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International Charter Academy of Georgia Graduates Second Class of Students in Virtual Ceremony

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On May 8, International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICA Georgia), a Japanese-English dual language immersion charter school, graduated its second class of fifth-grade students.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduation took place virtually via video conference. It featured a musical performance of the song “Carry You” by teacher Tomoko Hannah, followed by a recitation of the class motto, as follows, by graduates Hashi Friend and Haru Kaminomiya:

“World Peace”

We own our responsibility to lead and devote ourselves to peace.

We are a diverse community of accountable, responsible, committed leaders.

We support and respect each other’s differences.

We learn from our mistakes.

We make good choices, and we apologize when we hurt someone.

We keep our promises.

We show up and we try.

Consul General of Japan in Atlanta Kazuyuki Takeuchi gave remarks in Japanese and English in which he encouraged students to always remember the experiences they had in elementary school. He reminded the students to be kind to their neighbors, and to those who are facing difficulties.

School Founder and Governing Board Chair Minako Oki Ahearn asked the students to think about what they want to see 100 years from now. She quoted from Hyaku-nen-go no furusato o mamoru (Protect your hometown 100 years from now), a true story from the 1800s in which a man in Japan saved many lives from a large earthquake and tsunami and then led his community to plan against future tsunamis. She asked the students to return to ICA Georgia in 20 or 30 years and talk about their past experiences.

Principal Tara Ranzy spoke about the multi-linguistic, multicultural community that is ICA Georgia. She encouraged the student to “be present” and shared the idea of “ichi-go ichi-e,” a Japanese concept that means treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment.

The virtual graduation concluded with a video of pictures taken throughout the school year and then a slide show of all the diplomas.

ICA Georgia has been holding classes virtually since March 16. Students have been logging in to online classes given in real time every morning. The school quickly overcame the huge challenge of transitioning the entire student body to online learning in just days. In fact, fourth grade teacher Felecia Tucker-Jones was recently presented with the Shining Star Award from the State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia for her support of fellow teachers who struggled with new technology during the shelter at home order and for helping the school host events like the graduation online.

Furthermore, ICA Georgia was recently awarded a State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia grant to provide remote tutoring for students in Japanese during the summer break. ICA Georgia teachers will meet with students for a minimum of two hours per week. Remote tutoring will help close the learning gap for at-risk new English and Japanese language learners, SST/RTI referrals and special education students.

Source:

Jessica Cork
404-520-5808
j.cork@internationalcharteracademy.org

For further details about the school, visit www.internationalcharteracademy.org, call 770-604-0007, or email info@internationalcharteracademy.org.

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Community

Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025

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The starting line of a community race with green, inflatable start archway and dozens of racers and specators.

It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!

Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.

This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.

All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.

Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.

Sponsorships available

In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.

T-shirt logo contest

Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.

The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.

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City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

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Mayor Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, wearing a white button up shirt and blue blazer

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

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City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

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Logo for City of Peachtree Corners. Used in announcement of scheduled maintenance and repairs on Town Center parking deck.

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

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