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Awards

Carver School of Technology wins a $20,000 grant from Google Rise

by talkupaps 18 Mar 2014

written by talkupaps

Carver School of Technology was recently awarded a $20,000.00 grant from Google RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering). Google offers the RISE Awards to support organizations that inspire the next generation of computer scientists.

Christina Rogers, instructional coach, and Terry Foster, technology department chair, will use the grant to implement an after school enrichment program called Girls Achieving Excellence Through Technology for girls in grades 9-12.

“We are thankful that Google is supporting our efforts to prepare minority young ladies to be globally competitive,” said Rogers.

The purpose of the GAETT Program is to increase the number of African American females from underserved communities participating in STEM projects in metro Atlanta. GAETT will utilize collegiate mentors from Georgia State University to assist with tutorials, one-on-one trainings and community service projects with female students. The program will implement the use of Google Chrome Books to teach the girls how to create and develop websites, blogs and apps to promote school and community involvement in the campaign to increase African American participation in STEM programs.

18 Mar 2014 0 comment

L.O. Kimberly rewards students through B.U.G. Program

by talkupaps 24 Feb 2014

written by talkupaps

At L. O. Kimberly Elementary School, students who raised their grades during the last grading period are recognized through the Bring Up Grades (B.U.G.) Program. A B.U.G. student has also been identified by his or her classroom teacher as one who improved academically and made strides in their work habits, persistence and dedication to assignments.

The B.U.G. students received recognition on the B.U.G. student bulletin board, and were rewarded with a light reception of fresh fruit, juice and teacakes. During the award presentation, the students received a certificate, ruler, pencil, button and a coupon to a local restaurant.

L.O. Kimberly has dedicated volunteers from Atlanta’s first Kiwanis Club (K-Kids), which sponsors the B.U.G. Program.

“We appreciate the attention they give to our students,” said Everett Jolly, the K-Kids sponsor and media specialist at Kimberly. “Their efforts make a difference in our students because they encourage our students to try new things and be aware of the decisions they make on a daily basis.”

24 Feb 2014 0 comment

Nine APS high schools awarded AP Teacher Training Grants from Georgia State Board of Education

by talkupaps 23 Feb 2014

written by talkupaps

At the February 20, 2014, meeting of the Georgia State Board of Education, nine APS schools were among 258 high schools awarded Advanced Placement (AP) Teacher Training Grants for the training of AP teachers at the 2014 AP Summer Institutes. The awards amounted to a total of $13,300.00 given to schools.

The AP Teacher Training Grants were awarded to:

Booker T. Washington School of Banking, Finance, & Investment
George Washington Carver School of the Arts
Booker T. Washington School of Health, Science & Nutrition
Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Frederick Douglass High School
Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School
South Atlanta School of Health and Medical Science
South Atlanta School of Law and Social Justice
D.M. Therrell High School of Law, Government and Public Policy

Atlanta Public Schools offers AP classes on every high school campus. Research shows that students who succeed in rigorous course work such as Advanced Placement are developing college-level knowledge and skills while still in high school. These students are more likely than their peers to earn college degrees on time, providing an opportunity to save significant amounts of money. The College Board’s 10th Annual AP Report to the Nation, released earlier this month, shows that significant progress is being made in expanding both access to and success in AP.

Over the past decade, the number of students who graduate from high school having taken rigorous AP courses has nearly doubled, and the number of low-income students taking AP has more than quadrupled. Impressively, educators’ work to bring more students into Advanced Placement courses has resulted in a larger increase in the number of qualifying AP Exam scores (the scores typically required for college credit) than in the number of low AP scores.

“At the heart of the College Board’s mission is a commitment to ensuring that students have access to the opportunities they have earned,” said College Board President David Coleman. “While great strides have been made over the last decade to expand access to AP, we remain as committed as ever to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed in an AP course has the opportunity to take one.”

Interested in an AP course that is not offered at your school? Talk to your counselor about possible opportunities to take the class online. They can help you locate an approved online class provider, ensure that you receive the proper credit for any online coursework you complete, and help you work through any steps necessary for possibly taking the exam at a school other than your own. View a full list of AP opportunities here: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse

About the Advanced Placement Program

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both – while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue – skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought the most rigorous curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students. Each AP teacher’s syllabus is evaluated and approved by faculty from some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, and AP Exams are developed and scored by college faculty and experienced AP teachers. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States grant credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores – more than 3,300 institutions worldwide annually receive AP scores. In the last decade AP participation and performance rates have nearly doubled. In May 2013, 2.2 million students representing more than 18,000 schools around the world, both public and nonpublic, took approximately 4 million AP Exams.

