Atlanta Public Schools is one of the top-performing urban school systems in America. Our innovative learning programs, nationally recognized best practices and excellent teachers are making a difference in the lives of our 50,000 K-12 students. We are committed to ensuring that all students graduate from our schools ready for success in college and life, and prepared to build a stronger Atlanta. A guide to the Atlanta Public Schools 2008-2009 table of contents

Table of Contents...... 1 Letter From Dr. Hall...... 2 Fast Facts...... 5

School System Focused on the Future...... 6-7 School Highlights 2007-08...... 8-10 National Spotlight...... 11 Project GRAD...... 12-13 High School Magnet Programs...... 14 Map of Schools...... 15 School Calendar...... 16 Meal Prices...... 16 School Listings...... 17-19

Parents Parents Make A Difference...... 21 No Child Left Behind and Your Parental Rights...... 22 Glossary of Commonly Used Terms...... 23

Students Top 10 Reasons to be Proud of APS...... 25 Eight Consecutive Years of Test Score Gains...... 26 Athletics...... 27 Office of Student Programs and Services...... 28

Community Community Engagement...... 30-31 Keeping You Informed...... 32

Atlanta Board of Education...... Inside Back Cover Important Telephone Numbers...... Back Cover

2008-09 guidebook 1 Letter From Dr. Hall making a difference

Dear Parents, Students, Employees and Friends of Atlanta Public Schools,

elcome to another school year. This is the • In classrooms from kindergarten through 12th season during which students sport their grade, students will benefit from the special training Wnew outfits or uniforms, unpack new school all 2,000 of the district’s math and science teachers supplies, make new friends and meet new teachers. received in the summer. Skills in those subject areas Most importantly, students are getting ready to learn are in high demand. We’re teaching students using new subjects and master higher level studies. And we, methods that reflect the way the real world works – as a school system, are positioning ourselves further through problem-solving techniques, hands-on to prepare our children for their places of power and demonstration and project-based team work. purpose in the world. • Our elementary schools will continue to shine, as we By all accounts, we’re making a difference. build on the comprehensive instructional reform models we began in 1999. Our schools have been Atlanta Public Schools ended 2007-2008 with an described as “model,” “blue ribbon” and eighth year of steady, across-the-board gains. Students “distinguished.” We are growing stronger and are on every grade level are not only meeting standards continuing to fulfill our obligations to our students. – they’re exceeding them. In addition to test scores that are on the rise, graduation and college enrollment For more about what we’ve done and where we’re rates are increasing. In fact, in May 2008, crossing going, please take the time to read this guidebook from the stage were approximately 2,000 graduates, who cover to cover. You’ll find useful information about took with them over $64 million in scholarships to the school calendar, transportation schedule and some of the most prestigious colleges and universities frequently used contacts. I ask that you also visit our around the nation. Web site, www.atlantapublicschools.us, for the latest information about our school district. As we open the doors of this school year, students can look forward to a number of exciting endeavors. I’m We’re working hard to keep you informed. We’re pleased to share a few of the highlights: working even harder to keep our children on a path of • Southside High School has been renamed learning, discovery and achievement. We appreciate Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School and opened your ongoing support. in August as the district’s newest transformed secondary school. In all, we’ve transformed four high Sincerely, schools – with only five more to go – into smaller, more personalized learning environments that are better equipped to produce lifelong scholars.

• In the middle grades, our two new single-gender Beverly L. Hall, Ed.D. academies – which opened with huge success last Superintendent summer – now have two grade levels, 6 and 7. As we look to our 15 other middle schools, we’re identifying nationally recognized best practices so that we can deliver engaging, quality educational services to pre-teens. We know they need stronger guidance on their journey to high school.

2 atlanta public schools 2008-09 guidebook 3 WE ARE making a difference

Our children represent our hopes and dreams for the future, and they deserve the best education we can give them. We believe every student has the potential to succeed, and we are dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives by encouraging them to open their minds to learning, discovery and achievement.

Our schools provide a vibrant, high-performing learning environment with excellent teachers, the latest technologies and practices, and innovative learning environments that know no geographic, racial or economic boundaries.

Our standards and expectations are high. We are committed to seeing all students graduate from Atlanta Public Schools ready for success in college and life, and prepared to be contributing and productive citizens for our city, state, nation and the world.

We know strong schools build a strong Atlanta. APS Fast Facts 2008-2009

Number of schools/centers 2008-09 STUDENTS Traditional schools 95 Elementary schools 57 Number of 2008 graduates 1,990 Middle schools 17 Single-gender academies 2 Scholarships offered High schools 19 to class of 2008 $64 million Nontraditional programs 2 Charter schools 7 Student enrollment 49,142 Adult learning center 1 (projected for 2008-2009) Total APS learning sites 105 Teacher/student Ratio Number of Title I SchoolS 89 Kindergarten 1:15 (including charter schools) Grades 1-3 1:17 Grades 4-5 1:23 Number of Year-Round Schools 3 Grades 6-8 1:20 Grades 9-12 1:23 Transportation Number of buses 365 Ethnic Distribution of Students Miles traveled daily 22,272 African American 85.98% Students transported daily 37,637 Caucasian 8.37% Hispanic 4.10% Budget Multi-racial .93% FY09 operating budget $661.6 million Asian .59% American Indian/Alaskan .03% Students eligible for free and reduced priced meals 76.14% Computer/Student Ratio 1:2

2008-09 guidebook 5 Atlanta Public Schools FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

Atlanta Public Schools is one of the top-performing urban school systems in America. When students pass through our doors and embark upon a journey toward academic excellence, we give them the confidence, social skills and intellectual capacity required to successfully compete in college and in the global marketplace.

The value associated with the world-class urban education that we are committed to providing all of our students began in 1999, when we focused our efforts on reforming our elementary schools. Our efforts yielded significant results. In fact, APS is the only large, urban school district in the nation to have 100 percent of its elementary schools make Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind Act.

Leveraging successes and lessons learned from our elementary school reform strategies, and with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we began to focus on improving our high schools. Research revealed that secondary students learn better in smaller, more personalized settings. The opening of The New Schools at Carver was our first bold step toward transforming high schools, both structurally and academically. Using Carver as a blueprint, we opened four small schools each on the campuses of South Atlanta and Therrell in August 2007. In August 2008, Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School (formerly Southside High School) transformed into a campus of small learning communities (SLCs). In 2009, Douglass will also be transformed into a campus of SLCs and Washington will become a campus of small schools. By 2010, Grady, Mays and North Atlanta high schools will be officially transformed into SLCs or small schools.

By the 2010-11 school year, the large, comprehensive public high school will be a dinosaur in Atlanta. All of our high schools will offer small, personalized environments that provide rigorous and engaging learning opportunities to adequately prepare every student. Our goal is to provide an engaging environment that fosters student achievement and ensures that we graduate at least 90% of ninth graders in four years.

6 atlanta public schools As we continue our efforts to enhance the academic experience at our elementary and high schools, we are also beginning our transformation work at the middle school level. The response to the opening of our two ground-breaking single-gender academies – the B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson and the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy – has been overwhelming. Both schools opened in August 2007 with sixth grade and will continue to add a grade every year until 12th grade. Although not every middle school will follow the single-gender model, all schools will offer engaging, quality instruction and support to prepare students for success beyond graduation.

Implementing school-level targeted reform models will allow us to sustain our gains and continue to effectively serve our students. However, we understand that in order to provide all of our students with a world-class education, we need to enhance our mathematics and science curriculum. With the support of a $22.5 million grant from the GE Foundation, we are implementing instructional foundational strategies to support a comprehensive implementation of the Mathematics and Science Initiative. We are attracting top-notch math and science educators and private-industry experts who value their craft. In addition, we are delivering captivating math and science lessons that will generate renewed widespread interest in mathematics and science.

APS reform models at the elementary level are clearly impacting the lives of our students. Early indicators show that our high school transformation work is yielding positive returns. And we are confident that our middle school transformation work, coupled with our Mathematics and Science Initiative, will produce the necessary results that demonstrate our commitment to excellence in education for all students. We are making a difference.

