Vol. 2, No. 2 Spring 2010 Informacion en espanol en atlantapublicschools.us GATES WAY TO SUCCESS Gates Foundation boosts initiative to maximize teacher effectiveness

BY DAVID LEE SIMMONS positions within the district also make classroom. That’s the driving force Andrew Lovett Jr. is a born leader Lovett an asset in the classroom. behind the Effective Teacher in Every who constantly seeks new ways to A management position in the Classroom Initiative, which received a engage his math students. That district would be a natural progression huge boost in January in the form of a dedication helped him win 2009 for Lovett or any teacher who makes a $10 million, three-year grant from the Teacher of the Year for Carver’s positive impact on student Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. School of Health Sciences & achievement. But Atlanta Public The Gates grant bolsters the Research. Schools is dedicated to retaining and district’s work to develop a The same qualities that make him a rewarding teachers who motivate comprehensive evaluation system for Teacher Andrew Lovett Jr. works with AP Calculus students Briahna Head prime candidate for administrative students and produce results in the and Orane Douglas at the Carver School of Health Sciences & Research. See GATES Page 4 Checkmate Chess programs in Atlanta Public Schools have students such as Peter Maynard, right, of M. Agnes Jones Learning Chinese Elementary feeling like kings and Page 6 queens. Story, Page 5.

Sharing wisdom Page 8

Living history Pages 12-13 PHOTO: SCOTT KING 2 —The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 We’re all about student achievement

elcome to this school year’s second greatest impact on achievement. In this issue of our motivate our students. issue of The Atlanta Educator. In this newspaper, you will meet the director of the ETEC We’ve had many famous visitors to our schools Wpublication, we have tried to capture program and many APS teachers who exemplify over the years. The latest two — famed the stories of our staff and students who continue to what it means to be an outstanding teacher. primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall and U.S. Secretary make a difference in our community. You will read In this issue, you also will meet students from of Education Arne Duncan — are featured in this about programs and initiatives that are helping turn Fain, Dobbs, West Manor, Usher-Collier Heights, issue of The Atlanta Educator. Atlanta Public Schools into one of the fastest Humphries and M. Agnes Jones who are developing These are just a few examples of how Atlanta improving urban school districts in the nation. extraordinary analytical skills, academic proficiency Public Schools is working toward its goal of making Just last month, APS received a $10 million grant and self-esteem through the game of chess. You sure all students graduate from high school with the from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that will get a better understanding of the role knowledge and skills they need to succeed in will intensify our system of teacher performance international relations plays in our schools after college and careers. and accountability under the banner of our Effective reading about our partnerships with China, Turkey I encourage you to take the time to thumb through Teacher in Every Classroom (ETEC) Initiative. Our and Germany. the pages of The Atlanta Educator and help us work to improve teacher quality reflects a keen Read about the oral history lessons students at spread the good news about APS in the weeks and Dr. Beverly L. Hall understanding of what we know from data and Morningside Elementary are getting from graduates months to come. experience: Children can excel in the presence of from the 1940's and 50's and learn about talented highly effective teachers. While the district writers who participate in the Def Poetry Jam at incorporates several innovative reform models, we Dunbar Elementary. In this issue you'll also see Dr. Beverly L. Hall is superintendent of Atlanta know that the ETEC work will have the single why music education continues to inspire and Public Schools.

Atlanta Board of Education Harvard takes note of APS LaChandra D. Butler Burks, Chair Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, Vice Chair Urban Superintendents Program pays a visit to Dr. Hall Brenda J. Muhammad Khaatim S. El BY MEAGHAN CASEY dramatic improvements of APS are a at Carver. Nancy M. Meister result of the work of an entire “During our time there, we noticed Yolanda K.Johnson More than a decade ago, Dr. Beverly community, who, under the leadership of that the use of student data drives Reuben R. McDaniel, III Hall began her mission as superintendent Dr. Hall, stood up and said, ‘We want instruction throughout the district,” said Courtney D. English to transform APS into a continuously more for APS students.’” Echelson. “District leaders, principals Emmett D. Johnson improving urban school district. Established in 1990, USP is a rigorous and teachers all seemed very Eager to observe that transformation course of study comfortable and excited first-hand, Dr. Robert S. Peterkin, former designed for describing how data Published by: director of the Urban Superintendents professionals who have analysis shapes teaching Atlanta Public Schools Program (USP) at the Harvard Graduate worked innovatively and learning in schools. Beverly L. Hall, Ed.D. School of Education, paid a visit to and effectively in There is a distinct APS We also noticed abundant Superintendent Atlanta during the week of Jan. 11-14. metropolitan school culture found“ in every student work displayed Suzanne Yeager Peterkin brought with him Harvard districts as teacher- school that involves throughout each of the Chief Communications Officer Graduate School of Education lecturer leaders, school common language, schools we visited, Submit story ideas to: Dr. Janice Jackson and doctoral students principals or central common expectations demonstrating the rich Morieka V. Johnson, Editor Leslie Boozer, Lizzy Carroll, Drew office administrators. and instructional variety of learning taking Director of Communications Echelson, Laura Kelley, Melissa USP doctoral students practice. place in Atlanta Public Atlanta Public Schools Matarazzo, Lynette Tannis, and build upon their own Schools at all grade 130 Trinity Ave., SW Maqueda Randall-Weeks. experience as educators Drew Echelson levels. Atlanta, GA 30303 The group spent time shadowing Dr. through coursework, an Doctoral student, Harvard “We observed a level of Tel:404-802-2893 Hall, who chairs the USP Advisory internship, research and Graduate School of Education consistency among and [email protected] Board and regularly mentors program writing of a between schools in APS www.atlantapublicschools.us participants. dissertation. that we have never “Dr. Hall has the powerful ability to As part of the on-site experience in observed in large school districts,” Sign up for our mailing list at communicate from families to the Atlanta, the USP visitors witnessed Echelson added. “There is a distinct APS www.atlantapublicschools.us/AEsubscribe boardroom,” said Echelson, speaking on board and cabinet meetings and culture found in every school that PHOTOS BY SCOTT KING behalf of his fellow USP classmates. participated in reflective conversations involves common language, common Produced by: “She understands that in order to get with Dr. Hall and APS staff. They also expectations and instructional practice. GRANT COMMUNICATIONS results, she must engage an entire toured the single-gender Coretta Scott There is a palpable spirit in APS that it CONSULTING GROUP community in the complex work of King Young Women’s Leadership is a school district on the move, and that 781-598-8200 improvement. It’s apparent that the Academy, as well as The New Schools was felt throughout the organization.” [email protected] www.grantgroup.com

APS POINT OF PRIDE: Atlanta Public Schools is on a consistent 10-year trend of progress. The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 —3 APS BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: KHAATIM SHERRER EL Sherrer El works to put ‘public’ back in public education

Khaatim Sherrer El serves as the Atlanta Board of school issues. Education representative for District 2. This is the fifth in “We saw the neighborhoods stepping up their efforts to a series of board member profiles in The Atlanta shut down drug dealers who were located on the routes Educator. kids took to school or the bus stop,” he said. “It was big and small stuff all at once that we worked on.” LEADERSHIP Khaatim Sherrer El has served on the Atlanta Board of EXPERIENCE Education since 2003, when he won a special election. Sherrer El’s experience with the Community Council He was re-elected in 2005, and again last fall, winning inspired him to run for the Atlanta Board of Education’s the majority in every precinct. District 2 seat during his senior year at Morehouse. His Sherrer El represents District 2 mantra: “Put the ‘public’ back in ‘public schools: Bethune, Connally, Finch, education.’” Sherrer El said voters could Gideons, Herndon, M.A. Jones, F.L. relate to “this young, energetic man with Stanton and White elementary schools, the commitment and passion to bring the as well as KIPP Ways and University The school board community and the schools together in a Community Academy charter schools; “ city where only half the African Americans and the schools Brown, Kennedy, Parks and Turner were graduating from high school.” middle schools; and Douglass and have to be willing He became the youngest board member Washington high schools. to engage, just as upon his election in 2003, and graduated the parents have from Morehouse in 2007 with a bachelor’s BACKGROUND degree in Urban Studies and Public Policy. Sherrer El became interested in to be willing to Sherrer El also serves on the board of public education at an early age. engage. directors of Helping Teens Succeed and the During his junior year in high school, Fulton County Board of Health. he served as a student representative on the Newark (N.J.). school board. POINTS OF PRIDE “Activism, and youth activism, was always my thing,” As someone who’s passionate about connecting the he said. “Serving as a student representative on the community with the school district, Sherrer El is proud school board was an eye-opening experience in terms of of building parent involvement and public engagement. learning what a board does in influencing how kids my “The school board and the schools have to be willing age received the education we deserved. It lit the passion to engage, just as the parents have to be willing to Khaatim Sherrer El served as a student representative on for me in terms of public-education advocacy.” engage,” he said, adding that neighborhoods have to view the Newark (N.J.). School Board during his junior year of As a student at Morehouse College, Sherrer El their schools as more than just buildings in the high school. attended Atlanta Board of Education meetings and community and that they have to invest in a school’s organized campus activities such as College Day 101 to success. child-care programs; and enhance afterschool and promote awareness of public education. He also Sherrer El also seeks to reduce truancy while summer-enrichment programs. scheduled more frequent meetings of the Community increasing high school graduation rates, especially for He’s proud of how the board works with Council, which seeks to engage the community in public- African-American males; improve access to affordable Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall to achieve success in the district. “When she first came in, she did a very good job of Atlanta Public Schools welcomes three new board members: managing expectations while at the same time instilling this sense of urgency to turn this thing around,” he said. “Wholesale reform system-wide takes time, and she’s built confidence that we’ll reach that ultimate goal. “I’m most proud when a parent, a student or anyone in the community comes up to me and says thanks for something I’ve done,” he said. “It’s so huge for them, but for me it’s just a part of the responsibility of the position I took on.” Khaatim Sherrer El’s email address is [email protected]. The next Atlanta Board of Education community meetings take place April 12 and May 10 at the Center for Learning and Leadership, 130 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Courtney D. English Reuben R. McDaniel, III Nancy M. Meister At-Large Seat 7 Districts 1& 2 At-Large Districts 3 and 4 District 4 For more information about the board, visit [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.atlantapublicschools.us/board 4 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010

Director of Strategic Programs and Projects Angela Smith Each quarter, The Atlanta Educator will introduce you to faculty, staff, and administrators at Atlanta Public Schools.

