atlanta public schools is one of the top-performing

Atlanta Public Schools is one of the top-performing urban school systems in America. Our innovative learning programs, nationally recognized best practices and excellent teachers are making a difference in the lives of our 50,000 K-12 students. We are committed to ensuring that all students graduate from our schools ready for success in college and life, and prepared to build a stronger Atlanta.

Table of Contents ...........................................................................................................................................................1Letter From Dr. Hall ......................................................................................................................................................2Fast Facts ..........................................................................................................................................................................5

School SyStemFocused on the Future .............................................................................................................................................6-7School Highlights 2007-08 ............................................................................................................................... 8-10National Spotlight ........................................................................................................................................................11Project GRAD ........................................................................................................................................................ 12-13High School Magnet Programs ............................................................................................................................14Map of Schools .............................................................................................................................................................15School Calendar ...........................................................................................................................................................16Meal Prices ....................................................................................................................................................................16School Listings ...................................................................................................................................................... 17-19

ParentS Parents Make A Difference ....................................................................................................................................21No Child Left Behind and Your Parental Rights ............................................................................................22Glossary of Commonly Used Terms ...................................................................................................................23

StudentS Top 10 Reasons to be Proud of APS .................................................................................................................25Eight Consecutive Years of Test Score Gains ................................................................................................26Athletics ...........................................................................................................................................................................27Office of Student Programs and Services .......................................................................................................28

community Community Engagement .................................................................................................................................. 30-31Keeping You Informed ...............................................................................................................................................32

Atlanta Board of Education ..................................................................................................... Inside Back CoverImportant Telephone Numbers ..........................................................................................................Back Cover

a guide to the atlanta Public SchoolS

2008-2009table of contents

12008-09 guidebook

letter From dr. hallmaking a difference

Welcome to another school year. This is the season during which students sport their new outfits or uniforms, unpack new school

supplies, make new friends and meet new teachers. Most importantly, students are getting ready to learn new subjects and master higher level studies. And we, as a school system, are positioning ourselves further to prepare our children for their places of power and purpose in the world.

By all accounts, we’re making a difference.

Atlanta Public Schools ended 2007-2008 with an eighth year of steady, across-the-board gains. Students on every grade level are not only meeting standards – they’re exceeding them. In addition to test scores that are on the rise, graduation and college enrollment rates are increasing. In fact, in May 2008, crossing the stage were approximately 2,000 graduates, who took with them over $64 million in scholarships to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities around the nation.

As we open the doors of this school year, students can look forward to a number of exciting endeavors. I’m pleased to share a few of the highlights:

• SouthsideHighSchoolhasbeenrenamed Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School and opened in August as the district’s newest transformed secondary school. In all, we’ve transformed four high schools – with only five more to go – into smaller, more personalized learning environments that are better equipped to produce lifelong scholars.

• Inthemiddlegrades,ourtwonewsingle-gender academies – which opened with huge success last summer – now have two grade levels, 6 and 7. As we look to our 15 other middle schools, we’re identifying nationally recognized best practices so that we can deliver engaging, quality educational services to pre-teens. We know they need stronger guidance on their journey to high school.

• Inclassroomsfromkindergartenthrough12th grade, students will benefit from the special training all 2,000 of the district’s math and science teachers received in the summer. Skills in those subject areas are in high demand. We’re teaching students using methods that reflect the way the real world works – through problem-solving techniques, hands-on demonstration and project-based team work.

• Ourelementaryschoolswillcontinuetoshine,aswe build on the comprehensive instructional reform models we began in 1999. Our schools have been described as “model,” “blue ribbon” and “distinguished.” We are growing stronger and are continuing to fulfill our obligations to our students.

For more about what we’ve done and where we’re going, please take the time to read this guidebook from cover to cover. You’ll find useful information about the school calendar, transportation schedule and frequently used contacts. I ask that you also visit our Web site, www.atlantapublicschools.us, for the latest information about our school district.

We’re working hard to keep you informed. We’re working even harder to keep our children on a path of learning, discovery and achievement. We appreciate your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

Beverly L. Hall, Ed.D.Superintendent

2 atlanta public schools

Dear Parents, Students, Employees and Friends of Atlanta Public Schools,

32008-09 guidebook

WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Our children represent our hopes and dreams for the future, and they deserve the best education we can give them. We believe every student has the potential to succeed, and we are dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives by encouraging them to open their minds to learning, discovery and achievement.

Our schools provide a vibrant, high-performing learning environment with excellent teachers, the latest technologies and practices, and innovative learning environments that know no geographic, racial or economic boundaries.

Our standards and expectations are high. We are committed to seeing all students graduate from Atlanta Public Schools ready for success in college and life, and prepared to be contributing and productive citizens for our city, state, nation and the world.

We know strong schools build a strong Atlanta.

aPS FaSt FactS2008-2009

number oF SchoolS/centerS 2008-09 Traditional schools 95 Elementary schools 57 Middle schools 17 Single-gender academies 2 High schools 19

Nontraditional programs 2 Charter schools 7 Adult learning center 1 Total APS learning sites 105

number oF title i SchoolS 89(including charter schools)

number oF year-round SchoolS 3

tranSPortation Number of buses 365 Miles traveled daily 22,272 Students transported daily 37,637

budgetFY09 operating budget $661.6 million

StudentS

number of 2008 graduates 1,990

Scholarships offered to class of 2008 $64 million

Student enrollment 49,142(projected for 2008-2009)

teacher/Student ratio Kindergarten 1:15 Grades 1-3 1:17 Grades 4-5 1:23 Grades 6-8 1:20 Grades 9-12 1:23

ethnic diStribution oF StudentS African American 85.98% Caucasian 8.37% Hispanic 4.10% Multi-racial .93% Asian .59% American Indian/Alaskan .03%

StudentS eligible For Free and reduced Priced mealS 76.14%

comPuter/Student ratio 1:2

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6

atlanta Public schoolsFocuSed on the Future

atlanta public schools

Atlanta Public Schools is one of the top-performing urban school systems in America. When students pass through our doors and embark upon a journey toward academic excellence, we give them the confidence, social skills and intellectual capacity required to successfully compete in college and in the global marketplace.

The value associated with the world-class urban education that we are committed to providing all of our students began in 1999, when we focused our efforts on reforming our elementary schools. Our efforts yielded significant results. In fact, APS is the only large, urban school district in the nation to have 100 percent of its elementary schools make Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind Act.

Leveraging successes and lessons learned from our elementary school reform strategies, and with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we began to focus on improving our high schools. Research revealed that secondary students learn better in smaller, more personalized settings. The opening of The New Schools at Carver was our first bold step toward transforming high schools, both structurally and academically. Using Carver as a blueprint, we opened four small schools each on the campuses of South Atlanta and Therrell in August 2007. In August 2008, Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School (formerly Southside High School) transformed into a campus of small learning communities (SLCs). In 2009, Douglass will also be transformed into a campus of SLCs and Washington will become a campus of small schools. By 2010, Grady, Mays and North Atlanta high schools will be officially transformed into SLCs or small schools.

By the 2010-11 school year, the large, comprehensive public high school will be a dinosaur in Atlanta. All of our high schools will offer small, personalized environments that provide rigorous and engaging learning opportunities to adequately prepare every student. Our goal is to provide an engaging environment that fosters student achievement and ensures that we graduate at least 90% of ninth graders in four years.

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As we continue our efforts to enhance the academic experience at our elementary and high schools, we are also beginning our transformation work at the middle school level. The response to the opening of our two ground-breaking single-gender academies – the B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson and the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy – has been overwhelming. Both schools opened in August 2007 with sixth grade and will continue to add a grade every year until 12th grade. Although not every middle school will follow the single-gender model, all schools will offer engaging, quality instruction and support to prepare students for success beyond graduation.

Implementing school-level targeted reform models will allow us to sustain our gains and continue to effectively serve our students. However, we understand that in order to provide all of our students with a world-class education, we need to enhance our mathematics and science curriculum. With the support of a $22.5 million grant from the GE Foundation, we are implementing instructional foundational strategies to support a comprehensive implementation of the Mathematics and Science Initiative. We are attracting top-notch math and science educators and private-industry experts who value their craft. In addition, we are delivering captivating math and science lessons that will generate renewed widespread interest in mathematics and science.

APS reform models at the elementary level are clearly impacting the lives of our students. Early indicators show that our high school transformation work is yielding positive returns. And we are confident that our middle school transformation work, coupled with our Mathematics and Science Initiative, will produce the necessary results that demonstrate our commitment to excellence in education for all students. We are making a difference.

School highlightSof the 2007-2008 school year

elementary schoolsAPS was the nation’s only urban school district to have 100 percent of elementary schools meet federal academic targets known as Adequate Yearly Progress. Additional highlights include:

• Adamsvillehad68studentsreceivebicyclesandhonorsattheFulton CountyAnnexforachievingperfectattendance.

• BeecherHillsstudentswonfirstplaceinliteratureintheGeorgiaPTA Reflectionscontest.

• BenteenwasrecognizedbythePartnershipforPerfectAttendance forhavingthehighestpercentageofperfectattendanceamongAPS schools.

