A Shared Struggle in the Crisis – Standing Up for Racial Justice and Equity

Statement from Dr. Meria CarstarphenSuperintendent of Atlanta Public Schools All of us in Atlanta Public Schools have been left saddened and heartbroken with the civil unrest and challenging times we are facing in our community and across this nation. Amid our efforts to cope with a global pandemic, we now must confront the hurt, pain,…

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In Times of Civil Unrest, Lead by Example, Honor the Legacy of Nonviolence

To my beloved APS students, families and colleagues, I’m heartbroken, as are you, during these challenging times. This message is especially for our students: We have supported you in silent and peaceful demonstrations against gun violence and climate change during this administration. Our district has stood with you and embraced your leadership and growth in civic…

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My Deepest Thanks to APS Colleagues Before a Much Deserved Summer Break!

Dear Beloved Colleagues, We made it! Today, Wednesday, May 27, marks the official end of the 2019-2020 school year and the end of one of the most challenging semesters we have ever faced in our careers in education. For many of us, this moment could not have come any sooner as the past few months…

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Congratulations, Grad Nation APS Class of 2020! #WorthTheWait

As I reflect on the current — albeit unofficial count — of the 2,582 graduates of the Atlanta Public Schools’ Class of 2020 walking across the virtual stage, I cannot stop thinking about the fact that their final year wasn’t supposed to end like this. Without a prom. Without final senior year activities. Without all of the pomp and circumstance. Even though we…

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APS Continues Support of Families with Summer Food Distribution Plan

When we faced the possibility of closing schools for virtual learning last March, one of our immediate concerns involved feeding thousands of students and families who depended on school meals for nutrition day-in and day-out. Our Nutrition Department led by Dr. Marilyn Hughes, our food vendor SFE, and numerous community partners created a massive new…

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Celebrations Continue with Virtual Recognition of Students District-wide

Every year at this time, it’s my pleasure to join with the Atlanta Board of Education to honor our outstanding students across the district for all of their achievements this year in academics, arts, athletics, service, and other areas. For five years we have honored those students at the annual Special Called Board Meeting for…

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Celebrating our 2020 Valedictorians, Salutatorians, and STAR Students at a time when ‘Everything Changed, Nothing Changed’

Despite a global pandemic, we have entered a time of celebration! Kicking off the #WorthTheWait graduation season, Atlanta Public Schools this week held a virtual Val/Sal/STAR breakfast ceremony. In years past, we gathered at the Georgia Power building for a well-appointed breakfast ceremony to honor the best of the best of our beautiful students and…

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As we start National Teacher Appreciation Week, take time to #ThankATeacher!

Today marks the start of National Teacher Appreciation Week, and our beloved APS teachers deserve recognition now more than ever! As we collectively continue to work through these unprecedented times, our teachers – many of whom have children and families of their own to care for – have taken on the challenges of virtual learning…

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After two months of COVID-19 isolation & self-distancing, we need – more than ever – 24 hours to Unite.us all

For nearly two months, we in Atlanta Public Schools have asked our community for patience and understanding as we work hard to get virtual learning right and continue to support our families. It has been a challenging, daunting, and grueling process for all of us as we have had to embark on a whole new…

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Open Letter to the Seniors of the Class Of 2020 for Atlanta Public Schools

To my beloved APS Class of 2020 – Amid all of the chaos and crazy surrounding what has become a global pandemic, I’ve been thinking about you, every single one of you, as our district works to maintain teaching and learning and some semblance of a normal school year even as our school buildings remain closed. With you…

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