What does your position experiences and, ultimately, Teachers played an integral role Q entail? achievement. A in the design of the plan we Our ETEC strategy has five goals 1) submitted to Gates. We had a I am focused on the execution of Develop a new evaluation system for 90-percent response rate on a survey we A large strategies, initiatives and teachers based on student achievement; sent out. That gave us a great wealth of projects. 2) Implement a Teacher Effectiveness knowledge as far as what we should and Dashboard; 3) Increase principals’ shouldn’t include in the plan. What is the philosophy behind ability to identify effective teachers; 4) Q the Effective Teacher in Every Build a pipeline of highly effective How do teachers feel about a Classroom (ETEC) initiative? teachers through the urban teacher Q performance compensation residency program; and 5) Reward the system? Recognizing that teachers have most effective teachers. the greatest impact on student Of those surveyed, 83 percent A achievement, we have placed How will the grant from the said they want compensation an emphasis on individual teachers and Q Bill and Melinda Gates A linked to performance. We their needs. Teachers want consistent Foundation fit in with these already have a system where, if a school feedback to help them be better at what plans? meets its targets (for student they do. The research tells us that when achievement) everyone at the school you focus on schools and teachers, there The Gates Foundation is our shares an incentive bonus. We are ready is a significant increase in student partner and a financial supporter for the next step, which is to achievement. A of this work. We were already individually reward the most effective doing some of this work before the Gates teachers. What is APS doing to opportunity came about. The Gates grant Q implement ETEC? allowed us to develop a full-scale plan and accelerate our work. For more information about the We are working hard to provide Effective Teacher in Every A more support for teachers as How will teachers have input Classroom Initiative, visit they improve students’ Q into these plans? www.atlantapublicschools.us/etec

Gates Foundation boosts initiative to maximize teacher effectiveness

GATES: From Page 1 will be successful?” Lovett and Bullard are among the 83 percent teachers focused on student achievement as of APS teachers surveyed who indicated they well as student growth; implements tools that would like to have their incentives linked to maximize teacher effectiveness; and performance. strengthens the role of principals in attracting But Lovett’s effectiveness is measured by and cultivating effective teachers. the accomplishments of students such as senior Lovett joined LaVasia Bullard, a second- Orane Douglas, whom he advised for the grade teacher at M. Agnes Jones Elementary, previous three years at Carver. in a meeting with representatives from the Douglas, who earned the highest SAT score Gates Foundation to determine how to best in his school, credits Lovett with being a huge challenge, monitor and reward teachers; and influence. He chose Lovett as the “Star how to motivate highly effective teachers to Teacher” – even though he hadn’t taken a class stay in the classroom. from him until this year. Lovett led students on “Professional development for me is a trip to Washington, D.C., for President critical,” said Lovett, who plans to earn his Obama’s inauguration in January 2009. educational specialist degree from Mercer If Lovett were to jump from teaching to an University in May. “No matter how good you administrative position, Douglas said it would think you are, there’s always room for significantly impact other students. improvement. You need to learn how to teach Teacher LaVasia Bullard assists students Dream Gist, left, and Rantavius Love at M.Agnes “That’s a disservice, not only to me, but to your content more effectively, and to make it Jones Elementary. the others who could benefit from his character more rigorous and relevant to your students.” on becoming a better teacher. They’re constantly reflecting. They’re willing and his personality,” said Douglas, who has Bullard, a Teach For America alumna, had “The most effective teachers I’ve seen are to admit, ‘This plan didn’t work; what will I earned about $300,000 in scholarship offers planned to attend law school after fulfilling her passionate about what they do; it’s not just a do now?’ And they’re accountable. I know my from various colleges. “I’d have lost my commitment, but realized how rewarding job,” said Bullard, a former Atlanta Families’ children come in with these issues, so what can advocate. I would’ve interpreted it like teaching had become. Now she wants to focus Award winner. “They’re driven by data. I do to make sure that by the end, everybody someone had left me again.”

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 Spring 2010 — 5

Chess clubs are thriving at Fain, Dobbs,West Manor, Usher-Collier Heights, Humphries and M. Agnes Jones elementary schools, spurred by a partnership with the Kappa Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and America’s Foundation for Chess. Students compete each month for a traveling trophy that stays with the winning team. ONON BOARDBOARD Chess program has students feeling like kings and queens

BY MEAGHAN CASEY defend what you’re doing,” he said. “It challenges your exhibiting sibling rivalry. Chess is a game steeped in tradition, concentration and thinking.” “Win or lose, you learn how to be a good sport,” said strategy. Yet, despite its ancient roots and stark simplicity Jones students have been playing competitive chess since Micah Maynard. “And you’re having fun.” compared to video games, more and more young people 2005, and regularly participate in sanctioned tournaments. According to Bertram Sears, a Kappa Boule volunteer, that throughout Atlanta Public Schools are jumping on board. Jones third-grader Yusef Abdul-Hakim excelled during a is exactly the type of attitude his fraternity hopes to Chess clubs are thriving at Fain, Dobbs, West Manor, recent citywide competition, before losing to a college encourage. Usher-Collier Heights, Humphries and M. Agnes Jones student. “It exposes them to sportsmanship – the thrill of victory and elementary schools, spurred by a partnership with the Kappa “It teaches you to think more than one move at a time,” gracious defeat,” said Sears. Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and America’s Foundation said Abdul-Hakim. The game also teaches students to excel in Parent Michael Scholfield agrees. He has been more than for Chess. Kappa provides chess equipment and training, other areas. Many of the club members have been recognized impressed with his 6-year-old son Matthew’s improved while the foundation provides a First Move curriculum that for attaining honor roll status or earning straight As. behavior since learning the game at Jones. helps students develop analytical skills, academic proficiency “Over the years, these students have been at the top in “He’s more disciplined and patient,” said Scholfield. and self-esteem. terms of academic achievement,” said Louis Childers, school “Chess has taught him to lose gracefully and to win gracefully “It’s a game, but they’re learning math and history along social worker and coordinator of the First Move program at – not to gloat. It’s all about doing your best.” the way,” said Ann Hill, a First Move teacher at M. Agnes Jones. Chess club members from the six elementary schools Jones. “They’re really enthusiastic about it, and their “It can make you smarter,” said Jones third-grader Micah compete monthly for a traveling trophy, which stays with the concentration and critical-thinking skills have definitely Maynard. “You do better in other subjects like math and winning team. At the end of the year, the school with the best improved. They’ve learned to think ahead and anticipate other science. If I keep playing, it can open a lot of doors for me in cumulative performance earns the trophy permanently. The people’s actions.” life.” winning team will also be invited to Kappa’s annual Social Jones fifth-grader Nasir Campbell calls chess a game of Maynard and her brother, Peter, a fourth-grader, hone their Action Luncheon on May 15, where individual trophies will war and strategy. “You have to attack but you also have to skills at home. And they’ve learned to do so without be presented. 6 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 GLOBAL RELATIONS Bringing China to Atlanta

The Confucius Institute in Atlanta opened Institute in Atlanta attended: APS Executive its doors at Coan Middle School in March Director Dr. Robin Hall of School Reform 2008, marking an unprecedented public- Team 3; Monishae Mosley O’Neill, APS private-international partnership among director of Literacy and World Languages, Atlanta Public Schools, Emory University Department for Learning Excellence; Holli and Nanjing University in China. It is the Semetko, vice provost of Emory University; only Confucius Institute in the world that is Dr. Li Hong, senior lecturer at Emory an alliance between a K-12 institution and University; and Dr. Changsheng Li, professor, institutions of higher learning. Nanjing University. The group presented In December, the fourth-annual Confucius information on how Confucius Institutes can Institute Conference was held in Beijing, help local schools, and learned valuable tools China. Five members of the Confucius that will enhance the APS program.

Mandarin Chinese teacher Yi Peng Wang of Coan Middle helps APS student master a language that is growing in popularity throughout the district.

More than 500 students celebrated the “Year of the Tiger” during a celebration at Jackson High.To show their mastery of Chinese, students from Toomer Elementary, Coan Middle, as well as Carver Early College, Jackson and North Atlanta high schools offered spirited performances.Tiger A student holds up his work during Tales Performance Troop also treated the crowd to a puppet show. a Chinese lesson. Atlanta’s IB program fosters academic excellence

The International Baccalaureate (IB) more than 706,000 students at 2,595 method, asking questions about questioning and learning.” IB SCHOOLS program fosters academic excellence schools in 134 countries. Its curriculum international events like the earthquake North Atlanta Principal Mark Mygrant and international awareness among is divided into three sections, Primary, in Haiti. said that about a third of his students students. Its mission complements the Middle and an advanced Diploma “These questions create a foundation pursue the Diploma Programme, which Brandon district’s goal of preparing future Programme. Offered during grades 11 for children to engage in a discovery of requires six assessments. Not everyone Garden Hills leaders. and 12, Diploma Programme learning through the lens of different earns the diploma, but all students finish With seven authorized IB schools and coursework exceeds not only the concepts,” said Tamara Cotman, the coursework and are better prepared Jackson more in the pipeline, APS is one of a Georgia Performance Standards but also executive director of School Reform for college. E. Rivers select few public school districts in the the standards of honors and Advanced Team 3, which includes IB-authorized “It really gives you a leg up,” country to provide the challenging Placement coursework. Brandon, Jackson, E. Rivers and Smith Mygrant said of the diploma, which can Smith curriculum from first-grade through In the early years, teachers encourage elementary schools as well as Sutton help students earn as much as 24 hours Sutton senior year. That amounts to about 4,600 students to form global connections Middle. “These concepts can help them of college credit. “Plus, it really gives APS students engaging in an inquiry- through E-Pal (pen pals through email) understand things like honesty, integrity, students an active role in their North Atlanta based form of education along with projects. They also use the Socratic creativity and curiosity. They’re always instruction.”

