Atlanta Educator: Summer 2009

Vol. 1, No. 3 Summer 2009

Informacion en espanol en atlantapublicschools.us

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When the student becomes the teacher, you knowyou have someone special on your hands.

Thanks to a combination of a student�s passionand a school system�s nurturing environment,Inman Middle School eighth-grader PatrickScollard has become a scholar on the subject ofWorld War II. Ever since his interest was sparked,Atlanta Public Schools teachers have offered plentyof encouragement.

His fifth-grade teacher, MorningsideElementary�s Beth Burney, noticed his WWIIinterest while she taught a class on the Holocaust,and fed him a steady diet of supplementary reading

ScollarScollard is histord is history scholar y scholar

The Atlanta Educatordelivers the news toreaders of all ages, asevidenced by thisfuture APS grad andher father.

Read allabout APS

Inside this edition

SSeeee SSCCOOLLLLAARRDD PPaaggee 1188

Teachers share their summer p lans : Page 15

Meet the Valedictorians: Pages 8-9

PPatrick Scollaratrick Scollard has ad has apassion fpassion for or WWII.WWII.

2 �The Atlanta Educator SSuummmmeerr 22000099

Atlanta Board of EducationLaChandra D. Butler Burks, ChairCecily Harsch-Kinnane, Vice Chair

Khaatim Sherrer ElEmmett D. JohnsonYolanda K. Johnson

Brenda J. MuhammadKathleen B. Pattillo

Mark B. RileyEric W.Wilson

Published by:

Atlanta Public SchoolsBeverly L. Hall, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Suzanne Yeager Chief Communications Officer

Submit story ideas to:Morieka V. Johnson

Director of Communications Atlanta Public Schools130 Trinity Ave., SWAtlanta, GA 30303

Tel: 404-802-2893 [email protected]

www.atlantapublicschools.us

Sign up for our mailing list atwww.atlantapublicschools.us/aesubscribe

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CONSULTING GROUP

Boston ! New York781-598-8200

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Welcome to the third edition of TheAtlanta Educator. As we headinto the summer, let�s pause and

reflect on another outstanding year for AtlantaPublic Schools. In this edition, we tried tocapture the confidence, optimism andexcitement so clearly reflected in the Class of2009.

In this issue, you will meet InstructionalLiaison Specialist Raine Hackler, who offers alaptop to every college-bound ThomasvilleHeights Elementary student. You will learnabout Crim Open Campus custodian RonnieJones, who helped transform the school intoan environment where high performance isexpected every day. Counselor Sonya Wrightof Jean Childs Young Middle School offers

tips to parents, and APS media specialistsshare their favorite books to keep studentsfocused on reading.

We have encouraging words from JasmineGraham, an APS alumna who tells the Class of2009 to embrace challenges and opportunitiesthat lie ahead. We also proudly introduce ouroutstanding valedictorians, who will attendcollege and take their rightful places insociety. Their accomplishments remind us ofwhat happens when you combine hard work,discipline and drive. More than ever, we needtheir leadership to improve our world.

Let me also say �well done� to all of ourprincipals, teachers, administrators and staffwho helped our students reach and exceedtheir goals this year.

We hope that you will enjoy The AtlantaEducator and share this publication withfriends and colleagues. I�m counting on you tohelp spread the good news about AtlantaPublic Schools.

We are setting the groundwork for the futuremayors, judges, doctors, teachers, lawyers andbusiness moguls who will walk through ourdoors next year. Teachers have enrolled insummer enrichment programs, administratorsare transforming our high schools and middleschool initiatives are taking shape.

Dr. Beverly L. Hall is superintendent ofAtlanta Public Schools.

Reflecting on an outstanding year at APS

Dr. Beverly L. Hall

To the Atlanta PublicSchools Class of 2009:

Congratulations onreaching this momentousmilestone. Standing in yourshoes only three years ago, Iremember the nostalgicfeelings I had about my highschool years, the anxiety ofstarting a new life, theexcitement of walking onstage at the Civic Center andthe pride on my mother�sface as I gave her mydiploma. Soon you, too, willhave this wild rush ofemotions.

Enjoy this moment. But don�t be satisfiedwith where you are today. Strive to reach higherheights, explore the world and stretch beyondyour comfort zone.

I remember teachers, principals, familymembers and friends challenging me to dreamthe impossible. Dreaming is the first step to

reaching your goals, but youalso must put forth effort. Inever dreamt that I would goto Bowdoin College in Maine,where I had to face snow-filledwinters. I never dreamt ofspending a year studying inBeijing, where I had to explainwhy my hair is �different.�

It has been a wild adventure,one that has opened my eyes toa new world and stretched mebeyond my own limits. Whenpeople told me there was aworld of opportunity, I nevertook it literally; I do now.

As you head out into the real world, takeadvantage of every opportunity within yourreach, even when the odds are against you.Don�t let your environment, GPA, economicsituation, or any other circumstance hinder youfrom attaining your goals.

Remember the Atlanta Public Schoolsteachers who stayed after school to help you

succeed. Remember counselors who guided youthrough the college application process. Bemindful of friends who encouraged you to bebetter, and the haters who said you wouldn�tmake it. Remember the people who always hadfaith in you. Those memories will propel you tohelp others as you have been helped.

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes byBenjamin E. Mays: �It is not your environment,it is you � the quality of your mind, theintegrity of your soul and the determination ofyour will � that will decide your future andshape your life.�

Best wishes,Jasmine GrahamSouth Atlanta High School Class of 2006

Jasmine Graham is a junior majoring inSociology and Asian Studies at BowdoinCollege. She has a four-year scholarshipthrough the 21st Century Atlanta Scholarsprogram.

REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: Atlanta Publ ic Schools is on a consistent nine-year t rend of progress.

A challenge for the Class of 2009:Stretch beyond your comfort zone

Enjoy this moment.But don�t be satisfied

with where you are today. Strive to

reach higher heights,explore the world andstretch beyond your

comfort zone.

Jasmine GrahmanAPS, Class of 2006

�

2009GRADUATION

SCHEDULE

Fri., May 22

Crim 4:30 p.m.

North Atlanta 8:30 p.m.

Sat., May 23

Washington10 a.m.

North Atlanta 1:30 p.m.

Tues., May 26

South Atlanta4:30 p.m.

Douglass8:30 p.m.

Wed., May 27

Grady4:30 p.m.

Mays8:30 p.m

Thurs., May 28

Jackson4:30 p.m.

Carver8:30 p.m(2-hour ceremony)

All ceremonies to be held at the Atlanta Civic Center.

How long have you worked inAtlanta Public Schools?

31 years, including six in my currentposition. I am also a product of APS(the former Luther Johnson Price High

School).

The Office of Student Programscomprises 11 divisions, ranging fromguidance counseling to truancy

intervention. How did the department evolveto address all these areas?

We provide support systems forstudents and families. To that end, weoffer psychological services,

counseling, social work services, services forhomeless, student placement, truancyintervention center, program for exceptionalchildren, health services and student supportteam. We support the instructional and

behavioral needs of allstudents.

How has themission of yourdepartment

changed over the years?

We now work toprovide morecoordinated

services, both internally and externally. We doserve a population that has high povertyindicators, and with that comes certain riskfactors. We work in partnership with communityagencies and other institutions, such as the Cityof Atlanta, Weed and Seed, hospitals, ZAPAsthma. While the school system can do a lot,we can�t do it all, so we try to broker servicesfrom other agencies that can provide the wrap-around services some of our students desperatelyneed.

Can you share a few of thedepartment�s points of pride?

The fact that we are still able toprovide the level of services we do is apoint of pride. In times of budget cuts,

people often look to cut support services first.The fact that we have psychologists and socialworkers and counselors speaks to the value-added services we provide. We are proud to beworking with the Devereux Foundation and theMarcus Foundation to implement the PositiveBehavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)model in 15 of our schools. We have four peopleon special assignment to PBIS at this time.

How have students� needs changedover the past 10 years?

Our students are very reflective of oursociety. Families are under greatereconomic stress. We have to work to

be sensitive to the needs of our kids. Ourstudents are remarkably resilient. We need tobuild a structure so that we bring out the best inkids.

How will the department preparefor August 10, the first day of the2009-10 school year?

Our social workers will have back-to-school initiatives leading up to theopening. We want to make sure all

students are properly immunized and theappropriate records are in place. We will conductchild-abuse-awareness presentations for staff.Our psychological services department willwork with staff on positive-reinforcementstrategies.

For more information about the Office ofStudent Programs and Services, visitwww.atlantapublicschools.us/programs-services.

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Dr. Arletta T. Brinson

Each quarter, The Atlanta Educator will introduce you to Atlanta Public Schools faculty, staff and administrators.

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APS BOARD MEMBER PROFILEThe Atlanta Educator SSuummmmeerr 22000099 � 3

Brenda J. Muhammad serves as School BoardRepresentative for District 1. This is the third in a series ofboard member profiles in The Atlanta Educator.

PositionBrenda Muhammad served on the Atlanta Board of

Education from 1997-2002, and returned to her seat in 2004.She has held the position of vice chair and was the first femaleAfrican-American to be elected chair.

BackgroundA devoted mother and grandmother, Muhammad�s work in

the district took root during her years of service on variousParent Teacher Organizations. Following the tragic death of herson, who was killed at age 16, Muhammad founded Mothersof Murdered Sons and Daughters (MOMS), and currentlyserves as its president. MOMS, now a nationwide organization,is dedicated to stopping the plague of violence in communitiesand to providing programs that advocate for the rights ofvictims and family survivors. Muhammad�s efforts andtenacity in the area of violence prevention has elevated her intothe national spotlight through her diligence and struggle to turnsurvivors of adversity into activists for change. She hasreceived local and national service awards for her work toreduce violence in the community from more than 25 differentorganizations.