• BethunehostedasuccessfulCareerDay,helpingstudentslearnabout careerpathsinpublicrelations,engineering,nonprofitmanagement, investmentbanking,lawenforcementandrealestate.

• Blalockstudentswerevisitedbythe“BRAINETICS”creatorwho taughtstudentsnewwaystoengagemathematicalproblems.

• Boltonparticipatedinthe“KidzMovin”program,whichprovidesa20 minuteexercisesessioneverydaybeforeschool.

• BoydwasfeaturedintheAtlantaJournal-Constitutionwhenit partneredwithLowesHeroestoinstallastate-of-the-art playground,acustomizedwaterfallandnaturegarden.

• ABrandonstudentandteachereachwonalaptopasthird-place winnersinthe2008NationalStockMarketGamesInvestWriteessay contest,anationalcompetitionthatpromotescriticalthinkingand reinforcesconceptsaboutthestockmarket.

• Burgess-Petersonstudentsrealizeda36percentagepointincrease inscienceontheCriterion-ReferencedCompetencyTest(CRCT).

• Cascade,CapitolView,ClevelandAvenueandEastLake,amongothers,werenamed“NoExcuses”schoolsbytheGeorgiaPublicPolicyFoundation.

• CentennialPlacewasarecipientofa2007A+Awardforits collaborationwiththeAtlantaSymphonyOrchestraandGeorgia StateUniversitySchoolofMusic.

• ConnallyhadthemostimprovedacademicgainsintheReading FirstProgramforthe2007-2008schoolyearamongallAPS ReadingFirstschools.

• ContinentalColonywontheGeorgiaStudentMediaFestivalAward foritsstudenttechnologyprojects.

• Cookwonthe2008A+Awardintutoringforitspartnership

withDeloitte.

• DeerwoodAcademywontheregionalGeorgiaStockMarketgame, increasingtheworthofitsinvestmentportfoliobyanimpressive 15percent.

• Dobbsadded200newcomputerstoitsclassrooms.

• DunbarreceivedaSilverAwardforGreatestGainsforStudents MeetingandExceedingStandardsfromtheGovernor’sOfficeof StudentAchievement.

• FainreceivedtheLauraBushFoundationforAmerica’sLibraries Granttoupdate,expandanddiversifyitslibrarycollection.

• FickettandpartnerUPSreceivedthetoppartnershipawardfrom JuniorAchievementofGeorgia.

• FinchwasselectedbytheOprahWinfreyAngelNetworkasan O’AmbassadorschooltohelpstudentslearnabouttheUnited Nation’sMillenniumgoals.

• GardenHillsstudentsworkedalongsidescientistsfromtheFernbank Museum’sUrbanWatchProgramtoconductbiodiversitysurveysand tostudyinvasiveplantlifeontheircampus.

• GideonswasnamedawinneroftheExcellenceinEducationAward bytheNationalCenterforUrbanSchoolTransformation.

• GroveParkservedasanationaldemonstrationsiteforthePearson comprehensiveschoolreformmodelforthefifthconsecutiveyear.

• HeritageAcademy,amongotherswasnamedaTitleIDistinguishedSchool.

• HerndonwasnamedaTitleIDistinguishedSchoolforthefifthstraightyear.

• Hillreceivedover$30,000fromArnallGoldenGregoryLawFirmtobuildastate-of-the-artscienceandmathematicslaboratory.

• Hopestudentsmettheprincipal’schallengebyachievingperfect attendancefor30consecutivedays.

• Humphriesincorporatedchessintoitsclassroominstructionand receivedtheFirstMoveGrantfromtheAmerica’sFoundation forChess.

• HutchinsonwasrecognizedbyNetTrekker,anInternetsearchengine forschools,foreffectivelyintegratingtechnologyintotheclassroom.

• Jacksonsuccessfullyopenedaprimarycenter–aseparatefacilityfor kindergartenandfirst-gradestudents.

• M.A.JonesandpartnerGeorgia-PacificreceivedtheNationalCivic StarAwardfromthestateofGeorgia.


• Kimberlystudentswonthe“DroughtWatch-WhatYouCanDo”essay contestsponsoredbytheBlackWomenFilmPreservationProjectand WXIA-11Alive.

• Linparticipatedin“TheGreatCopyMachineEpidemic”onEarthDay.ThisisanewnationalGoGreenevent.

• MileswasrecognizedasamodelschoolfromAmerica’sChoice,a nationallyrecognizedcurriculumreforminitiative.

• MorningsidewasWSB-TV’sPeople’sChoiceAwardwinnerforthe KeepAtlantaBeautifulSteppingLightlyinAtlantaawardscontest.

• ParksideimplementedtheeKidzprogram–arevolutionary21st centurytechnologyintegrationprogramforthird-,fourth-andfifth- gradersthatintroducesthemtopodcasting,graphicdesign, comicbookmaking,digitalstorytellingandotherinnovative softwareapplications.

• PerkersonhelditsthirdannualWeLoveSomeoneSpecialDay, encouraginghundredsofparents,guardians,grandparentsand great-grandparentstomakecardswiththeirchildrenonValentine’sDay.

• PeytonForestmetthesuperintendent’sachievementtargetsforthe fifthconsecutiveyear.

• E.Riverswonsecondplaceinthewsbtv.comEarthDaycontestby plantinganorganicgarden.StudentswerefeaturedonWSB-TV.

• ScottwasthefirstschoolinthedistricttoadopttheLearning Focusedschoolreformmodel,whichusesaresearch-based frameworktoimprovestudentlearning.

• SlatercontinueditsproductivepartnershipwithSunTrust,sponsorof theschool’sSunTrustYouthBank.

• Smith’sOdysseyoftheMind(OM)teamswonthestateofGeorgia competitionandadvancedtotheOMWorldCompetition,where theycompetedagainstmorethan8,000competitors.Smith’s EccentricsandRoadRallyteamsplacedfourthandseventhinthe world,respectively.

• D.H.Stanton’sSaveDarfurClubwasfeaturedintheAtlantaJournal- Constitution,theGenocideInterventionNetworkandontheHorizon Theatre’sWebsite.

• F.L.StantonwasnamedaGeorgia2007SchoolofExcellence.

• ThomasvilleHeightsstudentswhoachievedperfectattendance receivedbicyclesfromthePartnershipforPerfectAttendance.

• Toomerstudents,asyoungasfiveyearsold,beganstudying MandarinChineselanguage.

• TownssuccessfullyproducedtheplayTheWiz,whichwasunderwrittenbyfilmmakerTylerPerry.

• UsherreceivedthePlatinumAwardfromtheGovernor’sOfficeof StudentAchievementfortheGreatestGainsinStudentsMeetingand ExceedingStandards.

• VenetianHillswasdesignatedaNationalBlueRibbonSchoolbythe U.S.DepartmentofEducation.

• WestManor,amongothers,hasmadeAdequateYearlyProgressforfiveconsecutiveyears.

• White,amongothers,hasmadeAdequateYearlyProgressforfiveconsecutiveyearsandisconsideredaDistinguishedSchoolundertheGeorgiaGovernor’sOfficeofStudentAchievement.

• Whitefoordthird-andfifth-gradestudentswhohavebeenspeaking Frenchsincekindergartenheldaspecialeventtolearnaboutthe traditionsofMardiGrasinFranceandNewOrleans.

• Williamsaggressivelypursuedparentalsupport,sponsoringamocktestnight,andDoughnutsforDadsandMuffinsforMomsreadingevents.

• Woodsoncelebrated116studentswhomadetheprincipal’slistand honorroll.

middle schools• B.E.S.T.Academyhasoneofthenation’slargestBoyScoutTroops.

• Bunchewashonoredforitscommitmenttohealthandwellness throughitsMediaMadnessprogram.Theprogramteachesstudents torejectharmfulmediamessagesthatcanbedetrimentaltotheir healthandwell-being.

• BrownhostedthedistrictwideLightsOnAfterschoolProgram,a nationalcelebrationofafterschoolandsummerlearningprograms.

• CarsonstudentscompetedintheAtlantaUrbanDebateLeaguemiddleschooldebatetournamentandtookfourthplacefortheNoviceTeamAward.

• CoancelebratedtheopeningoftheConfuciusInstitute,thefirst ChineselanguageandculturalcenterofitskindintheUnitedStates.

• CorettaScottKingAcademy’sstudentswereinhighdemandfor publicspeakingengagements,including11Alive’sBlackHistory Monthsegments,theMartinLutherKingJr.Commemorative CelebrationandtheinauguralMayorShirleyFranklinLectureSeries.

• Harper-ArcherstudentsparticipatedintheJumpRopeforHeart programtopromotehearthealthandactivity.

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2008-09 guidebook


• Inmanhadtwostudentschosenfortheirinspirationalmessagesto beplacedatthe“IHaveADream”WorldPeaceInspirationalplaques attheMLKingcenter.

• KennedywasfeaturedonABC’s Good Morning AmericaduringtheHandsonAtlantalaunch,duringwhich500volunteersfromTheHomeDepot,BehrProcessCorp.,IBMCorp.,PriceWaterhouseCoopersandtheCartoonNetworkparticipatedinsprucinguptheschool.

