Through this grant, our dedicated teachers will receive professional development focused on implementing project-based learning strategies, further enhancing their ability to foster critical and creative thinking in the classroom. By equipping our teachers with these invaluable tools,
we are ensuring that every student at Atlanta SMART Academy is challenged, inspired, and prepared for a bright future.

“This grant not only reinforces our commitment to academic excellence but also strengthens our mission to cultivate a community of solutionists who are ready to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world,” said Patrice Meadows, Executive Director of Atlanta SMART Academy. “We are deeply grateful for the support of the Extra Yard for Teachers program, the Sunbelt Conference, and Georgia State University. As a two time, GA State University alum, this is a full
circle moment.

The professional development funded by the grant will take place in fall 2024, laying the groundwork for the integration of project-based learning in the classroom for spring 2025. The program’s ultimate goal is to equip students with the critical and creative thinking skills
necessary for success in the 21st century. Atlanta SMART Academy extends its sincere thanks to the Extra Yard for Teachers program and looks forward to the transformative impact this will have on our teachers, school community, and most importantly, our students.

Here is the article from Georgia State:
https://admin.georgiastatesports.com/news/2024/9/11/athletics-georgia-state-announces-2024-extra-yard-for-teachers-honoree.aspx

ATLANTA — A group of Atlanta charter school students just returned from the field trip of a lifetime.

Students from the Atlanta SMART Academy just returned from a trip to study in London and Paris.

Seventh grader Zolana Bunche stood in front of a huge map.

“Atlanta is here. We flew all the way to London, which is here,” Zolana explained.

She’d never describe herself as a jet-setter.

“I’ve never been on a plane, let alone out of the country,” Zolana said.

“The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and The London Bridge,” 6th grader Caleb Maxwell said.

The state charter school was founded during the pandemic.

Principal Patrice Meadows said some of the students had never been outside of Atlanta before.

So history and social studies classes on the other side of the Atlantic were lessons like no other.

“To see beyond your current circumstances. Beyond your community. Beyond your neighborhood,” Meadows said.

The students say they’ll never forget it, and it taught them to always dream big.

“If you believe anything, you can do anything. As long as you try your best and work to be the best, you can do that,” 7th grader Ryan Demery said.

View Source Article: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/atlanta-charter-school-students-delighted-study-london-paris/ZRQRDGDP35A23IAKDPU6AQ6YR4/

ATLANTA – “Southern Charm” star headlines this weekend’s Atlanta Home Show: They say if you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life — and “Southern Charm” star Craig Conover says that’s exactly why he created Sewing Down South. Conover — a cast member on the hit Bravo series for nine seasons — will headline this weekend’s Atlanta Home Show, appearing on stage Friday and Saturday to talk about the South Carolina-based sewing lifestyle brand he founded in 2018.

Ela shares Mediterranean brunch favorites for spring: Chef Mark Jeffers stopped by the Good Day kitchen to whip up a Turkish hash with poached egg. For more inforamtion on the Virginia-Highland restaurant and to make your reservation, click here.

The latest unmasked singer speaks with Alyse about his experience: Spaghetti and Meatballs was revealed to television personality and restauranter Joe Bastianich on this week’s “Masked Singer.” He spoke with Alyse Eady about his time in the competition and more. See who gets unveiled next Wednesday at 8 a.m.

Former “All That” cast member Katrina Johnson talks new docuseries “Quiet on Set,” her podcast, and upcoming film: “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” reveals the untold story of the toxic world behind 90s and 2000s kids’ TV. Watch the trailer here.

Pike Nurseries gives spring lawn care tips: To find a location near you, click here.

Jazzy T gives a list of things to do around the city this weekend: There’s a lot happening around Atlanta this weekend. Radio personality Su Solo shares her list of things to do for adults and with children. Keep up with Jazzy T Sundays on Hot 107.9.

• Holi celebrations at NaanStop and Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• The Hawks face off against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena
• Atlanta SMART Academy presents Selections from The Wiz
• Sherri Sheperd live at Atlanta’s City Winery

View Source Article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/good-day-atlanta-viewer-information-151614346.html

ATLANTA – Your guide to a jam-packed, color-splashed weekend is here. Celebrate Holi, meet the Wizard, and prepare yourself for an electrifying end to this year’s Atlanta Science Festival. We have information on how you can get tickets to do all of that, and more.

Download the FOX 5 Atlanta App, and follow FOX 5 Atlanta on social media channels for weekly updates.

Celebrate Holi

It’s Holi –  the Festival of Colors, the Festival of Spring, the Festival of Love – one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Hinduism. While the actual holiday is March 25, there are plenty of places around Atlanta gearing up to celebrate early. Anyone can join in, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Here are a couple of places you can go:

Children’s Museum of Atlanta; 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta

9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mar. 23

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta will teach your children about the bright, colorful holiday of Holi. Kahaaniya for Kids and their puppet show will be there teaching the meaning through a musical performance. Check out the full schedule for the day here.