�I came to see that many of the perpetrators of these violentcrimes were young people who had dropped out of school,�she said. �One of my goals has been to find ways to combat

that and make education moreattractive.�

Muhammad also isexecutive director of AtlantaVictim Assistance, Inc. (AVA),an organization that advocateswith compassion, dignity andrespect for the fundamentalrights of victims and witnessesof crime. AVA providescomprehensive services whichremove barriers, strengthenvictims and their families and foster a healthy transition fromvictim to survivor. Previously, she served for 12 years aspresident of a public relations and communications firm,Unique Affairs/Communications Inc. She also has dedicatedcountless hours to local and national political campaigns ascandidate, campaign manager and political consultant.

ExperienceMuhammad�s community involvement includes past and

present service on the following boards and organizations: theBoard of Directors of Atlanta Educational TelecommunicationsCollaborative, Inc.; Georgia Association of Black ElectedOfficials Corporate Roundtable; NFL-YET Boys and GirlsClub; National Kidney Foundation; National Coalition forSurvivors of Homicide; Carrie Steel Pitts Home; NAACP;Southside PTA; Georgians United Against Violence; SouthAtlanta Neighborhood Development; Rollins School of Public

Health Organ Donor Commission; National Black Women�sPolitical Caucus; National Coalition of 100 Black Women;Weed and Seed Advisory Board; American Red CrossMinority Recruitment Advisory Board; South AtlantaNeighborhood Development; Leadership Atlanta Class of1996; Buckhead Leadership Academy Class of 1998; and 2002Coca-Cola Diversity Leadership Academy.

Points of PrideMuhammad feels strongly about the progress APS has made

in recent years.�I always wanted this district to have quality schools �

structurally as well as academically � and today we have that,�she said, citing Parkside Elementary School, which was nameda Title I School of Distinction for the third year in a row andmet 100 percent of its AYP targets for the 2007-08 school year.

Muhammad also is an advocate for district�s pre-K programand outreach to children age 4 and under. �I�m a strongbeliever that the learning process begins at day No. 1 and weneed to prepare our children before they get to school,� shesaid. �I think that�s something we can accomplish under theleadership of Dr. Hall. She�s been such an innovativesuperintendent, always ahead of the curve.�

Brenda Muhammad's email address [email protected]. The Atlanta Board ofEducation meets June 8 at the Center for Learning andLeadership Auditorium, 130 Trinity Ave. S.W. Atlanta, 30303.For more information about the board, visitatlantapublicschools.us/board

Brenda J. MuhammadBoard Rep. for District 1 was first African-American woman to be elected chair

DR. ARLETTA T. BRINSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STUDENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: APS class of 2008 was offered more than $64 million in scholarships to colleges and universities across the country and abroad!

Khali Jones, valedictorian of her class atCarver School of Health Sciences &Research, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA.

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

Gates Millennium Scholar Khali Jones is the epitome of achievement in Atlanta Public Schools. As valedictorian of her class at Carver School of Health Sciences & Research, Jones will graduate with a 4.0

GPA and major in animal sciences at Tuskegee University. She plans to earn her doctorate in veterinary medicineand ultimately own her own private practice, join the Army Veterinary Corps, or become CEO of a nonprofit

organization geared to promoting low-cost animal healthcare.�Without a doubt, Carver has prepared me for post-secondary success,� said Jones. �Ithink APS did a tremendous job with the Carver small schools initiative. With the

health sciences specialization, I know that I will be able to compete when I enterthe health field. The teachers, administrative team, and especially my principal,

Dr. (Darian) Jones, have been so supportive of the aspirations of everystudent.�

Khali Jones also was a member of the largest class of metro Atlantastudents to be inducted into the W.E.B. Du Bois Society�s signature 20-weekscholars program. Scholars become part of a unique community of high-achieving African-American athletes, actors, singers, dancers, musicians,writers and scientists from metro Atlanta.

In addition to those honors, Jones also has earned the Charles E. ShepardScholarship, a one-time $10,000 award sponsored by the Atlanta FirstUnited Methodist Church.

At Carver, Jones has served as president of the National Honor Society,vice president of Health Occupations Student Association and JROTCbattalion adjutant. She was also a member of the varsity tennis team,

National Beta Club, Lambda Alpha Beta Honor Society, Parent TeacherStudent Association, Young Life Ministries, Project GRAD Atlanta,

College Bound, Student Government Association and FinestFootwork step team.

Through dual enrollment at Atlanta TechnicalCollege, Jones also completed a certified nursingassistant program, and served as a research internat Emory Univeristy, working to benefit ongoingcancer and stem-cell research. She alsovolunteers with many community organizations,and she has launched her own business venture,Khali�s Kennel, an in-house pet sitting service.For her initiative, she was named a finalist inGuardian Life Insurance Company ofAmerica�s 2007 Girls Going Places teenentrepreneur award program and honored atthe National Association of WomenBusiness Owners conference in Atlanta.

Jones credits her experiences in APS,including her early years at ClevelandAvenue Elementary and Walden

Middle School, as the seeds to hergrowing success. As a part of the

Challenge Program, she traveledto Alaska and then, in middle

school, to Hawaii. In May, shewas one of 50 Carver

students to travel to Egypt.�From day one, I made

the decision that I woulddo my best to be the

best,� she said.

APS

STUDENT

PROFILE

4 � The Atlanta Educator SSuummmmeerr 22000099

No keeping up with JonesGates Millennium Scholar from Carver has big plans for her future

Some of the scholarship programs that benefit APS students:

Coca-Cola ScholarsThe Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports more than

1,400 college students each year, with annual scholarships of$3.4 million. Of the 252 outstanding high school seniors namedas Coca-Cola Scholars this year, two are from Atlanta PublicSchools: Marlena R. Dobbs of Mays High School and Derrick D.Standifer of Carver Early College.

W.E.B. Du Bois ScholarsNamed for the noted educator, philosopher and Civil Rights

activist, the W.E.B. Du Bois Society rewards, reinforces, andencourages a sustained, exceptional scholastic work ethic. Itssignature program � the WEB � is a 20-week program forAfrican-American high school students who attend metroAtlanta schools. Students engage with accomplished African-American executives, entertainers and public figures.This year,19 students from APS became W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars: BrianneGilbert and Khali Jones of Carver School of Health Science;Tristin Travis of Carver School of the Arts; Maya Jackson andLatrice Stringer of Therrell; Jessica Doanes, Nichole Wiggins andKenya Wilkerson of Douglass; Briana Fullwood,AlexandriaMelton and Maia Miller of Grady; Charles Benton, Malik Epps,Ross James,Alexis Lawrence, Cece Lee, Camille Sims,AlexandriaThomas and Stephen Weatherly of North Atlanta High.

Gates ScholarsThe Gates Millennium Scholars Program, established in 1999,

was initially funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill & MelindaGates Foundation.The scholarships provide support for thecost of education; renewable awards for scholars maintainingsatisfactory academic progress; graduate school funding in theareas of computer science, education, engineering, libraryscience, mathematics, public health or science; and leadershipskills.

APS recipients of the 2008-09 Gates scholarship are: JasmineJohnson of Booker T.Washington; Khali Jones and Alex Mullinsof Carver�s School of Health Sciences & Research; RodneyshaBrown,Audrianna Bryant,Tilifayea Griffin, Derick Jones,AntonikaSouder and Janelle Vallair of Douglass; Robin Ayers of MaynardJackson; Sarneshea Evans of Mays; Malika Begum, BakhtawarMazhar, Evangeline McDonald and Elyas Munye of NorthAtlanta;Webster Foreman of South Atlanta;Ashley Garvin ofTherrell; Breonna Davis,Ambernique Howard and JeanieJohnson of Washington.

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships are awarded each year to

outstanding students from Atlanta Public Schools whosequalities of mind and spirit promise outstanding contributions tosociety. Scholarships cover tuition, fees and room and board atEmory University.

The 2008-09 MLK Scholars include:Aimee Turner ofDouglass; John Holland and Ariel Manning of Grady; Robin Ayersand Keitra Thompson of Maynard Jackson;Alvin Borun, MarlenaDobbs and Brian Oliver of Mays; Maria Dieci and EvangelineMcDonald of North Atlanta; and Kedra Woodard of TherrellSchool of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Posse ScholarsThe Posse Foundation identifies public high school students

with extraordinary academic and leadership potential, but whomay be overlooked by the traditional college selection process.Partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year,full-tuition leadership scholarships. Once chosen, each scholar isassigned a mentor to guide him or her through the first year incollege, and a group of nine other scholars � who serve astheir �posse� � provide support along the way.The 2008-09Posse Scholars from APS, and the schools they will attend,include:

Bard College � Miriam Huppert, Léna James and HannahMitchell of Grady High; and Brandon LaBord of Therrell School ofBusiness and Entrepreneurship.

Boston University � Matthew Campbell, Danielle Galloway andDaniel Lievens of North Atlanta; Aretha Pinkney of Therrell Schoolof Business and Entrepreneurship; Demarius Walker of Grady HS.

The College of Wooster � Erica Bryant, Carver School of theArts; Laura Haldane,Tech High; Kenneth Perry Jr. , B.T. WashingtonHS; Malcolm Perry, Grady; Julian Rainwater, North Atlanta.

