Principal Alison Shelton of Centennial Place Wins Atlanta Families’ Award

On October 29^th, Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education (AFAEE) surprised Alison Shelton, principal of Centennial Place Elementary School, with a $7,500 award in front of students, faculty, partners and administrators. This award will fund the CPrizEs Project, a rewards system to increase parental involvement and student engagement at Centennial Place.

“I’m super excited about being able to win this award that supports not only the school but the community at large,” Shelton said.

“[Atlanta Families’ Awards] have been diligent about acknowledging the hard work of some of the best and brightest educators in our district,” said Karen Waldon, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. “People such as Alison Shelton are absolute exemplars of what we believe to be the very finest among educators, not only in APS, but across the state and beyond.”

The main goal of the CPrizEs Project is to increase parental involvement and student engagement through a rewards system that will earn points for the family to enjoy. The premise is similar to other rewards programs used at various stores where customers earn points for purchasing items. The Involvement Rewards Program will allow families to work collectively to earn points through parent involvement activities, volunteer activities, scholastic opportunities and character point opportunities. The points may be redeemed to purchase school supplies, pay for field trips, school uniforms, and more. This program will provide a tangible system to record hours of support to the school while bringing awareness to its importance.

“I would like to thank not only my family, but also the parents, teachers, and school community partners,” said Shelton. “I want to thank the teaching community, because they really do a great job here each and every day giving 110% for our kids.”

Education was not the original career path Alison Shelton had envisioned. In fact, Alison initially wanted to serve in the Peace Corps after her undergraduate studies at DePauw University. After completing a senior year winter-term assignment as a pre-teaching experience, she fell in love with education. In the summer of 1995, Alison enrolled in an alternative teacher preparation program through Georgia State University and after one year, she earned her Master’s degree in Education. Shelton started her teaching career in 1996 at C.M. Pitts Elementary School. After two years as a first grade teacher at Pitts Elementary, she transitioned to Sarah Smith Elementary School where she taught for six years and then became the Instructional Liaison Specialist for two years.

After completing the district’s leadership program, Alison became the principal of Centennial Place Elementary School.  Principal Shelton thoroughly enjoys the Centennial Place family and works diligently to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students.