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The Bibb County School District Newsletter
October 30, 2020
Students Begin Return to Classes Nov. 9
The Bibb County School District will begin a phased-in return to school for those approved for face-to-face instruction on Monday, Nov. 9. Masks are mandatory for all students and staff. Face-to-face instruction will be four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays will continue to be a virtual learning day.
- Returning Monday, Nov. 9: Grades Pre-K through 2, incoming sixth-graders, incoming ninth-graders
- Returning Monday, Nov. 16: All grades
CLICK HERE for more information.
New School Dedicated in Honor of John R. Lewis
On Oct. 20, the District held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new John R. Lewis Elementary. School and District administrators were joined for the event by members of the Lewis family, including the late Congressman's siblings, who also took a tour of the school.
Among the group was his brother, Henry Lewis. He said his brother often spoke of the importance of literacy, which made naming a school in his honor appropriate.
"Whether it was speaking to college students, high school students or elementary students, he would say, 'Read all you can and as often as you can,'" Henry Lewis said.
The District would like to thank partners Parrish Construction Group and Robertson Loia Roof for their work on this project and participation in the event. This project was funded through ESPLOST dollars, so community support for that effort was also greatly appreciated.
Carter Elementary Hosts Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch
On Oct. 28, Sonny Carter Elementary School hosted a Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch for students. In addition to picking up a pumpkin, families were able to participate in games and receive candy and other treats from faculty and staff. Masks and social distancing were in place to keep everyone involved safe.
"We wanted to show our students that we care about them and we miss them," said Pre-K teacher Cera Shell.Alexander II Receives STEM Certification
Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School was notified on Thursday, Oct. 22, that the school has received its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Certification from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). This two-year process involves an application and series of visits to determine if the proper STEM instruction has been implemented at the school.
“Our students, staff, parents, and community partners have diligently worked together to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math to create a student-centered learning environment that echoes Bibb County School District’s mission,” said Principal Walsetta Miller. “We realize in addition to math and science, students need soft skills in communication, teamwork, creative thinking and adaptability. Students also need to be technology literate and able to solve problems. The incorporation of STEM instruction provides these opportunities plus so much more.”
About 75 schools and programs across the state have received this certification, with Alexander II serving as the first Bibb County School District school with the distinction. The state agency bestows STEM Certification on schools that have displayed innovation, “interdisciplinary instruction” and partnerships with the community in STEM fields, according to the GaDOE website.
“This is such a huge stepping stone for our District’s STEM plans,” said Cherri Nix, the District’s STEM Coordinator. “The Alexander II staff has demonstrated their commitment to their students through challenging problem-based learning and content integration, and the staff and students have an amazing group of community partners and parents working with them to prepare students for the 21st century workplace.”
Northwoods Teacher Highlighted for Georgia Pre-K Week
District Receives Mental Health Grant
“We are excited about receiving this grant for our students, schools and families,” said Jamie Cassady, Assistant Superintendent for Student Affairs. “We recognize these times have been very challenging for many of our families, and this is a way that we, as a school district, can provide support.”
Within the selected schools, the grant will provide mental health training for staff. The funds will also allow for the addition of mental health clinicians and other types of support for the schools and the surrounding communities.
Appling Middle Raises Breast Cancer Awareness
Compass Rose Cafe Offering Meal Kits
"“Our second year culinary arts program operates as a Work Based Learning platform, and we believe that experiential learning is the most effective teaching method," said Executive Chef Stuart Hardy. "With the issues that COVID-19 has caused the food service industry, we knew we had to look into alternative options for delivery food to customers beyond the café or catering.”
The $20 meal kits are designed to feed two people and are available for order online beginning each Wednesday. The kits, which will offer a new and unique type of cuisine each week, can be picked up on Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
CLICK HERE for more information!
Schools Celebrate Red Ribbon Week
Springdale Hosts "Book or Treat" Event
"Family Engagement Facilitator Julie Long thought to combine two of our favorite traditions, Fall Festival and Book Character Parade, into a COVID-friendly family event to celebrate families," said Principal Dr. Cami Hamlin, who dressed as Hagrid from the "Harry Potter" series and described Long as a "wizard for her ideas."
The event culminated with the opening of the school's virtual book fair.
Howard High Student Named to State Council
The District would like to congratulate Peter on this honor. Way to go!
Veterans Elementary Celebrates Student Success
Bibb Graduates Land Careers with Perdue Foods
On Oct. 9, W. S. Hutchings College & Career Academy, Central Georgia Technical College and Perdue Foods celebrated the full-time employment of two recent graduates with a signing ceremony. The two graduates, James Jordan of Westside High School and Maurice Woodford of Howard High School, were among the first students to participate in the Industrial Systems Technology Pathway that launched last summer.
"We recognize that we can not do this alone; it's through the partnerships that we have that will make this happen for our students," Dr. Lori Ward-Rodgers, Assistant Superintendent for District Effectiveness, said of the efforts to see graduates enlisted, enrolled or employed.
During the event, Perdue Senior Industrial Engineer Jon Heard was also given a VIP pin to recognize the company's partnership with the District.
Through the partnership between Hutchings, CGTC and Perdue Foods, Bibb and Monroe County students take classes at CGTC and earn Technical Certificates of Credit. The partnership includes field trips, job shadowing, mentoring and guest speakers during the program. Additionally, each student who meets the requirements is guaranteed an interview with Perdue Foods upon completion of the program.
New Appling Middle School Officially Opened
On Oct. 23, the new Appling Middle School was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. School board member Ella Carter, who represents Macon's Eastside, pointed to ribbon-cutting ceremonies' origins in European wedding traditions as appropriate to the unity necessary to make a school and District function.
"I think it's just proper then that now that we celebrate openings that we celebrate how important commitment and togetherness is for the success of any organization," she said.
The new facility was built adjacent to the new Northeast High School using ESPLOST funds. The project was completed prior to this school year through the efforts of Sheridan Construction, Stafford Builders & Consultants, Inc. and WM2A Architects.
Happy National Principals Month!
Piano Donated to Howard High
Howard High School is the grateful recipient of a very generous donation from the Koehler family whose three daughters, Samantha VanAken, Ashley VanAken and Madelyn Koehler, have all been part of the Fine Arts program at the school. Stephanie Koehler and Jarrell and Sheila Strickland are all part of the donation to the school.
The family donated a beautiful Baldwin baby grand piano for use by students and staff in the Theatre at Howard High School. Having this caliber of piano at Howard High School, will allow the school and the Bibb County School District the capability to host student talent showcases in competition for scholarship awards.
Campus Police Officer Assists Co-Worker
Bibb County School District
Vision:
Each student will demonstrate strength of character
and will be college or career ready.
Mission:
The Bibb County School District develops
a highly trained staff and an engaged community dedicated
to educating each student for a 21st century global society.
Email: communications@bcsdk12.net
Website: bcsdk12.net
Location: 484 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA, United States
Phone: 478-765-8548
Facebook: facebook.com/bibbschools
Twitter: @bibbschools