Award-winning Homework Hotline is ready for your call!

UPDATE: Download and share this flyer with students in the APS community!

The Homework Hotline is a joint effort between Atlanta metro school districts and Public Broadcasting Atlanta’s (PBA) E-Learning/Cyber Center.

Call and ask questions!
You are encouraged to call and ask questions about your homework problems. Homework Hotline teachers give one-on-one assistance and easy-to-understand explanations. These teachers have access to current textbooks and school curricula when helping students understand and solve homework problems. They won’t do your work, but they will guide you through a learning process.

Available on most school nights
Homework Hotline is available Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., except during holiday and semester breaks. The Hotline telephone number is 678-553-3029.

There is no charge!
The Homework Hotline service is FREE. Support for the Homework Hotline has been made possible by local school districts and corporate and foundation contributions.

Before you call…

Before calling, you should have the following items:

• Textbook (if available)
• Homework assignment
• Paper
• Pen or pencil
• Calculator (if needed)

Information you’ll need …
You will be asked to give your first name, grade level and name of school. Also give the textbook title, and description of homework problem or assignment.

West Manor Elementary celebrates students’ academic success

West Manor Elementary held its second annual “Exceeds Luncheon” Wednesday for students who excelled on the 2010 Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT). To qualify for attending the luncheon at Benihana Restaurant in Buckhead, students in first and second grade had to score in the “exceeds” category in all three areas measured. Students in third through fifth grade had to score in the “exceeds” category in three areas tested, including math or reading.

A total of 113 students qualified to attend the luncheon, which was sponsored by a local business. Eighty-five students attended the event.

“We are so proud of our students,” said Principal Cheryl Twyman. “Some students remarked that they had never been to a restaurant like Benihana.”

B.E.S.T. Academy is victorious in first football game in school history

B.E.S.T. Academy High School, in its first year of athletic competition as a member of the Georgia High School Association, won its first football game by beating the North Atlanta High Warriors 22-0 last week. B.E.S.T. Academy consists of only ninth-graders and will compete on the junior varsity level for two seasons.

In the third year, the Eagles will compete as a varsity athletic program. The season-opening win was a big lift for the Eagles, but more importantly, their overall team play and sportsmanship was the highlight of the evening. B.E.S.T. offers a quality educational and athletic experience that requires strong support and interaction among all students, faculty, parents, and the community.

“We are committed to providing a quality educational experience for every student that will successfully prepare them to compete, succeed, and lead within a global society,” Principal Boris Hurst said.

Leading Eagles are four outstanding coaches: Head Coach Joshua Moore and assistants William McFarlin, Michael Alligood and Jamal Davis. Hat tip to Athletic Director Michael E. Walker for sending this great news!

Who will be APS’ next “20 Under 20″ leader?

Each year, 21st Century Leaders partners with the Atlanta Business Chronicle‘s Atlanta’s 40 Under 40 to select 20 students under the age of 20 who have made a significant impact on their school or community. Members of the 40 Under 40 will present this year’s 20 Under 20 class with their awards at the third annual “Celebrating 21st Century Leaders” event at the Georgia Institute of Technology Ballroom on Oct. 20.

The 20 award recipients will be spotlighted and honored during the awards ceremony, which is attended by business and community leaders from around the city of Atlanta; friends of our organization; and members of the 21st Century Leaders Board of Directors.

Since this event’s inception in 2008, six APS students have been selected as Georgia’s 20 Under 20:
Gerald Crawford, Grady High School ’09 – 20 Under 20 Class of 2008
Camille Sims, North Atlanta High School ’11 – 20 Under 20 Class of 2008
Veronica Coates, Booker T. Washington High School ’10 – 20 Under 20 Class of 2009
Cristina Jennings, North Atlanta High School ’11 – 20 Under 20 Class of 2009
Lisa Paige, Booker T. Washington High School ’10 – 20 Under 20 Class of 2009
Tiffany Vernon, Grady High School ’10 – 20 Under 20 Class of 2009

Please visit this site for eligibility requirements, nomination information, and more about 21st Century Leaders. Click here for a nomination packet.

** The deadline for all nominations is Friday, Sept., 24 **

Thomasville Heights Elementary to receive KaBOOM! playground on Saturday

Thomasville Heights Elementary will receive a new playground on Saturday thanks to more than 200 volunteers, including teachers, students and the KaBOOM! organization.

The kickoff ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, with the 3,600 square foot community playground expected to be completed by mid-afternoon.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the new playground is scheduled between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m.

The playground is sponsored by Foresters, a financial-services company, and KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that works with local communities and schools to provide safe places to play for children and their families.

Check out coverage of previous KaBOOM! playground builds at Venetian Hills, Slater, Fickett and Peyton Forest elementary schools.