Archive for 2018
Your Vote Makes a Difference! GO Teams Elections Going on Now for 2018-2020 Term
It’s hard to believe, but we have been operating as a Charter System for nearly two years! Throughout this transition, we’ve seen greater transparency and increased engagement. A major factor in these improvements is the work of our GO Teams. Each school in our district has a nine-member governance team that works collaboratively with the…
Read MoreDon’t Repost Threats! Consequences of Posting and Sharing Threats on Social Media
As we prepare for National School Walkout Day, it is important for our stakeholders to understand the consequences of posting (and reposting or sharing) threats on social media – even if you didn’t originally create it. Since Friday, February 23, Atlanta Public Schools and other metro area school districts have seen a spike in threats…
Read MoreAtlanta Has Always Embraced Peaceful Civic Engagement (and so will APS)
On the afternoon of Wednesday, February 14, 2018, our country watched in shock (again) as we learned the horrifying details of a mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida. It happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — part of the Broward County Public School District — where, tragically, 17 students and staff lost their lives,…
Read MoreBolting Through Black History Month (A Runner’s “Relay”)
February is the month we all get to focus on the finish line of all the African Americans who have made their mark in U.S. history. Happy Black History Month! This is the time for celebrating the achievements and the contributions of some of America’s most extraordinary people, both famous and unsung. For me, this…
Read MoreCelebrating Our APS Counselors During National School Counseling Week
Every year during the first full week in February, our education community comes together to celebrate National School Counseling Week by focusing public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the U.S. school system. This year is no exception, as I encourage all of us to recognize the wonderful work that our Atlanta Public Schools…
Read MoreAdd’l Details on 2018 Inclement Weather Survey
Thank you for your feedback on our makeup day plan survey! As a reminder, 30 minute extended school day starts this Monday, January 29 and will end March 30, 2018. Many of you have expressed an interest in seeing a more detailed breakdown and cross-tabs of our survey results. Here they are! In the table…
Read MoreSurvey Results In! APS to Extend the School Day by 30 Minutes
Welcome back, everyone! Weather made for a challenging time for APS last week, causing us to cancel school from Wednesday, January 17 through Friday, January 19. And let’s not forget the Hurricane Irma days from September and bad weather on January 8 too! I explained to you that even though our charter does not require…
Read MoreAPS Cancels Classes on Friday, January 19; Take the Make Up Day Survey
(UPDATE): Due to inclement weather, Atlanta Public Schools has cancelled classes and all school activities on Friday, January 19. The district will resume normal operations on Monday, January 22. Here we are again! Another snow day (grimace emoji!). As you know, we had to cancel classes and all school activities again on Friday, January 19,…
Read MoreAPS Wants Your Thoughts on Make Up Days
(UPDATE): Due to inclement weather, Atlanta Public Schools has cancelled classes and all school activities on Friday, January 19. The district will resume normal operations on Monday, January 22. Here we are again! Another snow day (grimace emoji!). As you know, we had to cancel classes and all school activities again on Friday, January…
Read MoreWe Honor MLK by Continuing Our Journey of Transformation
As a native of Selma, Alabama, most of you know about my roots in and respect for the Civil Rights Movement and all of the icons – both famous and unsung – who participated in it. Today’s 32nd celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday has an even more special meaning for our nation,…
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