Visit the APS Web site, www.atlantapublicschools.us, for additionalscholarship information.

Scholarships

The Atlanta Educator SSuummmmeerr 22000099 � 5

Thomasville HeightsElementary school

teacher RaineHackler helps

his studentssucceed.

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

Students of Atlanta Public Schools may view RaineHackler as the source of an infinite supply of laptops. He�dprefer they see it as an infinite source of love.

Hackler, an instructional liaison specialist at ThomasvilleHeights Elementary School, first began promising laptops

to students in 2000 whilehe was teaching fifth gradeat Centennial PlaceElementary School. Thehook? Students had tokeep up their end of thebargain by staying in touchand graduating from highschool.

�The love doesn�t stopafter one year, after theymove on, and I started tothink about ways tomotivate them to stayconnected,� said Hackler.�It�s about longevity, aboutestablishing long-

term relationships. I want them to know thatI�m still rooting for them to go the distance.�

To date, Hackler has given out six laptopsand has promised another 300 to hisformer Thomasville Heights students �the oldest of whom are now sophomoresin high school.

�Every single child I run into I say, �get into college; I�mgetting you this laptop, right?�� said Hackler.

It�s a pricey endeavor, but one that Hackler believes inwhole-heartedly.

�We cannot afford to have our kids dropping out,� saidHackler. �If there�s merit to No Child Left Behind, we can�tlet anyone slip through the cracks.�

Hackler was recently selected as a recipient of the TinfoilStar Award, which honors educators who use technology toenhance learning. He was selected by CDW Inc., a leadingprovider of technology products and services for business,government and education, and received a $1,000 donationtoward his mission.

His goal is to set up a non-profitfoundation, Laptops for Life, to

ensure that he is able to liveup to his promises for

years to come. A Canadian native,

Hackler has traveledaround the world,teaching in countries such

as Thailand andZimbabwe.

He first

came to Atlanta for his sister�s wedding and fell in lovewith the city and with the school system.

�When I walked into this building (at ThomasvilleHeights), my heart just went out to the community and Ithought to myself, �I want to be here,�� he said. �I want mystudents to know I�m not going anywhere.�

Before joining the Thomasville Heights staff in 2004, hetaught fifth grade at Centennial Place and served as anadministrator at the APS-CEP Partnership School (nowForrest Hills Academy), which offers academic andbehavior improvement programs for students in grades 6-12.

�At CEP, I saw a lot of great kids in bad situations,� saidHackler. �I�ve always believed anything�s possible. Themore opportunity our kids have, the more empoweredthey�ll be.�

In 2007, Hackler was named APS Teacher of the Year forhis work in running the multi-media lab and preparingstudents for the world of technology and communication. Inhis current role as instructional liaison specialist, he isresponsible for training and evaluating teachers andimplementing new state educational standards at the school.Yet, he still finds time to devote to his students, even if thatmeans staying at school well into the late afternoon andevening. Hackler, a cancer survivor, has also unofficiallyadopted two former students and is a constant source ofinspiration to them to achieve their goals of going to

college.�Every day is a blessing, and every moment is ateachable one,� said Hackler.

Lavishing laptops and loveThomasville Heights teacher promises computers to college-bound students

Every day is a blessing, and every

moment is a teachable one. In

our society, if our kidscan�t succeed, we

can�t succeed. It�s up to us to help them

get there.

Raine Hackler

�

REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: In August 2008, APS launched one of the nation�s largest mathematics and science professional development and curriculum programs.

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

At the center of the basketball court,surrounded by nearly a dozen players � allunder 4-feet-tall � Karl Gilchrist is in hiselement.

Gilchrist, a kindergarten teacher atCleveland Avenue Elementary School,organized a team of kindergarten and first-grade students last year to participate in theRosel Fann Recreation Center youthbasketball league. This year, the team finishedwith a record of 9-3, losing in thechampionship game against Grove Park.

�The challenge is keeping the kids focused,but it�s rewarding watching their level of

development,� said Gilchrist.�Their basketball abilitiesand skills have improved andthey�ve really enjoyed it andlearned about workingtogether as a team. It�s anathletic means to motivatethem toward academicsuccess.�

Born in South Carolinaand raised in Florida,Gilchrist began teaching atCleveland Avenue in 2005,following two years in the private sector.

�It was a dream of mine to live in Atlantaand teach in the Atlanta Public Schools,� he

said. �To be able to work withinner-city students was mypassion.�

Gilchrist began teaching atthe fifth-grade level beforeaccepting the challenge ofkindergarten.

�I love their eagerness tolearn,� said Gilchrist, referringto his pint-size students. �Theone thing I try to reinforce isthat they�re intelligent andthere�s nothing they can�t

accomplish. They�re so impressionable at thatage, so planting the seed for success early onis important. I tell every one of them, �go,

graduate from high school; graduate fromcollege; set your goals high.��

Becoming immersed in the ClevelandAvenue Elementary family was an easytransition for Gilchrist, in more ways thanone. Gilchrist met his wife, Angela, mediaspecialist at the school, when the two werefirst assigned to Cleveland Avenue, andattended training together. They have beenmarried for two years.

�It�s wonderful to be in the same buildingtogether and to be able to have that workconnection at home,� he said. �She�s alwaysthere for me with a listening ear.�

Gilchrist was named 2008-09 ClevelandAvenue Elementary Teacher of the Year.

The one thing I try to reinforce is thatthey�re smart and

intelligent and there�snothing they can�t

accomplish.

Karl GilchristCleveland Avenue teacher

�

APS

TEACHER

PROFILE

Cleveland Avenue students learn about basketball and lifeTeaching teamwork

Karl Gilchrist reads a story to his kindergarten students at Cleveland Avenue Elementary School.



BY RICH FAHEY

The first person Dr. Angelisa Cummings met at the Crim Open Campus was longtime custodian Ronnie Jones.Jones, who has been at Crim for 27 years, was one of the few holdovers when the Alonzo A. Crim Comprehensive High

School closed its doors in 2005 to make way for the Alonzo A. Crim Open Campus.�After the introductions, I asked Ronnie where the principal�s office was,� Cummings recalled. �Then I said, �the first

thing I need from, you, sir, is a pair of gloves and a gray trash barrel.��Jones and Cummings worked together that first morning cleaning up the school. That first day

knocked Jones off his feet, literally. The next day he came into the schoolwalking slowly.

�I told Dr. Cummings, �I like to work but you have to lighten upon me, I couldn�t get up this morning,�� he said.

Cummings, laughing heartily, also recalls how Jones describedher to family and friends.

�There�s no person like her. She�s a nice person but she�llwork you. If you�re not going to work, you can�t stay.�

But together, Cummings and Jones got the job done in theschool, even working weekends when they had to.

Jones said Cummings is the fourth principal he has worked for, but the first onewho has worked right alongside him. Renovations and clean-up were completed intime, allowing Crim to open its doors for the beginning of the 2005-06 school year.Crim serves students aged 16 and older living in Atlanta who have not foundsuccess in a traditional high school setting but still want to earn a high schooldiploma.�The inside and out are breathtaking,� said Cummings. �People are taken aback

at looking at how we were and are able to create a masterpiece out of a building thatis considered a historical site.�

Jones said the compliments about the school are great, but it�s all in a day�swork. �I love doing a good job for the kids, the parents, and the babies in

the school nursery,� he said. One of the first things he does every day is to check out the nursery �

the only one of its kind in the APS � that allows teen mothers andfathers to study without worrying about their children, and alsoprovides quiet time for the teen parents to read to their children orrelax with them.

As a parent, Jones can appreciate having a nursery on theschool campus. He and his wife, Debbie Louise Ellingpon, whohave been married 26 years, have five children and fourgrandchildren.�Mr. Jones makes sure everything is clean and ready for us when

we come in,� said Margaret Manns-Jones, who oversees the nursery.Jones said the condition of the school plays a role in students� success. �I

think when they walk in here, it makes them happy,� he said. �I think theycan learn better in a clean building.�

That�s important, because the stakes are high. Study is intense andconcentrated; students take courses offered in the regular high school core

curriculum depending upon the individual classes they need in order tocomplete graduation requirements, and they receive advice on course

selection, standardized test preparation, post-secondary options andscholarships.

Students must meet all graduation requirements including all stateassessments. After completing their requirements, Crim studentsattend graduation and commencement.

Both Jones and Manns-Jones stress that Crim�s transformationgoes beyond a clean building. �Dr. Cummings has made a bigdifference,� said Manns-Jones. �We have students winningscholarships and going off to college. We are offering a lot of

students a second chance in life, to do what you didn�t dobefore.�

Crim custodian Ronnie Jonesplays with daycare student

Tristan Henderson. Crim isthe only APS school that

offers daycare services toteenage mothers and

fathers while they attend classes.

Longtime custodian and principal are on the same page

KEEPING CRIM CLEAN

Ronnie Jones

REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: The Nation's Report Card shows that since 2003, APS math, reading and writing scores have improved faster than other urban school districts.

They’re No. 1

2009 APS

VALEDICTORIANS


Meet the APS valedictorians from the Class of 2009

Jazline Brown, a CarsonScholar, Project GRAD BrumleyScholar and Wellesley BookAward recipient, serves as a teenmentor and member of studentgovernment, yearbook and videoproduction staff, among otheractivities. She plans to attend theUniversity of Tennessee to majorin mass communications and journalism, with the goal ofbecoming a successful reporter and producer.