2008-09 guidebook 7 School Highlights of the 2007-2008 school year

Elementary Schools with Deloitte. APS was the nation’s only urban school district • Deerwood Academy won the regional Georgia Stock Market game, to have 100 percent of elementary schools meet increasing the worth of its investment portfolio by an impressive federal academic targets known as Adequate Yearly 15 percent. Progress. Additional highlights include: • Dobbs added 200 new computers to its classrooms. • Adamsville had 68 students receive bicycles and honors at the Fulton County Annex for achieving perfect attendance. • Dunbar received a Silver Award for Greatest Gains for Students Meeting and Exceeding Standards from the Governor’s Office of • Beecher Hills students won first place in literature in the Georgia PTA Student Achievement. Reflections contest. • Fain received the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries • Benteen was recognized by the Partnership for Perfect Attendance Grant to update, expand and diversify its library collection. for having the highest percentage of perfect attendance among APS schools. • Fickett and partner UPS received the top partnership award from Junior Achievement of Georgia. • Bethune hosted a successful Career Day, helping students learn about career paths in public relations, engineering, nonprofit management, • Finch was selected by the Oprah Winfrey Angel Network as an investment banking, law enforcement and real estate. O’Ambassador school to help students learn about the United Nation’s Millennium goals. • Blalock students were visited by the “BRAINETICS” creator who taught students new ways to engage mathematical problems. • Garden Hills students worked alongside scientists from the Fernbank Museum’s Urban Watch Program to conduct biodiversity surveys and • Bolton participated in the “Kidz Movin” program, which provides a 20 to study invasive plant life on their campus. minute exercise session every day before school. • Gideons was named a winner of the Excellence in Education Award • Boyd was featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution when it by the National Center for Urban School Transformation. partnered with Lowes Heroes to install a state-of-the-art playground, a customized waterfall and nature garden. • Grove Park served as a national demonstration site for the Pearson comprehensive school reform model for the fifth consecutive year. • A Brandon student and teacher each won a laptop as third-place winners in the 2008 National Stock Market Games Invest Write essay • Heritage Academy, among others was named a Title I Distinguished contest, a national competition that promotes critical thinking and School. reinforces concepts about the stock market. • Herndon was named a Title I Distinguished School for the fifth • Burgess-Peterson students realized a 36 percentage point increase straight year. in science on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT). • Hill received over $30,000 from Arnall Golden Gregory Law Firm • Cascade, Capitol View, Cleveland Avenue and East Lake, among to build a state-of-the-art science and mathematics laboratory. others, were named “No Excuses” schools by the Georgia Public • Hope students met the principal’s challenge by achieving perfect Policy Foundation. attendance for 30 consecutive days. • Centennial Place was a recipient of a 2007 A+ Award for its • Humphries incorporated chess into its classroom instruction and collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Georgia received the First Move Grant from the America’s Foundation State University School of Music. for Chess. • Connally had the most improved academic gains in the Reading • Hutchinson was recognized by NetTrekker, an Internet search engine First Program for the 2007-2008 school year among all APS for schools, for effectively integrating technology into the classroom. Reading First schools. • Jackson successfully opened a primary center – a separate facility for • Continental Colony won the Georgia Student Media Festival Award kindergarten and first-grade students. for its student technology projects. • M.A. Jones and partner Georgia-Pacific received the National Civic • Cook won the 2008 A+ Award in tutoring for its partnership Star Award from the state of Georgia.

8 atlanta public schools School Highlights of the 2007-2008 school year

• Kimberly students won the “Drought Watch-What You Can Do” essay • Towns successfully produced the play The Wiz, which was contest sponsored by the Black Women Film Preservation Project and underwritten by filmmaker Tyler Perry. WXIA-11 Alive. • Usher received the Platinum Award from the Governor’s Office of • Lin participated in “The Great Copy Machine Epidemic” on Earth Day. Student Achievement for the Greatest Gains in Students Meeting and This is a new national Go Green event. Exceeding Standards. • Miles was recognized as a model school from America’s Choice, a • Venetian Hills was designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the nationally recognized curriculum reform initiative. U. S. Department of Education. • Morningside was WSB-TV’s People’s Choice Award winner for the • West Manor, among others, has made Adequate Yearly Progress for Keep Atlanta Beautiful Stepping Lightly in Atlanta awards contest. five consecutive years. • Parkside implemented the eKidz program – a revolutionary 21st • White, among others, has made Adequate Yearly Progress for five century technology integration program for third-, fourth- and fifth- consecutive years and is considered a Distinguished School under the graders that introduces them to podcasting, graphic design, Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. comic book making, digital story telling and other innovative software applications. • Whitefoord third- and fifth-grade students who have been speaking French since kindergarten held a special event to learn about the • Perkerson held its third annual We Love Someone Special Day, traditions of Mardi Gras in France and New Orleans. encouraging hundreds of parents, guardians, grandparents and great-grandparents to make cards with their children on Valentine’s Day. • Williams aggressively pursued parental support, sponsoring a mock test night, and Doughnuts for Dads and Muffins for Moms reading • Peyton Forest met the superintendent’s achievement targets for the events. fifth consecutive year. • Woodson celebrated 116 students who made the principal’s list and • E. Rivers won second place in the wsbtv.com Earth Day contest by honor roll. planting an organic garden. Students were featured on WSB-TV. Middle Schools • Scott was the first school in the district to adopt the Learning • B.E.S.T. Academy has one of the nation’s largest Boy Scout Troops. Focused school reform model, which uses a research-based framework to improve student learning. • Bunche was honored for its commitment to health and wellness through its Media Madness program. The program teaches students • Slater continued its productive partnership with SunTrust, sponsor of to reject harmful media messages that can be detrimental to their the school’s SunTrust Youth Bank. health and well-being. • Smith’s Odyssey of the Mind(OM) teams won the state of Georgia • Brown hosted the districtwide Lights On Afterschool Program, a competition and advanced to the OM World Competition, where national celebration of after school and summer learning programs. they competed against more than 8,000 competitors. Smith’s Eccentrics and Road Rally teams placed fourth and seventh in the • Carson students competed in the Atlanta Urban Debate League world, respectively. middle school debate tournament and took fourth place for the Novice Team Award. • D. H. Stanton’s Save Darfur Club was featured in the Atlanta Journal- Constitution, the Genocide Intervention Network and on the Horizon • Coan celebrated the opening of the Confucius Institute, the first Theatre’s Web site. Chinese language and cultural center of its kind in the United States. • F. L. Stanton was named a Georgia 2007 School of Excellence. • Coretta Scott King Academy’s students were in high demand for public speaking engagements, including 11 Alive’s Black History • Thomasville Heights students who achieved perfect attendance Month segments, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative received bicycles from the Partnership for Perfect Attendance. Celebration and the inaugural Mayor Shirley Franklin Lecture Series. • Toomer students, as young as five years old, began studying • Harper-Archer students participated in the Jump Rope for Heart Mandarin Chinese language. program to promote heart health and activity.

2008-09 guidebook 9 School Highlights of the 2007-2008 school year

• Inman had two students chosen for their inspirational messages to be placed at the “I Have A Dream” World Peace Inspirational plaques at the MLKing center. • Kennedy was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America during the Hands on Atlanta launch, during which 500 volunteers from The Home Depot, Behr Process Corp., IBM Corp., PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the Cartoon Network participated in sprucing up the school. classified as a Title I Distinguished School, which means the school • King was a recipient of the 2008 Summa Cum Laude A+ Award for met its federal academic targets for at least three years in a row. its partnership with the After-School All-Stars. • Mays earned first place in Atlanta’s academic decathlon. • Long hosted a NASA and Honeywell Inc. sponsored hip-hop science education concert, complete with interactive demonstrations and • North Atlanta had an all-time high of 132 students graduating with professional actors to inspire students to pursue careers in math, international baccalaureate diplomas. science and technology. • South Atlanta officially opened its campus as four small schools to • Parks principal Christopher Waller, among others, won the prepare future scientists, attorneys, engineers and world leaders. “Excellence in Education” award of $7,500 during the third • Therrell officially opened its campus with four small schools annual Atlanta Families award ceremony. to prepare future entrepreneurs, engineering, medical professionals • A Price student and teacher received new laptops for placing second and legal strategists. in the Jackie Robinson Breaking Barriers essay contest. • Washington’s drafting students participated in the Architecture, • Sutton became an authorized International Baccalaureate World Engineering and Construction (ACE) Mentoring program. School, thus completing the offering of this prestigious curriculum program in the cluster of schools that feed into North Atlanta charter Schools High School. • Atlanta Charter Middle promoted summer reading through its first all-school text program, All of the Above. When students and faculty • Sylvan Hills hosted its second annual partnership luncheon, honoring return in the fall, they will engage in instructional-based discussions business and community leaders for volunteering and donating time and activities. and resources to the school. • Charles Richard Drew Charter hosted CREW (Creating Responsible • Turner was recognized for having the highest level of student Educated & Working) Teens, an after-school academic support participation in the Apangea Math enrichment program. program sponsored by the East Lake Foundation. • Young launched a partnership with NASA, becoming eligible for up • Imagine Wesley International Academy, LLC conducted the Atlanta to $17,500 for technology driven math and science lessons. community Chinese Language Camp during the summer. High Schools • KIPP WAYS Academy, among others, was recognized by the Georgia • The New Schools at Carver had 83 students with dual enrollment at Public Policy Foundation as a “No Excuses” school. Carver and Georgia State University. • Neighborhood Charter School Inc. hosted a community • Crim Open Campus won AARP’s $100,000 Ethel Percy Andrus grandparents and special friends day celebration during the spring Legacy Award. academic year. • Douglass engineering students received national, corporate and • Tech High mechanical engineering students, in partnership statewide attention for their highly acclaimed Hurricane with Georgia Tech’s RoboJackets, competed in a national robotics Katrina Project. competition. • Grady outperformed its local, state and national peers on the 2007 • University Community Academy teamed with community partners SAT and was named one of Georgia’s top 25 performing schools. and The Home Depot for a KaBOOM playground development experience. • Maynard Holbrook Jackson (formerly Southside), among others, was

