John Lewis Invictus Academy celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab. This state-of-the-art space gives students hands-on access to emerging technologies and creative tools that help turn their ideas into reality. The lab is designed to inspire innovation, collaboration, and future-ready skills for the next generation of learners.
Atlanta Public Schools celebrated the ribbon cutting of its eighth Verizon Innovative Learning Lab on Tuesday, February 10, at John Lewis Invictus Academy (JLI).
“We’re at what I call Ground Zero on our STEAM journey, but we’re taking it to the next level and we’re really excited to do that,” JLI Principal Langston Longley said. “In this generation, our students are no longer interested in what they can do when they grow up. They want to do things now.”
The new learning space at the school has been outfitted with new devices and tools that will allow JLI students to explore new technologies as they learn.
Inside the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, students can explore the world beyond their campus with the virtual reality headsets. They can use the 3D printers to build their ideas from scratch and create something new. Students can also develop their coding skills and test the possibilities in a safe learning environment.
The partnership with Verizon, Arizona State University, and Heart of America has opened the doors for more students, regardless of their zip code, to have access to a high-quality learning environment with modern tools and equipment that will help students prepare for the futures ahead of them.
“These are half a million-dollar investments into these schools,” APS director of instructional technology Natasha Rachel said. “In this lab, students will be designers, engineers, coders, innovators, problem solvers, and entrepreneurs. They will build ideas, test solutions, and develop skills that prepare them for careers that don’t even exist yet.”
Sylvan Hills Middle School 8th-grader, Sir’Eon Perryman, enjoys the school’s new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab. Photo: Allison Slocum, APS ©
Sylvan Hills Middle School students can now access 3D printing, virtual reality equipment, and innovative STEM practices through their new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab. The initiative is a part of Verizon’s national effort to expand access to STEM education and technology in underserved communities.
The Verizon Innovative Learning Lab provides students with hands-on experiences in emerging technologies and aims to prepare them for the future workforce.
Eighth-grader Sir’Eon Perryman was among several students who explored the lab’s equipment during the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23 and demonstrated to attendees how the 3D software and printer worked.
“I like the lab because it has a lot of electronics, a lot of coding, and the 3D printers,” Perryman said.
LEARN ABOUT THE FIRST APS VERIZON INNOVATION LEARNING LAB
The Verizon Innovative Learning Lab program, developed in collaboration with the nonprofit Heart of America and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), offers students immersive, hands-on experiences in robotics, virtual reality, 3D design, and augmented reality.
The curriculum, custom-designed by ASU, centers on design thinking and real-world problem-solving, while ongoing teacher training ensures each lab remains a sustainable, evolving space for innovation.
Sylvan Hills Middle School Verizon Innovative Learning Lab partners. Photo: Allison Slocum, APS ©
Sylvan Hills Middle School principal, Larry Guilford, said the lab is a natural extension of the school’s focus.
“We are a STEM/STEAM school, so this gives us the opportunity to continue utilizing technology with our students,” Guilford said. “The students can do a lot of hands-on work right here in this lab, and they will do things that will improve our achievement scores in math and science.”
Since its inception, Verizon Innovative Learning has reached nearly nine million students nationwide and aims to reach 10 million by 2030. The company has committed more than $1 billion in market value toward supporting digital inclusion in education. In Georgia alone, more than 30,000 students have benefited from Verizon’s educational initiatives, with 30 Innovative Learning Schools and 10 labs now operating statewide.
Enjoy the self-advancing photo slideshow of the Sylvan Hills Middle School Verizon Innovative Learning Lab. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Jerome Cheatham, Verizon’s vice president of the Atlantic South Market, said the lab represents more than a technological investment.
“At Verizon, we talk about empowering people to live, work, and play. A vital part of that is our students,” Cheatham said. “We want students to live out their dreams and have the technology to do that. Investing in students does that for us, and this is just a part of what we do.”
DID YOU KNOW APS LAUNCHED THE FIRST FOUR VERIZON INNOVATION LABS IN THE STATE AND NOW OPERATES NINE?