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 Spring 2010 — 7 GLOBAL RELATIONS The world at their fingertips Bolton Academy students have friends in far places

BY MEAGHAN CASEY Though international travel might seem foreign to most Bolton Academy kindergartners, they now have the world at their fingertips. To help cultivate an international learning experience, ESOL kindergarten teacher Claudine Curry registered for ePals, a social network optimized for K-12 learning that encourages global collaboration and communication among more than a half-million classrooms in 200 countries. For their first project, Curry’s students became pen pals with a class in Spain. Her students also have formed relationships with families in Kenya and Syria as well as classrooms in Chile, Dubai, Turkey and the United Kingdom. In one hands- on activity called My Blue Kite, students created and wrote about various kites in English, Spanish and Turkish. “I wanted to connect my students with others from around the world,” said Curry. “Even though their parents are from Guatemala or Mexico, many of them have never been outside of Atlanta, so it’s important to open their eyes to what’s beyond their own neighborhood. We can fly to distant homes and schools on Google Earth, reach out to faraway students Teacher Irem Ebru Gursoy of Ankara,Turkey, visits with Bolton Academy students as part of the ePals cultural exchange program. through video chats and work together on meaningful projects.” where students must be prepared to interact and become well- although our geography and cultures are different, we’re all the With encouragement from Principal Laura Strickling, the rounded individuals. This program allows students to same people with hopes, dreams and feelings. It’s very entire Bolton community embraces global education. Students collaborate with their peers regardless of their geographic important for them to learn this when they’re young. The more in grades K-2 partnered with classes in Turkey, Australia and locations, cultures or language differences. exposure they have, the more open-minded they’ll be.” the United Kingdom, while grade 3-5 students exchanged e- In January, Bolton students were treated to a week of Bolton students also learned about Turkish dance, music, mails with pen pals in France and South Wales. For an Turkish delights. Irem Gursoy, Bolton’s ePals partner from language, legends, traditions and customs. They delighted in International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school, the Ankara, Turkey, paid a visit along with other educators from fun facts, such as the popularity of kabobs vs. burgers in experience has been priceless. the country. Turkey. “It’s very important for students to engage in global “It was wonderful for the kids to see people from another For Gursoy, who has partnered with other schools in Italy, learning, especially in today’s society,” said Katrel Angry, IB country coming to visit them,” said Bolton exchange teacher Romania and Lithuania, as well as Texas, her first visit to the coordinator at Bolton. “We’re living in a globalizing world Ingrid Arriagada, originally from Chile. “They could see that, United States was a memorable one. She was eager to finally meet Curry and her students face to face. “We’re so close,” she said. “We write almost every day, and our sons are pen pals now.” Gursoy added, “If you can make something more exciting and personal for students, it has more of an impact.” As part of the visit, the Turkish educators also stopped by North Atlanta High School and Sutton Middle School to discuss plans for a student exchange during the 2010-11 school year. School business partners Sodexo and Spice Market provided complimentary meals. The week concluded with an assembly celebrating the International School Day of Peace and Nonviolence. “These young children are our future; they will one day be leading us,” said Oktay Kuru, Gursoy’s father, who retired from the military in 1991 and went into teaching. “If we develop stronger ties early on, we could resolve possible problems later.” To reciprocate the visit, Curry and Arriagada will travel to Turkey the week of May 30-June 5, observing and presenting lessons of their own. “I’ve always wanted to see another educational system from the inside,” said Arriagada. “I’ve been able to do that here in the U.S., and now I’ll be able to do the same in Turkey. It’s a English teacher Oktay Kuru from Ankara,Turkey, quizzes Bolton Academy students during his visit. dream come true.” 8 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010

APS

VETERAN TEACHERS Sharing wisdom Dobbs is happy she answered the call of teaching

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

Ever since she was 5 years old, setting up make-believe classrooms for her siblings and childhood friends, Darlene Johnson Dobbs knew that teaching was her calling. Today, the 30-year veteran of Atlanta Public Schools feels rewarded by that decision. “I love it,” she said. “I knew Darlene Johnson Dobbs there was nothing else I wanted to do.” Dobbs, a Gifted and Talented instructor at Gideons Elementary School, works with students and teachers at every grade level. The district’s Program for the Gifted and Talented, also known as The Challenge Program, is designed to maximize students’ critical-thinking, communication, research and reference skills. “All students are gifted learners in their own right,” Dobbs said. “The challenge is to help them bring their unique gifts to the surface by using creative and engaging techniques.” Gideons is one of 17 APS elementary schools involved in the Talent Development Program, which aims to increase the number Gideons Elementary student Haley Summer Ford adjusts a robot display with longtime educator Darlene Johnson Dobbs. of gifted students in each school. Since Dobbs’ arrival in 2006, Gideons’ Gifted and To support her school, Dobbs’ And she doesn’t just talk the talk, as her outside of the classroom. She encourages Talented pool has grown from three students commitment to education extends far beyond mentees and students would agree. hands-on activities, as well as travel abroad. to 48. the classroom. Dobbs has “For the last seven years, Two years ago, Dobbs led a group of APS The 1974 graduate of Frederick Douglass coordinated student Mrs. Dobbs has been far more Gifted and Talented students to China. This High returned to APS in 1980 as a fourth- participation in local, than just a teacher to me,” spring, she will lead students on a 12-day and fifth-grade teacher at Emma Hutchinson regional and state social said former student Brittany tour of London, Paris and Rome. Elementary. After 23 years at Hutchinson, science fairs and sponsors All students are gifted Sapp, a freshman at Augusta “It’s critical to be able to expose students to she moved to Long Middle, then Slater the Gideons Junior Beta learners “in their own University. “She has been my the world,” said Dobbs. “You never know Elementary before accepting her current Club. She is also certified right.The challenge is advocate, mentor, biggest fan where it might take them or how far they’ll go.” position at Gideons. as a teacher support to help them bring and, most importantly, a Dobbs applies the same counsel to her “I never considered another district,” she specialist and mentors first- their unique gifts to second mother. She always own life, consistently exposing herself to said. “This is my community, my year teachers. the surface by using strives for excellence and her new opportunities. In 2008, she traveled to neighborhood. This is where I went to “You have to be creative and engaging passion for success Egypt through the Fund for Teachers school. I wanted to give back.” passionate about what you encourages her students to summer grant program. She also remains techniques. That APS pride runs in the family. Dobbs, do,” she tells them. “You never settle for less.” committed to keeping up with the latest one of seven children, has two sisters who have to be consistent. Say Darlene Johnson Dobbs That approach helped her advances in technology and curriculum are art teachers in APS. Her daughter, what you mean, and mean earn the title of 2008 Gideons training. Ashanté, graduated as valedictorian from what you say. You also Teacher of the Year. Dobbs’ “That’s the beauty of teaching – you never Douglass High School in 1998 and now have to keep an open mind and try new success also stems from her belief that gifted stop growing and learning new things along works for her alma mater, Emory University. things.” education should take place inside and the way,” she said.

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 Spring 2010 — 9

VETERANAPS TEACHERS Atlanta Public Schools is dedicated to placing an effective teacher in every classroom. Meet three veteran educators who help fulfill the district’s commitment to ‘Making a Difference’ in the lives of our students. Daniel is a valuable fixture at Gideons BY MEAGHAN CASEY fondly. I think I was influenced by events for parents, such as having Media specialist and former teacher them, to some extent.” fathers of pre-K students read with their Alice Daniel has influenced generations After one year of teaching at an all- children. of students throughout her 36 years of girls private school, Daniel took a In her role as media specialist, service to the Atlanta Public Schools. position at Capitol View Elementary Daniel also tries to unite traditional “I’ve seen children School. She taught at that approaches with the latest technology. and grandchildren of level for eight years and then “I don’t discourage computer usage, students I’ve taught moved on to Parks Middle. but I love to pull out books to show come through these Making the switch from the them – whether it’s a biography or a same doors,” said classroom to the library, she novel — that a movie they’ve seen Daniel, who has been a was hired as a media was based on a story in a book,” said valuable fixture at specialist at Gideons in 1989. Daniel. “I want them to still have Gideons Elementary One of her primary exposure to those resources and be able School for the past two initiatives has been to compare it to what they’re seeing in decades. “It’s nice to see promoting the quality and today’s media outlets.” those students come quantity of books that In this ever-changing world, Daniel back with their families students read, both in school also has to study and keep up with and to know they’re and at home. Through education trends. doing well.” Alice Daniel Gideons’ Drop Everything “There’s so much more going on Raised in the small and Read program, students with technology, with The Challenge town of Madison, Ga., Daniel decided in kindergarten and first grade read a Program and smaller learning at an early age to pursue a career in book a day. Daniel makes it a habit to communities,” she said. “The district teaching. read to pre-K students once a week, continues to train us on the latest “Growing up, I had great teachers,” and invites guest readers to the school. advancements so that we’re growing said Daniel. “I still remember them In addition, the media center hosts every day.” Media Specialist Alice Daniel assists Gideons Elementary students Jamila Kemp, left, and Keimunta Elliott. Bracy’s legacy lives on in her students BY PAUL HALLORAN scholarship, student loans and After more than a quarter-century teaching at Whitefoord work-study jobs. She majored in Elementary, Mattie Bracy has built a reputation as a competent sociology with a minor in and dedicated educator. Long after she retires, that will live on education. She earned a master’s in her students’ achievements. in education from the National When Natisha Howell transferred from Dekalb County to College of Education in Illinois APS in 1992, Bracy was her fourth-grade teacher at and also holds an education Whitefoord. The shy, young girl was immediately struck by specialist degree from Troy State Bracy’s teaching methods. in Alabama. “She caught our attention in ways that made learning fun,” In 1982, Bracy was teaching said Howell, who was so impressed by Bracy that she decided elementary school in Chicago right then and there to become a teacher someday. when the city suffered through one At the age of 20, Howell dropped out of college, got married of its worst winters ever, Mattie Bracy and had two daughters of her own. After earning her including minus-26 degree associate’s degree in December from Shorter College, she is on temperatures. “I can’t take this anymore,” Bracy said to track to receive her bachelor’s degree in education next year. herself, before making the move to Atlanta. “Ms. Bracy inspired me to become a teacher so that I can She eventually landed at Whitefoord in 1984 and has been impact children’s lives, just like she did for me,” Howell said. cultivating young minds at APS ever since that move. “I plan to teach in Atlanta.” “It’s invigorating and inspiring,” Bracy said of her That’s music to Bracy’s ears. She still remembers the Longtime educator Mattie Bracy has spent the last 10 years of her vocation. “It keeps you vibrant. It’s wonderful being around teachers who inspired her years ago. APS career working with kindergartners, whom she affectionately young people.” “Roy Morrison, my English teacher, taught me that schools refers to as “short-legged human beings.” For the last 10 years, she has been around the youngest of don’t give you everything you need. You can look to other students, teaching kindergarten after a lengthy stint in grades areas to supplement your learning,” said Bracy of her high She returned to Pensacola and took courses in junior college 3 and 4. Bracy affectionately refers to her students as “short- school years in Chicago. before moving back to the Windy City. While attending junior legged human beings,” and is amazed at their communication “Mr. [David] Layman, my biology teacher, validated me as a college, she held a variety of jobs including nurse’s aide, factory skills and knowledge of current events. human being,” Bracy added. “I was taking home economics, and worker and clerk at the post office. But she never took her eye As the mother of a Georgia Tech senior majoring in he told me I should be taking more challenging classes.” off the prize. mechanical engineering, Bracy also has not stopped learning. Born and raised in Alabama and Pensacola, Fla., Bracy moved “I always wanted to get a college degree,” said Bracy, who She is currently taking a Gifted and Talented Endorsement to Chicago with an aunt and stayed there through high school. went to Parsons College in Iowa on a package that included a class. “I love to learn,” she said. 10 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010

