Vol. 2, No. 1 Fall 2009 Informacion en espanol en atlantapublicschools.us Simply the B.E.S.T.

BY DAVID LEE SIMMONS year to reach out to men,” Saylors said. “But PTA Under the direction The June election of Charles J. Saylors as the will never have enough men involved unless the of Principal LaPaul APS grooms Shelton, all-male first male president of the national Parent Teacher members who are already here are willing to help B.E.S.T.Academy is Association signals that men are taking a greater me ask them to join and get involved.” one example of how next generation role in shaping the lives of young men. He set the Within the halls of Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools tone for that culture shift by committing to recruit educators also are focused on shaping young men shapes young men of male leaders more fathers into the organization. into future leaders. into future leaders. “We launched the PTA MORE Alliance this past See YOUNG MEN Page 19

Right at home GOING GREEN Kennedy teacher invests in her Vine City community Page 17

BY PAUL HALLORAN inner city and to advocate,” said At first glance, you might think Easterling, who once did a teaching Beverly Easterling is somewhat out of internship in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth place at John F. Kennedy Middle Ward, pre-Hurricane Katrina. School and in the Vine City Easterling teaches math to special- neighborhood. Boy, would you be education students with varying wrong. disabilities. This is her third year at Spend some time with Easterling — Kennedy, after teaching for nearly three listen to her talk about her school and years in DeKalb County. her neighborhood — and you will get “I knew APS had the type of students the distinct impression there’s nowhere I was looking to teach,” said Easterling. Beverly Easterling is all smiles when she is around her else she would rather be. “I think we have an opportunity to Kennedy Middle School students, including Ja'Nishaw White, “I always had a desire to work in the Demetrius Williams and Shalon Hugley. See EASTERLING Page 18 2 —The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 APS is dedicated to student achievement

Welcome to the first commitment to quality teachers underscores of comprehensive school reform designs that list of National Blue Ribbon Schools selected issue of The Atlanta the belief that each of our 49,000 students has have been adopted by our schools to meet the by the U.S. Department of Education. Our Educator for the 2009- a right to a high-quality education. individual learning styles of our students. Board of Education received national 10 school year. Atlanta APS students are making strides. Our APS business operations continue to earn recognition with the 2009 Urban School Public Schools students continue to meet and exceed Georgia national acclaim. Our finance department Board Excellence Award from the National launched this standards. Just nine years ago, only 40 percent has received the Meritorious Budget Award School Boards Association’s Council of Urban publication last year to of the district’s sixth-graders met or exceeded from the Association of School Business School Boards of Education. Also, board share news about the state standards on the English/Language Arts Officials International and the Certificate of member Emmett Johnson won the Richard R. district’s remarkable portion of the Criterion-Referenced Achievement for Excellence in Financial Green Award, the nation’s highest honor for turnaround. Competency Tests. This year, 89 percent Reporting by the Government Finance urban education leadership, from the Council However, this earned that distinction. In addition to Officers Association of the United States and of the Great City Schools, representing 66 of Dr. Beverly L. Hall publication has come to participating on state tests, APS voluntarily Canada. the largest urban school districts in the nation, represent so much participates in the National Assessment of ‘Making a Difference’ is more than a educating 7.1 million students. Lastly, I was more. The Atlanta Educator allows us to Educational Progress (NAEP) and has its catch phrase. Educating children is a honored and humbled when I was named 2009 highlight students, educators, volunteers and system results individually reported. NAEP tremendous responsibility. Parents, taxpayers Georgia Superintendent of the Year and 2009 business leaders who are making a difference provides what many believe is the most and civic leaders trust us with a very precious National Superintendent of the Year. in our classrooms every day. They are the rigorous assessment of student achievement in resource, and we take our work very seriously. I encourage you to take the time to browse reason that more school districts are looking America. From 2002-07, APS performance I can assure you that the faculty and staff of through the pages of The Atlanta Educator. to APS as a model. If you are new to the grew at a faster rate in grades four and eight APS work diligently to ensure that every You will see examples of our dedication to publication or to the district, allow me to share than all other participating large central cities, student receives the best foundation possible student achievement. We ask that you help us a few principles that guide our journey to the state of Georgia and the nation. to compete on a global playing field. spread the good news about APS in the weeks excellence: One size does not fit every student. Our success is real. Regardless of the and months to come. Every child can succeed. We have made International Baccalaureate, Project GRAD, measuring stick, APS has earned significant considerable strides developing our Effective Success for All, Direct Instruction and Making academic gains as well as national accolades. Dr. Beverly L. Hall is superintendent of Teacher in Every Classroom strategy. Our Middle Grades Work are just a few examples Carter G. Woodson Elementary joined a short Atlanta Public Schools.

CHIEF STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Atlanta Board of Education LaChandra D. Butler Burks, Chair DR. ALEXIS KIRIJAN Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, Vice Chair Each quarter, The Atlanta Educator will introduce you to faculty, Khaatim S. El staff, and administrators at Atlanta Public Schools. Emmett D. Johnson Yolanda K.Johnson Brenda J. Muhammad As the chief strategy and Since Strategy and Development is Kathleen B. Pattillo Q development officer, what’s your A responsible for reporting the district’s Mark B. Riley primary objective? performance, my biggest challenge is Eric W. Wilson ensuring the quality of the data reported. My primary objective is to not only Published by: ensure that the district continues to stay What’s the most fun part of your Atlanta Public Schools A on track by aligning strategy to the Q job? Beverly L. Hall, Ed.D. vision, mission and goals, but also to make sure Superintendent of Schools we are using data to drive strategy. In addition, Honestly, I enjoy every aspect of my Suzanne Yeager it is important that the key success indicators A job. I am guessing you would think, as Chief Communications Officer target exactly what is essential for the district to the chief strategy officer, I would say reach its goals. I also would like to keep that strategizing is the most fun part of my job. Submit story ideas to: everyone’s attention focused on achieving the But the most fun aspect is having the Morieka V. Johnson, Editor success measures that will take us over the top opportunity to work cross-divisionally with Director of Communications in student achievement. In essence, this is individuals from every part of the organization Atlanta Public Schools turning our strategy into reality. – from the schools to the central office staff and 130 Trinity Ave., SW our community and business partners. Atlanta, GA 30303 Tel:404-802-2893 How do you handle the inevitable What has been your biggest [email protected] challenges that occur when dealing Q accomplishment in the year that you Dr.Alexis Kirijan www.atlantapublicschools.us Q with such a large organization? have been with Atlanta Public Schools? table. They also make a commitment to fully Sign up for our mailing list at It is simple: I believe in open and participate on the team while continuing their www.atlantapublicschools.us/AEsubscribe honest communication, treating The biggest accomplishment has been regular work. The concept brings employees A everyone with dignity and respect, and refining the cross-functional action- together and fosters a sense of community. Produced by: A GRANT COMMUNICATIONS making data-driven decisions based on what is team process. The teams work toward Together we can and do make a difference for CONSULTING GROUP best for APS students. I also believe in being providing recommendations for improving the students at APS. Boston X New York transparent with all stakeholders. district processes — from planning to 781-598-8200 execution. The individuals who participate on For more information about the Office of [email protected] What’s the most challenging part of these teams represent the entire district and Strategy and Development, visit www.grantgroup.com Q your job? bring an incredible amount of expertise to the www.atlantapublicschools.us/strategy APS POINT OF PRIDE: Atlanta Public Schools is on a consistent nine-year trend of progress. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 —3 APS BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: KATHLEEN B. PATTILLO Board member sees shared vision

Kathleen B. Pattillo serves as the Atlanta Board of Education we make has ramifications that last a very long time. You have to think for representative for District 4. This is the fourth in a series of the good of the system – not just for the students of today but also the board member profiles in The Atlanta Educator. students we’re going to be serving in the future.” When Pattillo returned to Atlanta, she worked for Southern Company and LEADERSHIP CNN before earning a law degree from Emory University and working at Kathleen B. Pattillo has served on the Atlanta Board her father’s law firm in Conyers. She became an active volunteer, of Education since 2001, and will complete her term participating in Leadership Atlanta, which seeks to promote community this December. She also served as chairwoman of the involvement by connecting various groups within the city. board from 2005-07, chaired the Accountability and “I learned a lot, especially issues such as transportation, education, race Professional Development Committee, and served relations, and the in-depth challenges that face Atlanta,” Pattillo said. on the Audit Commission. Working in District 4, Pattillo represents Morris EXPERIENCE Brandon, Garden Hills, Warren T. Jackson and As she began raising a family of three, Pattillo became even more Sarah Smith elementary schools, along with involved in community work including serving as the first female chair of Sutton Middle and North Atlanta the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. High School. With her children at Sarah Smith Elementary, Pattillo also became active in the school’s PTA and eventually served as BACKGROUND co-president. A product of Rockdale County You have“ to think Pattillo successfully ran for her Board of Education seat Public Schools, Pattillo developed for the good of the in 2000. As a board member, she has worked with the a more personal passion for system – not just Atlanta Educational Telecommunications Collaborative, Inc. education after her kids started for the students (AETC), which facilitates a relationship between APS and matriculating into Atlanta Public Public Broadcasting of Atlanta (PBA). Pattillo also remains Schools. But the seeds were sown of today but also active as a trustee with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro much earlier. the students we’re Atlanta, which honored her with the Conant Award. Pattillo Pattillo attended Hollins College in going to be serving also has received The Silver Medallion Award from the Virginia before attending the in the future. Boys & Girls Clubs of America. University of Georgia, where she majored in political science with POINTS OF PRIDE course work in special education. As the PTA co-president at Sarah Smith, Pattillo helped She was a receptionist and worked in the improve the school’s image in the community. “We worked really hard to press office of Georgia Sen. Herman increase the population at Sarah Smith, and tried to go out and tell the good Talmadge before taking a job as stories about the school,” she said. “When I started working with the school deputy press secretary for Tennessee in 1995, the student population was 370, and now it’s more than 900. It Sen. Howard Baker in 1981. Those taught me the various ways a parent can be involved with his or her school, early opportunities allowed Pattillo and the most effective ways to do so.” to see the legislative process up Pattillo is most proud of how the Board of Education and Superintendent close and personal. Dr. Beverly L. Hall share the same vision for students and parents. “They were both great “We’ve really come together as a board and as a system, working to legislators,” Pattillo recalled. improve our facilities, our operations, and our student performance,” Pattillo “Both understood how the said. “The history of the board had been one of micromanaging, and we Senate worked and really worked hard to delineate our roles from those of management.” understood how to get Pattillo now sees APS as a school system that offers a quality education legislation passed through throughout the city — not just in select neighborhoods — and one that building consensus. I gains the public trust. learned to think about the “I want to thank all of my fellow board members, Dr. Hall, the CLL staff, big picture and the long the parents, principals, teachers, students and the community for being so term.” wonderful to work with and being so supportive of this endeavor,” Pattillo In relating this said. “I just feel so honored to work with so many dedicated people.” experience to her work on the Board of Kathleen Pattillo’s e-mail address is [email protected]. The Education, Pattillo said, Board of Education meets Dec. 7 at the Center for Learning and “I learned mostly that Leadership auditorium, 130 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA. 30303. For more each of the decisions information about the board, visit www.atlantapublicschools.us/board 4 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 PARENTS AS PARTNERS IN APS

