| Summer 2011 letter from Principal Kersey |
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(Original letter as sent to students, parents and guardians converted to Word 2003 format attached below.) July 19, 2011 Greetings Alpharetta High School Students and Parents: Welcome to the 2011- 2012 school year! It is with tremendous pride and humility that I introduce myself to you as the principal of Alpharetta High School. While many of you already know me, either because I served in the role of assistant principal at AHS last year, or because I have lived in this community with my husband, Scott, and our two sons, Brannon and Braydon, for over ten years, I still want to offer a brief summary of my professional background now that I will be serving as your principal. My educational career includes service as a high school English teacher, both a high school and an elementary school assistant principal, Staff Development Coordinator for Gwinnett County Public Schools and Instructional Services Director for City Schools of Decatur. With these varied positions, I have gained experience in the classroom, as a school based administrator as well as a district office administrator; I bring this vast experience with me as I begin the apex of my career as your high school principal. On a more personal level, I am a life-long learner and hold both a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in English Literature and Composition from Georgia State University as well as teaching and leadership certifications from the same institution. Fortunately, my high school graduating class was the first class in Georgia to be eligible for the Hope Scholarship, and I was privileged to be able to attend college in Georgia and earn my Bachelors degree for free. I expect many of our AHS students are striving for Hope Scholarships as well. Keep up the hard work!I have never stopped attending college since I began, and I have just completed all of my post-graduate doctoral course work! Last semester, I achieved a personal educational milestone when I passed my Doctoral Comprehensive Examinations in Educational Policy Studies at Georgia State University. So, like many AHS students, I will be striving over the next few years to complete the remaining requirements needed for graduation. Let’s encourage each other to push on toward our educational goals. Significantly, my desire to earn a doctorate degree was inspired by my ninth grade English teacher when I was 14 years old. Indeed, we all know that great teachers inspire students to achieve excellence every day. I am thankful for the great Alpharetta High School teachers who choose to serve our community. As such, you have my commitment that I will do everything possible to honor and support our great teachers and thus lead Alpharetta High School to fulfill our mission of being “Nationally Recognized in Academics, Arts, Athletics and Service.” This school year, the priorities I have set forth for Alpharetta High School include honoring and ensuring teacher quality, cultivating a professional learning community that values collaboration of all stakeholders, and maintaining a focus on processes and procedures that are consistently implemented so that we can focus on instruction and increased student learning. You will hear much more from me about these priorities as the school year progresses. For now, I want to ensure that you are aware that INFORMATION DAY will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. We will be holding a special Freshman & New Student Orientation from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the gymnasium. Freshman Information Day will continue from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sophomore, Junior and Senior Information Day will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. During Information Day students will have an opportunity to receive their updated class schedule, pay fees, meet teachers, get textbooks, turn in required affidavits, and join the PTSA. I look forward to greeting both students and parents on Information Day and throughout the school year. Together, we will ensure that 2011- 2012 is the best year yet for Alpharetta High School. Go Raiders! Sincerely, Shannon N. Kersey Principal Alpharetta High School
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