The City Schools of Decatur sent out this press release late yesterday…

Decatur, GA (2012)- Recently-released Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores show Decatur High School seniors scoring above state and national averages.

The Decatur average SAT composite score (mathematics, critical reading and writing combined) increased by 52 points from 1518 to 1570. The state average SAT composite score increased from 1445 to 1452. The national average SAT composite score dropped from 1500 to 1498.

The Critical Reading section offers the highest scores of each of the three subtests. The 539 average (800 is a perfect score on this sub-test) is 51 points above the state and 43 points above the nation.

Increasing achievement and improving instruction in mathematics continues to be a priority in Decatur. Students’ math scores increased from 503 to 514 keeping pace with the nation and exceeding the state average.

Participation rates vary widely in Georgia high schools. Some schools have less than 40% of their students take the SAT. Decatur High boasted a 93% participation rate in 2012.

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Rendering courtesy of the Atlanta Streetcar’s Facebook page

I like a good game of “Telephone” as much as the next guy.  So let’s play, shalt we?

According to Patch, the AJC reported in their Sunday fish-wrap (but not yet on their website) that residents of Sagamore Hills and North Briarcliff communities in northern DeKalb County are now also considering cityhood, after Brookhaven became the latest new city in DeKalb after a July vote.  Non-Brookhavians may recall that particular vote as the “Hell No T-SPLOST!” vote.

According to Patch’s Jonathan Cribbs article, a community leader in the area made mention of potential Sagamore Hills city limits as “a combination of areas south of I-85, bookended by Northlake Mall on the east and the proposed commercial development near North Druid Hills Road on the west…”.  Cribbs also makes mention of an AJC map included with the article, which tags Druid Hills as another area interested in becoming an independent city.

Seems like the city trend in northern DeKalb might be beginning to snowball.

(NOTE: Cribbs’ article also states the AJC piece features some mention of Decatur’s recent annexation musings.  If/when I get that full article in front of me – or more likely when one of you all fills me in – we can discuss that too.)

David sends in this pic of the Metlife blimp over Decatur this past weekend.

You could say that Creative Loafing’s 2012 edition of the “Best of Atlanta” has now hit newsstands, if newsstands still existed in Atlanta.

Here are some of the Decatur area people/items/events/things that made the list in no particular order!

Critic’s Picks

• Best Leisurely Stroll – Olmstead Linear Park
• Best bookstore for browsing – Book Nook
• Best hardware store to stand up to the man – Intown Ace Hardware
• Best place to meet the maker – Homegrown
• Legendary Beer Bar in Your Backyard – Brick Store Pub
• Best spot for a first date – Leon’s Full Service
• Best local poet – Natasha Thethewey

Reader’s Picks

• Best Suburb – Decatur
• Best Antique Store – Kudzu
• Best Consignment Store – Finders Keepers
• Best Craft Beer Store – Ale Yeah!
• Best fashion blogger – AsianCajuns (tie)
• Best Jewelry Store – Worthmore
• Best Specialty Store – Your DeKalb Farmers Market
• Best Vet Clinic – Village Vets
• Best cocktails – Leon’s Full Service
• Best cookies – Cookie Studio (tie)
• Best place to fill up your growler – Ale Yeah!
• Best tacos – Taqueria del Sol
• Best book event – Decatur Book Festival

Let me know if we missed anything!