NaanStop; 3420 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Mar. 23

Repeat after us: ‘I will not wear my good clothes today’. It’s a Holi tradition to throw colorful powder at your friends and family, covering yourselves from head to toe.

Get ready to paint the streets with the colors of the rainbow with a dance party at NaanStop. This Buckhead restaurant famous for its Indian cuisine is hosting a family-friendly mini-festival on Saturday. The powder is free, and you can still enjoy food from the full menu. RSVP here.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets

State Farm Arena; Atlanta

7:30 p.m. March 23

The Hornets are in the Peach State this weekend. Can the Hawks take them? Tickets are on sale.

KevOnStage feat. That Chick Angel

7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. March 23

Coca-Cola Roxy; 800 Battery Avenue, Atlanta

He’s one of the funniest guys on social media right now, and his Atlanta show is already sold out! Keep that in mind if you’re trying to get around downtown this Saturday. There will likely be traffic as fans flock to see comedians KevOnStage and That Chick Angel.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – FEBRUARY 02: (L-R) Kevin Fredericks and Angel Laketa Moore perform at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on February 02, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Jeremychanphotography/Getty Images)

Sherri Sheperd live

6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. March 23

City Winery Atlanta; Atlanta

If you’re a Sherri Sheperd fan, we have some bad news for you. Sherri’s show at City Winery Atlanta this weekend has officially sold out. But on the bright side, there’s a waitlist. Click here to join it and learn more about her upcoming appearance.

Sherri Shepherd returns for more ‘Sherri’ fun

You can guarantee every episode of ‘Sherri’ will have you laughing and smiling as the unexpected happens every day. The show is coming back for a second season with some new things in store. Sherri Shepherd chatted with Natalie McCann about what’s new for season two.

Atlanta SMART Academy presents Selections from The Wiz

1 p.m. and 4 p.m. March 23

Embassy City; 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs

Ease on down the road to see Atlanta’s youngest and finest perform scenes and selections from the award-winning musical The Wiz.

Tickets are $15 if you purchase online, or $20 at the door. Learn more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atlanta SMART Academy (@atlantasmartacademy)

One-Day SpelHouse Jazz Festival

3 p.m. – 6 p.m. March 23

Spelman College; Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta

Are you ready for some soul-stirring, toe-tapping, enchanted listening? The inaugural One-Day SpelHouse Jazz Festival will be held on Spelman’s campus. Most impressive of all, the event was organized by a first-year student! Learn more about Morehouse College’s Cameron Smith and the jazz festival.

Picnic baskets, extra blankets, and friends are welcome.

Atlanta Spring Meet 2024

March 23-24

Atlanta Motor Speedway; Hampton

Car enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The “Largest Import Car Meet in the USA” is in town. ImportAlliance is hosting its IA Spring Meet 2024 at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. Learn more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ImportAlliance | The largest import car meets in the USA (@importalliance)

Atlanta Science Festival

Until March 23

Across Atlanta

This is your last chance to experience this year’s Atlanta Science Festival! Grab your favorite mini-scientist, future engineer and all-around braniac and secure tickets to one of the many events scheduled across Atlanta. Learn more.

(Credit: Atlanta Science Festival 2024)

Barenaked Ladies headline 2024 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

Blackburn Park; Brookhaven

The famous Canadian rock band, Barenaked Ladies, is teaming up with +Live+ to headline Brookhaven’s 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival. Admission is free! Learn more.

Georgia Food & Wine Festival

Until March 24

Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center; 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta

You’ll likely be doing a lot of sipping at the Georgia Food & Wine Festival, but don’t forget to savor every moment. There’s live music, a kids’ zone, vendors and plenty of delicious food to tie you over. Learn more.

UniverSoul Circus

Until March 24

Gwinnett Place Mall; 2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth

Step right up to the big top! The UniverSoul Circus is celebrating 30 years of fun. It’s an unforgettable show known for its flips, tricks and awe-inspiring feats. Tickets are available here.

(Credit: UniverSoul Circus)

Beetlejuice at Fox Theatre

Until March 24

Fox Theater; 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta

Whatever you do, don’t say his name three times! We hear Beetlejuice the musical will have you dying with laughter. Learn more.

Metro Atlanta native shines in ‘Beetlejuice’

”Beetlejuice” has been summoned to the Fox Theatre as part the current Broadway in Atlanta season and one of the stars grew up right here in metro Atlanta.

Sneak Peek to Next Week

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza

March 30-31

6100 Lake Forrest Drive NE, Atlanta

Admire art, make art or be art at the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Spring Arts Festival next weekend. Bring the kids for an interactive, creative day filled with music and plenty of activities. On Easter Sunday, there will be an egg hunt. Learn more.

Come back next week for a look at even more special events happening around metro Atlanta.

