Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
February 2, 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 2-3: GaDOE’s Family Engagement UnConference, Macon
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
February Birthdays
~6th Stephen and Brian
~ 7th JaQavious
~11th Aschmid
~15th DaQuan
~18th Ambria
~22nd Roni
~24th Kayla and Dorrian
~26th TJ
February is Black History Month
THIRD NOTICE! Parents/Guardians, Please Assist Us With These 4 Quick Surveys!
1. Georgia School Climate Parent Survey. This online, anonymous survey only takes about 5 minutes to complete and is your opportunity to provide feedback to GAB and the Georgia Department of Education. Georgia Parent Survey is important because the data will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. Results from the Georgia Parent Survey will not be available to the public and will not be posted online. The Georgia Parent Survey link is posted below. The first line asks for School System. Here you scroll down to STATE SCHOOLS, not your county! You will then be prompted to choose Georgia Academy for the Blind.
Call on Sonya Milam if you need any help with these surveys!
This Week in Pictures!
(Below) On Tuesday as we participated in 100-day math and literacy activities, students and staff were invited to dress as they were 100 years old! Students enjoyed special books, songs, and food as we embraced the number 100 in math and language arts throughout the day!
(Below) On Wednesday, our elementary students enjoyed Circus of the Senses at Atlanta’s Verizon Amphitheater. We enjoyed this multi-dimensional performing arts experience, integrating theater, dance, and live music with the circus arts. Using live descriptive narrators, infrared audio descriptive headsets, Braille and large print programs, both a pre-show and post show interactive touch experience for everyone, the magic of circus came to life for our students as well as our friends who are deaf/hard of hearing!
(Below) The 6 students who attended the first event of the 2018 William “Billy” Clisby Ford III Fine Arts series shown with our Transition Specialist and VR Counselor.This is an activity started in honor and memory of a former Resident Assistant who served many years helping guide our young men in the residential cottages. The students were selected based on teacher recommendations given to recognize students who show good character and academics. The students who attended were Nikki Smith, LaShayla Stanford, Reggie Evans, Noah Nizza, JaQuavious Gibson, and Caiden Evans. The group enjoyed a meal at Ingleside Village Pizza followed by a Music and Comedy Revue called “Shake It Up” presented by the Macon Civic Club. Fun was had by all.
Calling all collectors:
Calling all collectors: We are at 80% of our goal of 1,000 Box Tops and our February 16 deadline is fast approaching. Remember the person who sends in the most in January gets a surprise.
Remember, the money raised goes toward educational field trips! Thanks for your support and help! Sylvia Layson, Elementary Teacher 478-751-6083 ext. 1200
SECOND 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
FINAL NOTICE! Middle Georgia Families! Baseball Season at Miracle League of Macon is now accepting registration applications.
Click the length below to register. Let Sonya Milam know if you need any assistance. Deadline is February 4!
Atlanta Area Families: Save these dates for upcoming Agency Fairs to learn about the resources in YOUR communities! More details to come
Gwinnett County
Transition Fair grades 8-12
Saturday, March 3, 9:00 AM—1:00 PM
Cherokee County
Agency Fair infants-post graduation
Tuesday, March 20 2:30 PM- 5:00 PM
Help others stay informed
Give us your feedback!
We will soon be announcing summer dates for:
Camp Dream
Camp Abilities
BELL Day camps
Blaze Sports Camps.
Come to the parent program at Braille Challenge to learn more!