I Hugged a Panda!

Parkside Elementary is located near Zoo Atlanta in the heart of Grant Park.

Parkside Elementary School recently celebrated its 10th year of teaching and learning.  A 21st century school with vibrant technology, students not only participate in a robust academic day, they also enjoy an after school experience that includes classes in dance, golf, karate, piano, science, soccer, tennis and theatre. The PE teacher is also a rock star grant writer who raised over $100,000 to improve the quality of options for students such as stationary bikes, roller skates and a new garden!

Students in Ms. Andrews’ 3rd grade class told me that their teacher was “super helpful” and that she already made them laugh.  One student, Sydney, had a pretty good idea of what I did for the district and helped the class understand the job of the superintendent.  The students were joyful, inquisitive and asked great questions. 

Earlier this year, before an audience of more than 50,000 music fans, the Parkside Elementary chorus performed at the Georgia Dome with South Carolina State University’s ‘Marching 101’ during the Honda Battle of the Bands.  They sang “Dry Your Tears, Africa” in an African dialect in a tribute to the late South African President  Nelson Mandela. Parkside serves over 550 students. 

It is one of the first schools in APS to have Promethean Boards in every classroom. Parkside students have been to outer space! Well, almost. Students and teachers participated in NASA’s education activity known as Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) in 2012.  They made contact via video and radio with crew members aboard the International Space Station.

Thank you, Ms. Sims, for an outstanding visit and tour. She has been in the district for some time and was a former middle school teacher – like me! Our Associate Superintendent Danielle Battle was the principal here from 2002-2008 and joined us today to celebrate the ongoing good work of this school! What a wonderful little school family with great energy!

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