Jazline Mekel BrownThe New Schools at CarverSchool of Technology Rodneysha Brown has been

honored for her academicachievements as a member of theNational Honor Society, NationalBeta Club, National Honor Roll,Hispanic Honor Society and MuAlpha Theta. She presentlyreigns as Miss FrederickDouglass High School, is thesenior class secretary and servesas co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad. She will attendHoward University as a Legacy Scholar, majoring in biologyand pre-med, and hopes to become an obstetrician/gynecologistin the Atlanta area.

Rodneysha L. BrownFrederick Douglass High School

A student in theCommunications magnet, SarahBufkin is one of two managingeditors of the award-winningstudent newspaper, TheSoutherner, attorney on theGeorgia championship mock trialteam, captain of the varsitysoccer team and senior designerwith Grady�s UrbanCouturefashion program. She hopes to become a published writer, livein Spain for several years, continually challenge herselfmentally and make a difference in the world.

Sarah BufkinHenry W. Grady High School

During her time at NorthAtlanta, Maria Dieci playedsoccer and softball, ran crosscountry, served as yearbookeditor and was active in the bandand orchestra programs, as wellas the National Honor Society.Through the InternationalBaccalaureate Program, she hadthe unique opportunity to studyin St. Brieuc, France for three months during her junior year.She hopes to pursue studies in anthropology.

Maria DieciNorth Atlanta High School

A well-rounded student,Nandi Wahid is a member ofthe Beta Club, National HonorSociety, Rocket Club,Improvisation Club and YouthForce Leadership Program. Shealso serves as co-president ofSkills USA and was chosen byher peers to serve as executive financial officer for thesenior counsel.

Nandi A.WahidSouth Atlanta High School ofLeadership and EconomicEmpowermentKeitra Thompson is involved

in many activities, including theStudent GovernmentAssociation, Future BusinessLeaders of America, NationalBeta Club and the NationalHonor Society. This year, shereceived a Youth forUnderstanding scholarship tostudy Spanish in Quito, Ecuador.She plans to attend Emory University to study politicalscience while completing pre-med requirements. Herultimate goal is to travel the world and become anepidemiologist, treating disease and illness in the world.

Keitra L.ThompsonMaynard Holbrook Jackson Jr.High School

Khali Jones serves aspresident of National HonorSociety, vice president of HealthOccupations StudentAssociation and battalionadjutant for the JROTC. Shealso is a member of Carver'svarsity tennis team, step teamand the SANKOFA project. She plans to pursue a bachelor'sdegree in animal sciences, as well as a doctorate inveterinary medicine.

Khali N. JonesThe New Schools at CarverSchool of Health Sciences &Research Subira Nisbeth has been

involved in the National BetaClub, National Honor Society, MuAlpha Theta, Future EducatorsAssociation, Students forTeaching Careers and AcademicReadiness Academy, ProjectGRAD, Academic Decathlon,Junior Achievement and varsityvolleyball, among others. Shetraveled to Ghana, West Africa, where she donated school andmedical supplies to a local village and tutored students. Sheplans to attend Kennesaw State University and pursue herinterest in teaching.

Subira NisbethBooker T.Washington High School

Tyson Shepherd currentlyparticipates in the dual enrollmentprogram at Atlanta MetropolitanCollege, where he is studyingpsychology. He aspires to be ajournalist. Shepherd has served onthe state's student advisory counciland is a member of the Art Club,Future Business Leaders ofAmerica, Georgia Career StudentAssociation, National Honor Society and Key Club. He also is amember of the 21st Century Atlanta Scholars program, aMaynard Jackson Leadership Academy graduate and a volunteerfor the American Red Cross.

Tyson ShepherdD.M.Therrell High School ofBusiness and Entrepreneurship

Jade Carter is a member of theNational Honor Society, studentgovernment, Urban Youth HarpEnsemble and the 21st CenturyAtlanta Scholars program. Sheparticipated in internships withTurner Broadcasting,Communities in Schools Atlantaand Matrix 3D, an architecturalfirm. She plans to pursue a degree in journalism and a career asa broadcast news analyst.

Jade CarterThe New Schools at CarverSchool of the Arts

Marlena Dobbs has excelledin the Math and ScienceAcademy, and participates in thelibrary, French, math, scienceand social studies clubs. Shealso is the concert master of theorchestra and an avid tennisplayer, and has volunteered withAlzheimer's patients and inner-city youth. She plans to pursue adegree in mathematics at Emory University.

Marlena Renee DobbsBenjamin E. Mays High School

As a member of the"Trailblazing 20," the first groupof Georgia students to enroll incollege courses as part of thenational early college initiative,Courtney Henderson enteredGeorgia State University as asophomore and has earned morethan 40 college credits. Herextracurricular activities have included the National HonorSociety, Beta Club, Ernest Wilkins Mathematics Society, MockTrial, World Quest Team, Planeteers and cheerleading.

Courtney HendersonThe New Schools at CarverEarly College High School

At Therrell, Makiya Cargillbecame a varsity track and crosscountry runner, while alsoparticipating in mock trial, band,National Beta Club and theStudent Government Association.Her dream is to attend law schooland become an entertainmentlawyer. She is also workingtoward the goal of becoming a gold medalist in the 2012Olympics.

Makiya CargillD.M.Therrell High School of Law,Government and Public Policy Meet the best APS has to offer – the valedictorians

from the Class of 2009. These 13 scholars werehonored, along with this year’s salutatorians and STAR students, at an awards ceremony March 31.The keynote speaker was Dr. Dennis P. Kimbro, author and professor at Clark Atlanta University’s School ofBusiness Administration.

2009 APS

VALEDICTORIANS


10 �The Atlanta Educator SSuummmmeerr 22000099 The Atlanta Educator SSuummmmeerr 22000099 � 11

Dignitaries challenge Atlanta Public Schools students to achieve goalsVisitors share tools for success

Earl Graves, founder and publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, presented1,000 copies of �Making My Mark,� the story of Fulton County SuperiorCourt Judge Marvin S.Arrington Sr., to students from six Atlanta PublicSchools in an appearance at Booker T.Washington High School. JudgeArrington is pictured at far right.

Earl Graves at Booker T. Washington HighEach of Bethune Elementary School�s 474 students received a book fromScholastic, Inc. to add to his or her home library, thanks to a partnership withCommunities in Schools of Atlanta (CIS). Georgia House Rep. Kathy Ashe (D-Atlanta) was on hand to help students select the books they wanted.

Georgia House Rep. Kathy Ashe at BethuneDr.Alveda King, niece of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., delivereda message of peace to Sutton Middle School students as part of the manyKing Day events that took place in Atlanta Public Schools.�Be nonviolent,peaceful, have courage, and don�t be afraid,� said King, an author, activist andformer member of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Dr. Alveda King at Sutton Middle SchoolStudents and families of Sutton Middle School and North Atlanta High got anin-depth lesson in intercultural exchange when they hosted 25 Colombian students, who spent six days entertaining and educating them on the geography and customs of their country.

Colombian students at Sutton and North Atlanta HS

Georgia Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox toured Atlanta Public Schools' single-gender schools, Coretta Scott King Young Women's LeadershipAcademy and Business, Engineering, Science and Technology (B.E.S.T.) Academy.Cox visited classrooms, addressed students and met with faculty and staff atboth schools, which opened in 2007.

Georgia Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox at B.E.S.T.Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, the first African-American woman to serve as Superior Court judge in Georgia, advised CoanMiddle School students to �do your work, study real hard� to be successful.Sears offered the advice during a conversation with students about education,leadership and the law. Sears has been mentioned as a possible replacementfor retiring U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter.

Judge Leah Ward Sears at Coan Middle SchoolRear Adm. Dr. Steven K. Gilson, acting U.S. surgeon general, visited the CarverSchool of Health Sciences & Research to give the inaugural Class of 2009 aCommunity Champion Award and tour the school�s health fair.�I�m here totalk about the epidemic of childhood obesity in this country,� said Gilson, whohad his blood pressure checked by Carver senior Gracie Solomon.

Surgeon General Dr. Steven Gilson at CarverCentennial Place third-graders enjoyed the rich tradition of quilt making inhonor of Black History Month. Artistic quilter Mildred Bethel visited theschool and worked with students as part of the school�s efforts to promotechild development through innovative art and music programs.

Mildred Bethel at Centennial Place

REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: District partners with Nanjing University, Emory University and Chinese government to open Confucius Institute at Coan Middle.

APS hasno room

for bulliesBY RICH FAHEY

As a child of the Great Depression, S.Truett Cathy knew what it meant to growup in poverty. Perhaps that�s why he hasspent so much time and effort working toimprove the lives of others.

Cathy graduated from Atlanta PublicSchools� Tech High before entering theArmy. After his return home, he enteredthe restaurant business, eventually givingbirth to a chicken sandwich that launchedthe Chick-fil-A restaurant chain, whichearned $2.64 billion in sales from 1,380locations in 2007. The annual Chick-fil-ABowl showcases top college footballteams from the Atlanta Coast Conferenceand Southeastern Conference, and raisesmoney for scholarships and othercharities.

Cathy�s rise to prominence in the fast-food industry, and his continuedcommitment to education, were thesubject of a �Profiles in Excellence�segment of �APS Today,� the monthly TVprogram produced by Atlanta PublicSchools and presented on PBA TV 30, theTV station owned by the Atlanta Board ofEducation.

Cathy told host Nwandi Lawson aboutinserting cardboard into his battered shoesas a youngster and feeling his poverty inother ways.