APS Barlow is a commanding presence STUDENT BY MEAGHAN CASEY PROFILES First Award and Georgia National Guard Recruiting Award, as well as numerous other As one of nine children, Michael Barlow refers ribbons and badges. He was invited to attend the to himself as lucky No. 7. But No. 7 is quickly West Point Summer Leaders Seminar in June. moving up the ranks to No. 1 in APS’ Junior Barlow is one of many APS students to benefit Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). from JROTC. Nine APS high schools offer the The self-possessed junior at Grady High School program, training nearly 3,000 cadets. Grady is the youngest student in APS history to be typically has the lowest enrollment among the named brigade commander. As such, he holds the high schools, while Carver and Mays top the rank of cadet colonel and is responsible for the charts. The primary mission is “to motivate young district’s corps of cadets – a tremendous people to be better citizens.” Collectively, the accomplishment, especially for someone who was cadets log more than 17,000 community service drawn to JROTC based more on an impulse than a hours in one year and earn more than $2.3 million calling. in scholarships. “I’m competitive by nature, so I thought I’d Barlow alone has logged quite a few hours of join,” said the 17-year-old. “A couple weeks into community service collecting money for needy it, I found out I agreed with the lifestyle and families, volunteering with Special Olympics and teachings of the program. It’s taught me how to mentoring students at Hill/Hope Elementary think strategically and solve problems and to School. He is currently working to expand service make those tough, critical decisions. It’s also opportunities with organizations such as the taught me how imperative teamwork is. To Atlanta Community Food Bank and Habitat for accomplish any big task, you need the support of Humanity. others.” Outside of JROTC, Barlow is active in Model A debater since the sixth grade, Barlow is adept United Nations. He serves as secretary of the at thinking outside of the box and leading his debate team and captain of the policy debate team. peers toward a collective goal. A battalion He hopes to attend West Point and become a commander since his sophomore year, he has military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. fulfilled his leadership responsibilities with ease. “The military can do a lot for a person, helping Barlow also serves as commander of the drill team you through some of the toughest challenges in and a member of the rifle team. His accolades life,” said Barlow. “You just have to be willing to include the Commanders’ Award, Superior Cadet adapt and change.” Leadership skills have Paige going places

The Fulton County Youth Commission seeks strong full tuition scholarships from one of 37 partner colleges and leadership skills and a track record of community service in universities. the 20 students it selects for the program each year. “Posse is based on leadership and that’s what the Youth The Posse Foundation also chooses outstanding student Commission is all about,” said Paige, who plans to study leaders for its coveted scholarship program. pre-dentistry at the College of Wooster in Ohio. “They want Both organizations selected Lisa Paige of Washington great youth leaders who will better the campus.” High School. It’s a safe bet that Paige will do just that, based on the Spend just a few minutes with the Washington High impressive résumé she has compiled while at Washington. School Senior Academy student and you get the sense that She is president of the National Beta Club chapter, as well as this young woman is going places. She already has traveled the Ivy League Mentoring Club for Young Women and the abroad to promote diplomacy. Future Educators Association. She also is a shot putter on the As a member of the Fulton County Youth Commission, spring track team and a member of the marching and concert Paige spent 12 days in Germany visiting historic sites and bands. Also, she ranks in the top 10 percent of her class. meeting with dignitaries, business leaders and German “Washington is like a second family for me,” said Paige, students as part of the Global Youth Leadership Program. who has an older sister at Luther Rice Seminary University “It was excellent, amazing,” Paige said of the trip. “It and a younger sister at Washington. “The teachers here have was my first time overseas.” been very nurturing and supportive, but also stern in Paige and the other Youth Commission members – helping prepare me for college. They try to develop great Student Lisa Paige, right, shown in Germany with her including students from Grady, Mays, North Atlanta and leaders in students. If I could go back to middle school and host mother, Martina Brueser. Douglass high schools – spent three days living with host make my choice again, I would definitely choose families while in Germany. Prior to the trip, they visited the year. It’s another example of strong community partnerships Washington.” United Nations in New York and the State Department in that reinforce the district’s commitment to cultivate students That’s the extent of looking back for Paige, who is Washington, D.C. who are prepared to join a global workforce. eagerly waiting for the next phase of her life. She has The exchange program was created in 2008 by Fulton Paige said the organization also helped her qualify for the already started weekly pre-collegiate training with other County Commission Chairman John Eaves to promote Posse Scholarship. Each year, the Posse Foundation recruits Posse Scholars, and will visit the College of Wooster in global diplomacy, civic responsibility and international public high school students with extraordinary academic March. collaboration. Students traveled to South Africa in 2008 and leadership potential. After a rigorous three-round “I’m excited to meet different people and experience through the program, and a group will visit Turkey this interview process, Posse Scholars are selected to receive different things,” she said. “I’m happy and I’m ready.”

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS continues to attract, develop and reward quality teaching. The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 — 11

Register your child in a FULL DAY STATE-FUNDED PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM for the 2010-2011 school year Registration Dates and Locations Registration Requirements for for Pre-kindergarten Lottery: Pre-kindergarten Lottery: Saturday, April 17, 2010 – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Child must be 4 years old on or before Benjamin E. Mays High School September 1, 2010 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Dr., SW, Atlanta 30331 Child must live in an Atlanta Public Schools’ New Schools at Carver attendance zone 55 McDonough Blvd., SE, Atlanta 30315 To register and determine eligibility, Tuesday, April 20, 2010 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm the parent or guardian must bring: Samuel M. Inman Middle School 1) Child’s original birth certificate, passport, official 774 Virginia Ave., NE, Atlanta 30306 medical documents, legal documents, or official Thursday, April 22, 2010 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm documents from other countries Samuel M. Inman Middle School 2) Proof of parent or guardian residency (electric, 774 Virginia Ave., NE, Atlanta 30306 gas or water bill, apartment lease or house contract) An Affidavit of Residency must be completed if the parent or guardian Saturday, April 24, 2010 – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm does not own or lease the property in which they reside. A driver’s license, voter registration card, Medicaid card, or any type of telephone bill will not Maynard H. Jackson High School be accepted as proof of residence. 801 Glenwood Ave., SE, Atlanta, 30316 3) Child’s Social Security number/card (optional) * Lottery Drawing: Friday, April 30, 2010 – 1:00 pm Instructional Services Center at Dean Rusk 433 Peeples St., SW Atlanta 30310

For more information, call the Pre-K Registration Helpline 404.802.3638 or www.atlantapublicschools.us

* Families do not need to be present at the drawing. Results will be posted by Friday, May 7 at each Pre-K site and all families who applied will be notified. The Atlanta Public Schools Pre-K Lottery drawing will be managed by Data Systems & Games, Inc. It will be open to the public. Check the district Web site for time and location. 12 —The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 —13

A Morningside student interviews Dr. Richard Franco, who attended the So far, the interviews with alumni have only been recorded on paper. Another event is being planned, where students will school in the late 40s. "I learned so much in fourth through seventh The Living History project allows Morningside students to celebrate the school’s storied past. again interview alums, this time recording them on film. grade here," said Franco. "The world opened up to me." MORNINGSIDE SCHOOL FAST FACTS

Effie Albright First lead teacher at the school Gertrude Pollard First principal, 1932-46 LIVING HISTORY 1969 First African-American student enrolls Bible, a copy of the Atlanta Constitution Morningside alumni share stories with students and a letter from each grade to the children of the future BY JESSICA BENSON Miss Edna Pounds, principal of the school Some of the items included in a cornerstone of Some things never change. from 1946-59. Pound demanded the best from the building in 1934 The auditorium is the same. So is the her students, DeWitt recalled. 35 cents lunchroom. The spot where students played “No one wanted to go see Miss Pounds. She The cost of lunch in 1970s tetherball during recess is still there. was pretty strict,” DeWitt said. “They expected Tiombe Lockhart Yet, things were very different for the you to do your best. That’s how we learned.” Student who appeared on the TV show “Star earliest students at Morningside Elementary DeWitt shared several happy memories Search” in 1989 School. Years ago, there were no cell phones, from her time as a Morningside student. She or computers, and the principal was a strict recalled the tetherball games, dance lessons disciplinarian who made sure all students did and being a member of the Brownie troop. TIMELINE their homework every night. DeWitt is lucky; she gets to revisit her “It’s very much the same, and yet different,” elementary school on a regular basis because February 1929 School built, with six classrooms for $39,580 said Lynn DeWitt, who attended the school in her 11-year-old granddaughter, Melissa the late 1940s and early ’50s. Drake, attends the school. May 27, 1929 At a special event held in the fall, on the “She thinks that’s really cool, being as old PTA formed Morningside PTA member Cathy Tilman said the project is “sort of a connection across the generations.” 80th day of the 80th year since the school as I am, that I went to school there, too,” 1934 opened in 1926, alumni including DeWitt DeWitt said. School is expanded to accommodate a growing returned to the school to share their memories DeWitt also gets to see some of her former attend the lunches. started as a simple idea to celebrate the alums, this time recording them on film. neighborhood Morningside students were transfixed by stories from the schools alumni. with current Morningside students. classmates every month, when they get together Though many in the group had been out of school’s 80th anniversary has turned into so Tilman thinks it’s important for today’s 1957 The students were transfixed by the stories. for a monthly luncheon. DeWitt started the touch for decades, they find today that they much more, said Tilman. students to hear these stories and pay tribute to Enrollment peaks at 859.Another addition is “The kids loved hearing about what it was “living history” project. Some were from the students. lunches for fellow 1956 graduates of Grady share many things in common, such as their So far, the interviews with alumni have only the past. constructed at rear of building like when these alums were in school,” said very first years of the school and are now in Margaret Brackett, who organized the event High School, many of whom also attended children’s weddings and the birth of their been recorded on paper. A few weeks after the “It is sort of a connection across the Fall 1994 Cathy Tilman, a PTA member and organizer of their 80s, while others either attended along with Tilman, enjoyed hearing the stories. Morningside through the seventh grade. grandchildren. event, one of the participants passed away, generations. And it’s important for our kids to New building opens, with 17 classrooms, a media the event. “They were sort of fascinated by the Morningside or taught there in the 1970s and “It was just really fun,” she said. “It was Dubbed the “Grady Girls,” the group “We’ve reconnected again,” DeWitt said. underscoring the need to better preserve the have that perspective,” she said. “We want center and an art and music suite. lifestyle differences.” ’80s. really kind of an inspiring experience to see started two years ago with just four or five “And we have so much to talk about.” stories of Morningside’s past, before they are them to remember, to respect their elders and A total of 29 former students and teachers Over coffee and breakfast snacks, the alums them reliving their past.” members, and has since grown to include 37 At the same time, the living history project gone forever. That’s why another event is being respect their history.” January 1996 School moves back into fully renovated original attended the event and participated in the sat down to interviews conducted by the In her own interview, DeWitt talked about on the official list. An average of two dozen at Morningside has also been growing. What planned, where students will again interview school building 14 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010

