Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Atlanta School District Receives High Marks and Scholarship Funds

Newsweek Ranks North Atlanta High School in Top 2%

Newsweek magazine ranks twenty-seven thousand high schools throughout the nation and North Atlanta High School, part of the Atlanta School District, ranks among top 2%. Newsweek magazine compiles the lists of Best High School and releases the list at the end of every school year. This year North Atlanta High School was ranked at 531 out of the 27,000 schools ranked. These rankings are based on the high schools' use and offering of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. Advanced placement classes are college preparation courses. The international baccalaureate uses an internationally recognized course curriculum.

North Atlanta High School offers and encourages students to take and pursue advanced placement classes or international baccalaureate courses. North Atlanta High School also operates International Studies and Performing Arts magnet school programs. The International Studies magnet program offers courses that focus own foreign languages, communications and social studies courses. The International Studies magnet program offers students opportunities to take part in youth foreign exchanges and internships in international companies. The Performing Arts magnet program stresses high academic achievement with performance art training.

Mays High School Teacher Receives Award

A Mays High School, a high school in the district of Atlanta Schools, teacher received the Close Up Foundation's Linda Myers Chosen Award for Teaching Excellence in Civic Education. Hajj Womack received a plaque and one thousand dollars. Mr. Womack, a social studies teacher, was awarded the Close Up Foundation's Linda Myers Chosen Award for Teaching Excellence in Civic Education while in Washington D.C. with students participating in the Close Up Washington program. Civics education is vital for students because teens often feel separated from politics in America.

Atlanta School District's Douglass High School Receives Scholarship Funds from Magic Johnson

Former NBA player Magic Johnson visited Douglass High School on his nationwide AIDS awareness tour. He spoke to the students about safe sex, the value of education and their future. He gave the school twenty thousand dollars for college scholarships for graduating seniors. Twenty students were awarded $1000 scholarships as part of Douglass High School's Visions of the Future Awards program. The awarded students were: Bianca Barnswell Talesha Noble, Lawrence Boddie Jihan Pankey, Mychael Bond Andrea Parks, Seron Fields Louis Perrino, Ramia Finley Shatila Platt, Aamir Fard Adrienne Richardson, Mavia Hanson Anthony Rogers, Yareli Hernandez Catrina Searcy, Kadayas Howard Delisa Stevens, Kenya Merritt Paul White. Magic Johnson gave the students advice that they should continue their education in college or start their own business. Johnson discussed his own work as a businessman after retiring from basketball. He also gave out Los Angeles Lakers jerseys to eight students in the audience. The jerseys bore Johnson's own number and current Lakers players.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Atlanta Braves and the History of Turner Field

Commonly referred to as the 'Home of the Braves' in honor of it's tenants, Turner Field hosted it's inaugural Atlanta Braves game in April 1997. With the capability to seat more than 50,000 fans, spectators regularly pack themselves into this facility featuring a combination of vintage baseball styling and modern amenities. Speaking of amenities, Turner Field offers constant game updates via the Atlanta BravesVision video board, the PlazaVision board and more than 500 television monitors throughout. Inside the ballpark, spectators are invited to do the tomahawk chop in conjunction the 27ft. neon tomahawk, which resides atop the video board.

The playing surface at Turner Field is created with the use of prescription athletic turf, which features a drainage system and hybrid Bermuda grass. The facility features three different seating levels, which includes the Field level, Lexus level and upper level. The Lexus level offers 58 private suites and Turner Field's exclusive membership club known as the 755 Club. The upper level features a spectacular view of downtown Atlanta and the Field level gives spectators a close view of the action on the field.

One of the most notable, and historical, events held at Turner Field include the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Atlanta Braves Museum and Hall of Fame, which is located on the grounds of Turner Field, offers additional information on the history of the facility and the ballclub. In addition, it showcases more than 500 Atlanta Braves artifacts dating back to 1871. Open yearround, the Atlanta Braves Museum and Hall of Fame is among the most popular stops for tourists and sports fans. For those who participate in the Turner Field tours, a visit to a luxury suite, the press box, broadcast booth, dugout, Scouts Alley, the clubhouse locker room and The Plaza are typically on the list of scheduled stops.

