September 2024

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Vol 1 Issue 1

Keep an eye out for the Special's Scoop, our

awesome newsletter that'll keep you in the

loop about all the exciting things happening in

our classes. From Art to Music, PE to Band,

and Spanish to STEAM Lab, and Chorus,

we've got a whole lot of fun and learning

planned just for you!

WHAT'S IN THIS ​MONTH'S ISSUE:

Teacher Introductions ​Class Introductions ​3rd-5th Grade Class Sign- ​Ups

DR. KIM LITTLEJOHN

STEAM Lab Teacher

I am absolutely thrilled to begin my second year here at Boyd! ​This is my 32nd year in education- my 2nd in APS! I began my ​teaching career in Marietta City Schools. I'm so excited to be part ​of the Boyd community and lear first-hand what makes Boyd the ​best of the best! I received my BS in Biology from the City ​University of New York; M.Ed from NC A&T State University; ​and Specialist and Doctorate degrees from Argosy University. ​Originally from New York, I live in Mariettta and have two ​grown songs- Rodney is a Neonatologist intern at Children's ​Hospital of Philadelphia and Rylen is a student at GGC. ​I'm excited to get the 24-25 school year underway, and meet staff, ​students, and familist. ​Get ready for an incredible year as I bring our the scientist in ​every child!

MR.

DERWIN DAVIS

4th-5th Band Teacher

I am Mr. Derwin Davis, and I bring over 15 years of ​experience in music education, coupled with 30 years ​as a professional musician. I graduated from ​Tennessee State University, where I had the honor of ​marching with the renowned Aristocrat of Bands as a ​percussionist. In addition, I am a classically trained ​pianist with a specialization in Jazz, Pop, R&B, ​Gospel, and Funk, performing in a wide range of ​settings. ​I am dedicated to fostering curiosity, a love for music, ​and the fundamental skills necessary for success in our ​students. I look forward to exposing them to the rich ​and diverse world of music.

SEÑOR JULIO BLANCO

Spanish Teacher

Hello, I am Senor Blanco and I am originally from ​Colombia, South America. I am the Spanish teacher at ​Boyd Elementary and I am very proud to teach my ​language and my culture to your child. I have been ​working in education for over 21 years and this is my ​second year as a Spanish teacher at Boyd ES. I also teach ​PE at Bolton Academy in the after-school program until ​6pm. I enjoy teaching and coaching students. I am ​pleased to be your child's Spanish teacher this year. I am ​very interested in having your support in order to have a ​very successful school year.

COACH KELSEY HOOD

P.E. Teacher

Hello staff, students, parents and community members. I am

Coach Hood, PE teacher at Boyd Elementary. I have been

teaching at Boyd for 19 years. I have also coached High School

Football at Maynard Jackson, South Atlanta, Douglass, ​Therrell and BEST Academy. I am a native of Atlanta. I

attended Clark Atlanta University. I enjoy educating students

and teachers. I give my best and take it o the max every day. "It ​is better to build strong children than to repair broken men." It ​is better to know a little about a lot of things than to know a lot ​about one thing. Educators rock!! I am a coach and educator to

my heart. Have a great day, week, month and year!

MS. DEBORAH E. HOWARD

General Music & Chorus Teacher

Ms. Howard is a native of Atlanta and is a product of APS. She ​received her BMUS in Music ​Therapy/Music Education from UGA and her Masters Degree ​in Curriculum and Instruction/Arts Integration from Lesley ​University. Ms. Howard started her career in APS as a Music ​Therapist before transferring to Hubert and C.W. Hill ​Elementary Schools. Her Philosophy is that "every child has an ​inner voice that can be expressed through music...this is the ​power of learning IN and THROUGH the ARTS". She is excited ​for this school year!

MR. JOEL GARGANO ​Visual Art Teacher

Joel Gargano earned a Bachelor’s Degree in painting ​and art history from Indiana University, Bloomington ​(93)and an MFA in painting from Michigan State ​University (2000). He taught in Dekalb County ​Schools for four years and, since 2014, has been the ​Visual Arts teacher at Boyd Elementary. With his ​family, he enjoys traveling to the arts in Atlanta, ​including the High Museum and the Atlanta ​Symphony. He has two corgi dogs and a cat.

5TH GRADE CHORUS ​SIGN-UPS

Ms. Howard

Chorus Auditions are underway!Auditions ​are being held for 5th graders who will ​participate for chorus the ENTIRE year! ​Students will learn performance etiquette, ​vocal technique, and a variety of musical ​styles to perform for the school and other ​community events!

Ask Ms. Howard about Chorus today!

4TH GRADE BAND ​SIGN UPS

Mr. Davis

Band sign up will take place during your music

class in the first week of school. All 4th graders

are invited to join band!

It's important to note that joining band is a

commitment, and once you're in, you're in! So, if

you're ready to explore the exciting world of

music and learn to play an instrument, be sure

to sign up for 4th grade beginning band!

5TH GRADE BAND ​PERMISSION SLIPS

Mr.

Davis

We are thrilled to announce that you will be able to ​take your instruments home to practice, as you ​have all mastered the basics in 4th grade beginning ​band.

However, it is crucial that you bring your

instruments to school every day. Parents, please

make sure to read and sign the instrument contract,

as you will be responsible for the instrument.

Please return signed instrument contracts by

August 16th