In a communication to families, Fulton County Schools implemented a mask mandate in 13 out of the 14 FCS Cities. Using the local data taken from the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) Epidemiology Reports Fulton County Schools determined schools and facilities located in municipalities where the rate of infection exceeds 100 per 100,000 residents will require […]
Author Archives: Zelda Andrews
We used to teach now we write full-time about all things education in Atlanta.
Posted inAtlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools Updated COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies
In communication with families late Wednesday, Atlanta Public Schools issued updated guidance for families and staff in the fight to combat COVID-19. This comes as other districts are under fire for not requiring masks to be worn in schools after parent outcry. While APS was one of the first districts to implement a mask mandate, […]
Posted inCobb County Schools
Cobb County Schools Updates Public Health Protocols
In a twist to the ongoing mask discussion, Cobb County Schools updated their public health protocols on Wednesday morning. The most notable change was that there is no more quarantine for close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Instead, students are able to return to class as long as they do not display symptoms. Stay […]
Posted inFulton County Schools
Fulton County Schools Changes Guidance Around Masks
Yesterday, the fourth largest school district in the state, Fulton County Schools, issued more guidance around mask-wearing and other COVID precautions to their families. The most notable change is that Fulton County Schools will require masks in schools located in municipalities with high rates of COVID-19 infection. In a statement, the district said, “We are […]
Posted inClayton County Schools, Uncategorized
Clayton County Public School Morrow High Impacted By Positive COVID Test
In a Facebook message late Tuesday, it was announced that Morrow High School will impose a 10-day quarantine for students exposed to COVID-19. In short, the message to parents read, “Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) has been informed of a positive COVID-19 case that will impact a number of classrooms at Morrow High School. While […]
Posted inDouglas County Schools, Uncategorized
Douglas County Schools Students Will Start Year Wearing Masks to Combat COVID-19
In a letter to parents late Tuesday, Douglas County Superintendent, Trent North announced that effective August 4th, “it was determined that masks will be required in our buildings and buses for all students, staff, and visitors.” This comes as no surprise as many other districts this week are either revising and/or changing their guidance based […]
Posted inClayton County Schools, Uncategorized
Martha Ellen Stilwell School of Arts Student Accepted Into Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra
Today, Clayton County Public Schools announced that sophomore Edric Nduwimana, a member of Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts’ Orchestra, has been accepted into the 2021-2022 Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO)! The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra is an integral member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra family and a vigorous part of the cultural fabric […]
Posted inGeorgia Politics, Hot Topics in Teaching, National News, Teaching in Atlanta
Morehouse College Clears Account Balances for Previously Enrolled Students
In a historic move, Morehouse College announced today that outstanding balances of students who have not enrolled for fall 2021 but were previously enrolled in spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021, and summer 2021 semesters have been cleared, effective Friday, July 30. The College’s goal is to provide assistance to students experiencing financial […]
Posted inGeorgia Politics, Uncategorized
State Superintendent seeks students for Student Advisory Council
State School Superintendent Richard Woods is seeking students in grades 10-12 to serve on his 2021-22 Student Advisory Council. Selected students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom, along with other issues related to education, and will serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools. Applicants […]
Posted inClayton County Schools, Uncategorized
Pointe South Middle School in Clayton County will Begin 2021-2022 School Year Virtual
According to a Facebook post late Sunday night, Clayton County Schools announced that another school would start virtually. “Due to a number of staff members having to quarantine, Pointe South Middle School in Jonesboro, Georgia will begin the 2021-2022 School Year virtually on Monday, August 2, and will continue in the virtual learning environment on […]
Posted inCobb County Schools, Uncategorized
Cobb County School welcomes 600 new teachers
Last week the Cobb County School District, welcomed 600 teachers at their annual New Teacher Academy. The New Teacher Academy helps welcome teachers new to Cobb and prepare them for a successful start to the new school year. The New Teacher Academy aimed to inspire Cobb’s new teachers and provide training on the digital-age […]
Posted inAtlanta Public Schools, Uncategorized
Atlanta Public Schools to use screening tool called HealthCheck
In a Facebook post-Friday afternoon, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) announced that they have released a helpful resource for parents while preparing for Back to School – a COVID-19 screening tool called HealthCheck. HealthCheck is available as a mobile app and website, and all schools will utilize HealthCheck to manage daily health screenings for students. In […]
