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Gideons Elementary Student Kayla Kemp Takes 3rd Place in Statewide Manufacturing Appreciation Design Contest

by talkupaps
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Gideons_KaylaKemp

Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Kayla Kemp

Kayla Kemp, a fifth grader from Gideons Elementary School in Atlanta, GA., shared a stage with Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle onApril 3 in honor of Georgia’s manufacturing industry. Kemp took third place in her division of the 2013 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW)student design contest. She received a $100 scholarship check, presented by Lt. Gov.Cagle, at the MAW Governor’s Awards Luncheon held at the Georgia International Convention Center. Winners were named for grades 9-12, 6-8, and K-5. “These young students are our best and brightest, and our future in manufacturing depends on them,” said Larry Callahan, CEO of Patillo Industrial Real Estate, as the awards were presented. Students from around the state submitted design entries to their local technical college. Kayla’s entry featured a host of Georgia manufacturers including: The Coca-ColaCompany, KIA, Gulfstream, Georgia Power, Milliken, The Home Depot, and Purina. It was entered into the state competition by her mother’s alma mater, Atlanta Technical College. Deidre Kemp, Kayla’s mother,  graduated from the Atlanta Technical College paralegal studies program in 2010.

Gideons_KaylaKemp2

Deidre Kemp, Kayla Kemp and Atlanta Technical College President Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas

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Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy High School Students Recognized during Honors Convocation

by talkupaps
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CSKYWLA High School students who maintain stellar grades for three consecutive semesters are presented with a Varsity Academic sweater.  The sweater symbolizes perseverance and achievement as the young women overcome many personal obstacles to maintain a creditable academic record.  Honorees selected mentors, family members, and teachers stand with them as the sweaters were presented.  As scholars matriculate, they accumulate academic achievements, chevrons and pins that are added to the sweater to showcase their accomplishments.

CSK Honors Sweaters

Principal Termerion Lakes remarked, “It was an honor to present the academic sweaters at our first annual Honors Convocation.  The sweaters were donated by Veronica Campbell, a consummate supporter of our school.”

Several young women were honored for a variety of academic and civic accomplishments.  A crowd favorite, The Turn Around Award, recognized two young women who made tremendous improvements in their cumulative grade point averages.  Many audience members were misty eyed as the young ladies approached the stage in tears.  One parent approached the program facilitators and remarked, “This is what it’s all about.”

For additional information regarding CSKYWLA High School, please visit the school’s website at www.cskywla.org.

Submitted by Termerrion Lakes McCrary,

Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy Principal.

 

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Writing to Success at Carver Early College

by talkupaps
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CarverEarlyCollege_WritingtoSuccess_011513The juniors of Carver Early College gathered in December for the third annual Writing Test Celebration program. The juniors of Carver Early College boast a 100% pass rate for the third consecutive year. This year, they had an 18% exceed rate which is 7 points higher than the district’s average. Keith Crawford and Chamondrea Lane , junior class president, were the master and mistress of ceremony.

         Reflections from several juniors indicated that reading helped to prepare them for the writing test. They said that one of the key benefits of reading was that it increases vocabulary. The juniors also thanked their teachers for thoroughly preparing them for the writing test by teaching writing skills such as the APS technique. APS is an acronym for considering the audience, purpose and subject when you’re writing. All of the students were presented with medals of honor for their landmark achievement.

Mr. Denene, assistant principal of Carver Early College, congratulated the students. He then admonished them to continue to become better writers because writing is the quintessential skill of the twenty-first century. He said that it was the third skill on a list of nineteen that most employers seek in their prospective employees. He said that in addition to writing being an essential skill, it helps your thinking and creativity. He also stated that although good writing has structure and form, it also allows unlimited creativity.

written by Linda J. Green, Media Specialist, Carver Early College

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Tuskegee Airmen Honored by F.L. Stanton Students, Staff and Congressman John Lewis

by talkupaps
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Enjoy this photo gallery from Career Day at F. L. Stanton Elementary, recognizing the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Students paid tribute to Master Sergeant Earl Martin, Master Sergeant W.O. Smith and Chief Master Sergeant Donald Summerlin.