• Kingwasarecipientofthe2008SummaCumLaudeA+Awardfor itspartnershipwiththeAfter-SchoolAll-Stars.

• LonghostedaNASAandHoneywellInc.sponsoredhip-hopscience educationconcert,completewithinteractivedemonstrationsand professionalactorstoinspirestudentstopursuecareersinmath, scienceandtechnology.

• ParksprincipalChristopherWaller,amongothers,wonthe“ExcellenceinEducation”awardof$7,500duringthethirdannualAtlantaFamiliesawardceremony.

• APricestudentandteacherreceivednewlaptopsforplacingsecond intheJackieRobinsonBreakingBarriersessaycontest.

• SuttonbecameanauthorizedInternationalBaccalaureateWorld School,thuscompletingtheofferingofthisprestigiouscurriculum programintheclusterofschoolsthatfeedintoNorthAtlanta HighSchool.

• SylvanHillshosteditssecondannualpartnershipluncheon,honoring businessandcommunityleadersforvolunteeringanddonatingtime andresourcestotheschool.

• TurnerwasrecognizedforhavingthehighestlevelofstudentparticipationintheApangeaMathenrichmentprogram.

• YounglaunchedapartnershipwithNASA,becomingeligibleforup to$17,500fortechnologydrivenmathandsciencelessons.

high schools• TheNewSchoolsatCarverhad83studentswithdualenrollmentat CarverandGeorgiaStateUniversity.

• CrimOpenCampuswonAARP’s$100,000EthelPercyAndrus LegacyAward.

• Douglassengineeringstudentsreceivednational,corporateand statewideattentionfortheirhighlyacclaimedHurricane KatrinaProject.

• Gradyoutperformeditslocal,stateandnationalpeersonthe2007 SATandwasnamedoneofGeorgia’stop25performingschools.

• MaynardHolbrookJackson(formerlySouthside),amongothers,was

classifiedasaTitleIDistinguishedSchool,whichmeanstheschoolmetitsfederalacademictargetsforatleastthreeyearsinarow.

• MaysearnedfirstplaceinAtlanta’sacademicdecathlon.

• NorthAtlantahadanall-timehighof132studentsgraduatingwith internationalbaccalaureatediplomas.

• SouthAtlantaofficiallyopeneditscampusasfoursmallschoolsto preparefuturescientists,attorneys,engineersandworldleaders.

• Therrellofficiallyopeneditscampuswithfoursmallschools topreparefutureentrepreneurs,engineering,medicalprofessionals andlegalstrategists.

• Washington’sdraftingstudentsparticipatedintheArchitecture, EngineeringandConstruction(ACE)Mentoringprogram.

charter schools• AtlantaCharterMiddlepromotedsummerreadingthroughitsfirst all-schooltextprogram,AlloftheAbove.Whenstudentsandfaculty returninthefall,theywillengageininstructional-baseddiscussions andactivities.

• CharlesRichardDrewCharterhostedCREW(CreatingResponsible Educated&Working)Teens,anafter-schoolacademicsupport programsponsoredbytheEastLakeFoundation.

• ImagineWesleyInternationalAcademy,LLCconductedtheAtlanta communityChineseLanguageCampduringthesummer.

• KIPPWAYSAcademy,amongothers,wasrecognizedbytheGeorgiaPublicPolicyFoundationasa“NoExcuses”school.

• NeighborhoodCharterSchoolInc.hostedacommunity grandparentsandspecialfriendsdaycelebrationduringthespring academicyear.

• TechHighmechanicalengineeringstudents,inpartnershipwithGeorgiaTech’sRoboJackets,competedinanationalroboticscompetition.

• UniversityCommunityAcademyteamedwithcommunitypartners andTheHomeDepotforaKaBOOMplaygrounddevelopment experience.


112008-09 guidebook

national SPotlightof the 2007-2008 school year

Atlanta Public Schools is a system undergoing transformation and positive change. Students and faculty have done so well that professionals and philanthropists from across the United States are recognizing the district’s dramatic improvement and growing strength, and looking to APS as a model of reform. In this year alone, APS schools have been visited and praised by the U.S. Secretary of Education and studied by education officials, community leaders and policymakers throughout the country, includingthe Aspen Institute, Cincinnati Public Schools, Seattle Public Schools, the Port Arthur Independent School District in Houston and the Oakland California Unified School District.

U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings came to Atlanta’s Venetian Hills Elementary in November to recognize the school for its designation as a National Blue Ribbon School and to congratulate APS on its outstanding performance on the 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). She called APS “a model for the country … (that) can show the country that urban schools can and do work.”

The following month the National Parent Teacher Association, citing a demonstrated ability to “create ‘out of the box’ tactics to make every child’s potential a reality,” launched an alliance with APS, Spelman and the Georgia PTA to close the achievement gap between minority and disadvantaged students, and their Caucasian counterparts.

In March, the People’s Republic of China chose APS to partner with Nanjing University and Emory University to host the first Confucius Institute in the southeastern United States. The new Confucius Institute is housed at Coan Middle School. In addition, the superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools visited APS to learn how Atlanta has managed to turn its elementary schools into high-performing schools. And the Aspen Institute’s Program on Education and Society brought to APS eight senior congressional aides representing U.S. Senate and House committees that are responsible for legislation impacting education. They learned about human capital strategies – that is, how employees are recruited, developed, evaluated and rewarded.

In April, the International Baccalaureate Board of Governors, with the Ismaili Shia Muslim leader Aga Khan as keynote speaker, held its annual meeting at North Atlanta High School, congratulating APS for adding IB programs at several of its schools in the past few years.

In May, the AARP awarded its $100,000 Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award to Crim Open Campus High School for its “creativity and unending commitment to serve people.”

In addition:• CitycouncilmembersfromOkazaki,Japan,visited Atlanta last July to gather information on the highly successful APS security plan to learn how to better handle increasing crime and serious incidents in schools in south central Japan. • TheGeneralElectricFoundationselectedAPSas the recipient of a $22.5 million grant to fund more intensive math and science instruction.• ThenationalYouthEntrepreneursprogram

expanded into three more APS high schools as a result of the success the program had in its first year at Mays and Southside (Maynard Holbrook Jackson).• TheUniversityofWashingtonCollegeof Education’s Center for Educational Leadership invited Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall to share information on how APS is closing the achievement gap.


Project grad(graduation really achieves dreams)

Project GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) is a national school reform initiative first introduced in 1993 in Houston, Texas. Since 2000, Project GRAD has been the Atlanta Public Schools’ signature program to improve student achievement. The program provides school- and community-based services to improve classroom instruction and cultivate a college-going mindset among students. Project GRAD ensures a quality public school education for all students in economically disadvantaged communities so that high school graduation rates increase and graduates are prepared to be successful in college.

five core comPonents of the Program

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE READINESS – offers a series of activities and services to build student awareness of, preparation for and support during college. GRAD high school students participate in summer institutes on college campuses. And those students who meet certain criteria become Brumley-GRAD Scholars, receiving college scholarship awards of up to $4,000 and supportive services until they graduate from college.

MATHEMATICS – focuses on problem solving, student discovery, reasoning and communication to help students in grades K–8 understand and articulate mathematical concepts.

LITERACY – a comprehensive reading approach under the Success For All program designed to ensure that students in grades K–8 read at grade level or above.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT – uses the Consistency Management and Cooperative Discipline (CMCD) model to help K–12 students prepare for success, achieve self-discipline and develop responsibility.

FAMILY SUPPORT – uses the Communities in Schools of Atlanta (CIS) dropout prevention and social service model that provides guidance, counseling, community outreach, and family case-management services to at-risk children in grades K–12.

132008-09 guidebook

Project grad(graduation really achieves dreams)

Project grad uPdate

Project GRAD is entering its ninth year in the Washington High School feeder cluster, which has the following schools: Washington High School; Brown, Sylvan and Kennedy middle schools; and Bethune, Connally, Finch, Herndon, Jones, Perkerson, and Venetian Hills elementary schools.

During the 2002-2003 school year, Project GRAD was implemented in a cluster of schools feeding into The New Schools at Carver and South Atlanta Education Complex. The cluster includes Brown, Kennedy, Long, Parks, Price and Sylvan Hill middle schools; and Benteen, Bethune, Cleveland Avenue, Dobbs, Finch, Gideons, Heritage Academy,

Humphries, Hutchinson, M.A. Jones, Perkson, Slater, D.H. Stanton and Venetian Hills elementary schools. In 2004, the first class of Project GRAD graduates called Brumley-GRAD Scholars, started college.

By the 2007-2008 school year, more than 350 APS Brumley-GRAD Scholars were pursuing a higher education at 67 colleges around the country. Joining those ranks were an additional 150 Brumley-GRAD Scholars, who graduated from APS in May 2008. At that time, Project GRAD reached another milestone: the first class of Brumley-GRAD Scholars graduated from college.

For more information, please contact the Project GRAD Office at 404-802-2315.


