Reconsideration of Kennedy Middle School Closing
After the APS cheating scandal, KIDS FIRST! successfully petitioned the Atlanta Board of Education to reconsider the closing of Kennedy MS and allow smaller class sizes to provide an opportunity for the critical mass of students with low performance to recover academically.
Schools Saved from Closing During Redistricting
KIDS FIRST! was instrumental in the successful effort to save 10 out of 15 Atlanta Public Schools slated for closure through protest rallies and consistent attendance at school board meetings.
School Bus Routes Reinstated
After APS announced that transportation would no longer be available for students living within 2 miles of their school, KIDS FIRST! organized a rally for parents, students and community residents. The elimination of these bus routes would have resulted in children having to walk past vacant/abandoned houses and on streets without sidewalks to get to and from school.
Boy Scouts of America Troop #181
Won best in show award at Atlanta Area Council Jamboree.
Washington High School Mold and Sewer Issues
Supporting alumni and parents of Washington HS, KIDS FIRST! rallied to pressure the BOE to remediate the mold at Washington HS. APS just invested $151 Million to purchase the former IBM complex (situated on 56 acres of land) and renovate it as the new campus for North Atlanta HS. However, prior to KIDS FIRST! involvement, no sense of urgency was taken by APS to remedy the mold situation and to consider the health effects of mold on students exposed to the environment, the musical instruments and the sewer issues.
Provide Advocacy And Mediation Services to Parents and Students When Meeting With School And District Administration
KIDS FIRST! is the “GoTo” organization that helps parents/guardians navigate the school system in dealing with issues affecting the rights, access and quality of educational services available to their child. Our track record of success has lead to word-of-mouth referrals from parents and students whose outlook transformed from hopeless to hopeful. We are always willing to listen to their story, advocate and mediate for a solution in the best interest of their child.
We have experience on the following issues: suspensions, lack of response from teachers and school administrators, bullying that has escalated to fighting; lack of timely communication about school issues and events and lack of homework assignments.