By: Erica Fatima
Running and jumping, and filled with wild exclamations of delight, 157 of APS’ bright Pre-K scholars explored the exciting Children’s Museum of Atlanta .
The energy and excitement filled the room, as students from Perkerson, Parkside, M. Agnes Jones, and Kimberly elementary schools “learned through play,” at various interactive stations.
“I love this game!”…“Let me try, let me try!”…“Hey did you see what I did!”…“This is so fun!” and “Come look at this!” were just a few of the gleeful shouts heard throughout the newly renovated Children’s Museum.
Even APS Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen, Ed.D. joined in the fun!
The Children’s Museum provides highly engaging, immersive, informal learning focused on the whole child. Children latch on to what is fun and interesting, exploring their world.
By: Erica Fatima
Benjamin Song! “Ben,” as his friends call him, appeared unflappable as he spelled “V-I-G-I-L-A-N-T-E” and secured the victory after nine harrowing rounds of spelling. Ben, a fifth grader at Brandon ES, will represent Atlanta Public Schools in the District 4 Bee, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, at North Atlanta High School.
Upon being declared the winner, Ben exclaimed, “This is great! I can’t believe I won! At first I wasn’t going to participate in the Bee, but my teacher, Ms. Brown, said that I should try; so I did and I won. Wow!”
When asked how he practiced, Ben stated, “I see the words in my head. I visualize them and then spell them in my hand before I spell them out loud. I can actually see [words] them.”
More than 35 schools were represented at APS’ 55th Annual Spelling Bee, including several APS charter schools. The event took place Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Lester W. Butts Auditorium at Frederick Douglass High School. 
“I am so proud of Ben and all of my students,” Brandon ES teacher, Ms. Brown said. “I assigned the spelling list to the entire class as homework for the week, no exceptions. Ben initially didn’t want to participate, but once he started practicing he began to show real interest; and now here we are—he’s representing the entire system! I’m so proud of him!”
2nd place winner: Maya Ratchev and her mom
Maya Ratchev, from Jackson ES, was named the second-place finalist; showing great spelling prowess as she advanced to the final round.
Spelling the words kabuki, juggernaut, vulnerable and triumvirate, the top four APS spelling champions: Harris Romas Tsiotras, Morningside ES; Timothy Salter Sliger, Springdale Park ES, will also attend the District 4 Bee. Kayla Mickens, Long MS will serve as the alternate.
Bee winners, left to right: Harris Romas Tsiotras, Morningside ES; Timothy Salter Sliger, Spingdale Park ES; Maya Ratchev, Jackson ES; Benjamin Song, Brandon ES
Dr. Zackory Kirk, APS Literacy Coordinator for grades 6-12, and this year’s spelling bee coordinator stated,“The spelling bee is a great opportunity to recognize some of our most studious learners. It also builds community within classrooms and schools while incorporating the family and community into the work of educating the whole child.”
Special thanks to this year’s distinguished judges:
Above, left to right: Dr. Deborah Stephens; Dr. Zackory Kirk; Melissa Davis; Dr. Aleigha Rosser; Cheryl Collier; Natasha Daniels; Marcus Bivines, Esq.
- Bee Master-Dr. Deborah Stephens-Lattimore (APS Speech Pathologist);
- Head Judge-Cheryl Collier (President, Atlanta Association of Black Journalist);
- Dictionary Judge-Natasha Daniels (Senior Council Aide at City of Atlanta);
- Listening Judge-Dr. Aleigha Henderson-Rosser (APS Executive Director, Instructional Technology);
- Scoring Judge-Melissa Davis (APS Science Coordinator, K-5);
- Recording Judge-Marcus Bivines, Esq. (APS HR Training & Communications Specialist).
“Congratulations to all of our spelling juggernauts. We wish Ben and our four APS Bee winners great success in the next competition,” -Atlanta Public Schools.
The top two finalists from District 4 will advance to the state spelling bee, which will be held on Monday, March 18, at Zoo Atlanta. The state winner will then advance to the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., which began in 1925.
Contributing writer: Alicia Sands Lurry
By Erica Fatima
National School Counseling Week (Feb. 1-5), sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors within U.S. school systems have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for a career. This year’s theme is “School Counseling: The Recipe for Success.”
Notably, Atlanta Public Schools own Dr. Sheryl Neely, a professional school counselor at Frederick Douglass High School has been named National Counselor of the Year by The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), and was awarded the Region II 2016 ACTE Career Guidance Award! Click here to read the press release.
