Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
February 9, 2018
Dr. Cindy Gibson, Superintendent
Email: smilam@doe.k12.ga.us
Website: www.gabmacon.org
Location: 2895 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA, United States
Phone: (478) 751-6083
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Georgia.Academy.for.the.Blind/
Twitter: @gab_library
Mission Statement
The Georgia Academy for the Blind provides quality education services to Georgia’s students with visual impairments and/or visual impairments in conjunction with other disabilities to prepare them to achieve their highest level of independence in transition to college and career readiness.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Mark your Calendars!
February 13: EECC Valentines Dance, Media Center
February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday
February 28: Braille Challenge - - Programs for parents/guardians are planned!
March 23: Spring Program
March 26-30: Spring Break
April 2: Easter Holiday
April 5: Prom
April 19-22: SCASB
April 26-29: Senior Trip
May 1: Help a Child Smile Mobile Dental Clinic
May 25: Graduation
Character Education
Learn more about our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program by visiting the link below.
Black History Month
Each day during the morning news we are sharing information and each day during break we are having descriptive caption videos to enjoy. Our Social Studies classes are emphasizing the important African American individuals in our history.
Monsieur James Caldwell
We are proud of our own Black History Month legend who joined our GAB family last year as our high school French teacher.
Monsieur Caldwell began his teaching career in Bibb County in 1968. He was only the second black person to teach at the all-white Lanier High School for Boys and the first to successfully remain there until it became Central High School in 1970. He remained at Central until he retired in 2005 with 37 years of service.
Monsieur Caldwell received the Governor’s Humanities Award in 2008 for exemplary achievement across various cultural, multi-economic, and racially diverse populations. He is also being honored by Fisk University this year with the Leontine Espy Award for his work in the Humanities.
When he was a student at Alabama State University, Monsieur Caldwell participated in the Selma-Montgomery March. He has traveled to countries all over the world, including England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Austria, Senegal, Haiti and Canada.
February Birthdays
~6th Stephen and Brian
~ 7th JaQavious
~11th Aschmid
~15th DaQuan
~18th Ambria
~22nd Roni
~24th Kayla and Dorrian
~26th TJ
This Week in Pictures!
THUMBS UP FOR HELPING MEET OUR GOAL!
(Below) On Monday, elementary student Stephen Coleman brought in over 40 Box Tops that which made us reach our goal of 1,000 for the year. He received the prize of two Slinkys! We have begun a second round with another goal for 1,000. Pulling together, we are confident we can do this.
Thanks for your support and help! Keep them coming! Sylvia Layson, Elementary Teacher 478-751-6083 ext. 1200
(Below) On Wednesday, Dr. Gibson, the GAB Cafe Team and the EECC students treated our supply and maintenance staff to lunch to say thank you for all the extra flu precautionary measures to keep all the students and staff at GAB well, safe, dry, warm and happy! We are using Z7 and Zep 30 (disinfectants) on surfaces like doorknobs, water fountains, and side rails. Each classroom has Purell dispensers, Clorox wipes and Zepynamic disinfectant sprays. There are additional disinfectant items (Clorox Wipes, Lysol wipes, Instant Hand Sanitizer Gel) available in the Multipurpose room for faculty and staff. See article below to learn how you can help keep our students and staff well.
We have received reports that instances of flu-like symptoms in Georgia has almost tripled. Officials say that holiday travel, along with bad weather and the severe strain of flu that is circulating at this time is causing a high number of hospitalizations in Georgia and nationwide. The symptoms of body aches and fatigue and respiratory distress have been especially severe, causing more to be hospitalized. The CDC still recommends flu shots to be the best protection from the virus, while it should be done earlier in the season, it is not too late to obtain one. It can take up to two weeks to be effective.
Welcome!
Yes, it’s only February! No it is not too early for summer camp registration to begin!
Come to the Braille Challenge Parent/Guardian Program and/or our meeting after the Spring Program to meet with these folks and learn more!Scholarships and spaces are limited so act now!
ANNOUNCING Camp Dreams 2018 Camper Session Dates
· July 15th – July 18th (Sun. - Wed.)
· July 19th – July 22nd (Thu. - Sun.)
· July 23rd – July 26th (Mon. - Thu.)
·July 27th – July 30th (Fri. - Mon.)
Contact Sonya Milam for more information including how to register and how to apply for a scholarship!
Visit their website where you can watch a video and learn more below:
ANNOUNCING Camp Abilities May 25 - 28, 2018
Camp Abilities Columbus GA at Columbus State University (CSU) is a non-profit (501c) organization for children that are blind or visually impaired. Camp Abilities Columbus, GA is a residential camp that will be open for a maximum of 16 campers, ages 9 to 18 years old who are blind or visually impaired. They will stay on Columbus State University's campus to engage in an array of sports and recreational activities in a safe and developmentally appropriate environment. Sports and recreational activities include: goalball, beep baseball, beep kickball, tandem biking, rock climbing, swimming, soccer, tennis and team building activities.Contact Sonya Milam for more information including how to register and how to apply for a scholarship! Visit their website and watch a video below:
THIRD NOTICE ! Announcing the Georgia Lions Club Camp for the Blind’s 2018 SUMMER SCHEDULE
Session 1 June 10-15 Family Camp (ages 5-9)
Session 2 June 17-22 Pre-teen (ages 6-12)
Session 3 June 24-29 Older Adults (ages 35-up)
Session 4 July 1-06 Young Adults (ages 18-34)
Session 5 July 8-15 Teenagers (ages 13-17)
Deadline for completed applications is April 21! You may get a paper application from Sonya Milam, smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303 or from the website below:
Give us your feedback!
At home, please follow these important steps for protecting yourself and your family from the flu:
- Avoiding people who are sick as much as possible.
- Covering your cough with the inside of your elbow.
- Wearing a mask if you are sick.
- Staying home until your fever subsides for at least 24 hours and symptoms are relieved. This will prevent other students from possibly being exposed to harmful germs unnecessarily.
- Avoiding carbohydrates and sugar, which lower the strength of your immune system.
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and counter surfaces.
- If you are feeling sick, see a doctor as soon as possible, there are antiviral medications that may be able to shorten the durations of illness.
- Washing your hands often/ hand sanitizer may be used if soap and water is not available.
- Diligently cleaning and using Z7 and Zep 30 (disinfectants) on surfaces like doorknobs, water fountains, and side rails.
- Providing each classroom and dorms with Purell dispensers, Clorox wipes and Zepynamic disinfectant sprays.
- Sending staff and students home who present with flu symptoms.
- Reminding our students to cover their mouths if they cough.
- Reminding our students to wash their hands, to eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water.