Tooner Field, which is a special children's area of Turner Field, is presented by Cartoon Network and is a new $3.4 million project featuring cartoon-themed baseball decor. Measuring over 13,000 sq. ft., Tooner Field allows youngsters to challenge their skills in a fun way and while enjoying one of the newest additions to Turner Field.

From young and old to small and tall, Turner Field offers something for every fan. Although most come to enjoy an exciting game of baseball, touring the museum or watching the little ones enjoy an afternoon at Tooner Field is a terrific way to spend some time before the game starts. The great American game of baseball is no longer just an ordinary day at the ballpark. Today, it's a host of activities leading up to the big event that is sure to be a fun-filled day for everyone.

Collectors who wish to request an autograph from any one of the players on the Atlanta Braves roster should send their letter and a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to:

Player's Name
c/o Atlanta Braves
755 Hank Aaron Drive
Atlanta, GA 30315

Fans requesting an autograph should limit their request to two items per letter. Popular items to have signed include photos, index or trading cards, baseballs, etc. Patience is key when requesting autographs through the mail, but the best time to reach an athlete is often during the off-season.

Living or Visiting Atlanta, From a Cost Point of View

When you arrive in Atlanta it won't be long before you are settled in enjoying your new home or hotel. Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and it has a metropolitan population of over half a million. It certainly deserves a little recognition for the transition it has undergone in the past few years to a city with an international influence.

This is a city that is about 1050 feet above sea level where it is situated on top of a ridge on the south Chattahoochee River. And with its prominent skyline scattered with skyscrapers and interesting post modern buildings including the Bank of America Plaza which is the 24th tallest building in the entire world. The city center has two very different skylines which meet at the Bank of America Plaza.

Atlanta's climate is considered subtropical and it is hot and humid in the summer with mild winters with around 2" of snow all winter. Summer temperatures can easily exceed 100 degrees during July and August. January is the coldest moth with highs around 52 degrees and lows around 30 degrees. No need for big heavy winter clothing here. In fact this is the kind of winter everyone dreams of.

The average income is around $55,000 and the majority of the population is African American and an average single family dwelling running around $150,000. This is a city where living is still affordable and nice refreshing change from so many overpriced cities.

The Marietta area is really nice and Smyrna is growing quite fast. Alpharetta and Roswella are also great and then there is Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. Some areas are heavy in religion so you will always want to do your home work before choosing. Your realtor should be able to assist you with this.

Atlanta's biggest problem for years was its reputation for being one of the most violent cities in North America. But slowly its reputation is changing as the number of homicides has significantly dropped. On top of that the police department has also been plagued with brutality.

Atlanta has so much to offer in the way of recreation, events, and attractions. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is located in the Sweet Auburn district. Then there has been the Varsity which for 75 years has been an Atlanta landmark. There is also the Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, Fox Theater, and a host of excellent museums that are a great way to find out more about Atlanta.

Atlanta's low cost of living is very appealing compare to other major metropolitan areas and you get such great amenities. One day take in the theater and the next day you can be of skiing. There's so much to do in town and the mountains are only 45 minutes north so if the urge to get in a little skiing arises your there. Now that's convenient.

Atlanta has a personality all its own and it's impossible to explain until you've been there and experienced it for yourself. Don't let the crime scare you because every city has its problems and it's generally isolated to an area. Atlanta is a great place to raise a family, enjoy some mild temperature, and it's a great place to work and play.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Atlanta Georgia Apartments - The Best Apartments to Live in

You have always longed to own the house that your dreams are made of. But, sadly, the world of fantasy is very different from the world of reality. Owning a house of your own may take years of planning, but you can come closest to your dream, if you can rent an apartment. Not only is it an affordable option, many times it is the only practical option. There is a problem though. Finding your dream apartment at a rent that you can afford is not very easy. And that's where you would require the services of a professional apartment finder services. Now, find your dream home, with all the facilities and conveniences - and feel like you own it!

