Hats Off!

Hats off to a well planned Department of Special Education Expo last night at Drew Charter Junior and Senior Academy!  I had the honor of opening the evening, as APS special education staff and parents celebrated Charting an Exceptional Course.



The highlight for me was the chance to meet two very exceptional and talented young ladies. DeJanique Carten, a 2013 graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, served as the guest speaker
and truly did an outstanding job.  She detailed her current advocacy work with Parent to Parent, as well as her training through Goodwill Industries.  Positive attitude, well spoken, definitely on the right path. I enjoyed meeting her grandmother also, someone DeJanique credits with being "a large part of my success".



Additionally, we had a very special dance performance by Morgan Woods, a current senior at Maynard Jackson High School.  Much talent and I hear that this is the career path Morgan will pursue.  Cool.

Student artwork from Harper-Archer MS, Fickett ES, and Best Academy HS, were also displayed on the 3rd floor; I was uber-impressed that two will be featured at the High Museum of Art on March 22 as part of the PTA Reflections State Competition.  Attendees also had a chance to visit several vendor booths and breakout sessions devoted to The Georgia Milestones Assessment, Assistive Technology, and IEP Info for Parents. 



Great work Vickie, Crystal, and team!  Let's keep growing this event.