Travis Joshua, new principal at Pebblebrook High School, is working to continue the community school tradition there and urges incoming students to make the most of their high school experience.
Enrollment is projected at 2,200 for the fall, he said. “I’m excited about this opportunity.”
The Performing Arts Academy of the Magnet school draws students from throughout the county, adding energy to the student body.
“In performing arts they declare a major but they still have the responsibility for core courses,” he said. Students can add a fifth period at the end of the regular school day for other academics.
In addition to the performing arts, “We have a number of Advanced Placement offerings,” he said. “The goal is to get ninth grade students into AP. We are always s looking to increase the number of students in AP.”
A native of Pasadena, Calif., this is Joshua’s 18th year in education. He received degrees at Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State and taught in Fulton County. He came to Cobb County 12 years ago and most recently was principal at Lindley Middle School Sixth Grade Academy.
Among his goals for the year are to increase parent involvement in education. As a benefit of being at Lindley, he knows many of the students and parents at Pebblebrook will work to continue their involvement in the “Falcons Family.”
While the state graduation rate for the school is in the low 60s due to a 30-35 percent transient rate, Joshua said he plans to improve that, as graduation rate among students who are at Pebblebrook for all four years is at 87 percent.
As advice for incoming freshmen, Joshua said, “Your high school years should be the most exciting time of school, making fun-fill memories of academics and athletics.”
“Before you let this four years come and go, get as much as you can of every opportunity,” he said. “Enjoy the ride, these are precious memories.”
He also advised parents to find ways to get involved in the life of the school and their student.
“I’m encouraged by the buzz at Pebblebrook High. Let’s figure out a way to use those talents to start something new,” he said.
Joshua took over at Pebblebrook June 1, following the retirement of Zinta Perkins. “There hasn’t been a dull moment since then,” he said.
“I truly feel that this is a community school,” the principal said. “With the efforts of teachers, students and stakeholders we can soar to new heights.”
From the July 2015 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell, GA.
