Education
Spring into Summer Reading at Local Schools and Library Events
There are few natural highs superior to a good book by the pool on a perfect summer day. To foster a genuine love affair with reading at a young age, schools and libraries must get super creative, especially in our current socially distant climate. So, let’s peel the page back and see what’s in store for burgeoning Peachtree Corners book lovers.
Gwinnett County Public Library Events
The Gwinnett County Public Library system offers countless educational and recreational programming of all kinds. Here are some upcoming highlights.
Storytime LIVE! via Google Hangouts
April 2, 10:30-11 a.m.
Enjoy a new storytime with stories, songs, games and a new way to get social via Google Hangouts. This program is geared towards toddlers/preschoolers, but any child is welcome to join in! There is a limit of 25 kids and their caregivers, so please register at gwinnettpl.org.
Virtual Author Talk —
Martha Alanis
April 10, 11 a.m.
Diverse Voices: A Bilingual, Children’s Author Storytime featuring Martha Alanis.
Open Your World Book Club
April 20, 3-4:30 p.m.
For adults and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Readers and aspiring readers are invited to join online for reading, listening and discussion of adapted versions of classic short stories and novels. Registration required.
Read Like a Trailblazer—Paul Duke STEM High School
In keeping with the school’s overall motto of “We are the Trailblazers,” the media center at Paul Duke Stem High School is currently running a reading promotion aptly titled “Read Like a Trailblazer.”
“What I am trying to get kids to do is to define what a trailblazer is — someone who challenges the status quo, who sees an injustice and wants to fix it or address in some way,” said Media Specialist Christine Pulliam. “So we have been promoting a lot of memoirs from revolutionaries of thought or action, who can help kids think outside of the box and not always operate in a straight line, but create new paths.”
At the moment, the Read Like a Trailblazer promotion mainly pertains to recommendations to students to pick up titles they might not normally consider, so that they can relate to and learn from the heroes of past and present. Perhaps it might inspire them to blaze their own trails in avenues previously unexplored.
Pulliam is “bursting with ideas” to do more, such as a weekly writing workshop for thoughtful students to create comprehensive exposés centered around compelling historical trailblazers, or perhaps turning that enlightening research into beautiful informative school posters.
As is to be expected, the trail of the library aisle has limited access to students at this time for safety reasons, which in turn limits the ability to implement complex, comprehensive promotional projects.
But the trailblazers of Paul Duke are not easily deterred. We suspect that given a little time, the resourceful staff that keeps books on the shelves and insightful ideas in the minds of teens will find a way to keep the fires of the trailblazers lit.
GAC Reads! Program, Middle School Book Club and More
Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) Spartans have lots of literary inspiration at their disposal.
The first week of March marked special learning moments for the Early Learning Village at GAC, which is comprised of Pre-K3 and Kindergarten classes. GAC Reads! is an annual program for the little ones to connect with books and reading in an intentional way.
This year, there is a focus on American authors, with a wide range of authors both male and female, as well as current and ‘tried and true’ choices across many cultures. Each day of the week had a creative student participation theme and a compelling recommended list for teachers to pull from during story time.
■ Monday – “American Authors” Red, White, and Blue Day
■ Tuesday – Silly Socks Day
■ Wednesday – ABC Day
■ Thursday – Hat Day
■ Friday – Pajama Day
The GAC HS/MS Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Bonnie Baker, expressed lots of enthusiasm for the progress of the GAC Middle School Book Club. “The GAC Middle School Book Club is off to a great start,” Baker said. “Twenty students from 6th to 8th grades are meeting during lunch to learn about new books, play literature related games and talk about the great books they have read.
“In March and April, the book club will be giving input on our summer reading program and helping to choose our theme for this summer’s Ultimate Reading Challenge. They will also be creating book reviews to be displayed in the library for other students, helping those who struggle to find good books their peers have enjoyed,” she said.
Author Talk with Marsha Skrypuch
Fourth and fifth graders Zoomed with author Marsha Skrypuch on March 24. Ms. Skrypuch specializes in writing historical fiction for children’s literature.
Alphapalooza Contest
First to third graders are invited to participate in the book contest Alphapalooza! The contest requires students to read a book from each letter in the alphabet and keep a journal.
Virtual Book Fair
The Henderson Media Center, along with Scholastic, will have a virtual book fair April 26 through May 7. Students can buy books for summer reading and support the Media Center.
Book Character Dress-Up!
GAC Elementary (Pre-first to fifth grades) hosted Book Character Dress-Up Day on March 24. Students dressed as their favorite book character and were encouraged to bring the book to school.
Caldecott Art Contest for Pre-first to Third Grades
The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
The Caldecott Art Contest was hosted by the Henderson Media Center, collecting all entries by March 26. Pre-first to third graders turned pieces of artwork that illustrates a book cover or a scene relating to a Caldecott Medal (or Honors) book.
