Student Services
Academic Student Services are dedicated to supporting every student's unique learning journey and ensuring their success. We provide a comprehensive system of support tailored to individual needs, helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our services encompass a range of specialized programs and interventions, including:
ESOL
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at FAVE
At Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary (FAVE), we proudly support multilingual learners through the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) ESOL program. This program is designed for students whose home language is one other than English and who may benefit from targeted language support as they develop English proficiency in both social and academic settings.
At FAVE, ESOL services are provided by certified teachers with ESOL endorsements using a combination of instructional models. These include:
- Pull-out model: Small-group language instruction outside the academic block
- Push-in model: Language support delivered within the general education classroom
- Innovative delivery: Collaboration between ESOL and classroom teachers to meet the language and academic needs of English Learners (ELs)
Using the WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards, instruction is tailored to students’ individual language levels. Our goal is to ensure ELs feel supported, included, and empowered to succeed in all content areas while developing their English language skills.
Early Intervention and Support
Early Intervention Program (EIP) at FAVE
At Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary (FAVE), the Early Intervention Program (EIP) provides targeted, evidence-based support for students who are not yet meeting grade-level expectations in reading and/or math. The goal of EIP is to help students close academic gaps as quickly as possible so they can succeed confidently alongside their peers.
Students qualify for EIP based on multiple academic indicators, including standardized assessments and Georgia Milestones results. Services are delivered through two primary models:
Push-in (Augmented) – An EIP teacher collaborates within the general education classroom to provide support.
Pull-out – Students receive small-group instruction outside the classroom for focused skill-building.
EIP is designed to be temporary. Once students meet their academic goals, they transition out of the program with the tools needed for continued success. The EIP team works closely with the MTSS Coordinator Courtney Bishop.
Natasha Cain - EIP
I was born in Philadelphia, PA (Go Eagles!), and I moved to Atlanta when I was 10. I am a graduate of Dunwoody High School and Shorter College. This is my seventh year at F.Ave, but it is my 17th year as an Educator. I strongly believe that all children can learn when given the right tools. When I'm not teaching in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, crafting, and traveling.
Katy Cone - EIP
I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English Literature. I began my professional career in the corporate world where I worked in Human Resources Communication Consulting. After staying home with my children for several years, I went back to work at my daughter’s elementary school and quickly fell in love with education. This will be my ninth year teaching in the City Schools of Decatur. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family outside, taking long walks, and reading good books.
Liz Hance - ESS
Welcome to F.Ave! I'm excited to continue teaching at Fifth Avenue, after beginning my time in CSD at Oakhurst Elementary. I love being a part of City Schools of Decatur as a teacher and a community member.
I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Georgetown University and stayed in Washington, DC to begin my teaching career in DC Public Schools. I moved back to my hometown to get my master's in reading, language, and literacy from Georgia State University. After teaching middle school at a public charter school in Atlanta, I made my way to Oakhurst. I've taught three-year olds up to 7th graders, and I feel like I've found the perfect age with third graders!
I live here in Decatur with my husband, Doug, our five-year-old, Peter, and our three-year-old, Molly.
Artesha Chaney Intervention Paraprofessional
I am so excited to assist in your class this school year. I've been a paraprofessional for 16 years for City Schools of Decatur. I currently attend Georgia State University. I will receive my degree in Elementary Education B.S EDU.
I look forward to assisting your students through a fantastic school year!
Nylah Richardson
Intervention Paraprofessional
Gifted (LINKS)
Gifted Services Overview
The Georgia Board of Education defines a gifted student as one who "demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, creative, and/or artistic ability(ies), possesses exceptional leadership skills, or excels in specific academic fields and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities."
At FAVE, gifted services are delivered through a combination of daily gifted resource intervention blocks and cluster grouping in math and reading. This structure allows gifted students to engage in enriched learning experiences that are tailored to their needs while remaining connected to their grade-level peers.
Daily gifted resource blocks provide dedicated time for students to dive deeper into content, explore advanced concepts, and strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In the general education classroom, gifted students are intentionally grouped (clustered) for reading and math instruction to support differentiated teaching strategies and extend learning.
Our goal is to support, challenge, and inspire gifted learners so they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Click Here for District Gifted Services Information
Jennifer Broman-Fulks
The 2025-2026 school year is my 21st year teaching and my 9th as a full-time gifted teacher. I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education from Clemson University. Go Tigers! I have a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and certification in middle grades social studies in addition to my gifted endorsement. I recently completed the Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction program at Georgia State University. I have taught grades 3-5 in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Georgia. My husband and I have three kids ages 12, 9, and 7 and a sweet dachsund mix named Biscuit who keep us on our toes!
Edwin Ellis
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I received my bachelor's degree from Georgia State University. A few years later, I attended University of West Georgia where I received my master's degree in Reading Education. I also received my specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln University. In the midst of all of this time in school, I have taught 2nd-4th grades for over 25 years. Currently, I am one of FAVE's four Gifted Specialists. I am excited to be working in a place that truly feels like home.
Stephanie Tolentino
This is my sixteenth year of teaching. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education at the University of Georgia. In addition, I hold certificates in both Mathematics and Gifted Education. Before moving to Decatur, I taught in Athens, Georgia. I am married to Arman, and we have a six year old son named Eli and a three year old son named Jonah.
Charee Waugh
Hi everyone! This is my 21st year as a teacher and 12th at FAVE. I have enjoyed teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. I have a B.S. in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University, M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, and several other certifications. It is one of my passions and priorities to help children discover more about themselves, find their voice, and encourage them to advocate for their understanding, best self, and future. I am looking forward to my second year with the F.AVE gifted team! Outside of teaching, I spend the majority of my time with my amazing son, who is a high schooler. We love to travel, read, and get involved in sports and activities around town.
MTSS
At Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary (FAVE), we use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student receives the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to thrive. MTSS is a proactive, data-driven framework that helps us identify student needs early and provide targeted interventions at varying levels of intensity. Through collaboration among teachers, specialists, and families, FAVE is committed to supporting the whole child and promoting success for all learners.
Courtney Bishop - MTSS Coordinator
This is my 16th year teaching and my 9th year with CSD. My current position at FAVE is as MTSS lead. I have a masters degree in early childhood education and is certified in both ESOL, Leadership and Math. I also have an associate level certification in Orton-Gillingham. I enjoy hanging out with my family and watching Braves baseball.
Special Education
At Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary (F.AVE), we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. In alignment with the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) mission, our Special Education program ensures that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Special education services at FAVE are individualized to meet each student’s unique needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Our team of certified special education teachers, specialists, and support staff work collaboratively with families and general education teachers to provide targeted instruction, accommodations, and related services.
Whether through in-class support, small group instruction, or specialized services, our goal is to empower students to reach their fullest potential—academically, socially, and emotionally—while promoting equity and access across all learning environments.
Jennifer Swint is the Special Education Lead Teacher for F.AVE jswint@csdecatur.net