10 atlanta public schools national spotlight of the 2007-2008 school year

Atlanta Public Schools is a system undergoing In March, the People’s Republic of China chose transformation and positive change. Students and APS to partner with Nanjing University and Emory faculty have done so well that professionals and University to host the first Confucius Institute in the philanthropists from across the United States are southeastern United States. The new Confucius recognizing the district’s dramatic improvement and Institute is housed at Coan Middle School. In addition, growing strength, and looking to APS as a model of the superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools reform. In this year alone, APS schools have been visited APS to learn how Atlanta has managed to visited and praised by the U.S. Secretary of Education turn its elementary schools into high-performing and studied by education officials, community leaders schools. And the Aspen Institute’s Program on and policymakers throughout the country, including Education and Society brought to APS eight senior the Aspen Institute, Cincinnati Public Schools, Seattle congressional aides representing U.S. Senate Public Schools, the Port Arthur Independent School and House committees that are responsible for District in Houston and the Oakland California Unified legislation impacting education. They learned about School District. human capital strategies – that is, how employees are recruited, developed, evaluated and rewarded. U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings came to Atlanta’s Venetian Hills Elementary in November In April, the International Baccalaureate Board of to recognize the school for its designation as a Governors, with the Ismaili Shia Muslim leader Aga National Blue Ribbon School and to congratulate Khan as keynote speaker, held its annual meeting at APS on its outstanding performance on the 2007 North Atlanta High School, congratulating APS for National Assessment of Educational Progress adding IB programs at several of its schools in the (NAEP). She called APS “a model for the country … past few years. (that) can show the country that urban schools can and do work.” In May, the AARP awarded its $100,000 Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award to Crim Open Campus High School for its “creativity and unending commitment to serve people.” In addition: • City council members from Okazaki, Japan, visited Atlanta last July to gather information on the highly successful APS security plan to learn how to better handle increasing crime and serious incidents in schools in south central Japan. • The General Electric Foundation selected APS as the recipient of a $22.5 million grant to fund more intensive math and science instruction. • The national Youth Entrepreneurs program expanded into three more APS high schools The following month the National Parent Teacher as a result of the success the program had in its Association, citing a demonstrated ability to “create first year at Mays and Southside (Maynard ‘out of the box’ tactics to make every child’s potential Holbrook Jackson). a reality,” launched an alliance with APS, Spelman • The University of Washington College of and the Georgia PTA to close the achievement gap Education’s Center for Educational Leadership between minority and disadvantaged students, and invited Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall to share their Caucasian counterparts. information on how APS is closing the achievement gap.

2008-09 guidebook 11 project grad (Graduation really achieves dreams)

Project GRAD (Graduation Five Core Literacy – a comprehensive Really Achieves Dreams) Components of the reading approach under the is a national school reform Program Success For All program initiative first introduced in designed to ensure that students 1993 in Houston, Texas. High School/College in grades K–8 read at grade level or above. Since 2000, Project GRAD Readiness – offers a series has been the Atlanta of activities and services to Classroom Public Schools’ signature build student awareness of, program to improve preparation for and support Management – uses the student achievement. during college. GRAD high school Consistency Management and Cooperative Discipline (CMCD) The program provides students participate in summer institutes on college campuses. model to help K–12 students school- and community- And those students who meet prepare for success, achieve based services to improve certain criteria become Brumley- self-discipline and develop classroom instruction and GRAD Scholars, receiving college responsibility. cultivate a college-going scholarship awards of up to mindset among students. $4,000 and supportive services Family Support – uses Project GRAD ensures until they graduate from college. the Communities in Schools of a quality public school Atlanta (CIS) dropout prevention education for all students in Mathematics – focuses and social service model that economically disadvantaged on problem solving, student provides guidance, counseling, communities so that high discovery, reasoning and community outreach, and family school graduation rates communication to help students case-management services to at- risk children in grades K–12. increase and graduates are in grades K–8 understand and articulate mathematical prepared to be successful concepts. in college.

12 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS project grad (Graduation really achieves dreams)

Project GRAD Update Humphries, Hutchinson, M.A. Jones, Perkson, Slater, D.H. Stanton and Venetian Hills elementary schools. Project GRAD is entering its ninth year in the In 2004, the first class of Project GRAD graduates Washington High School feeder cluster, which has called Brumley-GRAD Scholars, started college. the following schools: Washington High School; Brown, Sylvan and Kennedy middle schools; and By the 2007-2008 school year, more than 350 APS Bethune, Connally, Finch, Herndon, Jones, Perkerson, Brumley-GRAD Scholars were pursuing a higher and Venetian Hills elementary schools. education at 67 colleges around the country. Joining those ranks were an additional 150 Brumley-GRAD During the 2002-2003 school year, Project GRAD Scholars, who graduated from APS in May 2008. At was implemented in a cluster of schools feeding that time, Project GRAD reached another milestone: into The New Schools at Carver and South Atlanta the first class of Brumley-GRAD Scholars graduated Education Complex. The cluster includes Brown, from college. Kennedy, Long, Parks, Price and Sylvan Hill middle schools; and Benteen, Bethune, Cleveland Avenue, For more information, please contact the Project Dobbs, Finch, Gideons, Heritage Academy, GRAD Office at 404-802-2315.

2008-09 guidebook 13 High School MAGNET Programs

Minimum requirements for admission to APS magnet programs include a competitive grade point average in core classes, good conduct and exemplary attendance. Specific programs may have additional requirements as stated on individual applications. For additional information on magnet phase follows the core guidelines of Project Lead the programs, contact the High School Office at Way, a preengineering curriculum that includes a 404-802-5875. five-course program taught in a laboratory setting. The cornerstone of this program is project-based SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS learning. Instruction focuses on problem solving and BENJAMIN E. MAYS HIGH SCHOOL teamwork. The applied technology phase is composed The mission of the Benjamin E. Mays Academy of of classes in technology/career education, and art Science and Mathematics is to promote the and/or music. Students may elect to take electronics, pursuit of scientific ideas by providing a challenging, architectural drawing or engineering courses and six to comprehensive curriculum of traditional and eight courses in related technology/career education. contemporary science and mathematics that will allow students to contribute to the educational, cultural, Communications economic and social advancement of society. Students Henry W. Grady High School are prepared for careers in engineering, computer The highly acclaimed Communications Magnet science, health science, medicine or mathematics. Program at Grady allows college-bound students Academy curriculum includes honors core courses, to sharpen their communication skills and gain a independent research, summer internships and competitive edge for a profession in mass media Advanced Placement courses (chemistry, physics, arts and related fields. Students in grades 9 and 10 biology, environmental science, Calculus AB, Calculus take electives in computer applications, journalism, BC, computer science, world history, United States oral communication and the arts. Students in grades history, language arts and literature). 11 and 12 choose a two-year emphasis in print or broadcast journalism, yearbook, literary magazine, EDUCATION PROFESSIONS STAR music, debate/drama, graphic design, art or foreign ACADEMY language. Grady is the home of award-winning BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL print publications, including the student-generated The Center for Education Professions is a highly newsletter, The Southerner. regarded, four-year program designed to encourage students to pursue careers as teachers, counselors, International Studies social workers, media specialists and school North Atlanta High School administrators. Participants are enrolled in rigorous The International Studies Magnet Program at North advanced-level core and specialty courses to prepare Atlanta instills intercultural and global awareness them for careers in education. In-school instruction, through a humanities-based, interdisciplinary study of paired with field trips, national conferences, job foreign languages, social studies, world literature, shadowing and a 10-week internship program, economics, politics and literacy analysis. There are assists in developing competent, innovative and four foreign language options (Arabic, Chinese, enthusiastic educators. French and Spanish) and excellent opportunities for summer and/or semester study abroad with Center for Engineering and schools in Egypt, China, France, Mexico and Spain. Applied Technology At the end of the 10th grade year, students choose Frederick Douglass High School either the International Business Program or the The Engineering and Applied Technology program International Baccalaureate Diploma Program to at Douglass is composed of two phases: (1) follow in the 11th and 12th grades. engineering and (2) applied technology. The first