About the College Board

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success – including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit http://www.collegeboard.org.

23 Feb 2014 0 comment

Former GED graduate from APS nominated for Eagle Award

by talkupaps 9 Jan 2014

written by talkupaps

Sarah Roberts, an Atlanta Public Schools 2013 GED graduate, has been nominated for the Eagle Award (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education). This award is presented to one Georgia GED graduate each year. Eight candidates out of 37 delivery areas will be selected on March 27^th and the winner will be announced on March 28^th.

Representatives from the Office of Adult Education (OAE) of the Technical College System of Georgia recently applauded APS officials for making “significant improvements” in the district’s adult education program. OAE Assistant Commissioner Beverly E. Smith wrote, “We are proud of your leadership and the work of your team in making the Atlanta Public Schools Adult Education program shine!” She asked Dr. Albenny Price, APS adult education program administrator, to share the system’s best practices with other struggling adult education programs across the state.

APS has one of the largest adult education and GED programs in the state. Currently, more than 1,300 students are taking advantage of the district’s free adult education classes offered every week at two dozen sites, including the main program site at the Adult Education Center on 1757 Mary Dell Drive. Classes take place during the morning, afternoon and evening, and are open to individuals age 16 and older. To broaden the program’s impact, APS collaborates with various partners to offer classes at community-based and nontraditional sites. Classes take place at the City of Refuge social services complex; a downtown location in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Atlanta; and such APS facilities as Forrest Hill Academy, Therrell Educational Complex and Burgess-Peterson Elementary. This school year, classes will be held at two new sites: the Atlanta City Court and a location in Hapeville, Georgia.

9 Jan 2014 1 comment

Cleveland Avenue Elementary School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

by talkupaps 8 Jan 2014

written by talkupaps

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Cleveland Avenue Elementary School teacher Rita Simmons as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 10, 2013 during a surprise school assembly. Simmons is an instructor in the Atlanta school’s Gifted and Talent Development program and the district’s 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year.

APS Teacher of the Year named Symetra Hero in the Classroom during a surprise school assembly

“I have known Rita Simmons for the past several years at Cleveland Avenue Elementary School and have witnessed with pride her many accomplishments at our school,” said Angela Gilchrist, a colleague. “To help foster stronger bonds between parents and their daughters, Mrs. Simmons initiated and led Cleveland Avenue’s mother-daughter and father-daughter balls. She also developed and hosted our school’s Young Entrepreneur Business Showcases as a part of her economics unit. The program encouraged entrepreneurship by teaching gifted students how to create and execute business plans. All of these events were a success!” Gilchrist nominated Simmons for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

Simmons is an instructor in the Atlanta school’s Gifted and Talent Development program

“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Mrs. Simmons as a fellow mentor in the Just Be Beautiful, Inc. (JBB) organization, which she founded and leads,” said Gilchrist. “Mrs. Simmons brought this after-school program to Cleveland Avenue Elementary to help teach fourth- and fifth-grade female students how to be young ladies and to address topics girls often have questions about. Character, self-esteem, discipline, etiquette, life-skills, leadership, health, relationships and beauty are just a few rays of the sunshine that radiates from the classroom lessons Mrs. Simmons shares with her female student mentees.”

“I truly admire and respect Mrs. Simmons as a teacher, colleague and friend,” adds Gilchrist. “She stands out because of the extra mile she goes for her students and the way she carries herself. She is respected by her colleagues and her very presence commands the attention and respect of her students.”

Simmons was acknowledged during an on-field presentation during a Falcons home game

Simmons is one of 16 K–12 teachers in Georgia who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2013 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a Falcons home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at the Georgia Dome. Simmons was recognized at the Dec. 15 game when the Falcons took on the Washington Redskins.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to make a real difference in students’ lives; to go above and beyond in their day-to-day responsibilities; and to help students build life skills.

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Falcons.

