Thousands of Atlanta Public Schools students returned to the classroom Monday as Mayor Andre Dickens visited C.S.K. Young Women’s Leadership Academy, BEST Academy and Benjamin E. Mays High School to welcome students, thank educators and celebrate the start of a new school year.
The Mayor joined Atlanta Public Schools leaders, Emerging 100, 100 Black Men of Atlanta and community partners to greet students as they arrived on campus.
Before visiting the schools, Mayor Dickens shared a message for students, teachers, principals, school staff and families across Atlanta.
“As this new school year begins, I hope every student knows this: your city is rooting for you, believes in you and works every day to give you the tools and support you need for success.”
He encouraged students to dream big, work hard and take advantage of every opportunity, reminding them that every classroom, lesson and challenge helps prepare them for the future.
Every Year Is the Year of the Youth
Supporting Atlanta’s young people remains one of the Dickens administration’s top priorities.
This summer, thousands of young Atlantans participated in City programs, including Camp Best Friends, which celebrated its 45th anniversary, and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which connected young people with paid work experience across the city. City Hall interns also spent the summer learning about careers in public service, while families prepared for the school year during events like the Antioch Youth Summit.
As students head back to class, those efforts continue through investments in youth, education and opportunities that help young people succeed.
Ready for Day One
Atlanta Public Schools also began the school year ready to welcome students. More than 3,000 teachers and 600 paraprofessionals are serving classrooms this year, with no principal vacancies, no bus driver vacancies and just one teacher vacancy districtwide.
Mayor Dickens thanked the educators, school staff and families who help students succeed every day.
“Dream big, work hard and know Atlanta is counting on you,” the Mayor said.
