Receives National PTA Life Achievement Award, Highest Honor from PTA

Roswell, Georgia, November 7, 2008 - The PTA Co-Presidents of Sweet Apple

Elementary in Roswell recognized their outstanding Principal, Leonard J. Forti, for his commitment and devotion to children and youth. The PTA Co-Presidents presented Mr. Forti with a National PTA Life Achievement Award at the Annual North Fulton Principals Luncheon.

Mr. Forti has been with the Fulton County School System for over 30 years and has both a Masters Degree and Specialist Degree in Educational Administration. Sweet Apple has been privileged to have him as their Principal for the last four years and as Vice-Principal in prior years.

“PTA promotes the collaboration of families, schools, and communities throughout the country, and encourages everyone who cares about kids to speak up with a powerful voice on their behalf,” added PTA National President Jan Harpe Domene. Mr. Leonard J. Forti possesses a mighty voice and we cannot thank him enough for the work he has done and undoubtedly will continue to do.”

Sweet Apple Elementary PTA Co-Presidents, Angie Carter and Rhonda Howerton, were honored to present this award to Mr. Forti because of his devotion to the well being and education of students. He continuously strives to make Sweet Apple Elementary a fun, challenging, engaging place to learn and teach. This is the highest recognition bestowed by PTA, and it is given only to those who have demonstrated exemplary service in support of children. We thank him for his many years of extraordinary contributions to the lives of children.

Fulton community leaders become “Principal for a Day”
 
Nov. 16-22, is American Education Week, a time set aside to celebrate public schools and honor the individuals who make a difference in children’s lives. In Fulton County, six schools are doing something new and different by hosting a parent, community or business leader as Principal for the Day.
 
From monitoring buses and lunch duty, to calming upset kindergartners or excited teenagers, these “principals” will have big shoes to fill as they step into the ever-changing role of a school administrator. By tackling many of the regular duties facing school leaders, the principals will learn how rewarding – and demanding – it is to be an educator.
 
Principal for the DaySampling of Activities
Abbotts Hill
Elementary School
 Mike Bodker
Mayor, City of Johns CreekMonday, Nov. 17
(7:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)·       Monitor morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal
·       Deliver morning announcements
·       Review school improvement plan
·       Meet with PTA leaders
·       Perform lunch duty
·       Visit classrooms and  read to students
·       Conduct meetings with leadership team
 
Esther Jackson
Elementary School
 David Bryan
Pastor, New Community ChurchThursday, Nov. 20
(8 a.m. to noon)·       Observe classes in session
·       Meet with students, parents and teachers
·       Receive $1,800 donation for “Wells for Africa” community initiative
·       Teach lessons in community service
·       Observe adult literacy classes
·       Assist with staff appreciation activities
 
Palmetto
Elementary School
 Robert Leach
President, RELM GroupMonday, Nov. 17
(7:30 a.m. to noon)·       Welcome bus-riders and car-poolers
·       Serve as a judge for school spelling bee
·       Observe classes in session
 
Harriet Tubman
Elementary School
 Jamila Owens (principal)
Chair, Tri-Cities Cluster
Local School Advisory Council
 
Sadrena Mattox (assistant principal)
President, Tubman Elementary PTA
 
 Tuesday, Nov. 25
(7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)·       Meet and greet students during morning drop-off
·       Observe classes in session
·       Meet with students, parents and teachers
·       Conduct morning and afternoon announcements
 
Camp Creek
Middle School
 William “Bill” Edwards
Fulton County CommissionerTuesday, Nov. 18
(9 a.m. to noon)·       Monitor hallways during class changes
·       Perform lunch duty
·       Visit classrooms
·       Observe parent/teacher conferences
 
Alpharetta
High School
 John Keim
Vice President, Fidelity Charitable Services
 Monday, Nov. 17
(8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) ·       Attend the PTSA forum, “Principal: Unplugged” 
·       Attend the Windward Rotary meeting
·       Observe classes in session
·       Lead the administrative team meeting