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Summer Story Squad: Turning Pages, Sparking Imaginations All Summer Long

by Allison M. Slocum
written by Allison M. Slocum

Written by: Jennifer Saunders, APS Library Media Services

While some may say summer is for slowing down, the Summer Story Squad was heating up! Atlanta Public Schools’ (APS) Library Media Services has once again rallied young readers across the district to join the ranks of this mighty crew of book-loving adventurers. From page one to “The End,” these students proved that reading doesn’t take a vacation.

Designed to combat the infamous “summer slide” and keep students engaged in joyful literacy experiences, the Summer Story Squad is more than just a reading challenge—it’s a movement. With virtual check-ins and swag, squad members were encouraged to interpret text by reading widely, thinking deeply, and sharing boldly. Whether lounging in the park with a graphic novel or diving into a bedtime chapter with a flashlight, students turned ordinary days into extraordinary reading journeys.

Atlanta Public Schools 2025 Summer Story Squad participants. Photo credit: Jennifer Saunders, APS ©

“Our goal is simple,” APS director of library media services Jennifer Saunders said. “We want students to see themselves as readers—powerful, curious, and creative readers—year-round. Summer is the perfect time to let stories lead the way.”

Thanks to the community partnership with 44th & 3rd Bookseller Foundation, squad members received two books that will be featured in the 2026 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl competition, along with a culminating lunch and book discussion at 44th & 3rd Bookseller.

The Summer Story Squad concluded on July 26, but the impact will ripple through the school year. In the words of one elementary squad member, “I had a good time reading and meeting with kids across APS. The check-ins helped us see the books on a deeper level. This was a good idea to keep kids reading. I hope you do it next year as well.”

Now that’s a story worth telling.

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Supercharge Your Student’s Summer: Register for the Power Up Summer 2024 Program

by Allison M. Slocum
written by Allison M. Slocum

All photos are of Atlanta Public Schools summer programs. APS ©

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is ready to supercharge the summer and embark on an enriching educational journey through the Power Up Summer 2024 program. Parents can seize the moment and register their students, as the Friday, April 12, 2024, deadline quickly approaches.

Set to run for four weeks from June 3 to June 28, the program is open to all APS students and consists of full-day, diversified curriculum offerings designed with a holistic approach to learning by integrating social-emotional development, behavior management, wellness, and academic intervention.

“Inclusivity is at the heart of Atlanta Public Schools,” said APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle S. Battle. “With that in mind, we took great care in curating programming that will enrich our students in a trusting environment with the goal of preparing them to advance and bridge the gap in needed learning areas.”

Transportation and support for students with disabilities will be provided to ensure participants are able to fully engage in the program.

Elementary and middle school participants will learn how to strengthen their academic skills and social-emotional competencies, while high school students will focus their efforts on credit recovery and graduation preparation.

Power Up Summer 2024 also offers specialized summer programming tailored to specific grade levels and interests (see the list below).

“Extending beyond the classroom, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of learning activities,” said APS Director of After-School and Summer Programs, Sedric Smith. “From STEM projects to artistic endeavors and outdoor adventures there is something for every scholar to keep them engaged and excited about learning.”

All students interested in a summer filled with growth, learning, and fun are encouraged to secure their spot today by visiting the Power Up Summer 2024 website: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/summeraps

For questions and more information, contact Sedric Smith at powerupsummer@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

*Please take a moment to view the below list of programs.

PRE-K

Kinder Camp
Rising Kindergarteners

Kinder Camp is an opportunity for children who are eligible to attend APS Kindergarten in the fall (5 yrs. of age by September 1st) to learn routines, become comfortable with the school environment, engage in social interactions with peers, and nurture skills to be Day One (August 1) ready.

For more information and to register, please click here.

All photos are of Atlanta Public Schools summer programs. APS ©

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

APS Power Up Summer Program
Current 1st – 5th Graders

The APS Power Up Summer program will focus on academic intervention that integrates social-emotional learning. The students will also have the option to participate in extended learning activities.

For more information and to register, please click here.

Additional Programs

Power Up DLI Español
Rising 1st – 6th Graders

Students currently enrolled in the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program to engage in hands-on science in Spanish during the Power Up portion of the day at the locations serving DLI program elementary schools.

For more information, please contact Maritza Estrada at maritza.estrada@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

Summer Bridge Rising 6th Grade
Current 5th Graders

This summer transition program is designed to address the unique needs of rising 6th grade students and outlines teacher and administrator expectations at the middle school level. The program is intended to foster communication and build a sense of community amongst students, teachers, and staff which will be the foundation for a productive middle school experience.

