News
News
Black History Month: “The more voices, the more powerful the sound.”
Last night at the Grammys, during her acceptance speech for the Global Impact Award, Alicia Keys said, “The more voices, the more powerful the sound.” This struck me as an important perspective for us to utilize when it comes to our country’s history. To understand our history, we must truly see and listen to the experiences of all people. This month, we acknowledge, celebrate, and honor the contributions of Black people whose voices have been historically silenced or marginalized in the United States.
The origins of Black History Month reach back to September 1915 when Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moreland founded an organization committed to increasing awareness about the achievements of Black Americans. Because the United States was founded by white Europeans, our recorded history has predominately been written and taught from that perspective. This organization was dedicated to shining a light on the significant role Black Americans played in the creation of our nation. In 1926, February was chosen because it was the birth month for Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. This annual celebration gained momentum and spread across the country. However, it took five decades for the movement to reach a national level. In 1976, Black History Month was proclaimed a national heritage month.
For many years, the teaching and coverage of Black History has been centered around enslavement and the fight for Civil Rights. While those are significant pieces of Black lived experience in our country, they are not the complete picture. The focus on struggle and overcoming diminishes or outright ignores how Black people shaped the United States in a wide variety of social, political, and cultural roles. Let us take time this month to learn the names, accomplishments, and contributions of Black Americans who deserve to be known and remembered.
Toddler & Primary Day of Service Plans!

Springmont’s Toddler and Primary classes celebrate Valentine’s Day and show their love for others by participating in a day of service that is age-appropriate and in keeping with our core value of Global Awareness.
This year, students will prepare care packages for the Atlanta Mission, a local organization that provides care for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness.
Beginning Monday, February 10, and continuing through Wednesday, February 12, they will be collecting the following items. (Toddler & Primary students may bring items to class and place them in the collection bins located inside each classroom. Older students and parents may also drop off items in the Front Office.)
- Disinfectant wipes and/or baby wipes
- Baby lotion and baby wash
- Deodorant
- Full-sized bottles of shampoo or body wash
- Shaving cream
- Toothbrush and toothpaste sets
- New pairs of adult-sized socks
On Thursday, February 13, each Toddler & Primary class will assemble care kits, adding handmade cards to each kit. Excess items will be donated along with the completed kits. Sharing our Valentine’s Day love with the greater community has become a meaningful tradition and a wonderful first experience with giving back to the community for our Toddler and Primary children.
As a reminder, Toddler and Primary children do not exchange Valentines at school. Please refrain from sending any cards or treats to classrooms. Thank you in advance for your support and contributions!
Save the Date for Springmont's Auction - April 26!

Head of School Elizabeth Lener is trying on masks in preparation for the big event. Mark your calendar for Springmont's Masquerade Gala Auction on Saturday, April 26th, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta - Buckhead. It’s sure to be an unforgettable evening of fun, philanthropy, and celebration. Tickets will be available soon! Stay tuned.
We also invite you to consider donating items or unique experiences for the auction. Maybe you have a vacation home or tickets to a sporting event or concert. Maybe you have jewelry or can offer karate classes, facials, dinner packages, or lawn service. Your contributions help make the night even more special by supporting Springmont’s philanthropic mission. To donate, contact me at kpoyser@springmont.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Springmont's CommUNITY Dinner is Saturday, Feb 22!

All families are invited to attend the Springmont CommUNITY Dinner on Saturday, February 22! The event is held off campus and begins at 4:30 p.m. This year, we have a NEW location! - Saint Luke's Presbyterian Church Dunwoody (1978 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338).
This event is a well-loved Springmont tradition and a unique opportunity for our whole community to gather together to enjoy a short musical program performed by students and a potluck-style buffet dinner.
More details and instructions for preparing your family’s dish to share will be provided in next week's newsletter and emails as the date approaches, but here are some highlights:
- Performance - Music Teacher Stefanie Freinkel and Arts Specialist Ayanna Talton are coordinating a wonderful program! The theme is Peace, Love, and Harmony!
- Potluck-Style Dinner - A potluck-style dinner will follow the performance. Families will be asked to bring an entree, appetizer, side dish, or salad that is meaningful to their family, and everyone will be invited to sample the dishes. Families will be provided with 10” x 12” aluminum food pans on Thursday, February 20.
- Our cultural diversity is a wonderful gift to our school community. Families are encouraged to come dressed in authentic cultural attire if they wish.
- There is no need to RSVP.
- Please plan to arrive at Saint Luke's Presbyterian Church Dunwoody (1978 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338) no later than 4:15 to park, drop off food with the volunteers, help to create the CommUNITY floral centerpieces, and be seated for the performance. The event will conclude by 6:30.
Lots of volunteers are needed! If you can help with set-up (3:00 - 4:30 p.m.) or clean-up (6:30 - 7:00 p.m.), please email jstrickland@springmont.com! Tasks are quick and easy, and older Primary students and Elementary & Middle School students can come early with parent volunteers!
Did You Know that YOUR Grocery Shopping Can Help Springmont?

Passive fundraising is a great way to help Springmont without spending any additional money yourself! Publix Partners and Box Tops for Education are two opportunities for families to funnel “free money” to Springmont just by grocery shopping! And, it really adds up! Over the years, Springmont has received more than $16,300 from Publix Partners and over $2,600 from Box Tops for Education.
Publix Partners
- If you join Club Publix and remember to enter your phone number or scan the Publix app at checkout, Publix will automatically give 0.7% of every purchase to Springmont!
- Heads up to current Club Publix members: Unless you signed up recently, Springmont has probably been dropped as your Publix Partner. Please sign into Publix, go to Settings, and scroll to the bottom to make sure Springmont is still listed. If not, please add it back!
Box Tops for Education
Years ago, you may remember clipping codes from the top of cereal boxes and crackers and mailing them in, but now, all you have to do is save your receipts!
There are 3 ways to participate:
- The next time you shop for groceries, save your paper receipts and drop them off at the front desk or with Julie or Andrea at carpool within 14 days, and we’ll scan them into the Box Tops program for you! We’ll take all grocery store receipts, even if you’re not sure you bought any participating Box Tops brands (see the full list here), which include Annie’s, Lysol, Muir Glen, Yoplait, and even Blue Buffalo dog food.
- To scan your own paper receipts, download the Box Tops app (referral code LV9Q9GX3 gives Springmont an extra bonus). Here’s a video link about how it works.
- To submit grocery receipts emailed to you, sign up for the Box Tops program using that same email address, then forward those emails to receipts@boxtops4education.com.
Please spread the word to grandparents, friends, neighbors, and anyone else who would like to support Springmont when they grocery shop!
Questions? Email Springmont parent Maryam Sanders.
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