Every year, the country celebrates American Education Week during the second full week of November. It begins today and Atlanta schools are participating in the week that shines the spotlight on the important work of creating great public schools for students in the United States.
The theme of American Education Week 2011 is “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.” It’s a reminder that parents, educators, community members, business leaders, elected officials, and students all have a part to play in supporting great schools.
“American Education Week reminds us that our public schools are a shared responsibility,” said National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel. “Each of us must do our part to support student growth and achievement. All of us - educators, students, parents and communities - must work together to transform our schools so that every student has access to a great public school.”
Beginning today, 64 schools across Fulton County are showing community leaders firsthand what it takes to lead a school when they become “Principal for a Day.” Now in its fourth year, the event is held annually during American Education Week.
Business and community leaders will have big shoes to fill as they step into the ever-changing role of a school administrator. By tackling many of the regular duties facing school leaders, the principals will learn how rewarding - and demanding - it is to be an educator. Activities range from staff meetings, parent conferences, classroom observations, lunchroom and carpool duty, as well as the many unexpected events that occur every day.
Fulton’s real-life principals will “hand over the keys to the school” to not only share their school’s successes and challenges, but also to solidify future partnerships that strengthen the educational experience for all.
Below is the Fulton County “Principal for a Day” schedule for North Atlanta schools to commemorate American Education Week in Atlanta.
- Abbotts Hill Elementary School: Kimberly Sellars-Bates from KSTB Enterprises, Thurs. 11/17
- Alpharetta High School: Jacqueline Malone D.M.D., Mon. 11/14/11
- Chattahoochee High School: Cyril “Don” Wardle Jr. from Chylen of Johns Creek, Mon. 11/14
- Crabapple Middle School: Ruby West from Houghton Miffin Harcourt, Tues. 11/15
- Dolvin Elementary School: Shyretta Peacox from Gwinnett Technical College, Tues. 11/15
- Holcomb Bridge Middle School: Julia Bernath from Fulton County Board of Education, Thurs. 11/17
- Johns Creek High School: Liz Hausmann fro Fulton County, Tues. 11/15
- Lake Winward Elementary School: Diana Wheeler from City of Alpharetta, Tues. 11/15
- Medlock Bridge Elementary School: Andre Kearns from Metro Atlanta Chamber, Tues. 11/15
- Milton High School: Susan Richards from Bank of North Georgia, Thurs. 11/17
- Northview High School: Karen Richardson from City of Johns Creek, Thurs. 11/17
- Shakerag Elementary School: Mary Parker from All(n)1 Security Services, Mon. 11/14
- Taylor Road Middle School: Jennifer Hall from SunTrust Bank, Friday 11/18
- Webb Bridge Middle School: Juree Hall from eCampus Coordinator, Mon. 11/14
- Wilson Creek Elementary School: Rod King from Automated Logic, Tues. 11/15
Parents can make a difference and be a part of American Education Week by:
- Help fund a teacher’s classroom project or wishlist. Teachers spend on average $350 a year out of their own pockets on classroom materials. To help them, the NEA Foundation is partnering with DonorsChoose.org to fulfill their wish lists for their students. Search NEA members’ project requests for classroom learning needs on http://www.neafoundation.org/. Select those you like, donate what you can, and the NEA Foundation will match it, up to $250 per request.
- Nominate a Classroom Superhero! NEA’s Classroom Superheroes campaign allows parents, students, and community members to show educators the support they deserve. Go to the NEA website to nominate your own Classroom Hero.
- Tell Congress to Support the Fix America’s Schools Today (FAST) Act. Students can’t learn to their potential when they are sitting in deteriorating school buildings with leaky roofs, peeling paint, broken lights, and inadequate plumbing. The average school in this country was built more than 40 years ago, and conditions in many of these structures are a distraction or worse for students. Visit this website to tell Congress to support the FAST Act.
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