August 1, 2024

Dear Gifted and Talented Students and Parents,
              
I am happy to welcome you back to the 2024-25 school year!  I am so excited and looking forward to a productive partnership with you, to ensure that our gifted learners continue to soar to their highest potential!  This is my fourth year at Fickett ES, and I can’t wait to share all the adventures and explorations we will be experiencing this school year.  For those new to the program, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and share some key information about our program.

I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1990, with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I moved to the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia in 2004 and accepted an elementary teaching position in the Cobb County School District. In 2010, I earned both my master’s degree and gifted certification and began immediately serving Gifted and Talented students in Cobb County. In 2014, I enrolled in a doctoral program at Grand Canyon University where I focused my research on bridging the gap between neuroscience and education.  I completed my doctoral studies in the fall of 2018.

I am beyond excited to start this new school year “Leading with a Heart”. I have always been passionate about helping my most advanced students explore the heights of their potential.  I will be working multiple days a week via collaboration and with small groups of identified gifted students in grades K-5 and larger groups of talent and development. They will have opportunities to challenge themselves through interest-driven projects, field trips, and learning experiences that go beyond the scope of their grade-level curriculum.  In addition, I will be partnering with their regular classroom teachers to ensure that their needs continue to be met throughout their school day. 

As we begin this journey together, I hope that we can be partners in providing the best possible education for your child.  I am driven by the overall well-being of my students and will always be their advocate and ally.  If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.  I will usually respond quickly via email (phyllis.harris@atlanta.k12.ga.us).  If there is anything I can do for you or if you have any questions, please let me know. 

Let’s have an awesome school year!!

​Sincerely,​    

Dr. Phyllis Harris

Gifted Instructional Specialist | Fickett Elementary School

Email: phyllis.harris@atlanta.k12.ga.us

Phone: (404)802-7850