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DeKalb County Schools present expanded athletics programs to Stonecrest council, emphasize academics and inclusion
Summary
DeKalb County School District officials described a new Access and Opportunity division and districtwide athletics initiatives — elementary sports, adaptive programs and efforts to connect athletics with academics — during a Stonecrest council presentation.
Stonecrest — Officials from the DeKalb County School District told the Stonecrest City Council about a new district division aimed at expanding student access and opportunity and described athletics programs that district leaders say support academic attainment and social‑emotional development.
Doctor Tricilla Weaver, chief of Access and Opportunity for DeKalb County Schools, introduced the district’s new division and outlined its units, which include student assignment, mentorship and partnerships, school innovation and athletics. She said the division was created by the superintendent to better align programs that help students succeed academically and socially.
Miss MysS Jelks, executive director for athletics, described a multi‑level athletics effort that now includes elementary‑level programs for fourth and fifth graders (five sports were offered last year at no charge, with equipment and uniforms provided), middle‑school offerings such as basketball and flag football, and high‑school programs including lacrosse and adaptive sports (the district has won national awards for wheelchair handball). Jelks said more than 4,000 youngsters participated in elementary athletics programs last year and that the district has added new sports and increased participation year‑over‑year.
The district emphasized academic eligibility requirements for athletes and the role coaches play in student mentoring, tutoring and keeping scholars on track toward graduation. Council members and the mayor expressed interest in partnerships, volunteer recruitment and ways the city might help recruit and support coaches and mentors.
Council members also acknowledged a recent student death at Arabia Mountain High School and expressed condolences; district leaders offered to work with the city on supports for schools and families. The presentation closed with an offer to share program lists and school‑level lacrosse locations by email to interested council members.