When it comes to finding apartments in big cities, an individual by himself may not be able to strike the best bargains. Especially in a big city like Atlanta, you may hop, skip and jump all over Atlanta and still not find an apartment of your choice. With Atlanta Apartments 4 Rent apartment finder services, rest assured that you would find your beautiful apartment in a specific time frame. And this service comes to you free! Since Atlanta Georgia apartments compensate us, our efficient services come 100 percent free to you!

We maintain a database of thousands of apartments in Atlanta. You can either check out our Atlanta Georgia apartments listing or fill in a small form with your own specific requirements. Once you give us your requirements, we find out suitable Atlanta Georgia apartments for rent and make a list of apartments that meet your needs. Browse through the list of Atlanta Georgia apartments and settle for one that is right for you. Not just apartments, find also town homes and condos in the Atlanta Georgia area by making use of our services. Now, take the hassle out of your apartment hunting experience and make it a pleasurable experience with Atlanta Apartments 4 Rent. All you need to do is, sit back and relax while we research the best Atlanta Georgia apartments for rent at the best rent rates.

A home is a place you are emotionally attached to. Although owning a home may take it's own sweet time, why waste the best part of your lives by living just about anywhere? With us, you can move into a beautiful apartment and live the better part of your dream!

Atlanta Schools' Public Engagement Partnerships

Atlanta Schools' Office of Public Engagement

The Atlanta Schools' Office of Public Engagement is responsible for creating and fostering partnerships between Atlanta Schools, community volunteers, teachers, parents, national and local corporations, non-profit groups, and civic organizations in order to advance student achievement. The Office of Public Engagement was created as part of the ongoing educational reform that is occurring throughout the Atlanta Schools. The Office's aim is to connect the schools with any resource that could offer a positive influence on the success of the students in the Atlanta Schools. Many of these relationships are of a creative and ground-breaking nature. Several of the most successful partnership programs involve some of the largest corporations in the nation.

Hewlett Packard's "Bringing it Home" Program

The Atlanta Schools has for many years been part of the Hewlett Packard's "Bringing it Home" program. The Atlanta Schools partnership with Hewlett Packard is part of a larger program that has representatives from Hewlett Packard visiting over 600 schools in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The main goal of the Hewlett Packard's "Bringing it Home" Program is to encourage students, their parents and teachers to create and communicate with technology. The Hewlett Packard's "Bringing it Home" Program is an interactive exploratory program that allows students to gain practical experience using digital photography and computers.

Atlanta Schools' Price Middle School was one of the locations where students were exposed to the latest innovations in technology. The Price Middle School's students were able to see how this technology could be applied to their own assignments and projects. The aim at Price Middle School was to help the students by making their work more efficient. The students, principal and teachers at Price Middle School all profited from Atlanta Schools' participation in the Hewlett Packard's "Bringing it Home" Program.

Atlanta Schools' Long Term Partnership with General Electric

Atlanta Schools has been in a partnership with General Electric Energy since 1993 and will continue this partnership in the future. The partnership with General Electric involves several different ongoing projects and was originally started by former Atlanta Schools' graduates who now are employed by General Electric. The General Electric Partnership was started as a tutoring and mentoring program where General Electric employees would volunteer in schools in the area but it has grown to include Saturday SAT preparation, the Family Technology Resource Center, and scholarship programs. There are now more than 1,500 General Electric employees involved in the General Electric Partnership in some way. The General Electric Partnership has proved to be very influential in student SAT performance.

In 2002, General Electric donated $1 million to Atlanta Schools' Southside High School as part of General Electric's national College Bound Grant Program. This donation to Southside High School was the first grant from the College Bound Grant Program to be given to a school in the Atlanta Schools. The grant is being used by Southside High School's "Strategic Design for Student Success" project. The school wide project plans to double, by 2007, the percentage of Southside High School's graduating seniors who go on to four-year or two-year colleges or universities, or who enroll in technical institutions.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Atlanta Jobs and Apartments – Where to Look and What to Ask

The idea of supporting themselves through college or the advantage of some extra money is quite appealing to a lot of students. They know that the only way to collect experience is through work and they are eager to learn from a variety of successful people.