14 atlanta public schools map of schools

2008-09 guidebook 15 IMPORTANT DATES traditional SCHOOL CALENDAR year-round School calendar August 11, 2008 First Day of Class July 14, 2008 First Day of Class September 1, 2008 Labor Day Holiday September 16–26, 2008 Fall Intersession October 6, 2008 Teacher Planning Day* September 29 - October 3, 2008 Fall Break October 13, 2008 Midpoint Semester 1 October 6, 2008 Teacher Planning Day November 4, 2008 Election Day November 26-28, 2008 Thanksgiving Holiday/Break November 26-28, 2008 Thanksgiving Holiday/Break December 12-18, 2008 Winter Intersession December 18, 2008 End Semester 1 December 19, 2008 - January 2, 2009 Winter Break December 19, 2008 Teacher Planning Day* January 5, 2009 Teacher Planning Day December 22, 2008 - January 2, 2009 Winter Holidays January 19, 2009 M.L. King, Jr. Holiday January 5, 2009 Students Return to School February 16, 2009 Presidents Day Holiday** January 19, 2009 M.L. King, Jr. Holiday March 13, 2009 Teacher Planning Day February 16, 2009 Presidents Day Holiday** March 23 - April 3, 2009 Spring Intersession March 11, 2009 Midpoint Semester 2 April 6-10, 2009 Spring Break March 13, 2009 Teacher Planning Day* May 25, 2009 Memorial Day Holiday April 6-10, 2009 Spring Break June 5, 2009 Last Day of Class May 22, 2009 Last Day of Class *Schools closed **May be used as snow make-up day View all calendars at www.atlantapublicschools.us ESTIMATED bus pick-up/drop-off and school start/end times Morning Morning Breakfast Start End Afternoon Pick Up Drop Off Times Times Drop Off at School at Home Elementary 7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 – 7:55 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. High 7:25 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 7:50 – 8:10 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 3:15 p.m. 3:40 p.m. Middle 7:55 a.m. 8:20 a.m. 8:20 – 8:40 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m.

MEAL Prices

BREAKFAST Elementary .75 Adults $1.50

Middle/High .75 Reduced .30

LUNCH Elementary $1.75 Adults $3.00

Middle/High $2.00 Reduced .40

Parents can now pay for meals through www.mealpay.com or www.atlantapublicschools.us

16 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS All telephone numbers are in area code 404 (unless noted)

Deputy Superintendent for Instruction 130 Trinity Ave., SW 30303 802-2700 Kathy Augustine Executive Director K-8 School Reform Team 1 802-3667 Dr. Sharon Davis Williams Executive Director K-8 School Reform Team 2 624-5103 Michael Pitts Executive Director K-8 School Reform Team 3 802-3751 Dr. Gloria Patterson Executive Director K-8 School Reform Team 4 802-6537 Tamara Cotman Executive Director for Operations High School Office 802-5875 Abigail Crawford Executive Director for Instruction High School Office 802-5875 TBD Assoc. Superintendent for High Schools High School Office 802-5875 TBD

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS SCHOOL addreSS TELEPHONE PRINCIPAL Adamsville 286 Wilson Mill Rd., SW 30331 802-4300 Sharon Suitt Beecher Hills 2257 Bollingbrook Dr., SW 30311 802-8300 Dr. Robin Hall Frederick Wilson Benteen 200 Cassanova St., SE 30315 802-7300 Dr. Diana Quisenberry Mary McLeod Bethune 220 Northside Dr., NW 30314 802-8200 RoseMary Hamer Alfred Blalock 1445 Maynard Rd., NW 30331 802-8250 Dr. Frances Thompson Bolton Academy* 2268 Adams Dr., NW 30318 802-8350 Laura Strickling William M. Boyd* # 1891 Johnson Rd., NW 30318 802-8150 Emalyn Foreman Morris Brandon 2741 Howell Mill Rd., NW 30327 802-7250 Karen Evans Hugh Otis Burgess– Gartha Belle Peterson 480 Clifton St., SE 30316 802-3400 Robin Robbins Capitol View 1442 Metropolitan Pkwy., SW 30310 802-7200 Arlene Snowden Cascade 2326 Venetian Dr., SW 30311 802-8100 Dr. Alfonso L. Jessie, Jr. Centennial Place* # 531 Luckie St., NW 30313 802-8550 Alison Shelton Cleveland Avenue 2672 Old Hapeville Rd. 30315 802-8400 Rhonda Ware-Brazier Elijah Lewis Connally 1654 S. Alvarado Ter., SW 30311 802-8450 Mimi Robinson Continental Colony 3181 Hogan Rd., SW 30331 802-8000 Sandra Sessoms Ed S. Cook 211 Memorial Dr., SE 30312 802-8500 LaPaul Shelton Deerwood Academy 3070 Fairburn Rd., 30331 802-3300 Lisa Smith John Wesley Dobbs 2025 Jonesboro Rd., SE 30315 802-8050 Dana Evans Paul Lawrence Dunbar 660 McWilliams Rd., SE 30315 802-7950 Betty Greene East Lake 145 Fourth Ave., SE 30317 802-7900 Gwendolyn Benton Margaret Fain 101 Hemphill School Rd., NW 30331 802-8600 Marcus Stallworth Richard Nathaniel Fickett 3935 Rux Rd., SW 30331 802-7850 Anthony Dorsey William M. Finch 1114 Avon Ave., SW 30310 802-4000 Dr. Linda Paden Garden Hills 285 Sheridan Dr., NW 30305 802-7800 Amy Wilson Charles L. Gideons 897 Welch St., SW 30310 802-7700 Armstead Salters Grove Park 20 Evelyn Way, NW 30318 802-7750 Caitlin Sims Heritage Academy 3500 Villa Cir., SE 30354 802-8650 Dr. Yvonne Bernal Alonzo Franklin Herndon 350 Temple St., NW 30314 802-8700 Dr. Betty G. Tinsley Charles Walter Hill 386 Pine St., NE 30308 802-7150 Yolonda Brown John Hope 112 Boulevard, NE 30312 802-7450 Dr. Cassandra M. Ashley Joseph W. Humphries* 3029 Humphries Dr., SE 30354 802-8750 Donald Clark Emma Hutchinson# 650 Cleveland Ave., SW 30315 802-7650 Rebecca Dashiell-Mitchell Warren Turner Jackson 1325 Mt. Paran Rd., NW 30327 802-8800 Dr. Lorraine Reich