APS ALUMNI PROFILE Man of many talents Thomas protects interests of APS employees

As director of risk management for the challenge. Atlanta Public Schools, Jeff Thomas Born and raised in Atlanta, Thomas watches over the district’s $2 billion grew up in the Lenox Park and Virginia worth of property, including 400 school Highlands communities. He attended buses that transport 28,000 students on a Inman Elementary from kindergarten daily basis. through seventh grade before moving on “We handle a wide range of things,” to Grady High as his parents did before Thomas said of his 14-person department. him. Both of Thomas’ children followed “I don’t know if I’m smart or crazy.” the same path. Actually, he is uniquely qualified for Over the course of his 20 years working for APS, Thomas also has seen his role evolve to include handling employee benefits such as insurance (life, health, disability), pension and annuities. As an APS alum, protecting the interests of APS employees comes as second nature. Thomas and his staff continually strive to educate employees about their benefits and how the Jeff Thomas is director of risk management for APS. system works for them. He also gets to see first- their lifelong search of knowledge.” Of preparing for graduate studies. hand the improvements course, his biggest source of pride in APS “Both sons graduated from Grady High, APS has made over the comes from the success of his two sons, not only with scholarships to years, including the Alex, a graduate of Georgia State universities,” he said, “but with a thirst district’s “strict focus on University, and Jeffrey, a graduate of and quest for knowledge and both are Jeff Thomas with his son,Alex, at Grady High graduation. students and cultivating Emory University. They are now voracious readers.” Washington takes note of APS U.S. education secretary impressed with district’s reform initiatives

BY DAVID LEE SIMMONS community leaders joined Duncan in Douglass, Grady, Maynard H. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne a roundtable discussion with Georgia Jackson and Mays high schools; Duncan has been so impressed with education officials, including Dr. Hall Inman, King and Young middle what he’s seen in Atlanta Public and business partners. schools; and the single-gender Schools and Superintendent Dr. “We’re going to have to look at schools, B.E.S.T. Academy and the Beverly L. Hall that he keeps coming how to provide incentives for the best Coretta Scott King Young Women’s back for more examples of the and brightest to teach,” Dr. Hall said Leadership Academy also attended district’s transformation. The during the discussion. “We know the event. education secretary made three trips what the best practices are [for Duncan challenged them to fulfill to Atlanta in three consecutive teachers]. But now the question is Dr. King’s legacy. months (December through February) how do we provide professional “What is freedom? If you cannot — twice to check in on innovative development and give [teachers] the read, I promise you, you are not U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan visited two APS schools in December, curriculum approaches in the schools opportunity to lead and still teach?” free,” Duncan said. “Freedom is the returned in January for a Dr. King birthday commemoration, and again in and once to participate in a Dr. During his December visit, Duncan ability to seek your own path, and February to tour Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday also called Dr. Hall “the real deal” for education is the only way to make commemoration attended by Dr. Hall introducing effective education that happen. We can’t wait five or Duncan returned in February to members. Atlanta Board of Education and APS students. initiatives. He returned in January for eight years to transform our failing visit Coretta Scott King Young Chair LaChandra Butler Burks and Duncan visited Grady High School the Dr. King commemoration schools. We need to act now, and we Women’s Leadership Academy, Dr. Hall participated in the roundtable and Tech High as part of “listen and activities that also featured the Rev. need to act together. It is next to where he observed classes and hosted discussion. Duncan said he was learn” events in mid-December. U.S. Al Sharpton and Dr. Hall as speakers. impossible to get a good job with just a roundtable discussion with impressed with the new school and Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and APS students from Washington, a high school diploma.” educators, students and community campus, which opened in January.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: Using in-depth academic and social services, Project GRAD is turning around schools once labeled lowest performing. The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 — 15

APS ALUMNI PROFILE Live, from Atlanta ‘SNL’ star returns to host APS neighborhood celebration

No stranger to the spotlight, comedian and former Mitchell received his first big break when he was asked to “Saturday Night Live” star Finesse Mitchell took center stage be a feature player on “Saturday Night Live” and was at the inaugural Atlanta Public Schools Neighborhood promoted to cast member in 2005. Long before becoming Celebration. a regular on “SNL,” the author, actor and former Mitchell, a distinguished APS alumnus, served as one of insurance salesman made an impact in the world of the masters of ceremonies for the event, which kicked off at stand-up comedy, with sold-out performances North Atlanta High School on Nov. 21. Part pep rally and part all over the country and abroad. open house, the celebration stressed the theme “All for All, Mitchell also is a columnist for One by One.” It included student performances, a parade of ESSENCE magazine and published schools, educational displays and a canned food drive his first book in 2007. He also benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank. created Snap Famous Born and raised in Atlanta, Mitchell attended Morris Productions, LLC, which Brandon Elementary, Sutton Middle School and Frederick produces content for Douglass High School. He excelled both in the classroom and television, commercials, music on the football field and later went on to earn his bachelor’s videos and on-air graphics. degree at the University of Miami. “No matter what you do, it’s “Being raised by a school teacher, my mother always competitive,” he said. “ You stressed to me the importance of education and prioritizing,” can’t take for granted some of said Mitchell, whose mother taught in APS for 36 years. “I the basic skills you learn in the always came home and did my homework, wanting to be one classroom, like how to speak of the brightest students in class. That’s the best way to get and to communicate wherever you want to go in life.” with people.”

Finesse Mitchell

BY JESSICA BENSON provide mentoring for students during the most spend considerably more time with the Every morning, Harper-Archer Middle school day. The program received a boost students. Time is set aside during the school Helping School eighth-grader Shakita Baker greets her from Holly Hayes-Morrisey, a teacher mentor day for the meetings. mentor, teacher Stephanie Purvis, with a hug. for APS who had a contact at Spelman Purvis, for example, sees her mentee At the end of the day, the two get together College and was able to sign up several every day. When Baker had trouble with again and talk about their day, schoolwork, or Spelman students as mentors. math class, Purvis made sure she received problems at home. The students use the program to fulfill one-on-one tutoring. hands “It’s nice to have someone to talk to,” community service requirements at the “I keep up with her grades,” Purvis said. Baker says. college, making it a win-win for them and “And I try to keep abreast of what goes on Mentoring program brings out It’s only been a few weeks since Purvis their mentees, according to Lamar Young, a at home.” started mentoring Baker, but already she has guidance counselor at Harper-Archer who The attention has brought out the best in best in Harper-Archer students seen a difference in the 15-year-old. Her helped create the program. Baker, who always has a hug for her mentor. attitude has improved, and so have her grades. “We wanted to come up with something for “She’s a wonderful young lady,” Purvis She even made the honor roll for the first time this school year to help our kids on a personal said. “She’s a very positive little girl.” last quarter. level and expand our counseling program,” Baker is proud of how well she’s been “She has improved so much,” Purvis said Young said. “What better way than to find doing in school, and credits her mentor — of her mentee. “She’s changed tremendously.” people who are looking for volunteer whom she likens to a second mother — with That’s exactly what the new mentoring opportunities, and to pair them with children helping her succeed. program at the Harper-Archer is designed to who would be comfortable talking to them?” “I really appreciate her and I’m thankful do – change the lives of students. The In addition to Purvis, other mentors are that she’s helping me,” Baker said. program is a collaboration of the counseling students at Georgia State University and Though the mentoring program only started office at the school and Communities in Georgia Perimeter College as well as a pastor in November, already organizers are hoping to Schools (CSI) Atlanta. Many of the nearly 30 from Jackson Memorial Baptist Church across see it grow. Members of the community, as mentees were part of Joi Fuller’s caseload at the street from the school. well as college students, are being encouraged CIS. Fuller, a graduation coach with CIS, has Mentors are carefully screened and must to apply to be a mentor. noticed a difference in more than just one pass a background check before they are The program comes highly recommended student participating in the program. “Their approved for the program. Then, they are by those already acting as mentors. Lamar Young and Joi Fuller have helped develop and (test) scores have gone up,” she said. “Their matched to a student based on their interests. “Joi Fuller and Mr. Young are really maintain the mentoring program for students attendance has improved.” The program only requires mentors to running a positive mentoring group,” Purvis including Cameron Colbert and Briana Scott. The idea came from a longstanding goal to spend an hour a week with their mentee, but said. “I hope they can continue.” 16 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 ARTS IN APS

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Corey W. Nelson

For Corey W. Nelson, a sixth- grade student at Brown Middle School, music is a means of opening doors to a lifetime of possibilities. “It’s important to have music available,” said Nelson. “Not everyone wants to be an architect or businessman. If you Music teacher Letricia Henson takes a hands-on approach to instruction with kindergartners Deasia Weaver, left, Drenae Crawford and take out art or music, you’ll Greyson Jackson at Miles Elementary. never know if someone could have become an important artist, someone who could have touched the world.” In June, Nelson will embark on a summer tour of Italy with IN HARMONY the Atlanta Boy Choir. The renowned choir, directed by APS committed to music education Maestro Fletcher Wolfe, will visit Rome, Florence, Assisi and Four decades ago, Atlanta was home to artists of the glee club and participated in choirs for the language arts and math skills while infusing the Abruzzi region and is hoping such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Little 1994 Super Bowl and 1996 Olympic Games, rhythm, sound and creativity.” to sing for Pope Benedict XVI Richard and Gladys Knight. It has since evolved both held in Atlanta. Henson also worked in the The Atlanta chapter of the GRAMMY at the Vatican. into the mecca for a modern-day, multi-million- private sector for 10 years before joining APS in Foundation supports the district’s music “I’m excited; I’ve never been dollar music industry, spawning the works of 2006. A member of the Atlanta Opera Chorus, education program and sponsors a career day for out of the country,” said Nelson. Grammy Award-winning performers Usher, she toured Paris, Luxembourg and Grenada in students interested in the music industry. “I love being on stage, hearing Ludacris, Ciara and OutKast. 2008. She also traveled to Italy as a member of “Music gives students a sense of belonging the crowd clapping.” Of course, Inspired by those creative the Mark Norwood Spiritual and accomplishment,” said Jay Wucher, Nelson’s mother also does her roots, Atlanta Public Schools Ensemble in 2007. educational coordinator for the GRAMMY share of clapping as well. is committed to ensuring that “No matter where you go, Foundation. “It’s what hooks them, keeps them “You have to push and music education continues to Music gives students a people come together through the going to school and keeps them active after encourage them,” said Coretta thrive. sense of belonging“ and arts,” said Henson. “There’s a school.” Nelson, an assistant pre-K “We give students their first accomplishment. It’s universal and lasting bond.” He added, “I’ve always admired Atlanta teacher at Kimberly Elementary. introduction to the opera or the what hooks them, Henson is as passionate about Public Schools’ dedication to and support of “You never know how far symphony and to different keeps them going to teaching elementary students as music education. We all fight a difficult battle in they’ll go. The arts are all part genres of music, from classical school and keeps them she is about performing. the arts, and they’ve made a real effort to keep of learning and finding ways to to hip-hop,” said Letricia active after school. “I love this age group,” she their program strong for the benefit of their express yourself.” Henson, music specialist at said. “Many of them have an students.” Nelson, who is also active in Kimberly and L.P. Miles Jay Wucher innate ability, and they might Musically minded students also benefit from his church choir and Brown’s elementary schools. “We have Educational coordinator not even know it yet. They have strong community partnerships with the Atlanta drama club, joined the Atlanta for the GRAMMY Foundation. band starting in grade 4 and that innocence and curiosity, and Opera, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Boy Choir last year, while he chorus and orchestra in most that thirst for knowledge.” Orchestras, New Trinity Baroque, Atlanta studied music with Letricia elementary schools. It’s important to start early According to Henson, the benefits of music Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Boy Choir, Henson at Kimberly. and give them that exposure. This district has a education often transfer to other areas as well. Atlanta Boy Choir and the Alliance Theatre of “Ms. (Letricia) Henson was a long tradition of having great music programs “Music plays an important role in Art. big influence,” said Nelson. and producing great artists and musicians for strengthening character, building self-esteem and “Atlanta has a wealth of assets and “She always pushed me to do Atlanta.” utilizing both the left and right sides of the partnerships,” said Henson, who also serves as my best, work hard and keep on Henson said she was “bit by the performance brain,” she said. “Studies show that music business manager for the APS Honor Chorus. singing.” bug” early on and began singing at age 4. As a education can help improve SAT scores. Music “As a public school system, the more we reach student at Spelman College, she was a member is a core subject. It encompasses history, out, the better.”

