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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Mulberry Elementary School

Fast Facts

History

Built as a relief school in the Dacula Cluster, Mulberry Elementary School opened its doors for the first time in August of 2007. The school name was chosen in honor of the Mulberry community. This community has historical significance in the area near the school as evidenced by the naming of the Mulberry River and Little Mulberry Park. According to the Gwinnett County GAGenWeb Project and its Early History of Gwinnett County, most early families to what is now Gwinnett County located in the area between Hog Mountain and Jug Tavern (now Winder), between the Mulberry and Apalachee Rivers.

The Board of Education selected Vivian Stranahan to open Mulberry Elementary School. Ms. Stranahan led the school through her retirement in 2015. At that time, the school’s longtime assistant principal, Jonathan Day, was named principal. The school was officially dedicated on September 23, 2007. This community event set the tone for a school where community and parental involvement have been hallmarks. In addition to having an award-winning PTA, the Mulberry community of learners includes the support of parents and other community members. Their support is evident in annual events like the school’s Holiday Hotcakes, Community Picnic, and memorable musical productions.

Over the years, the leadership of Mulberry Elementary has forged a team of outstanding educators focused on growth and learning... for their students and them-selves. The school became known as a leader in terms of professional learning and implementing instructional initiatives. This holds true today as the school focuses on project-based learning (PBL)and the use of technology and eCLASS to transform teaching and learning. Mulberry actually has served as a PBL laboratory school for the county, hosting educators from other schools who want to learn about implementing PBL at their schools.

Mulberry Elementary School’s work to ensure high standards for learning has resulted in a number of achievements over the school’s relatively short history

  • Recognition by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement for the Highest Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Academic Standards
  • Teachers regularly recognized for its outstanding educators... Mulberry is home to several Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year finalists (including Brittany Palazzo in 2011 and Brittany Mayweather in 2016) and two Gwinnett County Elementary Teachers of the Year (Julie Bailey-Wegner in 2010–11 and Heather Watkins in 2013–14).
  • Recognition by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful for its work in the area of environmental education.
  •  A county championship team in the Gwinnett County Readers Rally (2009–10)
  • Mulberry Elementary was named a 2012 Georgia School of Excellence for highest student achievement.
  • The school earned a gold medal and a place on the 2012–13 and 2013–14 Governor’s SHAPE Honor Roll and a platinum medal in 2014–15. The award recognizes school level efforts in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and wellness.
  • Mulberry students are well-represented at both the Gwinnett County Student Media Festival and at the Gwinnett Science and Engineering Fair.
  • Mulberry Elementary was proud to be a 2012 Georgia School of Excellence for highest student achievement.
  • More than 20 extracurricular enrichment opportunities are available, including Chess Club, Witzzle Pro Math, Chorus, Math Club, Helping Hands, Readers Rally, Running Club, Ambassadors, Student Council, Be The Change (BTC), School Store, Robotics Club, Environmental Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Meerkat Morning News, Technology Club, and Reflections.

In 2016–17, the Meerkats of Mulberry embarked on a new adventure as the school changed its school logo and colors to align with the other schools in the Dacula Cluster. While the school adopted the Dacula Falcon and the colors of navy and gold, the Meerkat the colors of mulberry, dark green, and gold will always hold a place in the school’s history. And just as a Mulberry tree stands strong over time, Mulberry Elementary School remains focused on Success Rooted in a Community of Learners.