News Briefs – the Southerner Online

2020 commencement schedule announced

February 24, 2020

Class of 2020's commencement rehearsal will be on Monday, May 18 from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech. The actual graduation ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m.. For more information visit here.

Juniors taking SAT March 4

February 24, 2020

Juniors will be taking the SAT next Wednesday, March 4. Applerouth is offering a free, one-hour webinar this Saturday to review sample questions and test taking strategies. To register, go to www.applerouth.com/signup and enter the event code: M384464. Khan Academy is offering free SAT prep in partnership with College Board at www.kahnacademy.org/sat....

Youth Bike Summit accepting proposals till Feb. 25

February 18, 2020

The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, BRAGG Dream Team and Bike New York are hosting the Youth Bike Summit from March 27-29 at Grady. The summit is a three-day conference geared toward youth, bikes, education, advocacy, and leadership. Attendees gather to discuss how cycling can effect social change. The deadline to submit proposals is Feb. 25. Submit here.

APS survey for 2021-2022 school calendar

February 18, 2020

APS is looking for input on the 2021-2022 calendar. Take the survey to provide input here.

Journalism adviser receives recognition from CSPA

February 12, 2020

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association recognized Southerner and Nexus adviser Delbert Ellerton for the national high school journalism teacher of the year awards. Awards will be presented on March 19, 2020 at the Columbia University Library in New York City.

District-wide proposed holiday name change

February 10, 2020

Atlanta Public Schools has a proposed calendar change for the 2020 October 12th Columbus Day. The proposed revision would change the holiday to "Indigenous peoples Day."

North Atlanta to host Vaping Town Hall

February 5, 2020

The PTSA Drug Awareness Chair at North Atlanta High School will be hosting the Medical Association of Atlanta Town Hall on The Vaping Phenomenon. The event will feature Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a developmental psychologist with additional training in adolescent and young adult health, as well as a Q&A session. The Town Hall will be Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at North...

Governor Kemp proposes plan to no longer mandate five standardized tests for students

February 5, 2020

Governor Brian Kemp announced his plan to cut the number of mandatory state tests for Georgia public school students on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Four of the proposed tests are currently taken by high schoolers. The economics exam will no longer be required, and the Georgia Board of Education will determine the other three tests for high schoolers that will no longer be mandatory. The...

Anne Cox Chambers, Atlanta philanthropist, passes away

January 31, 2020

Former Cox Enterprises chief executive officer, Anne Cox Chambers passed away today, Jan. 31, 2020, at the age of 100. Throughout her lifetime she retained the title as chairman of the Atlanta newspaper and according to Forbes, her net worth was 16.1 billion in 2014. She inherited Cox Enterprises following the unfortunate death of her brother, James M. Cox jr., and ran the...

Parking in stadium lot prohibited by administration

January 30, 2020

Parking in the stadium gravel lot is off limits for student and parent parking. The lot is for APS Athletic Department parking only. The 8th street parking lot also cannot be used as a student drop-off and pick-up location. The lot is for teachers and staff, and cars have been blocking their exit.

Deputy Superintendent to leave for Boys and Girls Club

January 28, 2020

Deputy Superintendent David Jernigan is set to leave Atlanta Public Schools effective April 13th. Jernigan has served in this capacity since 2014 under Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen whose contract is set to expire in June of this year. Jernigan accepting a position to become the next President and CEO of the Boys and Girls of Metro Atlanta.

Judges needed for Science Fair preparation session

January 21, 2020

The science department is seeking volunteers to help guide 16 students as they prepare for the Regional Science Fair. The prep session will be on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Anyone interested should contact Dr. Frederic Bien.