View Source Article Here: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/things-to-do-this-weekend-in-metro-atlanta-march-22-march-24

The tuition-free charter school will soon occupy approximately 30,000 square feet of Southwest Atlanta’s Hightower Station shopping center, serving as an anchor tenant for the development.

First opening its doors a year and a half ago, Atlanta SMART Academy now serves students from nine Georgia counties located in and surrounding the city limits.

“We are beyond thrilled to expand our footprint to serve more students in the community with personalized and caring instruction,” said Patrice Meadows, principal and founder of Atlanta SMART Academy. “Since opening in the fall of 2021 with 125 students, we have grown to 200 students this school year and will be able to accommodate up to 400 students next year.”

Meadows said that the expansion will allow Atlanta SMART Academy to further develop its performing arts programs, as the school intends to use the additional space to expand its multipurpose auditorium and create personalized studios for theater, music and dance instruction. The school will also build a STEM lab using space from the expansion.

According to its website, Atlanta SMART Academy is the only performing arts junior high school in Southwest Atlanta, combining educational focuses on science, mathematics and the arts to create a curriculum that better prepares students for high school-level learning and adulthood through lessons in critical thinking and problem-solving.

The school is now accepting new students for the 2023-24 academic year. Enrollment is open on the school’s website.

Atlanta SMART is a new charter performing arts school for students in grades 5-8. Founded by Patrice Meadows, the school’s name Atlanta SMART is a portmanteau of Science, Math and Art.

Meadows, a former teacher, has worked with elementary, middle and high schoolers throughout her career. She said she chose to open a middle school because it’s a major period of development for students.

“Middle school is really the time when students begin making decisions and laying a pathway to become college bound. We want to allow them to enter high school on a college track,” Meadows said.Top of FormBottom of Form

As a performing arts school,

students at Atlanta SMART will choose a major each year; this first year students can choose dance, theater or music (vocal and instrumental).

Trina Paden’s 11-year-old daughter Zoe, started sixth grade at Atlanta SMART this year. Paden said her daughter is undecided between being a dance or music major. Parden and her husband came across Atlanta SMART while searching for a STEM middle school to send their daughter to.

“Zoe is very creative and has always been drawn to the arts,” Paden said. “Having her in an academic environment where there is an intentional focus on the arts every day is a rare opportunity, especially in middle school.”

Atlanta SMART’s project-based curriculum was another feature that Paden said attracted them to the school.

Principal Meadows said as a high school chemistry teacher she regularly incorporated project-based learning into her classes and wanted to bring that teaching model to her new school.

She said when a former student of hers brought up a lab they’d done in her class that she had forgotten about, it helped to cement the importance of a project-based curriculum in her mind.

“We did an ice cream lab,” Meadows said. “Students learned about phase changes, how liquids become solid.”

Using lessons to solve problems was something Meadows knew would be a central component to the school’s educational practice. School days at Atlanta SMART are also structured to include ‘flex time’ for the students.

Paden’s daughter Zoe said her first day was ‘awesome’ getting to know her new teachers and making friends.

“I believe that artistic expression aids in developing self-awareness, self-confidence, empathy, and social skills, all critically important in adolescent development. We are looking forward to Zoe having a holistic learning experience,” Paden said.

Meadows’ vision for Atlanta SMART is a school that emphasizes thinking outside of the box where students use their knowledge to come up with solutions.

The school’s core values are Creativity, Competence, Collaboration and Compassion.

“We want students to learn there are multiple ways to get to a correct answer,” Meadows said. “We believe in ongoing assessment and growth, where students have an opportunity to try again.”

In addition to peer editing and teacher feedback, students who don’t perform well on an assignment will have the opportunity to make edits to demonstrate what they have learned.

Each week students have a 1-on-1 meeting with a mentor. Meadows said this is so every student knows they have a faculty member who will advocate for them. The school also hosts monthly curriculum nights for parents and guardians so they are familiar with what their students are learning and can support them at home. 

Atlanta SMART emphasizes meaningful relationships with students and families.

“We make sure we provide all resources students need — all technology and supplies so there are no barriers for a family to enroll their student,” Meadows said.

They have been applying for funding grants so the school can offer low-cost after-care programs for working families.

This year Atlanta SMART has 125 students enrolled in fifth through seventh grades and 10 teachers. Next year they will grow to 200 students and add eighth grade and arts teachers.

By starting a year earlier,

Meadows hopes to give fifth graders an advantage in the difficult elementary to middle school transition.

The school is located off MLK Drive in Southwest Atlanta where the old unemployment office used to be. Meadows’ said she chose this location because it is central to the community and accessible to families.

As a school in a predominantly black area, Meadows is proud that students will see themselves represented in their teachers and their principal.

Support for this article was provided to Word In Black (WIB) by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. WIB is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media that includes print and digital partners.

Classes begin Monday at Atlanta SMART Academy, a new tuition-free performing arts charter middle school in Southwest Atlanta.