Honorees were escorted into the program by the F. L. Stanton cheerleaders, followed by the presentation of colors by honor guards from Atlanta Fire Safety.  A tribute to the Airmen was given by Congressman John Lewis.  Stanton school counselor Dale Tate presented a proclamation from the office of the Mayor and Governor.

Airman Summerlin was one of three honorees.

Airmen were cheered into the building by Stanton cheerleaders.

 

Sgt. Michael Bell, USAF, salutes the Airmen.

 

Counselor Tate pays tribute to Airman Summerlin.

 

Airmen Smith, Sommerlin and Martin are greeted by Principal Weems.

 

Congressman John Lewis provided a tribute.

 

Stanton students had a front row seat to living history.

 

 

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Five Atlanta Public Schools designated AP honor schools

by talkupaps
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Five Atlanta Public Schools appear on the Georgia state Superintendent’s newly released list of Advanced Placement (AP) Honor schools. Superintendent Dr. John D. Barge named 367 AP Honor Schools today, stating, “Georgia has much to be proud of when it comes to the success of Advanced Placement.”

Booker T. Washington High School (AP Challenge School), Carver School of Health Sciences (AP Challenge School), Henry W. Grady High School (AP STEM School and AP STEM Achievement School), Benjamin E. Mays High School (AP STEM School) and South Atlanta School of Health and Medical Science (AP Challenge School) were all recognized on the distinguished list, which comprises five categories—AP Challenge Schools, AP Access and Support Schools, AP Merit Schools, AP Stem Schools, and AP STEM Achievement Schools.  The list is based on the results of 2011 AP classes and exams.  The categories are defined as follows:

  • AP Challenge School:  Schools of 900 or fewer students with students testing in four of the core areas (English, math, science and social studies).
  • AP Access and Support Schools:  Schools with at least 30% of their AP exams taken by students who identified themselves as African-American and/or Hispanic and 30% of all AP exams earning scores of three or higher.
  • AP Merit Schools:  Schools with at least 20% of the students population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of three or higher.
  • AP STEM Schools:  Schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses (AP calculus AB, AP calculus BC, AP statistics,  AP biology, AP chemistry, AP science, AP environmental science, AP physics B, AP physics C, AP computer science)
  • AP STEM Achievement Schools:  Schools with students testing in at least 2 AP math courses and 2 AP science courses and at least 40% of the exam scores on AP math and AP science exams earning scores of three or higher. 

Advanced Placement classes and exams are administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT.  AP classes offer rigorous college-level learning options to high school students.  Students who receive a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams may receive college credit.

“Much of this success can be attributed to the dedication to rigor and excellence at each of our AP Honor Schools,” said Barge.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012, has been designated by the State Board of Education as “AP Day in Georgia.”  This date coincides with the College Board’s release of the 2011 AP Report to the Nation.

 

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Disney, Essence Magazine and Steve Harvey choose 2 APS students for special honor

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

– ‘Dreaming Big’ Mantra Comes Alive March 8-11, 2012 as 100 Students Get Fresh Perspective, Jump Start on Career Paths and Life – 

Walt Disney World Resort has announced the list of 100 high school students from across the U.S. who have been selected to attend the 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine.  Atlanta Public Schools’ Andre White from BEST Academy and Nydia Stanley from Carver School of the Arts were chosen from over 4,000 applicants to participate in this exciting event.  They are the first APS students to ever receive this honor.


Often described as the world’s most creative classroom, the four-day power-packed program hosted by renowned entertainer Steve Harvey will be held March 8-11, 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.  Disney’s Dreamers Academy inspires and fuels the dreams of selected students to help them dream bigger, discover a world of possibilities and get a jump start on making those dreams come true.

Now entering its fifth year, more than 500 high school students will have participated since Disney’s Dreamers Academy opened its doors in 2008.

A celebrity panel of judges led by comedian, author, philanthropist and Disney’s Dreamers Academy Ambassador Steve Harvey reviewed more than 4,700 applications and selected the 100 students for the Class of 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy. Judging criteria included exhibiting curiosity, compassion and leadership skills.

