Atlanta Public Schools Interim Superintendent Danielle S. Battle wishes students, parents and the community a safe, relaxing, and restorative 2024 Spring Break.
Page Turners Make Great Learners hosted “A Streetcar Named Desire . . . to Read” in celebration of Read Across Atlanta on March 1, 2024. In partnership with MARTA the “Storybus” promoted reading awareness and ignited a love of reading in students.
APS is ready for baseball season! The APS baseball teams introduced themselves and shared their goals for the upcoming season during the APS Baseball Media Day event at Daniel McLaughlin Therrell High School. The teams were ready to play ball for the 2024 APS Baseball Season Opening Day.
At the Atlanta Board of Education’s February 2024 meeting, a presentation recognizing Black History Month, National Career & Technical Education Month, and National School Counseling Week was presented to the attendees and the public. See what you missed by viewing the above video.
Atlanta Public Schools hosted a Parent C.A.F.E. (Circle of Adults Focusing on Education) in January 2024. The focus was on the Department of Special Education and the Parent C.A.F.E. gave parents the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and suggestions with district leadership. Check out the video recap of this unique gathering.
Photo slideshow of the APS Silver Star Retirement Celebration. Photo credits: Dane Sponberg, Brianna Mason and Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) rolled out the red carpet to honor 73 retirees at a dinner celebration recognizing the remarkable careers and accomplishments of employees whose combined service to the district assisted in graduating thousands of students.
Greeted by the evening’s emcee FOX 5 News reporter, Aungelique Proctor, the retirees, fondly referred to as Silver Stars, enjoyed entertainment by The Headliner Band against the backdrop of the Delta Flight Museum’s nostalgic aviation decor.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle addressed the retirees, expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitment to education and the students of the district.
“We are so thankful for your service over the years. Your good mornings, your hugs when kids are down, whether you were feeding them, driving them to school, on the school buses, or teaching them, we are so thankful for your service. The students of Atlanta Public Schools are forever grateful,” said Dr. Battle.
Each retiree was recognized by name and gifted a commemorative trophy as well as two tickets to an Atlanta Falcons football game.
Shannon Astin received the Atlanta Public Schools 2024 Retiree with the Most APS Years of Service Award. Photo: Dane Sponberg, APS ©
Among the Silver Stars was Shannon Astin, who retired after an impressive 43 years of service as an administrative assistant, making her the most seasoned retiree of 2024. As she reflected on her educational career that spanned the facilities, operations, and transportation departments, her village mindset was at the root of her longevity with the district.
“You have to feel that family love,” said Austin. “When I started working here, Dr. Crim was the supervisor. He pounded that in us every day— that we’re family. And it definitely wasn’t the money, but it was the love of what I was doing. And knowing that what I did really made a difference.”
Hailing from a family deeply rooted in education, Austin’s three sisters also served as APS employees and her two daughters are proud APS graduates.
Similarly, retiree Nan Hunter graduated from Northside High School (now North Atlanta High School) in 1988, served as a math teacher at North Atlanta for 29 years, and raised two daughters who are also North Atlanta graduates. When reflecting on her tenure, one of her most cherished memories was assisting with the commencement exercises each year.
“I was a graduation coordinator. At our graduation [ceremonies] we do the big ‘N-A,’ and I’m very proud of that and my work with the graduations,” Hunter recalled.
APS retirees Nan Hunter and Jasper Jewell with Erica Long, Dr. Danielle Battle, and Aungelique Proctor. Photos: Dane Sponberg, APS ©
Jasper Jewell, who retired after 30 years in education, including 14 years as the Athletic Director of APS and was inducted into the Georgia Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 2019, described his experience as gratifying and impactful.
