Administration

Dear Trailblazer Families, 

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We hope you had the most amazing summer, and we are thrilled to partner with you! We are returning not just to a building, but to a mission - Lovingly preparing all scholars to blaze a path towards their college and career choice. Our school is still young—but rising. evolve into our new chapter of growth, excellence, and empowerment. Together, we are racing towards our “Olympian Effort to Evolve: Everyone, Every Day, Everywhere.” 

Rooted in high expectations, deep community, and intentional support, this year’s work will center around six powerful pillars: 

Six Pillars of Excellence: 

● Focus Empower every scholar and educator to establish and own clear, measurable success targets. Clarity fuels commitment. When we know what success looks like, we move toward it with purpose. 

● Leadership Lead at all levels — from classrooms to offices, scholars to staff — adjusting, modeling, and inspiring forward action. Leadership isn’t positional; it’s impactful. 

● Alignment Own the work and collaborate in the learning community, PLCs, and afterschool meetings and professional learning retreats with roles, feedback, and systems aligned to student success. Alignment ensures our efforts move in the same direction — toward impact - educating all scholars. 

● Momentum Visualize the win and value growth and effort, even in small gains. Every uptick is a spark. Progress compounds when we keep showing up and believe in better. 

● Efficacy Elevate everyone every day without exception by affirming capacity, celebrating effort, and fostering belonging. Achieve with purpose by preparing scholars for choice-filled futures in college, career, and life. We don’t hope for success — we build it through belief and skill. 

This Olympic-inspired theme is more than symbolic — it reflects our shared commitment to going further than ever before. Every staff member, scholar, and family is part of this relay. Each of us carries the torch of excellence and growth. 

We are lovingly preparing every scholar to blaze a path towards a life filled choices for college, career, and much more. Our main goals must be anchored in safety and learning. We will prioritize the education of our scholars through planning, using data to drive our decisions, and ongoing practice in a loving environment that requires scholars and educators to grow continuously. We need your help with goal setting related to reminding our loving and brilliant scholars of the importance of learning, safety, and peaceful problem solving during disagreements. To our beloved families: your partnership is vital. This year, we invite you into deeper collaboration as co-educators, problem-solvers, and champions for all children. Together, we will build a joyful, safe, and high-achieving environment for every child — no exceptions - our challenges will evolve into victories. 

Key Contacts: 

School Counseling Department: 

● Dr. Francine Samuels (Grades K-2): (404) 802-8518 or fsamuels@atlanta.k12.ga.us 

● Mr. Nolan Green (Grades 3-5): (404) 802-8531 or nolan.green@atlanta.k12.ga.us 

 

School Social Worker: 

● Ms. Stephanie Griffin:(404) 802-8530 or stephanie.griffin@atlanta.k12.ga.us 

 

School Nurse and Process for Medication: 

● Nurse (TBD): (404) 802-8533 

 

Admin: 

● Mr. Matthew Graves (404) 802-8541 or matthew.graves@atlanta.k12.ga.us 

● Ms. Ashley Weems: (404) 802-8514 or aweems@atlanta.k12.ga.us 

I will continue to send you ongoing updates and connect with you for our monthly chat. Never hesitate to reach out when it is needed. Let’s give this year our all; model courage, consistency, and commitment. We will evolve together — everyone, every day, everywhere. 

With Olympic-level pride and purpose, 

Dr. Crystal January, Principal 

Mr. Matthew Graves is proud to join the Harper-Archer Elementary School family as an Assistant Principal. He joins Harper-Archer with over a decade of experience working in education as a teacher, Dean of Students, Director of School Culture, and Assistant Principal.

As a founding leader at a turnaround school in Atlanta, Mr. Graves built the foundation of middle school culture and academics. During his time in the role, he co-authored a culturally responsive ELA curriculum and supported teachers in providing wrap-around services to families.

Mr. Graves received his bachelor’s degree in English from Morehouse College and a master’s degree in English education from Georgia State University. Mr. Graves also earned a specialist degree in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia and will soon complete his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at the University of Georgia.

Mr. Graves is a proud graduate of Atlanta Public Schools, completing his K-12 studies at Benjamin E. Mays High School. He resides in Metro Atlanta with his family. They love to travel…mostly to Disney World…and to try new foods. He is also the owner of One Bowl Creations, a home bakery specializing in cakes and cheesecakes.

Mr. Graves believes that “We are all connected in the Great Circle of Life.” He believes that it is important to recognize the contributions that we all make that help to create a positively functioning society. He is excited about joining the Harper-Archer community and BLAZE WELL!

Ms. Weems is currently an employee in the district and has yielded 14 years of experience in the educational field. A graduate of Spelman College, Ms. Weems has a specialist in Curriculum and Instruction and holds endorsements in Reading and Dyslexia. At the school level, she has taught grades K-4 and served as the following: Go Team Chair, EIP teacher, Science of Reading demonstration Coach, Turn-around reading specialist, Assistant Site Administrator, and K-5 Instructional Coach.

Focusing on school priorities and getting the work on the ground is Ms. Weems’ specialty. She has supported teachers in the implementation of new district curriculums (FUNdations, Lucy Calkins, Really Great Reading, F&P, and Readygen) and continually coaches those teachers while building capacity toward their facilitation at the district level. Her model towards positive culture and climate is rooted in her collaboration with all stakeholders. She is passionate about the educational work, community engagement, and the learning communities in which we will thrive!

She is excited to lead that transformational work at Harper Archer Elementary School as Assistant Principal! Let us all Blaze Well!