2008-09 guidebook 17 *Offers extended-day program #Year-round school ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (continued) SCHOOL addreSS TELEPHONE PRINCIPAL Mary Agnes Jones 1040 Fair Street, NW 30314 802-3900 Margul Woolfolk Lucas O. Kimberly 3090 McMurray Dr., SW 30311 802-7600 Carolyn Hall Mary Jane Lin 586 Candler Park Dr., NE 30307 802-8850 Brian Mitchell Leonora Precious Miles 4215 Bakers Ferry Rd., SW 30331 802-8900 Christopher Estes Morningside* 1053 E. Rock Springs Rd., NE 30306 802-8950 Rebecca Pruitt Parkside 685 Mercer Street, SE 30312 802-4100 TBD Thomas Jefferson Perkerson 2040 Brewer Blvd., SW 30315 802-3950 Dr. Mable Johnson Peyton Forest 301 Peyton Rd., SW 30311 802-7100 Karen Barlow-Brown Eretus Rivers 8 Peachtree Battle Ave., NW 30305 802-7050 David White William J. Scott 1752 Hollywood Rd., NW 30318 802-7000 Roxianne Smith Thomas Heathe Slater 1320 Pryor Rd., SW 30315 802-4050 Dr. Selina Dukes-Walton Sarah Rawson Smith 370 Old Ivy Rd., NE 30342 802-3850 Dr. Sidney Baker Smith Kindergarten Annex 4100 Roswell Rd., NE 30342 256-3317 Daniel H. Stanton 970 Martin St., SE 30315 802-4200 Dr. Willie Davenport Frank Libby Stanton 1625 M. L. King Jr. Dr., SW 30314 802-7500 Dr. Marlo Barber Thomasville Heights* 1820 Henry Thomas Dr., SE 30315 624-2077 Janice Kelsey Fred Armon Toomer 65 Rogers St., NE 30317 802-3450 Tonya Saunders George Alexander Towns 760 Bolton Rd., NW 30331 802-7400 Carla Pettis Bazoline Estelle Usher 631 Harwell Rd., NW 30318 802-5700 Dr. Gwendolyn Rogers Venetian Hills 1910 Venetian Dr., SW 30311 802-4550 Clarietta Davis West Manor 570 Lynhurst Dr., SW 30311 802-3350 Cheryl Twyman Walter Francis White 1890 Detroit Ave., NW 30314 802-2950 Tamarah Larkin-Currie Whitefoord 35 Whitefoord Ave., SE 30317 802-6900 Patricia Lavant Adam Daniel Williams 1065 Wilkes Cir., NW 30318 802-2900 Mary Harris Carter Goodwin Woodson 1605 D.L. Hollowell Pkwy., NW 30318 802-7350 Viola Blackshear

MIDDLE SCHOOLS Joseph Emerson Brown 765 Peeples St., SW 30310 802-6800 Donell Underdue, Jr. Ralph Johnson Bunche* 1925 Niskey Lake Rd., SW 30331 802-6700 Aaron Fernander Benjamin S. Carson Honors Preparatory* 2210 Perry Blvd., NW 30318 (temporary) 802-4900 Dr. Flora Goolsby Sammye E. Coan* 1550 Hosea Williams Dr., NE 30317 802-6600 Dr. Andre Williams Charles Lincoln Harper– Samuel Howard Archer 3399 Collier Dr., NW 30331 802-6500 Michael Milstead Samuel Martin Inman 774 Virginia Ave., NE 30306 802-3200 Dr. Betsy Bockman John Fitzgerald Kennedy* 225 James P. Brawley Dr., SW 30314 802-3600 Lucious Brown Martin Luther King, Jr. 545 Hill St., SE 30312 802-5400 Danielle Battle Crawford Williamson Long 3200 Latona Dr. SW 30315 802-4800 Dr. Elizabeth Harris Walter Leonard Parks* 1090 Windsor St., SW 30310 802-6400 Christopher Waller Luther Judson Price* 1670 B.W. Bickers Dr., SE 30315 802-6300 Sterling Christy, Jr. Willis A. Sutton 4360 Powers Ferry Rd., NW 30327 802-5600 Audrey Sofianos Sylvan Hills* 1461 Sylvan Rd., SW 30310 802-6200 Gwendolyn Atkinson Henry McNeal Turner 98 Anderson Ave., NW 30314 802-6100 Karen Riggins Jean Childs Young 2250 Perry Blvd., NE 30318 (temporary) 802-5900 Thomas Kenner

*Offers extended-day program #Year-round school

18 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS SINGLE-GENDER ACADEMIES SCHOOL addreSS TELEPHONE PRINCIPAL The B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson 320 Irwin St., NE 30312 802-4944 Curt Green Coretta Scott King Academy 601 Beckwith St., SW 30314 802-4962 Melody Morgan HIGH SCHOOLS The New Schools at Carver 55 McDonough Blvd. 30315 Carver Early College 802-4405 Marcene Thornton School of Health Sciences and Research 802-4420 Dr. Darian Jones School of Technology 802-4410 Rodney Ray School of the Arts 802-4415 Dr. Marvin Pryor Frederick Douglass 225 H.E. Holmes Dr., NW 30318 802-3100 J. Austin Brown Henry W. Grady 929 Charles Allen Dr., NE 30309 802-3001 Dr. Vincent Murray Maynard Holbrook Jackson 801 Glenwood Ave., SE 30316 802-5200 Dr. Shirlene Carter Fine Arts, Media and Communication Academy Information Technology Academy Engineering/Early College Academy Benjamin Elijah Mays 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Dr., SW 30331 802-5100 Dr. Tyronne Smith North Atlanta 2875 Northside Dr., NW 30305 802-4700 Mark Mygrant South Atlanta 800 Hutchins Rd., SE 30315 School of Health Sciences and Research 802-5000 Termerion McCrary School of Law & Social Justice 802-5045 Peter McKnight School of Computer Animation & Design 802-5060 Scott Painter School of Leadership & Economic Empowerment 802-5005 Dr. Marcus A. Barber Daniel McClaughin Therrell 3099 Panther Trail, SW 30311 802-5300 School for Technology, Engineering & Science (STEMS at Therrell) 802-5360 Esmie Gaynor School of Health Science & Research 802-5355 Dr. Eric Parker School of Business & Entrepreneurship 802-5350 Boris Hurst School of Law, Government & Public Policy 802-5345 Byron Barnes Booker Taliaferro Washington 45 Whitehouse Dr., NW 30314 802-4600 Carter Coleman OPEN CAMPUS HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM Crim Open Campus 256 Clifton St., SE 30317 802-5800 Dr. Angelisa Cummings NONTRADITIONAL PROGRAMS Forest Hills Academy 2930 Forrest Hills Dr., SW 30315 591-7275 TBD West End Academy (11,12) 1325 Ralph D. Abernathy Dr., SW 30311 755-7755 Dr. Vivian Jackson Adult Literacy Program 1444 Lucille Ave., SW 30310 756-5153 Jacquelyn Davenport

CHARTER SCHOOLS Atlanta Charter Middle 820 Essie Ave., SE 30316 678-904-0051 Matt Underwood Charles Richard Drew Charter 301 East Lake Blvd., 30317 687-0001 Dr. Nicholas Stapleton Imagine Wesley International Academy, LLC 1049 Custer Ave., SE 30315 TBD Michael Rossano KIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars (WAYS) Academy 80 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., SW 30314 475-1941 Kim Karacalidis Neighborhood Charter School, Inc. 688 Grant St., SE 30315 624-6226 Jill Kaechele Tech High School 1043 Memorial Dr., SE 30316 678-904-5091 Elisa A. Falco University Community Academy 2050 Tiger Flowers Dr. 30314 753-4050 Dr. James Harris

2008-09 guidebook 19 parents parents make a difference Parent involvement … an essential element for student success

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION • Provides the volunteers and the organization Every Atlanta Public School has a Parent Teacher needed to support school projects Association (PTA) whose goal is to bring together the • Conducts fundraising for school activities interests of the parents and the school to support • Assists with special school projects development, student achievement. PTAs normally meet once landscaping or community outreach a month. Through PTA initiatives and activities, parents work with the faculty to enhance the school HOW DO I JOIN THE PTA? environment and improve student achievement. • At most schools, the PTA membership drive begins a few weeks after the new school year WHAT DOES THE PTA DO? starts. Contact your child’s school to secure • Supports and organizes schoolwide events information on membership meetings, dues and • Provides a forum to discuss issues of importance activities. to parents and teachers

PARENTS AS PARTNERS ACADEMIC CENTER The Atlanta Public Schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA) joined with the APS Family Involvement Center to open the first Parents as Partners Academic Center in Atlanta Public Schools. Located at Kennedy Middle School, the site houses the official office for the Atlanta Council of PTAs and is used to host workshops, focus groups and trainings. Parents are encouraged to visit the center to secure up-to-date information on district programs and copies of parenting materials.

Atlanta Public Schools Parents as Partners Academic Center 225 James P. Brawley Dr., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30314 404-802-3650 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT LIAISONS The Atlanta Public Schools liaisons serve as a link between the schools and parents. Their key responsibilities include conducting workshops, sharing news on district initiatives and developing strategies for increasing parental involvement in APS activities. The liaisons work closely with schools to develop community partnerships that enhance the learning environment and ensure federal compliance with each school’s parent involvement policy.

To reach your liaison, please contact your child’s school.

