Enjoy the self-advancing slideshow featuring photos from Judge Hatchett’s visit to Peyton Forest Elementary School. Photo credit: APS ©
During Women’s History Month at Peyton Forest Elementary School, Judge Glenda Hatchett led a classroom reading for kindergarten and first-grade girls, introducing her new book, “Goal Girls.”
Judge Hatchett, who made history as Georgia’s first Black Chief Presiding Judge, guided students through the story while pausing to ask questions and invite participation.
The visit centered on the school’s youngest students to shape long-term habits by exposing reading and self-expression as early as possible. Following the reading, students participated in a coloring activity connected to the book’s themes.
“Research says that the earlier children start talking about dreams and thinking about dreams, the more successful they will be,” Judge Hatchett said. “This book is designed to get them to imagine.”
The book defines a “goal girl” as someone who believes in herself and in the importance of her dreams, with a message centered on building confidence, representation, and encouraging girls to set ambitious goals and see themselves as capable of achieving them.
“I was so fortunate to have a father who poured into me and made me believe I could be anything in the world,” Judge Hatchett said. “I want that same inspiration to move little girls forward. That’s what inspired me to do this because too often, little girls think they can’t be certain things. I want them to believe that they can be anything in the world they want to be.”
Hatchett’s message is rooted in personal experience. A graduate of Atlanta Public Schools (APS), she attended Anderson Park Elementary School and graduated from Carver High School, where educators played a key role in her development.
“I remember having great math teachers and science teachers, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Gula,” Judge Hatchett said. “They pushed me to be better.”
Judge Hatchett, Dr. Pruitt, and Faith Jackson of the Southwest Atlanta Association. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
At Peyton Forest, literacy is a central priority. Principal Dr. Quentina Pruitt points to a deliberate approach that includes access to books and consistent encouragement for students to read both in and outside the classroom.
“As a mother and a principal, my goal for students is to fall in love with reading,” Dr. Pruitt said. “Read for enjoyment, read for information, and read to enhance your knowledge of the world. Reading can change the trajectory of all students, whatever pathway they choose to take.”
She added that representation and access to role models matter.
“I’m a firm believer, as Booker T. Washington says, that you cast down your bucket where you are,” Dr. Pruitt said. “Having someone who’s from the community, like Judge Hatchett, come back and give knowledge to our kids about the importance of reading, seeing themselves in a book as girls of color, that was an opportunity that our students will never forget.”
The book itself extends beyond the reading. Its final pages include an activity prompting children to draw or write their dreams, cut them out, and place them above their beds as a daily reminder.
Judge Hatchett explained that the goal is to encourage children to begin identifying their aspirations early, even as those ideas evolve.
“That was the lesson that my dad taught me, and I think I’m a better person because of it,” said Judge Hatchett.
Judge Hatchett’s book, “Goal Girls,” can be purchased at shopgoalgirls.com.