In addition to Sylvan Hills Middle School, Ralph Bunche Middle School, The B.E.S.T. Academy, John Lewis Invictus Academy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School have also opened their own Verizon Innovative Learning Lab this school year.
As students begin exploring robotics, coding, and design in the new space, the partnership with Verizon illustrates Atlanta Public Schools’ growing commitment to creating equitable, technology-rich learning environments, focusing on preparing every student for a rapidly changing, innovation-driven world.
The John Lewis Invictus Academy Flag Football team won its third-straight APS Middle School Flag Football Championship on April 26, 2025, at Lakewood Stadium.
John Lewis Invictus Academy defeated Howard Middle School 24-0. Shaniyah Crawford won the Player of the Year award, and coach Derek O’Neal won the Coach of the Year award.
Earlier this month, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recognized its fourth cohort of APS Equity Champions, a group of committed and dedicated district leaders, staff, schools, and departments who demonstrate equity in action and ensure that every child’s educational needs are met.
As part of its annual celebration, the Office of Equity + Social Justice honored the 2024 Equity Champions with a special reception at the Alonzo A. Crim Center for Learning and Leadership. Out of over 100 nominations, ten individuals, three schools, and four departments were selected for their work to advance educational equity for all scholars.
Each recipient was selected based on qualities that include:
- Championing a culture of belonging and inclusion.
- Having conversations with students and staff about issues of social justice.
- Amplifying diverse voices by cultivating self-love, appreciation, and respect for others.
- Modeling asset-based views of diversity by acting with cultural competence in interactions, decision-making, and practice.
- Practicing critical self-reflection about identity, beliefs, and biases.
During the event, Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, Erica Long, Chief of Student Experience, and Atlanta Board of Education member Cynthia Briscoe-Brown provided remarks, while music selections were performed by student disc jockeys from South Atlanta High School and the Springdale Park Elementary School Chorus.
Long congratulated the Equity Champions and praised them for embodying the district’s equity commitments.
“Whether you are a teacher, administrator, school counselor, coordinator, or school-based employee, you are all champions, and we are grateful for your commitment to advancing educational equity in Atlanta Public Schools and ensuring that all students have the resources and supports they need to thrive and succeed,” Long told the honorees. “This is heart work and consistently reaffirms our commitment and dedication to making APS a more equitable school system. Each of you are true advocates for our students, families, staff, and community.”
Rashad Brown, AP African American Studies teacher at Maynard Jackson High School and a 2023 Equity Champion recipient, served as the keynote speaker. Brown shared his recent experience and hard-fought efforts in leading support for the AP African American Studies course, which successfully challenged State Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods to reinstate state funding.
In his address, Brown celebrated the power of equity in education and the courage it takes to fight for what’s right.
“It’s not just about passing a class or taking a test. It’s about what our students see, hear, and feel. It’s about the legacy of empowerment that we leave behind,” Brown said. “It’s important for our students to see activism when it matters most. When the chips are down. When the stakes are high. They need to see us standing tall, pushing back, and demanding that their right to a fair and equitable education is non-negotiable.”
Equity Champions serve one-year terms as ambassadors for advancing equity across the district, participate in equity-focused professional learning opportunities, and collaborate with the APS Office of Equity + Social Justice on key initiatives. They are awarded access to microgrants (up to $5,000) to support equity-focused conferences and workshops.
Join us in saluting the 2024 Equity Champions:
Kelli Charleston | Special Education Teacher, Carver Early College
Kelli started at APS as a paraprofessional and completed her teaching certification in January 2024. The students she serves have been diagnosed with Moderate Intellectual Disability (MOID) and autism spectrum disorders. Her students have joined robotics, sisterhood organizations, cheerleading, and sporting organizations.
Maria Grovner | Coordinator of School Counseling, Academics Division
Maria works to eliminate barriers for first-generation college students, English Language Learners, and students seeking need-based financial aid. This year, she launched a bilingual (English and Spanish) FAFSA Fiesta. She consistently identifies disparities and works relentlessly to level the playing field so every scholar has every chance to become the best version of themselves.