“We had ups and downs, but the wonderful thing about being a product of Atlanta Public Schools, like I am, is it’s always good to come back home and give back to our coaches, give back to our students, and give back to the parents,” said Jewell. “It’s a wonderful experience. We were successful in terms of academic performance and in terms of state championships. In my 14-year history, we’ve gone to 19 state championships. Many regional championships and things of that nature. And the best thing of all— we had hundreds upon hundreds of kids get scholarships to go to the next level. To me, that’s what it’s all about.”
Recognizing the retirees at the Silver Star Retirement Celebration was a fitting tribute to acknowledge the culmination of their educational careers and loyal service to Atlanta’s youth.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Battle emphasized the significance of commemorating the retirement of the district’s employees.
“It is so important to honor our retirees, because they are our legacy. They are the ones that are working with our students, hand in hand, day in and day out,” said Dr. Battle. “Even when they get tired, they come to work, so we appreciate that, and this is just a small token of our appreciation to say thank you for your many years of service.”
“Now, you can go ahead and retire, and live your life,” she added, speaking directly to the retirees. “Do those things you really enjoy, but just know that you’ll always be a part of the Atlanta Public Schools family.”
Enjoy the above video recap of the APS 2024 Silver Star Retirement Celebration. Click here to visit and subscribe to our YouTube.
Please help us celebrate these Silver Stars by reading a few of their reflections:
Charles German
Special Education MOID Teacher, Carver Early College • 11 years of service to APS
I am proud to have four MID/Autistic/Down Syndrome students complete the Atlanta Public Schools Transition Program! Three more are currently navigating the program successfully.
Genise Johnson
Paraprofessional Kindergarten, Miles Elem School • 27 years of service to APS
One of my fondest memories is of me trying to operate my new cell phone and a student reaching for the phone to show me what to do. A lesson from a student! I learn from them just as much as they learn from me.
Mary Benton
Assistance Principal Elementary, Lin Elem School • 27 years of service to APS
As a teacher at Usher Middle School (Closed 2008), my 7th grade team took over 120 students to Washington D.C. for a week. We were able to meet the late Congressman John Lewis, go on a personal tour of the Capital and take pictures with him. Fun and memorable!
Sheila Byrd
School Bus Monitor, Department of Operations • 13 years of service to APS
My personal and fun experience during my tenure at Atlanta Public Schools as a DSE bus monitor was greeting the students every morning with a smile and calling them by their names. Communicating with them, comforting them when needed, listening to them and telling them how proud I was of their achievements and goals.
Kandy Wilkinson
Social Studies Teacher 6-8, King Middle School • 18 years of service to APS
Perhaps, one of my fun memories was traveling on an old NAACP bus with five students to Washington, D.C. for the unveiling of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s monument. As a Social Studies teacher and a teacher at King Middle School, it was an empowering moment in my career to be a part of something so special.
Elliott Tarplin
Electrician, Department of Operations • 30 years of service to APS
I loved being able to return to work in the elementary and high school that I attended.
Wilma Brightharp
Media Specialist, Benteen Elementary School • 31 years of service to APS
“Just Keep Reading, Just Keep Reading, Just Keep Reading!” This was my signature phrase that I used, as a library media specialist, to encourage our students to read for 20 minutes each day, record the minutes that they read in the Beanstack app, and to successfully take and pass an Accelerated Reader quiz. I even own a T-shirt that says that very thing. Yes, they mimicked me, but they lived up to the challenge and read!
Patrice Skipper
EIP Teacher, Continental Colony Elementary School • 8 years of service to AP
For Halloween one year my team dressed up as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the students loved it!
Janice Walker
Custodian, Beecher Hills Elem School • 29 years of service to APS
I so enjoyed working with an awesome team, talking to the kids every day, and coaching cheerleaders. I enjoyed my time with APS, while at Beecher Elementary, one of the 1st grade students asked why I was retiring, and I said that I had served my time working and it was time for me to retire. When she said I must be tired of them, I told her no, and that I would never get tired of them. She started crying and said, “Don’t leave, we love you!” I started to tear up also. I have done more than just my job with APS.
