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New Simpson Elementary Principal Aims to Help Build Tomorrow’s Leaders

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SImpson Elementary School

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.”

SImpson Elementary School
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.

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Education

ICAGeorgia Granted Middle School Expansion and 5-Year Charter Renewal

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From left to right: Ms. Felecia Tucker-Jones (Principal) Mr. Robert Johnson (Board Chair) Ms. Junko Jones (CFO) // Courtesy of ICAGeorgia

The International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) is celebrating a big milestone. The Georgia State Charter School Commission (SCSC) approved its plan to expand. They will add a middle school for sixth through eighth grades. The SCSC has also awarded ICAGeorgia a standard five-year charter renewal.

Both decisions stem from the school’s track record of academic, financial and organizational performance according to the SCSC Comprehensive Performance Framework (CPF).

ICAGeorgia was founded in 2018. It has an innovative educational approach. It offers a K-5 dual language program in English and Japanese. Core subjects are taught in both languages.

Courtesy of ICAGeorgia

The school is dedicated to academic excellence, as shown by its outstanding “Content Mastery” score of 91.4%, which puts it in the top 18% of all Georgia elementary schools. ICAGeorgia also has a student math score of 98.28%, which highlights its commitment to fostering problem-solving and achievement.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter, empowering our students to thrive academically and culturally and become global citizens as envisioned in our mission statement,” said Robert Johnson, Chairman of the Board of ICAGeorgia.

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Education

Local Students Dazzle at Peachtree’s Got Talent Competition

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Explore the highlights of the Seventh Annual Peachtree's Got Talent show, where student performers showcased an array of unique talents.
Bryson Caldwell // photo courtesy of Gwinnett County Public Schools

There aren’t many times you can find talented student musicians, Tabu classical dancing and a glow in the dark jump roping team all in one place. Yet, the Seventh Annual Peachtree’s Got Talent show on Feb. 23 had all of those things and more.

“We had a total of 100 students audition at tryouts. 20 students in 14 acts were selected to perform based on the originality, diversity and creativity of their presentations,” said Yolanda Sato, head of the talent show committee. “As IB learners, all the students were risk takers while being caring and respectful to their fellow performers.”

Held at Norcross High School, the proceeds from Peachtree’s Got Talent benefited Relay for Life. In total, the event raised over $2,000.

The talent show judges included:

Ruwa Romman, Georgia State Representative,
Dr. Reuben Gresham, GCPS Norcross Cluster Superintendent,
Eric Christ, Peachtree Corners City Councilman,
Lorri Christopher, Former Council member and
Erika Miranda, filmmaker, director and actor.

“I could not have enjoyed my experience judging Peachtree’s Got Talent more. As a spectator, I was in awe of all the contestants as they bravely took the stage to share their joy with their community,” shared Miranda. “As an actor myself, I couldn’t have asked for better inspirations and reminders of the magic one feels when doing the things you love.”

The winners of the annual Peachtree’s Got Talent were:

• First place: El Tepper, who performed an interpretive dance to “Applause” by Lady Gaga),
• Second place: Bryson Caldwell for his drum solo and
• Third place: Skylar Atlakora, Ameena Chan and Madison Page, also known as the Glow in the Dark Jump Roping team.

Peachtree’s Got Talent concluded with performances from Norcross High School’s Eva Tepper and Paul Duke STEM High School’s Latino Dance Club.

Click here for more local school news.

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Education

International Charter Academy of Georgia’s Japan Day at the Capitol [+ PHOTOS]

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International Charter Academy of Georgia students hosting "Japan Day" at the Georgia State Capitol

International Charter Academy of Georgia, located in Norcross, GA, offers a dual language education for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

On January 23, 2024, International Charter Academy hosted a “Japan Day at the Capitol,” during which 20 students from fourth and fifth grade were selected to sing a variety of songs in both English and Japanese.

Ms. Norika Harada conducted the performance with assistant Ms. Mayuko Nelson, while Governor Brian Kemp and Consul General of Japan Mio Maedawatched on.

Kemp and Maeda recognized the school and the students performing as well as the 50th anniversary of the Consulate General of Japan’s office in Atlanta just before the performance.

During the performance, the students performed “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” “My Country Home,” “My Grandfather’s Clock,” and “It’s a Small World.”

Many families, supporters and businesses attended the event to support International Charter Academy of Georgia on this special occasion.

Photos by Peachtree Corners Magazine

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