8 Jan 2014 0 comment

Twenty-three APS Seniors Named Posse Foundation Scholars

by talkupaps 5 Jan 2014

written by talkupaps

Twenty-three seniors from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) were awarded four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships worth approximately $100,000 each by The Posse Foundation, Inc. to some of the top colleges and universities in the country – including Boston University, Syracuse University, Texas A&M University, The College of Wooster, Brandeis University, and Bard College. The class of 2014 marks the largest number of Posse Scholars awarded to APS seniors since the program’s inception in Atlanta during the 2007-2008 school year.

The Posse Foundation, Inc. is a college access and youth leadership development program that identifies, recruits and selects leaders from public high schools and sends them in supportive multicultural teams called “Posses” to partnering colleges and universities. The 2013-2014 APS Posse Scholars are:

Atlanta Public Schools	First Name	Last Name	Posse Finalist University
Benjamin E. Mays High School	Derrius	Jones	The College of Wooster
B.E.S.T. Academy at Benjamin S. Carson	Reginald	McGee	The College of Wooster
B.E.S.T. Academy at Benjamin S. Carson	Solomon	McBride	Brandeis University
B.E.S.T. Academy at Benjamin S. Carson	Tabias	Wimby	Bard College
Carver Health Sciences & Research	Ruqiyah	Mukarram	Bard College
Carver Health Sciences & Research	Jalecia	Wilborn	Texas A&M University
Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy	Jamaya	Powell	Syracuse University
Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy	Keturah	Walker	Brandeis University
Henry W. Grady High School	Ryan	Bolton	Syracuse University
Henry W. Grady High School	Xavier	Nelson	Brandeis University
Henry W. Grady High School	Alanne	Stroy	Syracuse University
Henry W. Grady High School	Joseph	Capelouto	Boston University
North Atlanta High School	Emma	Pettersen	Syracuse University
North Atlanta High School	Stanley	Miller	Bard College
North Atlanta High School	Rickey	Waddell	Bard College
North Atlanta High School	Ahmara	Smith	Bard College
South Atlanta School of Health & Medical Science	Felicia	Williams	The College of Wooster
South Atlanta School of Law & Social Justice	Kenyatta	Hendricks	Brandeis University
Booker T. Washington Banking, Finance & Investment	Demeisha	Crowley	Boston University
Booker T. Washington Banking, Finance & Investment	Sidiamond	Stills	Texas A&M University
Booker T. Washington Early College	Stephen	Richardson	Bard College
Booker T. Washington Health Sciences & Nutrition	Jasmine	Collins	Bard College
Booker T. Washington Early College	Asia	Hollinger	Brandeis University

“We commend these scholars, their teachers, counselors and entire school community for their success,” said APS Superintendent Erroll B. Davis, Jr. “We thank the Posse Foundation and its donors for these generous, prestigious scholarship opportunities that will prepare our students for leadership and service.”

APS high school counselors, led by Dr. LaVerne Ware, began the multi-step Posse Scholars nomination process with students last semester, which included encouraging them to apply for the scholarship, maintaining the required GPA, prepping them for their scholarship interviews, and often times utilizing personal resources to assist students with their business attire.

5 Jan 2014 0 comment

King Middle School Teacher Tara Johnson Wins 11Alive Class Act Award

by talkupaps 12 Dec 2013

written by talkupaps

Atlanta Public Schools teacher Tara Johnson has won the 11Alive Class Act Award for her outstanding leadership at King Middle School and her ability to engage and ignite her seventh-grade students. 11Alive’s Donna Lowry surprised Johnson with the award in November during a visit to the Southeast Atlanta school.

King Middle School teacher Kandy Wilkinson nominated Johnson for the award after observing how effectively she was able to seize and hold her students’ attention.

“She connects with the students and she gets them interested and intrigues them with the lesson,” said Wilkinson. Johnson’s positive demeanor also played a role: Wilkinson noted that Johnson “always looks like she’s having a good time.”

Students like James Gregg have a deep appreciation for Johnson’s talents.

“I really do love my teacher,” he said. “She is an amazing, affectionate person toward the students.” Gregg added that when Johnson helps the students, the classes become fun.

by Julia Suk, APS Office of Communications and External Affairs

12 Dec 2013 0 comment

Benteen Elementary School teacher Jason Paggett honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

by talkupaps 7 Nov 2013

written by talkupaps

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Benteen Elementary School teacher Jason Paggett as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” during a surprise school assembly. Paggett teaches first grade at the Southeast Atlanta elementary school.