Posted inClayton County Schools, Uncategorized
North Clayton High school to begin school year virtual
In a Facebook post late Friday night, Clayton County Schools announced that North Clayton High School to Begin School Year with Virtual Learning due to the number of staff members in quarantine. The school will begin the 2021-2022 School Year virtually on Monday, August 2, and will continue in the virtual learning environment on Tuesday, […]
Posted inGwinnett County Schools, Uncategorized
Gwinnett County Board of Education Approves Dr. Calvin J. Watts as next superintendent
On Friday, July 30, 2021, the Gwinnett County Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Calvin J. Watts as the next superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Dr. Watts—a former GCPS school leader and assistant superintendent who most recently served as Superintendent of Kent School District in Washington—was the sole finalist for the Gwinnett position. In […]
Posted inUncategorized
State School Superintendent establishes new office of rural education and innovation
In a press release today to the state, State School Superintendent Richard Woods is establishing a new Office of Rural Education and Innovation at the Georgia Department of Education, providing a continued, cabinet-level voice for the needs of rural Georgia in K-12 education policy. Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, a Georgia educational leader with more than 31 […]
Posted inUncategorized
Prospective Board Candidates for Atlanta Public Schools Are Offered Governance Training
On Friday, July 30th prospective board candidates will be offered training on governance practice and an in-depth view of the district. On November 2, all of the nine Atlanta Public Schools Board seats are available. This training will be all day and is being offered by both the Georgia School Board Association and the Council […]
Posted inGwinnett County Schools
Gwinnett County Schools Changes Mask Guidance
In a Facebook message on late Tuesday, Gwinnett County School reverses its decision to make masks optional in the 2021-2022 school year. The message reads… In response to the latest guidance for K-12 schools issued on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Gwinnett County Public Schools has updated […]
Posted inGeorgia Politics
Georgia Department of Education Partners with Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network
In a press release to the Georgia families, the Georgia Department of Education is partnering with the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) to administer $85 million in grants to support afterschool and summer learning in Georgia. GSAN will administer the Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant program on behalf of GaDOE, with two separate, […]
Posted inAnti Racism
Jennifer Susko, Cobb County Schools Counselor, and Black Lives Matter Activist resigns
In a riveting resignation, Cobb County Schools counselor and Black Lives Matter activist, Jennifer Susko leaves the district citing the mounting outcry around the critical race theory debate. Dear Mr. Ragsdale, et. al: It is with deep sadness that I resign from the Cobb County School District in an act of protest against the recent ban […]
Posted inGeorgia Politics
Georgia approves high-school cloud computing Career Pathway
High-school students in Georgia will now have access to a Career Pathway in cloud computing, after the State Board of Education, last week approved State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ recommendation to adopt the new courses. The pathway is composed of three courses – Introduction to Software Technology, Computer Science Principles, and Cloud Computing.Cloud computing is […]
Posted inAtlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools Will Require Masks
This morning, Atlanta Public Schools leadership indicated that they will continue to require masks and will implement a Universal Mask Wearing protocol in all schools and buildings starting on August 5- the first day of school for students. In making their decision the district quoted the following data: Approximately 18 percent of our eligible students […]
Posted inGeorgia Politics
Georgia Department of Education Releases Reward Schools
The Georgia Department of Education has released the 2020-21 list of Reward Schools – the Title I schools making the most progress in improving student performance. This year, 157 schools in 77 school districts were identified as Reward Schools. “While we are focused on ensuring all schools have the support and resources they need to […]
Posted inGwinnett County Schools
Dr. Calvin Watts named as sole finalist for Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent
Last night In a 5-0 vote, the Gwinnett County School Board voted to formally announce Dr. Calvin Watts as the sole finalist for Superintendent of Georgia’s largest school district. Watts will replace Alvin Wilbanks who has spent the last 25 years at the helm. Wilbanks’s last day will be July 30, 2021- one year before […]
Posted inFulton County Schools
Fulton County Schools Named Title 1 Reward Schools
Due to the diligent work of students, staff members, school leaders, parents and community members, nine Fulton County Title I schools were recently named Title I Reward Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. The Reward Schools designation recognizes Title I schools making the greatest improvements. Reward Schools are among the greatest-improving 5% of Title I […]