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Why is parental involvement important joined with the APS Family Involvement to APS? Center to open the first Parents as Partners Together, Parental involvement is very important at Academic Center in Atlanta Public Schools. Atlanta Public Schools because 1) parents are Located at Kennedy Middle School, the site viewed as their child’s first teacher; 2) parents houses the official office for the Atlanta are encouraged to partner with teachers, staff Council of PTAs and is used to host and school administrators to foster student workshops, focus groups and trainings. achievement; 3) parental involvement at home Parents visit the center to secure up-to-date is consistently associated with higher student information on district programs and copies we can achievement: actively organizing and of parenting materials. monitoring a child’s time, helping with homework and discussing school matters; and Parent Community Involvement Parents help parents meet challenges 4) parents who read to their children before Liasons — The APS Parent Community they enter school give their children a boost Involvement liaisons serve as a link between toward reading success. the schools and parents.Their key of educating special-needs children responsibilities include conducting APS provides the following resources to workshops, sharing news on district BY MEAGHAN CASEY students and their families: initiatives and developing strategies for concentrate on transition needs of high- Parent Teacher Associations — The goal increasing parental involvement in APS Rose Calloway knows too well the challenge school students and young children; of the APS Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) activities.The liaisons work closely with of raising a special-needs child. lead task forces is to bring together the interests of the schools to develop community partnerships “As a parent, you’re frustrated and feeling organize training sessions; parents and the school to support student that enhance the learning environment and helpless,” said Calloway, whose eldest daughter collaborate with teachers; and achievement. PTAs normally meet once a ensure federal compliance with each school’s month.Through PTA initiatives and activities, parent involvement policy. was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease as offer more parental involvement activities. parents work with the faculty to enhance the well as a learning disability while in middle The mentors listen to both parents and school environment and improve student All of these initiatives will be enhanced by school. “You want to be able to understand educators, and use their unique knowledge of achievement. the Be There Campaign, which encourages what’s creating the problem and solve it.” both worlds to overcome obstacles in parents to initiate one-on-one teachable Parents as Partners Academic Center — This unique perspective informs Calloway’s communication. In addition to their local moments with their child outside The APS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of the classroom. recent work as a parent mentor. As one of priorities, Calloway and Matthews also meet approximately 90 parent mentors in the Georgia twice a year with the statewide network of Parent Mentor Partnership, Calloway wants to mentors and four times a year regionally. ensure that other “This isn’t what I parents don’t go down went to school for,” the same path alone. said Calloway, who “When I was going previously spent 20 through it and years as an balancing meetings information and doctor’s technology analyst. appointments, I felt “It’s more than just a like I was all by job; it’s a passion.” myself,” Calloway Following her recalled. “Now, daughter’s diagnosis, parents have me and Calloway cut short her Springdale Park Elementary music teacher 90 others looking out Letricia Henson gives a presentation at a career to help her for them.” workshop designed to expose parents to the daughter succeed and Created and benefits of the Parent Mentor Partnership. graduate. She initially partially funded by the enrolled her in a Georgia Department of Education’s Division private school and hired additional tutors, to no for Special Education Services and Supports, avail. the partnership began in 2002 as a small group “She didn’t fit in the special education of parents and administrators. The group now classes because she tested so well, but she works with 79 school districts to build effective couldn’t perform at the levels of the regular or family, school and community partnerships that advanced classes,” said Calloway. lead to greater achievement for students – Crim Open Campus High School proved to especially those with disabilities. By providing be an acceptable solution. “When she got to a support system for parents, the group can Crim, the teachers acknowledged and respected build a bridge of communication between home what we were doing,” said Calloway. “It was a and school. true partnership. It was also more hands-on and “There’s a sense of empathy that the mentors personalized – an average of five students in a can provide because they’ve been in their classroom.” shoes,” said Keisa Ma, Child Serve Specialist Having graduated from Crim, Calloway’s for APS’ Program for Exceptional Children. daughter is a now a student at Georgia “They can assist them with specific issues and Perimeter College. give them the resources they need.” “I was able to find a program that could work Calloway was hired as a mentor in July, for my daughter’s unique situation,” Calloway joining fellow APS parent Sharon Matthews. said. “Now I am able to help parents see what’s Together, they work with the parents of more in their school district before withdrawing their than 2,000 students in order to: child. With the availability of the parent mentor build connections for families; program, they don’t have to do what I did.”

APS POINT OF PRIDE: In 2009, Dr. Beverly L. Hall was named National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 5 PARENTS AS PARTNERS IN APS Dads make a difference Over the last several years, fathers Fathers get more involved with children’s education well attended, with at least 50 people have taken an increasingly more showing up each month. Other APS active role in their children’s schools that have participated in the education in Atlanta Public Schools. national program include Gideons, Consider M. Agnes Jones Elementary, Beecher Hills, Morningside, Parkside, where Quinton Gist became the Grove Park, Young and B.E.S.T. Parent Teacher Association president Academy. this year. “This program shows the interest “I got involved last year to make is out there (among fathers),” sure my little girl gets the best Sofianos said. “If we can find an education she can,” said Gist, who event and a time for dads to served as PTA treasurer last year. participate, they will come.” In a short period of time, Gist has And that is good news for students, proven to be a go-to person for who have proven to achieve more Principal Margul Woolfolk. She when fathers are involved in their turned to him last year when there education. A 2005 study by Brent was a behavior issue on a few of the McBride, a University of Illinois bus routes, and she needed volunteer professor of human development and bus monitors. Gist willingly rode the family studies, found that a father’s school bus for most of the school interest and involvement in his child’s year. life at school, when added to that of “Mr. Gist has always been the mother, packs a powerful one-two supportive,” Woolfolk said. “He’s not punch in that child’s favor. just talk; he makes sure it happens. The study also found that a father’s He calls the office two or three times involvement lessens the impact of a week. His whole mission is to make growing up in a low-income home or sure the children and teachers have poor neighborhood, or attending a whatever they need.” school that has limited resources. Gist, whose daughter, Dream, is a “When fathers are involved in their second-grader at Jones, wants to set Quinton Gist is PTA president at M.Agnes Jones, where his daughter, Dream, is in the second grade. child’s education, it mediates some of up a tutoring program for students the negative effects these preparing for the CRCT. He plans to APS graduate. He is currently taking innovative program helping men to chance to bond on a different level,” environmental stressors have on the get five parents at each grade level to classes at AIU Atlanta. become better fathers. All Pro Dad Sofianos said. Joe Shelton, whose child,” McBride said. work with students on reading, math, Fathers are also getting involved at has 54 NFL spokesmen, multiple son, Spencer, is a seventh-grader at In the study, the researcher worked social studies and science. Sutton Middle and a handful of other events with NFL teams, 1,000 All Sutton, approached Sofianos with the with 1,334 families with children The Jones PTA also sponsors a APS schools that participate in the Pro Dad’s Day chapters, and Play of idea last year. between the ages of 5-12 to learn game night on Fridays, giving national All Pro Dad’s Day program, the Day daily e-mails that reach The program usually provides a how men engage in the educational children and their parents a chance to featuring a monthly breakfast for 40,000 fathers. guest speaker who addresses topics process with their children, how their mingle in a fun setting. Last year, the students and their fathers, At Sutton, single mothers are such as setting goals and overcoming activity compares to what mothers are PTA helped raise $15,000 for a grandfathers, stepfathers, or any welcome, too, according to Principal challenges, and poses a question for doing, and whether father playground at the school. significant adult male role model in Audrey Sofianos. the students and their guests for involvement makes a unique “When kids see their parents their lives. “It gives the students and their discussion. contribution to the student’s around, they do better,” said Gist, an All Pro Dad is Family First’s parent or other significant adult a Sofianos said the breakfasts are development. Be There is here in Atlanta What’s the most important thing every parent teachers, and they set the course for their child’s Relations Association. his/her imagination, such as “If you were the can do for his or her child? Be there. success in life,” said Hall. “The Be There “We have all the tools to stay connected with smartest person on earth, what would you use That’s the concept behind Be There, the campaign offers very simple, everyday teaching people at work and families across the country, your intelligence to do?” national campaign designed to inspire parents to and learning strategies that can be used to but it’s hard to stay connected to our children, X In the grocery store, tell your child he/she become more involved in their children’s reinforce what’s taught in our classrooms. especially as they grow into teenagers,” said Cox. may pick out three items to take home, but they education. Be There started three years ago as a Children benefit when their parents are “Be There reminds us that parenting is our must contain less than 10 grams of sugar each. pilot project in Volusia County, Fla., and has involved in their education. They have number one job. We’re not just our children’s X When driving in the car, ask your young since gained popularity throughout the United higher self-esteem, better academic first teacher; we’re their lifelong child to find the letters of the alphabet in signs States and Canada. Through compelling images performance and more positive teacher.” your pass. With the teenager, ask them to help and words, the campaign suggests that parents attitudes toward school.” The group’s national you calculate how many miles per gallon you’re connect with their children every day during the Hall was joined by state officials to site, www.BeThere.org, getting with each automobile you drive. ordinary moments in life. stress the importance of parental offers great ways to X Read a story to your child. Before you get to Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. involvement, including Georgia State become more involved the end, ask your child how he/she thinks it will Beverly L. Hall joined 13 Georgia school district Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox; with your child, end. Or, if the main character walked through your leaders at WSB-TV studios in August for the Herb Garrett, executive director of the including: door today, what would you say to it? kickoff of the campaign throughout the Atlanta Georgia School Superintendents X While eating X As a surprise - leave a caring note in your metro media market. Association; and Sloan Roach, dinner, ask your teen a child’s lunchbox or under his/her pillow that says “Parents and guardians are our students’ first president of the Georgia School Public question to stretch you are proud of your child. 6 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009

APS

ALUMNA PROFILE RAISING THE BAR Judge Hatchett is a proud graduate of Atlanta Public Schools BY MEAGHAN CASEY Brightest Women in Corporate America.” became more socially conscious because of what was going on A visionary who knows how to get results, Judge Glenda A. In 1990, Hatchett received her first judicial appointment as in the country. I went to law school to expand my options and Hatchett is renowned in the legal community for her the chief presiding judge of the Fulton County Juvenile Court. discovered a passion for litigation. groundbreaking courtroom style. But before she was making She was commended for revolutionizing the system by waves on air and in the courts, Hatchett was an APS student developing public and private partnerships to provide support to What prompted the career change, from a private with big dreams. children and families after they left her courtroom. After eight Q company to the juvenile court system? As the newly elected president of her eighth-grade class at years on the Fulton County bench, Hatchett presided over the Honestly, I never expected to leave Delta. I was the the former Anderson Park Elementary School, Hatchett never award-winning syndicated show, “Judge Hatchett,” and A highest-ranking woman of color, and life was pretty imagined that one day she would become the first African- authored the national best-seller, Say What You Mean, Mean comfortable. If it had been any other opportunity, I might American to serve as chief presiding judge of a Georgia court What You Say. have passed it up, but I wanted to try to step out and make a or lead one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country. Hatchett now serves as a national spokesperson for Court difference in the lives of children. I truly believed with all A graduate of the former Harper High School, where she was Appointed Special Advocates, a non-profit organization that my heart that if I could get my hands on the children early active in student government, drama and music, Hatchett went trains volunteers to represent abused and neglected children and on, I could prevent them from showing up in our courts at a on to attend Mount Holyoke College and Emory University help them navigate the court system. She also regularly later point. School of Law. After earning her law degree and completing a conducts speaking engagements across the country. Last year, coveted federal clerkship, Hatchett took a position at Delta Air she completed a nine-city tour on the topic of “Parent Power,” Q What inspires you in your line of work? Lines, where she remained for drawing on her own experience as the mother of two. She Seeing lives transformed. It’s so gratifying to see kids nearly a decade. As the recently launched the Web site http://parentpowernow.com, with A getting back on track or to read letters from viewers company’s highest-ranking a goal of motivating 1 million parents to join her Dreampost saying, “Thank you. You made me believe I can do this.” If African-American Campaign. The site is also designed to become the premier I can help to empower them to fix themselves, it’s a good woman, she served in global networking community for parents. It includes a series of day. both the legal and high-impact videos, companion workbooks and live events with public relations practical, useful skills and concepts. What were the most important steps you took to departments. Ebony Q make your dreams a reality? magazine named her Hatchett took some time to share thoughts on life, parenting and A You have to really believe in those dreams and believe one of the “100 growing up in Atlanta: that you can do whatever you set out to do. But you Best and also have to work hard. There are no shortcuts. You can’t Q What was your APS experience? instantly be famous, be an athlete or own your own My elementary school was truly a neighborhood school, business. You have to want it bad enough to work for it. A very much a community, and my high school was just the best. I appreciate it more now, in retrospect. Everyone knew you Q Do you consider yourself a role model? by name and took an interest in you. They were proud of you. There are many people who influenced me — for They were the same people who went to your church and lived A example, my fifth-grade teacher who saw me sworn in in your community, so there was a real sense of family. as a judge. There are dozens of these individuals who are Also, my mother, Clemmie Hatchett, was an elementary still very much a part of my life. As they inspired me, I school science teacher in the APS system for a number of years know I now have the responsibility to inspire others and before she earned her Ph.D. She went on to work as an encourage our children to dream big dreams. administrator in the superintendent’s office and then as assistant principal at Archer High. The APS was always very important Q As a national spokesperson, best-selling author and to my family. a parent, what advice do you give other parents? A You have to pay attention to what your child’s doing Q What were your earliest career in school. You can’t leave it all to the teachers. You aspirations? have to be involved and be concerned. Listen — not just When I was a little girl, I with your ears, but with your mind and your heart. A thought I would be a pediatrician. Then in seventh grade, I As part of your Dreampost Campaign, you Q encourage parents to post their children’s dreams won the city-wide science fair. I on bedroom ceilings. Why? loved science and was a wiz kid in chemistry, physics and math. We want those dreams to be the last thing they see at All through high school, I A night and the first thing they see in the morning. It wanted to be an aeronautical sends a powerful message that their goals matter. By engineer. I was fascinated posting our children’s dreams, hopefully we’ll never have by space. Later on, I to post their bail.

