Photo recap slideshow of Atlanta Public School’s Day One (first day of school) for the 2024-2025 school year. Photo credits: Simeon Kelley and Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
As the doors of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) swung open on August 1, thousands of students were greeted by educators eager to launch the 2024-2025 school year.
APS took great pride in ensuring its facilities, staff and students were prepared for Day One. From the PowerUp APS summer programs to the 10th Annual Back to School Bash, the tone for the year ahead has been set with the goal of executing an enriching, safe and successful school year.
This year’s fresh start kicked off with outgoing interim superintendent Danielle S. Battle, incoming superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, and several board members visiting schools and staff to bring greetings from the district.
Beginning at the Lakewood Bus Depot, they waved to a sea of bus drivers and monitors as they departed one by one to begin their routes.
The students at Garden Hills Elementary School and David T. Howard Middle School were their next stops, where they visited several classrooms and met with students and teachers.
APS incoming superintendent Bryan Johnson and outgoing interim superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle visit a music class at Garden Hills Elementary School. Photo credit: Simeon Kelley, APS ©
The classroom visits were perhaps the most important part of the day’s activities, as they aligned with Dr. Johnson’s 100-day plan to experience each APS school first-hand and gain insight into the needs of the students.
He restated his commitment to this later that day during a media roundtable at Sylvan Hills Middle School, where he also shared that literacy and Social Emotional Learning would be at the forefront of the district’s priorities for the year.
“Literacy will be a focus,” Dr. Johnson said. “There’s been an investment [from the board] in social-emotional learning. So making sure that we can provide the supports and resources that students need in order to be successful will obviously be a focus.”
Students at Booker T. Washington High School and B.E.S.T. Academy at The Thomas W. Dortch Jr. Institute filled the halls and classrooms, eager to expand their knowledge base.
APS superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson and Booker T. Washington High School 9th grade student Javier Lopez discussing an assignment in Ms. Sarah Hobbs’ Advanced Algebra class. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Both schools were bustling with teaching and learning as Dr. Battle and Dr. Johnson visited classrooms.
With the added bonus of innovative programs, resources, and initiatives, APS is poised to continue producing growth and gains in student achievement and reading proficiency this school year.
“When we talk about literacy, we talk about the child’s ability to speak, to listen, to write, to comprehend the entire component,” Dr. Johnson said. “It’s bigger than just being able to read and recall words. That will be a critical area that we will double down on. Our board has already made the investment, and we will continue to move that one forward.”
Dr. Johnson officially assumes his duties as superintendent August 5.