April 2024 - Excellence in the Berkmar Cluster

In April, we explore Excellence in our Berkmar Cluster.

Through Excellence— the quality of being outstanding or extremely good, we ensure that Team GCPS students and families have access to postsecondary and workforce readiness pathways to success, based on demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities and interests making GCPS a preferred education destination. Our school communities know that Excellence is not optional; it is the standard. GCPS supports two-way communication and believes families and staff are partners in supporting student learning and development. Each and every student and staff member are valued, provided with leadership opportunities, and celebrated in their success.

In the Berkmar Cluster, Excellence throughout each school means unique experiences, effective teaching and learning, continuous improvement, responsibility, self-confidence, and progress... for all.

Ready your crafting, organizational, exploration, and communication skills for a variety of learning experiences at Berkmar MS. Step into the “Body Systems Exhibit,” and get ready to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate with teachers Rajaram Rani and Leysi Artime. Starting with engage and explore, students learned about the various body systems (circulatory, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems), the importance of taking care of their bodies, and were tasked with many skills including researching and learning about each body system. Students were assigned a specific body system, and they worked together to research using different mediums including computers, books, and articles. Each student had to research and provide ten facts, and exceptional adults in the MoID (Moderate Intellectual Disability) program provided assistance and assigned jobs to students for the presentations. During the elaboration phase, students and teachers built an interactive, glow-in-the-dark classroom.

Students used technology to trace the organ systems from the projector and performed other tasks such as passing out materials, painting, cleaning up, and providing support to their peers. Students also worked on their research and presentation skills at home with their parents, guardians, and families. During the evaluation phase, students explained each body system and how they work together to help keep us alive.

Other students throughout the school were invited to view the interactive classroom and enjoyed learning about the functions of the body system. Students Elena and Amelia say they liked the painted aprons and masks that served as models of the different systems, and the glow-in-the-dark experience with the circulatory, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems.

Roll up your sleeves and lend a hand with the Community Food Drive. This ongoing event is sponsored by Atlanta Community Food Bank in collaboration with Sweetwater MS and Berkmar MS to ensure equitable access to nourishment and foster solidarity among community residents and the school. While many students help communicate the event at home and within the community, most of the work done during the food drive is by self-contained students. Participation in the food drive not only fosters a sense of responsibility and self-confidence, but also provides valuable opportunities for practical learning and personal growth regarding enhancing social and communication skills. Being actively involved in these initiatives allows these students to contribute meaningfully to their community while gaining real-world experiences that can empower all learners.

“Excellence is cultivated in an environment where students feel safe, supported, and valued. This includes ensuring students feel supported in their learning and their social-emotional learning,” says Berkmar MS Principal Felecia Jones.

Flex your empathy and communication skills and join members of the Berkmar MS Student Council in an assortment of activities and responsibilities from “Valentines for Veterans” to student voice.

“[Student council] is a team effort and [we’ve] provided engaging events for the students, helping to create a more positive learning environment,” says Amelia, student council president. “[I] feel that the student council helps give students a voice with the administration and staff of Berkmar MS.”

“Valentines for Veterans” is an initiative provided by Representative Lucy McBath, Georgia, District 7. It provides Veterans with loving cards and smiles, thanking them for their service. Student Council Vice President Eyobe says that he felt Valentines for Veterans was a great idea for the community, and a great way to “spread the love.”

“[I feel] the student council has a big role and has a large responsibility, but teamwork helps to make the work manageable. More events will provide opportunities to help grow our community and culture,” adds Eyobe.

Timothy, the current Student Council secretary, agreed that Valentines for Veterans was an important event and activity that helped others. In the future, he hopes there will be additional opportunities to elevate student voice and build connections with students at Berkmar MS.

Throughout the school, respect, continuous improvement, and inclusivity are commitments seen in teaching practices. From lessons that provide support for diverse learners to the program, “Wednesday Help Day” which provides students with time to gain additional tutoring and knowledge, and 6th grade classes tasked with creating alternative energy plans for the school after researching various energy sources such as solar and nuclear energy, all students are engaged in relevant, fun learning experiences.

“Excellence first starts at Berkmar MS with effective teaching and learning,” says Principal Jones. “Our teachers are committed to continuous improvement and seek ways to enhance teaching practices.”

Lights, camera, action! You’re live at 12 p.m. for the midday show at the WXIA-TV 11Alive Broadcast Studio! Or rather, you’ll be watching the show, live, with your classmates from the Audio/Video Technology and Film (AVTF) level II and III classes at Berkmar HS. In this Arts, Audio/Video technology, and Communications pathway, part of GCPS’ Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) offerings, students get hands-on experience in the operation of video cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and film editing software to create videos, TV broadcasts, films, music, and podcasts.

As a first-year teacher and current Broadcast Director at WXIA-TV 11Alive, Osee Anderson always had a plan to get his upper-level students into the station to experience what the news life was like.

“I enjoyed discovering new information and the inner workings of the television newsroom,” said Lynda, an AVTF level II student. “One of my favorite parts of this field trip was watching the news in real time; we saw the cutbacks and action.”

