2.10 Weekly News Tip Sheet (Week of February 10, 2020)

ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
130 Trinity Avenue SW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Ian Smith, Executive Director
404-802-2855, office
404-603-6934, cell

ian.smith@atlanta.k12.ga.us

 

Seth Coleman, Media Relations Manager
404-802-2891, office
404-406-5570, cell
seth.coleman@atlanta.k12.ga.us

   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     

February 10, 2020

 

Atlanta Public Schools Weekly News Tip Sheet
(February 10 - 15)

Editors/Producers/Reporters: The following is a list of events, programs, accomplishments and/or initiatives occurring in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) this week. Please use it as a guide as you develop your coverage plans. Thank you for your interest in Atlanta Public Schools!

(Wednesday, 6 p.m.) District Facilities Master Plan Regional Community Conversations Continue

Atlanta Public Schools is seeking feedback from the community as the District continues to create quality learning facilities. The next Regional Community Conversation to discuss the District Facilities Master Plan is scheduled for 6 p.m., on Wednesday, February 12, at Sutton Middle School (2875 Northside Drive, NW).

 

(Thursday, Midnight) Registration Period for Pre-K Lottery Ends February 13!

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) will stop accepting Pre-K lottery applications for the 2020-2021 school year at 11:59 p.m., February 12. For more information, visit the Teaching and Learning page on the District’s website.

 

 

In Other APS News

APS Celebrates National School Crossing Guard Week

Atlanta Public Schools joins thousands of other school districts around the nation in recognizing its crossing guards this week for the critical role they play in making sure our students are safe as they make their way to school every day.

The District encourages everyone to thank their community school crossing guard this week and let them know how much they are valued.

Hundreds of APS students regularly walk and bike to school with the assistance of the District’s 58 crossing guards, most of whom cover more than one school at both arrival and dismissal time each day, in all types of weather conditions. In addition to helping students who walk and bike, APS crossing guards also help ensure that school bus riders arrive at school safely.

Happy School Crossing Guard Week!

 

APS Principal Named to Georgia State University’s “40 Under 40” Class

Jay Bland, principal of Morris Brandon Elementary School, has been named an honoree in Georgia State University Alumni Association's 2020 '40 Under 40' Class.

Established in 2018, the 40 Under 40 program recognizes and honors the most influential and innovative graduates who embody the values of Georgia State.

The 2020 Class of "40 Under 40" alumni will be honored at the "40 Under 40" Awards ceremony and reception on Thursday, March 26, at The Fairmont (1429 Fairmont Ave. NW). The event is open to the public. For more information, visit: pantheralumni.com/40under40.

 

APS Graduates Honored with “30 for 30” Alumni Award

Atlanta Public Schools graduates Greg Clay (Benjamin E. Mays High School, Class of 2000) and Taryn Shipman (Henry W. Grady High School, Class of 2015) were recently honored with the 21st Century Leaders (21CL) "30 for 30 Alumni Award” in celebration of the organization’s 30th anniversary.

21CL is a non-profit organization that connects, transforms, and inspires high school students across Georgia to leverage-diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their schools, communities, and ultimately the workforce. 

Clay, Shipman and other program alumni were recognized for leading the way in business, leadership, community, educational, and philanthropic endeavors. The award winners represent a diverse group of individuals at different stages in their careers and a wide variety of organizations.

A graduate of Florida A & M University and the University of Kansas, Clay is an active community volunteer and currently works as a senior strategist and partner at Lieneur Consulting Group. Shipman, who attended the University of Alabama, serves as a community organizer, social justice advocate, and committed volunteer for voter education.

 

Registration Continues for Second Annual APS Rocks and Runs 5K

The Atlanta Public Schools Rocks and Runs 5K is back and it’s time to register!

The Second Annual APS Rocks and Runs 5K will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at 8:15 a.m. It is a District fundraiser for teachers and serves as the kickoff for National Teacher Appreciation Week – Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8.

The race route begins and ends on the campus of Brown Middle School (765 Peeples Street, SW) and winds through the city’s historic West End community, near the south side of the Atlanta Beltline. It will feature a fun run for children ages 4-11 years old, special pricing for students, as well as scores of vendors and free giveaways. The event hashtag is: #APSrocks5K

Participants may register for the race here: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/APSRocksAndRuns

Registration for both the 5K and the fun run will include a race bib, commemorative T-shirt and medals for everyone who finishes the race. Teachers and Instructional Paraprofessionals run for free. Here is the pricing breakdown:

Pricing:

Pre-Registration
January 23 – February 29	$25.00
Regular Registration
March 1 – March 31	$30.00
April 1 – May 1	$35.00
Onsite Registration
May 2 (Day of the Race)	$40.00

 

Special Pricing:

Student Registration (must be 18 yrs. and younger)
January 23 – May 1	$10.00
Fun Run Registration (must be 4 yrs. – 11 yrs.)
January 23 – May 1	$10.00
Onsite Registration (Student & Fun Run)
May 2 (Day of the Race)	$15.00

 

APS GO Team Candidates Wanted, Deadline is February 28

Atlanta Public Schools is excited to announce that 2020 GO Team candidate declarations are now open!  As a part of its Charter System model with the state, every school in APS has its own Governance Team or GO Team.

GO Teams are nine-member governance teams at every school in the district that work in a collaborative fashion with each school principal. APS designed the GO Teams to serve as a vital part of our school improvement efforts across the district. These teams are responsible for establishing strategic plans for their schools, voting on innovative school-based solutions and approving the school’s budget. Additionally, these teams can review school data and provide input to the principal related to school improvement.

Those interested in running for a parent/guardian or non-supervisory instructional staff member seat for the 2020-2022 term can declare their candidacy until February 28, 2020. 

Parents and educators will be voting for two parent and instructional staff seats at each school. No experience is needed. Training and tools are provided.

Visit http://apsstrongschools.com/ to learn more and declare candidacy today. The deadline to declare is Friday, February 28.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend all events on the weekly APS News Tip Sheet. If you have an interest in these stories, please contact Seth Coleman, Media Relations Manager.

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