Dr. Wilhelmina Jordan
Substitute Certified, Substitute Teachers • 17 years of service to APS
I was known for walking the halls and keeping students in class. One morning, I forgot that all the students were out for teachers work day and kept calling on the radio, asking “Where are the students, is something going on?” All of my fellow colleagues were laughing because I had forgotten the students were at home.
A Capstone presentation cover slide presented at the APS Internship Capstone Celebration. Photo by Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Approximately 50 seniors from Carver Early College and Midtown High School students marked the culmination of their internship journey on April 18 at the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Internship Capstone Celebration.
Organized by the Teaching and Learning Department’s Gifted and Talented Education program, the event provided a platform for students to present their projects and engage with representatives from the program’s 25 partners, which comprise corporations, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions.
Gifted and Talented Education instructional coach Andrew Nichols emphasized the program’s decade-long commitment to fostering experiential learning opportunities for APS high school students.
“We’ve been in every high school at one point or another,” Nichols said. “We are looking to grow our program, bring new high schools back into the program, and see these opportunities become available to more students all across the city.”
Spanning from January to the end of March, the internship program provided participating students with invaluable hands-on experience, totaling between 40 and 60 hours each. The students were able to leave their school campus early a few days a week to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment.
Midtown High School senior Donovan Yon (r) networking with other Gifted Internship Program participants. Photo by Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Donovan Yon, a senior at Midtown, secured an internship at Security Capital Investment Banking, an investment brokerage in Atlanta. For Yon, the internship was a gateway to entering Georgia State University’s business program next year with prior experience in finance.
“I learned how to use Excel and I learned how the economy works,” Yon said. “I also learned how to invest, and I was told by my mentors every day how we have a huge head start from most people in the field because we’re [being taught] in high school. It was a very good opportunity, and I’m really grateful for it.”
Judith Yelivora, a senior at Carver Early College, presented her Capstone presentation on her internship with South College Nursing Facility. Photo by Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Likewise, Judith Yelivora, a senior at Carver Early College, found her experience at South College Nursing Facility inspirational, especially considering her aspirations in bioinformatics.
“My experience was very enlightening,” Yelivora said. “I’ve been looking at going into the healthcare field, and [the internship] was very hands-on, especially when we engaged with the clinical and mother-baby simulations.”
The event not only commemorated students’ achievements, but also highlighted how experiential learning can assist in shaping their futures.
“I got to sit in a few human body and nursing fundamentals classes, and I was able to get a visual into what it would look like if I were studying to enter the healthcare field.” she said.
After college, Yelivora plans on using her education to develop ways of improving existing healthcare systems.
Carver Early College senior Jaliyah Bones (r) sharing her presentation on her internship with South College Nursing Facility. Photo by Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
For fellow Carver Early College senior Jaliyah Bones, who also interned with South College Nursing Facility, the experience led to a transformative realization about her own career path.
“At first, I wanted to go into veterinary care because I wanted to be a vet,” Bones said. “But after interning with South Nursing, I think I want to be an OBGYN. It was a fun experience, and I talked to the nurses who gave me insight.”
Carver Early College principal Christina Rogers shared the Gifted and Talented Internship Program’s ability to demonstrate to the students how academics play an integral role in what they desire to accomplish.
“What I have gained from listening to the scholars today, and their experiences, is an awareness of how these in-field opportunities really expose them to other professions,” Rogers said. “It really challenges them to push themselves to think about what they can achieve on their next level.”
Next month, hundreds of APS seniors will participate in graduation ceremonies marking the end of their high school journey. With programs like the Gifted and Talented Internship Program, participants will have professional work experience and be prepared for college, career, and life.
View the slideshow below for a photo recap of the Internship Capstone Celebration. Photos by Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recently held its annual State of the District address to provide students, families, stakeholders and the community with an update on the district’s current status of operations.