Tanyette Hill | John Lewis Invictus Academy Middle School
Tanyette engages her students by providing them with a voice and a choice in their learning journey. She teaches about social injustices and fosters an environment where multiple voices of various backgrounds are heard and celebrated. Self-worth and respect for others’ cultural identities are promoted in her classroom. She often sacrifices her lunch period to provide additional support for students who are struggling academically.
Dr. Tony Jones | Counselor, Crawford W. Long Middle School
One of Dr. Jones’ flagship initiatives is Project Manhood, a mentorship program for young boys, particularly those from marginalized communities. He also leads initiatives like the Black Boys Better empowerment program, STEMpathy, and the Youth Action Team, aka YAT…That’s Me Alcohol and Drug-Free Program. His efforts in school partnerships further demonstrate his unwavering commitment to equity.
Dr. Andrew Lovett | Principal, Benteen Elementary School
Dr. Lovett works with his staff to build cultural competence and responsiveness for diverse students. To facilitate staff capacity building, he invited the Office of Equity + Social Justice to the school and provided opportunities for everyone to ask questions and share their concerns. Additionally, Dr. Lovett highlighted the Ramadan holiday, and provided information to staff about practices for its religious observance.
Carla Maxberry | ESOL Teacher, Harper-Archer Elementary School
Maxberry is a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). As a teacher, she and her scholars are a catalyst for positive change and understanding. They consistently engage students and staff in thoughtful conversations about social justice issues, encouraging empathy, respect, and critical thinking.
Dr. Tiffany Proctor | International Baccalaureate Coach, Cascade Elementary School
Dr. Proctor has inspired teachers, students, and parents to embrace transdisciplinary learning and integrate social, emotional, and academic practices into every component of the instructional day and beyond. Her efforts have led to a decrease in behavioral issues at school. Additionally, she encourages scholars to participate in extracurricular activities like Pennies for Patients, so they understand the concept of generosity and demonstrate care for others.
MacArthur Randolph | School Counselor, B.E.S.T. Academy
Randolph has championed initiatives that not only uplift the young men at B.E.S.T. Academy but also bridge gaps within the broader community. His efforts underscore a profound belief that everyone can achieve greatness through service. By sponsoring community service projects that focus on assisting the unhoused, he provides young men with an invaluable opportunity to engage with and contribute to their community.
Haydee Romero | Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Master Teacher, Bolton Academy
Haydee ensures that learning environments are equitable by teaching teachers what the best learning strategies for multilingual students. She proactively started a WhatsApp group for Spanish-speaking families based on community chats she held. She also initiated a language leaders campaign for Hispanic/Latino students who were less engaged in school activities. She publicly models a personal belief system that is grounded in equity.
Dr. Nakiesha Sinclair | Assistant Principal, Morningside Elementary School
Dr. Sinclair’s efforts have helped to nurture a positive, supportive learning environment at Morningside Elementary. She advocates for all students and goes the extra mile to make sure faculty feels supported and empowered. Dr. Sinclair has personally recruited teachers and diverse staff, and led an effort to secure funding for cultural responsiveness professional development. She inspires teachers and staff to be mindful of issues of equity and inclusion.
School Award:
Atlanta College and Career Academy
ACCA helps students graduate with credentials for high-demand technical careers. Programs include aviation maintenance, automotive collision repair, carpentry, culinary arts, cybersecurity, dental science, graphic design, HVAC and refrigeration, and infant and toddler childcare. Serving a diverse student body from various ethnic backgrounds, ACCA is committed to reflecting on personal assumptions, beliefs, and behaviors. By supporting special populations, such as students from single-parent homes and those experiencing homelessness, ACCA addresses systemic inequities head-on.
Crawford Long Middle School
Long Middle School recently welcomed a growing Hispanic/Latino population and is committed to championing equity. This commitment includes exposing students to new world experiences, expanding resources from school to home, and developing or adopting programs to support English language learners, students with disabilities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The administration, teachers, and staff make all feel welcomed and supported.