2008-09 guidebook 21 no child left behind and your parental rights

that meet the highly qualified requirements. Teachers must meet criteria that demonstrate subject matter competency as established by the state board of education. • Parents must be provided information regarding the academic status of their child’s school, as well as the qualifications of the school’s staff (upon request).

YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS You are a valued and essential partner in your child’s teaching and learning. As the parent of an The NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT • Schools that fail to make Atlanta Public Schools student (NCLB) of 2001 is designed to adequate progress (AYP) after who is entrusted to our daily care improve student achievement two consecutive years must and instruction, you have the across the nation so that by offer parents one of the right to expect the following: 2013-14, every child will be following two options: performing at a proficient level in 1. Transfer their children to • A welcoming environment, reading, math and science based another public school conducive to learning activities. on results of a state-selected that made AYP. Parents • Safe, clean and orderly Criterion-Referenced Test. must be offered more surroundings. than one choice, and the • Replies to your concerns KEY POINTS OF THE district must provide regarding school rules and LEGISLATION ARE transportation. practices in a timely manner. INCLUDED BELOW. 2. Receive supplemental • Caring, responsive and • All students in public schools educational services. well-prepared educators. must be assessed on an Parents must choose the • Challenging, motivational and annual basis using an services provider from a list thought-provoking instructional assessment selected by of eligible providers activities. the state. established and approved • Evaluations of your child’s • Students are assessed, at by the state board of educational progress at minimum, in reading/ education. School districts consistent intervals. language arts, mathematics must pay for the cost of • Confidentiality of all school and science. these services, which is records unless disclosure is • State assessment data must based on a pre-established legally mandated or parental be disaggregated according per pupil amount. Schools consent is given. to the following categories – choose which option to • A cooperative, respectful economically disadvantaged, provide to parents. partnership between the home race/ethnicity, gender, students • School districts are required and school. with disabilities, and Limited to retain and recruit only English Proficient (LEP). teachers and paraprofessionals

22 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS glossary of commonly used terms

ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS (AYP): The minimum School Reform Team (SRT): APS is organized level of improvement that states, school districts into four School Reform Teams (SRTs) and a High and schools must achieve each year. A target is School Office. Each SRT has an executive director, set by each state in its original No Child Left Behind support staff and a representative from every accountability plan with the federal government. It department in the school system, all with the is the measure used to determine whether or not a responsibility of meeting the needs of the schools in school is considered “needing improvement.” their cluster. This organizational structure provides faster service and greater accountability to the ASSESSMENT: All of the many different ways (such schools and to parents. The SRTs 1-4 are comprised as a written test, a portfolio of student work, an of geographically aligned elementary and middle experiment or teacher observation) that measure schools. The High School Office addresses the needs a student’s skills or knowledge in a subject area. of the high schools, non-traditional schools, evening Assessment can be either formal (students know it’s high school program and adult learning centers. Visit a test) or informal (providing ongoing information to www.atlantapublicschools.us or refer to page 15 of the teacher). this guidebook to identify your SRT.

CRITERION-REFERENCE SCORING: When tests STANDARDS: “Content” standards are are scored by comparing students’ work with subject-matter benchmarks designed to guide what specific criteria or standards. students learn and when they should learn it.

CURRICULUM: The subject matter a teacher STANDARDIZED TESTS: These are general presents to students. achievement tests designed to measure how well a student has learned basic knowledge and skills “NEEDING IMPROVEMENT”: Schools that fail to taught in schools, in such areas as reading and make AYP for two consecutive years are labeled mathematics. Popular standardized tests include the “needing improvement.” The first year, supplemental Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), the Comprehensive services are provided. The second year the school Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS), and the Stanford choice option (allowing school changes) kicks in. Achievement Test Series (SAT-8, SAT-9, etc. The number refers to which test it is in the series). PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT: Assessment that requires students to perform TITLE I: The first section of the Elementary and hands-on tasks, such as writing an essay or Secondary Education Act refers to programs conducting a science experiment. aimed at America’s most disadvantaged students. It provides assistance to improve the education RUBRIC: A scoring guide for a test or other of children in high-poverty schools, enabling those assessment task. children to meet state academic content and performance standards. SCHOOL REFORM: A generic term encompassing all kinds of efforts under way to improve schools. Reform TITLE I SCHOOL: If the number of low-income efforts focus on all aspects of schooling, ranging students is above 40 percent, the schools may from how schools are governed to what curriculum is use Title I funds to create a schoolwide program to taught in the classroom. improve achievement, thereby serving all children in the school. If it is below 40 percent, the school must target its assistance to the lowest-achieving students.

2008-09 guidebook 23 students TOP 10 REasons to be proud of aps

Strengthened by the support of years. But during her November 2007 visit, she in classroom instruction, mastery of subject areas parents, businesses, nonprofits and congratulated the district for its outstanding and students’ achievement. government entities, Atlanta Public performance on the 2007 National Assessment of Schools (APS) began work in 1999 Educational Progress (NAEP). Often referred to as 8. Using in-depth academic and social on a comprehensive school reform the Nation’s Report Card, NAEP is the only national services, Project GRAD is turning around agenda. Under the leadership of test that measures U.S. students using a common schools once labeled lowest performing. Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall, yardstick. The growth in APS’ scores outpaced Project GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves the goal has been to transform the the national average; the state average; and Dreams) provides intensive academic and district one classroom, one school urban school districts in other world-class cities, social support services to students in grades and one student at a time. Eight-plus including Boston, Los Angeles and New York City. kindergarten through college. The initiative serves years later, those collective efforts more than 13,000 students in one-third of APS are making an impact – and APS 4. APS enters unique partnership with schools, including three high school campuses is growing stronger with every new Nanjing University, Emory University and and the 17 elementary and middle schools school year. Here’s a list of the top the Chinese government to open the that feed into the high schools. Project GRAD 10 reasons to be proud of Atlanta Confucius Institute. schools show an increase in attendance, test Public Schools: Located on the grounds of Coan Middle School, scores, graduation rates and college enrollment, the Confucius Institute of Atlanta is the first of its proving that urban school system challenges can 1. APS is the nation’s only urban district kind in Georgia and in the Southeast. The institute be overcome with the right school/community where 100 percent of elementary schools will be a model site for introducing Mandarin resources and instructional approaches. met federal academic targets. Chinese language and cultural studies to K-12 For the first time in APS history, all 62 elementary classrooms throughout the state of Georgia, as 9. APS is changing the middle school schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), as well as to interested business and community experience through single-gender learning defined by the No Child Left Behind federal law, members in metro Atlanta. and other reform initiatives. for the 2006-2007 school year. Georgia schools In August 2007, the district opened two use the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test 5. APS is the only district in metro Atlanta – single-gender academies: the B.E.S.T. (Business, (CRCT) as the critical standard of measure for and one of four in Georgia – to be named a Engineering, Science and Technology) Academy AYP. According to the Council of the Great City Title I Distinguished School District. for boys and the Coretta Scott King Young Schools, no other large, urban school district can In October 2007, the Georgia Department Women’s Leadership Academy for girls. These claim that all of its elementary schools made of Education named 60 APS schools as Title schools, the first single-gender academies in the AYP. (For the same time period, a district high of I Distinguished Schools. To be considered district in the past 60 years, provide mentoring, 83.5 percent of all APS schools met AYP, an eight “distinguished” requires at least three consecutive guidance and resources to students. APS is percent increase over 2005-2006 and a higher years of Adequate Yearly Progress. In January also redesigning other middle schools across rate than the 2006-2007 Georgia state average of 2008, that designation was bestowed on the the system to increase student achievement 81.6 percent.) entire district based on the rise in 2006-2007 test by providing adolescents with individualized scores of students from economically challenged instruction and smaller classroom settings. 2. APS’ largest-ever privately awarded grant communities. – $22 million from the GE Foundation – will 10. Early signs show that APS’ move to small help deliver intensive math and science 6. APS is on a consistent eight-year trend of high school environments is working. instruction to all 50,000 students. progress. The district is transforming high schools into General Electric (GE) is indeed bringing “good For eight consecutive years, APS students post smaller, personalized learning environments. The things to life” at APS. In November 2007, the GE significant academic gains on the Criterion- transformation started with the New Schools Foundation awarded $22 million to the district to Referenced Competency Tests. Students also at Carver, which opened in August 2005 as one support the district’s Math and Science Initiative demonstrate across-the-board improvement on campus with five small schools, each with its over a five-year period. Funds will be used to the Georgia High School Graduation Tests and own academic theme (such as health sciences, recruit and develop high-quality math and End of Course Tests. See page 26 for additional technology and entrepreneurship). By 2010-2011, science teachers that will deliver project-based, information about 2008 test scores. all APS high schools will be transformed into small schools or small learning communities. The hands-on instruction, preparing students for 7. APS continues to attract, develop and technical careers. goal is to graduate ninth-graders within four reward quality teaching. years and to equip them with real options for 3. Nation’s Report Card shows APS math, Research shows that the number one predictor post-secondary success. reading and writing scores since 2003 of student achievement in an urban environment improved faster than any other urban is quality teaching. As of January 2008, 66 APS school district. teachers have earned National Board Certification, U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings and 11 have earned APS Master Teacher has made several trips to APS over the past few Certification – in recognition for their excellence

