From Carver to Price, Slater to Thomasville Heights, our team of educators have a passion for turning around schools, impacting families and our community, and deliberately changing the trajectory of students.
But with this work comes challenges. Life inside a turnaround school is incredibly meaningful, but there are daily obstacles that each of our teachers and administrators face. Every day, we renew our commitment to our purpose so that we can pursue each day as a fresh opportunity to change lives.
At our recent Values Day staff event to kick off the school year, we asked our team why they choose to be part of our mission every day. Their responses astounded us.
In their own words, here is why Purpose Built Schools’ staff #ChoosePurpose:
Thomasville Heights Elementary
I choose purpose because our work positively shifts the life outcomes for thousands of students in Atlanta. #ChooseTHES #ChoosePurpose
— Jovan Miles (@JovanDM) July 23, 2019
I #choosepurpose because l have THE best principal, admin team, and grade level team that an educator could ask for! They love me and I go hard for them and my students! @PBS_Atlanta @Thomasville_HES
— Danithea Ward (@MrsWardTHES) July 23, 2019
I #ChoosePurpose because it starts with us….building the bridge to fill in the gaps and building healthy relationships with our kids and community. #ChooseTHES #PBSA
— Khalilah Reed (@SELTTHES) July 23, 2019
Slater Elementary
I choose purpose because ALL of our students have a meaningful purpose and will achieve great things!@PBS_Atlanta #choosepurpose
— Donya Kemp – Principal, Slater Elementary (@Principal_Kemp) July 23, 2019
I #ChoosePurpose because I want to be apart of an organization that acknowledges structural & systemic inequities and works to dismantle them ⭐️alongside⭐️ families & communities @PBS_Atlanta.
— Margaret Dantzler (@msdantzlerATL) July 23, 2019
I #choosepurpose because I want to work with a team of people who like me,believe in teaching students that they can be successful in life regardless of the obstacles that they may encounter along the long.
— Ms. LewisSLATER (@LewisslaterMs) July 23, 2019
I chose @pbs_atlanta because I am committed to the vision of transformating a community through the pillar of education. #choosepurpose
— MrKoonceSLATER (@innovativeedyou) July 23, 2019
Price Middle School
I choose purpose because it provided the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity for innovation i could find and i knew other crazy and talented folks would be attracted to it as well! #choosepurpose pic.twitter.com/fOMh8T6hG5
— Luqman Abdur-Rahman (@PricePrincipal) July 23, 2019
I choose purpose to advocate for all students and to help them become the best individuals they can be no matter the obstacles. #ChoosePurpose
— Tamika Nash (@SWNASHPMS) July 23, 2019
I #ChoosePurpose because it makes no sense to do things the same old way, expecting different results. Our kids need us to think differently and perform differently so that they can deliver a #newnarrative. @APSPrice @PBS_Atlanta #ChoosePRICE
— Lauren Phillips (@phillipsl08) July 23, 2019
I chose Purpose Built Schools because I knew I was joining a village that shared a vision and mission…..to change lives, as well as trajectories. There is much work to be done, and those who’ve joined this mission are committed to the work.#ChoosePRICE #ChoosePurpose ❤️?
— Keely J. Sutton, Ed.S PRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL (@moldingmindz) July 23, 2019
Carver STEAM Academy
I believe that all students can succeed, regardless circumstances! #choosepurpose #pantherpride #lovelyday
— Yusuf A. Muhammad, Jr. (@CarverPrincipal) July 23, 2019
I choose Purpose for the opportunity to impact the lives of students academically and socially with a particular passion to change the statistical trajectory of our Black males! @PBS_Atlanta@carverpbsa#ChooseTHES#ChooseSLATER#ChoosePRICE#ChooseCarverSTEAM#ChoosePurpose
— Demetria R. Wilson, Ed.D. (@DemetriaRWilso1) July 23, 2019
I #choosepurpose because our students deserve excellence. It is my #purpose to ensure @carverpbsa students know that nothing is impossible because they are POSSIBLE!
— Deon McGhee (@CarverAPMcGhee) July 23, 2019
I #ChoosePurpose because I want to ensure ALL students are seen, heard, and celebrated as their full selves and identities. #educationalequity
— Mr. Lim (@MrLimCarverPBS) July 23, 2019