Judge Glenda A. Hatchett

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS has launched one of the largest mathematics and science professional development and curriculum programs in the nation. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 7 STILL ANSWERING THE CALL Homework Hotline tutors are there to help students

BY MEAGHAN CASEY After 42 years with Atlanta Public Schools, Glenn Randall wasn’t quite ready to hang up his teaching cap. Instead, he and four other teachers dedicate their weeknights to helping students who call the Homework Hotline. A joint effort between APS and Public Broadcasting Atlanta’s E-Learning Cyber Center, My Homework Hotline is available Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays and semester breaks. Grades K-5 can call from 3-5 p.m., and grades 6-12 can call from 5-9 p.m. Hotline tutors like Randall have access to textbooks and school curricula to help students better understand and solve their homework problems. Last spring, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting awarded both organizations a My Source Community Impact Award for Education. But participants say the best reward comes from helping students. “It’s a very worthwhile, needed service,” said Willie Mae McLeod, Julio Blanco and Glenn Randall, rear, staff the phones of the Homework Hotline. Homework Hotline coordinator Bernice McLean, who also serves as director of education for PBA. understand something and then call back and tell “It’s a great resource for students who need help, you, ‘I passed,’ or ‘I got an A.’” and even for parents assisting their children.” Blanco added, “When they say thank you, you Randall, who retired in 2006, is in his ninth year can just feel how they say it. It’s like a hug over the as a hotline tutor. “Once I started, I enjoyed what I phone.” was doing,” he said. “It keeps your mind sharp.” Blanco, a Spanish teacher at Bolton Academy, is A former high school math teacher, Randall in his second year as a Homework Hotline tutor. He handles the majority of takes calls from English- math-related calls. He is HOTLINE FACTS speaking students learning convinced that Spanish and Spanish-speaking personalized assistance is students trying to navigate their key to the program’s Staff members: homework as well as a second success. language. Originally from “It’s one-on-one time 5 Colombia, Blanco can relate to that they can’t always get Number of calls in the Spanish-speaking students’ in the classroom,” he said. experience and provides the “Here, you can spend as 2008-09 school year: necessary guidance. much time as you need “It’s a great opportunity to breaking down a concept 4,400 help Spanish speakers who are and working with that still learning to speak and think student until he or she Phone number: in English,” he said. “I can understands it.” help them understand what Randall also credits the 678-553-3029 their teachers are trying to tell consistency of the them.” program, explaining that While the hotline is designed many students call on a to serve APS students, it regular basis. “Once they get familiar with your accepts calls from across the country. “I’d say three- voice, they know they can depend on you,” said quarters of the calls are from the Atlanta area, but Randall. we don’t turn anyone away,” said McLean. In addition to Randall, the hotline teachers on Last year, the hotline received more than 4,400 staff include Julio Blanco (Spanish), Marcia Jackson calls – about 700 came in August alone. (Language Arts), Willie Mae McLeod (science) and “We could get 20 calls a night, or we could get up Kevin Wright (social studies). Georgia Tech to 100,” said McLeod. “It really varies.” students also volunteer on a rotating basis. My Homework Hotline services are free. For “I love helping students,” said McLeod, who assistance, call 678-553-3029. Students can also retired in 2004. “It’s rewarding when they visit the Web site, www.myhomeworkhotline.org 8 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 Making math fun in Atlanta schools

BY MEAGHAN CASEY 1 + 1 = Fun. It’s an equation math teachers throughout the district embrace to make the learning process more engaging. At Joseph W. Humphries Elementary School, math coordinator Christi Langston organizes math activities that have stirred up new enthusiasm for the subject. During the annual Musical Math Step Show, students incorporate geometry, multiplication and other math concepts into dance routines. The Mega Math Quiz Bowl challenges students to square off in competition. During Math Market Day, students visit different stations, negotiating for goods using Humphries Bucks and playing math- related games. “We try to help them make the connection between the abstract and concrete,” said Langston. “It’s about relating math to real life.” The work has paid off. Humphries students have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for six consecutive years, making gains in math on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCTs). In 2008, 82.6 percent of grade 4 students met or exceeded CRCT standards – a 20-percentage-point increase from 2007 scores. The Mary Lin Elementary students and teachers benefit from innovative programs such as ArtsNOW, 2009 passing rate also remained high at 81.1 percent. which integrates the arts into all subjects. Fourteeen Mary Lin teachers have received training. “I’m convinced the hands-on programs and the creativity Mrs. Langston has displayed has had a lot to do with our success,” said Principal Donald Clark. “When you embed the curriculum into something that’s meaningful, collaborative and fun, students are able to better master the concepts. If their excitement level increases, their TEACHING IS AN ART achievement level will as well.” At Peyton Forest Elementary, fifth-grade math teacher ArtsNOW helps integrate arts into all subjects Travis Brown also mixes math concepts with fun We try to help activities. As author of “Math on the Mic,” he encourages BY PAUL HALLORAN teachers with another way to differentiate them“ make the students through song. Students in Atlanta Public Schools are not the instruction in order to reach all students. We connection between “There were some reoccurring problems where students only ones studying the arts; their teachers are train teachers, who then become experts in their the abstract and weren’t grasping certain concepts, so I started playing with getting into the act as well. building.” concrete. It’s about a few familiar tunes,” said Brown, who has no musical Thanks to a successful partnership with For example, Mary Lin and East Lake music relating math to training. “When I saw that it was working, I started ArtsNOW, a professional development program teacher Dr. Phyllis Porter had a class compose real life. making more songs where there were gaps.” offered by Creating Pride, Inc., more than 250 and record a song about the importance of Each song reinforces Georgia Performance Standards APS teachers have received training that helps conservation. Christi Langston for math. For example, “Let’s Pi Around,” sung to a them integrate the arts into their lessons in all “Students were able to use their musical Math Coordinator variation of “She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain,” subjects. talents to tie in their knowledge about helps students learn the circumference of a circle. “We are able to embrace fine arts by sending conservation with the importance of taking “The kids really love those songs,” said Principal Karen Barlow-Brown. “They’ll teachers every year to ArtsNOW workshops that action now, and not waiting for others to do it,” probably be able to recall those songs and strategies for the rest of their lives.” APS supports,” said Dr. Brian Mitchell, principal Jones said. About 35 APS schools use “Math on the Mic,” along with schools in 15 other of Mary Lin Elementary. Over the past three Mitchell said ArtsNOW is a logical choice for states. Brown, who has twice been named Teacher of the Year (once at King Middle years, 14 Mary Lin teachers have received Mary Lin. His predecessor, Dr. Adelia Hall, School and once at Peyton Forest), hopes to change the general outlook regarding ArtsNOW training. implemented discipline-based arts education math, dispelling any negative association. “We can motivate students to be more (DBAE) in the early 1990s. “This is a subject that we’re supposed to be afraid of,” he said. “That apprehension, successful by using the arts and relating Bonnie Baker, who teaches visual arts at Mary it’s a learned behavior. That’s why it’s so exciting to watch these students break into instruction to real life,” Mitchell said. “We strive Lin, also has gone through the ArtsNOW song and to see their little eyes light up.” to support teachers as they embrace lifelong training. Baker said it is especially effective for In addition to boosting enthusiasm, Brown has played a key role in boosting learning in ways that will improve instruction. teachers of other subjects. achievement. Last year, Peyton Forest met 96 percent of its state AYP targets, and its Infusing fine arts in the classroom goes right “Everybody (in the building) is getting Math Olympiad Team won the award for highest achievement. along with that.” involved and incorporating the arts into their ArtsNOW has been in Atlanta since 1998. lessons,” Baker said. Since then, teachers from 50 APS schools have Mitchell considers ArtsNOW another valuable received the training, according to ArtsNOW resource teachers can use to educate students. Program Director Darby Jones of Creating Pride. “The single biggest factor in determining a Established in 1992 by CEO Anne Ostholthoff, child’s success is the quality of the teacher and Creating Pride is a nonprofit organization that the instruction,” he said. “We want to provide strives to build confidence and skills among our teachers with multiple ways of improving educators and encourage integration of the arts instruction.” into the daily curriculum across all grades and While art may be considered an abstract, there disciplines. ArtsNOW is a signature intiative of are tangible benefits to the ArtsNOW program. Creating Pride. “Our relationship with Creating Pride has “We have done a lot of collaborative work helped with our test scores,” Mitchell said, with the schools,” said Jones, whose enthusiasm “because it has helped our teachers improve for the program is contagious. “We provide instructional delivery.” State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox visits with Peyton Forest Elementary teacher Travis Brown and students Victor Weeks, far left, and Jamiah Shoemake.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: The Nation's Report Card shows that since 2003, APS math, reading and writing scores have improved faster than other urban school districts. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 9 Pals for life

Parks Pals mentor Guy McRae, left, works with Parks Middle School seventh-grader Kelvin Stone. His mother,Tammy Stone, and project coordinator Jamaar Logan have noticed Kelvin’s improvement since he started working with McRae. Mentoring program offers middle-schoolers positive role models BY MEAGHAN CASEY plenty of support. Thirteen-year-old Kelvin Stone has dreams of Mentoring also takes place beyond the school walls. becoming an engineer. His pal, Guy McRae, is going Parks Pals participate in enrichment activities, including to make sure he succeeds. a book club, service projects, field trips and community McRae, a retired public safety manager for Grady gardening. Recent excursions have included outings to Hospital, met Stone through the Parks Pals mentoring the Fox for a performance of The Color Purple musical, program. Parks Middle School established the college tours, and visits to Centennial Olympic Park, the program in a partnership with the Center for Working Georgia Aquarium and Callaway Gardens. Families to foster positive relationships between A three-year grant funds the program through the middle school students and Atlanta professionals. Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, a division of the “I’ve spent a lot of time working with kids, and my U.S. Department of Education. This is the third and final mother and father were both teachers,” said McRae, year of funding for Parks Pals. “My goal is to not see who also has owned a daycare center. “Once I retired, this program go away,” said Logan. “We’re reaching out I figured it would be a wonderful use of my time.” to different partners and organizations to invest.” Mentors typically spend about four hours per Recently, the Braves Foundation donated $5,000 month at the school. Motivated by Robert Franklin’s toward the program. Other key partners have included book Crisis in the Village: Restoring Hope in African Mentor Guy McRae works on geography with Kelvin Stone. the Annie E. Casey Foundation, After School All Stars, American Communities, McRae visits Parks five days Salvation Army and the Pittsburgh Community a week and has taken on a second student to mentor this me with organizing and studying for my quizzes,” the Improvement Organization. year. seventh-grader said. “And my manners – I know I have to McRae can provide firsthand examples of how the “There’s a great need for mentors — and particularly use manners everywhere I go.” program makes a difference. He hopes the Parks Pals bond males — to help with the development of our children,” said The match between McRae and Stone is one of 80 will inspire Stone and others to achieve great things. McRae. “If our young men aren’t exposed to male role successful mentoring relationships this year. The Center for “Kelvin is an incredibly energetic, upbeat and happy kid,” models, they don’t grow up with the expectations of how a Working Families recruits mentors from local colleges, said McRae. “He’s a magnet for people who want to help male should behave in the community.” universities and businesses such as law firm Alston & Bird, him and be around him. I’m amazed by him and how high Stone gives his mentor high marks for effort. “He helps which project coordinator Jamaar Logan said has provided his spirit is.” 10 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS continues to attract, develop and reward quality teaching. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 11 SSpprreeaaddiinngg tthhee wwoorrdd