Usher-Collier Elementary School
Principal Jerry Parker and his staff go out of their way daily to ensure that each student is consistently recognized by name and need. Staff members model respect for diversity and work hard to ensure equitable outcomes for students in the areas of curriculum and instruction, social-emotional learning, and extracurricular activities. Students and their families remain part of the school community for life.
Department Award:
Fine and Performing Arts Department
Equity is at the heart of the Fine & Performing Arts Department. Here, every person matters, and each person is recognized as an artist with the aid of passionate teachers who lead by example. The curriculum features relevant, contemporary artists to ensure APS’s diverse student population sees themselves reflected in their studies. Inclusion is exemplified by welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and abilities into both visual and performing arts classrooms.
Office of Early Learning
By focusing on early childhood education that integrates children from different backgrounds and abilities, the Office of Early Learning establishes a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success, addressing disparities before they become entrenched. This includes providing workshops on culturally responsive teaching and English Language Learner engagement, along with skill-building workshops in multiple languages for parents and caregivers.
Secondary ELA/Literacy Department
The Secondary English Language Arts/Literacy Department purposefully builds the capacity of others to identify and disrupt inequities in schools. They have created resources like the Culturally Responsive Literacy Guide, which draws on the work of experts, including Gloria Ladson-Billings, Geneva Gay, Zaretta Hammond, and Sharroky Hollie. The team also implemented the professional learning session Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Writing in the Literacy Classroom and created original equity-focused professional development.
South Atlanta High School SGA
The South Atlanta High School SGA actively promotes diversity by encouraging students from all backgrounds to participate in leadership roles. By fostering representation among student leaders, SGA leaders create an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and valued, including the Moderate Intellectual Disability (MOID) population. The efforts of the South Atlanta SGA contribute to a positive school culture for all students.
Enjoy the slideshow below of the 2024 Equity Champion Celebration.
Staff from the Office of Equity + Social Justice traveled to schools and offices across the district to surprise and celebrate the 2024 APS Equity Champions — the district’s fourth cohort of staff, departments, and teams who actively model the APS Equity Dispositions (for teachers and leaders), support the APS Equity Commitments, and demonstrate significant equity impact in our school communities.
Bearing a large presentation check, glass trophy, and individual certificates, Equity + Social Justice team members thanked each of the honorees — teachers, administrators, district leaders, counselors, staff, and departments — and recognized their efforts to help all APS students thrive and succeed.
Each finalist was nominated by a peer or colleague for their commitment and dedication to advancing educational equity in Atlanta Public Schools.
One of this year’s honorees, Haydee Romero, is an instructional math coach and master Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher at Bolton Academy. In her nomination letter, Principal Shavaun Mincey lauded Romero as an “equity champion who ensures equitable learning environments and teaches teachers about learning strategies that are best for multilingual students.” In addition to starting a WhatsApp group for Bolton Academy’s Spanish-speaking families, Romero also established a language leaders campaign for Hispanic/Latino students who were less engaged in school activities.
“Haydee not only considers the Hispanic communities, but she is inclusive of all communities and pushes us to consider students and staff typically at the margins when making school decisions. She is a role model in this work,” Mincey noted.
Romero is thankful to be celebrated for her work on behalf of students.
“I was extremely, extremely surprised,” she said. “To be an Equity Champion means that all our students are being thought of and taken care of.”
Erica Long, APS Chief of Student Experience, said she had a wonderful time helping to surprise the district’s Equity Champions.
“What stood out the most to me was how genuinely shocked the honorees were! I took that to mean that the work of advancing educational equity comes so naturally that our Equity Champions were not looking for recognition or acclaim,” Long said. “Their work embodies the equity commitments of Atlanta Public Schools.”
