Beloved Community Fund
The Beloved Community Fund is a school-wide monthly giving campaign that makes it possible for ICS students to receive a world-class education.
Recurring gifts, set up like a subscription payment from your credit card, provide holistic support for ICS students year-round.
These funds bridge the gap between what the district allocates in funding and what it costs to deliver a quality education targeted to the needs of our refugee, immigrant, and local students.
We value you participating in the Beloved Community Fund, regardless of the amount you can contribute. Thank you to our ICS staff members, parents, and neighbors for joining us in the spirit of giving!
Become an Ally
Commit to $10/month or $120 annually
Become an Advocate
Commit to $25/month or $300 annually
Become a Champion
Commit to $100/month or $1200 annually
We give because we understand that we contribute to a legacy and our voices and actions matter.
Members of the Beloved Community Fund can be proud that their donations support programs that directly align with our school Statements of Understanding. Read more about the programs that your funding allows below:
We believe that everyone is inherently able to learn and it is our collective responsibility to nurture the unique genius of every person.
Programs that support this commitment:
- Differentiated learning pedagogy
- Small group instruction in every classroom
- Classroom supplies are well-stocked so all students have access to materials to best learn
- Professional development workshops for teachers to learn how to better support students
We believe in educating the whole child – their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, cultural, and creative selves. Teaching in a culturally responsive lens, we view socio-emotional development as important as promoting academic excellence.
Programs that support this commitment:
- All homerooms incorporate Second Step SEL curriculum
- Daily specials expose students to music, P.E., art, and media
- Outdoor learning spaces engage students outside of the classroom
- Field Trips that focus on out-of-the-classroom learning
We encourage expression through maintaining home languages, fostering fluency in Standard English and offering opportunities to learn other languages.
Programs that support this commitment:
- ICS employs 7 ESOL staff and TAs
- French lessons weekly from native speakers on staff
- Cultural programming throughout the year to celebrate students’ diverse backgrounds
- We pay multilingual staff members the going rate for translators to assist in translating meetings, registration support, and family events
We welcome and engage with people of various identity differences including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, faith and political affiliation.
Programs that support this commitment:
- Equity measures for all families to participate in ICS regardless of background
- Lottery enrollment system
- Free & reduced lunch program and Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Snack provided
- No-cost afterschool enrichment options
- Intentionally hiring diverse staff and board members
- Incentivizing staff retention through additional education and leadership opportunities + innovative benefits
- All families and staff have access to a food co-op and school supply, uniform, and hygiene pantries through the CRC
We are preparing children to be global citizens who take action and work toward social justice in their communities.
Programs that support this commitment:
- Global Citizens of the Month and Star Student programs highlight student achievement, particularly in areas of demonstrated IB leadership traits
- Afterschool enrichment options give students opportunities to learn more about environmentalism, leadership, service, and the arts
- IB Curriculum promotes interdisciplinary learning and global-mindedness
- All 5th Graders complete a research project about an issue in their community and exhibit it to the public.
As a beloved community, we approach complex issues with strong communication, collaboration, perspective, respect and active listening.
Programs that support this commitment:
- We rely on input from listening sessions and Beloved Community Council to guide decision-making in an environment where all language groups are heard
- Collaboration with families at parenting workshops, health fairs, and education family nights
- Partnerships with like-minded organizations in the greater Atlanta community to continue to learn and grow as a community (RWN, King Center, NAAAP, etc.)
Why Should I give Monthly?
How much should I give?
The beauty of ICS is that it is inherently diverse, both culturally and socio-economically. Almost three-quarters of our student body qualifies for free and reduced lunch. Because of this, we value participation over the monetary amount.
Even a $5/month contribution can makes a huge impact over the course of a year, allowing a low-income student to attend a field trip or covering the cost of a family’s visit to the Community Resource Center’s food pantry. Generosity adds up!
What Programs need Funding?
ICS is a free, public DeKalb County School. So why does our school need the Beloved Community Fund?
As a charter school, we rely on individual and corporate donations to supplement funds received by the district to cover operating expenses as well as provide wraparound services and quality instruction to our students.
In the past, individual donors have made it possible to offer services that we do not otherwise receive funding for as a charter school—bus routes, facilities and classroom supplies, staff appreciation, and on-staff translators to name a few!
How can I join?
You can join the Beloved Community Fund by either giving online or filling out a pledge card and mailing it with your donation to:
International Community School
2418 Wood Trail Lane
Decatur, GA 30033
International Community School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductable.