Inman Parents: Many of you have heard the news that I will be transitioning to a new position. At Monday night’s Board meeting I was named to the position of interim Executive Director for School Reform Team 3. I am excited about this new challenge and the opportunity to broaden the scope of my work to do all I can to assist all the schools in the SRT3 cluster (Morningside, Springdale Park, Lin, Centennial, Hill-Hope, Cook, Burgess-Peterson, Toomer, East Lake, Whitefoord, Parkside, King, Inman, and Coan). I have been a principal for 15 years so it is hard to think about doing anything …
Dear Community Member, Tuesday we received the state CRCT investigatory report from Governor Nathan Deal. After reviewing the report findings, I am outraged that some of our employees short changed our students by manipulating test data on the 2009 CRCT. I am angered that our students and parents were misled by faulty test scores that misrepresented students’ proficiency, thus depriving them of the support that they needed and deserved. I am appalled by the total failure of leadership across all levels. We - students, parents, employees and community members - have all been duped. Providing a…
Dear Board Members: Over the past two weeks, some of you have either directly or through your close supporters attempted to question the integrity, intent, or accuracy of the efforts put forth by Step Up or Step Down. We respectfully request that you go back and read thoroughly the guidance set forth in SACS Required Action 1. It specifically states that you should "focus on efforts that will regain stakeholders' trust and confidence in the governance and leadership of APS." Our organizing team did not seek out the responsibility we have undertaken. It was thrust upon us when the …
Dear Grady community, On Tuesday, January 18, 2011, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) placed the high schools in Atlanta Public Schools on “Accredited Probation.” Please understand that our high schools remain fully accredited at this time. The SACS Report does not affect college acceptances or HOPE and other scholarship eligibility for the Class of 2011. The SACS Report focuses solely on APS Board of Education governance issues. It is not in any way associated with the strength or quality of the instructional program or the curriculum in Atlanta Public Schools. The SACS…
Virginia Highland-Druid Hills Patch welcomes letters from readers of up to 300 words. Send them to jaclyn.hirsch@patch.com. Dear Editor, As temperatures remain freezing across the state, many Georgians are experiencing cabin-fever on their third day working from home. Since the roads may be icy through the end of the week, The Clean Air Campaign has some telework tips for the stranded: 1. Start with a plan: Make a list of things to do throughout the day and include a timeline to help you stay focused. 2. Stay organized: Keep your work space free of the clutter that tends to build …