The station also organized a panel discussion with reporters, students toured different parts of the studio, and a few students were taken to the control room to see behind the scenes from the point of view of the producers and directors.

“I feel that the experience was priceless!” says Mr. Anderson. “The students, especially from my level III class, really enjoyed it because they put together our weekly broadcast here for the school.” He adds, "[Students] were able to see firsthand what it takes to put a show together from beginning to end.”

When in art class at Berkmar HS, finding out what it takes to be successful isn’t only about talent, it involves critical thinking, problem solving, and finding your artistic voice. Art teacher Katie Franco tries to offer a variety of lessons for each class that can range between functional pottery, such as dinnerware, and sculptural/non-functional pottery. Students have 100% creative freedom for each of their assignments across the courses. Ms. Franco feels this gives the students a sense of pride and ownership... a sense of, “I created that.”

Kathy, a Berkmar HS junior and exhibitor in the Georgia High School Ceramic Arts Awards & Symposium at LaGrange University, says students often find it difficult to express themselves to others, so they need an outlet to let out their feelings. This makes art beautiful as it can be interpreted in many ways, so students use art to express what words frequently can’t.

“Art is an expressive, international language that could be understood by anyone. Using art as an outlet for students' passion connects them to others that feel, like, or connect with the piece,” Kathy adds.

Ms. Franco asks students numerous times a year, “What do you want to make?” Students often share with Ms. Franco that they enjoy coming to her class because they get to come in, learn, and de-stress. They like that the work is challenging and engaging but not in the same way as they would be solving an AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry or AP Calculus problem. In the end, the students love this class because they get to create something that is theirs, and something that came from them. Ms. Franco agrees that the class provides a very powerful experience for all students.

“The class work that challenges the mind and ignites imagination is not just work; it is a journey into the very heart of creativity and innovation,” Ms. Franco says. “When a task or project requires deep thought, creative problem-solving, and a touch of personal passion, it goes beyond the mundane, becoming a powerful source of motivation and satisfaction. [Students] get to do this in an environment that is safe for them to fail, learn from their mistakes, and try again.”

Ms. Franco often finds that the most successful students in art are often the ones who take the risks no one else wants to take – the ones who make the daring choices to create. Recently, many students in Ms. Franco’s art classes were celebrated for their talent through recognitions including the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Georgia High School Ceramic Arts Awards & Symposium at LaGrange University, and Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE) at the Dogwood Festival. Regarding being accepted in various exhibitions, students like Nadia, Nayeishka, and Ashley say they feel happy, excited, and surprised to have their art recognized.

“I feel proud of myself for this opportunity [recognizing] the effort I put into doing my work, and grateful that my work [is] in this exhibition,” said Ashley.

Ms. Franco says she stays away from lessons that could give students an option that takes an easy way out; rather, she provides an example of what she does not want to see and makes sure students keep their art “school appropriate”. This also raises the bar of Excellence, and when submitting artwork to competitions, the expectation is that students come up with their own ideas and not take from copyrighted images. After the introduction of the assignment, it is all up to the students.

“I am very proud that our talented students here at Berkmar HS are being recognized at such a high level,” Ms. Franco says. “Their work is being seen, valued, and appreciated, and this validates and rewards the hard work, extra time, and details they put into their craft.”

When it comes to planning for the future and the valuable lessons learned in Katie Franco’s art classes beyond the molding of clay, students get honest conversations about pursuing a career in the Visual Arts, and skills that will translate into any career field. Ms. Franco and her students discuss college options, joining studios, renting spaces in studios, seeking internships, and entry-level positions.

Students learn about setting up a portfolio to present to a gallery or university, how to build a resume through exhibitions and what that looks like outside of high school, where to find exhibitions, the business aspects of being an entrepreneur, the marketing and selling of their work, pricing their work, setting up a studio, and running the equipment in their studio. 

Students also come to understand that the fine arts are a life skill that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. Ms. Franco says she often hears, “Well, I am going to be a doctor, engineer, architect, lawyer, or own my own business, I don’t need your class.” What all students can learn is that taking a visual art class develops creativity and innovation, critical thinking, communication, persistence and resilience, attention to detail, self-expression, collaboration, and cultural awareness.

“At Berkmar HS, Excellence is defined by the holistic engagement of all students, ensuring that each individual has ample opportunities to realize their full potential and achieve their post-secondary goals,” says Principal Durrant Williams. “Our staff is dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels empowered to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. By providing endless opportunities for growth and success, we cultivate a culture of Excellence where students are motivated to strive for their highest aspirations.”

¡Pasa por Hopkins ES para un cafecito con la familia, o tal vez únete al club de fútbol para un partido! Sea lo que sea que elijas, la Excelencia en esta escuela significa un compromiso para ayudar a cada niño a alcanzar su MEJOR nivel personal.

“Each and every student receives a world-class educational experience at the HOP! Staff recognize the various cultures at Hopkins ES, and we ensure that all feel well represented and celebrated,” says Principal Dr. Gabriel Zaragoza.