Minimum requirements for admission to APS magnet programs include a competitive grade point average in core classes, good conduct and exemplary attendance. Specific programs may have additional requirements as stated on individual applications. For additional information on magnet programs, contact the High School Office at 404-802-5875.

science and mathematicsBENJAMIN E. MAYS HIGH SCHOOLThe mission of the Benjamin E. Mays Academy of Science and Mathematics is to promote the pursuit of scientific ideas by providing a challenging, comprehensive curriculum of traditional and contemporary science and mathematics that will allow students to contribute to the educational, cultural, economic and social advancement of society. Students are prepared for careers in engineering, computer science, health science, medicine or mathematics. Academy curriculum includes honors core courses, independent research, summer internships and Advanced Placement courses (chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, computer science, world history, United States history, language arts and literature).

education Professions star academyBOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOLThe Center for Education Professions is a highly regarded, four-year program designed to encourage students to pursue careers as teachers, counselors, social workers, media specialists and school administrators. Participants are enrolled in rigorous advanced-level core and specialty courses to prepare them for careers in education. In-school instruction, paired with field trips, national conferences, job shadowing and a 10-week internship program, assists in developing competent, innovative and enthusiastic educators.

center for engineering and aPPlied technologyFREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOLThe Engineering and Applied Technology program at Douglass is composed of two phases: (1) engineering and (2) applied technology. The first

phase follows the core guidelines of Project Lead the Way, a preengineering curriculum that includes a five-course program taught in a laboratory setting. The cornerstone of this program is project-based learning. Instruction focuses on problem solving and teamwork. The applied technology phase is composed of classes in technology/career education, and art and/or music. Students may elect to take electronics, architectural drawing or engineering courses and six to eight courses in related technology/career education.

communicationsHENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOLThe highly acclaimed Communications Magnet Program at Grady allows college-bound students to sharpen their communication skills and gain a competitive edge for a profession in mass media arts and related fields. Students in grades 9 and 10 take electives in computer applications, journalism, oral communication and the arts. Students in grades 11 and 12 choose a two-year emphasis in print or broadcast journalism, yearbook, literary magazine, music, debate/drama, graphic design, art or foreign language. Grady is the home of award-winning print publications, including the student-generated newsletter, The Southerner.

international studiesNORTH ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOLThe International Studies Magnet Program at North Atlanta instills intercultural and global awareness through a humanities-based, interdisciplinary study of foreign languages, social studies, world literature, economics, politics and literacy analysis. There are four foreign language options (Arabic, Chinese, French and Spanish) and excellent opportunities for summer and/or semester study abroad with schools in Egypt, China, France, Mexico and Spain. At the end of the 10th grade year, students choose either the International Business Program or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program to follow in the 11th and 12th grades.

high Schoolmagnet Programs

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maP oF SchoolS


August 11, 2008 First Day of Class

September 1, 2008 Labor Day Holiday

October 6, 2008 Teacher Planning Day*

October 13, 2008 Midpoint Semester 1

November 4, 2008 Election Day

November 26-28, 2008 Thanksgiving Holiday/Break

December 18, 2008 End Semester 1

December 19, 2008 Teacher Planning Day*

December 22, 2008 - January 2, 2009 Winter Holidays

January 5, 2009 Students Return to School

January 19, 2009 M.L. King, Jr. Holiday

February 16, 2009 Presidents Day Holiday**

March 11, 2009 Midpoint Semester 2

March 13, 2009 Teacher Planning Day*

April 6-10, 2009 Spring Break

May 22, 2009 Last Day of Class

imPortant dateStraditional school calendar year-round school calendar

meal PriceS

breaKFaStElementary .75 Adults $1.50

Middle/High .75 Reduced .30

lunchElementary $1.75 Adults $3.00

Middle/High $2.00 Reduced .40

Parents can now pay for meals through www.mealpay.com or www.atlantapublicschools.us

Elementary 7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 – 7:55 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

High 7:25 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 7:50 – 8:10 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 3:15 p.m. 3:40 p.m.

Middle 7:55 a.m. 8:20 a.m. 8:20 – 8:40 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m.

morning PicK uP

morningdroP oFFat School

breaKFaSt StarttimeS

endtimeS

aFternoondroP oFFat home

eStimated buS PicK-uP/droP-oFF andSchool Start/end timeS

*Schools closed **May be used as snow make-up day View all calendars at www.atlantapublicschools.us

July 14, 2008 First Day of Class

September 16–26, 2008 Fall Intersession

September 29 - October 3, 2008 Fall Break

October 6, 2008 Teacher Planning Day

November 26-28, 2008 Thanksgiving Holiday/Break

December 12-18, 2008 Winter Intersession

December 19, 2008 - January 2, 2009 Winter Break

January 5, 2009 Teacher Planning Day

January 19, 2009 M.L. King, Jr. Holiday

February 16, 2009 Presidents Day Holiday**

March 13, 2009 Teacher Planning Day

March 23 - April 3, 2009 Spring Intersession

April 6-10, 2009 Spring Break

May 25, 2009 Memorial Day Holiday

June 5, 2009 Last Day of Class

atlanta Public SchoolS all telePhone numbers are in area code 404 (unless noted)

Deputy Superintendent for Instruction 130 Trinity Ave., SW 30303 802-2700 Kathy AugustineExecutive Director K-8 School Reform Team 1 802-3667 Dr. Sharon Davis WilliamsExecutive Director K-8 School Reform Team 2 624-5103 Michael PittsExecutive Director K-8 School Reform Team 3 802-3751 Dr. Gloria PattersonExecutive Director K-8 School Reform Team 4 802-6537 Tamara CotmanExecutive Director for Operations High School Office 802-5875 Abigail CrawfordExecutive Director for Instruction High School Office 802-5875 TBDAssoc. Superintendent for High Schools High School Office 802-5875 TBD

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSSchool addreSS telePhone PrinciPal

Adamsville 286 Wilson Mill Rd., SW 30331 802-4300 Sharon SuittBeecher Hills 2257 Bollingbrook Dr., SW 30311 802-8300 Dr. Robin HallFrederick Wilson Benteen 200 Cassanova St., SE 30315 802-7300 Dr. Diana QuisenberryMary McLeod Bethune 220 Northside Dr., NW 30314 802-8200 RoseMary HamerAlfred Blalock 1445 Maynard Rd., NW 30331 802-8250 Dr. Frances ThompsonBolton Academy* 2268 Adams Dr., NW 30318 802-8350 Laura StricklingWilliam M. Boyd* # 1891 Johnson Rd., NW 30318 802-8150 Emalyn ForemanMorris Brandon 2741 Howell Mill Rd., NW 30327 802-7250 Karen EvansHugh Otis Burgess– Gartha Belle Peterson 480 Clifton St., SE 30316 802-3400 Robin RobbinsCapitol View 1442 Metropolitan Pkwy., SW 30310 802-7200 Arlene SnowdenCascade 2326 Venetian Dr., SW 30311 802-8100 Dr. Alfonso L. Jessie, Jr.Centennial Place* # 531 Luckie St., NW 30313 802-8550 Alison SheltonCleveland Avenue 2672 Old Hapeville Rd. 30315 802-8400 Rhonda Ware-BrazierElijah Lewis Connally 1654 S. Alvarado Ter., SW 30311 802-8450 Mimi RobinsonContinental Colony 3181 Hogan Rd., SW 30331 802-8000 Sandra SessomsEd S. Cook 211 Memorial Dr., SE 30312 802-8500 LaPaul SheltonDeerwood Academy 3070 Fairburn Rd., 30331 802-3300 Lisa SmithJohn Wesley Dobbs 2025 Jonesboro Rd., SE 30315 802-8050 Dana EvansPaul Lawrence Dunbar 660 McWilliams Rd., SE 30315 802-7950 Betty GreeneEast Lake 145 Fourth Ave., SE 30317 802-7900 Gwendolyn BentonMargaret Fain 101 Hemphill School Rd., NW 30331 802-8600 Marcus StallworthRichard Nathaniel Fickett 3935 Rux Rd., SW 30331 802-7850 Anthony DorseyWilliam M. Finch 1114 Avon Ave., SW 30310 802-4000 Dr. Linda PadenGarden Hills 285 Sheridan Dr., NW 30305 802-7800 Amy WilsonCharles L. Gideons 897 Welch St., SW 30310 802-7700 Armstead SaltersGrove Park 20 Evelyn Way, NW 30318 802-7750 Caitlin SimsHeritage Academy 3500 Villa Cir., SE 30354 802-8650 Dr. Yvonne BernalAlonzo Franklin Herndon 350 Temple St., NW 30314 802-8700 Dr. Betty G. TinsleyCharles Walter Hill 386 Pine St., NE 30308 802-7150 Yolonda BrownJohn Hope 112 Boulevard, NE 30312 802-7450 Dr. Cassandra M. AshleyJoseph W. Humphries* 3029 Humphries Dr., SE 30354 802-8750 Donald ClarkEmma Hutchinson# 650 Cleveland Ave., SW 30315 802-7650 Rebecca Dashiell-MitchellWarren Turner Jackson 1325 Mt. Paran Rd., NW 30327 802-8800 Dr. Lorraine Reich

172008-09 guidebook *offers extended-day Program #year-round school


ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (CONTINUED)School addreSS telePhone PrinciPal

