Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
February 22, 2019
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.
Check out the student produced video about our Mission Statement below:
Mark your Calendars!
*just added
February 27, *10:45 am AdvancED accreditation team to meet with parents/guardians and other stakeholders. Please let Sonya Milam know you can come. Smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303. See page 3 for important pre visit survey.
February 28, 5-7 pm: Student Art Show at Goodwill, 4560 Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210
March 7: Braille Challenge. Includes program for parents/guardians!
March 8: School Council Meeting, 1:00. Open to all. Call in number: 1-888-557-8511. The access code is 2537361 followed by the # sign.
March 22: Spring Music Program. Student Art Show and Family meetings prior to and after the program.
March 25-29: Spring Break
April 4: High School Prom
April 9: Special Olympics
April 11-14: SCASB, Alabama (Track & Field)
April 22: Easter Holiday
April 25-- 28: Senior Trip
May 17: Graduation
May 24: Last day of school
Character Education
Forgiveness: Benefiting yourself and others by ceasing to feel resentment towards others.
“When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future."
~Bernard Meltzer
February Birthdays
Remaining Student Birthdays
Roni: 2/22
Kayla and Dorrian: 2/24
TJ: 2/26
GAB parent appointed to serve on State Advisory Panel for Special Education. More parents/guardians are sought for 2019-20
More information and applications to join the SAP may be found on the link below, or emailed to you by contacting Sonya Milam: smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303 Application deadline is March 1.
The Case of the Missing 1000 Box Tops Mission 2: February 22, 2019
Our GAB Box Top detective Eugene collected 15 Box Tops, Morgan collected 25 and Braden collected 17. Our next deadline is March 1. I have confidence that our detectives will find those Box Tops in various places. When our GAB family works together just think what we can do. We have 100 students in our school. Just think what we can do if each student just brought in one Box Top. That would be $10.00. What if 100 students brought in 10 Box Tops (which is not hard to find) that would be $100.00 dollars and our goal would be met of 1,000 Box Tops. So, please as you do your weekly shopping take a moment to look for Box Tops. Calling all detectives to get on the trail to find some Box Tops because our GAB students appreciate it.
Parents/guardians: “THREE’s a charm!” We’ve another very important and easy survey just for YOU!
3. N E W ! GaDOE’s Parent Survey for Special Education services: We believe that all students must have an equitable opportunity for school completion and successful postsecondary outcomes. This survey helps improve educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities and ensure that the requirements of IDEA are met. When asked to Select child's school district, scroll down to STATE SCHOOLS NOT your local county district. Then you will be prompted to select Georgia Academy for the Blind. Deadline is May 15
2. GaDOE’s Climate Survey: This survey in addition to a student and staff survey is how we receive our Star Climate Rating from the Georgia Department of Education and is your opportunity to help GAB shine. When selecting SCHOOL SYSTEM, scroll down to STATE SCHOOLS (799) NOT your local county district. After making that selection you will be prompted to select Georgia Academy for the Blind. Deadline is March 1
1. AdvanceED Accreditation Parent Survey: This is in preparation for February’s AdvanceED accreditation we undergo every three years. The purpose of this survey is to find out your beliefs and opinions about your child's school. Read each question and choose the response that most closely matches your opinion. Please answer each item honestly. Your responses will be completely confidential.
Each survey can be found at links below. Please contact Sonya Milam if you have questions or would like assistance. smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303
Middle Georgia Families: All GAB families living in middle Georgia are invited!
North Metro Atlanta Families
Save the dates for these Transition Fairs. Details coming soon! Please let Sonya Milam know if you plan to go! smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303
March 8, 2019 9 am- 1:30 pm
Gainesville-Hall County Interagency Transition Council
Christ Place Church
3428 Atlanta Hwy
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
March 21 2:30-5:00 pm
Cherokee County Agency Fair and Parent University
7545 Main Street, Building 200
Woodstock , GA 30188
Join other families to learn of services and programs in your community which will be of service to your student after graduation. It is never too early to plan for this!
Last Week in Pictures
(Below) Mrs. Rushing's Friday ECC “Ready for the World” food prep class celebrated with a Valentine's Tea Party. The students prepared sandwiches, cookies, chocolate covered cherries, strawberries, and cheese straws. Of course they prepared tea and punch too!
This Week in Pictures
Students from Ms. Thompson’s physical science class practiced making atom models in a variety of ways. They are pictured below using their bodies to act as the particles of a helium atom.
(Below) An interactive and tactile exhibit created by elementary teacher, Ms. Bechtal being explored by an elementary student. This exhibit features photos of: Ruby Bridges alongside a lunch box, George Washington Carver alongside peanuts, Jackie Robinson alongside a ball and bat, Rosa Parks alongside a toy bus, Wilma Rudolph and Jackie Joyner alongside two pairs of running shoes (one child and one adult size - - one with laces and one with Velcro). With each display is an assistive technology device allowing participants to listen about the individual and their legend. Also pictured is the high school student who Brailled everything for this exhibit enjoying the outcome of his hard work for this wonderful experience.
Important Message! Second Notice!
Dear families:
As a result of seeking to be as secure as possible, effectively immediately, our campus is under complete lockdown. The Gates 2, 3, and 5 will be opened from 7 am to 8:30 in the mornings and opened again from 2:30 to 3:30 in the afternoons. Also, we have a few gate operators assigned to remotely open the gates. You simply call them by pressing the Gate operator button shown in the picture.
Once you are parked, remember to bring your license in order to receive a visitor’s badge. To enter the Hendricks school building, remember the only entrance to a door with a bell is the door on the far right. You press that button and you will gain access to this building where you will sign in and receive a visitor’s badge.
We appreciate your help and patience in this matter.
Let us hear from you!
This newsletter is published by our Parent Mentor, Sonya Milam. Please send your ideas, news, and resources in your community to her. smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303