The best information that is out there can be found online. There are a lot of well-organized websites that offer Atlanta jobs available on the market. One of the most attractive offers among the many Atlanta jobs is working on campus. It has a lot of benefits for students because the employers are more flexible with hours and more understanding of exams. However, it is vital before starting to look for Atlanta jobs to decide what kind of job you are looking for and how much work are you willing to put in.

Looking on the Internet in order to find Atlanta jobs is a smart step to take but you can also check the local newspaper for listings of new jobs. Write down all job opportunities and try to tailor your resume in order to attract employers. The attitude differs in the kind of job you want. If you are looking for part-time Atlanta jobs try not to overdress and act casual. On the other hand, a full-time job requires a much more professional attitude and a strong curriculum vitae, with a cover letter attached.

When looking for Atlanta jobs, discuss with the employer or the employment agency about your availability; be sure that your job does not conflict with your schedule. Ask for clarifications if you are uncertain about some aspects of the job. Another issue to clarify is what the employers expect from you. Be sure that the job is a perfect blending of your interests and your availability.

There are many cool offers among the Atlanta jobs suited to various tastes. One can be a teaching assistant and gain experience for a future career in the teaching business. Also, there are many administrative assistant positions that pay rather well. For techno geeks, the info lab could always use an extra hand. One of the most interesting offers pursued by students who look for Atlanta jobs is working for different assignment websites. This job is ideal for people with good writing skills; it requires a lot of research and one must always be able to make a deadline. The most important requirement is to provide high-quality work.

Another thing that bugs the student's brain is finding suitable accommodations. Sure, many enjoy living in a dorm and having constant fun with their friends but there comes a point when you want be free of all that. This is the reason why more and more students choose to rent or even buy an Atlanta apartment. They consider renting an Atlanta apartment because of the freedom and also because of the comfort.

An Atlanta apartment is quite a little bit of paradise. One can live alone or share it with a couple of friends. Living in an Atlanta apartment of course costs a lot more than living on campus but it is worth it. Most of the apartments are fully furnished and also have telephone, cable TV and Internet access. What more could one wish for?

One can easily locate an Atlanta apartment by going online and browsing various websites that offer accommodations for students. Details about the property, leasing terms and payment can also be found online and some sites even share photos. The main thing is to find a reputable website that provides accurate, up-to-date information.

The details can also be discussed with the homeowner in the person. An Atlanta apartment can he rented for short or long term, on a weekly or monthly basis. The lease depends on the facilities available in the apartment.

When searching for an Atlanta apartment, enquire also about the neighborhood and the crime rate. Also, discuss the proximity to the city center, to your university and to a hospital in case of emergency. These things may not seem important but they are. Every single detail must be discussed and every uncertainty cleared.

There is intense competition for an Atlanta apartment near college and owners who have accommodations near campus are very selective not to mention that they demand higher prices. One can also find affordable housing farther away from the campus.

Atlanta Schools Have a Busy and Productive Summer

Summer GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) Programs

Students from Atlanta Schools have been very busy this summer. The GRAD projects and programs aim to insure that Atlanta school students make to graduation and then on to university. Several GRAD programs are designed to spark students' interest in science, mathematics and arts. This summer rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from South Atlanta, Washington and the New Schools at Carver high schools took part in 2006 Project GRAD Summer Institute. The Atlanta Schools 2006 Project GRAD Summer Institute involved students attending a four week session held at several Atlanta colleges and universities, including Clark Atlanta, Emory, Georgia State, Morehouse, Oglethorpe and Atlanta Technical College. The idea was to give students a taste of college life. Students attended classes, meet school administrators, and spoke with current students. More than five hundred students were allowed to take part in this year's project. The students and their parents attended an awards ceremony held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapel at Morehouse College honoring the students' achievements. Each of participating universities presented awards to the Atlanta Schools 2006 Project GRAD Summer Institute students for the categories of most outstanding, most improved, citizenship and best all around student.

Project GRAD asks students to promise three things: "that you will seek assistance and support from counselors whenever you get stuck, add the word 'can't' to the list of four-letter words you've been told not to say, and to continue to reach back and help other students long after you graduate from college." Project GRAD is a school-community partnership program that aims to improve the academic performance, high school graduation and college attendance of inner-city students from low-income backgrounds. Currently Project GRAD operates in approximately one-third of Atlanta Schools and in 211 schools nationwide. Students who complete two summer institutes, maintain the required grade point average in core college prep or technical school courses and graduate on time with their class are awarded $4,000 scholarships to college or technical school.

