Crispin Wilondja Joins Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies Retreat
Since the beginning of Covid-19, the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA) has not had the opportunity to meet in person. Meetings were held virtually. The desire to meet in person was fulfilled on Saturday, September 23rd when CRSA met for the 2022 annual retreat at the Clarkston Community Center. Representatives from almost every member…
Read MoreFulbright Scholars Visit GVP
This month, GVP welcomed three educators from around the world who were part of a Fulbright program hosted by Georgia State University. Ja Seng Pan from Myanmar, Thi Lien Bui from Thailand and Sadath Mwamsema were hosted by Ms. Johna Meldau, Ms. Olivia McKellar and Ms. Katie Fowler, respectively. Over the course of two weeks,…
Read MoreNoisy Nature: Form Three Students Take An Annual Trip to Len Foote Hike Inn
Nature hikes are not quiet. There’s a lot of noise actually: the fall leaves and dusty rocks crunching underneath sneakers, the rumbling of water bottles and backpacks that move with each step, and one long, “Hellooo, can you hear me?” That’s not typical, but sometimes, you just have to make sure your echo works. This…
Read MoreAlumni Adventures
On a warm Saturday in October, 14 mentees and 10 mentors were welcomed at the beautiful Marietta estate of one of GVP’s generous donors, Cheryl Davis & Kurt Kuehn. The girls spent a beautiful day paddle boating on their lake, fishing and taking golf cart tours around their 55 acre estate. They even spent time…
Read MoreReflections from Five Years as a GVP Educator
At a recent conference for school leaders, a keynote speaker had attendees reflect upon the impact of our respective communities. “What is the product of your school? What is the impact?”, he asked. Murmurings from the crowd included themes of students, graduation rates and test scores. The speaker asserted, “You are forgetting yourselves – a…
Read MoreFrom the Classroom: Students Build Parachutes
On the far side of the GVP parking lot, right next to the Decatur Library, a group of Form One girls are talking excitedly, each one trying to drown out the other’s voice as they follow their STEAM teacher, Ms. Danielle. The students gather near the wall that separates both buildings, and Ms. Danielle climbs…
Read MoreAn Educator and Entrepreneur: Fatima Salaam Joins GVP as Director of Development
By: Josephine Higgins Fatima Salaam always knew that she wanted to make a difference in the world. “I have always been passionate about women’s and girls’ rights, and that has guided most of my choices throughout my career,” she said. She describes herself as not only an educator, but also an entrepreneur. And she is…
Read MoreGVP Founder Suzie Jacobs Volunteers in Math Class
For 13 years, Suzie Jacobs has watched GVP grow and blossom. She is one of the school’s founders. Since 2009, she has contributed to the school’s development. Now, she continues to be hands-on in her approach to education — every Monday afternoon in Ms. Linda’s Form Two Math class. Class starts with all eyes on…
Read MoreFrom Volunteer to Lead Math Teacher: Caroline Henry Starts a New Journey at GVP
On her first day of work, Caroline Henry realized she already had a special connection to GVP. Ms. Marjorie, Science Teacher, told Ms. Caroline that she used to be her mother’s neighbor. Ms. Caroline informed her mom about her new, yet familiar colleague with a selfie of the two teachers. This semester, Ms. Caroline’s mom…
Read MoreFatima Salaam Becomes New Director of Development
We’re excited to announce that Fatima Salaam has joined the GVP team as the Director of Development. Fatima Salaam is a leader with a unique background in education, sales, and entrepreneurship. She is a self-described advocate, strategist, and connector, who excels in strategic planning, public speaking, and building networks and is a strong advocate for…
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