Mary Agnes Jones 1040 Fair Street, NW 30314 802-3900 Margul WoolfolkLucas O. Kimberly 3090 McMurray Dr., SW 30311 802-7600 Carolyn HallMary Jane Lin 586 Candler Park Dr., NE 30307 802-8850 Brian MitchellLeonora Precious Miles 4215 Bakers Ferry Rd., SW 30331 802-8900 Christopher EstesMorningside* 1053 E. Rock Springs Rd., NE 30306 802-8950 Rebecca PruittParkside 685 Mercer Street, SE 30312 802-4100 TBDThomas Jefferson Perkerson 2040 Brewer Blvd., SW 30315 802-3950 Dr. Mable JohnsonPeyton Forest 301 Peyton Rd., SW 30311 802-7100 Karen Barlow-BrownEretus Rivers 8 Peachtree Battle Ave., NW 30305 802-7050 David WhiteWilliam J. Scott 1752 Hollywood Rd., NW 30318 802-7000 Roxianne SmithThomas Heathe Slater 1320 Pryor Rd., SW 30315 802-4050 Dr. Selina Dukes-WaltonSarah Rawson Smith 370 Old Ivy Rd., NE 30342 802-3850 Dr. Sidney BakerSmith Kindergarten Annex 4100 Roswell Rd., NE 30342 256-3317 Daniel H. Stanton 970 Martin St., SE 30315 802-4200 Dr. Willie DavenportFrank Libby Stanton 1625 M. L. King Jr. Dr., SW 30314 802-7500 Dr. Marlo BarberThomasville Heights* 1820 Henry Thomas Dr., SE 30315 624-2077 Janice KelseyFred Armon Toomer 65 Rogers St., NE 30317 802-3450 Tonya SaundersGeorge Alexander Towns 760 Bolton Rd., NW 30331 802-7400 Carla PettisBazoline Estelle Usher 631 Harwell Rd., NW 30318 802-5700 Dr. Gwendolyn RogersVenetian Hills 1910 Venetian Dr., SW 30311 802-4550 Clarietta DavisWest Manor 570 Lynhurst Dr., SW 30311 802-3350 Cheryl TwymanWalter Francis White 1890 Detroit Ave., NW 30314 802-2950 Tamarah Larkin-CurrieWhitefoord 35 Whitefoord Ave., SE 30317 802-6900 Patricia LavantAdam Daniel Williams 1065 Wilkes Cir., NW 30318 802-2900 Mary HarrisCarter Goodwin Woodson 1605 D.L. Hollowell Pkwy., NW 30318 802-7350 Viola Blackshear

MIDDLE SCHOOLSJoseph Emerson Brown 765 Peeples St., SW 30310 802-6800 Donell Underdue, Jr.Ralph Johnson Bunche* 1925 Niskey Lake Rd., SW 30331 802-6700 Aaron FernanderBenjamin S. Carson Honors Preparatory* 2210 Perry Blvd., NW 30318 (temporary) 802-4900 Dr. Flora GoolsbySammye E. Coan* 1550 Hosea Williams Dr., NE 30317 802-6600 Dr. Andre WilliamsCharles Lincoln Harper– Samuel Howard Archer 3399 Collier Dr., NW 30331 802-6500 Michael MilsteadSamuel Martin Inman 774 Virginia Ave., NE 30306 802-3200 Dr. Betsy BockmanJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy* 225 James P. Brawley Dr., SW 30314 802-3600 Lucious BrownMartin Luther King, Jr. 545 Hill St., SE 30312 802-5400 Danielle BattleCrawford Williamson Long 3200 Latona Dr. SW 30315 802-4800 Dr. Elizabeth HarrisWalter Leonard Parks* 1090 Windsor St., SW 30310 802-6400 Christopher WallerLuther Judson Price* 1670 B.W. Bickers Dr., SE 30315 802-6300 Sterling Christy, Jr.Willis A. Sutton 4360 Powers Ferry Rd., NW 30327 802-5600 Audrey SofianosSylvan Hills* 1461 Sylvan Rd., SW 30310 802-6200 Gwendolyn AtkinsonHenry McNeal Turner 98 Anderson Ave., NW 30314 802-6100 Karen RigginsJean Childs Young 2250 Perry Blvd., NE 30318 (temporary) 802-5900 Thomas Kenner

*offers extended-day Program #year-round school

19

SINGLE-GENDER ACADEMIESSchool addreSS telePhone PrinciPal

The B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson 320 Irwin St., NE 30312 802-4944 Curt GreenCoretta Scott King Academy 601 Beckwith St., SW 30314 802-4962 Melody Morgan

HIGH SCHOOLSThe New Schools at Carver 55 McDonough Blvd. 30315 Carver Early College 802-4405 Marcene Thornton School of Health Sciences and Research 802-4420 Dr. Darian Jones School of Technology 802-4410 Rodney Ray School of the Arts 802-4415 Dr. Marvin PryorFrederick Douglass 225 H.E. Holmes Dr., NW 30318 802-3100 J. Austin BrownHenry W. Grady 929 Charles Allen Dr., NE 30309 802-3001 Dr. Vincent MurrayMaynard Holbrook Jackson 801 Glenwood Ave., SE 30316 802-5200 Dr. Shirlene Carter Fine Arts, Media and Communication Academy Information Technology Academy Engineering/Early College AcademyBenjamin Elijah Mays 3450 Benjamin E. Mays Dr., SW 30331 802-5100 Dr. Tyronne SmithNorth Atlanta 2875 Northside Dr., NW 30305 802-4700 Mark MygrantSouth Atlanta 800 Hutchins Rd., SE 30315 School of Health Sciences and Research 802-5000 Termerion McCrary School of Law & Social Justice 802-5045 Peter McKnight School of Computer Animation & Design 802-5060 Scott Painter School of Leadership & Economic Empowerment 802-5005 Dr. Marcus A. BarberDaniel McClaughin Therrell 3099 Panther Trail, SW 30311 802-5300 School for Technology, Engineering & Science (STEMS at Therrell) 802-5360 Esmie Gaynor School of Health Science & Research 802-5355 Dr. Eric Parker School of Business & Entrepreneurship 802-5350 Boris Hurst School of Law, Government & Public Policy 802-5345 Byron BarnesBooker Taliaferro Washington 45 Whitehouse Dr., NW 30314 802-4600 Carter Coleman

OPEN CAMPUS HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMCrim Open Campus 256 Clifton St., SE 30317 802-5800 Dr. Angelisa Cummings

NONTRADITIONAL PROGRAMSForest Hills Academy 2930 Forrest Hills Dr., SW 30315 591-7275 TBDWest End Academy (11,12) 1325 Ralph D. Abernathy Dr., SW 30311 755-7755 Dr. Vivian JacksonAdult Literacy Program 1444 Lucille Ave., SW 30310 756-5153 Jacquelyn Davenport

CHARTER SCHOOLSAtlanta Charter Middle 820 Essie Ave., SE 30316 678-904-0051 Matt UnderwoodCharles Richard Drew Charter 301 East Lake Blvd., 30317 687-0001 Dr. Nicholas StapletonImagine Wesley International Academy, LLC 1049 Custer Ave., SE 30315 TBD Michael RossanoKIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars (WAYS) Academy 80 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., SW 30314 475-1941 Kim KaracalidisNeighborhood Charter School, Inc. 688 Grant St., SE 30315 624-6226 Jill KaecheleTech High School 1043 Memorial Dr., SE 30316 678-904-5091 Elisa A. FalcoUniversity Community Academy 2050 Tiger Flowers Dr. 30314 753-4050 Dr. James Harris

2008-09 guidebook

PARENTS

21

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONEvery Atlanta Public School has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) whose goal is to bring together the interests of the parents and the school to support student achievement. PTAs normally meet once a month. Through PTA initiatives and activities, parents work with the faculty to enhance the school environment and improve student achievement.

WHAT DOES THE PTA DO?• Supportsandorganizesschoolwideevents• Providesaforumtodiscussissuesofimportance to parents and teachers

• Providesthevolunteersandtheorganization needed to support school projects• Conductsfundraisingforschoolactivities• Assistswithspecialschoolprojectsdevelopment,

landscaping or community outreach

HOW DO I JOIN THE PTA?• Atmostschools,thePTAmembershipdrive begins a few weeks after the new school year starts. Contact your child’s school to secure information on membership meetings, dues and activities.

ParentS maKe a diFFerenceParent involvement … an essential element

for student success

Parents as Partners academic centerThe Atlanta Public Schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA) joined with the APS Family Involvement Center to open the first Parents as Partners Academic Center in Atlanta Public Schools. Located at Kennedy Middle School, the site houses the official office for the Atlanta Council of PTAs and is used to host workshops, focus groups and trainings. Parents are encouraged to visit the center to secure up-to-date information on district programs and copies of parenting materials.

Atlanta Public SchoolsParents as Partners Academic Center225 James P. Brawley Dr., N.W.Atlanta, GA 30314404-802-3650

atlanta Public schools Parent community involvement liaisonsThe Atlanta Public Schools liaisons serve as a link between the schools and parents. Their key responsibilities include conducting workshops, sharing news on district initiatives and developing strategies for increasing parental involvement in APS activities. The liaisons work closely with schools to develop community partnerships that enhance the learning environment and ensure federal compliance with each school’s parent involvement policy.