During the 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy, students will engage in multiple activities, including interacting with a range of industry professionals and experience immersive introductions to various career paths. Disney’s Dreamers Academy students participate in workshops on a variety of subjects, including entertainment, entrepreneurship, the medical field, culinary arts and creative inspiration from Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative gurus behind Disney’s theme parks and attractions.

“We are thrilled to announce this new class of 100 unique Dreamers who will graduate from the Academy with a whole new perspective on their future,” said Tracey Walters-Powell, executive champion of the program for Disney Parks & Resorts. “We received more applications this year than any other and we have selected an amazing class for this historic fifth year anniversary of the Dreamers Academy.”

“I’ve been with Dreamers Academy from day one and each year the program gets stronger as we add new interactive and experiential components for these students, so to hit the five-year mark is quite an accomplishment,” said Steve Harvey, who has served as Ambassador of Disney’s Dreamers Academy since the program started. “Investing and re-investing in these kids each year, you can really see the pay off as they leave the Academy and start to look at their future in a much different and much brighter light.”

Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks said, “I am not going to divulge any secrets as to what’s being planned for this important fifth anniversary, but if you know anything about Walt Disney World, you know this life-changing event is going to be a truly amazing spectacular for these students and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Proving that Disney’s Dreamers Academy graduates emerge with a new perspective on life and their career paths, two recent graduates from the Class of 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy — Diamond Sims of Miami and Princeton Parker of Los Angeles — were invited to share their stories on the popular blog Huffington Post.

“Disney’s Dreamers Academy was a part of my life that I will never ever forget,” said Sims, who is now a freshman at University of Florida. “ I met people who are from the same place as I am. I met people from all types of professions who were willing to provide advice, guidance and encouragement. In only a few days, they helped mold me into the young woman that I am today.”

Parker,17, who just started his first year of communications studies at the University of Southern California, said: “Disney’s Dreamers Academy changed my life not only by enlarging my dreams and understanding, but also by introducing me to more than 100 other young visionaries who possess the same drive, tenacity, vigor and capacity to dream.”

Speakers Resource Group Added to Enhance Dreamers Academy

To increase the depth of experiences shared at Disney’s Dreamers Academy, a formal speakers resource group has been formed that includes accomplished professionals who serve as program ambassadors and who share common goals: inspiring youth to believe in their dreams and giving them tools to jumpstart their dreams into reality. The Disney’s Dreamers Academy Speakers Resource Group champions students in a variety of ways, including participating in the panel of judges who selected the 100 students to attending the flagship event at Walt Disney World Resort to offering insights about the four-day event curriculum. They also collaborate with Disney in extending Disney’s Dreamers Academy program content into relevant community, educational and entertainment platforms.

The 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Speakers Resource Group will include: Mikki Taylor (Editor-at-Large, ESSENCE Magazine); Yolanda Adams (gospel music legend); Terrence J (BET host of 106 and Park); Stephen A. Smith (broadcaster and sports analyst); Dr. Steve Perry (education advocate and CNN commentator); Sonia Jackson-Myles (founder and author, The Sister Accord); Jonathan Sprinkles (award-winning motivational speaker); and Brandi Harvey (Corporate and Community Relations Director, the Steve Harvey World Group) and Karli Harvey (Hair Artesian, U Salon, Atlanta).

For additional information and updates on the program please visit www.disneysdreamersacademy.com or www.facebook.com/disneysdreamersacademy.   You can also follow on Twitter @dreamersacademy.

About Steve Harvey:  Steve Harvey first performed stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s, which eventually led to a long stint as host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” His success as a stand-up comedian led to multiple TV sitcoms, including: “Me and The Boys”, “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge.”  His first book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” quickly became a bestseller in 2009 has been made into a motion picture which will be in theatres nationwide in April of 2012. Harvey has appeared on “The Oprah Show,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Currently, Harvey hosts the nationally syndicated radio show “Steve Harvey Morning Show” which airs in over 60 markets and has more than 7 million listeners.  He is also the current host of the television game show Family Feud.

About Essence Communications Inc.:  Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online. The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 41 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives.