�You had to carry lunch to school, and Ialways wished someday I could have abasket with my lunch in it and have bulkbread. I didn�t have anything but biscuitsleft over from the table,� he said. �As akid I wished I could have bulk bread likesome of the other people had.�

�My mother kept a boarding house andif we could find another place that wasmore desirable with a cheaper rent, we�dmove and so we bounced around all overthe West End,� said Cathy, who attendedfour different high schools, eventuallygraduating from Tech.

He also confessed to not liking schoolall that much, and recalled flunkingshorthand at Commercial High, a ratherunpromising start for a future businesstitan.

After returning home from the Army,he and his brother opened the DwarfGrille � later known as the Dwarf House �in 1946 in Hapeville, Ga.

While the burgers and steaks were a hit,he was stymied in trying to cook chickenquickly and efficiently with the bone in.He decided to concentrate on a chickensandwich using a boneless breast of

chicken on a toasted bun. The Original Chicken Sandwich was

born in 1964, which led to the first Chick-fil-A mall restaurant in 1967 in Atlanta�sGreenbriar Mall. Since then, the Chick-fil-A story has consistently improved, with40 consecutive years of annual salesincreases. Some highlights:! in 1973, Cathy began awarding

$1,000 scholarships to restaurant workersto further their education; ! in 1984, he established his

WinShape Foundation, which hasblossomed to include many philanthropicventures; ! in 1986, he opened the first free-

standing Chick-fil-A restaurant;! in 2000, the firm eclipsed $1 billion

in sales;! in 2001, the 1,000th restaurant was

opened;! in 2005, the Chick fil-A Bowl was

established (See Eight Get Smart, Page20); and,! in 2006, the company surpassed $2

billion in sales and Cathy marked 60 yearsin business.

The honors have poured in for this APSalum through the years. Voices forGeorgia�s Children recently honoredCathy for his interest in children and theWinShape Foundation�s WinShapeHomes® program � a long-term careprogram for foster children. He fundsbetween 20-30 full scholarships to BerryCollege in Rome, Ga., each year, andsome 1,800 children attend his WinShapecamps each year.

In addition, through its LeadershipScholarship Program, the Chick-fil-Achain has given more than $23.3 millionin scholarships to Chick-fil-A restaurantemployees since 1973.

In one of the three books he has written� �Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People�� Cathy explains his philosophy onphilanthropy. �Nearly every moment ofevery day we have the opportunity to givesomething to someone else � our time, ourlove, our resources. I have always foundmore joy in giving when I did not expectanything in return.�

Catch the June 8 graduation special on�APS Today.�

APS

ALUMNUS

PROFILE


True(tt) to his schools Chick-fil-A founder gives back to APS

Chick-fil-A founder S.Truett Cathy is an APS alum.

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

Every day, students face a full gamut of socialchallenges � peer pressure, family strain, cliques,aggressive behavior and bullying.

School counselors such as Sonya Wright are thereto help students navigate those sensitive, and oftendaunting, circumstances.

�It�s important for schools to create a safeenvironment for ourstudents,� said Wright,president-elect of the GeorgiaSchool CounselorsAssociation and a counselorat Jean Childs Young MiddleSchool.

�They need to know thereare resources and adults herewho will help them,�she said.

With bullying on the rise inschools across America,creating a safe haven forstudents is more important thanever. National studies reveal that 15-25 percent ofstudents report they are bullied with some frequency.

�We want to empower students withcommunications skills and give them the courage toleave the situation, walk away and go to an adult whowill intervene,� said Wright.

APS has a policy that strictly prohibits bullying andother forms of intimidation. Any student found guiltyof bullying will be disciplined. Georgia law alsomandates that a student who has committed theoffense of bullying for the third time in a school yearshall be referred to the APS Disciplinary Tribunal.

�We want to make sure students understand it�s notOK for bullying to take place here,� said Wright.

To strengthen student outreach, APS schoolcounselors run an advisement program, which isrequired for all middle-school students. The goal ofthe program is to help students become successful inthree distinct areas of development: academic,personal/social and career.

�The program connects students with a caring adultwho will guide them in those three areas,� saidWright.

Parental involvement is another critical componentin guiding students to academic and social success.Next year, the APS will participate in a nationalcampaign, �Be There,� encouraging parents tobecome more involved in their children�s lives.

�Parents are first and foremost teachers,� saidWright. �They have the greatest amount of influenceon their children.�

An Atlanta native, Wright is a graduate ofWashington High School. Now in her seventh year atYoung, she also spent three years as a high-schoolcounselor and scholarship coordinator at Mays High.

Sonya Wright


BY RICH FAHEY

They�re designing women� and men.

While they learn how tomake a garment that looksgood, students are alsolearning the basics of runninga business.

The UrbanCouture fashiondesign program at GradyHigh is six years old andencompasses about 100students over the four grades.It develops students�problem-solving skills aswell as their creativity.

Student designers get achance to express themselveswhile also getting a taste ofthe inner workings of the fashion business.It all culminated in the annual senior fashionshow � this year, titled UC6 � May 9 atthe Grady High School gymnasium.

The 10 senior designers presentedcollections that are both stylish and trendy:Sheer, Metallics, Gladiator, Eco-Fashion,Ethnicware, Fast Fashion, Fruit Salad (ormixed prints), and Muffin Tops.

The designers used their fellow studentsas models, while the Grady Art Department,G Stage, designed the set. Students not onlyserved as models, but also as lighting andsound technicians, graphic designers, andmusicians.

E. Vincent Martinez, director of the

UrbanCouture program, said the studentshave a great deal of control over what theydesign and present. While the studentdesigners are overwhelmingly female, theclasses also have attracted about 10 males.

�I have the overall say,� he said. �I guidethem and mentor them towards a cohesivecollection. The designs can be edgy, butappropriate. There�s a lot of polishing andtweaking.�

Martinez said he and the students work asa team, selecting models, music,choreography, and fabrics to be used. Heexposes them to the many aspects of being asuccessful designer.

�They not only have to worry about

design, but hair, makeup,and everything else,� hesaid.

While the seniorshowcase is the highlightof the year, students alsoconducted the secondannual Doggies on theCatwalk benefit fashionshow in January. Eachstudent designed twooutfits for dogs and twooutfits for their humanescorts. There werebulldogs in ball gowns andterriers in tuxes, as thestudents proved thatpooches can be just asfashionable as their human

pals. In addition to funky runway fashions,Grady students also designed the set andworked with the animals backstage.

As a result of the students� efforts,

Doggies on the Catwalk raised $2,258 forPALS Atlanta, which provides care for petsof terminally ill Atlantans.

Martinez said students who choose tomajor or minor in fashion design in collegewill be �several steps� ahead of the otherstudents.

Tasha White, mother of senior designerDané White, said her daughter has severalcollege options on the horizon, including theSavannah College of Art and Design. Shecredits Grady�s diverse course offerings forher daughter�s success.

�The variety is exceptional,� she said. The UrbanCouture program also has

many practical applications, not the least ofwhich is learning how to sew, a skill thatpays dividends over a lifetime. Two femalestudents made their own prom dresses,while others made sun dresses and othergarments.

Read more about Grady atwww.altantapublicschools.us/grady

Grady students express themselves through clothing design

High fashion

Senior designer Dane White models an outfit during a fashion showpreview.

Senior Daryl Wright works on pieces for the UrbanCouture show. Senior Taylor Fulton works on a pattern in preparation for the show.


REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: APS' extensive network of business, community and philanthropic support continues to propel the success of its students through partnerships.

BY RICH FAHEY

The end of the so-called �smog season� in Atlantameans a certain segment of students in the AtlantaPublic Schools can breathe a little easier.

Students who suffer from asthma are more at riskfor breathing difficulties or attacks from May 1-Sept.30, when the air contains higher levels of ozone, aprimary component of smog. For the last 15 years,Atlanta has averaged 40 Code Orange days in the city,when groups of people who are sensitive to highozone levels could be affected.

For Viva Snowden, who has been the school nurseat the Fickett Elementary School for 10 years, smogseason means making sure students know when theyat risk for an attack.

Jayketa Singleton, RN, MS, is the coordinator ofschool health services for the Atlanta Public Schools,and has been working to get the word out to studentsand parents about high ozone levels.

�Asthma is a chronic condition which means it canlast a lifetime,� she said. �Many children�s problemswith asthma get better as they get older. Althoughthere is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled.�

She offers the following tips to students, parents andstaff on controlling asthma on so-called Code Orangedays.! Avoid triggers. Students diagnosed with asthma

should avoid outdoor activities during Code Orangedays as the air quality index is unhealthy for sensitivegroups with respiratory disease. ! Take the medication. Students prescribed

medication to control asthma symptoms shouldmaintain a current prescription at all times.! Monitor asthma. Students must keep track of

their asthma symptoms and share the information withtheir doctor at least every six months during scheduledfollow-up appointments for preventive health care. Apeak flow meter can help students measure how wellair is flowing out of their lungs, which is a goodmarker of how well they are managing their asthma.! Work with doctors to create an asthma action

plan to help prevent asthma symptoms and takeproper steps if they occur. Be sure to take the actionplan to each doctor visit.! Stick to the asthma plan and be prepared for

emergencies. Reach the most important goal of all,which is controlling asthma instead of letting it controlyou.

Snowden said parents can help by taking theirchildren to the doctor when they are ill anddetermining exactly what is causing them problems.