To reach your liaison, please contact your child’s school.

2008-09 guidebook


no child leFt behind and your Parental rightS

The NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT (NCLB) of 2001 is designed to improve student achievement across the nation so that by 2013-14, every child will be performing at a proficient level in reading, math and science based on results of a state-selected Criterion-Referenced Test.

Key Points of the legislation are included beloW.• Allstudentsinpublicschools must be assessed on an annual basis using an assessment selected by the state.• Studentsareassessed,at minimum, in reading/ language arts, mathematics and science.• Stateassessmentdatamust be disaggregated according to the following categories – economically disadvantaged, race/ethnicity, gender, students with disabilities, and Limited English Proficient (LEP).

• Schoolsthatfailtomake adequate progress (AYP) after two consecutive years must offer parents one of the following two options: 1. Transfer their children to another public school that made AYP. Parents must be offered more than one choice, and the district must provide transportation.

2. Receive supplemental educational services. Parents must choose the services provider from a list of eligible providers established and approved by the state board of education. School districts must pay for the cost of these services, which is based on a pre-established per pupil amount. Schools choose which option to provide to parents.• Schooldistrictsarerequired to retain and recruit only teachers and paraprofessionals

that meet the highly qualified requirements. Teachers must meet criteria that demonstrate subject matter competency as established by the state board of education.• Parentsmustbeprovided information regarding the academic status of their child’s school, as well as the qualifications of the school’s staff (upon request).

your Parental rightsYou are a valued and essential partner in your child’s teaching and learning. As the parent of an Atlanta Public Schools student who is entrusted to our daily care and instruction, you have the right to expect the following:

• Awelcomingenvironment, conducive to learning activities.• Safe,cleanandorderly surroundings.• Repliestoyourconcerns regarding school rules and practices in a timely manner.• Caring,responsiveand well-prepared educators.• Challenging,motivationaland thought-provoking instructional activities.• Evaluationsofyourchild’s educational progress at consistent intervals.• Confidentialityofallschool records unless disclosure is legally mandated or parental consent is given.• Acooperative,respectful partnership between the home and school.

23

gloSSary oF commonly uSed termS

ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS (AYP): The minimum level of improvement that states, school districts and schools must achieve each year. A target is set by each state in its original No Child Left Behind accountability plan with the federal government. It is the measure used to determine whether or not a school is considered “needing improvement.”

ASSESSMENT: All of the many different ways (such as a written test, a portfolio of student work, an experiment or teacher observation) that measure a student’s skills or knowledge in a subject area. Assessment can be either formal (students know it’s a test) or informal (providing ongoing information to the teacher).

CRITERION-REFERENCE SCORING: When tests are scored by comparing students’ work with specific criteria or standards.

CURRICULUM: The subject matter a teacher presents to students.

“NEEDING IMPROVEMENT”: Schools that fail to make AYP for two consecutive years are labeled “needing improvement.” The first year, supplemental services are provided. The second year the school choice option (allowing school changes) kicks in.

PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT: Assessment that requires students to perform hands-on tasks, such as writing an essay or conducting a science experiment.

RUBRIC: A scoring guide for a test or other assessment task.

SCHOOL REFORM: A generic term encompassing all kinds of efforts under way to improve schools. Reform efforts focus on all aspects of schooling, ranging from how schools are governed to what curriculum is taught in the classroom.

SCHOOL REFORM TEAM (SRT): APS is organized into four School Reform Teams (SRTs) and a High School Office. Each SRT has an executive director, support staff and a representative from every department in the school system, all with the responsibility of meeting the needs of the schools in their cluster. This organizational structure provides faster service and greater accountability to the schools and to parents. The SRTs 1-4 are comprised of geographically aligned elementary and middle schools. The High School Office addresses the needs of the high schools, non-traditional schools, evening high school program and adult learning centers. Visit www.atlantapublicschools.us or refer to page 15 of this guidebook to identify your SRT.

STANDARDS: “Content” standards are subject-matter benchmarks designed to guide what students learn and when they should learn it.

STANDARDIZED TESTS: These are general achievement tests designed to measure how well a student has learned basic knowledge and skills taught in schools, in such areas as reading and mathematics. Popular standardized tests include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS), and the Stanford Achievement Test Series (SAT-8, SAT-9, etc. The number refers to which test it is in the series).

TITLE I: The first section of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act refers to programs aimed at America’s most disadvantaged students. It provides assistance to improve the education of children in high-poverty schools, enabling those children to meet state academic content and performance standards.

TITLE I SCHOOL: If the number of low-income students is above 40 percent, the schools may use Title I funds to create a schoolwide program to improve achievement, thereby serving all children in the school. If it is below 40 percent, the school must target its assistance to the lowest-achieving students.

2008-09 guidebook

STUDENTS

25

toP 10 reaSonS to be Proud oF aPS

2008-09 guidebook

Strengthened by the support of parents, businesses, nonprofits and government entities, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) began work in 1999 on a comprehensive school reform agenda. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall, the goal has been to transform the district one classroom, one school and one student at a time. Eight-plus years later, those collective efforts are making an impact – and APS is growing stronger with every new school year. Here’s a list of the top 10 reasons to be proud of Atlanta Public Schools:

1. APS is the nation’s only urban district where 100 percent of elementary schools met federal academic targets. ForthefirsttimeinAPShistory,all62elementaryschoolsmadeAdequateYearlyProgress(AYP),asdefinedbytheNoChildLeftBehindfederallaw,forthe2006-2007schoolyear.GeorgiaschoolsusetheCriterion-ReferencedCompetencyTest(CRCT)asthecriticalstandardofmeasureforAYP.AccordingtotheCounciloftheGreatCitySchools,nootherlarge,urbanschooldistrictcanclaimthatallofitselementaryschoolsmadeAYP.(Forthesametimeperiod,adistricthighof83.5percentofallAPSschoolsmetAYP,aneightpercentincreaseover2005-2006andahigherratethanthe2006-2007Georgiastateaverageof81.6percent.)

2. APS’ largest-ever privately awarded grant – $22 million from the GE Foundation – will help deliver intensive math and science instruction to all 50,000 students.GeneralElectric(GE)isindeedbringing“goodthingstolife”atAPS.InNovember2007,theGEFoundationawarded$22milliontothedistricttosupportthedistrict’sMathandScienceInitiativeoverafive-yearperiod.Fundswillbeusedtorecruitanddevelophigh-qualitymathandscienceteachersthatwilldeliverproject-based,hands-oninstruction,preparingstudentsfortechnicalcareers.

3. Nation’s Report Card shows APS math, reading and writing scores since 2003 improved faster than any other urban school district.U.S.EducationSecretaryMargaretSpellingshasmadeseveraltripstoAPSoverthepastfew

years.ButduringherNovember2007visit,shecongratulatedthedistrictforitsoutstandingperformanceonthe2007NationalAssessmentofEducationalProgress(NAEP).OftenreferredtoastheNation’sReportCard,NAEPistheonlynationaltestthatmeasuresU.S.studentsusingacommonyardstick.ThegrowthinAPS’scoresoutpacedthenationalaverage;thestateaverage;andurbanschooldistrictsinotherworld-classcities,includingBoston,LosAngelesandNewYorkCity.

4. APS enters unique partnership with Nanjing University, Emory University and the Chinese government to open the Confucius Institute. LocatedonthegroundsofCoanMiddleSchool,theConfuciusInstituteofAtlantaisthefirstofitskindinGeorgiaandintheSoutheast.TheinstitutewillbeamodelsiteforintroducingMandarinChineselanguageandculturalstudiestoK-12classroomsthroughoutthestateofGeorgia,aswellastointerestedbusinessandcommunitymembersinmetroAtlanta.

5. APS is the only district in metro Atlanta – and one of four in Georgia – to be named a Title I Distinguished School District.InOctober2007,theGeorgiaDepartmentofEducationnamed60APSschoolsasTitleIDistinguishedSchools.Tobeconsidered“distinguished”requiresatleastthreeconsecutiveyearsofAdequateYearlyProgress.InJanuary2008,thatdesignationwasbestowedontheentiredistrictbasedontherisein2006-2007testscoresofstudentsfromeconomicallychallengedcommunities.

6. APS is on a consistent eight-year trend of progress.Foreightconsecutiveyears,APSstudentspostsignificantacademicgainsontheCriterion-ReferencedCompetencyTests.Studentsalsodemonstrateacross-the-boardimprovementontheGeorgiaHighSchoolGraduationTestsandEndofCourseTests.Seepage26foradditionalinformationabout2008testscores.

7. APS continues to attract, develop and reward quality teaching.Researchshowsthatthenumberonepredictorofstudentachievementinanurbanenvironmentisqualityteaching.AsofJanuary2008,66APSteachershaveearnedNationalBoardCertification,and11haveearnedAPSMasterTeacherCertification–inrecognitionfortheirexcellence

inclassroominstruction,masteryofsubjectareasandstudents’achievement.