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS is changing the middle school experience through single-gender learning and other reform initiatives. The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 — 17 ARTS IN APS

Georgia On My Mind by Angela M.Allen, third-grade

We cannot imagine how the children felt that day When the worst type of trouble came their way An earthquake that tore their country apart A country where life was already hard

Boys: See Georgia is on my mind Girls: But Haiti is on our hearts

We cannot imagine how the children felt that day Not able to recognize a familiar person, place or thing But distinctly hearing human beings whimper, moan, and scream Deep cries of despair clouding the Caribbean air whispers of the young and the old reciting their silent prayers

Girls: See Georgia is on my mind Boys: But Haiti is on our hearts

I cannot imagine how the children felt that day Students perform during the Dunbar Def Poetry Jam. Seeing bodies that once were alive now laying lifeless side by side men, women, boys Poetry in motion and girls sending a plea for help heard around the world Fusing rhythm and rhyme during the school’s monthly poetry jams, Dunbar Girls: See Georgia is on my mind Elementary School students are Boys: But Haiti is on our hearts proving that poetry belongs not only on at Dunbar the page, but on the stage. I cannot imagine how the children felt that day Held on the last Friday of each But I bet they were ... month, students recite their poems Wishing for a super hero using various elements and forms. The to come and save the day Geometry poetry jam concept puts a dual Or by Ms. Moreland Bey’s fourth-grade class emphasis on writing and performance, Hoping to awaken encouraging poets to focus on what from a horrible dream Angles we know them all they are saying, and how they are but sound sleep is not possible when there Acute — very small! saying it. Prior to each event, Dunbar are human beings suffering Obtuse is a breeze teachers engage students in such It’s over 90 degrees interactive activities as performing Girls: See Georgia is on my mind Mr. Right angle is never a factor choral reading chants, raps and songs, Boys: But Haiti is on our hearts all while focusing on the various He measures 90 degrees on a protractor elements of poetry. We cannot imagine how the children felt that Equilateral triangle “The ultimate goal of the poetry jam day All sides are the same. is to use poems to expose our students And even though If you have two sides that are equal to beautiful and powerful language,” the students of Dunbar Then Isosceles is your name. said Dunbar teacher Lera live very far away If you are scalene, then congruent aren’t your sides Middlebrooks. “Our jams give students we will keep Haiti in our thoughts If you know your angles, then through geometry you will slide. the opportunity to connect with poetry and wish for them the best To tell if it’s a right triangle, then look for the box personally and academically. We want for the children of Haiti also An obtuse triangle is as big as an ox. our students to become active writers deserve an opportunity for life, liberty and the In an acute triangle, all the angles are very small, and readers through these experiences.” pursuit of happiness So if you know all your angles, then your math grade won’t fall. 18 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 APS TEACHER OF THE YEAR Hilaire Anelone stands alone BY DAVID LEE SIMMONS Anelone, a native of the Ivory Coast in Africa. “A bachelor’s much time doing all of these If you have a hard time getting in touch with Hilaire Anelone, degree isn’t good enough to be a highly effective teacher. The things. But I think it shows his it’s probably because you’re not a student, or another teacher, for more you know, the better you are prepared and armed to help a dedication to teaching students at that matter. student in the classroom.” all levels, and his love of sharing When he’s not teaching Advanced Placement statistics and Not only does Anelone stay active inside the classroom, but also the gift of learning with others.” calculus classes at Maynard H. Jackson High School, Anelone in the community as well. Volunteering with the Atlanta Football Sometimes his lessons have is coaching the girl’s soccer team. Weekends? He spends Classic, he has collected money to help students enroll in colleges little to do with statistics or Saturday mornings helping AP students get a leg up on their across the country. Anelone also volunteers for the Boys and Girls calculus. Jackon’s girls’ soccer studies or tutoring middle-school students at B.E.S.T. Academy Club of Metro Atlanta, where he has helped juniors pass the team struggled after being placed as a volunteer with the 100 Black Men of Atlanta. In the Georgia High School Graduation Test on their first attempt. in the same division as some of the Hilaire Anelone evenings, he’s probably putting the finishing touches on a “He is so willing to help students achieve,” said Jackson more soccer-intensive private 2010 APS Teacher of Year doctorate in education studies. Principal Dr. Shirlene Carter. “He does not stop teaching when the schools in metro Atlanta. Anelone The only challenge with naming Hilaire Anelone as Atlanta bell rings. He even volunteered a large portion of his summer treats that challenge as an opportunity to help his team develop Public Schools’ 2009-10 Teacher of the Year might have been tutoring and working with our students.” character, discipline and sportsmanship. tracking him down to actually hand over the honor. In a district Jackson High graduate Keitra Thompson also appreciates “All of my seniors last year graduated and went to college,” he focused on placing an effective teacher in every classroom, Anelone’s wit and wisdom. said, adding that the girls develop more confidence, which comes Anelone is committed to making education a lifelong pursuit. He “With him it wasn’t always about math and statistics. He was in handy when dealing with boys. joined APS in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree and has sought funny and helpful, and he’d share his life experiences, like his “I make sure the girls have time to play against the boys, get to professional development ever since. coming to America from the Ivory Coast,” said Thompson, the know the boys, and then they don’t get intimidated when the boys His students provide plenty of motivation. “I’ve seen so many valedictorian of her class who now attends Emory University on a play them,” says Anelone, who is less focused on the win column. people graduate in front of me, so I said, ‘Why not me?’” said full academic scholarship. “I was taken by the fact he spends so “If I see you play hard, give best effort, in my eyes you win.” APS students provide aid to Haiti When a devastating earthquake struck the people of Haiti, challenged students to donate bottled water; Hosea Williams Feed fundraising efforts for the Red Cross’ Hope For Haiti Now project. students of Atlanta Public Schools quickly rallied to provide the Homeless and Hungry matched each contribution. King’s Parks Middle: Gabriel Benoit, director of Haitian-American assistance. Here are a just a few examples: Outward Bound and Cool Girls programs sold candy-grams and Women-Children Health and Educational Services, Inc., detailed Morris Brandon Elementary: What began as a conversation cookie-grams for the cause. Also, seventh-grade English/language the earthquake’s devastating effects during a presentation he gave among teachers became into a full-blown fundraising drive that arts teacher Barry Blackmon put his DJ skills to work during a during a student program. Students responded by collecting raised $4,000. With assistance from teachers Susan Friedrichs, “Donate to Dance” event. donations Pittsburgh residents and creating art projects. Poems and Sarah Visel, Nza Willingham and Judith Maisonneuve, students’ Parkside Elementary: Third-grade teacher Gregory Coleman essays were read during morning announcements as part of the coins turned into dollars, and dollars turned into checks. suggested that Parkside support earthquake victims. Armelia school’s “Hope for Haiti Now” campaign. Forrest Hill Academy: Students in a Current Issues class at Braddy, the cheerleader sponsor, decided to manage the project and Fickett Elementary: Daily French lessons and a Haitian- Forrest Hill Academy watched clips from CNN and were moved the many donated items that resulted from faculty and students’ American teacher led students to take action quickly. On Jan. 21, by the devastation that they saw. Then they took action by generous contributions. more than 500 students packed the school gym for a good, old- organizing and selling tickets to a spaghetti dinner. They also Inman Middle: Seventh-grader Hope Van Duyne led a penny fashioned Sock Hop. With a $1 admission fee and a packed worked hard on the dinner program, which included a song, step drive and bake sale that raised $1,200 for water purification concession stand, Fickett raised more than $1,000 for the cause. routine, a brief history of Haiti and a poem. The event raised nearly packets that will be made in Haiti and distributed to survivors. Gideons Elementary: Students, faculty, parents and staff raised $1,000 for Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti organization. Band Director Arneesa R. Woods and band parent Guy Seymour $1,000 for the Red Cross to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Continental Colony Elementary: Principal Sandra R. Sessoms also coordinated “A Night of Jazz for Haiti.” Deerwood Academy: Faculty members and students have launched a two-week “Pay It Forward” campaign to teach students White Elementary: Students and staff donated toiletry items, relatives in Haiti, and decided that they could make the biggest about helping those in need. Each student was asked to contribute water, medical supplies, baby food and other baby needs. Students difference by improving health conditions. Students collected $1. About 70 percent of the students and all of the school’s also helped load boxes for pocket-sized bottles of hand sanitizer and labeled each with a administrative team participated, raising delivery to The Haitian message of support. Parents joined the efforts with donations of $485.48 for the America Red Cross Alliance, Inc. clothing, water, Gatorade, first-aid necessities and toiletries. Foundation. Frank L. Stanton Mary Lin Elementary: Teacher Patricia Derrico noticed that King Middle: In honor of physical Elementary: Staff very few organizations had collected baby items. “My husband and science teacher and Port-Au-Prince native and students started I had become very concerned about the struggling situation of Patricia Dunac, King rallied several by donating cases babies in Haiti. We saw on CNN how it was really hard to keep all programs to raise money for Haiti. of bottled water, of those babies clean,” she said. “I brought the idea to my principal, The After- and later Dr. Brian Mitchell, and he immediately supported me.” That idea School All- shifted turned into a donation of 3,013 diapers and 13,548 baby wipes. Star Program their Hill-Hope Elementary: Students, parents, teachers, staff, and focus to community members donated such hygiene products as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair products and baby powder during a month-long “Flip-Flops February Hygiene for Haiti Initiative.” For more information about these projects and other APS contributions, visit the district blog,ww.TalkUpAPS.com.

