A new principal has taken the helm at Simpson Elementary School in Peachtree Corners. In January, Taffeta Connery, Ed. D. replaced retiring principal Bron Gayna Schmit. Dr. Connery’s previous positions include principal of Sugar Hill Elementary School and Assistant Principal at Corley Elementary School in Gwinnett County. Her education career began in 1996 and, in 2008, she earned her Doctor of Education degree from Clark Atlanta University.
Dr. Connery said she wants to continue to build upon the legacy of high engagement and student achievement at Simpson Elementary. “In Gwinnett County Public Schools, we truly believe that great schools build great communities…and likewise, great communities help build great schools,” she said. “It is my desire to continue to build a strong relationship between Simpson Elementary, the Norcross Cluster schools and the City of Peachtree Corners.”
She added that she’s excited about the opportunities that
students have to explore ground-breaking innovation and technology by partnering
with the Peachtree Corners Curiosity Lab and Tech Park. “Students will be able
to engage in real-world applications, problem-solving solutions and
critical-thinking skills that are aligned to our AKS Standards,” Dr. Connery
said. “Our students will be prepared to work in an industry that is constantly
evolving, and they will be able to adapt and excel! My job is to build future
leaders for tomorrow.”
Students from Ms. Michelle Guy’s class with Dr. Connery in front of one of her favorite quotes posted around the school.
Dr. Connery said she believes in servant leadership and
fostering positive relationships. “Shared decision-making, for me, is essential
to student success,” she stated.
She explained that, during the next few months, she plans to
continue asking questions, soliciting opinions and listening to suggestions
from all school stakeholders as to what makes Simpson Elementary feel like home
to them. “My primary role is to support teaching and learning,” Dr. Connery
said. “I want to ensure that students and teachers have all the curriculum
resources and materials they need in order to be successful. In addition to our
work to provide students a good foundational core, I want to be sure to support
our connections (Music, Art, Media, STEM, Spanish and PE) team.”
Dr. Connery and her husband have lived in Peachtree Corners for more than eight years, and she’s excited to live, work and play in the community. “I am proud to be principal of Simpson Elementary School and I look forward to working with all of our Simpson Superstars!” ■
Contributing Editor
Kathy Dean has been a writer and editor for over 20 years. Some of the publications she has contributed to are Atlanta Senior Life, Atlanta INtown, Transatlantic Journal and The Guide to Coweta and Fayette Counties.
The International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) recently hosted its third annual Dining with the Scholars event on April 18 — an evening filled with celebration, culture and community spirit.
Held at Canton House in Duluth, the event welcomed over 200 attendees, including students, parents, teachers, board members, local sponsors and special guest, the Consul General of Japan.
Fundraising and performances
The purpose of the event was twofold: to raise funds in support of academic programs for the school and, most importantly, to honor and showcase the outstanding talents and achievements of ICAGeorgia students.
Dining with Scholars event; photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a silent auction, dinner and dessert, as well as a vibrant lineup of student performances, a magic show and live music — creating a truly festive and memorable atmosphere.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many local companies and organizations whose generous sponsorship made this event possible,” said Felecia Tucker-Jones, principal of ICAGeorgia. “[The] support helps us continue to grow and enhance our academic offerings.”
By all accounts, it was a night to remember — and a wonderful reminder of the strong, supportive community that surrounds the school.
Children’s Day Festival
On May 4, students, families and community members gathered at Thrasher Park in Norcross for a vibrant celebration of Children’s Day, a beloved Japanese holiday that honors children’s happiness, growth and well-being.
Japan’s Children’s Day Festival; photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia
The Japan’s Children’s Day Festival 2025 brought together over 1,000 attendees for a full day of music, crafts, food and cultural experiences.
Visitors of all ages enjoyed traditional Japanese activities such as origami, kingyo sukui (goldfish scooping) and kimono try-ons, while kids played in bounce houses, participated in golf and soccer games and listened to story time in the park.