8. Using in-depth academic and social services, Project GRAD is turning around schools once labeled lowest performing.ProjectGRAD(GraduationReallyAchievesDreams)providesintensiveacademicandsocialsupportservicestostudentsingradeskindergartenthroughcollege.Theinitiativeservesmorethan13,000studentsinone-thirdofAPSschools,includingthreehighschoolcampusesandthe17elementaryandmiddleschoolsthatfeedintothehighschools.ProjectGRADschoolsshowanincreaseinattendance,testscores,graduationratesandcollegeenrollment,provingthaturbanschoolsystemchallengescanbeovercomewiththerightschool/communityresourcesandinstructionalapproaches.

9. APS is changing the middle school experience through single-gender learning and other reform initiatives. InAugust2007,thedistrictopenedtwosingle-genderacademies:theB.E.S.T.(Business,Engineering,ScienceandTechnology)AcademyforboysandtheCorettaScottKingYoungWomen’sLeadershipAcademyforgirls.Theseschools,thefirstsingle-genderacademiesinthedistrictinthepast60years,providementoring,guidanceandresourcestostudents.APSisalsoredesigningothermiddleschoolsacrossthesystemtoincreasestudentachievementbyprovidingadolescentswithindividualizedinstructionandsmallerclassroomsettings.

10. Early signs show that APS’ move to small high school environments is working. Thedistrictistransforminghighschoolsintosmaller,personalizedlearningenvironments.ThetransformationstartedwiththeNewSchoolsatCarver,whichopenedinAugust2005asonecampuswithfivesmallschools,eachwithitsownacademictheme(suchashealthsciences,technologyandentrepreneurship).By2010-2011,allAPShighschoolswillbetransformedintosmallschoolsorsmalllearningcommunities.Thegoalistograduateninth-graderswithinfouryearsandtoequipthemwithrealoptionsforpost-secondarysuccess.


teSt ScoreS2008 results shoW gains for eighth consecutive year

Students posted significant academic gains for the eighth consecutive year on the Georgia Department of Education’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT/GHSWT), End of Course Tests (EOCT) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

crctAPS students met or exceeded their 2007 performance in all grades this year. Most importantly, test results show that more students than ever before are not just meeting – but are exceeding – state standards.

Highlights from the 2008 scores show the following across all grades:• Readingisupfourpercentagepoints• English/languageartsisuptwopercentagepoints• Mathematicsisupsevenpercentagepoints• Scienceisup12percentagepoints• SocialStudiesisuptwopercentagepoints

ghsgt/ghsWtOn a constantly changing playing field, APS closes 2008 with steady improvements:• SocialStudiesisuponepercentagepointto79• Mathematicsisupthreepercentagepointsto84• NewGeorgiaPerformanceStandards(GPS)tests in English/language arts (85), Writing (86) and Science (76)

eoctEnd of Course Tests (EOCT) performance improves in five of six areas that can be compared to last year: • PhysicalScienceisupsevenpercentagepoints• Biologyisupninepercentagepoints• NinthgradeLiteratureisupninepercentage points• AmericanLiteratureisupsixpercentagepoints• Geometryisuptwopercentagepoints• NewGPStestsinEconomicsandU.S.History

naePIn addition to participating in state tests, APS is one of 11 urban school districts in the country that voluntarily participates in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and has its system results individually reported. NAEP provides what many believe is the most rigorous assessment of student achievement in America.

Highlights from NAEP include:• From2002to2007,APSperformancegrewat a faster rate in grades four and eight than the nation, all other participating large central cities and the state of Georgia • Atlantacontinuestoleadthenationinwriting improvement with gains that are seven times the national rate• APSwastheonlyurbanschooldistricttoshow significant gains in all grades and areas tested

27

athleticS

The Atlanta Public Schools Athletics Department operates under the Division of Curriculum and Instruction. Its mission is to provide quality opportunities for students to participate in activities that enhance the physical, academic and social growth of APS students.

student athletic ParticiPation requirements:• Athleticcertification APS is a member of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and follows rules for eligibility as mandated by the GHSA and APS board policies.

certification includes meeting the folloWing requirements:• Academicrequirement Must be on track for graduation• Age Cannot have reached 19th birthday prior to May 1st, preceding year of participation. • Residenceinschoolservice area. Students establishing eligibility as entering ninth-graders are automatically eligible for the first semester.• Physical examination and release for medical treatment (parent or guardian signature mandatory). Every student who participates in any APS athletic program must have an annual physical examination. The examination must be given by a board certified medical doctor and recorded on

the Atlanta Public Schools Permission to Participate and Physical Examination form. No other form is acceptable. • Parentpermission Each student must have permission from a parent or guardian before participating on any athletic team.• Insuranceverification Students who participate in an APS athletic program must have insurance and be able to show proof of a current insurance policy. Insurance is needed for conditioning, tryouts and in-season participation. At no time is it permissable for a student to participate in athletics programs without insurance. If a student does not have insurance, the district offers activity insurance that may be purchased at the school for a minimum price. • Mediarelease Gives the district the right to photograph athletic activities for promotional purposes.

APS offers the following sports for students enrolled in middle and high schools. Offerings may vary depending on student interest. The middle school athletic program is for students in seventh and eighth grades. Middle school students cannot have reached their 14th birthday before May 1st.

For additional information about APS athletic programs, contact the Athletic Office at 404-624-2095.

high school sPorts offerings

FootballCross Country

VolleyballSoftball

CheerleadersBasketball

Girls and Boys BasketballBaseball

Track and FieldTennis, Golf and Rifle (coed)

SoccerSwimmingWrestling

middle school offerings

FootballGirls and Boys Basketball

CheerleadingGirls and Boys Track and Field

SoftballSoccer

2008-09 guidebook


arletta t. brinson, Ph.d., executive [email protected]

404-802-1699

Guidance Counseling Services

404.802.2685Provides quality programs for students in grades K-12 in the three domains of self-knowledge, education and career planning.

Health Services 404.802.2683Provides coordinated school-based nursing services to ensure the delivery of quality health services for students.

Homeless Education Services

404.802.2679Provides liaison services to eliminate barriers to school enrollment, attendance and academic success.

Family Involvement 404.802.2230Assists parents and/or guardians in the development and practice of effective parenting skills to support the education of children.

Records Center 404.802.2150Maintains and transmits transcripts of inactive permanent record files for former students.

Program for Exceptional Children

404.802.2602Offers a broad continuum of services designed to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities three through 21 years of age.

Psychological Services 404.802.2675Provides evaluation of the intellectual, academic and social-emotional status of students while promoting psychologically healthy learning environments.

Social Work Services 404.802.2680

Utilizes collaborative and consultation services in the identification of family and student concerns to provide appropriate interventions to help children at risk for academic failure with an emphasis on attendance and truancy.

Student Support Team 404.802.2682Facilitates the state-mandated systematic intervention process through the school-based interdisciplinary team dedicated to assisting students experiencing challenges that impact academic progress.

Student Placement 404.802.2204Provides guidance to parents on the general administrative transfer process for grades K-12 and No Child Left Behind.

Student Tribunal &Alternative Placement

404.802.2233

Manages student disciplinary cases involving violations with recommendations for suspensions of more than three days, expulsions or alternative education placement. Provides placement for students with discipline and attendance issues.

Truancy Intervention Center 404.802.3649Works with local law enforcement to provide an effective deterrent to truancy in an effort to improve daily school attendance and identification of school-aged children not enrolled in school.

oFFice oF Student ProgramS and ServiceS

attendanceStudents between the ages of six and 16 are expected to be present and to arrive to school on time every day in accordance with the provisions of the Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1, et seq.), and the Atlanta Board of Education Policies JB and JBD. Students who are absent or tardy miss valuable instructional time

and other important school activities, and are less likely to master those skills, concepts and principles needed for academic success. Students who violate the attendance policy will be disciplined. Unexcused absences and/or truancy may lead to a truancy petition against the student and/or parents/guardian filed in juvenile court. Detailed information can be found in the student handbook.

COMMUNITY


community engagement

Designed to support the achievement of all Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students, community engagement connects the needs of the schools with the intellectual and financial resources of the community. APS partners with parents, corporations, nonprofits, clergy, higher education and civic organizations to implement innovative activities that support student success.

atlanta education fundModeled after successful

local education funds and best practices in other cities, the Atlanta Education Fund (AEF) focuses on three key areas:

•SupportsandincubatesAPSreforminitiatives• Engagesthepublictokeepcitizensinformedand involved with the reform efforts•Researchesandmonitorscriticalpolicyissues, best practices, and trends relevant to the system’s reform success

AEF also helps facilitate and coordinate private support for APS, as well as ensures that the community’s resources are being focused to support the school system’s most important strategic priorities. For additional information, call 404-653-5558.

atlanta Partners for education Atlanta Partners for Education (APFE) is a joint initiative between APS and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of

Commerce. APFE facilitates collaborations between area businesses and schools, and tracks the progress that partnerships make to support student achievement. The partnerships are as diverse as the schools they serve, and there are targeted core objectives that ensure the success of the partnerships.