This past spring, the Office of Equity + Social Justice received over 100 nominations and selected 17 recipients: 10 individuals, three schools, and four departments as APS Equity Champion honorees. Each finalist was selected based on qualities that include:
- Championing a culture of belonging and inclusion
- Having conversations with students and staff about issues of social justice
- Amplifying diverse voices by cultivating self-love, appreciation, and respect for others
- Modeling asset-based views of diversity by acting with cultural competence in interactions, decision-making, and practice
- Practicing critical self-reflection about identity, beliefs, and biases
Equity Champions serve one-year terms as ambassadors for advancing equity across the district, participate in equity-focused professional learning opportunities, and collaborate with the APS Office of Equity + Social Justice on key initiatives.
In addition to district recognition, APS Equity Champions are awarded access to microgrants (up to $5,000) to support equity-focused conferences and workshops.
For newly minted Equity Champion MacArthur Randolph, who is a professional school counselor at B.E.S.T. Academy, being an Equity Champion means hard work, passion, dedication, and working with today’s youth and showing them the importance of giving back to their communities. The school regularly engages in community service projects to help the homeless in Atlanta.
Randolph’s nomination letter lauded his efforts. “By empowering students through service, academic support, and personal mentorship, he cultivates a generation of young men who are not only equipped to overcome their challenges but are also motivated to contribute to a more equitable society.”
“That’s one of the things we do big here at B.E.S.T. Academy,” Randolph said. “It’s all about giving back. We always feel like giving back is building leadership skills within our boys. They’ve done an amazing job not only with me trying to implement community service with them, but they come to me and say, ‘Mr. Randolph, we love giving back to the homeless, so what can we do differently this month?’”
“Building that legacy on making sure that kids understand how important it is to give back because it builds so much within our boys. I’m going to continue to do that throughout the school year,” he added.
Here is a complete list of the 2024-2025 APS Equity Champions:
Individuals:
Kelli Charleston, Special Education Teacher, Carver Early College
Maria Grovner, Coordinator of School Counseling
Tanyette Hill, Social Studies Teacher, John Lewis Invictus Academy
Dr. Tony Jones, Counselor, Crawford Long Middle School
Dr. Andrew Lovett, Principal, Benteen Elementary School
Carla Maxberry, ESOL Teacher, Harper-Archer Elementary School
Dr. Tiffany Proctor, Signature Program Coach, Cascade Elementary School
Haydee Romero, Instructional Coach & Master DLI Teacher, Bolton Academy
MacArthur Randolph, Professional School Counselor, B.E.S.T. Academy
Dr. Nakiesha Sinclair, Assistant Principal, Morningside Elementary School
School Award:
Atlanta College and Career Academy
Crawford Long Middle School
Usher-Collier Elementary School
Department Award:
Fine and Performing Arts Department
Office of Early Learning
Secondary ELA/Literacy
South Atlanta High School SGA
Congratulations to all of the 2024 APS Equity Champions! The Office of Equity + Social Justice is excited to spotlight all that our Equity Champions do – directly and indirectly – to help APS scholars thrive and succeed.
John Lewis Invictus Academy (JLA) wrapped up the first half of the school year on a thrilling note, celebrating its championship football team and cheerleaders with an exciting awards ceremony before the semester break.
The Royal Lions football team went 7-1 and defeated Long Middle School to win the APS Middle School Football Championship. They continued to build on their championship season with a 48-6 win against the Dekalb County Middle School champions, Cedar Grove Middle School.
After an entertaining highlight reel showcasing the most exciting moments from the season and a few congratulatory video messages from JLA interim principal Donna Davis and Congresswoman Nikema Williams, the football players were awarded a championship ring necklace along with a trophy and a congratulatory certificate honoring their championship season.
Adding to the jubilation, the John Lewis Invictus Academy cheerleaders were also celebrated for their accomplishments this year after winning first place in the APS District Cheer Competition. They were presented with individual trophies and congratulatory certificates as parents and staff members cheered in the auditorium.
“It means the world just to show them that we love them and care about them,” JLA athletic director and head football coach Greg Spriggs said. “We’re proud of them for all the hard work they put in and it paid off bringing home our first championship for the cheerleaders and two times for the football team.”