This year, APS will celebrate National School Counseling Week by highlighting signature programs and community partnerships throughout all school campuses and the CLL building. For example, on Tuesday, all schools will participate in No Place For Hate campaigns, and upon successful completion each school will earn a No Place For Hate designation. The Maynard Jackson Cluster will host a basketball night to celebrate their inaugural designations as “No Place For Hate.” Thursday is the REACH Scholar Parent Night in which REACH scholars and parents will participate in a meeting regarding HOPE scholarship updates, advanced learning opportunities, Move On When Ready program and the APS College and Career Academy.
We invite parents and community members to learn more about school counseling programs by contacting your local APS School. General information can be found on the APS website at http://www.atlantapublicschools.us/page/192 and ASCA’s website, www.schoolcounselor.org.
Special Profile: APS Communications interviewed three APS Counselors and asked them to share their experiences; here’s what they said:
Above, left to right: Darryl Robinson, North Atlanta HS; Petrina Howard, D.H. Stanton ES; Shalonda Stinson, Crawford Long MS
APS Communications: How long have you been a school counselor?
Robinson: “I have been in the profession for nine years. I initially started my career in APS as a substitute teacher for middle and high school. In 2007, I completed my counseling internship at APS’ Carver Early College. Upon completion, I received and accepted an offer with a neighboring school district. Recently, an opportunity opened for me to return to APS as an experienced counselor. I gladly accepted.”
Stinson: “I have been a counselor for one year. I began my career in education working for a national non-profit drop-out prevention agency, helping at-risk students remain in school.”
Howard: “I started my career in school counseling 14 years ago with Atlanta Public Schools.”
APS Communications: What are the benefits of working with APS?
Stinson: “There are many benefits of being an educator in the Atlanta Public Schools system. There are numerous opportunities to collaborate with veteran counselors, teachers, students, and other educators that have the same common goal—the success of all our scholars. Additionally, APS offers a variety of professional development programs; e.g., Social Emotional Learning, College and Career Readiness, and the Personal and Social Growth programs, which are very beneficial.”
Howard: “One of the main benefits of working with APS is seeing positive results when working with students who may experience a dearth of basic needs regarding safety and belonging. Once our students realize they can trust you and know you truly care, they are more willing to work on improving academically and behaviorally. From a staff perspective, professional development opportunities abound at APS. Improving your skill set benefits you as a professional and the students you serve.”
Robinson: “Working for APS provides you with the chance to participate in progressive, next-level focus groups. We (counselors) are afforded the opportunity to actively engage in the decision making process, determining what technological tools will best assist us in managing our caseloads with fidelity.”
APS Communications: In what way does your work impact APS students?
Stinson: “There are currently three counselors at Long Middle School and we work as a team! I currently serve as the 8th grade counselor. I’m responsible for administering the 8th grade Career Assessment (GA College 411) and the Individual Graduation Plan (IGP), which helps students assess their gifts, strengths and future interests. This work is awesome and truly has a major impact on our student’s future.”
Robinson: “As the 12th grade counselor, my top priority is ensuring our seniors meet all graduation requirements. Through college tours, workshops, internships and scholarship opportunities, I make sure our seniors are exposed to, and ready for, post-secondary options. My role as school counselor doesn’t end everyday at 4 p.m. I have incorporated relevant technology such as Remind101 and SnapChat so students and parents can contact me at anytime. Even on the weekends, I’m in constant communication with students and parents, working to guarantee seniors are on track for graduation, and deadlines for scholarships and college applications are met. I want students prepared for life beyond high school.”
Howard: “My work as an elementary counselor impacts students in a variety of ways. Teaching basic social skills at the elementary level is key to student success. When a student is able to work collaboratively, in a positive environment, school is more enjoyable and instructional time is enhanced. By advocating for wraparound services like school supplies, food, clothing, and mental health care, I hope to provide an equitable learning environment for all students. Finally, I try to influence student perceptions so that they make the connection; college and successful careers are within reach.”
APS Communications: What is the importance of the role of counselor in the schools?
Robinson: “School counselors play a vital role in addressing the social, emotional, and academic needs of the student. In many cases, school counselors wear multiple hats. Some counselors are utilized to serve as an administrator/disciplinarian, which can be confusing for the student. We have to continuously strive to build trust; knowing that when a crisis occurs, it’s extremely important for students to view counselors as their advocate, not as their enemy.
Howard: “In my opinion, counselors play a vital role in student success. Counselors assist teachers with student behavioral issues, classroom management and closing the achievement gap. Counselors collaborate with administrators and the community in providing support for students. Counselors also work closely with parents at the elementary level to stress the importance of parental involvement and student attendance.”