For more information and to register, please reach out directly to the administrative office of your potential middle school.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

APS Power Up Summer Program
Current 6th – 8th Graders

The APS Power Up Summer program will focus on academic intervention that integrates social-emotional learning. The students will also have the option to participate in extended learning activities

For more information and to register, please click here.

Additional Programs

Photo courtesy of Atlanta College and Career Academy.

ACCA Career Exposure Camp
Current 6th – 8th Graders

The Atlanta College and Career Academy’s Career Exposure Camp 2024 is a week-long enrichment program for current sixth, seventh and eighth grade scholars in Atlanta Public Schools. During the program, students will gain exposure to high-demand/high-wage careers in the Metro-Atlanta area and a general understanding that postsecondary education and lifelong learning are necessary for long-term success. Featured pathways are Culinary Arts, Criminal Investigations, Dental Science, Graphic Design and Patient Care. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided for all students, and transportation will be provided to students from traditional APS Middle Schools. Applications are due now!

For more information and to apply, click here.

Summer Bridge Rising 9th Grade
Current 8th Graders

A summer transition program that is developed to address the unique needs of the rising 9th grade students and outlines teacher and administrator expectations at the high school level. The program is intended to foster communication and build a sense of community amongst students, teachers, and staff which will be the foundation for a strong high school experience.

For more information and to register, please reach out directly to the administrative office of your potential high school.

Level Up Summer Math Academy
Rising 7th and 8th Graders

Level Up Summer Math Academy is a summer program specially designed for rising seventh and eighth-grade students who are high-achieving and highly motivated in the area of mathematics. The four-week, intensive program will provide students with an opportunity to master essential standards taught in enhanced and accelerated math courses from distinguished math teachers. This program is available by invitation only.

For more information, please contact Ashely Garner at ashley.garner@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

HIGH SCHOOL

APS Power Up Summer Program
Current 9th – 12th Graders

High school students will focus on credit recovery and graduation.

For more information about this program and other offerings for students, please contact your high school counselor directly.

Additional Programs

Science and Math Summer Enrichment Academy (SMSEA)
Rising 9th – 12th Graders

SMSEA is designed to provide students with additional flexibility in their secondary experience as they can complete one math or science course for a full high school credit during the summer. This allows room in their schedule during the school year for higher-level coursework and Advanced Placement classes in their program of study. This year’s program will take place at Sutton Middle School, Northside Campus.

For more information and to apply, please click here.

Fine Arts Camp
Current 9th – 12th Graders

Power Up with the Arts: The program is designed to provide high school students with a two-week (June 3 – 15, 2024) immersive arts experience, culminating with a presentation in the Juneteenth parade.

For more information, please contact Sara Erickson at sarah.erickson@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

WINGS @ Phoenix Academy
Current Phoenix Academy 12th Graders

Wings @ Phoenix will prioritize credit recovery for seniors who are on target for summer graduation.

For more information, please click here and contact the Pheonix Academy counselor.

Photo by Atlanta Public Schools ©

ALL GRADE LEVELS

Extended School Year + Power Up
Students with Disabilities

APS must provide Extended School Year (ESY) services to all students with disabilities (SWD) in order for them to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). ESY provides services beyond the typical school day and/or year and is not limited to just the summer months. The school-based IEP Team determines whether a student requires ESY, what specific services are required, and when those services will be provided.

For more information, please contact Samantha Fitts at sfitts@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

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Therrell School of Law Students Participate in Educational Summer Travel

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

Several students at D.M. Therrell School of Law, Government and Public Policy had opportunities to participate in educational summer travel experiences.

This summer SGA students from Therrell School of Law were invited to attend the 2nd phase of the Annual Martin Luther King celebration.  Representative Tyrone Brooks, from the Southwest District of Atlanta, was the host of the MLK celebration and reenactment events. The celebration honored those who were killed by lynching and persecutions that were lawful in the early 1940s.

The students witnessed reenactments of the events to capture the experience and understanding of the tragedies. They also marched along the infamous Moore’s Ford Bridge with hundreds of representatives from the NAACP, SCLC, Rainbow Push, and the Georgia Association of Black Constructors.

images-1 images

Additionally, Melissa Edwards, a teacher at Therrell School of Law along with her student, Michael Brinkley from Therrell’s Class of 2012 have been invited to attend the TJX Company’s Youth Business Institute monthly meeting at the TJX home office in Boston in October.  TJX is known for its TJ Maxx and Marshall’s clothing stores.

The TJX Youth Business Institute is a professional and personal development program that currently operates in fourteen high schools located across the country, teaching high school students job readiness skills and exposing them to career pathways relevant for entry into the retail workforce. YBI has graduated approximately 1,700 high school students and hired approximately 250 program graduates.