After each student-athlete received their awards, they were joined on stage by the family of the late Congressman John Lewis, who traveled to celebrate the occasion with the students.
The John Lewis Invictus Academy Lions defeated the Long Middle School Tigers 22-0 in the Atlanta Public Schools Middle School Football Championship game on Saturday at Lakewood Stadium.
John Lewis Invictus Academy has an 8-1 record, and was the only team to score against Long Middle School. The Tigers (8-1) only loss this season was in the championship game. Both teams had great seasons, and played a tough, competitive championship game.
Here are photos from the championship game:
The 2023 APS Middle School Football Champions: John Lewis Invictus Academy Lions 
APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle presents the APS Middle School Football Championship Trophy to head coach Greg Spriggs and the John Lewis Invictus Academy Lions. 
APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Battle, Player of the Year Casey Barner, Coach of the Year Greg Spriggs and assistant athletic director Rendell Jackson. 
APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Battle presents the APS Middle School Football Championship runner-up trophy to Long Middle School head coach Brandon Simpson. 
APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Battle and Long Middle School head coach Brandon Simpson. 
APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle presents the Coach of the Year award to JLA head coach Greg Spriggs. 
APS Middle School Player of the Year Casey Barner with APS interim superintendent Dr. Battle. 
John Lewis Invictus Academy will play the Dekalb County champion, Cedar Grove, on Saturday, November 11, at 9 a.m. at Avondale Stadium. The winner of that game advances to play in the Born to Compete Youth Bowl Series on November 25, at Henderson Stadium.
This slideshow provides just a glimpse at some of the amazing things that happened at Atlanta Public Schools in October. Click through to see the highlights from your school. A new slideshow will be posted at the end of each month, so be sure to subscribe to APS Today and look for your scholar or your school!
Books and Badges reads to a BAMO kindergarten class. 
Monthly staff faculty and staff recognitions. Crew Leader, Support Staff, Team of the Month and Teacher of the Month at BAMO. 
Tony Talks visits BAMO as the Living Life guest speaker. 
Books and Badges reads to Boyd Elementary School students. 
Boyd Elementary PBL Production Night. 
Red Ribbon Week at Boyd Elementary School. 
Nerd Day at Bunche Middle School. 
Bunche Middle School wore pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. 
Deerwood Academy Literacy Team hosts Schoolwide Accelerated Reader Parade to encourage reading and increase literacy and comprehension skills. 
Deerwood Academy’s 3rd Grade Team honored as Literacy Leaders by Georgia DOE and State Superintendent Richard Woods for 17 percent gain on Georgia Milestones assessment. 
Books and Badges reads to students at Dunbar Elementary School. 
Dunbar Elementary students take part in their campus cleanup. 
Dunbar Elementary School students wear red glasses for Red Ribbon Week. 
Eco Sneakers and MARTA deliver shoes to students and staff at F.L. Stanton Elementary School. 
Books and Badges read to students at F.L. Stanton Elementary School. 
F.L. Stanton Elementary students create art projects based off a book they read. 
Heritage Academy students tend to their school garden for Garden Day. 
Heritage Academy students create signs for Garden Day. 
John Lewis Invictus Academy students on a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 
The Title 1 parent engagement meeting at John Lewis Invictus Academy. 
The J.W. Dobbs Brag Tag student incentive town hall assembly. 
The J.W. Dobbs Jr. Beta Blub prepares their ‘Stop the Bullying’ campaign. 
Crawford Long Middle School cheerleaders came in second place of the district competition. 
Crawford Long Middle School was recognized as a Common Sense Education school during Digital Citizenship Week. 
The Crawford Long Middle School Esports team began their season. 
The young men at Crawford Long Middle School working the grill during the Grilling and Drilling Family Engagement event. 
Miles Elementary School cheerleaders perform at Mays Cluster night. 
First responders read to kindergartners at Peyton Forest Elementary School. 
Peyton Forest Elementary School pre-k cheerleaders ready for their night with the Mays High School cheerleaders. 