“Jason Paggett creates exciting, effective and fun lessons for his first-grade students. Using a variety of teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles, he works hard to ensure that students leave the classroom each and every day understanding the concepts that were presented to them,” said Shenita Searcy, a school colleague. “As a matter of fact, Mr. Paggett sometimes strays from the traditional pacing of the curriculum and sets higher expectations for his students with remarkable results. As a kindergarten teacher, his students often were engaged in more advanced lessons that saw nearly 75 percent of the students test on a first-grade reading level prior to their departure from kindergarten!” Seary nominated Paggett for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom^® award.

“Mr. Paggett demonstrates a positive attitude at all times. His nurturing classroom environment conveys a clear message about the importance of learning to students and parents alike,” said Searcy. “Mr. Paggett’s assiduous stance on education regularly places him in the limelight for recognition. Not only is he recognized as the 2013–14 ‘Teacher of the Year’ at Benteen Elementary, he also has been considered for the same honor at the district level. Benteen’s staff all look forward to Mr. Paggett’s smiling face every day as he demonstrates his commitment to our students, school and community.”

Paggett is one of 16 K–12 teachers in Georgia who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2013 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a Falcons home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at the Georgia Dome. Paggett will be recognized at the Nov. 10 game when the Falcons take on the Seattle Seahawks.

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Falcons.

About Symetra
Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors. For more information, visit www.symetra.com.

7 Nov 2013 7 comments

Benteen Elementary School teacher Jason Paggett honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

by talkupaps 7 Nov 2013

written by talkupaps

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Falcons.

7 Nov 2013 7 comments

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program is Seeking Student Volunteers

by talkupaps 3 Oct 2013

written by talkupaps

Students in grades 5-12 can apply for a 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Award for the opportunity to win $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. next May!

Over the past 18 years, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to more than 100,000 middle and high school students across the country for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and serving their communities through many other volunteer activities. Today, the search begins to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the awards program kicks off its 19th year.

The awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honor outstanding community service by students in grades 5 through 12 at the local, state and national level.

“Prudential is proud to honor young people who contribute their time and talents to improving the communities around them,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. “We celebrate their service with hope that others will be inspired to follow their fine example.”

Young volunteers can apply online at http://spirit.prudential.com or at www.nassp.org/spirit.

Applications must be completed by November 5, 2013, and then submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or HandsOn Network affiliate. Paper versions of the application form are available by calling (877) 525-8491 toll-free.

Participating schools and local organizations will select Local Honorees in early November and present them with Certificates of Achievement. The local honorees also will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award if they have contributed the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (50 hours for age 14 and younger, 100 hours for those older). All local honorees are then reviewed by a state-level judging committee, which will name the top two candidates from each state and the District of Columbia – one high school student and one middle level student – as State Honorees on February 11, 2014. The state honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. with a parent for four days of recognition events May 3-6, 2014. Runners-up at the state level will receive bronze medallions or Certificates of Excellence.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 state honorees as America’s top youth volunteers of 2014. The national honorees will receive $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

“It is often said that young people are the leaders of tomorrow – but every year brings proof that youth volunteers are already among the leaders of today,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. “Middle level and high school students are making meaningful contributions to their communities, and it is a privilege to shine a spotlight on their service.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represent the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India and China, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and all school leaders from across the United States and more than 38 countries around the world. The association provides research-based professional development and resources, networking, and advocacy to build the capacity of middle level and high school leaders to continually improve student performance. Reflecting its longstanding commitment to student leadership development as well, NASSP administers the National Honor Society™, National Junior Honor Society®, National Elementary Honor Society®, and National Association of Student Councils®. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit http://www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with more than $1 trillion of assets under management as of June 30, 2013, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit http://www.news.prudential.com.

3 Oct 2013 0 comment

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Awards

Carver School of Technology wins a $20,000 grant from Google Rise

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L.O. Kimberly rewards students through B.U.G. Program

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Former GED graduate from APS nominated for Eagle Award

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Cleveland Avenue Elementary School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

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King Middle School Teacher Tara Johnson Wins 11Alive Class Act Award

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Benteen Elementary School teacher Jason Paggett honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

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Benteen Elementary School teacher Jason Paggett honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

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The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program is Seeking Student Volunteers

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