Atlanta Schools Holds First Teach For America Summer Institute

The Teach For America Summer Institute, hosted this year by Atlanta Schools, is an intensive five week designed to aid new college graduates in pursuing a career in teaching. Teach For America Summer Institute is a national organization that seeks to enlist recent college graduates in teaching in urban or rural school districts for at least two years after graduation. The Atlanta Schools Teach For America Summer Institute will be housed at Georgia Tech. More than 530 newly graduated teachers willed be prepared to provided education to all students no matter what their economic or social background. The Atlanta Schools Teach For America Summer Institute is the most recent location to host an institute; other locations include Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. Atlanta Schools Teach For America Summer Institute will conduct remediation programs or addressing the most pressing academic needs of the students. Teach For America has proven to have very positive impact on Atlanta Schools. Teach For America has had teachers in the Atlanta Schools since 2000 when the program was introduced by Atlanta Schools superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall, who had witness the results of the program while working in the Newark, New Jersey school system.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Atlanta Web Design at your Service

We live in the century of speed and technology Everything is done with the help of machines these days and all important systems are computerized (banks, public institutions, everything). But computers brake down and they need fixing. This is how another business became necessary: computer repair. Of course, in addition to the hardware industry, the software evolved as well. But, it doesn't stop here. The Internet gave birth to endless possibilities of development. From web design to online advertising - everything can be done.

Having a successful online business is the job of a lot of people. As web sites are portals to information and they are the focus of every person that uses the Internet, they create the first impression on the available online companies. Their images are the first encounter of the public with the companies on the market. So, someone has to take care of their web design. This is perhaps the most intelligent business of the moment - taking care of other people's business images. A company that is well known and appreciated in this field in Atlanta is Bosco Systems. Its goals are to satisfy their customers by offering computer services of all types: computer repair, web hosting, web design, SEO, SEM, website marketing and many more.

A lot of people don't understand what web design is. The World Wide Web didn't just appear one day. The familiar internet images we now know have a rich history and a lot work has been put in their creation. Hours, even days of concentration and a lot imagination for web design are behind every site. Some websites may not even seem like much, but their making consisted in a lot of effort. There are many things to consider when creating a website: what programs to use, what to write, establishing the targeted public, writing the code, offering a certain web design, putting it up, promoting and advertising it. The clients, who own a business themselves, want the best for their websites. Their image, meaning their web design, is very important and this is the main reason why this Atlanta Web Design company tries to give its best. Web design isn't just putting some colors on the web page. A web page has to show personality and represent a certain company. A pleasant environment has to be created so the visitors feel good when they surf the page. It has to be able to attract people and keep the customers interested in the offers without being inappropriately designed. It's all about packaging, and this Atlanta web design company knows that.

So, if you want someone to be interested in what your website has to offer or in the material presented on the site then you have to make it pleasant, fun and interactive. People are first hooked by the image. Then they start being interested in the material. And, even if they are interested in the material and they don't like how the site looks, then they will leave. So, you see now why web design is such a difficult and important matter and why the above mentioned Atlanta Web Design company pays extra attention to its clients.

Another important aspect to consider, when thinking of a certain web design, is the targeted public. If your site targets young people then you should make the site dynamic, interactive and fun, but, if you target older people, then you have to make the site conventional and easy to use. Their time is precious and their patience isn't the same with someone in their twenties. An Atlanta web design company, a good one at least, knows all of these things and many more and will make sure that the designed site meets all demands.

Computer repair is another important aspect that the Atlanta web design company won't forget. Of course computer repair can be done by any person that knows a thing or two about electronics, but you are advised to go to an expert Atlanta computer repair company because they can fix anything and you don't have to take any chances. If you are thinking that trust is an issue, you can be sure you can trust an Atlanta Computer Repair company more than anyone else. Computer repair is a tricky business because it has to be done properly. There is no room for second guessing. Your computer parts are going to be treated with care and the information in the computer won't be violated.

