Marc T. Atkinson Middle School & Gifted Academy

Parent Satisfaction Survey

Dear Atkinson Families, 

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year!   We are excited to welcome back our 8th-grade Gifted Academy scholars and welcome our newest incoming 7th-grade gifted scholars along with those who have been accepted into the Academy.  With the restructuring of Atkinson Middle School to the Gifted Academy only, there are many changes coming and exciting opportunities ahead.  The one thing that is constant is the excitement of our staff to connect, grow and build relationships with our scholars and their families. 

We hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation and spending some extra quality time with family and friends.  We want to take a few moments of your time to update you and share some important pieces of information with everyone regarding the new school year.  It is our intention that this information allows you to plan ahead and prepare for the start of the new school year.  Please review the additional pieces of information provided with this letter.

As many of you may not be aware, I will be leading both Atkinson Middle School Gifted Academy and Tarver Leadership Academy as the Principal.  I recognize there will be some challenges in balancing 2 schools, but this is an exciting time to bring together 2 campuses and grow our community of learners and leaders, which will strengthen our families, neighborhoods, and surrounding larger communities.   It is my goal to be highly visible and available to the Atkinson community.

Additionally, Atkinson will be welcoming a new TOSA, otherwise known as a teacher on special assignment, Mrs. Erica Faitala.  Mrs. Faitala will be joining the team as my assistant administrator and will be available to support all student scholars and staff.  Mrs. Faitala joins us with many years of experience and is excited to be part of the Atkinson family.  We know our students will love connecting with Mrs. Faitala and getting to know her as she gets to know the students.  Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 4th for Meet the Teacher and an opportunity to introduce yourself to Mrs. Faitala.  

This school year, Atkinson will be embracing the theme, “All In, Leading with Heart and Mind.”  Our goal is to ensure a culture of excellence remains strong.  Excellent cultures are resilient, loving, vulnerable, equitable,  and courageous.  When we say “ALL IN,” we mean ALL.  Every student, every teacher, and every staff member can learn and grow.  We will lead with our hearts and our minds so ALL students feel valued, respected, worthy, and loved-always!  Tarver’s mission remains the same to provide not only the best academic experience but to support their emotional, social and physical growth.  

At Atkinson, we know the keys to our scholars’ future success lie in the range of experiences they are part of both in school and at home.  With that in mind, we aim to provide opportunities for all our students to explore their strengths, talents, and potential.  We invite you to come alongside and partner with us on this incredible journey.  

Additionally, as a Title 1 School, in conjunction with the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2016 (ESSA), we understand the importance of providing your child with teachers and instructional assistants that are highly effective and meet all state requirements.  Our staff is committed to providing high levels of academic achievement and critical thinking skills in order to be college and career ready.  As a parent, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of those who work with your child.

With our amazing and talented staff and parents working together, our students will be the leaders of tomorrow!  We look forward to meeting each of you, developing relationships and sharing our goals, vision and big rocks with all of you!  It’s an exciting time at Atkinson and we are ready to shine!

Go Blue Knights . . .

Sincerely,

Dr.  Weiss