The Rev. Dr. Arthur Carson Jr. is a fixture as a guest reader at Cleveland Avenue Elementary School. Rev. Dr. Carson has been reading to APS students for 18 years

BY PAUL HALLORAN Students he had worked with at Slater Scott elementary schools, as well as middle- 30 to 40 questions answered in one class, so I Just call the Rev. Dr. Arthur Carson Jr. the showed marked improvement in reading on schoolers in DeKalb County. bring 48 pencils with me,” the Rev. Carson Energizer bunny of Atlanta Public Schools. the Iowa Tests of Basic “I’m grateful to all the said. Eighteen years ago, he began reading to Skills (ITBS). Good news wonderful teachers and Students also write book reports after his daughter’s class, first at Mount Olive travels fast. Another principals who let me in,” said completing five books. The Rev. Carson, Elementary in Fulton County and then at member of his church I try to “leave some the Rev. Carson, who does far pastor of Springfield Baptist Church in Fickett Elementary in Atlanta, as a way of asked if the Rev. Carson more than read for 45 minutes northwest Atlanta, gives book bags filled getting involved in her education. A member would read to her room for them to do and move on to the next school. with school supplies to the top three students of his church asked if the Rev. Carson would daughter’s class at some analytical He truly engages students and in each class as well as the top student in the read to her daughter’s class at Slater Gideons. Again, he said thinking and deductive forces them to process what school, as measured by the number of pencils Elementary. Naturally, he agreed. yes. reasoning. I want to they have read. they accumulate and the quality of their book “I went to public schools in Orlando and About 12 years ago, his “I ask them questions about report. people came in and did (things) for us,” said wife, Antoinette, a teacher build their confidence. the story,” he said. “I try to For Christmas, the top student in each the Rev. Carson, a graduate of Morris Brown at Cleveland Avenue, told leave some room for them to do class can ask Rev. Carson for one gift. Over Rev. Dr. Arthur Carson Jr. College, who earned his master’s in divinity him if he was going to some analytical thinking and the years he has purchased Gameboys, Wiis, APS volunteer and a doctorate in preaching process and volunteer, he should add deductive reasoning. I want to cameras, you name it. He recalled a girl at method from the Morehouse School of her school to the list. build their confidence.” Slater last year putting four things on her Religion. His daughter is now a student at Mays Then there are the pencils. Students who wish list: a coat, a school uniform, shoes and “I need to give back.” High, and the Rev. Carson still reads to third- correctly answer questions about the book books. He does that – and then some. graders at Cleveland Avenue, Gideons and receive a new pencil. “I usually can get about “She got all four,” he said. 12 —The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 —13

APS Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall, left, visits with Principal Yolanda Brown and students. Springdale lights a SPARK

Springdale Park students Noel Franco,Annie Laster,Vivian Paulson and Jeremy Gailor tend to the rooftop garden at the school. in these students “Springdale Park Elementary is a fantastic “One way that we take care of the earth is we school because it is a green school. One way plant trees. I like to plant trees.We can pick up we take care of the earth is by having big win- cans too. It is a lot of fun.” dows for natural light.” – Setareh Alavi, Grade 2 – Jaden Thackston,Grade 2 Environmental “SPARK is the most amazing school you can go “My school is green, so it helps the environ- to! It is even setting a trend on schools becom- ment.At lunch, we have compost bins for our ing green.” fruits and vegetables. In all the classrooms, we – Roni Winkeljohn, Grade 4 have bins to recycle paper… I love saving the environment!” “We take care of the environment by planting – Lily Willis,Grade 4 lots and lots of green foods.We don’t use chemicals on them so we don’t hurt the earth. “I love Springdale Park Elementary because we excellence Springdale Park has taught me how to be take care of the earth… Go green Springdale! green!” Now it’s my time to teach my family to be – Sophie Peeler, Grade 2 green.” Springdale Park goes green – Olivia Markwell, Grade 2 “Springdale Park Elementary School is a very special school because we are eco-friendly. One “I absolutely love SPARK! It is splendid.We BY MEAGHAN CASEY way that we are eco-friendly is instead of using “Part of our mission and core beliefs is radishes and Farmer Sue Shaw of Morning learn so many important things. Not only that, a bunch of paper we use notebooks and email It may not be easy being green – at least to cultivate a community of innovative Glory Farm set up a petting zoo. Seed-n- it’s environmentally sound! How cool is it that each other. I know that this conserves trees.” according to Kermit the frog – but the thinkers and environmental leaders,” said Feed also used the school worms as part of we are a green school?” – Haley Henderson, Grade 2 “green movement” has certainly gained SPARK Principal Yolanda Brown, who a lesson on composting. From left, fourth-graders Jacob Dillard, Kinzer Trettel and Amir Crowe enjoy the courtyard at Springdale Park. – Magda Dumitrescu, Grade 4 momentum throughout Atlanta Public previously served as principal at C.W. Hill Brown, a 16-year veteran of the APS, Schools. Elementary School. “If we start early was thrilled by the chance to pilot the green Springdale Park Elementary (SPARK) is enough, building in eco-friendly activities initiatives and build a community. the district’s first school to apply for LEED and events to the daily routine, they’ll be “It was such a unique opportunity to certification. LEED, which stands for environmentally sound and influential by open a new building, hire all of the faculty Leadership in Energy and Environmental the time they reach grade 5.” and staff and put together a team from the Design, is an internationally recognized To cultivate environmental leaders, ground up,” said Brown. “Everyone has system developed by the U.S. Green SPARK has formed partnerships with local come together to build our own legacy and Building Council that sets the standards for businesses and organizations such as create new traditions.” environmentally sustainable construction. Whole Foods Market Briarcliff, Seed-n- Last year, incoming SPARK students Located in the historic Druid Hills Feed, Farmer D Organics and Murphy’s voted for the dragon to serve as school neighborhood, SPARK serves students who Restaurant through the Seed-n-Feed mascot. They also get to choose their were relocated from Morningside and Foundation. Atkins Park Restaurant is also favorite design. But it won’t compare to a Mary Lin elementary schools. The new sponsoring activities for the children. life-size model students built with recycled campus encompasses three buildings: two In October, the school hosted its first aluminum cans, which was displayed as former residences and a modern energy- Farm-to-Market Fair, with help from part of an exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical efficient building. The eco-friendly learning Sodexo-Jackmont, the company that Gardens. institution features recycling and provides school meals for the district. composting stations as well as a rooftop Students sampled fresh fruit, hummus and For more information about SPARK, visit garden where students can grow their own whole wheat sweet potato bread, while the school’s Web site at fruits and vegetables. Farmer D assisted students with planting www.atlantapublicschools.us/springdalepark. Cole Croushorn waters the garden. Students and teachers are enjoying the new Springdale Park. 14 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009

APS NEW TEACHERPROFILES Second acts Walls pursues new career in art education

BY PAUL HALLORAN When she made the decision to become a teacher, With her own children grown up and in college, there was no doubt where Walls would end up. Stephany Walls figured it was time for her to go “I always felt the need to be in an urban school,” back to school – in more ways than one. she said. “I feel I have a lot to offer.” Walls went to Georgia State University to take art She is keenly aware that some of her students education classes and get her certification to teach. face significant challenges, but she also knows Once that was accomplished, she decided to put it there are many dedicated professionals ready and to good use, signing on as an art teacher at Turner willing to help them. Middle School starting in August. “There are a lot of teachers who really care about “In my other jobs, I was always the one who their students,” she said. “They try to be as chaired the committee that worked with the involved as possible in their students’ lives. It is schools,” said Walls, “and I was always very active important to be open to whatever a child may need. in my own children’s education. I always found We’re here for every child.” myself around the schools.” These days, Walls finds herself around Turner quite a bit, between teaching, coaching the cheerleading team and doing bus duty. “It feels like I’ve been here longer,” Walls said of her first few months as an educator. A native of New Haven, Conn., Walls came to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University, and she never left. After earning a degree in psychology, she worked a variety of jobs, including FedEx/Kinko and in administration at Fulton County Jail. Her Stephany Walls worked a variety of jobs before becoming a teacher. children went to Garden Hills Elementary, Sutton Middle and North Atlanta High School.

Stephany Walls works with students Gerry Green and Aubree Collins.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: Using in-depth academic and social services, Project GRAD is turning around schools once labeled lowest performing. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 15 NEW TEACHER APS Atlanta Public Schools is dedicated to bringing effective teachers to every classroom. PROFILES To reach that goal, the district has used programs such as Teach for America,The New Teacher Project and Visiting International Faculty. Meet three first-year teachers who help fulfill the district’s commitment to ‘Making a Difference’ in the lives of our students. Botta finds a home at Parkside Elementary

BY PAUL HALLORAN first-year Spanish teacher. “I love the community Barbara Botta is relatively new to the United at Parkside. I love all the other teachers I work States, and brand new to teaching, but she truly with.” feels at home at Parkside Elementary. Botta, a native of Sicily who is fluent in Italian, “This is what I wanted to do,” said Botta, a Spanish and English, earned her bachelor’s degree in foreign languages at the University of Catania in Italy. She moved to Atlanta seven years ago when she got married, and temporarily placed her aspirations of becoming a teacher on hold. “My career goal was teaching,” she said, “but I had to get adjusted to a new country, so I had to postpone it.” In the meantime, the mother of two worked at an insurance agency and, most recently, as a translator in the Atlanta court system. But she kept pursuing her dream. “[Parkside Principal] Dr. (Phillip) Luck gave me an opportunity to teach while I get my certification,” said Botta, who is enrolled in the Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program which allows non-certified teachers to work and get their certification. “I knew I was going to love it,” Botta said of her new profession. “It was a matter of being Barbara Botta is a Spanish teacher at Barbara Botta has found a home at Parkside Elementary. Parkside Elementary. given the opportunity.” Teacher, tutor, mentor: Reddick born to educate

You might say it was inevitable that James Reddick would become a teacher. When he was in high school in Vidalia, Ga., Reddick tutored fellow students after school. He did the same at Morris Brown College, where he earned a degree in organizational management and leadership, and at Georgia Tech, where he studied chemistry. Reddick was working in a lab at Georgia Power when an informational interview led to a role with Georgia Tech’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC). Once again, he signed on to be a mentor, this time at The New Schools at Carver. “I saw how much I enjoyed it,” Reddick said. “I always thought about becoming an educator at some point in my life.” That opportunity came in August when, a week into the school year, Reddick got a call informing him that a math teacher was needed at Washington Senior Academy. Within a few weeks, Reddick had settled in as an Algebra 2 teacher at the newly transformed high school. “It was hectic, but the veteran teachers helped me a lot,” said Reddick, a talented musician who played in the marching band at Morris Brown and symphonic band at Georgia Tech. “I enjoy teaching and I want the kids to enjoy being students,” he added. “The challenge is to get them to care about their education. I want to help them learn how to learn. I try to show them how much I care.” So far, so good. James Reddick is in his first year James Reddick teaches an Algebra 2 class at Washington Senior Academy. teaching. 16 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009

APS

STUDENT Charting her path to success PROFILE Forecast is good for Douglass student

BY MEAGHAN CASEY predicted early on that he would pursue a teaching career. “I For most 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds, the answer to the had several teachers who really impacted my life when I was question “Where do you want to be at age 40?” might be a here, and I knew I wanted to come back and give other kids little foggy. But for aspiring meteorologist Amber Hughes, a the incentives they gave me,” he said. freshman at Douglass High School, the forecast is looking Still holding on to that eighth-grade booklet, Hardnett can’t bright. stress enough the importance of getting a head start. “I want to graduate as valedictorian of my high school, “In 11th and 12th grade, I see students sometimes having with a 4.0 GPA, and go to Harvard,” she to backtrack and take other classes,” Hardnett said. “I’ll get my master’s in atmospheric said. “If you start early, it broadens your sciences, move to New York City and opportunities.” eventually become a meteorologist for I want to graduate Hughes, a CFEAT student, couldn’t agree ‘Good Morning America.’” as valedictorian“ of my high more. She has had a strong interest in Hughes detailed her plans during the school, with a 4.0 GPA, and meteorology since third grade and intends to “Jumpstart to Success” Summer Academy go to Harvard. I’ll get my pursue all options in that field. held at Douglass. Daryl Hardnett, a social master’s in atmospheric “I was always fascinated by the formation studies teacher in the school’s Center for sciences ... and eventually of tornadoes and storms,” she said. “I love Engineering and Applied Technology become a meteorologist for watching the news and weather channels and (CFEAT), asks all of his students to doing my own research online. You really choose a profession and map out a path to Good Morning America. need to know what you have lined up and not that goal. Students are required to research Amber Hughes wait until you get out of high school.” colleges and careers, as well as the steps Freshman at Douglass High At Turner Middle School, Hughes was they need to take to meet the awarded a scholarship from the Ryan qualifications of each. They are then called to write an Cameron Foundation, which was established in 2002 to autobiography and create a PowerPoint presentation provide select young people with mentoring, tutoring, projecting their ambitions. volunteering, celebrity appearances, life experiences, self- “When I was in eighth grade, we had to create a similar reflection, leadership instruction, personal coaching and type of booklet, planning for our careers,” said Hardnett. “It financial support for their post-secondary education. She was gets you thinking and started on that path. A lot of students promised a laptop, business suit and $4,000 towards college, will come in and say, ‘I want to be a doctor or a dentist or an as well as other support from the foundation. NFL player.’ They might know what they want, but not what “I know I need to keep my academics on point and keep they need to do to get there.” studying to meet the requirements of Harvard,” she said. “I’ll Amber Hughes is a freshman at Douglass High School. A 1986 graduate of Douglass High School, Hardnett also start looking into more scholarships.”