From the Principal Patriot Pal program that highlights students who demonstrate their BEST in their classrooms to community events like the Fall Family Festival and Harvest Night, and a soccer club that involves more than 100 students playing on teams with volunteer coaches, Hopkins ES demonstrates that Excellence is achieved at its highest level when we work together.

It's time to “Go FAR” at Sweetwater MS where Excellence is synonymous with leadership, academic progress, and having a growth mindset. Principal Chekquita Johnson and her staff support solid academic achievement, student engagement with various clubs and sports activities, and character-building through the attributes of Go FAR— focus, accountable, and respectful.

Meet the Junior Culture and Climate Council at Sweetwater MS. These students help find and create activities that promote a positive culture and climate within the school. Any student can be involved in the council with the understanding that the journey of self-reflection and development are of paramount importance. The council creates relationships with students who are not comfortable sharing their concerns with some adults and becomes their voice. They also address school issues and district-level concerns such as safety, student/teacher relationships, classroom size, discipline, emotional challenges, the dangers of drugs and vaping, discrimination, and cultural inclusiveness.

“[Council members] are to be examples of leadership and an influence for cultural responsiveness,” says Principal Johnson. “[The leadership team at Sweetwater MS] works with students who feel as if they do not necessarily ‘fit in’ on building confidence which, hopefully, merges with academic growth and progress.”

Grab your solar eclipse viewing glasses and get ready to celebrate a unique event that won’t take place again until August 23, 2044! At Bethesda ES, the experience of the partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, provided a valuable learning experience, allowing students to witness what they have learned during science instruction. The rarity of the event made the experience even more special, emphasizing the importance of taking time to seize opportunities to witness extraordinary phenomena in nature.

For Principal Katrina Larmond and staff at Bethesda ES, prioritizing personalized learning is nothing new. Through dedication to small group instruction, fostering student instructional conversations, and understanding that each student has unique needs, they create intimate learning environments where each and every child can thrive. In Bethesda ES classrooms, Excellence means tailored instruction and student-led discussions that cultivate deeper understanding and engagement.

“Our approach promotes critical thinking skills and collaboration, empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey,” Principal Larmond says. "We are committed to nurturing academic growth and building a community where every voice matters.”

Community-building at Bethesda ES also means actively engaging parents, families, and the wider community in various school events throughout the year. From the enriching Black History and Hispanic Heritage Month programs celebrating cultural diversity to the lively Harvest Fest bringing families together, the school offers numerous opportunities for participation and cultivates a supportive environment where all feel valued and connected.

Get creative and communicative at Minor ES where Excellence means anything can be a learning experience with a flexible team that communicates well and cares about students. Equitable learning experiences are a top priority in the school’s Pre-K Deaf/Heard of Hearing (D/HH) Total Communication Class. Designed for language opportunities, staff support communication in a variety of modalities: ASL (American Sign Language), sign supported speech, Listening and Spoken Language (an approach to language development that teaches young children with hearing loss to listen and talk with the support of hearing technology such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants), Picture Communication, and Assistive Technology.

This classroom exists to give D/HH children access to a play-based curriculum and language opportunities like their same-aged peers. This Minor ES Pre-K Team is supported by two wonderful Speech Therapists and an Occupational Therapist who answer questions and are happy to collaborate throughout the year. 

“We are lucky to have a Deaf adult in our classroom as a language model and a fabulous team who is willing to try anything,” says Leila Caughran, an Early Childhood Special Education, Deaf/Hard of Hearing teacher.

The Pre-K team credits Assistant Principal Tracy Evans for truly valuing the play-based curriculum and the preschool setting. Caughran says preschoolers are made of creativity, and staff follow students’ lead when it comes to play to allow for more meaningful language development. Setting up a language rich for deaf children to explore is the trick to preschool. Staff also provide parents with resources and support in learning ASL, or better ways to support their child at home.

“In preschool, the bridge between home and school is strong and building a relationship with families is the best way to see students grow,” Caughran adds.

Minor ES recently extended Preschool hours last year and classes have been able to experience specials / connections / elective classes for the first time. While art, music, science, and gross motor skills are all a part of the school's standards, students are now able to experience going to a different class and working with a different teacher. It also gives students a chance to experience using an interpreter in a low-pressure environment. Caughran adds that incorporating activities like cooking, making sensory toys, and even cleaning into activities helps students learn. Joining and attempting to help adults with household chores is an important developmental marker, and it can be extended into the classroom with students learning how to clean up after themselves, sweep, and take care of their environment.

“Practical life activities are one of the unique tools that we use in PreK to help students grow into capable adults,” says Caughran.

At Kanoheda ES, Excellence means offering opportunities to grow, encouraging passion and creativity, and building a foundation of success that carries students into the future. From International Night to sponsoring a baking club that will help enhance the Berkmar HS culinary program, and fun events like creating a reading chain with students and staff to celebrate literacy, Kanoheda ES is committed to creating opportunities for students that span from kindergarten to their senior year.

Throughout the Berkmar Cluster, Excellence means creating environments where each and every student feels empowered and supported in their growth– academically, socially, and emotionally. From PreK through high school, and beyond, students reach their full potential when they have access to unique opportunities to develop their skills and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them.