Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
January 4, 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.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK!
This newsletter is produced by Sonya Milam, Parent Mentor. Please send your news ideas and items and/or resources in your community to share with others. Smilam@doe.k12.ga.us 478-262-3303
Mark your 2019 Calendars!
January 7: Second semester begins! WELCOME BACK!
January 21: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 25-26 SCASB in Louisiana (Wrestling, Cheering, Fine Arts)
February 8-10 Short Course Weekend (ages 12-21) featuring Family Matters for families 10-4 on Saturday. See page 3 for details.
February 27 and 28: AdvancED site review; please save these date and stay tuned for the day in which we will need parents/guardians to come and meet with this accreditation team. See page 2 for important pre-visit survey.
February 18: Presidents’ Day Holiday
March 7: Braille Challenge
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 25-29: Spring Break
April 4: High School Prom
April 22: Easter Holiday
April 25- 28: Senior Trip
May 17: Graduation
May 24: Last day of school
January Birthdays
Students:
Devoneta: 1/5
John: 1/14
Brayden: 1/21
Morgan: 1/23
Destiny G: 1/24
Destiny I: 1/25
Jamari: 1/31
Staff:
Mr. Forrester: 1/5
Mr. Guest: 1/5
Ms. Little: 1/16
Ms. Kimbrough: 1/19
Ms. Doctor: 1/19
Ms. Bright: 1/22
Ms. Franks: 1/23
Ms. Walker: 1/23
Ms. Knight: 1/27
Parents/guardians: Please take these TWO easy and important surveys just for parents/ guardians
1. GaDOE’s climate survey: http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents 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.
2. 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.
Please contact Sonya Milam if you have questions or would like assistance. smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303
Georgia Academy for the Blind presents "Family Matters" FREE for Parents/Guardians of Students with Visual Impairments
February 9, 2019
10 am – 4 pm
Lunch provided
Application Deadline: January 18, 2019
(All applications subject to approval)
Get your registration application from Sonya Milam smilam@doe.k12.ga.us
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a parent/guardian of a child with a visual impairment who is enrolled in the short course weekend provided February 7-10.
- Care will be provided for siblings 6-11.
- Activities for enrolled students ages 12-21 and sibling participants must display independent skills appropriate for their age.
- · Must be a resident of Georgia.
- · Sessions will be held for parents/guardians that will include O&M, Assistive Technology, Independent Living, Transition and much more!
For information please email or call Dawn Day mday@doe.k12.ga.us or Sonya Milam smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, Phone: 478-751-6083