�I have children coming to me saying they haveasthma when it�s actually bronchitis or sinusproblems,� Snowden said. �If I have the diagnosis ofasthma from a doctor, I can notify them when they�reat risk or make sure they get the proper treatmentwhen necessary.�

TIPS FOR CONTROLLING

ASTHMA

PUZZLE1. Write down the first number that is divisible by 6 and a multiple of 3.

2. Add 4 of the numbers shown to make 18.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3. The difference of 2 numbers is 32. The sum is 158. What are the 2 numbers?

4. The number 68 can be made by adding 4 consecutive numbers. What are they?

5. A + B + C = 15A x B x C = 60

A = ? B = ? C= ?

6. A giraffe is twice as tall as its baby. The baby�s height and the mother�s height total 4.5 meters. How tall is the baby? How tall is the mother?

7. Fill in the circles with numbers 1-9 without repetition, so that the sum of any any line is 18.

8. Aunt Lucy died leaving $1000 to her 5 nieces. The money is to be divided according to their ages with each niece receiving $20 more than the previous niece. How much does the oldest niece get?

9. A perfect number is a number with factors (not including itself) which add up to the number itself, e.g. 6 -the factors are 1, 2, 3, 6 1 + 2 + 3 = 6

10. Fill in the missing numbers:

3____7 + ____6 = 53_____(this one has more than one answer)

* Puzzle provided courtesy of Fun Maths. http://www.funmaths.com/worksheets/math_games_puzzles_07.htm

Gearing up for summer


BY RICH FAHEY

The Atlanta Education Fund and anationally-known non-profit groupthat supports teachers have joinedforces to help 18 APS teachers�dreams come true � and studentswill benefit as well.

This summer, those 18 teacherswho have received Fund for Teachersfellowships worth $77,114 willembark on adventures such as helpingto conserve and expand thepopulation of Giant Pandas in Chinaor assisting teachers and students inGhana in harvesting bio diesel fuelfrom household resources, whileoffering English instruction.

The Fund for Teachers is a non-profit group that helps teachers pursueself designed programs that promotesummer learning and exploration.Teachers submit proposals detailinghow their fellowship will make thembetter teachers and how theirimproved skills will be implementedin the classroom. Teachers areawarded grants based on merit.

To date, more than 4,000 teachersfrom across the United States havereceived more than $12 million ingrants to study and travel in 110countries on all seven continents. In2008, the Atlanta Education Fund

became the Fund for Teachers' newestcommunity partner. The AEF'smission is to galvanize community

support to accelerateand sustain studentachievement in AtlantaPublic Schools.

�I am excited aboutthis partnershipbetween the AtlantaEducation Fund andFund for Teachers,�said Hosanna Johnson,AEF President. �In allof the work we do tosupport the district, thequality of Atlanta'sschools is only as goodas the quality of theteachers. We are happyto be part of a programthat gives back to thosewho most deserve it.�

Last summer,Michell Carter ofSarah SmithElementary Schoolvolunteered with theEarthwatch Institute,

assessing theendangered hawksbillturtles on a remote

island off Australia's Great BarrierReef. In the evenings she collectedvast amounts of plastic products thatwashed up on the once pristineshoreline.

When she returned to Atlanta,Carter documented the amount oftrash each student produced, and ledthe effort to reduce the amount ofplastic waste by up to 60 percent insome classrooms.

Here are the 2009 Atlanta Fund forTeachers Fellows, their schools andwhat each will be doing this summer.

Sam Bean, Langston Longley Stanton D. H. ElementaryTravel to Japan to observe and learnvarious techniques for teaching criticalthinking math skills.

Terri DunsonRivers ElementaryVolunteer with the Chengdu ResearchBase of Giant Panda Breeding inChengdu, China, focusing on wildlifeconservation and scientific research.

Sabrina HarrisBolton AcademyLive with a family in PlayaTamarindo, Costa Rica, taking daily

Spanish classes through the StudyAbroad, Inc., program.

Charon Kirkland, WoodsonElementary, and Lorrae Walker, Scott ElementaryAttend a tropical ecology and conservation workshop on the islandDominica through the AtlantaBotanical Gardens to identify betterstrategies for teaching ecology in theclassroom.

Angela NelsonGarden Hills ElementaryObserve teaching strategies and cultural differences in Jordan andEgypt as related to ESL students.

Xylecia TaylorWilliams ElementaryAssist teachers and students in Ghanato harvest biodiesel fuel from house-hold resources while offering Englishinstruction.

Traci WestBolton AcademyStudy Hispanic culture through theEquinox Spanish School in Ecuador todevelop and enhance teaching andlearning skills.

Reosha Bush and Tiedra HutchingsCrim Open Campus High SchoolStudy the English perspective ofAmerican colonist James Oglethorpeby exploring early colonial England,and research information on the founding of Georgia.

Sydney ButlerCrim Open Campus High SchoolAttend an international special education conference in Spain toacquire knowledge about the practic ofspecial education in other countries.

Reginald Colbert, North Atlanta HighSchool, and Nat Colbert, SuttonMiddle SchoolParticipate in the Verbier FestivalAcademy in Verbier, Switzerland, toobserve and research strategies used inmaster classes and chamber musiccoaching.

Amy LeonardGrady High SchoolExplore life, death and entertainmentin ancient Rome through a tour ofarchaeological sites in southern Italy.

Neville McFarlaneJackson High SchoolAttend a photovoltaic design & installation workshop at Solar EnergyInternational in Colorado, to promoterenewable energy in schools.

Beverly EasterlingKennedy Middle SchoolStudy racial reconciliation and restorative justice in South Africa todevelop a more positive climate in theschool setting and community.

Breverly LittlesYoung Middle SchoolBenefit from an immersion program inSpain to enhance language skills,improve knowledge of the country andresearch African influences on Spanishculture.

A WORLD OF KNOWLEDGEFund helps teachers learn lessons about other cultures

Last summer, through the Atlanta Fund for Teachers, GideonsElementary teacher Darlene Dobbs explored the discoveries of ancientEgyptians in the areas of science, math and linguistics.

Gearing up for summer

Sarah Smith Elementary teacher Michell Carterassisted scientists in gathering data on thehawksbill turtles, an endangered species, in theGreat Barrier Reef last summer.

Last summer, Jackson High School teacher Mahdi Ibrihim (pictured in themiddle of the crowd during a math lab) observed the implementation of aschool math lab in Oromiyaa, Ethiopia, and studied its use in enhancingstudents' understanding of and interest in mathematics.

REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: APS continues to attract, develop and reward quality teaching.

Four years ago, Dr. Darian Jones made a promise tostudents who walked through the doors of Carver¹sSchool of Health Sciences & Research. Graduate in fouryears, he told the freshmen, and we will embark on atrip to Egypt.

On May 2, Principal Jones� promise became areality as 50 seniors joined parents and faculty memberson a 10-day journey to Africa.

Students from Carver¹s first graduating class, its�legacy class,� toured the Greek temple of Horus inEdfu, viewed ancient pyramids in Cairo, and traveledthe West Bank�s Valley of the Kings.

Each student needed about $2,500 for airfare, requiredvaccinations, a passport and attractions. Manycompanies and individuals made donations right up to

the trip deadline.�I consider it a privilege to be among the select group

of people going on the Egypt trip in 2009, simplybecause of the great history, culture and tradition,� saidHealth Sciences & Research student Jobias McLester.�This trip will advance and enhance my character as aman and help me to strive towards excellence in any andeverything that I attempt.�

Health Sciences & Research is one of four smallschools housed at The New Schools at Carver, alongwith Early College, Arts and Technology. The smallschools model was created through Atlanta PublicSchools¹ high school transformation initiative. Eachschool has its own principal and promotes closerinteraction between students and faculty.

Carver School of Health Sciences & Researchstudents embark on trip to Egypt

Carver School of Health Sciences Research students visitValley of the Kings at Luxor, Egypt.

PHOTO BY DR. DARIAN JONES

Video games and television showsconstantly lure kids away from healthieractivities. So how do you motivate studentsto get moving?

A little bit of fun can make a bigdifference.

Members of the Atlanta Falcons footballteam raised the fun factor when theyparticipated in fitness activities at fiveAtlanta Public Schools. �We want to doanything we can to give back to thecommunity and help serve a role model,�said wide receiver Laurent Robinsonbetween rounds of basketball and jump ropewith students at The B.E.S.T. Academy.

Robinson and seven teammates helpedstudents do push-ups, sit-ups and otherphysically challenging exercises. Falconsplayers also visited Gideons andWhitefoord elementary schools, as well asParks and King middle schools through apartnership program with the United Way.

�I was happy to meet some of theplayers,� said seventh grader SolomonMcBride, one of 70 B.E.S.T. Academystudents chosen to participate because ofgood behavior. �You get to see that they�rejust like us, even though they are on TVdoing extraordinary things.�

But physical education teacher Bakari

Moore has the extraordinary task of keepingstudents physically fit on a daily basis. Heoffered this advice to parents who want tohelp kids trade couch time for exercise:

Encourage healthy competition. �That�sthe driving force with boys,� Moore said.Promote activities that inspire goodsportsmanship, such as having kids competeto finish chores around the house.

Promote teamwork. Kids like to work ingroups, Moore said. Encourage team sportsor activities that involve the whole family.

Focus on a particular skill. �We�refocusing on soccer and the principle ofdribbling the ball, so kids will practice a

game of keep away,� Moore said. �It helpsthem perfect one skill that is essential tosucceeding in the game as a whole.�

Expose kids to various sports. Kidsdon�t know what they�re good at until theytry a variety of activities. �There�s morethan football or basketball,� he added. Try agame of golf or soccer.

