Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
August 26, 2017
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 You Calendars!
*just added
August 27: Blind and Beyond Radio Show (details below)
August 30: EECC’s Trivia Night, 6-8 in Media Center
August 31: Mercer Bears Football game, 7 pm (deadline is now over)
September 4: Labor Day Holiday *Ice Cream Social for returning residential students
September 8: School Council Meeting 1:00 pm
*September 18: Monday Media Mania and EECC Coffee Club, Media Center 6-7 pm
*September 19: North Fulton Drop in RPM (Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting) 5:30 – 7:30 (see below for details)
*September 28: Chatham Drop in RPM (Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting) 5:30-7:30 (see below for details)
& Clarke County Drop in RPM (Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting) 5:30-7:30 (see below for details)
October 16-20: Student Fall Break
October 31: Help a Child Smile Mobile Dental Clinic
*Friday, November 10: School Council Meeting, 1:00 pm
Thursday, November 16: South Fulton Drop in RPM (Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting) 5:30-7:30 (see below for details)
November 20-24: Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 21: Winter Student Music Program and Art Show. Family Meetings before and after the program.
December 22- January 5: Winter Holiday
check out our website to view the entire calendar for 2017-18 school year
Parents/ guardians, our residential students will be participating in this on August 27. We urge all our students to check this out with their families !
Important Media Release about Free and Reduced School Meals Program
Don't forget!
We will be collecting General Mills Box Tops AND distributing Publix Partners cards throughout the year! Ask all your friends and family to help!
August Birthdays:
2nd ~Kaden A
6th ~ Sebastin
6th ~ Marquan
8th ~ Will
25th ~ Josie
29th ~ De’Zereion
30th ~ Jesse
Please Help! Only TWO more quick and important surveys left:
1. Tech Survey
2. ECC Survey
We need our parents to complete the survey to let us know what you want us to be sure to cover in our Expanded Core Curriculum Program (ECC). Click below, enter your student's name and check all the boxes that are most important to you.
Media Center News!
DID YOU KNOW? The math building game Dominoes is available for check out in the Media Center? It can include Braille labels. Also, the language and literacy building tactile game Stick Bots can also be check out of the Media Center! Encourage your child to bring one home for a weekend of family fun and learning!
Mrs. Kim Smith, Media Specialist kismith@doe.k12.ga.us, 417-751-6083 extension 1280
Orientation and Mobility Tips from Robin Cruise, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
O&M Vocabulary. We use specific O&M vocabulary with our students day and night and feel it is important that these words are emphasized at home with families as well! Each week we will feature a vocabulary word for the week. If you want the completed list now, contact Ms. Cruise: rcruise@doe.k12.ga.us 478-751-6083 extension 3230
Vocabulary word of this week to know and use: Orientation – knowing where you are in relation to other objects or people in your environment.
Attention parents/guardians: a new event just added!
Join families, educators, and community partners at the
Georgia Family Engagement Unconference
February 2-3, 2018
Macon Centreplex and Macon Marriott City Center, Macon, GA
The Georgia Department of Education, Division of State Schools is offering scholarships for interested parents/guardians and the students in their home (K-8) to attend. Please save the dates and contact Sonya Milam if you are interested in attending! We are counting on lots of GAB participation! Smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303
AASD, GAB and GSD Parents/Guardians: Your Family Engagement Team Wants to Meet YOU!
Save the dates for our Fall Regional Parent/Guardian Meetings! “Drop In RPMs” November date just added!
Tuesday, September 19 in North Fulton County
Thursday, September 28 in Chatham County
Thursday, September 28 in Clarke County
Thursday, November 16 in South Fulton County
save these dates, addresses will be forthcoming!
Drop in anytime between 5:30-7:30 pm
`Meet other Families.
`Get the latest updates on your school including the:
Parental Involvement Plan
and the
School/Student/Parent-Guardian Compact for Student Achievement.
`Learn ways to help your child with school.
`Learn of valuable resources in your community.
`Light refreshments served.
`Door prize given.
Please RSVP: Sonya Milam at 478-262-3303 smilam@doe.k12.ga.us
This week in pictures
SOLAR ECLIPSE!
We enjoyed learning through sights and sounds,
touch and taste on Monday!
Give us your feedback!
This newsletter is produced by Sonya Milam, Parent Mentor. For comments and suggestions and news items please contact her at 478-262-3303 or smilam@doe.k12.ga.us