APS also had three other Master Teachers this year: Denita Carr of Toomer Elementary, Renetta Carter-Spencer of C.W. Hill Master of her trade Elementary and Kerry Venuti of Jackson Elementary. As Master Teachers, they are part of a go-to group for sharing insight, best a difference and helped them realize practices, actions and recommendations in education. Master Andrews is one of they can do anything if they put Teachers are frequently invited to serve in local, state, regional and their minds to it.” national education groups as the voice of Georgia educators, and Georgia’s best teachers Andrews joined APS in 1999, as influential professionals in their communities. accepting a position as a math “It’s opened up new avenues for me,” said Andrews. “My goal BY MEAGHAN CASEY teacher at Brown Middle School. next year is to mentor new teachers on how to be effective in From the FBI to the front of the classroom, Pamela Andrews She currently teaches at Inman moving students towards achievement.” has become a master at getting results. Middle School, where she has Her advice: “Realize all students are not at the same level; have In the decade since becoming a teacher, Andrews has evolved found her niche in connecting with patience for everyone; and build rapport with your students.” into one of Georgia’s best. She was named a Georgia Master that age group. She also stresses the importance of analyzing errors. Teacher, Inman Teacher of the Year (2009) and member of the “In middle school, they still want “You need to teach your students to become thinkers and State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council – all since 2008. to be nurtured,” she said. “They problem solvers,” she said. “Do they understand why it’s “It was so surprising and exciting,” said Andrews, referring to need to know you care.” incorrect? You want to get them to concentrate on the concepts her recent accolades. “As a teacher, I know I need to be a role For her consistency in Pam Andrews more than their grades.” model for my students and encourage them to keep striving.” demonstrating excellence in the Outside of Inman’s walls, Andrews continues to advance her The native Georgian is a product of Atlanta Public Schools and classroom, Andrews earned Georgia Master Teacher certification own learning. She is currently enrolled in the University of a 1994 graduate of Douglass High School. She served as the in April 2008. This year, seven other Inman teachers joined her in Phoenix doctoral program for educational leadership and community outreach coordinator for the FBI for seven years. earning certification: Antavius Baker, Denise De La Rosa, Lisa technology. She is also a member of the State Superintendent’s During the process, she visited classrooms and ran a Junior Special McLeod-Chambless, Candace Neal Price, Kelly Schlegel, Jimmy Teacher Advisory Council and attended her first meeting in Agent program at the former John Wesley Dobbs Elementary Taylor and Christopher Wharton. October. The group consists of Georgia Teacher of the Year School. “Our staff is very competitive when it comes to student finalists, Milken Award teachers and other teachers throughout the “In the end, I decided I wanted to spend more time working achievement,” said Inman Principal Dr. Betsy Bockman. “We’re state. They meet three times throughout the school year with State with children,” she said. “It’s rewarding. I’ve had students come having our best test scores ever. Every area has improved this Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox and act as liaisons between back and tell me how I’ve influenced their lives. I know I’ve made year.” the Department of Education and the state’s teachers.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS is changing the middle school experience through single-gender learning and other reform initiatives. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 17

Students, above and left, plant trees along Lucille Avenue in the Westview neighborhood. PHOTOS: CHRISTOPHER T. MARTIN Nature’s classroom Trees Atlanta creates a living laboratory for students BY MEAGHAN CASEY “Students restored the space into a bird- Trees Atlanta proves that nature is the friendly habitat using Georgia native plants ideal classroom. which will attract butterflies and other Since 1985, the nonprofit organization has wildlife.” been focused on replenishing and conserving Thanks to the transformation, Brown Atlanta’s trees while creating more green teachers and students have an incredible space in the city. Its new mission involves living classroom not only to study trees and planting roots in Atlanta Public Schools by birds, but to read and write, study local introducing students to the great outdoors history and observe nature’s mathematical through the BeltLine Arboretum Education patterns. program, which turns school campuses into “We’re trying to make it a living interactive classrooms. laboratory,” said Astrove. “Projects like this “It’s about personal stewardship and are unique as they offer cooperative learning, empowerment,” said Robby Astrove, encourage critical thinking and create a program coordinator for Trees Atlanta. “It’s a tangible legacy which can be shared with the discovery process for students to plant the community for generations.” seed and watch it grow. I hope these students The outdoor classroom at Brown will also bring back their grandchildren and say, be an important place to learn about locally ‘Look, I planted that tree.’” grown food. Many edible trees and shrubs The arboretum project is part of Atlanta Greg Levine, left, and Robby Astrove of Trees Atlanta plant a tree at KIPP STRIVE. will be planted to promote healthy eating BeltLine – a project that will transform a habits and agricultural education. loop of unused railroads and surrounding tremendous health, energy-saving and education program earlier this year at Brown Additional schools along the BeltLine — parks into interconnected neighborhoods, economic benefits of urban trees. The project Middle School, planting more than 350 trees including KIPP STRIVE Academy, Inman complete with pedestrian-friendly transit and also will integrate Atlanta’s history and and shrubs on a three-acre plot of land next Middle School, Grady High, Tech High and plenty of greenspace. Trees Atlanta has include environmental art sculptures, native to the campus. Nearly 150 students took part Atlanta Charter Middle School — also will begun work on a linear arboretum that will tree species and plenty of educational in the project, planting trees with assistance benefit from outdoor classrooms. In October, span the entire 22-mile BeltLine, creating the features. from Trees Atlanta and Audubon volunteers. Brown and KIPP students planted an world’s longest arboretum — one that will Trees Atlanta, in partnership with the “Before, the area was full of damaging, additional 60 trees in the West End and West educate residents and visitors about the Atlanta Audubon Society, kicked off its invasive, exotic plants,” said Astrove. View neighborhoods of the BeltLine. 18 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 What I did last summer Atlanta Fund for Teachers grant recipients broaden horizons

BY DAVID LEE SIMMONS Terri Dunson, E. Rivers Elementary Fund for Teachers goal: Study giant panda Over the course of the summer, 18 Atlanta Public Schools breeding habits in China teachers scattered to the four winds. With $77,000 worth of “I worked up close and personal with five grants from the Atlanta Fund for Teachers, they experienced giant pandas. I studied the history and extremely rewarding working vacations and returned to their evolution of giant pandas and their significance schools with a renewed focus. to the environment, assisted a keeper with They also returned with fond recollections of their trips, feeding/bathing, studied the nutritional needs which were funded through the Atlanta Education Fund. Here of giant pandas, learned to prepare their meals, are some of the highlights: learned about biodiversity conservation and husbandry, learned how to conduct behavioral Charon Kirkland and Lorrae Walker,Woodson and scientific research on giant pandas, and learned E. Rivers Elementary teacher Terri Dunson studied giant pandas in China. Scott elementary schools the specifics of giant panda breeding. This all Fund for Teachers goal: Study tropical conservation and ecology in took place working side-by-side with giant panda experts and Neville McFarlane, Maynard H. Jackson High Dominica educators at the base. … This was truly Fund for Teachers goal: Attend photovoltaic design and installation Kirkland: “Syndicate Forest is an experience of a lifetime for me.” workshop in Carbondale, Colo. home of the Sisserou Parrot, as “The idea of ‘Cooking with the Sun’ by using different types well as thousands of trees and Xylecia Taylor,Williams of solar ovens/cookers was quite a fascinating experience. The flowering plants. The Sisserou is Elementary design of the various types of solar cookers presents an protected under Dominican law Fund for Teachers goal: Harvest biodiesel excellent opportunity for me to develop lessons that my because it is an endangered fuel and teach English in Ghana students can apply to geometric and measurement concepts in a species. As I walked in the “My visit to the Cape Coast Castle real-life situation. I had the opportunity to construct my first understory of the rainforest, I tried resulted in feelings of grief, gratitude, solar cooker.” to envision how I could explain and determination. It is all so true that, this experience to my students. The as you enter the slave dungeons — the Sydney Butler,Alonzo A. Crim Open Campus trees were hundreds of feet tall and holding cells — you can still smell the Fund for Teachers goal: Attend the Biennial Conference for Special provided a canopy where little stench of deplorable and dehumanizing Education in Alicante, Spain sunlight entered the forest floor. I conditions. You can hear the echoes of “The conference consisted of various workshops presented stood in awe of roots that were dying voices. As I stood in a dark over a four-day period. The presenters were from various taller than a two-story home, Williams Elementary teacher Xylecia Taylor went dungeon, I caught a glimpse of the countries throughout the world. The workshops addressed such anchoring these massive trees to to Ghana to teach English this past summer. miniscule hole that served as the topics as ‘Educating Students with Disabilities,’ ‘Special and the ground. It’s ironic that something so tall and powerful can drainpipe for the bodily excretions and fluids of ancestors sold Inclusive Education in Europe, Ukraine, Spain, Portugal and become weakened if the rainforest is destroyed … It was into slavery. I entered into the suffocating cell designed to Other Countries,’ ‘The Growing Prevalence of Autism’ and inspirational to experience adventure and learn at the same time. incarcerate the disobedient and rebellious captive. I closed my many other topics relevant to educating students with It has become a saying that ‘our exploration went from the eyes and walked through the ‘Door of No Return’ to stand at disabilities. Additionally, there were ample opportunities for clouds to the ocean floor.’” the port on which slave ships lodged. I walked back through participants from different cultures around the world to with an increased sense of determination, faith, and gratitude.” brainstorm and network about relevant issues.” Kennedy teacher is right at home in Vine City EASTERLING: From Page 1 community you’re serving,” said Easterling, who lives near to sit back. Getting them through eighth grade is vital.” Booker T. Washington High. “It’s a natural fit for your When she is not teaching, Easterling loves to travel. She was change students’ lives in thirds: with education, community and professional life to flow into your personal life. able to combine those passions last summer when she spent family,” said Easterling, who earned her undergraduate and “There’s so much history here,” she said. “It was a hot spot nearly a month in South Africa studying racial reconciliation and master’s degrees at Auburn University. during the Civil Rights movement.” restorative justice, thanks to a grant from the Atlanta Fund for As the only Caucasian teacher at Kennedy, Easterling stands Ironically, Easterling hails from an area that is also associated Teachers. out by virtue of her appearance. To her boss, she stands out by with the Civil Rights movement, but for a very different reason. In an essay she wrote entitled “Seeking Wealth in Poverty,” virtue of her performance. In 1964 three Civil Rights workers were murdered by white Easterling detailed two weeks she spent in Mamelodi and a week “Beverly is a joy to have here,” said Kennedy Principal supremacists in her hometown, Philadelphia, Miss. The incident in Swaziland. She described Mamelodi as a place where “the Lucious Brown. “She has an unbelievable work ethic. I have inspired the 1988 movie Mississippi Burning. effects of apartheid are like aftershocks from a destructive never had her tell me ‘no’ when I asked her to do something. Fortunately, Easterling, the daughter of a pastor and a teacher, earthquake that never seems to go away … Generational poverty She’s delightful to work with.” was brought up to “live for others and not yourself,” she said. and its byproducts are held in place due to the impoverished Brown is not the only one who has taken note of Easterling’s “That’s one of the reasons it was a natural fit for me to be a curriculum found in schools and the grossly unequal treatment the dedication and ability. Earlier this year, she was named a winner teacher, especially in special ed.” black Africans were subjected to during apartheid.” of Atlanta’s Power 30 Under 30 Award in the Community Service What keeps her motivated? On a safari to Swaziland, Easterling was struck by the beautiful category. “To see student progress,” she said. “To see character landscape and wildlife. “I was reminded why I teach,” she wrote. It is entirely fitting that the word “community” be part of an development. If I can see students becoming better citizens in my “I teach so the Animal Planet network won’t be the only access award presented to Easterling, who two years ago moved into class, that’s more important than whether they can reduce my kids have to seeing how big the world is outside of Vine City Vine City to better understand obstacles her students face each fractions,” she said, adding that students who slipped through the … My time in Africa restored my hope that communities like day. cracks also keep her focused. Vine City can be transformed.” “I’m a firm believer that you need to live among the “I’ve been to funerals of students,” she said. “This is no time You can bet she will right in the middle of that transformation.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS’ move to small high school learning environments results in higher graduation rates. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 19 A boy’s life Single-gender education is B.E.S.T. for him