Sarah Smith Elementary students ready for the Fun Run. 
The Sarah Smith Elementary School social cues detectives. 
Sarah Smith Elementary School staff participating in a team building exercise. 
Sylvan Hills Middle School wore pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. 
Sylvan Hills Middle School wore yellow and black for No Place for Hate Day. 
The Atlanta Falcons Hometown Huddle at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. (photo: Thomas Scott) 
The Atlanta Falcons Hometown Huddle at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. (photo: Thomas Scott) 
The Atlanta Falcons Hometown Huddle at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. (photo: Thomas Scott) 
Usher’s New Look launched its program at the Douglass 9th Grade Steam Academy. 
APS Flag Football Invitational. 
APS Flag Football Invitational. 
APS Flag Football Invitational.
This slideshow provides just a glimpse at some of the amazing things that happened at Atlanta Public Schools in September. Click through to see the highlights from your school. A new slideshow will be posted at the end of each month, so be sure to subscribe to APS Today and look for your scholar or your school!
The Garden Hills Boosterthon Fun Run raised over $11K for our school. (photo: Katie Carlson) 
The Garden Hills Boosterthon Fun Run raised over $11K for our school. (photo: Katie Carlson) 
Trees Atlanta Urban Treetrackers program taught 3rd and 4th grade students at Garden Hills Elementary School about the water cycle and engaged their curiosity about our urban forest. (photo: Katie Carlson) 
Booker T. Washington High School students met with local entrepreneurs representing minority and female-owned businesses during Minority Enterprise Development Week. 
Bunche Middle School opened a new book vending machine on campus. 
Deerwood Academy unveiled its new Out Teach outdoor learning space with an outdoor classroom and two raised veggie beds. 
Deerwood Academy celebrates National Dot Day. 
Heritage Academy celebrating Grandparents Day 
Heritage Academy celebrating International Dot Day at Heritage Academy, where people of all ages are encouraged to tap into their creativity. 
Student at Heritage Academy on International Dot Day at QuiverVision Augmented Reality station making a dot come to life. 
The Dobbs Elementary School APS 5K race team. 
Donuts for Dads at Dobbs Elementary School. 
Dobbs’ National Grandparents Day Celebration. 
Peyton Forest Elementary School students having a fancy tea party. 
Peyton Forest Elementary students racing spheres using coding. 
Sylvan Hills Middle School Homecoming Court 
Grandparents Day at Boyd Elementary School. 
Grandparents Day at Boyd Elementary School. 
Goodr provided free groceries for the families at Boyd Elementary School. 
Student of the Month breakfast sponsored by the West Manor PTO. 
Serving breakfast at Grits with Grandparents at West Manor Elementary School. 
Newbery Award winning authors Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko visit Burgess-Peterson Academy. 
Dogtown Book Signing at Burgess-Peterson Academy. 
Burgess-Peterson Academy had the largest attendance ever at the annual East Atlanta Village Strut Parade. 
Dunbar Elementary MAP Masters Celebration. 
Dunbar Elementary Grandparent and Caregivers Appreciation Breakfast. 
Dunbar Elementary Bring Your Parents To School Day. 
STEAM in action at Douglass High School. 
STEAM in action at Douglass High School. 
Douglass High School 
Douglass High School Homecoming court. 
Cheerleaders at the Douglass High School football game. 
Hope-Hill Assistant Principal McCrary and Principal Gibbons_pop up attendance party where students got to throw water balloons at principal and assistant principal. 
Hope-Hill Elementary students Maddy and Kari twinning in our Hope-Hill spirit wear. 
Hope-Hill pop up attendance party where students got to throw water balloons at the principal and assistant principal. 
Hope-Hill student surveyors making plans for new school playground. 
John Lewis Invictus Academy students show their school pride. 
APS alumni surprised students at Parkside Elementary. 
East Atlanta Kids Club & DTP 
Everybody Wins! Reading to our 1st & 2nd graders 
Kindergarten Community Helpers at Parkside Elementary.