
Discussion about how donations should be processed (PTSA vs. direct to school)
7. Community Feedback and Alignment
Comment from parent Jamila Rivers raised question about Pine Ridge’s historical value
o Principal Scott confirmed commitment to preserving key artifacts
Committee emphasized the broader vision:
o Aligning academic programs (STEM, Fine Arts, CTE)
o Strengthening student experience from elementary to high school
8. Next Steps
Graphic team to provide 2 updated logo options
Committee will vote on school name at final meeting
Notes and presentation slides will be distributed by Monday
Attendees:
Diijon DaCosta (Chair)
Marcia Coward
Kalisha Sackey
Lauren Scott
Clarissa Blackmon
Glenda Barner
Michelle Elias
Deyanna Hartsfield
Erick Hofstetter
Jamila Rivers
Frederico Rowe
Lisa McGhee
Lindsay Scott
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM
Members were encouraged to share notes with anyone interested in joining the final
meeting