BY RENICO FISHER I’m an eighth-grader at B.E.S.T. Academy. I previously attended Grove Park Elementary. I’ve attended B.E.S.T. since it opened two years ago. At B.E.S.T., I’m a member of the Boy Scout troop; I compete on the debate team; and I volunteer to help our media specialist, Ms. [Kellye] Carter. This year, I was elected president of the Golden Ambassadors. We guide visitors on tours of the school and visit Guidance counselor Donald Prater interacts with B.E.S.T. students Jamaree Butler, Quincii Lewis and Amadou Bah. our feeder schools (Woodson, Grove Park and Scott elementary schools) to tell them why they should attend B.E.S.T. APS grooms next generation of male leaders I love my teachers at B.E.S.T. because they understand the difference between YOUNG MEN: From Page 1 recess,’” said Dr. Luck, who teaching boys and girls. Ms. [Autumn] launched a speech competition Gabriel, my math teacher, lets us get more Whether it’s single-gender classrooms, after- for the boys last year, complete interactive with our assignments. She’ll school initiatives or other innovative programs, with a strict dress code. draw a circle map on the Promethean board, the district has placed a renewed focus on boys Teachers are also taking the and she’ll let us come up and write different — without sacrificing the unique needs of female initiative to ensure boys grow things on the board. It gives a more hands- students. into young male leaders. At on way to everyday learning. Two years ago, APS introduced the Coretta Douglass High School’s Center One of my other favorite subjects is Scott King Young Women’s Leadership for Engineering and Applied science. Mr. [Dwike] Leonard, our physical Academy and the all-male Business, Technology, social studies science teacher, gives us opportunities to do Engineering, Science and Technology (B.E.S.T.) teacher Daryl Hardnett different experiments with solids, liquids and Academy at Benjamin S. Carson. APS coordinates the Esquire after- gases. Every day, when we come in, there’ll Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall instituted the school program. For years, the be a lab set-up that we can work on as a single-gender model based on national data that Douglass alum worried that his group. One time, we had three copper wires, The academy provides plenty of hands-on exercises and reveals boys learn more productively in an team-building programs such as the Boy Scouts and Golden male students lacked positive role two batteries, a cup of water and some salt. active, hands-on atmosphere. Ambassadors to keep young men focused on success. models who motivate them to We connected the positive and negative to “The biggest piece of this single-gender graduate. To address his the batteries, and we examined the negative approach is establishing a consistent program he engages them by getting them to do jumping concerns, Hardnett recruited his mother-in-law, a charge breaking down chemicals in the that looks out for the best interest of the boys, jacks or some other physical activity.” former vice-chancellor at Southern University- water with the salt. As a teacher, he treats us where we really look at all aspects of the young Results can be measured throughout the New Orleans, to keep about 20 students on the as young men. He expects us to be men,” said B.E.S.T. Academy Principal LaPaul school. B.E.S.T. Academy made its Adequate right path. respectful, do the best we can and achieve Shelton, who won an Atlanta Families’Awards Yearly Progress targets for the 2008 school year. “A lot of times their parents may not totally our goals in life. grant based on similar research. “From the Prater also points to the success of fifth-grader understand or know what’s needed for the kids to I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve been moment they enter school each day, to Renico Fisher, who entered B.E.S.T. Academy as be successful in high school and go to college,” given at B.E.S.T. As a Boy Scout, I’ve monitoring them in the cafeteria, to engaging a shy student just two years ago. Through he said. “If the parents didn’t do any secondary learned how to be out in the wilderness, with them and asking how their weekend was, to participation in the debate team and Boy Scouts, education, then the parent doesn’t know what more independent and to provide for myself. being in the classroom with them, it’s about Fisher has come out of his shell, Prater said. classes to take in high school.” As a member of the debate team, I’ve constantly working with them.” “One of my other favorite subjects is science, Through Esquire, Hardnett tracks students’ learned how to pronounce words better and Early indications are positive. The school and Mr. [Dwike] Leonard, our physical science volunteer hours while his mother-in-law helps to speak clearly about different ideas. Plus, I moved into its new facility this year, and students teacher, gives us opportunities to do different them search for scholarship dollars. like being with my peers. walk the halls proudly in their blue-and-gold experiments with solids, liquids and gases,” “I have one man who’s a junior now,” uniforms. They also participate in programs such Fisher said. “He treats us as young men. He Hardnett said. “He’s learned how to wait to be as the Golden Ambassadors and a Boy Scouts expects us to be respectful, do the best we can recognized at a meeting. We’re being patient chapter that is 60 members strong. During and achieve our goals in life.” with him. It’s worked a lot for him, and given monthly Meeting of the Minds sessions, suit-clad But, rest assured, the focus on young men him something positive to do.” members of The 100 Black Men of Atlanta — goes far beyond B.E.S.T. Academy. Educators at Slater Elementary also launched a the school’s community partner — visit to Dr. Phillip Luck, principal at Parkside Wednesday Boys To Men program for young congratulate top students for their Elementary, said it’s important to challenge male male students. Dr. Selina Dukes-Walton, accomplishments. Students from Kennesaw State students mentally and physically so that they’re principal of Slater, said she wasn’t even allowed also serve as mentors. prepared for the more challenging atmosphere of to the males-only affair. “A lot of these gender-based strategies are middle school. Noting that an overwhelming “It has made an impact,” she said. “You notice working,” said B.E.S.T. Academy guidance majority of the school’s discipline issues were for a difference in how they dress and how they act counselor Donald Prater. “A lot of the ideas boys, he placed a stronger emphasis on recess. on Wednesdays.” come from brain-based strategies, where you “I tell the teachers all the time, ‘the boys have Hopefully, it’s a model of behavior that will B.E.S.T.Academy eighth-grader Renico keep the boys engaged as much as possible. the energy, and they’re either going to burn it in expand through the rest of the week – and their Fisher poses with Principal LaPaul Once a teacher sees a boy tired or drifting away, your classroom or they’re going to burn it during lives. Shelton. 20 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 Better to give than to receive APS employees collect TIPS FOR GIVING more than 225 coats for families X Host a giving party. Invite friends and neighbors over and ask them to help people in need by donating BY MEAGHAN CASEY non-perishable food, toys or clothing items. As the holiday season approaches, Atlanta Public Schools is X Set up a giving bank. Set aside a container in your proving that it’s better to give than to receive. home to collect spare change and donate the money to a In early November, the Office of Student Programs and local charity. Services organized APS Coat Day. APS employees collected X Do some “fall cleaning.” Clean out closets and more than 225 coats and jackets, along with sweaters, hats, give away coats and winter clothing items. gloves and scarves to help students stay warm during cold winter X Add APS to your holiday shopping list. Pick up months. small items or gift cards for social workers to distribute “Our coat drive was very successful,” said social worker Janice to APS families. Riley. “We served over 150 children and distributed over 200 X For more information call 404-802-5500. garments to students and families. The garments left over will be donated to the Atlanta Women’s Day Shelter.” The Office of Student Programs and Services also conducts an Want to help? School guidance counselors are collecting the following items: annual Adopt-a-Family project to provide dinners, gifts and warm clothing for the holidays. In the upcoming weeks, social workers socks $10 gift cards scarves will give families gift cards for groceries and will collect and underwear hats gloves SAFETY TIPS donate toys, food baskets, clothing and blankets for the holidays. Make sure that students travel safely to school each day. Here are a few tips to review: Bus safety 1.Acknowledge that the driver governs the bus and follow instructions and bus safety rules. 2. Refrain from bringing sharp objects, alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco onto the school bus. 3.Wait for the bus in a safe place away from the roadway. 4. Respect the property and privacy of others while at the bus stop. 5. Avoid traffic dangers and remain a safe distance from the approaching bus until it comes to a complete stop. Social worker 6.Avoid crowding or pushing while boarding or Janice Riley exiting the bus. organizes 7.Avoid boarding or exiting the bus from the rear some of the emergency door, unless instructed to do so by the more than driver. 200 coats that were donated 8. Remain seated while the bus is moving. Keep to APS feet and legs out of the aisle and refrain from families. placing arms or heads out of the window. Walking to school 1.Always be sure the drivers can see you. Success on the golf course and in the classroom 2. Never walk behind a bus or car. LAWRENCE: from Page 24 Lawrence, who plays 36 holes a day in the four-round match. 3. Look both ways before crossing the street. summer and has an 8.9 handicap. “It’s the most nervous I’ve ever been on a Walking near dogs* touch with some girls she met from Kenya. Prior to the Scotland trip, she played in an golf course,” Lawrence said of hitting the first 1. Never approach a stray dog. “They’re normal kids just like me, and they event at Charlie Yates GC with 35 other teens shot in a tournament that featured the top 30 2. Never run away from a stray dog; that is likely to love golf just like I do,” she said. and some of Atlanta’s high-powered players on the PGA Tour, including her idol, prompt the dog to chase you. It’s hard to believe Lawrence has only been professionals, including House Majority Leader Tiger Woods. Phil Mickelson ended up winning playing golf for six years, after being Jerry Keen, Woodruff Foundation President the tournament, but Woods clinched the FedEx 3. If a dog approaches you, be quiet, stand still and introduced to it in a physical education class at Russ Hardin, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cup title. keep your arms close to your body. Drew Charter School. She was a quick study board chair Doug Hertz and attorney Valerie Lawrence didn’t get the chance to meet 4. Do not attempt to pet an unfamiliar dog. and entered her first tournament as a seventh- Hartman-Levy. The outing was created to help Woods, though she did watch him play up- 5. Do not put place hands over or through a fence grader. However, Lawrence didn’t feel she was kids learn how to network on the golf course. close. As a standard bearer, she spent one day to feed or pet an unknown dog. a really good player until last year, when she Lawrence also completed a personal trifecta of the tournament walking with Woods’ group took first place in the GHSA regional of big-time events when she hit the honorary and carrying the sign displaying his score. 6. Just because a dog’s tail is wagging, it does not always mean it is friendly. tournament with an 81 on her home course, first tee shot to start the PGA Tour “He’s amazing,” said the senior, who hopes * Tips provided by dog trainer Susan Giordano of K9U Charlie Yates Golf Club. She went on to finish Championship on Sept. 24 at East Lake Golf to earn a scholarship to play golf at Texas Training and Behavior Modification. ninth in the state tournament. Club. She earned the honor by besting rival Southern University. “I got good at it because I practice a lot,” said Kelly Willis of The New Schools at Carver in a You could say the same about Lawrence.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS’ extensive network of business, community and philanthropic support continues to propel the success of its students. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009 — 21

