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August 25, 2022
Dear Atlantic City Public Schools Staff, Students and Families:
It is with great pleasure that we welcome our school family to the 2022-2023 school year! We hope that you had a restful and enjoyable summer and that you are ready to return for an exciting new year! Staff will report to work on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Students will return on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. We look forward to working to ensure our children reach their highest potential. My commitment to the district is to provide a safe, positive learning environment that will empower students to become problem solvers and critical thinkers.
As we strive for excellence in our school district, we will work diligently to maintain a conducive learning environment. Our schools will make every effort to provide all students with a sense of belonging while helping students to develop intellectually, emotionally and socially. To further support the emotional health of our students, we are pleased to offer social and emotional learning (SEL) coaches at each school. Their primary focus is to help students understand their thoughts and emotions, to become more self-aware and to develop more empathy for others within their community.
As a district, the health and safety of our students and staff will always be a top priority. We ask that everyone continue to practice frequent handwashing, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and stay home if you are not well. Although the mask mandate is no longer in effect, we will continue to monitor the district and may return to wearing masks if necessary.
To celebrate the new school year, we invite everyone to our Back to School Bash on Monday, August 29, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Uptown School Complex. Please join us!
Wishing you a successful and productive new school year!
AC PRIDE! AC STRONG!
Yours in Education,
Dr. La’Quetta S. Small
Superintendent of Schools
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About the Superintendent
Dr. La’Quetta S. Small was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Central High School in Newark as class valedictorian, she enrolled in the Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, now Stockton University. In 1999, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health with a minor in Social Science. She received her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Kean University in 2003 and in May 2010, she obtained her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University.
Dr. Small is entering her 23nd year as an educator. She began her teaching career in the Newark Public School system. After a few years, she began working in Atlantic City Public School District where she served for 19 years. She started as a fourth grade teacher at New Jersey Avenue School. Later, she held the positions of assistant principal at Uptown School Complex, acting principal of Uptown School Complex, principal of Pennsylvania Avenue School and principal of Atlantic City High School. Dr. Small was appointed to a 4.5 year term in January 2022.
Working with children and serving the community bring her a great sense of fulfillment. She is dedicated to her profession and works diligently to ensure that staff and students Strive for Excellence Every Day in Every Way. She prides herself on leading by example and believes that, “Education is not preparation for life, but education is life itself.” ~John Dewey
Dr. La’Quetta Small received the following community service awards:
- Best Practices Award for Innovative Instruction in Newark Public Schools
- National Council of Negro Women-Excellence in Education Award (Newark Section)
- National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Lambda Chapter-Education Award
- City Council of Atlantic City Recognition for Leadership in Education
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Upsilon Alpha Chapter-Education Award
- Atlantic City Hometown Hero Award-Educational Leadership
- Hiram Abiff Masonic Lodge No. 16, Free and Accepted Masons, PHA-Educational Leadership Award
- Stockton University-Distinguished Alumna Award for Community Service and Education
- Second Baptist Church-Woman of Virtue Award
Dr. Small is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Atlantic City Alumnae Chapter, , National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (Iota Chapter), The Links, Incorporated, Atlantic City (NJ) Chapter, Epicurean Society of Southern New Jersey and former Vice-Chair of the Atlantic City Housing Authority. Dr. Small believes that, “Service is the price that you pay for time on earth.”- Shirley Chisolm. In addition to her community service, Dr. Small takes pride in teaching aspiring administrators where she served as an adjunct professor at Cheyney University in the Educational Leadership Graduate Program. Dr. Small is married to the Honorable Marty Small, Sr., Atlantic City Mayor. They are the proud parents of Jada, 14 and Marty Jr., 12. who attend school in the Atlantic City School District.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
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Dr. La'Quetta S. Small, Superintendent
Phone 609-343-7200 ext 5003
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Dr. LaKecia Hyman, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Phone 609-343-7200 ext 5003
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Atiba Rose, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
609-343-7200 ext. 5003
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Kim C. Wallace, Confidential Assistant to the Superintendent & Assistant Board Secretary
Phone: 609-343-7200 ext 5003
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Davinee L. Fundenberg, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent
Phone 609-343-7200 ext. 5861
Email dfundenberg@acboe.org