Posts by Meria
APS Rocks … and Runs with First-ever District 5K!
As anyone who follows this blog or my Twitter feed knows well, running has not only become an essential part of my exercise routine and a marathon-sized stress reliever, but it also has served as an engagment opportunity with students and colleagues across Atlanta Public Schools… some of my favorite BFFs are my run buds.…
Read More‘Power Up’ for Another Enriching Summer
Although summer is a few months away, I am already asking our families in Atlanta Public Schools to get ready to “Power Up!” for summer learning. Why am I excited about this so early? It’s because I worry about the time we don’t have our kids in school almost as much as the time we…
Read MoreWe’re Continuing to Make our Schools Safe Places for Students to Learn and Grow
Even when our students, teachers and staff go away on a short break – like our recent Winter Break – I cannot wait for them to return to the classroom and resume learning. Amid my eagerness to see them back in the classroom, I continue to work with our schools and our Office of Safety…
Read MoreIn Remembrance of a Beloved Educator and Friend: Dr. Susan Crim-McClendon
As the daughter of Dr. Alonzo A. Crim — the first African-American superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools — and as a lifelong educator, Dr. Susan Crim-McClendon more than upheld her family’s revered legacy, but she created one of her own. As principal of Woodson Park Academy in the Douglass Cluster and a middle school teacher…
Read MoreRandom Acts of Kindness (and Love on Valentine’s Day)
Happy Valentine’s Day! And, what a wonderful time to show your love for others this week during Random Acts of Kindness Week! Have you shown or told someone how much you love and appreciate them? When my colleagues in the Center for Learning and Leadership and I entered the building on Monday, we were welcomed…
Read MoreGet APS WeatherWise! Use Tech to Learn During Inclement Weather
When inclement weather threatens Atlanta, we take precautions to ensure the safety of our precious students and staff. Taking those precautions can sometimes mean closing schools in light of impending bad weather in the area. At this time of year, that bad weather can come in the form of freezing temperatures and icy road conditions.…
Read MoreCelebrating Black History Month: Reflecting on African-American Women and APS
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and appreciate the immeasurable impact that African-Americans have had and continue to have on our society and even on our individual lives. For me, Black History Month is something I celebrate every month because I remain inspired by the trailblazers of the African-American community who helped clear…
Read More(UPDATED 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, January 29 –We are so glad to welcome all of our beloved students, teachers and colleagues back to school on Wednesday, January 30! Following our weather protocols and in coordination with the National Weather Service, Atlanta Public Schools will be open on Wednesday, January 30. All schools and District offices will be open and all after school programs, activities, and community meetings will continue as scheduled on Wednesday. We ask that parents, caregivers, and employees at APS charter schools contact their schools directly for scheduling information. I encourage everyone to continue to stay safe and warm and to exercise caution when traveling throughout the metro area. See you all tomorrow!) APS Closes Schools for Tuesday, Jan. 29, Due to Inclement Weather
District also cancels all school programs and activities, even Super Bowl-related events, in anticipation of unsafe conditions caused by latest winter storm. As much as we value every single day of education, the safety and security of all our students and staff at Atlanta Public Schools remain among our top priorities. So when the latest…
Read MoreExternal Review of Year Two of APS Turnaround Strategy: Finds Promising Early Signs
Before we began our Journey of Transformation, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) was a school district afflicted with chronic under-performance in our schools. The district was in desperate need of a comprehensive, long-term plan designed to provide remedies that addressed past issues while at the same time creating new opportunities to remove barriers for the future.…
Read MoreWith a Caring Culture, APS Develops Assistance Plan for Employees Impacted by Shutdown
Welcome back from your MLK holiday weekend! I hope you continue to be inspired by Dr. King’s commitment to social justice and the sacrifices he made to pave the way for many of us and inspire us to dedicate our lives to the service of others and in creating a “Beloved Community.” Through his teachings…
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