Lead by example. Moore notes that kidsrespond better when parents share aninterest in the activity. Try jogging togetheror take a walk as a family. �The key is tomodel the behavior you want to see,� hesaid. �Kids will gravitate to that.�

Five fun ways to get kids moving

Seniors from Carver's School of Health Science & Research students begin the long journey fromAtlanta to Cairo. PHOTO BY SCOTT KING


&


We encourage you to read this publication andshare it with friends. But Atlanta Public Schools alsowants to help the environment. Here are a few suggestions for going green with your copy of TheAtlanta Educator:

Word play: Create a scavenger hunt by searching for vocabulary words in the publication.

It�s a wrap: Use the pages as fun and colorful giftwrap.

Have fun: Make paper hats or kites.

Go green: Shredded newspaper can serve asmulch, reducing weeds in the garden.

Clean up: Remove window streaks and lint leftfrom paper towels.

Recycle: Deliver copies to local recycling centers.

Donate: Several local animal shelters use oldnewspapers in their animal runs.

Recycle your copy ofThe Atlanta Educator

July15 Year-round schools open

August4 First day of school (teachers)10 First day of school (students)

September7 Labor Day

October12-13 Teacher Planning Days

November3 Teacher Planning Day25-27 Thanksgiving break

December21-31 Winter Break

January1 New Year�s Day5 Teacher Planning Day6 Students return to school18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February15 Presidents' Day

April5-9 Spring Break

May25 Last day of school31 Memorial Day

APS 2009-2010 school calendar

BY RICH FAHEY

The impact of human conflict wasemphasized on April 22, Earth Day, whenDouglass High School students in theCFEAT � the Center for Engineering andApplied Technology, the magnet program� studied �The Global Impact of War.�

About 350 students at Douglass had ahand in the event and some 100 parentsattended, according to CFEATCoordinator Jane Martin, who described itas �great success.�

All of the school�s core-subjectsintegrated the theme into their classes �elective courses such as JROTC, band,music, drama, dance, art, Spanish,technology and engineering alsoparticipated.

�We reached out to other departments,�said Martin �Most of the school wasinvolved in some way or another.�

The school�s teachers were divided into�families� � both core subject teachersand engineering/technology teachers �and they had common planning time todiscuss the unit. In planning meetings,various aspects of war were viewedthrough the lens of both engineering andtechnology.

�We came up with an umbrella ofthings that described the global impact ofwar,� said Martin.

Classes looked at engineering programsthat launch and guide missiles and theeffects of atomic bombs on communities

they are deployed against. Studentsexamined the ongoing genocide in Darfurin the Sudan, where an estimated 400,000civilians have died and 2.5 million peoplehave been displaced from their homes,according to the Web sitegenocideindarfur.net.

�It was very intense subject matter,�said Martin.

Through meetings and conferences, theteachers and staff found waysto intergrate the theme intoevery area of the school�scurriculum. The 10th-grademath team, for example,presented �Nature�s VoicesHeard.�

Students worked in groups;there also were individualprojects. Teachers and studentsdetermined the projects�criteria and rubrics, theelements students had toinclude.

�The rubrics worked,�Martin said. �They allowed our teachersand students to be on the same pagewhen it came to the projects.�

In 1984, Douglass High School openedCFEAT to meet the needs of studentsinterested in engineering and science andbusiness technology. The first graduatingclass had 50 students, but the program hasgrown to more than 500 students becomewell known for its academic

accomplishments.CFEAT students are engaged in career-

oriented activities, have access to thelatest technology software, receiveinstructions and inspirations frommembers of the SAME (Society ofAmerican Military Engineers)organization and are provided withopportunities to participate in local, state,as well as national competition in

engineering andtechnology.

They also have access toProject Lead The Way, thenational Pre-EngineeringInitiative, and a state-of-the-art student resourcecenter.

Martin said the messageof the Earth Day event wasthat war has risks andconsequences for all.

But students have beenlearning another Earth Daylesson: how environmental

factors play into their lives. CFEATstudents learned that children in one ZIPcode had a high risk of contractingcommunicable diseases, or suffering fromhigh blood pressure or asthma that couldbe related to pollution.

�What happens in the rest of the worldaffects our homes, our communities,� saidMartin. �We are truly one world.�

Douglass students examine the global impact of war

Junior Danielle Dill posed in front of the display that she worked on with junior Ralph Jones for the CFEAT program.

What happens in the rest of the

world affects ourhomes, our

communities.We are truly one world.

Jane MartinCFEAT Coordinator

�


REASON TO BE PROUD OF APS: APS is changing the middle school experience through single-gender learning and other reform initiatives.

Burgess-PetersonTeachers, students, parents, faculty

and staff set the foundation for aschool garden, erecting two raisedbeds for planting. Donations fromTrees Atlanta were planted insidethe garden and on the sunny sideof Clifton Street. Neighbors alsoworked with East Atlanta VillageFarmers Market and GeorgiaOrganics to help build a garden fortwo classes at Burgess-Peterson.

Centennial PlaceStudents in Sharhonda Davies’ third-

grade class celebrated BlackHistory Month (February) by cre-ating a quilt for display during anexhibit at the Threshing FloorAcademy Children’s Art Gallery inCastleberry Hill. Textile artistMildred Bethel visited the class tooffer her expertise.

CookPrincipal LaPaul Shelton was one of

four APS principals (and 11 teach-ers) given the Atlanta Families’Awards for Excellence inEducation, which included a$7,500 grant. Shelton will use themoney for a “Boys to Men” pro-gram that will include weekendactivities, additional learningopportunities, a character-develop-ment curriculum and guest speak-ers. Students also will take fieldtrips and maintain responsibilitiesin the school.

East LakeEast Lake was one of 26 APS

schools recognized by Gov. SonnyPerdue and State SchoolsSuperintendent Kathy for highachievement or improvement dur-ing the 2007-2008 school year.East Lake earned a “Platinum”award – the highest of four levels.This distinction is based on EastLake’s performance on state cur-riculum exams and AdequateYearly Progress (AYP) guidelinesunder the federal No Child LeftBehind Act.

C.W. HillFox 5 HealthWatch reporter Beth

Galvin delighted 25 students in theschool’s After School Classé pro-gram by reading books and edu-cating them about healthylifestyles during the fall launch of“Lights On Afterschool” Day.Galvin read popular children’sstory The Stinky Cheese Man andthe American Indian legend TheStory of Jumping Mouse.

John HopeIn an effort to “Go Green,” the

school joined forces with Sprintand Hands on Atlanta inNovember to stage a variety ofprojects that included buildingrecycling bins, placing solar reflec-tive films on school windows,replacing paper towel dispenserswith air-dry dispensers andrebuilding the school’s existingorganic garden.

Mary LinThe elementary school was one of

26 in the APS schools singled outfor recognition in by Gov. SonnyPerdue and State SchoolsSuperintendent Kathy Cox for itshigh achievement during the 2007-2008 school year. Mary Lin wasone of five elementary schools andone high school named winners ofthe 2007-2008 “highest perform-ance” award under the state’sSingle Statewide AccountabilitySystem. The school won a silvermedal in the “highest perform-ance” category, based on its per-formance on state curriculumexams and Adequate YearlyProgress (AYP) guidelines underthe federal No Child Left BehindAct.

MorningsideWSB-TV honored the school with its

People’s Choice Going GreenChampions award in honor of sec-ond-graders’ efforts to promoteawareness of global pollution andenergy-conservation. The cam-paign was supervised by second-grade challenge teacher StellaMercker. The campaign also led to

the school’s first “One HourBlackout at Home.”

ParksidePrincipal Phillip Luck (University of

West Georgia) and assistant prin-cipal Sarah Haynes (Clark AtlantaUniversity) successfully defendedtheir dissertations and earnedtheir doctoral degrees. EricaDonerlson, Parkside’s challengeprogram instructor, also receivedher doctorate during the schoolyear.

Fred A. ToomerStudents kicked off a new partner-

ship with Fort McPherson, head-quarters for the U.S. InstallationManagement Command,Southeast Region. The partnershipincluded a field trip where stu-dents met Col. Deborah Grays,garrison commander. Soldiers alsoprovided mentoring and tutoring tostudents, and the base donatedused computers to the school.

WhitefoordBob Littell, president of Littell

Consulting Services, made histhird annual visit to Whitefoordduring Career Week in March.Littrell explained the “Pay ItForward” program he helped startat Whitefoord in 2007. The pro-gram supports random acts ofkindness and has been profiled by11Alive reporter Donna Lowry.

CoanIn coordination with the Confucius

Institute, the school hosted aChinese New Year’s celebration inJanuary. Chinese-language studentsfrom Coan, Toomer Elementary,Maynard Jackson High, NorthAtlanta High and Carver EarlyCollege rang in the Year of the Oxwith food, poetry, songs and a tradi-tional lion dance.

InmanSixth-grader Tucker James Lancaster

and seventh-grader Eliza Rennerearned honorable mention for theirentrees in the Istanbul Center ofAtlanta’s annual “Talented Minds”art and essay contest in February atNorth Atlanta High. The theme ofthe contest was “Alliance ofCivilizations,” the United Nations’concept of interaction and coordina-tion among nations and cultures. Thepurpose is to establish relationshipsand facilitate cross-cultural and inter-faith dialogue, understanding, recon-ciliation and cooperation.

