Parents as Partners Academic Center hosts first annual Mother & Daughter Retreat

Mothers and daughters were treated to an all-day retreat at the Parents as Partners Academic Center over this past month. This year’s theme of “I am because you are” focused on a variety of exercises, including ”Diggin’ the Skin I’m In; ”Health & Beauty Tips; “Can You Hear Me Now”; “Effective Communication”; “United We Stand”; and “Trust Building.” With more than 50 participants, the day was full of laughter and learning. Participants were engaged in rigorous activities that challenged the mind, body and soul but left them with a feeling of growth and accomplishment.

The events were created in order to give parents and students an opportunity to share and learn more about the roles they play in their relationships and ways to improve them, according to Emily Holland, Family Involvement Liaison, Parents as Partners Academic Center. ”While many APS schools and organizations host many parental involvement activities such as Massages with Moms and Doughnuts and Dads, I’m not sure whether or not they’ve held a day retreat for parents and students to attend,” Holland said.

Perkerson Elementary’s community partners share their passion for reading

Celebrated author and prolific writer Elizabeth Hardwick once observed, “The greatest gift is a passion for reading.” On March 26, 30 of Atlanta’s leading citizens shared their passion for reading with members of Perkerson Elementary School students. Boys and girls from the Perkerson family were entertained and enthralled as captains of industry, business, the legal profession, and our service men in uniform championed the cause for literacy by inspiring students to become lifelong readers. WAOK radio personality Derrick Boazman shared the spotlight as master of ceremonies as he provided the leadership and the direction to the visiting dignitaries and the listening audience of excited and enthusiastic students.

Students listened to stories, participated in rap sessions, and contributed their youthful perspectives and their appreciation for literature. Communities in Schools Atlanta Program Coordinator Esther Simon defined the importance of this inaugural occasion, “The purpose of this event was to stress the importance of reading to all students especially young boys.” Perkerson Elementary Principal Dr. Mable Johnson, expressed her delight and enthusiasm for this commitment to reading excellence. Simon articulated her passionate resolve for the continuation of this program in the coming school year: “I can’t wait until we do this again next year.”:

Long Middle School triples up on debate awards

Long Middle School earned a nice share of spotlight recently with three special honors from the Atlanta Urban Debate League out of Emory University. Principal Dr. Elizabeth L. Harris (pictured above, left) was given the Dr. Beverly L. Hall Administrator of the Year Award, while Program Assistant Dr. Donna Murrell-Speed (pictured above, right) earned the Debate Coach of the Year. The school received the Commitment to Excellence Award.

The awards were mainly recognition of the deep level of participation by the school in the debate competition held around metro Atlanta. Long Middle also has hosted debate tournaments. ”It’s just a way that we help our students gain self-confidence, moral character, improve their skills at speaking,” said Dr. Harris. “Our debate team grows each year. And they really and thoroughly enjoy it.”

Dr. Murrell-Speed expressed deep gratitude for receiving the award. “It says I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing in terms of helping build academic skills, moral character, socialization skills,” Dr. Murrell-Speed said. “This just gives kids a chance to recognize that there are always two sides to every story, so they can respect everybody’s opinions.”

For more from Dr. Harris and Murrell-Speed, check out this audio interview here. For more photos, click here.