Blog
As I reflect on the current — albeit unofficial count — of the 2,582 graduates of the Atlanta Public Schools’ Class of 2020 walking across the virtual stage, I cannot stop thinking about the fact that their final year wasn’t supposed to end like this. Without a prom. Without final senior year activities. Without all of the pomp and circumstance. Even though we…
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When we faced the possibility of closing schools for virtual learning last March, one of our immediate concerns involved feeding thousands of students and families who depended on school meals for nutrition day-in and day-out. Our Nutrition Department led by Dr. Marilyn Hughes, our food vendor SFE, and numerous community partners created a massive new…
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Every year at this time, it’s my pleasure to join with the Atlanta Board of Education to honor our outstanding students across the district for all of their achievements this year in academics, arts, athletics, service, and other areas. For five years we have honored those students at the annual Special Called Board Meeting for…
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Despite a global pandemic, we have entered a time of celebration! Kicking off the #WorthTheWait graduation season, Atlanta Public Schools this week held a virtual Val/Sal/STAR breakfast ceremony. In years past, we gathered at the Georgia Power building for a well-appointed breakfast ceremony to honor the best of the best of our beautiful students and…
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Today marks the start of National Teacher Appreciation Week, and our beloved APS teachers deserve recognition now more than ever! As we collectively continue to work through these unprecedented times, our teachers – many of whom have children and families of their own to care for – have taken on the challenges of virtual learning…
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For nearly two months, we in Atlanta Public Schools have asked our community for patience and understanding as we work hard to get virtual learning right and continue to support our families. It has been a challenging, daunting, and grueling process for all of us as we have had to embark on a whole new…
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To my beloved APS Class of 2020 – Amid all of the chaos and crazy surrounding what has become a global pandemic, I’ve been thinking about you, every single one of you, as our district works to maintain teaching and learning and some semblance of a normal school year even as our school buildings remain closed. With you…
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With respect to social gathering restrictions in Georgia due to COVID-19, Atlanta Public Schools plans to hold virtual graduation celebrations for the Class of 2020 in May, delaying traditional ceremonies until the summer or a later safe date that adheres to Georgia Department of Health guidance. The district reached this decision based on input from…
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UPDATE: April 13, 2020: As part of APS’ commitment to the safety of students and employees, we sent letters to families and staff providing updates on the district’s response to COVID-19. The letter to families is available on our Coronavirus Update page here. The Spanish version is here. UPDATE: April 3, 2020 – Updated FAQ document from Superintendent…
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One of the most difficult – but necessary – decisions I have ever made as an urban schools superintendent was to close Atlanta Public Schools for teleschooling and teleworking. Necessary … to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Difficult … a potential disconnect between schools and our students. Immediately, we entered a whole new world…
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