Oct. 27, 2009

    ATLANTA -- There was a record turnout for today's 10th annual Atlanta Public Schools Principal For A Day event, with more than 160 community members participating.

    More than 90 first-time participants shadowed APS principals at 100 schools throughout the district, witnessing firsthand the joys and the challenges of excelling in an urban public school setting.

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Target store manager Donna Stalter reads "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" to students at Herndon Elementary as part of the district's 10th annual Principal For A Day program. (Photos by Scott C. King)

    The Atlanta Partners for Education, a long-standing organization created by the metro Atlanta Chamber and APS, coordinated  Principal for a Day activities, including a luncheon that followed morning tours of duty as "acting principals" in the schools.

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Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard checks on students at Towns Elementary School during his tour of duty as acting Principal For A Day.

    During the luncheon, APS Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall issued a challenge to the Atlanta business community.

"My call to action is to stay involved," she said.  "Whether you choose to partner with our schools through tutoring or mentoring, student internships or field trips, career days or volunteer service days, or any other activity that aligns with our organization's strengths, please know that our students, principals and teachers are looking forward to seeing you again."