Each year, APFE and APS produce the A+ Awards to honor the outstanding partnerships between Atlanta businesses and their partner schools. Congratulations to the 2008 A+ Award winners. (See list of winners on the following page.) For additional information, call 404-586-8519.

PrinciPal for a day Principal for a Day (PFAD) provides business and community leaders with an

opportunity to go beyond the headlines and get a true picture of public education in action.

Representatives from the business, civic, nonprofit, clergy, higher education and entertainment community join the leaders of APS for a day to understand the needs of local schools. In addition, the partners commit to sustaining a long-term partnership that will benefit students and foster an environment of sustainable achievement.

Over the years, the program has attracted some of Atlanta’s most influential leaders, including Ambassador Andrew Young, Mayor Shirley Franklin, former Mayor Sam Massell, and Henry “Hank” Aaron. For additional information, call 404-586-8519.

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2008 a+ aWard WinnerS

rooKie achievement• F.L.StantonElementarySchoolandEquifax

collaborative PartnershiP• TheNewSchoolsatCarverandPathwaysto Success Partnerships

tutoring• CookElementarySchoolandDeloitte

mentoring• FickettElementarySchoolandUPS

innovative• WhitefoordElementarySchoolandWhitefoord Community Center

summa cum laude• KingMiddleSchoolandAfterSchoolAll-Stars

2008-09 guidebook

local school councilsThe local school council concept is an initiative of the A+ Educational Reform Act of 2000 (HB1187). Georgia law requires every school system to have a school council operational in all elementary, middle and high schools. The primary goal of local school councils is to bring communities and schools closer together to make recommendations to solve education problems, to improve academic achievement, to provide support for teachers and administrators, and to bring parents into the school-based decision-making process. Local school councils meet at least four times per year, and all meetings are open to the public. For information on local school councils, contact your local school or Terrolynn Perry-Ponder, the APS school councils coordinator, at 404-802-2304.

strong PartnershiPs = strong schoolsWhat are the keys to creating successful partnerships?

• Committedandengagedprincipals• Open-mindedandflexiblepartners• Clearoutcomesandobjectivesestablished• Activitiesthatmaybeginonasmallscalewith potential to grow over time• Regularmeetingsthatareheldbetweenthe partner and the school• Open,honestdialoguethatisencouragedand initiated.• Willingnesstocontinuallyevaluateactivitiesand make improvements

For information on partnership programs, contact Mariama Tyler, director of external affairs, at [email protected]

A+ awardsluncheon


KeePing you inFormed

aPs Web site WWW.atlantaPublicschools.us - You are just a click away from securing the most up-to-date information on your high-performing school district. The Web site features:

talK uP aPs - is the district’s electronic newsletter that highlights news about Atlanta Public Schools. To view the current edition, visit the Atlanta Public Schools Web site at www.atlantapublicschools.us. To receive the newsletter in your inbox each week, forward your e-mail address to [email protected].

family matters - is the Atlanta Public Schools newsletter designed to keep parents, guardians and members of the community posted on district news, issues impacting the lives of students and best practices in parental involvement. Produced five times a year, this publication is mailed to APS parents, and copies also can be found in the parent center at local schools.

fireside chats - Atlanta Public Schools believes that the entire community plays a role in enriching the lives of young people. For this reason, Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall hosts Community Fireside Chats throughout the district at least five times a year. During these events, members of the community are updated on the district’s progress and given the opportunity to provide the leadership team with feedback. Contact your school principal for additional information.

Cable Channel 22 is Atlanta’s official education station. Available to cable subscribers in the city of Atlanta, APS Channel 22 broadcasts educational and informational programs daily, around the clock.

WPBA is one of the premiere sources for informational, educational and cultural programming in the metro Atlanta area. The station airs more than 70 hours of award-winning, high-quality educational television programming each week.

WABE 90.1 FM, a charter member of National Public Radio (NPR), is a 24-hour classical music, news and community affairs broadcasting service. WABE 90.1 FM broadcasts news, public affairs and arts programming to the Atlanta community. On the air since 1948, more than 300,000 listeners tune in each week to listen to NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered. WABE also features Between the Lines, Jazz Classics, Market Place, Youth Radio, Boombox Classroom and Focus on Education, developed to provide educational resources and information to parents of school age children.

Learn about all the success happening in Atlanta Public Schools! Each month on APS Today, meet students, educators, business partners and parents who are dedicated to increasing student achievement and preparation for higher education, future careers and civic participation. Watch APS Today the second Monday of every month at 9:30 pm on PBA TV Channel 30.

DT21

• Schooleventsandphotos• Latestheadlines&newsreleases• Videochannel

• Athleticschedules• ElectroniccopiesofAPSpublications• Mealpayoptions

• Busroutelocators• Employmentinformation• BoardofEducationnews

TodayAPS

did you KnoW Pba ProvideS educational Programming and other reSourceS to SuPPort teaching and learning For StudentS, ParentS, educatorS and the Wider community?

main headingatlanta board oF education

diStrict /Seat

District 1Seat 7

District 2Seat 7

District 3Seat 8

District 4Seat 8

District 5Seat 9

District 6Seat 9

elementary SchoolS

Benteen, Centennial Place, Cook, Dobbs, Dunbar, Hill, Hope, Parkside, Slater, D.H. Stanton, Thomasville Heights, Waters, Imagine Wesley International Academy Charter, Neighborhood Charter

Bethune, Connally, Finch, Gideons, Herndon, M.A. Jones, F.L. Stanton, White, KIPP WAYS Charter, University Community Academy Charter

Burgess-Peterson, East Lake, Lin, Morningside, Toomer, Whitefoord, Drew Charter

Brandon, Garden Hills, Jackson, Rivers, Smith

Adamsville, Blalock, Bolton Academy, Boyd, Fain, Grove Park, Miles, Peyton Forest, Scott, Towns, Usher, West Manor, Williams, Woodson

Beecher Hills, Capitol View, Cascade, Cleveland Avenue, Continental Colony, Deerwood Academy, Fickett, Heritage Academy, Humphries, Hutchinson, Kimberly, Perkerson, Venetian Hills

middle SchoolS

King, Price, Atlanta Charter Middle

Brown, Kennedy, Parks, Turner

Coan, Inman

Sutton

The B.E.S.T. Academy, Coretta Scott King Academy, Carson Honors Preparatory, Harper-Archer, Young

Bunche, Long, Sylvan Hills

high SchoolS The New Schools at Carver, Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Tech High Charter

Douglass, Washington

Grady, Crim

North Atlanta

Mays

South Atlanta High Educational Complex, D.M. Therrell High Educational Complex

atlanta board of education members (left to right):

top row

Brenda J. Muhammad District 1

Khaatim Sherrer El District 2

Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, Vice Chair District 3

middle row

Kathleen B. Pattillo District 4

LaChandra Butler Burks, Chair District 5

Yolanda K. Johnson District 6

bottom row

Eric W. Wilson At-Large Seat 7 Districts 1 and 2

Mark B. Riley At-Large Seat 8 Districts 3 and 4

Emmett D. Johnson At-Large Seat 9 Districts 5 and 6

The Atlanta Public Schools’ policy-making body is the nine-member Atlanta Board of Education, comprised of six district representatives and three at-large representatives, all of whom are elected. The day-to-day administration of the school district is the responsibility of the superintendent, who is appointed by the Board of Education.

The Atlanta Board of Education holds public comment sessions prior to each legislative session. Please check the meeting schedule at www.atlantapublicschools.us. Meetings are held in the auditorium of the Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL), 130 Trinity Avenue, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303. For more information, call 404-802-2200.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or sexual orientation in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. For additional information about nondiscrimination provisions, contact the Office of Internal Resolution, 130 Trinity Avenue, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia, 30303.

Published by the office of communicationsFor more information regarding Atlanta Public Schools, visit our Web site at www.atlantapublicschools.us. Listen to WABE 90.1 FM, watch WPBA Channel 30 and APS Cable Channel 22. Visit www.wabe.org, www.wpba.org and www.apscable.org.

APS Archives 404.802.4497APS Operator 404.802.3500Homework Hotline 678.553.3029School Reform Team 1 404.802.3667School Reform Team 2 404.624.5103School Reform Team 3 404.802.3751School Reform Team 4 404.802.6537High School Office 404.802.5875Student ServiceS:Family Involvement Center 404.802.2231Nutrition 404.802.2540Parental Involvement 404.802.3675Prekindergarten 404.802.3638Program for Exceptional Children 404.802.2602Student Placement 404.802.2204Student Programs and Services 404.802.1699(Counseling, Health, Psychological and Social Services)Student Transportation 404.802.5500Student Tribunal 404.802.2233Testing 404.802.2780Truancy Center 404.802.3648central adminiStration:Department of Athletics 404.624.2095Curriculum & Instruction 404.802.2700Facilities Services 404.802.3700Human Resources 404.802.2300Information Technology 404.802.2523Office of Communications 404.802.2800Office of the Superintendent 404.802.2820Operations 404.802.2503Meal Pay 404.802.2538Student Records 404.802.2150

2008-2009atlanta Public schools important telephone numbers

04-08-059

atlanta public schools is one of the top-performing

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