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.
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.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded local high school senior, Heidi Chung, a $1,000 scholarship during their April 24 Business After Hours event. Heidi and her family were presented with the scholarship and introduced to the organization’s members and guests at the monthly gathering.
Heidi was accepted by several colleges and has selected the University of Kentucky to continue her education, pursuing a degree in nursing. When asked what lessons she has learned from her experiences volunteering and serving in the community throughout her life, Heidi commented, “I have learned that true leadership is about service, taking initiative and persevering through challenges.”
Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Sam Chung; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Tenise Chung; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; and Allison Reinert, PCBA Board.
Scholarship Chair Donna Linden and Outreach Director Suzanna Martinez shared that the scholarship committee was impressed with Heidi’s many accomplishments, “whether she was organizing fundraisers, leading performance groups or helping athletes recover from injuries, Heidi demonstrated a positive impact on the community, as well as outstanding academic results.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at PCBA’s monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the individuals and organizations.
Allison Reinert, PCBA Board; Suzanna Martinez, PCBA Board; Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Chris McDonald, PCBA Community Outreach; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; Toby Anderson, PCBA Board; and Audrey Boyce, PCBA Community Outreach.
“We are so proud that the PCBA has … awarded 20 scholarships to outstanding future business leaders and donated in excess of $173,000 into our metro Atlanta community over the last 13 years,” stated Lisa Proctor, PCBA board president.
About Peachtree Corners Business Association
“Where Businesses Come to Grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.
The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.