Archive for 2014
Supper On Site for APS Students
No Kid Hungry, a national organization that connects kids in need with nutritious food, reports that 1 out of 5 kids in the United States struggles with hunger. About 62 percent of teachers surveyed by the organization say they regularly see kids who come to school hungry. Hungry kids struggle with learning, have difficulty concentrating, experience more…
Read MoreMerry, merry Mary Lin
There are many construction projects going on around the district and I am out visiting each of them. Today, I was able to see the site development at Mary Lin Elementary School and was met by merry, merry students and engaged teachers. Yes, it’s an old building that needs a lot of love and improvement and many improvements…
Read MoreTonight: Autism Awareness Night at Lakewood Stadium
Join APS this Friday night as South Atlanta High School hosts “Autism Awareness Night” during their home game against Frederick Douglass High School at Lakewood Stadium at 5:30 p.m. Both the South Atlanta and Douglass teams will wear light blue wristbands, and game attendees are being asked to wear light blue to show their support.…
Read MoreA Busy Start to a Big Year
Wow – the first four weeks of school have been incredibly busy! Thank you for making sure that your child was not only there on the first day of school but every day! I’ve been out almost every evening in different board member districts around the city, getting to know parents and students while hearing about…
Read MoreAll Smiles at the Board of Education Meeting
We were all smiles during Monday’s Board of Education meeting! I am EXCITED about our 22 new school leaders and the changes in store for their elementary, middle and high schools. This group of dynamic principals is leading the charge to do the right thing for children. Each embodies the change in culture that I…
Read MoreStudents are Sprouting at Garden Hills Elementary
When I entered the lobby of Garden Hills Elementary, I was immediately greeted by photos of former students dating back to 1938. This school has an extremely rich history, having recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Principal Tommy Usher is an energetic principal who leads a group of almost 600 students from diverse backgrounds. An International…
Read MoreGetting the ‘Scoop’ with the ‘Supe’ at Sutton Middle School
When the savvy 8th grade reporter Drew Sheldon of Sutton Middle School escorted me into the “Sutton News Station,” I knew I was in good hands. The Sutton news team hit me with one big question, “What is your plan for making Atlanta Public Schools a great school system?” I had an opportunity to talk…
Read MoreBuzzing with the Brandon Bees
When you step into the lobby of Morris Brandon Elementary you know that you are in a different kind of school. You are greeted immediately by enthusiastic volunteers and staff members and the entry is decorated like one big living room – they obviously expect parents to visit and even stay around for a while!…
Read MoreItty-Bitty Kids with a Super Duper Future
When I walked into Ms. Cannady’s kindergarten class this week, the 5 year olds were engaged in a lesson about living and non-living things. “This is how we GROW” Ms. Cannady said, as she and the group stretched their arms to the ceiling. The kids were stretching, they were answering questions, they were EXCITED to…
Read MoreHistoric Meets Hip at Springdale Park Elementary
Springdale Park Elementary School facility is breathtaking – where historic meets hip! This school is an excellent example of fusing the old with the new and setting high expectations for learning spaces in our district. Principal Yolanda Brown has done a masterful job managing the four buildings, including two historic homes, which make up the…
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