Streamed live from the Junior Achievement Chick-fil-A Center, APS Interim Superintendent Danielle S. Battle shared the district’s accomplishments, how they are meeting the needs of their students and staff, what needs addressing, and what’s on the horizon.
In addition, members of the senior cabinet highlighted the outcomes achieved through their teams’ efforts in implementing the district’s strategic plan.
Here are the top ten takeaways from this year’s APS State of the District:
1. Literacy at the Heart
The theme for Dr. Battle’s administration has been Leading forward with CARE (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy). At the helm of that message is a desire to develop a district of readers.
To that end, the APS Division of Academics and the Superintendent’s office have implemented “Readers are Leaders,” an initiative named by the Teacher Advisory Committee. The initiative directly supports and meets the House Bill 538 (The Georgia Early Literacy Act) mandate, which calls for high-quality instructional materials, teacher training, universal reading screeners, and several other responsibilities and timelines to ensure teachers are fully equipped to guide students along their literacy journey.
“Atlanta Public Schools is utilizing the science of reading to equip our teachers with the additional necessary tools to birth a district of proficient readers,” said Dr. Battle.
Additionally, APS has teamed up with the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy to pilot eight schools in their Literacy and Justice for All program. Those schools are Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, Dobbs Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, Heritage Academy, Kimberly Elementary, Miles Elementary, Peyton Forest Elementary, and Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy.
2. Incentives that Motivate
To assist in carrying out the district’s objective to prioritize literacy and to ensure the success of the “Readers are Leaders” teacher initiative, APS is using the Cox Campus Modules to provide incentives for success.
All APS teaching staff participants, including the Superintendent, will engage in coursework over an 18-month period, in which teachers with a completion rate of 80 percent or higher in modules 1-4 will receive a $1250 stipend. Furthermore, an additional stipend of $1250 will be given for an 80 percent or higher completion rate for modules 5-8.
According to APS Special Assistant to the Superintendent Sherri Forrest, the work has already begun.
“I’m excited to share that we have already started professional learning in the Science of Reading,” Forrest said. “We are starting each module with principals, assistant principals, and instructional coaches first. Then we move to teachers so they will have the wraparound support needed to succeed. Families should stay tuned for some community engagement this Spring to learn more about our efforts but also how to support your students.”
In conjunction with monetary incentives, a competitive compensation philosophy has been implemented with the goal of making APS a leader in the space of Base Pay for teachers and administrators.
“We are currently reviewing our standing in the market and plan to recommend the necessary market adjustments in alignment with our compensation philosophy for the upcoming school year,” APS Chief of Human Resources Nicole Lawson said.
Additionally, APS offers sustaining programs designed to attract new teachers and staff, including a partnership with Georgia State University, where selected teachers will be able to complete fully funded master’s degree programs at the university.
3. Safety at the Forefront
The Atlanta Public Schools Police Department is committed to providing swift action in all situations involving the safety of students and staff and performing ongoing reviews of security protocols to ensure the best and most effective outcomes for those entrusted to the district’s care.
During her address, Dr. Battle stressed the importance of parents and caregivers talking to their children about making wise and safe choices and working together to provide safe environments, both at home and at school.
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Dr. Battle said, quoting the proverb.
APS is also proactive in ensuring students have support and direct access to trusted national agencies that offer social, emotional, and mental health resources.
By combining proven safety protocols, prompt law enforcement, compassionate support, and parent partnership, APS stands ready to successfully navigate any challenge.
4. Graduation as the Goal
The mission of Atlanta Public Schools is to ensure every student graduates ready for college, career, and life through a caring culture of equity, trust, and collaboration. The graduating Class of 2023 demonstrated that mandate in action by achieving the district’s all-time highest graduation rate of 86.6 percent, exceeding the state graduation rate of 84.4 percent by 2.2 percentage points.
A comprehensive overview of this amazing accomplishment can be viewed on APS Today, the official blog of Atlanta Public Schools.