KingEighth-grader Bria Griffin recently was

selected as a 2009 Carson Scholarand will receive a $1,000 scholarshipto be invested for her college educa-tion. The nationwide program is cele-brating its sixth consecutive year ofoffering the scholarship to studentsbased on criteria including a mini-mum 3.75 grade-point average, com-munity service and a submittedessay.

Elementary schools Middle Schools

ATLANTA - SRT 3

material. In the sixth grade, social studiesteacher Sara Looman was so impressed by apresentation he had given on the Battle ofthe Bulge in another class that she askedScollard to do the same for her class.

�It�s really helpful when your teachersare supporting you and helping you along,�said Scollard. �Plus, if you ever need arecommendation or sponsor for an activity,you can go back to your old teachers andthey will always give you arecommendation.�

With help from Inman gifted-studentcoordinator Tommy Firesheets, Scollardorganized a school visit by legendaryTuskegee Airmen, WWII Air Forceveterans. The presentation made such animpact that eighth-grade Georgia studiesinstructor Lisa Chambless asked Scollard togive a WWII-themed presentation to herclass by the semester�s end.

�It�s incumbent upon us, as educators, torecognize the strengths and talents of ourstudents and then to nurture them byproviding opportunities for growth,�Chambless said. �Working with Patrick isone of the joys of teaching and learning.

When this happens, the student is muchmore likely to be engaged in their educationand to be positioned for success.�

Along with his passion for history,Scollard also plays on the tennis team, isactive in student government, andparticipates in what has become one ofAPS� most competitive robotics teams �thanks to the work of science teacherMelissa Nunnick, STEM teacher JimmyStapp and Inman parent Dave Gluck.

His accomplishments moved classmatesto vote him Most Likely to BecomePresident.

�When Patrick was born, we didn�t knowif our local schools would be strong enoughto send him all the way through fromkindergarten through 12th grade,� said hismother, Michelle Scollard. �But I really feelwe�ve gotten our money�s worth withPatrick�s education. My husband, Kevin,and I are big supporters of public schoolsand we�ve been very pleased with thequality of education that Patrick and hissister Kelly (a fifth-grader at MorningsideElementary), have received at APS. Theencouragement that so many teachers haveshown Patrick is priceless and we arethankful for it.�

Inman Middle School student is a WWII scholarSCOLLARD: From Page 1

Patrick Scollard organized a visit of the Tuskegee Airmen to Inman Middle School. Above,Master Sgt. W. O. Smith speaks to students.


Play It Smart helps athletes

reach academic potential

Eight Atlanta Public students received Play It Smart scholarships this year.

Wheelchairs don’t slow

the Wolfpack team down

The team started strong and maintained alead, but saw the Wolverines come withintwo points in the fourth period.

The 11 players on the co-ed teamcelebrated with Onie Lawson, the adaptedsport liaison for the APS Program forExceptional Children,which oversees theAdapted Sports Program.

Top scorers for theWolfpack were DouglassHigh School senior ReeceJohnson, with 18 points,and Maynard JacksonHigh junior RodreickusGriggs, with 14. Johnsonand Griggs, along withOmega Meade of the PriceMiddle School, have beeninvited to play for the eliteGeorgia Eagles wheelchairbasketball team thatcompetes on a national level.

�Wheelchair basketball is a fast-pacedsport and it gives the students an excellentchance to develop their skills,� said Lawson.

Athletes in three adapted sports �wheelchair basketball, team handball andwheelchair football � compete under theauspices of the American Association ofAdapted Sports Program (AAASP), which isrecognized by the Georgia High SchoolAssociation.

Founded in 1996, the award-winningAAASP is a national organization based inAtlanta that addresses the need forstandardized interscholastic adapted sports.Atlanta and the state of Georgia have beenpioneers in giving disabled students a chanceto compete, Lawson said.

�Athletics are a great tool for keeping ourstudents motivated to learn, engaged in the

school community and for stressing theimportance of collaboration and teamwork,�said state Superintendent of Schools KathyCox. �Our partnership with AAASP is partof an ongoing effort to make sure that allstudents have access to the power of athleticcompetition.�

Lawson has a litany of success storiesabout what the competitionhas meant to disabledathletes.

�We have seen all kinds ofpositive changes in ourstudents � academically,emotionally, and physically,�said Lawson. �Some of themlive, eat and drink theirsport.�

For some of the students,just learning how to catchand throw a ball can be apersonal victory.

�We had a youngster withcerebral palsy who had a real

problem with coordination,� said Lawson.�After a while, he was catching anddribbling the ball.�

Then there was another student who wasthe victim of a shooting that left him aparaplegic. Playing wheelchair basketballallowed him to focus on something otherthan his disability.

�The boy�s relatives were looking forsomething positive he could do,� saidLawson, who added students develop theirskills at different speeds and to differentlevels, but just being part of a program is itsown reward.

�For every athlete who competes, we getan opportunity to touch their lives in someway,� said Lawson, who admits to fightingback tears when she sees what makingprogress in their sport means to some of theathletes.

Educational Complex.West won the Whitey Zimmerman

Student Manager Award, which recognizesstudents for work off the field and behindthe scenes. An accomplished student and amember of the National Honor Society inTherrell High�s School of Business andEntrepreneurship, West was looking for anextracurricular activity.

West was a jack of all trades, takinginventory of equipment, taping ankles,making sure water was in place and doingwhatever else had to be done. �It wasphysically taxing and a lot of work,� shesaid.

The players on the team respected herefforts. �I was considered part of the team,just like anyone else,� West said.

When not in school, she volunteers atarea nursing homes and helps clean upareas that need to be improved as part ofthe Play It Smart program�s commitmentto community service.

West will attend Stillman College inTuscaloosa, Ala., next fall, majoring insports and recreation, with a eye toward apossible career in sports medicine orathletic training.

Cassandra Bolding, West�s guidancecounselor at Therrell, knows the work ittakes to be a student manager and thebenefits of the Zimmerman Scholarship.She was a student manager for the Therrellfootball team in 1999 and earned theZimmerman Scholarship, which she usedwhile attending Mercer University.

�I can indeed attest it was hard, but itwas also fun,� she said.

Seven APS football players won the

George Morris Student Athlete Award:Derron Bowles, Matthew Campbell andBenjamin Lai, North Atlanta; WebsterForeman, South Atlanta; BrontaviousRailey, Frederick Douglas; Mark Williams,New Schools at Carver; and MilesGilbreath, Grady.

Play it Smart has tracked its graduates.Averages for the past three academic yearsshow that:! 95 percent of Play It Smart seniors

graduate high school compared to 85percent of their peers; ! 80 percent enroll in college

compared to 62 percent of their peers, withthe majority qualifying for full financialaid;! 40 percent more Play It Smart

participants take the SAT/ACT than theirclassmates; ! Play It Smart teams nationwide

complete more than 60,000 hours ofcommunity service annually;! Participants earn more than $6

million a year in scholarships; and! The Play It Smart program is in

every Atlanta high school, thanks to a$180,000 annual grant from the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

�College football holds a special placein the hearts and minds of Atlantans, andwe are working to make the city a powercenter for the activities of the NationalFootball Foundation,� said NFF Presidentand CEO Steve Hatchell. �The Chick-fil-ABowl�s leadership in support of Play ItSmart is a wonderful way for us toshowcase the power of our organizationand its ability to shape the lives of youngfootball players into tomorrow�s leaders.�

PLAY IT SMART: From Page 20

WOLFPACK From Page 20

Members of the APS wheelchair basketball team celebrate another state title.

We have seen all kinds of positive changes in

our students �academically, emotionally,

and physically, Some of them live, eat and

drink their sport.

Onie LawsonWolfpack coach

�

THE ATLANTA EDUCATOR


Maynard Jackson High School junior Rodreickus Griggs of the Atlanta Wolfpack dribbles around West Georgia Wolverine Laura Ray.

TThhrreeee cchheeeerrss Eight get

SmartBY RICH FAHEY

APS student-athletes with disabilities are toughcompetitors.

When members of the Atlanta Wolfpack are moving upcourt, wheelchairs don�t do much to slow them down. Soit�s no surprise that the Wolfpack captured their thirdGeorgia State Wheelchair Basketball Program title in fouryears with a 32-22 victory over the West GeorgiaWolverines in March.

Wheelchair hoop team

wins third state crown

SSeeee WWOOLLFFPPAACCKK PPaaggee 1199

BY RICH FAHEY

There comes a day when the cheeringstops. For some athletes, it may be afterthey finish their high school careers; forothers, it�s after college, and for a selectfew it may be after enjoying a career inprofessionalsports.

Whenever thatday arrives,student-athletesinvolved in thePlay It Smartprogram trulyrealize the valueof the experience.

The NationalFootballFoundation�sPlay It Smartprogram helpsat-risk student-athletes to take advantageof opportunities for higher education.Play It Smart participants graduate andgo on to college at rates well above thoseof their peers.

Launched in 1998, and currently in 140schools in 85 cities, Play It Smart alsotrains academic coaches to work withhigh school football teams during theentire school year, taking the lessonslearned on the field and applying them inthe classroom and the community.

APS students benefit not only from theacademic counseling provided, but alsothe scholarships that are part of theprogram. Eight students received Play itSmart scholarships this year � sevenfootball players and one student manager,Brittany West, a student at the Therrell

SSeeee PPLLAAYY IITT SSMMAARRTT PPaaggee 1199

Brittany West ofTherrell won a Play itSmart scholarship.

APS students score with

National Football Foundation

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Atlanta Educator: Summer 2009