2008-09 guidebook 25 TEST SCORES 2008 RESULTS SHOW GAINS FOR EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Students posted significant academic gains for the EOCT eighth consecutive year on the Georgia Department End of Course Tests (EOCT) performance improves of Education’s Criterion-Referenced Competency in five of six areas that can be compared to last year: Tests (CRCT), Georgia High School Graduation Tests • Physical Science is up seven percentage points (GHSGT/GHSWT), End of Course Tests (EOCT) • Biology is up nine percentage points and the National Assessment of Educational • Ninth grade Literature is up nine percentage Progress (NAEP). points • American Literature is up six percentage points • Geometry is up two percentage points • New GPS tests in Economics and U.S. History

NAEP In addition to participating in state tests, APS is one of 11 urban school districts in the country that voluntarily participates in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and has its system results individually reported. NAEP provides what many believe is the most rigorous assessment of student achievement in America.

Highlights from NAEP include: • From 2002 to 2007, APS performance grew at a faster rate in grades four and eight than the nation, all other participating large central cities CRCT and the state of Georgia APS students met or exceeded their 2007 • Atlanta continues to lead the nation in writing performance in all grades this year. Most improvement with gains that are seven times the importantly, test results show that more students national rate than ever before are not just meeting – but are • APS was the only urban school district to show exceeding – state standards. significant gains in all grades and areas tested

Highlights from the 2008 scores show the following across all grades: • Reading is up four percentage points • English/language arts is up two percentage points • Mathematics is up seven percentage points • Science is up 12 percentage points • Social Studies is up two percentage points

GHSGT/GHSWT On a constantly changing playing field, APS closes 2008 with steady improvements: • Social Studies is up one percentage point to 79 • Mathematics is up three percentage points to 84 • New Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) tests in English/language arts (85), Writing (86) and Science (76)

26 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Athletics

The Atlanta Public Schools the Atlanta Public Schools high school sports offerings Athletics Department operates Permission to Participate Football under the Division of Curriculum and Physical Examination form. Cross Country and Instruction. Its mission is to No other form is acceptable. Volleyball provide quality opportunities for • Parent permission Softball students to participate in activities Each student must have that enhance the physical, permission from a parent or Cheerleaders academic and social growth of guardian before participating Basketball APS students. on any athletic team. Girls and Boys Basketball • Insurance verification Baseball Student Athletic Students who participate in an Track and Field Participation APS athletic program must Tennis, Golf and Rifle (coed) Requirements: have insurance and be able to Soccer • Athletic certification show proof of a current Swimming APS is a member of the insurance policy. Insurance is Wrestling needed for conditioning, Georgia High School Association MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFERINGS tryouts and in-season (GHSA) and follows rules for Football eligibility as mandated by the participation. At no time Girls and Boys Basketball GHSA and APS board policies. is it permissable for a student to participate in athletics Cheerleading Certification programs without insurance. Girls and Boys Track and Field includes meeting If a student does not have Softball the following insurance, the district offers Soccer requirements: activity insurance that may be purchased at the school for a • Academic requirement minimum price. Must be on track for graduation • Media release • Age Gives the district the right to Cannot have reached 19th photograph athletic activities birthday prior to May 1st, for promotional purposes. preceding year of participation. • Residence in school service APS offers the following sports area. for students enrolled in middle Students establishing eligibility and high schools. Offerings may as entering ninth-graders are vary depending on student automatically eligible for the interest. The middle school first semester. athletic program is for students • Physical examination and in seventh and eighth grades. release for medical Middle school students cannot treatment (parent or have reached their 14th birthday guardian signature before May 1st. mandatory). Every student who participates in any APS For additional information about athletic program must have an APS athletic programs, contact annual physical examination. the Athletic Office at The examination must be given 404-624-2095. by a board certified medical doctor and recorded on

2008-09 guidebook 27 office of student programs and services

Arletta T. Brinson, Ph.D., Executive Director [email protected] 404-802-1699

Guidance Counseling Provides quality programs for students in grades K-12 in the three 404.802.2685 Services domains of self-knowledge, education and career planning. Provides coordinated school-based nursing services to ensure the Health Services 404.802.2683 delivery of quality health services for students. Homeless Education Provides liaison services to eliminate barriers to school enrollment, 404.802.2679 Services attendance and academic success. Assists parents and/or guardians in the development and practice of Family Involvement 404.802.2230 effective parenting skills to support the education of children. Maintains and transmits transcripts of inactive permanent record files Records Center 404.802.2150 for former students. Program for Exceptional Offers a broad continuum of services designed to meet the individual 404.802.2602 Children needs of students with disabilities three through 21 years of age. Provides evaluation of the intellectual, academic and social-emotional Psychological Services 404.802.2675 status of students while promoting psychologically healthy learning environments. Utilizes collaborative and consultation services in the identification of family and student concerns to provide appropriate interventions to help Social Work Services 404.802.2680 children at risk for academic failure with an emphasis on attendance and truancy. Facilitates the state-mandated systematic intervention process through Student Support Team 404.802.2682 the school-based interdisciplinary team dedicated to assisting students experiencing challenges that impact academic progress.

Provides guidance to parents on the general administrative transfer Student Placement 404.802.2204 process for grades K-12 and No Child Left Behind.

Manages student disciplinary cases involving violations with Student Tribunal & recommendations for suspensions of more than three days, expulsions 404.802.2233 Alternative Placement or alternative education placement. Provides placement for students with discipline and attendance issues. Works with local law enforcement to provide an effective deterrent to Truancy Intervention Center 404.802.3649 truancy in an effort to improve daily school attendance and identification of school-aged children not enrolled in school.

ATTENDANCE Students between the ages of six and 16 are and other important school activities, and are less expected to be present and to arrive to school on likely to master those skills, concepts and principles time every day in accordance with the provisions needed for academic success. Students who violate of the Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law the attendance policy will be disciplined. Unexcused (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1, et seq.), and the Atlanta Board absences and/or truancy may lead to a truancy of Education Policies JB and JBD. Students who are petition against the student and/or parents/ absent or tardy miss valuable instructional time guardian filed in juvenile court. Detailed information can be found in the student handbook.

28 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY community engagement

Designed to support the achievement of all Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students, community engagement connects the needs of the schools with the intellectual and financial resources of the community. APS partners with parents, corporations, nonprofits, clergy, higher education and civic organizations to implement innovative activities that support student success.

Atlanta Education Fund Modeled after successful local education funds and best practices in other cities, the Atlanta Education Fund (AEF) focuses on three key areas: • Supports and incubates APS reform initiatives • Engages the public to keep citizens informed and involved with the reform efforts • Researches and monitors critical policy issues, best practices, and trends relevant to the system’s reform success PRINCIPAL FOR AEF also helps facilitate and coordinate private A DAY support for APS, as well as ensures that the Principal for a Day (PFAD) community’s resources are being focused to support provides business and the school system’s most important strategic community leaders with an priorities. For additional information, call opportunity to go beyond the headlines and get a 404-653-5558. true picture of public education in action. ATLANTA PARTNERS FOR Representatives from the business, civic, nonprofit, EDUCATION clergy, higher education and entertainment Atlanta Partners for Education (APFE) community join the leaders of APS for a day to is a joint initiative between APS understand the needs of local schools. In addition, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of the partners commit to sustaining a long-term Commerce. APFE facilitates collaborations between partnership that will benefit students and foster an area businesses and schools, and tracks the environment of sustainable achievement. progress that partnerships make to support student achievement. The partnerships are as diverse as Over the years, the program has attracted some the schools they serve, and there are targeted of Atlanta’s most influential leaders, including core objectives that ensure the success of the Ambassador Andrew Young, Mayor Shirley Franklin, partnerships. former Mayor Sam Massell, and Henry “Hank” Each year, APFE and APS produce the A+ Awards Aaron. For additional information, call to honor the outstanding partnerships between 404-586-8519. Atlanta businesses and their partner schools. Congratulations to the 2008 A+ Award winners. (See list of winners on the following page.) For additional information, call 404-586-8519.

