Blog

Newsweek ranks Carver ECHS at the top!

September 8, 2014

Congrats!!! Newsweek Magazine names Carver Early College the 72nd best high school in the country — and the 5th best high school in the country for low-income kids!!! Way to go! http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-schools-2014?piano_t=1 http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/beating-odds-2014

A First Lady, A Super and A Secretary!

September 8, 2014

I spent the afternoon at APS’ historic Booker T. Washington High School with First Lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan and our fabulous Washington students and staff. We are so excited that they chose to launch their fifth annual back-to-school bus tour in our district. What a great day! Thank you Mrs.…

Educators that Excel in APS – Dr. Freda Hamilton of Sarah Smith Elementary

September 4, 2014

Check out our phenomenal APS educator, Dr. Freda Hamilton of Sarah Smith Elementary featured in the most recent issue of Simply Buckhead Magazine on page 79!  This fly-fishing assistant principal talks about her journey into the field of education and why she loves her job. What a great article! Keep up the great work Dr. Hamilton.

Supper On Site for APS Students

September 4, 2014

No Kid Hungry, a national organization that connects kids in need with nutritious food, reports that 1 out of 5 kids in the United States struggles with hunger.  About 62 percent of teachers surveyed by the organization say they regularly see kids who come to school hungry.  Hungry kids struggle with learning, have difficulty concentrating, experience more…

Merry, merry Mary Lin

August 29, 2014

There are many construction projects going on around the district and I am out visiting each of them. Today, I was able to see the site development at Mary Lin Elementary School and was met by merry, merry students and engaged teachers. Yes, it’s an old building that needs a lot of love and improvement and many improvements…

Tonight: Autism Awareness Night at Lakewood Stadium

August 29, 2014

Join APS this Friday night as South Atlanta High School hosts “Autism Awareness Night” during their home game against Frederick Douglass High School at Lakewood Stadium at 5:30 p.m.  Both the South Atlanta and Douglass teams will wear light blue wristbands, and game attendees are being asked to wear light blue to show their support.…

A Busy Start to a Big Year

August 29, 2014

Wow – the first four weeks of school have been incredibly busy!  Thank you for making sure that your child was not only there on the first day of school but every day!  I’ve been out almost every evening in different board member districts around the city, getting to know parents and students while hearing about…

All Smiles at the Board of Education Meeting

August 13, 2014

We were all smiles during Monday’s Board of Education meeting! I am EXCITED about our 22 new school leaders and the changes in store for their elementary, middle and high schools.  This group of dynamic principals is leading the charge to do the right thing for children.  Each embodies the change in culture that I…

Students are Sprouting at Garden Hills Elementary

August 13, 2014

When I entered the lobby of Garden Hills Elementary, I was immediately greeted by photos of former students dating back to 1938.  This school has an extremely rich history, having recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.   Principal Tommy Usher is an energetic principal who leads a group of almost 600 students from diverse backgrounds.  An International…

Getting the ‘Scoop’ with the ‘Supe’ at Sutton Middle School

August 13, 2014

When the savvy 8th grade reporter Drew Sheldon of Sutton Middle School escorted me into the “Sutton News Station,” I knew I was in good hands.  The Sutton news team hit me with one big question, “What is your plan for making Atlanta Public Schools a great school system?”  I had an opportunity to talk…