Superintendent Kathy Cox also rec- size, geography or demographics, all of the Atlanta Police Department Elementary schools ognized Jackson for academic students can achieve at high levels.” and a school detective for Atlanta achievement and improved perform- Woodson joins other APS winners, Public Schools for more than 16 Bolton Academy ance on state standardized tests. including F.L. Stanton and Venetian years, designed and created a pho- ATLANTA SRT-4 Hills Elementary. tography club for students. He also Physical education and Spanish E. Rivers provided students with a memorable teacher Julio Blanco of Teacher Terri Dunson spent the experience, sponsoring a limousine Bucaramanga, Colombia, returns to ride to the first-annual Caring for summer working on wildlife conser- Middle Schools Others gala at the Fox Theatre. the award-winning Homework vation in China through a fellowship Hotline (678-553-3029) for a second from Fund for Teachers. Here at Pettis read to pre-kindergarteners, Sutton year. Blanco helps students with home, Rivers’ Culinary Garden Club while kindergarten teachers and B.E.S.T. Academy questions on everything from math Media Specialist Allaenna Williams During a monthly Meeting of the Sutton launched its No Place For Hate was featured in the Atlanta Journal- campaign with an assembly on Sept. and social studies to, of course, Constitution with APS parent and developed a special presentation for Minds assembly, school administra- Spanish. students. 30. Sponsored by the Anti- acclaimed chef Linton Hopkins. tors and members of the 100 Black Defamation League, the campaign Boyd Usher/Collier Heights Men of Atlanta recognized helps students, faculty and staff Scott September’s outstanding students: focus on eliminating bias and bully- A ribbon-cutting ceremony and recep- Teacher Lorrae Walker spent her Usher/Collier Heights was featured in Mykael Riley, Melvin Gullatt, Sherrod ing. Teachers nominated 12 students tion kicked off Boyd’s partnership summer in Dominica with Carter G. an Atlanta Journal-Constitution Brackins, Joel Osley, Marcell to serve as event hosts on the with Target’s Buckhead South loca- Woodson Elementary teacher story about APS wellness and nutri- Freeman, DeShawn Waller, Frederick Positive Action Committee. tion. Charon Kirkland, where they studied tion programs. “Two years ago, I was Williams, Brandon Neely, Crispus making more pizzas,” cafeteria man- Hendrix, Tabias Wimby, Mykeal Turner Morris Brandon ecology and tropical conservation through Fund for Teachers. ager Katrina Church said in the arti- Davis, Bernard Brown, Kaleb Turner was the only APS middle school Crossing guard Courtney Turner and cle, which noted that students select Anderson, Alec Robinson, Marcus to meet 80 to 89 percent of its dis- Brandon students were featured in Sarah Smith healthy options when they are avail- Strickland, Christopher Wright, trict performance targets. Next year, able. “Now I’m making more salads Monterrius Brown, John Rogers, WXIA/11Alive education reporter Performance artist and success coach faculty and staff plan to aim higher Donna Lowry’s “Class Notes” seg- and turkey sandwiches.” Tocorius Rose, Stormy Jenkins, — meeting 90 to 99 percent of MK Mueller, aka “The Gratitude Nathaniel Colbert and Amadou Bah. Turener’s performance targets. ment celebrating International Walk Guru,” read her latest book, 8 to to School Day. The event celebrates White Also, the Atlanta Chapter of the Great: The Powerful Process for National Coalition of 100 Black exercising and walking to school. Positive Change to students. Benita Edwards received $1,000 in Students also created “Bee a school supplies during a surprise Women celebrated eighth-grade his- Mueller, author of Taking Care of tory teacher Patia Odom-Mitchell for High Schools Walker” posters. Me: The Habits of Happiness, visit from OfficeMax employees. The donation was part of the company’s her work as an “Unsung Heroine.” Garden Hills inspired students, teachers and Odom-Mitchell founded Dreams, a parents during her visit. “A Day Made Better” program. The Douglass fifth-grade reading and mentoring program that provides cul- Garden Hills hosted a Jumpstart Read tural outings and volunteer opportu- Douglass Hospitality, Tourism and for the Record event, highlighted by F.L. Stanton English/Language Arts teacher also has received Georgia Schools nities from middle school through a Marketing (HTM) teacher Tonya Principal Amy Wilson reading The Fourth-graders hopped aboard Georgia student’s junior year in college. Fulton and Academy Leader Very Hungry Caterpillar to Superintendent Kathy Cox’s award Stephanie Bailey will create a “HTM State University’s BioBus for a ses- for improvement in fifth-grade read- pre-kindergarten and kindergarten sion on “Water in the Environment.” Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Career Laboratory,” with $30,000 students. ing scores on the Criterion- from the Michael Jordan Grant The program provides hands-on Referenced Competency Tests Leadership Academy activities about the importance of Foundation. The career lab will help Grove Park (CRCTs). Margot James Copeland, vice presi- students compete for positions in water. Stanton also is home to sev- dent of The Links, Inc., served as the Parents of K-5 students attended math eral academic clubs. Second- Carter G. Woodson the tourism industry, while offering “Make and Take” workshops in first guest speaker of the school skills aligned with Georgia through fifth-grade students in the year. Copeland encouraged students Performance Standards. October. Teachers provided hands-on Breakfast Club discuss literature, Woodson is the latest APS institution recognized as a National Blue to do their best, remain focused on activities to help parents assist with while the History Club allows third- their education and develop lifelong North Atlanta math homework assignments that through fifth-grade students to con- Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Georgia relationships. As a community part- Reginald Colbert, coordinator of the address Georgia Performance duct research, create media presen- ner to CSKYWLA, The Links works Standards. Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox Center for the Arts, and his wife, tations, reenact historical events and to further its mission of enriching, Sutton Middle School teacher take field trips to historical sites. said Woodson and other Georgia sustaining and ensuring the culture Jackson winners “are outstanding examples Natalie Colbert, attended the and economic survival of African Verbier Festival in the Swiss Alps Jackson was one of six APS elemen- Towns of how high expectations and hard Americans. work can lead to outstanding stu- through a Fund for Teachers grant. tary schools to make 80-89 percent More than 360 students participated The dynamic duo studied ways to of their district performance targets dent achievement. These schools Harper-Archer incorporate master classes into their in the October Jumpstart Read for show that, regardless of a school’s during 2008-09. Georgia Schools the Record campaign. Principal Carla Officer V. Campbell, a 17-year veteran schools’ curriculum.

TALK UP APS: SHARE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE DISTRICT BY DAVID LEE SIMMONS GET CONNECTED It’s time to Be There: Dr. Hall also joined 13 Atlanta Public Schools’ journey to APS’ communications department launched a series of new-media initiatives.The other Georgia school district leaders for the excellence is being built on a path of singular department became the second in the metro Atlanta area to set up a Twitter account launch of Be There. This national multimedia accomplishments, high honors and teachable (www.twitter.com/apsupdate), and followed that by transforming its district newsletter — Talk campaign inspires parents/guardians to become moments. Here are a few more reasons to be Up APS — into a blog that is updated hourly and can be found at www.TalkUpAPS.com. APS more involved in their children’s education. proud of APS. Please share the good news. now has 500 followers on Twitter and an average of 250 daily page views on TalkUpAPS.com. World-class educators: Three APS Celebrating an icon: The Rev. Dr. Joseph educators — Dr. Shirlene B. Carter, principal at L. Lowery celebrated his 88th birthday with his Maynard H. Jackson High School; Dr. Tonya annual lecture series in October after being Saunders, former principal of Toomer awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Elementary; and Dr. Lisa West, model teacher over the summer. Lowery welcomed keynote leader with the Office of High Schools — speaker Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and joined a delegation of 400 who traveled to senior-high students from APS. China this summer to expand Chinese-language Top team: APS’ Special Olympics master’s programs in U.S. schools. The Chinese Bridge level softball team won the state championship Delegation trip was sponsored by held in early October in Statesboro. The Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters in winning team was comprised of student partnership with The College Board. athletes from North Atlanta and Mays high Jumpstart to Success: Incoming freshmen schools, and the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI). High-performing district: APS students Dr. Hall discusses journey to excellence: at APS got a sneak preview of their high school The team coaches are Patricia Merkerson from continued to demonstrate academic growth as Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. experience during the “Jumpstart to Success” BDI, Lisa Oglesby and Mike Slack from North 80 percent of the district’s schools made Beverly L. Hall participated in a panel Summer Academy at the district’s high schools Atlanta High, and pitching coach Wendell Hale Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), the federal discussion on “Achieving Teacher and and small learning communities. Jumpstart to from Washington High School, who was an benchmark under the federal No Child Left Principal Excellence: Are We Making the Success allows APS students to meet integral part of the team’s success. Student Behind (NCLB) law. Also, 92 percent of the Grade?” hosted by The Philanthropy administrators and teachers who will work with chaperones included Dondra Perkins, Natalie elementary schools and 88 percent of the Roundtable and the Southeast Council of them during the new school year, become Jefferson and Mike Sullivan. The APS Program middle schools made AYP. According to the Foundations at the Loudermilk Center in familiar with the physical layout of their high for Exceptional Children Special Olympics is Georgia Department of Education, APS is September. school campus, take core courses and gain tips under the direction of Regina Gennaro. closing the gap with the state. on effective study habits. 22 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009