90-Second Newbery Contest for Third to Fifth Grades
The Newbery Medal has been recognized as the most prestigious award in children’s literature. The 90-Second Newbery Contest invites students in third to fifth grade to create a short movie or piece of artwork that tells the story of a Newbery-winning book. Films are about a minute and a half long, and artwork could be any medium of choice; all entries were collected by March 26.
The Norcross High School drama department has a reputation for presenting quality productions each year, and 2024-2025 is no exception. They staged a one-act show of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in October followed by “Miss Nelson is Missing” in January. Next up for NHS Theatre is Matilda the Musical, set to open in April.
Leading the department this year is NHS’ new theatre director, Terry Gabbard, who came to Norcross with degrees in educational theatre and educational leadership, as well as over 20 years of public school theatre teaching and directing experience.
An award-winning director and playwright, he received the prestigious John W. Parker Award for excellence in directing in 2015, has had numerous productions named “distinguished play” from the North Carolina Theatre Conference and has three Best Musical wins from the Blumey Awards (Charlotte, NC’s version of the Tony awards).
Gabbard has also published two plays, one of which, “Our Place,” was named one of the top ten most produced short plays in American high schools.
Additionally, in 2020, his production of “Puffs” (a clever and comedic play set in the world of Harry Potter) was selected as one of only a handful of productions in America to perform at the International Thespian Society festival.
Though busy with preparations for Matilda, Gabbard recently took the time to answer a few questions about his career, his love of theatre and what’s next for the NHS drama department.
Which productions have you worked on since joining NHS?
We started off performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in October, and we did a performance of Miss Nelson is Missing in January.
Where did you teach and direct before coming to Norcross?
I always explain that my wife supports my teaching habit, so we tend to move as her opportunities change.
I’ve taught mostly in high schools in Florida, North Carolina and now Georgia. I have taught in Gwinnett Public Schools before at Paul Duke STEM and in Cobb County at Campbell High School.
How did the move to NHS come about?
After leaving GCPS for a short few years, I was anxious to get back to this system and this community, and when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.
Have you always had a love for theatre?
I started participating in theatre when I was in 9th grade and have never stopped. For me, the thing that drew me to the art form was the sense of community that theatre creates.
What led you to pursue a career teaching and directing? Was there a specific moment that you realized it was what you wanted to do?
When I was a senior in high school, my theatre director let me direct a play in his theatre [for] one class. This is when I realized how much I loved directing and coaching other actors.
What was it like to win the John W. Parker award in 2015? And to be recognized with so many other honors?
I have been blessed to have been recognized several times by my peers and the organizations I’ve partnered with. It’s always nice to have these recognitions, but I have come to believe that any high school theatre production is a miracle in and of itself.
Producing theatre in high schools is always a challenge and getting to opening night is always a huge accomplishment.
Will you continue playwriting in addition to your work as NHS theatre director?
I haven’t written any plays in some time, but I’m definitely starting to get the itch. All of my plays have premiered at the schools where I was teaching. I imagine a world premier will happen at Norcross pretty soon.
What can you share about the school’s upcoming Matilda the Musical production? Is it one that you’ve directed in the past?
I have never directed Matilda, and I am extremely excited for the challenge. The music is incredible, and the characters are big and over the top.
What plans do you have for the NHS theatre program for the remainder of this year and next year?
After Matilda, things wrap up for us. I haven’t yet decided what shows to tackle next year. I know that I want to find plays that have a different tone than the pieces we did this year. The shows have been comedic this year. Something more dramatic is definitely in our future.
The NHS production of Matilda the Musical opens in April.
Dates and show times are:
- Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit nhs-drama.com.
The investment will transform the campus and elevate student experiences
Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) has announced an investment of over $30 million in facilities and program improvements at GAC, made possible through the Light the Way Campaign, a visionary initiative designed to elevate the educational experience for generations of students.
This transformative campaign will fund a dozen renovation and building projects that reflect GAC’s commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-changing world while deepening the school’s strong Christian foundation. The school recently shared details about some of the program’s key projects.
The Tidwell Commons
At the heart of the campaign is the Jim & Julie Tidwell Commons, a dynamic hub for middle and high school students to gather, collaborate and innovate.
The Tidwell Commons will feature a new student-run coffee shop and bistro, the new Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, a creative media production studio and modern academic spaces, including an enhanced library and academic support areas. The space will also be home to Christian Life and Missions, providing a cornerstone for nurturing faith and spiritual growth within the GAC community.
“The Tidwell Commons will be more than a facility; it will serve as a hub where ideas come to life, equipping students with real-world skills in business, innovation and creativity,” said Dr. Paul Cable, GAC’s high school principal.
The Combee Elementary Complex
The Jim & Becky Combee Elementary Complex will undergo a complete redesign to better support the needs of today’s students. Renovations will include flexible, modern classrooms, enhanced STEM and outdoor learning spaces and a state-of-the-art engineering, science and design lab.