About Walt Disney World Resort / The Walt Disney Co.:  Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando.  The Walt Disney Co. has a rich legacy of creativity and exceptional storytelling that brings families together in unique and memorable ways. Creative excellence is coupled with a strong commitment to community service and diversity. The Walt Disney Co. is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities around the world, with a primary focus on brightening the lives of children.

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Grady, Douglass, Mays, North Atlanta and Washington High School Students Awarded 2011 AP Scholar Awards

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

by Tamiko Hudson, Office of High Schools

Fifty-seven Atlanta Public Schools high school students have earned the College Board’s AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the 2011AP Exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically- prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college and achieve higher college graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.

According to the College Board, about 18 percent of the more than 1.9 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to earn an AP Scholar Award. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.

APS students included in this year’s award list are the following:

Frederick Douglass High School

Rifat Mursalin, AP Scholar

Henry W. Grady High School

Jessica Alexander, AP Scholar

Michael S. Baer, AP Scholar

Daniel F. Baggerman, AP Scholar with Honor

Lucas Bailey*, AP Scholar with Honor

Erin M. Bailie*, AP Scholar with Distinction

Davis C. Bishop*, AP Scholar

Willamae E. Boling*, AP Scholar with Honor

Ashley L. Brown, AP Scholar

Daniel A. Burch, AP Scholar

Jasmine G. Burnett, AP Scholar

Ethan J. Campbell Taylor, AP Scholar with Distinction

Zoe N. Cato, AP Scholar

Shah A. Cheyn, AP Scholar with Distinction

Holden R. Choi, AP Scholar with Distinction

Eloisa O. Cleveland, AP Scholar with Honor

Kenneth Cochran, AP Scholar

Dylan Coyle*, AP Scholar with Honor

Benjamin D. Dean, AP Scholar with Distinction and National AP Scholar

Emily R. Drabik-Stevens*, AP Scholar

Alexander P. Fritzinger-Pitt*, AP Scholar

Grayson Fuller*, AP Scholar with Honor

Kristie S. Gadson*, AP Scholar

Grayson Garrett, AP Scholar

Mason T. Gepp*, AP Scholar with Honor

Maragh S. Girvan, AP Scholar

Benjamin W. Gittelson*, AP Scholar with Distinction

Zoe C. Hamilton, AP Scholar

Camille Harris, AP Scholar

Ryan Jones, AP Scholar

Marquis Q. Junior, AP Scholar

Shaun H. Kleber, AP Scholar with Distinction

Lucy C. Leonard, AP Scholar with Distinction

Elizabeth R. Mcglamry, AP Scholar with Distinction

Damon F. Melton*, AP Scholar

Audrey E. Miller, AP Scholar

Hai P. Nguyen, AP Scholar

David Olson*, AP Scholar with Honor

Lukas A. Olson, AP Scholar

Alexander M. Page*, AP Scholar with Honor

Julia B. Rapoport, AP Scholar with Distinction

Kamania C. Ray*, AP Scholar

Gabrielle N. Siegel, AP Scholar with Honor

Jeshua P. Silvers, AP Scholar with Honor

Phillip T. Suitts, AP Scholar

Isabelle K. Taft, AP Scholar

Zoe Taylor, AP Scholar

Steve W. Terry, AP Scholar

Ngoc T. Tran, AP Scholar

Micah C. Turpeau, AP Scholar

Ejike Uzochukwu*, AP Scholar with Honor

Ngoc K. Vu*, AP Scholar

Samuel Y. Weinstock*, AP Scholar with Distinction

Alix E. Youngblood, AP Scholar with Honor

Benjamin E. Mays High School

Vincent Onyilo*, AP Scholar with Distinction

North Atlanta High School

Michael Katica*, AP Scholar with Honor

Booker T. Washington Senior Academy

Tony Crosby*, AP Scholar

*Spring 2011 Graduate

Congratulations to all!

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Morningside Elementary One of Twenty-six Schools Named as 2011Georgia Schools of Excellence

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

December 13, 2011 — State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge named the 2011 Georgia Schools of Excellence in Student Achievement this month, honoring 26 schools that have shown the greatest improvement or highest achievement across the state. Each of these schools will receive a $1,000 check from Georgia Natural Gas to be used however they wish.  Morningside Elementary was among the schools awarded this prestigious honor.