Computer repair is less expensive than web design, but this is only natural as there are more people who own a computer in Atlanta than who own an online business and need web design. Because our age is one that depends on the Internet and on computers, it's easy to understand how necessary Atlanta computer repair is. Almost everyone uses a computer to work or study with its help and, as they are used everyday, they are bound to brake down from time to time. So, computer repair is an important business for the clients and the people that work in this area are indispensable.

Not only in Atlanta, but all over the world, everyone's attention is focused on computers. Since the IT domain is the future, it's only natural that the industry develops in this direction. Atlanta computer repair and web design are proof of the usefulness of technology and of the lust people hold for knowledge. Atlanta is known for the persons it has provided for the IT industry, either for web design or for computer repair. So, if you have problems don't hesitate to ask for the help from an Atlanta computer repair company or from an Atlanta web design company (depending on your needs).

A successful business starts with the proper image. Atlanta Web Design Company will give your web site the face you've always wanted. And Atlanta Computer Repair will alleviate your computer's headaches. It will work side by side with you just because it wants your business to thrive.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Atlanta Schools' "wellness" Workshops Project

Atlanta Schools' "Wellness" Workshops Promote Nutrition and Physical Education

When Atlanta Schools opened at the end of August, a new project was initiated. The "Wellness" Workshop Project kicked off the school year with a workshop that included Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers, author Yvonne Butler, 300 students from the Atlanta School District, faculty members, and community leaders. This was the first ever Atlanta Schools' "wellness" workshop. Atlanta Schools' Margaret Fain Elementary School's Wings of Eagles dance troupe performed to illustrate how much physical energy is used in dance.

The first "Wellness" Workshop was co-chaired by Dr. Marilyn Hughes, the director of nutrition administration for Atlanta Schools, and Billette Owens-Ashford, Atlanta Schools' director of physical education and athletics. The goal of the "Wellness" Workshop Project is improve the health of the students by identifying health-related problems. It has been proven that health related issues can often have a direct affect on a student's academic achievement.

The inaugural "Wellness" Workshop for the Atlanta Schools had a variety of speakers and displays that provided resources on nutritional based activities and physical education activities. The keynote speaker was Dr. Yvonne Butler. Dr. Butler is a noted author whose book, "Healthy Kids, Smart Kids," discusses the impact of diet and exercise on learning and academic performance. Other speakers included Olympic track-and-field gold medalist Gail Severs who spoke about importance of exercise to health and how to stay physically fit.

Atlanta Schools' "Wellness" Workshop Project is part of a broad program that aims to provide both fitness and nutrition strategies for students and staff in all Atlanta Schools. Innovative strategies that will be used include yoga classes for teachers and students, vegetarian cafeteria lines, and walking trails. The overall plan was developed by the Atlanta Schools' Board of Education. The Board of Education will offer guidelines on how to implement the program and how the schools will be evaluated.

A major part of the plan is establishing wellness councils. These councils will be comprised of teachers, parents, administrators, students, and community and business partners. The council will assist Atlanta Schools in integrating nutrition and physical education into the current curriculum. The wellness council will also have a presence at events throughout the Atlanta Schools.

Recently, Atlanta Schools' wellness plan received a boost from the involvement of an Atlanta Schools' parent. Linton Hopkins has two children attending E. Rivers Elementary School. Hopkins is concerned about the nutritional value of cafeteria offerings at the E. Rivers Elementary School but unlike other parents, Hopkins is the executive chef of Atlanta's Restaurant Eugene and winner of this year's Atlanta "Iron Chef" competition. Hopkins has joined the Local School Wellness Council to help evaluate the school's cafeteria. Hopkins isn't the only trained chef to join the E. Rivers Elementary School's wellness council. Elisa Gambino, owner of pasta emporium Via Elisa, has along with eleven other parents joined the wellness council. Parental involvement is an important element to the success of the wellness councils. Currently, approximately 90 percent of Atlanta Schools' elementary and 65 percent of high schools have parents actively involved with the wellness council of their school.

Thursday, December 11, 2008