Greetings!

As we head into March, this is an intense stretch for our students — one of the last significant blocks of instructional time before year-end testing. We are making meaningful progress in reducing absenteeism, and we ask for your continued partnership in helping maintain that momentum through the end of the school year.

This is also one of the busiest times of the year for our Board. As we build the 2026–27 budget, we are working to balance a difficult equation: responsibly investing taxpayer dollars while ensuring students receive the supports they need and teachers receive the compensation they deserve. Tough decisions are around every corner, especially as costs continue to rise across nearly every line of the budget. Follow along with the budget process here.

Let's get to the updates:

• March Board Meeting: Monday, March 2, at 2:30 pm. We will be hearing an update about district partnerships, progress toward building student engagement, and a monthly financial report. The full agenda is here.
• Future. ATL. Now. Join APS students on Saturday, March 7, from noon to 5 pm for an engaging experience centered on student voice, bold ideas, and the future of our city. Students will take the stage to deliver short-format talks on topics that matter most to them, offering perspectives that reflect the real Atlanta. Confirm your attendance here.
• Accelerate APS Spring Series: Learn about SPLOST, exceptional education services and other key district strategies. Tuesday, March 10, at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 110 Hilliard St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, at 6 pm. More info here.

Student Journalism Matters

At our last Board meeting, we proudly recognized The Southerner, Midtown High School’s student newspaper, for its outstanding contributions to student journalism. In an era marked by misinformation and increasing pressure on the press, The Southerner exemplifies rigorous, ethical, and impactful reporting that strengthens civic engagement and elevates student voice. Its work has earned state and national honors, including recognition from the National Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Subscribe here.

Choose democracy - join a GO Team

The GO Team's role is to set and monitor the school's strategic plan, approve the budget, and recommend innovations aligned with the strategic plan. The application deadline is March 8.

Exceptional Parents Expo

APS families of students with disabilities are invited on Tuesday, March 10, from 5:30-7 pm at the Hub for the Exceptional Parent Expo. This event brings families, educators, and community partners together for workshops, a vendor resource fair, and family-centered activities.

Its not to early to start planning for summer

Power Up your summer with APS. Full-day academic and interactive programs for elementary and middle school students begin June 1. Register by May 1.

Get your littlest ones in school

APS Pre-K lottery now open! Eligible 4-year-olds can apply by March 20. This full-day, state-funded program is designed to set students up for kindergarten success and beyond.

Ken.Zeff@atlanta.k12.ga.us

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