“These schools are showing that excellence can be achieved when they focus on providing a world-class education for their students,” Superintendent Barge said. “I offer my sincere congratulations to our 2011 Georgia Schools of Excellence and my appreciation to Georgia Natural Gas for their continued support of our schools as the title sponsor. As we continue to deal with tough economic times, schools are always looking for ways to generate revenue to benefit their students. I would highly encourage principals and parents to consider getting their schools on board with True-Blue Schools immediately to generate much-needed money.” To learn more about True-Blue Schools, go to http://www.gfpe.org.

United Healthcare is also a sponsor for the 2011 Schools of Excellence program.

The Georgia Schools of Excellence are honored in two categories. Qualifying schools are chosen from each Congressional District in the following categories (full criteria attached below):
– Top 10%: Schools that are in the top 10 percent in Georgia as measured by assessments in reading and mathematics.
– Greatest Gains: Schools that demonstrated greatest continuous gains in student achievement for the past three years as measured by assessments in reading and mathematics.

2011 GEORGIA SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE

GREATEST GAINS
Congressional District, School, System
1. Matilda Harris Elementary, Camden County
2. Potter Street Elementary, Decatur County
3. Rosemont Elementary, Troup County
4. Pine Street Elementary, Rockdale County
5. Clairemont Elementary, City Schools of Decatur
6. Sprayberry High, Cobb County
7. Level Creek Elementary, Gwinnett County
8. Heard-Mixon Elementary, Newton County
9. Settles Bridge Elementary, Forsyth County
10. Demorest Elementary, Habersham County
11. Hillgrove High, Cobb County
12. Heard Elementary, Savannah-Chatham County
13. Stockbridge Elementary, Henry County

TOP 10%
Congressional District, School, System

1. Oglethorpe Point Elementary, Glynn County
2. Westside Elementary, Lowndes County
3. Peeples Elementary, Fayette County
4. Oak Grove Elementary, DeKalb County
5. Morningside Elementary, Atlanta Public Schools
6. Vanderlyn Elementary, DeKalb County
7. Shiloh Point Elementary, Forsyth County
8. Alexander II Magnet, Bibb County
9. Vickery Creek Elementary, Forsyth County
10. Stevens Creek Elementary, Columbia County
11. Jones Elementary, Bremen City
12 Savannah Arts Academy, Savannah-Chatham County
13. Holly Springs Elementary, Douglas County

Morningside is no stranger to accolades.  In 2010, Rachel Willis, a third-grade teacher at Morningside Elementary School, was the surprise recipient of a prestigious $25,000 national educator award from the Milken Family Foundation.

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APS earns Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design award

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ATLANTA – APS received the 2011 Leadership in Adoption of LEED (K12) Award from the U.S. Green Building Council of Georgia (USGBC) last week.

Georgia Lt. Governor Casey Cagle presented the award to Jere Smith, APS Director of Capitol Improvement, at the USGBC’s High Performance Healthy Schools Summit held at the Georgia World Congress Center.  APS was one of 3 finalists nominated for the award.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is intended to provide building owners and operators with a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable “green” building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

Three APS schools have received gold or silver LEED certifications since 2007, including Jean Child Young Middle School, Sarah Rawson Smith Intermediate Campus and Grady High School ROTC renovation.  An additional 14 APS schools have been registered and slated for LEED certification.

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APS leader named to Georgia Supreme Court panel

by talkupaps
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 ATLANTA – School Reform Team 3 Interim Executive Director Betsy Bockman has been appointed to the Georgia Supreme Court Committee on Justice for Children.  Her two-year term begins October 1, 2011.

The 25-member committee is charged by the Georgia Supreme Court with improving representation in juvenile court; working toward expediting appeals; providing child safety, permanency and judicial process measures for courts; and working toward ensuring placement stability for children in foster care.

Dr. Bockman is a former APS principal, who was recently appointed by Superintendent Erroll B. Davis to lead one of the four regional offices with responsibility for elementary and middle schools on the east side of the district.
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