Blog

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

May 4, 2020

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…

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

April 30, 2020

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…

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

April 26, 2020

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…

APS Unveils Proposal for Virtual, Traditional Ceremonies for 2020 Grad Nation #WorthTheWait

April 23, 2020

With respect to social gathering restrictions in Georgia due to COVID-19, Atlanta Public Schools plans to hold virtual graduation celebrations for the Class of 2020 in May, delaying traditional ceremonies until the summer or a later safe date that adheres to Georgia Department of Health guidance. The district reached this decision based on input from…

APS closes for in-person instruction for remainder of year

April 1, 2020

UPDATE: April 13, 2020: As part of APS’ commitment to the safety of students and employees, we sent letters to families and staff providing updates on the district’s response to COVID-19. The letter to families is available on our Coronavirus Update page here. The Spanish version is here. UPDATE: April 3, 2020 – Updated FAQ document from Superintendent…

APS Joins Forces with Comcast to Get Kids Connected

March 31, 2020

One of the most difficult – but necessary – decisions I have ever made as an urban schools superintendent was to close Atlanta Public Schools for teleschooling and teleworking. Necessary … to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Difficult … a potential disconnect between schools and our students. Immediately, we entered a whole new world…

APS notified of first confirmed case of COVID-19 in district

March 19, 2020

Fulton County Board of Health investigation finds no exposure to students and no close contact with other APS staff. The Fulton County Board of Health (BOH) notified Atlanta Public Schools (APS) of its first confirmed case of COVID-19 today. However, in this case, there is no exposure to students, and for staff there was no…

Get Counted! Census 2020 provides critical data for school funding

March 2, 2020

“Shape your future. START HERE.” The 2020 Census, the official count of every person living in the United States and its territories, launches this month. In the coming weeks, we will see thousands of announcements, flyers, news reports and social media postings in the coming weeks with the new tagline and the importance of getting…

Revisiting APS School Calendars: Survey Results Are In!

February 28, 2020

Few things affect our lives in the same ways as a school calendar. What else influences us more about when we schedule vacations, family events or even doctor appointments?  Because the school calendar literally outlines the lives of our students, their families and all of our employees, we in Atlanta Public Schools take great measures…

Coronavirus Disease: What APS Families Need to Know

February 27, 2020

UPDATE: March 31, 2020: As part of APS’ commitment to the safety of students and employees, we sent letters to families and staff providing updates on the district’s response to COVID-19. The letter to families is available on our Coronavirus Update page here. The Spanish version is here. UPDATE: March 20, 2020 – Deadline for APS Device Distribution…