A group of retired teachers donated 37 books to honor a legend who made a significant impact not only on Carrollton’s educational system, but also influenced changes in early childhood education across the entire state.

The staff of the former City Kindergarten, which holds the distinction of being the first public kindergarten in the state of Georgia, donated 37 books to the Carrollton Elementary School media center Tuesday to honor the memory and career of Norma Fulbright, founder of the then-revolutionary program. 

“Mrs. Fulbright’s influence and leadership of this program cannot be overstated,” said Judy Miller, one of the teachers who worked for Fulbright. “She had strong opinions about what a 5-year-old should experience in school and she taught us all how to do it. She hired teachers and assistants who loved teaching children and loved each other.”

City Kindergarten opened in the fall of 1969 at a pivotal time – the first year of racial integration. The school was housed in the former historically black elementary school on High Street, Westside Elementary. C.B. Ward served as principal and Fulbright was director of the kindergarten program, a role she continued for the next decade. During her tenure, Georgia Gov. George Busbee toured the facility and while “he had high expectations before he came, he was overwhelmed with what could be done when the community, parents, teachers and staff” pulled together for a common purpose, said Miller. “Even state School Supt. Jack Nix said he was hopeful that eventually a program like Carrollton’s would be made available to every school system in the state, and of course, that’s exactly what happened.”

Eventually, City Kindergarten was incorporated into the traditional elementary school model at Maple Street School and no longer existed as a separate location. But Miller said Fulbright was insistent everyone stayed in touch, and for years, the former teachers and assistants have held an annual reunion luncheon to honor their unique experience as part of such a ground-breaking program.

“January of 2020 was the first reunion luncheon we had after Mrs. Fulbright’s death in November,” said Miller. “It was decided to honor her by donating books to Carrollton Elementary School where 4 and 5-year-olds attend Pre-K and kindergarten today.”

Another former City Kindergarten teacher, Kathy Howell, joined Miller for Tuesday’s presentation. Howell also served as principal of Maple Street School and Carrollton Elementary School before her retirement. They presented the 37 books to current CES Principal Kylie Carroll. Inside each book, a label acknowledges the gift and reads, in language simple enough for a beginning reader to understand: “In loving memory of Mrs. Norma Fulbright by the City Kindergarten Staff.”

CUTLINES

Judy Miller, left, and Kathy Howell, right, former City Kindergarten teachers, presented Carrollton Elementary School Principal Kylie Carroll with 37 age-appropriate books for CES kindergartners and Pre-K students.