TJX will fly Mr. Brinkley & Ms. Edwards to Boston so they can meet with the company’s senior leaders and discuss the impact the Youth Business Institute had on the Therrell School of Law.

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APS Kicks Off its Online Learning Summer Pilot: Atlanta Virtual Academy

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) kicked off its summer pilot of the Atlanta Virtual Academy (AVA) on Friday, June 14th.  AVA provides online learning opportunities for APS students. Over 100 students are enrolled in the current summer session that runs through July 26th.

“The first few days have been very exciting,” said Doryiane Gunter, APS Program Manager for Virtual Learning. “The students were eager to take their courses online. I’m very excited about the enthusiasm the students possess. I think providing this opportunity for students gives them hope, and they really want to be successful.”

Students from high schools throughout the district can earn credit online by taking classes through the Virtual Academy in addition to their regular schedule. During the school year students can take one additional course (one full credit) in addition to their regular schedule. During the summer students can take two courses. Currently middle school students can take Personal Fitness and Health the summer prior to the start of their 9th grade year.

AVA courses work like face-to-face classes. Students complete lesson activities, homework, class discussions, and tests. Teachers are available to students throughout the entire length of the course. Atlanta Virtual Academy teachers are available to talk to students or parents via email or telephone. The Virtual Academy Program Manager and teacher maintain contact with someone at the student’s school and/or a parent to provide updates on progress and discuss appropriate support and encouragement if a student appears to be falling behind. Course instructors also have required office hours. During this time they are available to assist students and address any questions or concerns.

The primary difference in the courses is that the course activities happen over the Internet. Students are required to login daily for an average of 20-24 hours each week. Fall and spring session students should spend 12-15 hours per week in the course. This requires that students have access to a working computer and an Internet connection. If courses are taken during the school day at school, the school will provide a lab and a computer. If courses are taken outside of the school day in addition to the regular schedule, the student is responsible for their own technology.

This summer registered students were able to choose from a range of course offerings including Personal Fitness, Health, select math courses, American Literature, Biology, Economics, U.S. History and more. 

           Summer 2013 Course Offerings

MATH

SCIENCE
Math I A/B Biology A/B
Math II A/B Physical Science A/B
Math IV A/B        

LANGUAGE ARTS

SOCIAL STUDIES
   
9TH Lit A/B Economics
American Lit A/B U.S. History A/B
   

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

  
Personal Fitness  
Health  

Students are currently using blackboard as the learning management system for AVA courses. APS selected Blackboard Learn™ as its first district-wide learning management system (LMS) after a nine-month evaluation of leading commercial and open-source platforms. The district will use Blackboard Learn to rapidly expand online classes offered to students and to align all class content with Common Core standards. District leaders found Blackboard Learn to be the best option for expanding the offerings for the Virtual Academy.

The district plans to increase course offerings and student enrollment for the fall session, in addition to working with many of the non-traditional and alternative learning programs to supplement course offerings.

“Our hope is that we are able to increase the graduation rate and increase the number of flexible learning opportunities for students,” Gunter explained.

Registration for the fall is open from July 22nd-August 16th.  Fall courses will begin on August 26th. For more information visit www.atlantapublicschools.us/ava

 

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APS to Host Centralized Summer Registration for New and Returning Students June 24-28 and July 8-12

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

APSRegistration_pagegraphic

Looking to provide consistent opportunities for back-to-school enrollment with on-site experts who can answer questions about the registration process, APS is proud to announce centralized enrollment and back-to-school registration events.

The district has established a unified schedule that will allow school leaders to better plan everything from bus routes to staffing. Our first district-wide enrollment and registration event took place this spring. Our second event takes place during the summer (June 24–28 and July 8–12) and offers parents, grandparents and guardians a one-stop location (the former Capitol View facility) to enroll their children in school.

Remember that DAY ONE, the first day of school, is Wednesday, August 7 for traditional schools and Monday, July 15 for year-round schools. Please read the information below and help spread the word so that we can make sure students are registered and ready for school on Day One.

Who should visit the Centralized Summer Center?

  • ·         New Students – Students new to APS for the 2013-2014 school year. 
  • ·         Moving students– Students transferring within the district to another APS school due to a change of address.
  • ·         Withdrawing Students – Students withdrawing to enroll in a school outside of APS.
  • ·         Re-Registering Students – Current APS students who missed or did not complete Spring 2013 re-registration at their current school.
  • ·         Parents needing Portal Access – Parents and legal guardians who would like to sign up for Parent Portal.

CENTRALIZED SUMMER ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION CENTER

1442 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310

(Capitol View Building)
No appointment is necessary.
However, you can schedule an appointment by clicking the following link: http://atlantapublicschools.appointy.com/.