“This renovation will not only modernize the Combee Elementary Complex but will also create an inspiring and secure environment where our younger learners can thrive and grow, reflecting our commitment to excellence in education and student well-being,” said Rhonda Helms, lower school principal.
Athletic improvements
The campaign also includes a new Athletic Field House to support GAC’s soccer, tennis, baseball, softball and girls flag football programs. Featuring locker rooms, training and meeting spaces and upgraded amenities, it will serve as a modern space for game-day operations and practices.
“This is a premier facility that will allow our athletes to compete at the highest level,” shared Athletic Director Tim Hardy.
In addition to the Field House, GAC is renovating and doubling the space in the Naik Athletic Training Center, further strengthening one of the top performance training programs in the state.
“Our performance training program is among the best in Georgia, and these upgrades will align our facilities with the excellence of our programming,” Hardy said.
The expanded training center will feature state-of-the-art performance training equipment, a dedicated speed and agility area and a new recovery suite.
“This space will give our athletes the tools they need to recover efficiently and perform at their peak,” he added.
Wood Family Treehouse
Additionally, the new Wood Family Treehouse and Canopy Walk, which was completed last month, will inspire and elevate students’ outdoor learning experiences for years to come.
Designed as a versatile hub for group learning, hands-on activities and after-school programs, the Treehouse is an exciting space for educational growth, exploration and team-building. It’s a place where students can connect with nature, develop new skills and deepen their love for the outdoors.
An investment in the future
This investment campaign is about more than just buildings though; each project focuses on today’s students as well as future generations, ensuring that GAC remains a beacon of excellence with a foundation of faith for years to come.
Through the Light the Way Campaign, students will benefit from improvements in academics, athletics, the arts, community and Christian faith.
About Greater Atlanta Christian School
Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) is one of Atlanta’s largest Christian schools, serving over 1,800 PK-12 students. The walkable 90-acre campus is located in Norcross, just off of I-85 and Indian Trail Road.
GAC provides an array of in-person, online and hybrid options with over 65 STEM courses, 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual college credit courses and personalized and project-based learning.
In addition to forward thinking innovation, GAC students benefit from caring, responsive teaching and small class sizes.
GAC is a faith-infused, academically rich community, ranking at the top of the state for teaching quality, arts and athletics.
For more information, visit greateratlantachristian.org.
Since the opening of the International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) in 2018, their students have been immersed in Japanese language and culture, including starting each new year (osho-gatsu) — Japan’s most important holiday — with two traditional rituals: Kakizome (New Year Japanese calligraphy) and Mochitsuki (New Year rice pounding).
This year, the students at the K-6 dual-language school in Peachtree Corners, gathered in the gym to practice and demonstrate their growing calligraphy skills and again outdoors a couple of weeks later for the physical fun of mochitsuki.
Kakizome
Literally translated as “first writing,” kakizome is a form of artistic calligraphy of the Japanese language that’s done at the start of each year to express hopes and positive wishes for the year ahead. Using traditional calligraphy brushes and ink, and often expressed through poetry, New Year’s resolutions or an auspicious word, kakizome is a special time to clear your mind and focus on the brush strokes.
According to a press release from the school, for ICAGeorgia’s kakizome event, each student, including the youngest kindergartners, used a traditional brush (ふで) and ink (すみ) to write a Japanese word of their choice — for example, “新年 (new year)” “元日 (New Years Day)” or “もち (mochi).”And, because 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar, 巳 (snake) was included in the word selection.
Mochitsuki
“In Japan, people make ‘mochi’ or pounded rice to celebrate the New Year,” shared Junko Jones, CFO of ICAGeorgia. “Mochi is sticky, so people eat it to help them ‘stick’ with their goals for the year — and they do it with family, friends and people in the community who they would like to ‘stick’ together [with]. Mochi can also be used as a decoration for New Year’s celebrations.”
Pounding the sticky rice into mochi with a wooden mallet is hard work, but the celebration is also one of Japan’s most fun (and popular) traditions.
For the school’s mochitsuki event, each student had an opportunity to pound and taste the mochi rice. All of the ingredients were donated by ICAGeorgia parents, and the mochi rice was cooked by ICAGeorgia parent volunteers on the day of the event — making it true school community celebration.
After pounding the rice, students, staff and volunteers enjoyed delicious rice cakes (omochi) together, welcoming the new year and looking forward to a happy and successful 2025.
About ICAGeorgia
The International Charter Academy of Georgia offers a dual language immersion program in English and Japanese, allowing students to learn both languages through a variety of subjects, including math, science, social studies, art, music and physical education. Japanese instruction is based on the Japanese Ministry of Education curriculum, and teachers collaborate across departments.
The school’s mission is “to broaden the horizons of students in Georgia so that they may become global citizens who promote peace throughout the world.” This is achieved not only through language learning, but also through cultural activities. But the best way to promote peace and understanding is through interactions among the students themselves, who make up an extremely diverse community.
For more information, visit internationalcharteracademy.org.
Photos courtesy of ICAGeorgia.
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