Stinson: “Being an advocate for children is one of the most important characteristics of a counselor. It is important that children know that they are being heard. Some students speak with their voices, while others have been harmed so deeply that they only speak through subtle body clues. Counselors must be discerning. We must have a commitment and passion for helping students to overcome challenges, so that they are successful academically and in life. Many may not realize the gift true counselors have…the gift to be that ear and see the depths of their student’s needs.”
APS Communications: Please share with us a memorable counseling moment.
Howard: “The most memorable moments in my career as a school counselor continue to be to be the, end-of-the-year 5th Grade Awards and Promotional Program. Watching 5th grade students showcase academic excellence, with pride and confidence, is always an emotional time for me.”
Robinson: “There are so many memorable moments that it’s a challenge to select only one. Recently, I had a homeless student in my caseload that was helping her mom raise her 8 siblings. This student was extremely intelligent, she had a 3.8 GPA, but wasn’t planning to attend college because she was the primary support system for her mom. She struggled with the idea of leaving her family to attend college, and shared these concerns with me. I counseled her on the importance of setting an example for her younger siblings; but most importantly, by furthering her education she could change the trajectory of her life. I helped her apply for prestigious schools, right here in GA, where she could remain close to her family. She was accepted into both Georgia State and Spelman, but even with financial aide, she couldn’t afford to attend. I was determined to help her. I kept pursuing until we were able to secure a full academic scholarship to Spelman College. She graduated last year, Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Early Childhood Education.”
Stinson: “There are many memorable moments during my tenure as an educator and counselor. Of note, there was a particular student who seemed to stay in trouble and often disrupted her class. She was sent to my office on a regular basis. I reached out to her family, but there was little support there, and our counseling sessions appeared to be of no avail. However; years later this young lady wrote me a beautiful letter stating; (“You thought I wasn’t listening, but I was. Its because of you that I am the woman I am today. Now I successfully serve in the Armed Forces, and I have children of my own.”) I believe that if we can save one “little starfish,” the world will be a much better place to live in!”
APS Communications: In closing, do you have an inspirational quote that motivates you?
Howard: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Robinson: “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
Stinson: “Above all be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out it.” – Author unknown
By Leslie Rivera
The school year is not over but there already has been a graduating class, of sorts, at Dunbar Elementary. A group of 11 Atlanta Public Schools students, grades three to five, became the first to complete a Toastmasters pilot program in the city of Atlanta. The Youth Leadership Program challenged students to become better communicators, face their fears and deliver a speech in front of a crowd.
“It was a growing process for all of the students that participated. We had some students who are quiet and soft spoken who really came out of their shells. Now they hold their heads up and speak in front of large groups of people. I think it built confidence,” explained Martina Jackson, director of the Dunbar Elementary After School program. She is also an APS academic coach for Science and Social Studies.
Students began meeting weekly in October. During their time together, they review public speaking skills, practice, learn how to use rubrics, and judge their peers’ speaking abilities.
The experience was transformative. Ms. Jackson recalls one fourth grader who wanted to quit in the beginning. She was later chosen to become president of the group and revealed in her final presentation how the Toastmasters program helped her.
Participants were given two to three minutes to present a final speech on a topic of their choice. While they didn’t have to worry about being graded, they did present to an audience of teachers, parents and Toastmasters professionals. MARTA executive, Yvonne DeBellotte, is one of the facilitators of the program. She holds Advanced Leadership Bronze and Competent Leader Certifications in the program.
DeBellotte found the students in the program to truly understand the motto of “excellence”.
“The teamwork these students displayed throughout the program in order to accomplish the goals of their Youth Leadership Program was very impressive to everyone who came in contact with them, and I am very proud of what they have achieved and will continue to achieve,” said DeBellotte.
Toastmasters has long been dedicated to helping working professionals develop and improve their presentation skills but it’s clear to DeBellotte that students as young as 9 years old can benefit, “This is the best age to start a program similar to this one. The Curriculum goals: Listening skills, organizational skills, grammar, and reasoning are essential for students. The main ingredient is the team building they learned early on instead of learning alone,” she adds.
In addition to achieving personal success, the Dunbar students also received a gift at graduation. A campaign on Donorschoose.org raised enough funds for tablets for each student. “We want to keep it going so they received tablets in order to Skype and communicate with Toastmasters in high school,” explained Ms. Jackson. The goal is to help those students develop mentor/mentee relationships, however, it doesn’t end there. Ms. Jackson is already looking forward to gathering a new group of aspiring presenters. She’s so excited to share the experience, and she hopes to start a new group before the end of this school year.
Steve Smith, associate superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools (APS),will resign effective June 30, to return to the private sector. He has served the students of Atlanta as the second-ranking executive since Superintendent Erroll Davis was appointed in 2011.
