May 2025

(L-R Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney, FCS Teacher of the Year 2025-26 Natalie H. Meiguez, and The Promise Career Institute Principal Yalanda Bell)

May is a dynamic month filled with reflection, celebration, and learning. Teacher Appreciation Week, observed during the first full week of May, takes place this year from May 5-9. It’s a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the steadfast dedication and remarkable contributions of our educators, whose impact shapes the future of countless students.

A special congratulations goes to Natalie H. Meiguez of The Promise Career Institute, proudly named the district’s Teacher of the Year (TOTY) for 2025-2026! With an impressive 27-year career spanning roles as a teacher, grade-level chair, department chair, and district math coordinator, Natalie epitomizes excellence and commitment to education.

Let’s unite in showing our genuine gratitude and heartfelt support for our principals and teachers. Your appreciation makes an immeasurable difference in their lives.

Learning in the Right Key: Music Tech Summit Inspires Future Innovators

The music industry may not always run like a well-oiled machine, but it wouldn’t run at all without people behind the scenes who use the power of technology to make musical magic. To help foster the next generation of leaders, the Save The Music Foundation, Music Education Group, FCS and Atlanta Public Schools hosted the 3rd annual Atlanta Music Tech Summit. Read more.

A. Philip Randolph Elementary Recognized as DBQ School

A. Philip Randolph Elementary School recently received the distinction of Document Based Questions (DBQ) Project Distinguished School. The DBQ Project is a tool featuring a six-step method that builds on students’ curiosity and increases motivation and confidence to answer a compelling, authentic question. Read more.

Navigating Grief: Partnership Provides New Tool for Teachers

FCS educators have a new tool to ensure they are equipped to support students grieving the loss of a loved one. Ashley Clarke, seventh-grade counselor at Webb Bridge Middle School, notes that teachers typically receive little training on handling grieving students. Through a partnership with New York Life Insurance, FCS School Social Work Services has implemented the Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative, recognizing 96 schools as Grief-Sensitive Schools. Read more.

A Journey Through Time: The History of Fulton County Schools

Dive into the rich history of FCS, from early challenges and milestones to innovative changes and lasting impacts. This journey through time offers a unique perspective on how the district has grown and adapted over the years. Watch this episode of "Let's Talk Schools!"

Fulton County Schools Excels at Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition

Cell phones, iPads, Bluetooth headphones, and TikTok are almost unbeatable in a popularity contest with a book. One would think that a form of entertainment that has only been in existence for a few decades wouldn’t hold up against one that has existed for centuries. At the 2025 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, however, hundreds of students proved that the passion for reading still thrives. Read more.

FCS Senior Spotlight Video Series: Celebrating the Class of 2025

Continuing our tradition of recognizing graduating seniors, FCS proudly launches its “Senior Spotlight: Class of 2025” web and video series. Over the next few weeks, we will feature 20 outstanding seniors – one from each high school – who embody the spirit and fortitude of the Class of 2025. Watch the videos and read more about these amazing students here.

2025 Graduation Dates, Times, and Locations

Get ready, parents of seniors! Click here for the 2025 Fulton County high school graduation schedule. Dates and times are subject to change. Please check back frequently for updates. For more information, contact your high school directly.

FCS Virtual Creativity Days Are Back

Join our Virtual Creativity Days and get creative this summer! Explore graphic design, video creation, and web design. Rising third through sixth graders will use Adobe Express, while rising seventh through twelfth graders will work with Canva for Education. Each day features three unique sessions around a daily theme, and students can join as many as they like. Sessions will be held on Microsoft Teams. Space is limited, so register early at https://bit.ly/VCD25Main.

Summer Learning Registration Ends May 23

The last day to register for Summer Learning is quickly approaching. This free program provides an opportunity for students to recover credits and also accelerate to get ahead during the time between school years. Acceleration courses require tuition. For invitation criteria, courses offered, host school sites, and registration information, please visit the Summer Learning website.