MONTH OF JUNE

MONTH OF JULY

DATES          TIMES

June 24         9:00am – 12:00pm

June 25         9:00am – 12:00pm     

June 26         9:00am – 12:00pm

June 27         9:00am – 12:00pm

June 28         9:00am – 12:00pm

DATES      TIMES

July 8         9:00am – 12:00pm & 3:00pm – 6:00pm
July 9         9:00am – 12:00pm

July 10       9:00am – 12:00pm & 3:00pm – 6:00pm

July 11       9:00am – 12:00pm

July 12       9:00am – 12:00pm

ATTENTION: Our staff members will work hard to meet any high demand periods. Because the wait could potentially be longer than anticipated and because seating and standing room is limited at the center, we strongly recommend that parents do not bring children with them. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

Should you have any questions, please email us at placements@atlantapublicschools.us or call Student Relations at 404-802-2233.

What do I need to do?

New Students

Enrollment in Atlanta Public Schools is a simple two-step process and parents may enroll all of your school-aged children who will be entering school during the 2013-2014 school year into the school district at one time.

Step 1:  Parents/Legal Guardian should visit the centralized summer center with all your completed enrollment forms. Please bring all required documents to the centralized summer center. 
Step 2: Parents/Legal Guardian will sign up for the parent portal. The Infinite Campus Parent Portal allows parents and guardians access to their students’ schedule, attendance, and grades.
Step 3: The centralized summer center staff will enrolled the students in the appropriate schools and forward your child’s records to the school.
Step 4: Parents/ Legal Guardian will receive via mail and/or open house obtain schedules and other information unique to each school.

Re-Registering StudentsCurrent students must re-register each year. If your student did not complete the re-registration process during the current school year, the
student can complete re-registration at the centralized summer site.

Step 1:  Parents/Legal Guardian should visit the centralized summer center with their identification card, proof of residency and affidavit of residency. Parents need to fill out a short Student Demographic Change Form. Please bring all required documents to the centralized summer center. 
Step 2: Parents/Legal Guardian without a current Parent Portal Account will sign up for the parent portal. The Infinite Campus Parent Portal allows parents and guardians access to their students’ schedule, attendance, and grades.
Step 3: The centralized summer center staff will update your student’s demographic information and forward your child’s records to the appropriate school.
Step 4: Parents/ Legal Guardian will receive via mail and/or open house obtain schedules and other information unique to each school.

Moving Students

Families who have changed their address, currently have a student enrolled in Atlanta Public Schools and that student will be attending another Atlanta Public School.

Step 1: Parent/Legal Guardian should complete a Change of Address Form.
Step 2: Parents/Legal Guardians may drop off your Change of Address form, ID and New Proof of Residency at centralized summer center
Step 3: The centralized summer center staff will update your student’s demographicinformation and forward your child’s records to the appropriate school.
Step 4: Parents/ Legal Guardian will receive via mail and/or open house their child’s schedules and other information unique to each school.
Parent Portal Lab

Parents/Legal Guardians without a current Parent Portal Account are encouraged to sign up for the Parent Portal. The Infinite Campus Parent Portal allows parents and guardians access to their students’ schedule, attendance, and grades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are there any additional enrollment dates?
Answer: Yes, some schools will have additional enrollment dates.  To see if your school has additional dates, please click the following link: Additional Enrollment Dates.
Question: What is needed to show Proof of Residence?
Answer: The person, with whom the student(s) lives must attach proof of residency, dated within the last thirty (30) days and must show parent, guardian or legal name and street address.  Please note that a P.O. Box is not acceptable as a residence address.

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

  • Current Georgia driver’s license or Georgia identification card if the address on the identification is the same as the residential address
  • Bank statement, loan documents, credit card statement, monthly activity statement, voided check
  • Home mortgage payment book
  • Health insurance, previously issued W‐2 or Form 1099, pay stub
  • Fulton County property tax statement with evidence thereupon of payment
  • Voter registration documentation from Fulton County
  • A current motor vehicle registration (tag receipt)
  • Cable bill, Telephone or Cell Phone bill, Gas  bill
  • Receipt to have utilities connected
  • Mail delivered by the United States Postal Service other than general mail addressed to occupant or resident

NOTE: If legal custody of a child is split between two parents, in ADDITION to the documents listed above, you must also attach a certified copy of the most recent court order identifying each parent’s respective award of physical custody. You are responsible to immediately inform the school of any changes to the court order.

If the Lease/Rental Agreements requires all occupants to be listed, the names of the occupants must be listed on the Lease/ Rental Agreement.

Homeless students should contact the school social worker or the APS Homeless Coordinator at 404-802-2245.

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