Blog

APS Closes Schools for Monday, Sept. 11, & Tuesday, Sept. 12

September 10, 2017

Sustained winds & gusts from #Irma = unsafe for kids and community Due to the anticipated inclement weather and dangerous high winds caused by Hurricane Irma, all Atlanta Public Schools campuses and district offices are closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12. Our team has been closely monitoring the weather conditions in collaboration with…

When Inclement Weather Threatens APS

September 8, 2017

As reports continue about Hurricane Irma and concerns that the storms could threaten cities as far inland as Atlanta, I wanted to assure our school communities that we are closely monitoring the weather and tracking the storm’s development in collaboration with the National Weather Service (NWS). Based on the information we have received, it is…

‘Labor of Love’: APS Strategies to Prevent Spread of Hate

September 1, 2017

As I reflect upon the contributions of our teachers and staff as we head into Labor Day weekend, I wanted to celebrate those who work with children and contribute to their well-being. But I cannot help but be reminded – because of recent events in Charlottesville, Va., and elsewhere around the world – that we,…

Athletics in APS #UnitedWePlayTour Returns!

August 18, 2017

Nothing signifies the beginning of the school year – particularly in the Deep South and especially in Georgia – like football season! The sounds (bands and cheerleaders!), the smells (grilled hot dogs, popcorn at Grady and Lakewood Stadium, dirty gym socks – yes, please!), the colors (students, parents and fans all dressed in their school…

Day One Dispatches from the District

August 1, 2017

As part of the Day One tradition in Atlanta Public Schools, my team and I have boarded an APS bus to visit students, teachers, administrators, support staff and the community to report on Back-to-School happenings across the district. Throughout Day One on this blog and on social media @CarstarphenMJ and @APSUpdate, we catch up with…

Day One Dispatches from the District

August 1, 2017

As part of the Day One tradition in Atlanta Public Schools, my team and I have boarded an APS bus to visit students, teachers, administrators, support staff and the community to report on Back-to-School happenings across the district. Throughout Day One on this blog and on social media @CarstarphenMJ and @APSUpdate, we catch up with…

Countdown to Day One in APS!

July 31, 2017

Atlanta Public Schools is only hours away from opening its doors on another exciting school year. As we move into the 2017-2018 school year, APS continues its journey of transformation into a culture with a child-centered mission and vision. More than ever, we need a real connection with our students, parents, caregivers … the entire…

APS First District in Georgia to ‘Recycle Across America’

July 26, 2017

We made an exciting announcement in Atlanta Public Schools today when our school district became the first to join the national “Recycle Across America,” which is designed to teach Americans how to recycle right! At the former Coan Middle School building today, volunteers from Bank America, Republic Services and Recycle Across America spent some of…

Highlighting (and Understanding) 3rd Year of GA Milestones Results

July 20, 2017

57 Schools Improve, Up 17 More than Last Year While our beautiful students are away for summer break, my Atlanta Public Schools colleagues and I spend these months evaluating the past school year and preparing for the school year ahead. In what is becoming a Georgia education pattern, summer seems to also now mark the…

#WorkHardPlayHardAPS #Summer

June 23, 2017

Although most of our students are away for the summer, my dedicated colleagues across Atlanta Public Schools continue working hard as we prepare for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year and move forward on the APS Journey of Transformation! I miss all of you, and I want everything to be ready when you come back. So…