Agenda Item
ii. Grant Acceptance: Grant for $7,193 from DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. to Dunwoody Elementary School
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Interim Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Request: It is requested that the Board accept the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. Environmental Education Grant for $7,193 to Dunwoody Elementary School for the purpose of a field trip to Dunwoody Nature Center during the 2025-26 school year.
Why: This grant from DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. provides funding for admission, lessons and buses to Dunwoody Nature Center. The DNC will teach each grade level a Georgia Standards of Excellence-aligned lesson.
Details: The Environmental Education grant was awarded to Dunwoody Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year for students to go on an environmental education field trip. Students in grades K-5 will visit Dunwoody Nature Center, where the classes move through the meadow and park trails led by trained staff of environmental educators for a hands-on learning experience that reinforces and brings to life the STEM concepts that they are taught in the classroom.
Financial impact: No Financial Impact
Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Interim Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678-676-3075.
Ms. Kanessa Fain, Principal Dunwoody Elementary School, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678-875-4034
Ms. Kate Edmonds, Dunwoody Elementary School Parent Volunteer Grant Writer, 214-202-4899
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Pending Legal Approval
Mr. Munir Meghjani
Mrs. Martha Pacini
Mrs. Paige Perkins
Mr. Robert Davis, Jr.
Mrs. Sadie Dennard
Dr. Tavarez Holston
Mrs. Dionne McGee
Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Interim Superintendent Mr. Steve Overcash
November 14, 2025
Dear Dunwoody Elementary School,
Thanks to the generosity of Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, the DeKalb Schools Educational
Foundation, Inc. is proud to award Dunwoody Elementary School an Environmental Education
Grant of $7,193.00. This grant will help students at Dunwoody Elementary School to learn, lead,
and act for a sustainable future.
This grant supports hands-on learning projects that bring environmental science to life in our
schools. From school gardens and recycling initiatives to outdoor classrooms and sustainability
projects, students are gaining real-world experience in stewardship, problem-solving, and
community impact.
Commissioner Long Spears’ commitment to environmental education ensures that DeKalb
students not only understand the importance of protecting our planet but also feel empowered to
be part of the solution. Together, we’re cultivating curiosity, creativity, and caring for the world
around us.
In Service,
Munir Meghjani, Chair
DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc.
C: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III – Interim Superintendent, DeKalb County School District
Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo – Interim Chief of Community Engagement C Innovative Partnerships
Ms. Kymberlee Estis – Executive Director
Ms. Lauren Scott – Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
678.676.1200 | www.dekalbschoolsga.org