Morris Brandon third-graders (from L-R) Alden Evans, Franny Motley and Avery Culp.Teachers (from L-R) Judith Maisonneuve, Sarah Visel and Susan Friedrichs participated in a school-wide campaign to collect $4,000 for earthquake victims in Haiti.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS’ move to small high school learning environments results in higher graduation rates. The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 — 19 Roots & Shoots

Dr. Jane Goodall visited Jackson Elementary fifth-graders on Feb. 19. Jane Goodall shares her experience with Jackson students BY MORIEKA V. J OHNSON creation of a teaching garden. Each grade level actively participates in the program. During her visit to Atlanta Public Schools on Feb. 19, famed “Jackson Elementary applies the International Baccalaureate primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall greeted Jackson Elementary curriculum model,” said Assistant Principal Patrice Austin. students in English, French, German — and even a little “The Roots & Shoots program enhances classroom instruction Chimpanzee. Delighted elementary students listened eagerly as by embracing an international view of community service.” Goodall shared her path from animal-loving toddler to world- But for many students, Goodall’s visit was the perfect renowned humanitarian, author and environmentalist. opportunity to share their interest in chimpanzees. Fifth-grade “As a child, I wanted to live with animals in Africa and student Thomas Phillips noted a quote from Goodall write books about them,” Goodall said. “It’s been 50 years expressing her desire to see things from the chimpanzee’s since I began that study. That’s half a century, half of a perspective. What would she see and feel as a chimpanzee, hundred years, wow.” he asked? During that half-century, Goodall and 16 teens devised a “That’s one of the big mysteries, that’s what we will never Roots & Shoots program that would harness kid power to fuel really know,” Goodall answered. “I could guess, but I like the programs for people, pets and the planet. An idea that began fact that I don’t know.” nearly two decades ago has expanded to include thousands of Jackson Elementary fifth-grader Thomas Phillips She also complimented Jackson students for their students in nearly 100 countries. The Jackson Roots & Shoots interviews noted primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall during commitment to caring for the planet and its inhabitants. organization began in 2006 when parents Mary Mapes and her visit to the school. “You get a good feeling helping animals, plants and the Liza Purcell approached the school principal, Dr. Lorraine environment,” Goodall said. “You are part of something very Reich, about a local chapter. “Because of them, we are visited by Dr. Goodall.” exciting. Something that is changing the world.” “These parents came to me with kids who wanted to help Jackson students showed Goodall examples of their service To view student Thomas Phillips’ interview with Dr. the environment and wanted to help people,” Reich told the projects, including a toy collection drive for Scottish Rite Goodall, visit the APS Media site at crowd, which included students from the inaugural group. Hospital, visits to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the http://www.apsk12.org/media/ 20 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE Two APS students offer CRCT preparation tips

When it comes to preparing for the that the answer’s not wrong. get it right. I also use process of hour in the afternoon, and you’re able to annual Criterion-Referenced Competency Get rest the night before: I go to bed at elimination. If you have four answers, you ask whatever question you have. Tests (CRCTs), we can’t think of a better a reasonable hour each night before testing, know two are absolutely wrong, so I Be punctual: Make sure you arrive on resource for tips than APS students. The because you sit there for at least an hour, choose between the remaining two. time. It is a pain having to take the re-test tests measure students’ knowledge of the reading passage after passage, and you get Stay focused: I have to concentrate, and if you arrive late for this. First, you’re Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) in real sleepy if you don’t get proper rest. In I do not allow myself to be distracted by missing class. You’re testing in a library reading, English/language arts and math the morning, you feel tired so you might noises or movement around me. I have to instead of a classroom. If you’re there late, for grades 1-8 and include science and go to sleep. know how much time I have to complete they aren’t going to let you get in to take social studies in grades 3-8. Eat a healthy, filling breakfast: If you each section. I can pace myself so I can it. Students Jasmine Cousin and Tucker skip breakfast, you can’t think about finish each test. I’ll go through it the first Use the process of elimination: When Lancaster offer their keys to success during anything but, ‘Oh, I’m so hungry,’ and time, and if I know it, I’ll mark it. And you’re actually taking the test, one of the test time, which takes place April 20-29. you’ll ‘bubble’ whatever answer you see. then I’ll go through it the second time. My things they’ll really get you on is where You just want to get it over with. second time, I have more than enough “all of the following are true except…” JASMINE COUSIN Don’t be nervous while taking the test: time. You’ve been taking the test for hours, and FIFTH GRADE, HERITAGE ACADEMY When I’m in my chair, I’m usually nervous, it’ll trip you up. Read all your answers. Get parents involved: My mom goes to but our teacher tells us to relax and do our TUCKER LANCASTER They give you plenty of time. the PTA meetings to discuss the CRCT and best so we don’t panic when we get the test, EIGHTH GRADE, INMAN MIDDLE Pace yourself: I usually will go through to get the study materials. My teacher will and we are encouraged to focus. SCHOOL the test and answer every question as I go, provide her worksheets, and we go over these Go over the answers thoroughly: I Don’t waste pre-test opportunities: I but I’ll make a note of the ones I’m not at least an hour a night. We spend more time read all of the directions because it might always listen in class and do my sure of. If I run out of time, that’s my each night getting closer to the test. She’ll give you a helpful tip, or, it might help you homework every night. With smaller tests quick answer. But if I’m not sure, I make a make up a little test for me, and if I get 100 in so many different ways. I have to read during the semester, I’ll set up a concept note. When I get to the end, if I have 20 percent, she’ll treat me to ice cream! the whole question and all possible list, and think about what we’ve done. And minutes left, I’ll go back, re-work it, and Take advantage of pre-tests: I try to go answers before making my own answer. If I read a lot, because it helps you with make sure that’s the right answer. over all the pre-tests with my teacher. it says, ‘Which is not true, and you mark it vocabulary, which helps you with We’ll play these social studies games, and and it’s true, you automatically get it everything. I take lots of notes. You tend For more information on the CRCTs, they will help us learn more about the wrong. You have to know all your options. to listen better when you take notes. It visit the Georgia Department of subject. Don’t leave an answer blank: I answer keeps you engaged; it keeps you thinking. Education’s section on the subject. Go to Mark each answer carefully: I try not every question. And if I don’t know the Take tutorials, if they are offered: www.doe.k12.ga.us; “Testing” is the third to rush through the test, and I make sure I answer, I make an educated guess. If you They’ve been offered all three years at topic down under Hot Topics (followed by fill out the bubble neatly and completely so do that, there’s a 50 percent chance you’ll Inman. You get an hour in the morning, an “CRCT”).

Brown Middle School’s cheering underdogs come out on top

CHEERING: From Page 24 of an activity that too often is dismissed as unimportant. They point that they would have their own to the way cheerleading builds identity,” explained Hamilton, a discipline, self-esteem, leadership, seventh-year math teacher who is in commitment and dedication. Those her fourth year coaching the squad. who stick with it can earn college The result this year was scholarships, while performing phenomenal. Brown had never serious, athletic maneuvers worthy of before won the competition, which gymnasts. previously had been dominated by “And people don’t get that,” Bunche Middle. (Inman finished Hamilton said. She notes the second and Parks third this year.) improved behavior and academic “We’ve just had a different performance of several of her squad environment at the school,” said members, one of whom has qualified Crayon, a second-year chorus and for the school’s “First Lady” drama teacher. “The students are program of student ambassadors. excited to learn. It’s boosted the Another has become a gifted student. morale all over the school.” “This is great,” Hamilton added, For their efforts, Hamilton and “because now our squad members Crayon shared the Coach of the Year want to participate on the high honor. school level.” Both coaches underscore the value Brown Middle cheerleaders Alexia Wright, Furassa Rashid and Alexis Phillips pump up the crowd.

APS POINT OF PRIDE: APS’ extensive network of business, community and philanthropic support continues to propel the success of its students. The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010 — 21

