2.23 Atlanta Public Schools Weekly News Tip Sheet

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 23, 2021

Atlanta Public Schools Weekly News Tip Sheet (February 22 - 27)

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.

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.  Thank you for your interest in Atlanta Public Schools!

 

(Thursday, Noon) APS Launches COVID-19 Testing Site at Douglass High School

 

Atlanta Public Schools will launch a drive-up/walk-up COVID-19 testing site on the campus of Frederick Douglass High School (225 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive, NW), Thursday at noon.

 

The District is teaming up with some of Atlanta’s leading healthcare organizations – Viral Solutions and pediatric researchers from Emory University and Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA) – to bring highly efficient drive-through PCR COVID-19 testing at no out-of-pocket expense to the entire APS family – including all students, faculty, support staff, and family members.

 

In addition to PCR COVID-19 testing, the APS family also has the choice of being tested again at the same time, using new, emerging, easier, and simpler methods. This second free test will help researchers develop test-at-home technologies that will save lives – from Atlanta to all across the globe. Each person tested receives a gift card, along with the assurance that they played a part in helping end this global pandemic.

 

The outdoor testing area is located on the north side of the building, and will be open to all APS students, their families, and staff members from 9 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday, through the end of the school year. This new testing site is part of the District’s overall testing strategy to keep its students, employees, and schools safe.

 

The site was developed in partnership with Viral Solutions and pediatric researchers from Emory University and Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA). Representatives from both organizations, along with APS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring and others will be in attendance.

 

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Three Sisters Help Lead Grady High School to State Basketball Playoffs

 

The Grady High School girls basketball team has advanced to the Georgia High Schools Association (GHSA) state tournament for the second consecutive season, thanks in large part to the Lewis sisters – senior Trinity, junior Jade and freshman Briaiah.

 

Trinity is averaging 10 points and four rebounds per game, and leads the team in steals and assists. Jade is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 12 points and six rebounds per game. Briaiah leads all freshmen on the team in scoring with four points per game.

 

The Gray Knights are the No. 3 seed from Region 6-AAAAA, and will face Cass High School, the No. 2 seed from Region 7-AAAAA, in the first round of the state playoffs this week.

 

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Atlanta College and Career Academy Accepting Applications Through March 5


Do you know rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who may be interested in earning credentials aligned to high-demand technical careers in Atlanta via 14 career pathways?

 

Atlanta College and Career Academy (ACCA) is an Atlanta Public Schools program that will help students graduate with credentials aligned to high-demand technical careers in Atlanta. ACCA offers 12 career technology programs: General Automotive Technology; Carpentry; HVAC and Refrigeration; Culinary Arts; Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism; Dental Science; Patient Care; Graphic Design; Criminal Investigation; Emergency Medical Responder; Programming; and Cybersecurity.

 

Additionally, ACCA offers two technical certificate programs: Infant Childcare Specialist and Early College Essentials.

 

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be accepted through March 5. Learn more and apply today at https://apsgatransfer.scriborder.com.

 

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Candidates for APS GO Teams May Sign Up Now Through February 28


Did you know that more than 700 parents, educators and community members are actively governing schools in APS via GO Teams? 

 

In APS, Local School Governance Teams (GO Teams) represent each school and have decision-making authority over the school’s strategic plan, budget approval, school-based solution flexibility requests, and more. Now Atlanta residents have the opportunity to join this group of powerful school leaders by declaring their interest in running for a seat on an APS GO Team for the 2021-2023 term.

 

Candidacy declarations are open now through Feb. 28. Voting will take place in April. No experience is needed. Tools and training will be provided. Learn more and declare your candidacy today at www.apsstrongschools.com.

 

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Charter School Applications Accepted Now Through March 1, 2021

 

For parents looking for a spot in an Atlanta Public Schools charter school for the next school year, the charter school application process for the 2021-2022 school year is open now through March 1.

 

“Last year, we developed and implemented a new more centralized system that allows for more equitable access to school choice options for families and makes the whole process of charter school enrollment in APS more efficient and transparent," said Matt Underwood, executive director of the APS Office of Innovation. "As a result, the District has better data about charter school applications and enrollment patterns.”

 

Families can find information for all APS charter schools and apply to multiple charter schools with just one application. Learn more and apply today at ApplyAPSCharter.org.

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Pre-K Lottery Applications Open Now Through March 15

Do you know a child who will be 4-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2021? If so, consider taking advantage of a great opportunity to ensure kindergarten readiness. Our free, full-day Pre-K program prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten and provides an early path to college and career.

 

The Atlanta Public Schools Pre-K Program lottery is now open for the 2021-2022 school year. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 11, 2021, at 9 a.m. through March 15, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.

 

Seats will be filled through a random electronic lottery drawing on March 26, 2021. Results from the drawing are emailed to applicants after a verification process is complete. Pending official verification, the release of the lottery results could be delayed. Visit EnrollEarlyATL.com to learn more.

 

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About Atlanta Public Schools

Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia, serving approximately 51,000 students across 87 schools and five programs. The District is organized into nine K-12 clusters with 64 traditional schools, 19 charter schools, six partner schools, two alternative schools and five alternative programs. To learn more about Atlanta Public Schools, follow us on social media – Twitter (@apsupdate), Facebook (Atlanta Public Schools), and Instagram (apsupdate) – or visit us online at www.atlantapublicschools.us.