Chillaxin in the ‘A’

“And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but
Now that it’s done
I hope you don’t mind
I hope you don’t mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you’re in the world”
Your Song by Elton John

Hanging with our APS teachers at the Janelle Monae concert!

Hanging with our APS teachers at the Janelle Monae concert!

Sadly this is the final weekend of the summer (according to the calendar), and I’m not ready to let go (even though we’ve been in school for months)! As superintendent, I’m still trying to figure out how to have a good work-life balance while leading APS. We have launched districtwide efforts such as The HearRtbeat newsletter where we promote wellness, profile employees and applaud their hard work, and started a running club that is preparing for a 5k. I just think it’s important that both students and staff be happier, healthier and more engaged. Honestly, if it were not for my colleagues, I would never have been able to maintain my stamina to grow, lead and transform our district, and I want everyone to know how wonderful my life is because of my APS world (thanks for the words Elton).

I plan to replenish this weekend with an 8:30 a.m. Saturday East Atlanta Village (EAV) practice run with our team of employees at Maynard Jackson HS and then a full day of sun, fun and music!

Front row seats!

Front row seats!

After one of my practice runs at Piedmont Park for the EAV RunFest, participating runner – Board of Education member Eshe’ Collins – introduced me to the ‘real deal’ behind the Atlanta music scene. It was one of those secret location deals where you don’t know the venue until a few hours before the event, then you stand outside waiting to see if you were selected to attend. It was some kinda crazy, for sure. Who knew!?! Much like the Peachtree Road Race, I begrudgingly participated at the beginning but now I’m so glad I did. In the end, we saw Janelle Monae’ together, and I even made it to the FRONT ROW with some APS teachers!

(PHOTO) My running buddy Run-Eshe’-C won best costume as her alter-ego Run DMC at the Leadership Atlanta annual retreat. That’s when I knew she understood music!

Board member Run-Eshe’-C won best costume as her alter-ego Run DMC at the Leadership Atlanta annual retreat. That’s when I knew she understood music!

Eshe’ knows how much I love music and music has been my saving grace while training for the Peachtree Road Race and now the upcoming East Atlanta Run (I have a playlist for the running group that is a super hot mix of our collective favs).

Apparently the penultimate Atlanta music scene for the summer is Music Midtown. I plan to hit as many performances as possible this Friday and Saturday…but it’s not looking good because concerts have already started and I’m still at work and writing this blog.  This is my first big Atlanta concert so board member Collins is going to teach me the ropes of how to navigate the concerts, stages and crowds.  Maybe I’ll see you there…or you may see me on stage with Billy Idol or Elton or Lenny K!

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