The festival’s stage was alive with performances from school choirs, dance studios and even a thrilling showcase of breakdancing and karate. Local vendors offered delicious international food — from pizza, tacos and paella to boba and shaved ice — while guests explored artisan booths and even online shopping options.
Culture and community
This festival was a beautiful reflection of cultural pride and community spirit and partnerships, with ICAGeorgia, local small businesses and generous sponsors bringing the vision to life.
“We’re deeply grateful to all our sponsors, performers, volunteers and families who made the day so special,” said Jeremy Williams, president of the ICAGeorgia PTO.
As Norcross continues to grow as a hub for diverse cultural events, Japan’s Children’s Day Festival stands out as a joyful, family-focused experience with the goal of continuing for years to come.
Follow Japan’s Children’s Day Festival (@JapansChildrensDayFestival) on Instagram and Facebook, and stay tuned for next year’s exciting event.
About ICAGeorgia
The International Charter Academy of Georgia is a statewide charter school available free of charge to any K–6 student residing in Georgia.
Located in Peachtree Corners, the school offers a dual language immersion program in both English and Japanese, a rigorous standards-based curriculum, extracurricular activities and multiple opportunities throughout the year to engage in cross-cultural community.
Simpson Elementary School celebrated Exceptional Children’s Week (ECW) last month with five days of special activities to recognize their special needs population and all of their exceptional students.
April 14–18 is set aside each year to celebrate children with disabilities, gifts and talents. This year’s ECW theme was Bridging Gaps and Building Futures, and the school was happy to take part.
They highlighted each day of the week on the morning news with fun facts about notable people in society — and throughout history — who have overcome challenges with their disabilities, including actor Daniel Radcliffe (who has lived with dyspraxia for his entire life), Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Frida Kahlo and Helen Keller.
Simpson Elementary’s technology team also pre-recorded various special needs classes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day of the week.
Guest speaker
To end their ECW with a bang, they invited former Simpson Elementary parent, State Representative Scott Hilton, to come in and speak to their K-2 classes about raising his son, Chase (who is autistic and now a student at Norcross High School), and how being different is okay.
“Showing kindness and being inclusive is the best version of humanity,” said Dr. Taffeta Connery, Simpson Elementary School principal, in a statement about the event.
“Simpson Elementary has a special needs population of 214 (23%) of 946 students. [And] … we strive to ensure that our students are valued, recognized and instilled with high expectations for all.”
Cobb Global Outreach Inc. (CGO Inc.), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing financial literacy and educational opportunities, recently awarded three scholarships to metro Atlanta high school seniors, including one to Paul Duke STEM student, Baylor M. Brown.
The scholarship initiative underscores CGO Inc.’s commitment to empowering youth through financial education and support.
According to CGO’s social media pages, these outstanding students have shown incredible dedication and resilience in their academic journeys. “We are proud to support their continued success and look forward to seeing all that they will achieve!”
Scholarship details and impact
The scholarships provided by CGO Inc. are designed to alleviate financial barriers and encourage academic excellence among students pursuing higher education. Each scholarship recipient will receive financial assistance to support their educational endeavors, along with resources to enhance their understanding of financial management and literacy.
The scholarship recipients have demonstrated remarkable potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their local community and beyond.
Bobby Cobb, CEO and founder of Cobb Global Outreach Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to support the students … . By investing in their education and financial literacy, we aim to equip them with the skills necessary for a successful and financially secure future.”
Looking ahead
Cobb Global Outreach Inc. remains committed to expanding its scholarship programs and financial literacy initiatives. The organization plans to collaborate with additional schools and community partners to further its mission of closing the wealth gap and fostering economic empowerment among youth.
About Cobb Global Outreach Inc.
Founded in January 2021, Cobb Global Outreach Inc. is dedicated to educating middle and high school students about financial literacy. The organization believes that providing students with tools and resources related to financial literacy will help narrow the wealth gap and promote economic empowerment.