Continental Colony has made AYP for helped to build a playground that manages the 25-crop garden that Elementary schools seven consecutive years, five distin- completely transformed the school’s includes greens, okra, squash, water- guished. Also, teacher Andrea Arnold grounds.This is a particularly special melons, beans, sweet potatoes, garlic served as co-coach for the Atlanta playground for APS, because it fea- and eggplant. Adamsville Wolfpack, which captured the ATLANTA SRT-1 tures an interactive nature trail to The school was named an APS Title I American Association of Adapted take advantage of an adjacent forest Sylvan Hills Distinguished School for making Sports Programs (AAASP) Wheelchair and creek. Handball State Tournament in Pat Willis, executive director of Voices Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for for Georgia’s Children, and Courtney four or more consecutive years. October. Venetian Hills Adamsville has made AYP eight con- Gay, community affairs manager for cards. Names of students with per- Twenty-five students participated in the Atlanta Braves, served as secutive years, including six distin- Deerwood Academy fect attendance are placed in a lottery, guished, and was recognized at the Jumpstart’s annual Read for the “Principals for a Day” at the school. The Goizueta Foundation awarded a and a randomly selected student Record event at the Hyatt Regency The pair visited the school’s Program 2009 Convocation for meeting its tar- receives gifts up to $100 from the gets. music grant that allowed students in Hotel. Mike Beatty, commissioner for for Exceptional Children classrooms, kindergarten through second grade to Target toy catalog. the Georgia Department of along with sixth-, seventh- and eighth- attend an Atlanta Symphony orchestra Community Affairs, read The Very grade wings of the school, where girls Beecher Hills concert in February. Students were M. Agnes Jones Hungry Caterpillar. and boys are taught separately. In a partnership with Target and Heart able to explore compositions by Art teacher Raymond Veon was awarded of America, the school unveiled a Camille Saint-Saens (“Carnival of the a fellowship through the Georgia West Manor Jean Childs Young media center makeover in September Animals”),William Krell (“Mississippi Partnership for Excellence in that included 2,000 new books as well Rag”) and works by other composers. The school is among the top 10 percent The school will use a $5,000 Back-to- Education. He was one of 22 educa- of schools in the state, earning the School grant to buy books and equip- as new bookshelves, tables, chairs, car- tors selected for the nine-month pro- peting, lighting, a Promethean board 2009 Georgia Schools of Excellence in ment that will support media pro- Margaret Fain gram that promotes a better under- Student Achievement designation.A gram and reading initiatives. Media and repainted walls with an undersea The school was recognized as one of standing of policy process and culti- total of 27 schools from across the mural. vates leadership skills in education. Specialist Lisa Gaither said the grant two Atlanta Public Schools to make state were singled out for student will fund books for the library collec- Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for performance in two categories — Bethune tion, classroom book sets, audio 11 consecutive years. D.H. Stanton L.O. Kimberly greatest academic gains and the top books, listening stations, radio/CD The school partnered with Atlanta Elementary was the other school rec- Over the past five years, Kimberly has 10 percent in overall student achieve- players, speakers for laptop use and Taskforce on Play and KaBOOM! to ognized. received numerous interns and stu- ment. other items. present students with the unique dent teachers, reducing the school’s Imagination Playground in a box — a R.N. Fickett student-teacher ratio in a partnership portable playground where kids can Foresters and KaBOOM! helped build a with Georgia State University.The Middle Schools High Schools create their own playground figures. massive playground that made incredi- school’s faculty also provides staff ble use of the school grounds. More development. Cascade than 540 volunteers from around the J.E. Brown D.M. Therrell In October 2009, the school was hon- neighborhood joined the project, L.P. Miles Representatives from the Atlanta The school will undergo a $36 million ored for achieving at least 70 percent which involved pouring 15,000 pounds Improvements in fifth-grade science Falcons visited the school as part of renovation of and addition to its cam- of its performance targets during the of concrete and moving 150 cubic helped Miles earn a Distinguished the NFL and the United Way’s pus that will make it more compatible APS Convocation 2009 at the Georgia yards of mulch for a swing set, a geo- Achievement Award from the Georgia Hometown Huddle project to pro- with its three small schools - School International Convention Center.A desic “superdome,” a spiral slide and schools superintendent.The school mote better health and fitness. an adventure tube. of Health Sciences and Research; total of 26 APS schools were recog- also has met AYP for seven consecu- School of Law, Government Public nized at this event. tive years.This is the second Bunche Policy; and School for Technology, W.M. Finch Superintendent’s Distinguished Engineering, Math & Science (STEMS). Achievement Award for Miles. The school was honored during the APS E.L. Connally A group of 25 students participated in Convocation for achieving at least 70 The work is scheduled for completion William N. Failor, president and COO of Jumpstart’s annual Read for the percent of its performance targets.A in time for the 2010-11 school year. Cobbs,Allen & Hall, Inc., served his Record event at the Hyatt Regency. Perkerson total of 26 APS schools were recog- third consecutive year as Principal for Mike Beatty, commissioner for the Kindergarten paraprofessional Jimmy nized during the event. Booker T. Washington a Day in October. Failor read the Georgia Department of Community Roberts served as co-coach of the Out of more than 500 art and writing book If You Give a Moose a Muffin to a Affairs, read The Very Hungry Caterpillar Atlanta Wolfpack, which captured the Kennedy entries, Kamalia Blunt and Rosa kindergarten class and later treated to Finch and Venetian Hills students. American Association of Adapted Cromartie were selected as the first- each student to a banana or blueberry Sports Programs (AAASP) Wheelchair Nineteen members of the Builders Club spent nearly three hours pulling and second-place winners, respective- muffin. A.F. Herndon Handball State Tournament in ly, of the Universal Declaration of October. weeds, collecting organic matter for Corporate partner Target at Atlantic compost and laying mulch in the 1- Human Rights Essay Contest. Continental Colony Station helped students meet their Washington had the second-largest attendance “targets.” Since then, stu- Peyton Forest acre community garden at Atlanta The school was named an APS Title I Good Shepherd Community Church number of essay submissions for the Distinguished School for making dents that have perfect attendance Teacher Beth Bolden watched as a contest. Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for celebrate with an ice cream party, and in November.The students were three-year dream came true when greeted by Pastor Richard Bright, who three or more consecutive years. Target rewards them with $5 gift The Home Depot and KaBOOM!

TALK UP APS: SHARE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE DISTRICT

BY DAVID LEE SIMMONS defensive lineman in the nation, Garrison Smith of Douglass High, who signed with the Atlanta Public Schools’ journey to University of Georgia, as did Douglass girls excellence is built on singular basketball star Khaalidah Miller. accomplishments, high honors and teachable State champs: APS’ Atlanta Wolfpack team moments. Here are a few more reasons to be took first place at the American Association of proud of APS. Please share the good news. Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) Building a strong future: New schools and Wheelchair Handball State Tournament hosted classroom additions greeted students returning by Henry County Schools in partnership with from the holiday break. Students at Sarah the Henry County Parks and Recreation Smith Intermediate and Coretta Scott King Department. Four junior varsity teams and Young Women’s Leadership Academy four varsity teams competed for the attended classes for the first time in new wheelchair handball state championship. buildings and campuses that feature state-of- Children will host a Parent Mentor workshop educational displays and other colorful events Sew pretty: Grady High School’s the-art technology. Students and staff at April 17 focusing on transitions for parents highlighting students attending North Atlanta UrbanCouture design program was on full Dunbar Elementary and Young Middle School with children ages 3 to 21 and grade levels of High School, Sutton Middle, and Brandon, display at the third-annual Doggies on the left temporary facilities and started the new preschool through high school. For more Bolton Academy, Garden Hills, Warren T. Catwalk fashion show in January at the calendar year in completely renovated and information, call 404-802-1695 or email Jackson, E. Rivers and Sarah Smith Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) studio. expanded buildings and campuses. New [email protected]. elementary schools. “Each year the show gets bigger and bigger,” building phases also opened at B.E.S.T. Neighborhood celebration: More than 800 The sporting life: APS student-athletes program founder and Grady teacher Vincent Academy and Brandon and Jackson APS students, parents, faculty members and signed national letters-of-intent to play Martinez told the crowd. “This year we set the (elementary) primary centers. staff welcomed prospective students, parents football and basketball for the colleges of bar and then flew right over it!” Proceeds PEC workshop: Transitions require and members of the community during the their choice on Feb. 3 — National Signing from the event go to PALS Atlanta, a non- support from multiple sources for the student inaugural neighborhood education celebration Day — in a ceremony held at The New profit organization that provides vet care for and his/her family to make choices, develop in November at North Atlanta High School. Schools at Carver. Star APS athletes made the pets of elderly and terminally ill Atlantans. connections, and access services. Atlanta The two-hour event included a pep rally, open their commitment official, most notably blue- GPB produced and aired a documentary on Public Schools’ Program for Exceptional house, live performances, a parade of schools, chip football players such as the No. 1 the fashion show. 22 — The Atlanta Educator Spring 2010

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 2741 Howell Mill Rd., NW 30327 1114 Avon Ave., SW 30310 2040 Brewer Blvd., SW 30315 1890 Detroit Ave., NW 30314 contacts 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 Primary campus 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 Charles Walter Hill/John Hope 404-802-3850 1925 Niskey Lake Rd., SW 30331 404-802-8400 404-802-6700 Associate Superintendent for High Dr. Cassandra Miller-Ashley, Principal Intermediate campus Schools Elijah Lewis Connally 112 Boulevard, NE 30312 4141 Wieuca Rd., NW 30342 Sammye E. Coan Randolph Bynum Mimi Robinson, Principal 404-802-7450 404-802-3880 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 650 Cleveland Ave., SW 30315 404-802-6500 Ed S. Cook 970 Martin St., SE 30315 Elementary 404-802-7650 404-802-4200 Sharyn Briscoe, Principal Samuel Martin Inman 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 Isis Manboard, Principal Eunice Robinson, Principal John Fitzgerald Kennedy Mary Agnes Jones Dr. Lucious Brown, Principal 286 Wilson Mill Rd., SW 30331 3070 Fairburn Rd., 30331 Thomasville Heights 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 500 Whitehall Terrace, SW 30312 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 Spring 2010 — 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 404-802-6200 404-802-3001 High School

Henry McNeal Turner Maynard Holbrook Jackson Crim Open Campus Karen Riggins-Taylor, Principal Dr. Shirlene Carter, Principal Dr. Angelisa Cummings, Principal 98 Anderson Ave., NW 30314 801 Glenwood Ave., SE 30316 256 Clifton St., SE 30317 404-802-6100 404-802-5200 404-802-5800 Jean Childs Young Engineering/Early College Thomas Kenner, Principal Dr. Richard Williams, Academy Leader 404-802-5206 Non-traditional 3116 Benjamin E. Mays Dr.,SW 30311 Fine Arts & Media and 404-802-5900 Communications Programs Leah Ervin, Academy Leader Single-Gender 404-802-5231 Information Technology Adult Literacy Program Dr. Phyllis Earls, Academy Leader Jacquelyn Davenport, Principal Academies 404-802-5205 1444 Lucille Ave., SW 30310 Benjamin Elijah Mays 404-802-3560 The B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson Dr. Tyronne Smith, Principal Forrest Hill Academy LaPaul Shelton, Principal 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Dr.,SW 30331 Tricia Rock, Principal 1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, 30318 404-802-5100 2930 Forrest Hills Dr. , SW 30315 404-802-4944 North Atlanta 404-802-6950 Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Mark Mygrant, Principal West End Academy (11,12) Leadership Academy 2875 Northside Dr., NW 30305 Dr. Vivian Jackson, Principal Melody Morgan, Principal 404-802-4700 1325 Ralph D. Abernathy Dr., SW 1190 Northwest Drive, 30318 South Atlanta 30311 404-755-7755 404-802-4962 800 Hutchins Rd., SE 30315 School of Health Sciences & High Medical Research 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 Dr. Robert Robbins, Interim Principal Byron Barnes, Principal (WAYS) Academy 225 H.E. Holmes Dr., NW 30318 404-802-5345 Kim Karacalidis, Principal 404-802-3100 80 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., SW 30314 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 Spring 2010

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 440 THE ATLANTA EDUCATOR

Brown Middle School cheerleading co-coaches Belita Hamilton and LuShaun Crayon (back row) with some members of the APS middle-school championship cheerleading squad. PHOTO BY SCOTT KING

Brown Middle School had something to cheer about after its cheerleading squad came out of nowhere to win Atlanta Public Schools' annual middle school competition in January at Douglass High School. Co-coaches Belita Hamilton and LuShaun Crayon found innovative ways to motivate and inspire this relatively young group of girls; only six squad members had any cheerleading experience. To compensate for CHEERS! this inexperience, and promote unity and discipline Hamilton and Crayon inspired the squad to relate with Brown Middle School squad the players they were cheering. “We had them wear school football jerseys instead of the traditional cheerleading outfits, and Capri-style takes top prize at competition pants the same length of the football uniform pants, so See CHEERING Page 20