The Office of Equity + Social Justice announced on May 12 that it is preparing to select the next group of Atlanta Public Schools Alonzo A. Crim Award recipients for the 2026-2027 school year, while highlighting the work of two current Crim Champions focused on supporting students.
The initiative matters because it aims to ensure all students have access to resources and supports necessary for academic achievement and well-being. Crim Champions receive microgrants up to $5,000 for professional learning projects aligned with district equity commitments.
Tonya Holmes, a school social worker at Fickett Elementary School, used her grant to educate staff about increasing communication with families in order to improve attendance and student outcomes. “We can’t let kids think that it’s OK not to come to school,” Holmes said. “The purpose of my project is to increase communication between school staff, students and parents to improve school attendance. I hope parents and students will feel more empowered to communicate their barriers to school attendance.” She identified barriers such as housing status, transportation issues, mental health concerns, and other challenges families may hesitate to share.
Holmes emphasized that consistent attendance helps prevent grade retention and prepares students for future opportunities in college or careers. She noted that although Fickett Elementary’s attendance rate exceeds the district average, chronic absenteeism among about 10% of students significantly affects overall performance metrics like CCRPI scores. Holmes set a goal of raising the school’s CCRPI score by reducing excessive absences through incentives such as rewards for students and parents as well as creative supports like transportation assistance.
Kimberly Whitfield, principal at Bunche Middle School, used her grant funds for professional development focused on building a culture of equity within her school community. This included training in proactive behavioral supports; belonging; inclusion; creativity; arts; movement-based resources; equitable teaching practices; and reflective practice. Dennis Toliver facilitated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training at Bunche Middle School using case studies centered on relationships, fairness, restorative practices in conflict resolution, self-reflection among educators, empathy-building strategies like the “2×10 Strategy,” and fostering supportive environments.
Together these initiatives demonstrate a commitment by Atlanta Public Schools educators toward building stronger relationships with families and creating inclusive learning environments where all children can thrive.