Smith is credited with providing executive oversight of the district’s daily operations,collaborating with the superintendent to stabilize and rebuild the school system following a national test cheating crisis and cultivating productive staff-board relations as the administration’s primary point of contact to the Atlanta Board of Education.
Smith has also leveraged local and national opportunities as the district’s spokesperson and leader of the enterprise wide communications, external affairs and innovation functions. In addition, Smith assumed temporary oversight of the day-to-day operations of the district’s technology department as the interim chief information officer.
Among other accomplishments reached during Smith’s tenure are managing the district’s most extensive redistricting in 10 years; re-engaging stakeholders and partners during a challenging transition; and creating an innovation office that yielded the board’s approval of three additional charter schools, continuing APS’ position as the school system with the largest number of start-up charter schools in Georgia. Prior to joining APS, Smith previously served as vice president of corporate responsibility for the Turner Broadcasting System. As APS transitions to Dr. Meria Carstarphen’s leadership, Smith will remain a consultant to her and the board through December 2014.
“As my right hand, Steve has helped to shepherd Atlanta Public Schools through a difficult transition,” said Superintendent Erroll Davis. “His combined experience in education and business has been invaluable. As he returns to the private sector, I am confident that he will continue to be an asset to APS, and a champion for education.”
APS parents, please help us communicate more effectively by completing a quick survey. The survey includes 7 questions and is available on the homepage of your school’s website. In addition, printed copies of the survey are available at all schools. Your feedback is very important to us, as the results from this survey will impact our communication strategies at the school level and throughout the district. The survey will close on October 31st. Thank you for your participation!
The journalism students at Maynard Jackson High School are privileged to gain hands-on experience in the classroom. They are learning photography, video production, and post production while exploring their creativity and talents.
Mr. Henderson Maddox is their broadcast/video production teacher who joined Jackson last year. He is a filmmaker himself, with 8 years of teaching experience as well. His goal is for the students to acquire skills that will open doors for future success.
The first year class covers the basics of video production, including shot composition. The students are working on a photography project, which allows them to explore the surrounding areas capturing shots of landscapes, architecture, etc. These photos are compiled into a photo album, as a reference for the student’s work. The second year class applies what they’ve learned last year as they create short films and learn more in-depth about the world of journalism. They are introduced to news production, including reporting, and how it differs with narratives and short films. The third year class is an independent class that works on several projects throughout the year. These projects include a timeline of their senior year, as well as a video yearbook, that captures the whole year for students and is great for fundraising for equipment.
“What I like most about this class is that we are very independent. When we come inside this class, Mr. Maddox gives us our assignment and he tells us when it’s due and we’re responsible for getting it done on a certain day,” says Daresha Scott, a senior at Jackson high school.
The fourth class is also independent but counts as an internship. Although the students are not allowed to leave the classroom, they will gain real world experience even at school! The students work as post-production editors and edit footages that Mr. Maddox shot over the summer, and will receive credit for their work. Their credit will be listed in IMDB.com and can be added to their resume. The internship requires them to create 4 promos, create a trailer, and edit all 10 episodes of the show, including teasers. This is a great opportunity for students to have a head start in their production career, with a work reel to show for it!
It is inspiring to see high school students pursuing their dreams and preparing for the real world. They are active in learning and gaining a skillset that explores their creativity and exercises effective communications.
The district would like to remind parents and students that ALL Atlanta Public Schools will experience an early release day on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. Early release times below apply to students at traditional and year round schools.
11:30am Elementary School Early Dismissal
12:15pm High School Early Dismissal
12:45pm Middle School Early Dismissal
Visit www.atlantapublicschools.us/calendar to download calendars for both traditional and year round schools.
Community meetings have been confirmed for the week of November 28 – December 1 to provide parents and stakeholders with an opportunity for further input into the ongoing demographic study by Atlanta Public Schools. During the meeting, independent demographers will present multiple scenarios for your consideration and feedback.
SRT – 2 Demographic-Capacity Study Community Meeting
Monday, November 28th, 6:30pm-8:00pm
South Atlanta High School
800 Hutchens Road, SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
SRT-1 and SRT-4 North West Cluster Demographic-Capacity Study Community Meeting
Tuesday, November 29th, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Douglass High School
225 Hamilton E. Holmes, Dr., NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
SRT-4 North East Cluster Demographic-Capacity Study Community Meeting
Wednesday, November 30th, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
North Atlanta High School
2875 Northside Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30318
SRT-3 Demographic-Capacity Study Community Meeting
Thursday, December 1st, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Parkside Elementary School
685 Mercer Street, SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
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