August 6, 2012

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Welcome to the opening of what promises to be a wonderful school year!  At this time of the year, there is great anticipation of what’s to come.  I am as excited as Connallys’ teachers, children, and parents.  Why? I am excited because I get to serve the Connally Community as interim principal.  I formerly served as principal of Herndon Elementary and I am honored to have the opportunity to remain in Atlanta Public Schools to be a part of this wonderful community.

Together, teachers, students, and parents make a strong Connally family.  We appreciate your support as your child learns, and grows through the year.  Let’s all commit to have a good school year by setting everyone up for success.

I would like to warmly welcome our new staff members joining us this school year. Terrell Emerson (Third Grade Teacher), Stephanie Thigpen-Renfroe (EIP, K-1), Jacinta Williams (Instructional Coach), Clara Nosegbe-Okoka (Instructional Coach), Cornelia Primous (Counselor), Rashella Reid (Gifted), Victor Carter (Media Paraprofessional), Ardhlyh Williams (Secretary) Robert Williams (Assistant Principal), Dr. Clarice Bell (Art Teacher), and Nadirah Simmons (Music Teacher). I am certain that the experience and background of our new team members will be an asset to our students and community. 

Throughout the year, I look forward to meeting you and the new members of our community. I encourage families to get to know each other so that we can build new friendships and support each other as the need arises. To begin that effort, we look forward to seeing you at our Back-to-School Night (Open House) on Thursday, August 9^th at 6:30 pm.  This is a time when parents/guardians will meet with teachers and learn about grade level curriculum, projects, and expectations.  And don’t forget to join the PTA!

We need your support to make our year go more smoothly. First, please help to ensure the safety of our children by walking your child to school.  The school district will only provide bus services to those students living more than one mile away from the school.  Secondly, students should not arrive before 7:25 am. We have limited resources and will not be able to provide enough monitoring for early arrivals.  Finally, instruction begins at 8:00 a.m., please make sure that your child is present and on time.   You set your child up for success by getting him/her to school on time, and ready to learn.

The 2012-2013 school year has begun. At Connally, the staff, faculty, and administration are honored that you entrust us with your most precious assets. The hours that your children are with us each day are very important.  Here’s to a great school year!

Thank you,

Toni Pickett, Interim Principal E.L. Connally Elementary School