5. Milestones that Glow and Grow
Dr. Battle highlighted the gains APS experienced regarding the 2023 Georgia Milestones, sharing ways in which students were excelling and improving in their competencies. Likewise in transparency, Dr. Battle also shared the areas where there is still a need for improvement. Below is an excerpt from her address:
“In English Language Arts (ELA) in grades 3-5, we saw the highest year-over-year gains in proficient and distinguished levels since 2015. That year also brought a decrease in the percentage of beginning learners.
However, with a 34.7% proficiency rate, we know there is much more work for us to do.
In the middle grades ELA, seventh grade had the most significant year-over-year gains since 2015, with a 3.8% increase.
Sixth and seventh grades also saw a decrease in the percentage of beginning learners from 2022-2023.
In 2023, 68% of students in grades 4-8 in Atlanta Public Schools achieved typical or high growth in ELA. Growth denotes student’s academic growth compared to their peers.
But with a 31.8% middle-grade proficiency rate, we still have work to do.
We had an increase of 4.7% in 2023, which was the most significant year-over-year increase since 2015. This year also marked a decrease in those identified as beginning learners.
But we know that with a 34.1% proficiency rate in math for grades 3-5, we still have work to do.
We experienced growth in math in grades 4-8, with 66% of students experiencing typical or high growth.
2023 brought a 1.9% gain for sixth grade students scoring at the proficiency and distinguished levels. The sixth and seventh grades also saw a decrease in the percentage of beginner learners from 2022-2023.
But with a 22.8% proficiency rate, we still have a lot of work to do. The End of Course Tests brought about the most significant increase in Algebra I. Algebra I saw the largest increase in students scoring proficient or above from 2022-2023.”
—Dr. Daniells S. Battle, APS Interim Superintendent
6. Nutrition’s New Home
Larry Hoskins, Chief Operations Officer for APS, shared the news that the district will transition to an in-house food service model after partnering with outside vendors for more than 20 years. What’s especially exciting about this is that all nutrition workers will be APS employees, and more importantly, the enhancement of the quality of ingredients used in school meals will provide students with healthier and more nutritious food options.
APS has already begun the process of hiring food assistants and cafeteria workers, offering competitive salaries and incentives. The new Nutrition model will officially launch in the 2024-2025 school year.
7. Support Where it Counts
Atlanta Public Schools is prioritizing efforts to ensure the leaders on the front lines in their schools receive the support they require to effectively educate students and run the day to day operations of their facilities. By doing so, ongoing and personalized support to principals across various domains is being provided, including budget planning and management, staffing optimization, school safety protocols, strategies for student promotion and retention, and addressing retention challenges through targeted interventions and professional development opportunities.
In addition, APS will host a summer retreat to design and foster equitable learning environments, address systemic barriers, and promote inclusivity in teaching and learning practices.
8. APS by the Numbers
Each State of the District attendee received a copy of a summary of the district’s current numbers for 2023-2024 school year, which included stats on student enrollment, graduation numbers, diversity percentages, and other key indicators unique to Atlanta Public Schools.
*To view the district’s current numbers, click the image directly above.
9. Innovative Developments
With the rapid advancement of technology, APS is dedicated to ensuring its students and staff have access to state-of-the art tools and devices that will usher them into the future.
This school year, APS oversaw the implementation of the only four Verizon Innovative Learning Labs in the State of Georgia. Students at Crawford W. Long Middle School, H.J. Russell West End Academy, Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy, and Price Middle School now have access to robotics, equipment and other emerging technologies designed to elevate the educational space.
There are also several new developments on the horizon at APS that will not only support the mission of the district but also uplift the well-being of the entire family.
Over the coming months, the APS Division of Academics will be conducting multiple stakeholder engagement sessions to determine the needs of students and families to be incorporated into a new student and family services center, which will be housed at the Oglethorpe Building.