30 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2008 A+ AWARD + awards WINNERS Aluncheon ROOKIE ACHIEVEMENT mentoring • F.L. Stanton Elementary School and Equifax • Fickett Elementary School and UPS

COLLABORATIVE partnership INNOVATIVE • The New Schools at Carver and Pathways to • Whitefoord Elementary School and Whitefoord Success Partnerships Community Center

tutoring SUMMA CUM LAUDE • Cook Elementary School and Deloitte • King Middle School and After School All-Stars

LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCILS STRONG PARTNERSHIPS = STRONG The local school council concept is an initiative of SCHOOLS the A+ Educational Reform Act of 2000 (HB1187). What are the keys to creating successful Georgia law requires every school system to have partnerships? a school council operational in all elementary, • Committed and engaged principals middle and high schools. The primary goal of local • Open-minded and flexible partners school councils is to bring communities and schools • Clear outcomes and objectives established closer together to make recommendations to • Activities that may begin on a small scale with solve education problems, to improve academic potential to grow over time achievement, to provide support for teachers and • Regular meetings that are held between the administrators, and to bring parents into the school- partner and the school based decision-making process. Local school councils • Open, honest dialogue that is encouraged and meet at least four times per year, and all initiated. meetings are open to the public. For information on • Willingness to continually evaluate activities and local school councils, contact your local school or make improvements Terrolynn Perry-Ponder, the APS school councils coordinator, at 404-802-2304. For information on partnership programs, contact Mariama Tyler, director of external affairs, at [email protected]

2008-09 guidebook 31 keeping you informed

APS Web site www.atlantapublicschools.us - You are just a click away from securing the most up-to-date information on your high-performing school district. The Web site features: • School events and photos • Athletic schedules • Bus route locators • Latest headlines & news releases • Electronic copies of APS publications • Employment information • Video channel • Meal pay options • Board of Education news Talk Up aps - is the district’s electronic newsletter that highlights news about Atlanta Public Schools. To view the current edition, visit the Atlanta Public Schools Web site at www.atlantapublicschools.us. To receive the newsletter in your inbox each week, forward your e-mail address to [email protected].

Family Matters - is the Atlanta Public Schools newsletter designed to keep parents, guardians and members of the community posted on district news, issues impacting the lives of students and best practices in parental involvement. Produced five times a year, this publication is mailed to APS parents, and copies also can be found in the parent center at local schools.

Fireside Chats - Atlanta Public Schools believes that the entire community plays a role in enriching the lives of young people. For this reason, Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall hosts Community Fireside Chats throughout the district at least five times a year. During these events, members of the community are updated on the district’s progress and given the opportunity to provide the leadership team with feedback. Contact your school principal for additional information.

Did you know PBA provides educational programming and other resources to support teaching and learning for students, parents, educators and the wider community? Cable Channel 22 is Atlanta’s official education station. Available to cable subscribers in the city of Atlanta, APS Channel 22 broadcasts educational and informational programs daily, around the clock.

WPBA is one of the premiere sources for informational, educational and cultural DT 21 programming in the metro Atlanta area. The station airs more than 70 hours of award-winning, high-quality educational television programming each week.

WABE 90.1 FM, a charter member of National Public Radio (NPR), is a 24-hour classical music, news and community affairs broadcasting service. WABE 90.1 FM broadcasts news, public affairs and arts programming to the Atlanta community. On the air since 1948, more than 300,000 listeners tune in each week to listen to NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered. WABE also features Between the Lines, Jazz Classics, Market Place, Youth Radio, Boombox Classroom and Focus on Education, developed to provide educational resources and information to parents of school age children. Learn about all the success happening in Atlanta Public Schools! Each month on APS Today, meet students, educators, business partners and parents who are dedicated APS to increasing student achievement and preparation for higher education, future Today careers and civic participation. Watch APS Today the second Monday of every month at 9:30 pm on PBA TV Channel 30.

32 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Atlanta Board of Education main heading Atlanta Board of Education Members (left to right):

Top row Brenda J. Muhammad District 1 Khaatim Sherrer El District 2 Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, Vice Chair District 3

Middle row Kathleen B. Pattillo District 4 LaChandra Butler Burks, Chair District 5 Yolanda K. Johnson District 6

Bottom row Eric W. Wilson At-Large Seat 7 Districts 1 and 2 Mark B. Riley At-Large Seat 8 Districts 3 and 4 Emmett D. Johnson At-Large Seat 9 Districts 5 and 6

The Atlanta Public Schools’ policy-making body is the nine-member Atlanta Board of Education, comprised of six district representatives and three at-large representatives, all of whom are elected. The day-to-day administration of the school district is the responsibility of the superintendent, who is appointed by the Board of Education. The Atlanta Board of Education holds public comment sessions prior to each legislative session. Please check the meeting schedule at www.atlantapublicschools.us. Meetings are held in the auditorium of the Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL), 130 Trinity Avenue, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303. For more information, call 404-802-2200.

District /Seat Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools

District 1 Benteen, Centennial Place, Cook, Dobbs, Dunbar, Hill, King, Price, The New Schools Seat 7 Hope, Parkside, Slater, D.H. Stanton, Thomasville Heights, Atlanta Charter Middle at Carver, Maynard Waters, Imagine Wesley International Academy Charter, Holbrook Jackson, Neighborhood Charter Tech High Charter District 2 Bethune, Connally, Finch, Gideons, Herndon, Brown, Kennedy, Douglass, Seat 7 M.A. Jones, F.L. Stanton, White, Kipp Ways Charter, Parks, Turner Washington University Community Academy Charter District 3 Burgess-Peterson, East Lake, Lin, Morningside, Coan, Inman Grady, Crim Seat 8 Toomer, Whitefoord, Drew Charter District 4 Brandon, Garden Hills, Jackson, Rivers, Smith Sutton North Atlanta Seat 8 District 5 Adamsville, Blalock, Bolton Academy, Boyd, Fain, The B.E.S.T. Academy, Mays Seat 9 Grove Park, Miles, Peyton Forest, Scott, Towns, Coretta Scott King Usher, West Manor, Williams, Woodson Academy, Carson Honors Preparatory, Harper- Archer, Young District 6 Beecher Hills, Capitol View, Cascade, Cleveland Bunche, Long, Sylvan Hills South Atlanta High Seat 9 Avenue, Continental Colony, Deerwood Academy, Educational Complex, Fickett, Heritage Academy, Humphries, Hutchinson, D.M. Therrell High Kimberly, Perkerson, Venetian Hills Educational Complex 2008-2009 Atlanta Public Schools Important Telephone Numbers APS Archives 404.802.4497 APS Operator 404.802.3500 Homework Hotline 678.553.3029 School Reform Team 1 404.802.3667 School Reform Team 2 404.624.5103 School Reform Team 3 404.802.3751 School Reform Team 4 404.802.6537 High School Office 404.802.5875 Student Services: Family Involvement Center 404.802.2231 Nutrition 404.802.2540 Parental Involvement 404.802.3675 Prekindergarten 404.802.3638 Program for Exceptional Children 404.802.2602 Student Placement 404.802.2204 Student Programs and Services 404.802.1699 (Counseling, Health, Psychological and Social Services) Student Transportation 404.802.5500 Student Tribunal 404.802.2233 Testing 404.802.2780 Truancy Center 404.802.3648 Central Administration: Department of Athletics 404.624.2095 Curriculum & Instruction 404.802.2700 Facilities Services 404.802.3700 Human Resources 404.802.2300 Information Technology 404.802.2523 Office of Communications 404.802.2800 Office of the Superintendent 404.802.2820 Operations 404.802.2503 Meal Pay 404.802.2538 Student Records 404.802.2150

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or sexual orientation in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. For additional information about nondiscrimination provisions, contact the Office of Internal Resolution, 130 Trinity Avenue, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia, 30303.

Published by the Office of Communications For more information regarding Atlanta Public Schools, visit our Web site at www.atlantapublicschools.us. Listen to WABE 90.1 FM, watch WPBA Channel 30 and APS Cable Channel 22. Visit www.wabe.org, www.wpba.org and www.apscable.org.

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