ATLANTA SCHOOLS

Morris Brandon William M. Finch Thomas Jefferson Perkerson Walter Francis White Administration Karen Evans, Principal Dr. Linda Paden, Principal Dr. Mable Johnson, Principal Tamarah Larkin-Currie, Principal contacts 2741 Howell Mill Rd., NW 30327 1114 Avon Ave., SW 30310 2040 Brewer Blvd., SW 30315 1890 Detroit Ave., NW 30314 404-802-7250 404-802-4000 404-802-3950 404-802-2950 Deputy Superintendent for Instruction Hugh Otis Burgess- Gartha Belle Garden Hills Peyton Forest Whitefoord Kathy Augustine Peterson Amy Wilson, Principal Karen Barlow-Brown, Principal Patricia Lavant, Principal 130 Trinity Ave., SW 30303 Robin Robbins, Principal 285 Sheridan Dr., NW 30305 301 Peyton Rd., SW 30311 35 Whitefoord Ave., SE 30317 404-802-7800 404-802-2700 480 Clifton St., SE 30316 404-802-7100 404-802-6900 404-802-3400 Charles L. Gideons K-8 School Reform Team 1 Eretus Rivers Carter G. Woodson Armstead Salters, Principal Dr. Sharon Davis Williams Capitol View David White, Principal Dr. Viola Blackshear, Principal 897 Welch St., SW 30310 8 Peachtree Battle Ave., NW 30305 Executive Director Arlene Snowden, Principal 1605 D.L. Hollowell Pkwy., NW 30318 404-802-7700 404-802-7050 404-802-3667 1442 Metropolitan Pkwy., SW 30310 404-802-7350 802-7200 Grove Park William J. Scott K-8 School Reform Team 2 Caitlin Sims, Principal Roxianne Smith, Principal Michael Pitts Cascade Middle 20 Evelyn Way, NW 30318 1752 Hollywood Rd., NW 30318 Executive Director Dr. Alfonso L. Jessie Jr., Principal 404-802-7750 404-802-7000 404-802-7550 2326 Venetian Dr., SW 30311 Schools 404-802-8100 Heritage Academy Thomas Heathe Slater K-8 School Reform Team 3 Trennis Harvey, Principal Centennial Place Dr. Selina Dukes-Walton, Principal Joseph Emerson Brown Dr. Robin Hall 3500 Villa Cir., SE 30354 1320 Pryor Rd., SW 30315 Alison Shelton, Principal Donell Underdue Jr., Principal Executive Director 404-802-8650 404-802-4050 531 Luckie St., NW 30313 765 Peeples St, SW 30310 404-802-3751 Alonzo Franklin Herndon 404-802-8550 Sarah Rawson Smith 404-802-6800 K-8 School Reform Team 4 Dr. Betty Tinsley, Principal Main building Cleveland Avenue Ralph Johnson Bunche Tamara Cotman 350 Temple St., NW 30314 Dr. Sidney Baker, Principal Dr. Rhonda Ware-Brazier, Principal Keisla A. Tisdel, Principal Executive Director 404-802-8700 370 Old Ivy Rd., NE 30342 404-802-6537 2672 Old Hapeville Rd. 30315 John Hope/Charles Walter Hill 404-802-3850 1925 Niskey Lake Rd., SW 30331 404-802-8400 404-802-6700 Associate Superintendent for High Dr. Cassandra Miller-Ashley, Principal Kindergarten annex Schools Elijah Lewis Connally 112 Boulevard, NE 30312 4100 Roswell Rd., NE 30342 Sammye E. Coan Randolph Bynum Mimi Robinson, Principal 404-802-7450 404-256-3317 Dr. Tonya Saunders, Principal 404-802-5875 1654 S. Alvarado Ter., SW 30311 Joseph W. Humphries Springdale Park 1550 Hosea Williams Dr., NE 30317 Executive Director of Operations, 404-802-8450 Donald Clark, Principal Yolanda C. Brown, Principal 404-802-6600 Office of High Schools Continental Colony 3029 Humphries Dr., SE 30354 1246 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE 30306 Charles Lincoln Harper - Samuel Abigail Crawford Sandra Sessoms, Principal 404-802-8750 404-802-6050 Howard Archer 404-802-5800 3181 Hogan Rd., SW 30331 Emma Hutchinson Daniel H. Stanton Dr. Frances Thompson, Principal 404-802-8000 Dr. Rebecca Dashiell-Mitchell, Principal Dr. Willie Davenport, Principal 3399 Collier Dr., NW 30331 404-802-6500 Ed S. Cook 650 Cleveland Ave., SW 30315 970 Martin St., SE 30315 Elementary 404-802-7650 404-802-4200 Samuel Martin Inman Sharyn Briscoe, Principal Dr. Betsy Bockman, Principal 211 Memorial Dr., SE 30312 Warren Turner Jackson Frank Libby Stanton Schools 774 Virginia Ave., NE 30306 404-802-8500 Dr. Lorraine Reich, Principal Dr. Marlo Barber, Principal 1325 Mt. Paran Rd., NW 30327 1625 M. L. King Jr. Dr., SW 30314 404-802-3200 Adamsville Deerwood Academy 404-802-8800 404-802-7500 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Isis Manboard, Principal Dr. Lisa Smith, Principal Mary Agnes Jones Thomasville Heights Dr. Lucious Brown, Principal 286 Wilson Mill Rd., SW 30331 3070 Fairburn Rd., 30331 Margul Woolfolk, Principal Janice Kelsey, Principal 225 James P. Brawley Dr., SW 30314 404-802-4300 404-802-3300 1040 Fair Street, SW 30314 1820 Henry Thomas Dr., SE 30315 404-802-3600 Beecher Hills John Wesley Dobbs 404-802-3900 404-802-5750 Martin Luther King Jr. Crystal Mayfield-Jones, Principal Dana Evans, Principal Lucas O. Kimberly Fred Armon Toomer Dr. Danielle Battle, Principal 2257 Bollingbrook Dr., SW 30311 2025 Jonesboro Rd., SE 30315 Carolyn Hall, Principal Nicole Evans Jones, Principal 545 Hill St., SE 30312 404-802-8300 404-802-8050 3090 McMurray Dr., SW 30311 65 Rogers St., NE 30317 404-802-5400 Frederick Wilson Benteen Paul Lawrence Dunbar 404-802-7600 404-802-3450 Crawford Williamson Long Dr. Diana Quisenberry, Principal Betty Greene, Principal Mary Jane Lin George Alexander Towns Dr. Elizabeth Harris, Principal 200 Cassanova St., SE 30315 660 McWilliams Road, SE 30316 Dr. Brian Mitchell, Principal Carla Pettis, Principal 3200 Latona Dr. SW 30315 404-802-7300 404-802-7950 586 Candler Park Dr., NE 30307 760 Bolton Rd., NW 30331 404-802-4800 Mary McLeod Bethune East Lake 404-802-8850 404-802-7400 Walter Leonard Parks RoseMary Hamer, Principal Gwendolyn Benton, Principal Leonora Precious Miles Bazoline E. Usher/Collier Heights Christopher Waller, Principal 220 Northside Dr., NW 30314 145 Fourth Ave., SE 30317 Christopher Estes, Principal Dr. Gwendolyn Rogers, Principal 1090 Windsor St., SW 30310 404-802-8200 404-802-7900 4215 Bakers Ferry Rd., SW 30331 631 Harwell Rd., NW 30318 404-802-8900 404-802-6400 Bolton Academy Margaret Fain 404-802-5700 Luther Judson Price Laura Strickling, Principal Marcus Stallworth, Principal Morningside Venetian Hills Sterling Christy Jr., Principal 2268 Adams Dr., NW 30318 101 Hemphill School Rd., NW 30331 Rebecca Pruitt, Principal Clarietta Davis, Principal 1670 B.W. Bickers Dr., SE 30315 404-802-8350 404-802-8600 1053 E. Rock Springs Rd., NE 30306 1910 Venetian Dr., SW 30311 404-802-8950 404-802-6300 William M. Boyd Richard Nathaniel Fickett 404-802-4550 Parkside Willis A. Sutton Emalyn Foreman, Principal Dr. Anthony Dorsey, Principal West Manor Dr. Phillip Luck, Principal Audrey Sofianos, Principal 1891 Johnson Rd., NW 30318 3935 Rux Rd., SW 30331 Cheryl Twyman, Principal 685 Mercer Street, SE 30312 4360 Powers Ferry Rd., NW 30327 404-802-8150 404-802-7850 570 Lynhurst Dr., SW 30311 404-802-5600 404-802-4100 404-802-3350

APS POINT OF PRIDE: The Class of 2009 was offered more than $90 million in college scholarships. The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009— 23

ATLANTA SCHOOLS

Sylvan Hills Henry W. Grady Gwen Atkinson, Principal Dr. Vincent Murray, Principal Open Campus 1461 Sylvan Rd., SW 30310 929 Charles Allen Dr., NE 30309 MARK YOUR CALENDAR 404-802-6200 404-802-3001 High School Don’t miss these upcoming events: Henry McNeal Turner Maynard Holbrook Jackson Crim Open Campus Karen Riggins-Taylor, Principal Dr. Shirlene Carter, Principal Dr. Angelisa Cummings, Principal Dec. 6 Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. 98 Anderson Ave., NW 30314 801 Glenwood Ave., SE 30316 256 Clifton St., SE 30317 Holiday performance Holiday performance 404-802-6100 404-802-5200 404-802-5800 APS Honor Chorus Brandon, Smith, E. Rivers, Jean Childs Young Engineering/Early College Mays High School Garden Hills,W.T. Jackson bands Thomas Kenner, Principal Dr. Richard Williams, Academy W.T. Jackson Elementary Leader 404-802-5206 Non-traditional 3116 Benjamin E. Mays Dr.,SW 30311 Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. Fine Arts & Media and Winter Concert Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. 404-802-5900 Communications Programs APS District-wide “Candlelight Nights” Leah Ervin, Academy Leader APS Honor Chorus 404-802-5231 performing groups Single-Gender Adult Literacy Program Atlanta History Center, Information Technology Kennedy Theater Academies Dr. Phyllis Earls, Academy Leader Jacquelyn Davenport, Principal Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. 404-802-5205 1444 Lucille Ave., SW 30310 Holiday performance of Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Benjamin Elijah Mays 404-802-3560 “The Little Reindeer” “Change Through the Arts The B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson Dr. Tyronne Smith, Principal Forrest Hill Academy Finch Elementary School band Because the Arts Can Change LaPaul Shelton, Principal 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Dr.,SW 30331 Tricia Rock, Principal Finch Elementary Lives” 1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, Coan Middle School’s band, 30318 404-802-5100 2930 Forrest Hills Dr. , SW 30315 Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. chorus and visual artists, with 404-802-4944 North Atlanta 404-802-6950 Holiday performance local Atlanta artists in Mark Mygrant, Principal Coretta Scott King Young Women's West End Academy (11,12) Gideons Elementary School attendance Leadership Academy 2875 Northside Dr., NW 30305 Dr. Vivian Jackson, Principal choral groups, bells, string, band Coan Middle School Melody Morgan, Principal 404-802-4700 1325 Ralph D. Abernathy Dr., SW Gideons Elementary 601 Beckwith St., SW 30314 30311 Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. South Atlanta Gymnasium 404-755-7755 404-802-4962 800 Hutchins Rd., SE 30315 Holiday program School of Health Sciences & *Contact your child’s school Herndon Elementary chorus High Medical Research for more details. Herndon Elementary Termerion McCrary, Principal Charter Schools 404-802-5050 School of Law & Social Justice Schools Peter McKnight, Principal The News Schools at Carver 404-802-5045 55 McDonough Blvd. 30315 Atlanta Charter Middle School of Computer Animation & Early College Design Matt Underwood, Principal Marcene Thornton, Principal Scott Painter, Principal, 404-802- 820 Essie Ave., SE 30316 404-802-4405 5060 678-904-0051 School of Health Sciences and Daniel McClaughin Therrell Charles Richard Drew Charter Research 3099 Panther Trail, SW 30311 Don Doran, Principal Dr. Darian Jones, Principal School of Technology, Engineering 301 East Lake Blvd., 30317 404-802-4420 & Science (STEMS at Therrell) 404-687-0001 School of Technology Esmie Gaynor, Principal Rodney Ray, Principal 404-802-5360 Imagine Wesley International Academy, LLC 404-802-4410 School of Health Science & School of the Arts Research Michael L. Rossano, Principal Dr. Marvin Pryor, Principal Frank Walker, Principal 1049 Custer Avenue SE 30315 404-802-4415 404-802-5355 678-904-9137 School of Law, Government & Frederick Douglass Public Policy KIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars J. Austin Brown, Principal Byron Barnes, Principal (WAYS) Academy 225 H.E. Holmes Dr., NW 30318 404-802-5345 Kim Karacalidis, Principal 80 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., SW 30314 404-802-3100 Booker Taliaferro Washington Business & Entrepreneurship 404-475-1941 45 Whitehouse Dr., NW 30314 Dr. Mary J. Harris, Academy Leader School of Banking, Finance, & Neighborhood Charter School, Inc. 404-802-3162 Investment Jill Kaechele, Principal Center for Engineering and Dr. Charcia Nichols, Principal 688 Grant St., SE 30315 Applied Technology (CFEAT) 404-802-4663 404-624-6226 Dr. Reginald Lawrence, Academy School of Early College Leader Tech High School Dr. Vanessa Nason, Principal 404-802-3156 404-802-4641 Elisa A. Falco, Principal Communication & Journalism School of Health Science & 1043 Memorial Dr., SE 30316 Sharonda Murrell, Academy Leader Nutrition 678-904-5091 404-802-3160 Dr. Samuel Scavella, Principal University Community Academy Hospitality, Tourism & Marketing 404-802-4667 Guy Cooper, Principal Stephanie Bailey, Academy Leader Senior Academy 2050 Tiger Flowers Dr., 30314 404-802-3161 Mr. Boris Hurst, Principal 404-753-4050 404-802-4603

La informacion que se encuentra en esta edicion esta www.atlantapublicschools.us 24 — The Atlanta Educator Fall 2009

THE ATLANTA EDUCATOR

Above PAR Lawrence finds success on the golf course and in the classroom

BY PAUL HALLORAN

Tyler Lawrence speaks softly and carries a Big Bertha. The Grady High senior knows what to do with a driver – or any other golf club. Her prowess at hitting the little white ball has already taken her halfway around the world. Who knows what lies ahead? “I want to be a teaching pro,” said Lawrence, who traveled to Scotland last summer on a trip sponsored by the First Tee of East Lake, a year- round golf instruction and life skills program created by the East Lake Foundation. “I like helping other kids in the First Tee program.” Lawrence and three other Georgia high school players joined peers from Texas, California, Kenya and Scotland on the ultimate golf trip: six rounds on such legendary courses as Kingsbarn and the Old Course at St. Andrews, where she shot a very respectable 88. Lawrence and the other Georgia students were selected for their success on the golf course and in the classroom. Students also submitted an essay on why the trip would be important to them. During the excursion, the teens participated in team-building activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, archery and kayaking. Lawrence said she still keeps in

See LAWRENCE Page 20

The first in a series of neighborhood performances, a parade of schools, inaugural event included: North Atlanta RALLYING celebrations took place Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. colorful displays and other features for High School, Sutton Middle, and at North Atlanta High School, 2875 students, parents and the community. Brandon, Bolton, Garden Hills, Jackson, FOR PUBLIC Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta. The purpose is to showcase the E. Rivers and Sarah Smith elementary The “All for All. One accomplishments of neighborhood public schools, all of which offer the by One” celebrations incorporate schools. International Baccalaureate (IB) EDUCATION elements of a pep rally, open house, live Schools that participated in the academic program.