“All of our student support services [will be housed in the center] like school social work, homeless services, health services, student assignment and records, school counseling, etc.,” APS Chief Academics Officer Yolanda Brown said. “This will allow students and families easier access to services and supports.”
10. The APS “Battle Plan”
APS is moving forward along a solid, strong trajectory and will continue to lead the charge of effectively preparing its students for college, career, and life.
The reoccurring themes in the State of the District address supported what Dr. Battle called the “Battle Plan” of the district: prioritizing efforts in literacy, special education, principals and schools, and resources.
As APS continues to lead forward with CARE, celebrating accomplishments while maintaining transparency and addressing the areas of need will remain a primary focus, making APS a leader in primary and secondary education. “I say this all the time and I truly believe it to the core— Atlanta Public Schools can be that urban district that is the model for the country,” said Dr. Battle.
To view the video recording of the 2024 Atlanta Public Schools State of the District Address, please click the image below. APS ©
Ceremony leaders, Sheridan Miller (6th grade), Kai Morgan (7th grade) and Ethan Braziel (8th grade). *Not pictured in order. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
On February 13, David T. Howard Middle School embraced the spirit of Black History Month with an impactful African American History Program, engaging students in a celebration of influential Atlantans who have made major contributions to the city and beyond.
What began as an assignment in social studies class where students explored different aspects of Atlanta’s history, transformed into an informative event showcasing achievements in education, business, entertainment, and athletics. The program featured captivating performances and insightful presentations by students and staff.
“We have been working with our students in their social studies classes to study different aspects of history as it relates to the city of Atlanta,” Tekeshia Hollis, principal at David T. Howard Middle School, said. “We wanted to expose our students to the history, and then the students presented [that history] based on who did the best in their grade levels.”
Howard Middle School student presenters and program participants with the director of academics and school clubs, Terrance Maeberry. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Embarking on an imaginative “midnight train to Georgia” ceremony leaders, Sheridan Miller (6th grade), Kai Morgan (7th grade) and Ethan Braziel (8th grade), guided students along various “stops” to visit notable Atlantans through a lively program written by Terrance Maeberry, Howard Middle School eighth grade staff support person and director of academics and school clubs.
Outstanding individuals, like tech entrepreneur Jewel Burks Solomon, trumpeter and flugelhornist Milkshake Mayfield, and business trailblazer Tonya Hicks, were highlighted, as well as local artist Sway Jones, who designed a vibrant mural at Howard Middle School in collaboration with the non-profit organization Paint Love.
The David T. Howard Middle School Havoc Dance Team and faculty chorus. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Accompanying the presentations were performances by the Howard Middle School faculty chorus who sang the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and the Howard Havoc Dance Team, under the direction of Simone Poindexter, who rendered a spirited dance routine.
Notable Howard Middle School alumna like Mildred “Millie” Louise McDaniel-Singleton, an Olympic athlete, were acknowledged and students were encouraged to use the determination and focus of those highlighted as inspiration to become the next generation of leaders.
Howard Middle School esteemed Class of 1967 alumnus, Dr. Stanley Pritchett, added a touch of tradition to the program, sharing words of wisdom with the students and reminding them of the unique and rich legacy they are a part of.
“History will tell you that there are a lot of schools in the city of Atlanta and there is a lot of land that those schools are on,” Dr. Pritchett said. “But I dare you to ask anyone if there is a piece of property located in the city of Atlanta that was donated by the namesake. David T. Howard has that distinction because David T. Howard, the man, donated the land for the building of this school 100 years ago. That’s worthy of an applause.”
In keeping with their theme of excellence, David T. Howard Middle School celebrated its Centennial on February 16 and plans to host an International Heritage Day in April, leaning into the school’s unique positioning in the center of Atlanta and in acknowledgement of the diverse cultures represented within the school body.
Enjoy the below slideshow of photos from the African American History Program. View online here. Photos: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Also, check out the video recap below from the African American History Program. APS ©
I am APS is a special series highlighting students, faculty, alumni, and others in celebration of the rich and diverse experiences, backgrounds and contributions within the Atlanta Public Schools family. Together, we stand in solidarity of our shared admiration of APS and the mission which guides us. #IamAPS
Mr. and Miss Sylvan, Octavious Porter and Cassie Lagon, and their court at their coronation ceremony. Photos courtesy of Sylvan Hills Middle School. ©
Sylvan Hills Middle School takes immense pride in fostering a community that champions academic excellence and instills values of leadership and service among its students. At the core of this tradition is the annual appointment of Mr. and Miss Sylvan, two eighth graders elected by their peers to embody the school’s mission and core values.
The reigning Mr. and Miss Sylvan, Octavious Porter and Cassie Lagon, take their ambassadorship seriously, carrying out their roles which extend from modeling good behavior and leadership to promoting school spirit. In addition, they participate in events and competitions, engage in community service projects, and serve as a vital link between students and faculty.
Porter, a seasoned athlete, is a prominent figure in Sylvan Hills with a basketball journey that commenced at the young age of five. His interests extend beyond the basketball court, encompassing football, track, and science.
Equally accomplished in athletics, Lagon brings her vibrant spirit to Sylvan Hills through her participation in cheerleading and softball. Her commitment to teamwork and fostering school spirit is an asset to her duties as Miss Sylvan.
Mr. and Miss Sylvan, Octavious Porter and Cassie Lagon, and their court at Perkerson Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Sylvan Hills Middle School. ©
Recently, Porter and Lagon were instrumental in initiating a community outreach literacy program. Collaborating with elementary schools in the Carver Cluster, including Finch, Kindezi at Gideons, and Perkerson Elementary School, they, along with their Royal Court, have been visiting classrooms throughout the school year with the mission to inspire a love for reading among younger students.
This February, in honor of Black History Month, they will host the “Sylvan’s Got Talent” talent show. This event serves as a platform to showcase the diverse talents within the student body and honors the rich cultural heritage woven into the fabric of Black history.
Shortly after they were elected, Porter and Lagon shared with us why they love Sylvan Hills and what it means to represent their school.
Sylvan Hills Middle School’s “Mr. Sylvan” Octavious Porter. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
OCTAVIOUS PORTER
Eighth-grade triathlete and the 2023-2024 Mr. Sylvan
What is your favorite subject?
I like science, specifically hands-on science. I like to use my hands a lot, and I really like to learn about the different atoms and how life works. [This year] we learned about the atoms, the different elements and the periodic table.
What do you like about Sylvan?
Sylvan is a great school. If you are starting middle school, you should think about coming to Sylvan because they have a great learning program. They help you out a lot. There is also a program called the After School All-Stars, which has school activities and [assists] with homework and enrichment.
Have you learned lessons at Sylvan that would give you the tools you need for future success?
Yes. If I ever wanted to write anything, or even if I want to do an interview like this, Sylvan has helped me develop what to say that will prepare me for anything.
Sylvan Hills Middle School’s “Miss Sylvan” Cassie Lagon. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
CASSIE LAGON
Eighth-grade spirit leader and the 2023-2024 Miss Sylvan
What is your favorite subject?
Math. It teaches you a lot. People say you might not [need to] apply it to the real world, or [use it] when you get older, but it actually does teach you a lot. It helps out your critical thinking skills, and it really makes you think and try to understand.
What do you like about Sylvan?
The teachers at Sylvan encourage us a lot. They encourage us to take notes, and they encourage us to be the best version of ourselves.
What does it mean to be Miss Sylvan?
I like that I get to connect with my peers. During the voting process, when all of the kids were coming out to the courtyard, I was able to talk to and meet them. I would speak to them about what they want to see happen around the school that would help them learn better. I am then able to talk to the principal and other teachers about what they tell me. Being that connection is what being Miss Sylvan means to me.