Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
October 13, 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
October 14: Georgia PINES Family Fun Day in Macon, 10 am -1 pm
October 16-20: Student Fall Break
October 22: Blind and Beyond Radio Show
*October 23-27: National Red Ribbon Week (see details below)
November 5 Daylight Saving Time 2017 ends! Turn your clocks back one hour
November 9: Senior Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction & Old Book Sale
November 10: School Council Meeting, 1:00 pm
November 16: South Fulton Drop in RPM (Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting) 5:30-7:30)
November 20-24: Thanksgiving Break
December 21: Winter Student Music Program and Art Show. Family Meetings before and after. Hustler Raptor Mower Raffle Winner chosen.
December 22- January 5: Winter Holiday
February 2-3: Family Engagement Unconference
*February 28: Braille Challenge
March 26-30: Spring Break
April 2: Easter Holiday
April 5: Prom
April 19-22 SCASB
April 26-29: Senior Trip
May 25: Graduation
October Birthdays
3rd Jordan L.
5th Jordan P.
9th Angelica Hu.
13th Kayleigh
20th Jayla
20th LaShayla
24th DaShia
Georgia Lions Club Camp for the Blind announces their Christmas Camp 2017 - - act now, don’t miss out!
December 9-10
Waycross, Georgia
You may get your application by contacting Sonya Milam: smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303
or by going to their website below
DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS NOVEMBER 17
Cost: $100
Cost with transportation from Macon: $175
Scholarships available by calling Gail Williams, (912) 283-4320
Red Ribbon Week is October 23-27 “Your Future is Key So Stay Drug Free”
Two of the reasons young people begin to use drugs are listed below:
- People think drugs will help them fit in
- Peer pressure
As we go through the week let us be mindful of how we are helping to resolve these reasons or contribute to these reasons. What am I doing to help others fit in or to feel excluded? How do I respond to peer pressure?
At school students and staff will:
- List and display the things we can do to help others
- Wear RED on National Red Ribbon Day on Thursday, 10/26
- Choose from fun handouts, complete and return to our Social Worker, Ms. R. Knight to receive a prize.
At home we encourage our families to use Fall Break as a great time to discuss with their children the dangers of drugs and the importance of being drug free, to not engage in bullying, and to seek help in talking about their feelings.
Parents/guardians can get more information and sign this online pledge below.
1. As parents and citizens, we will talk to our children and the children in our lives about the dangers of drug abuse.
2. We will set clear rules for our children about not using drugs.
3. We will set a good example for our children by not using illegal drugs or medicine without a prescription.
4. We will monitor our children's behavior and enforce appropriate consequences, so that our rules are respected.
5. We will encourage family and friends to follow the same guidelines to keep children safe from substance abuse.
Character Education
Word for the Quarter: RESPONSIBILITY – Taking care of self and others; to carry out a duty or task carefully and thoroughly.
Word for the week: RELIABILITY – Deserving of trust and confidence.
Media Center News!
DID YOU KNOW? We will be having an Old Book Sale during the Senior Dinner and Silent Auction on Thursday, November 9, 4:00 PM-7:00 PM & Friday, November 10 9:00 AM-12:00 PM ½ Price on Friday, 11:00-12:00
Over 1000 Books! *Fiction*Non-Fiction*Children’s*Cookbooks*Large Print
More Than Books… *Audio Books on Cassettes *VHS
$1.00 hardback
$ .50 softback
DON’T FORGET! Updates about the media center can be found on GAB’s Media Center Twitter gab_library Mrs. Kim Smith, Media Specialist kismith@doe.k12.ga.us,
478-751-6083 ext 1280
Orientation and Mobility Tips
Orientation and Mobility Words for the week:
Grip – top end of the cane handle, usually black rubber.
Tip – bottom end of the cane that contacts the ground, usually white. May be a pencil tip, marshmallow tip, or roller tip.
Shaft – long white and red aluminum tube, in between the grip and the tip of the cane.
O&M Tip for the week: October 15th is national White Cane Day. We celebrated it on Thursday. Please celebrate White Cane Day at home and discuss how students with blindness can be independent and productive citizens. Also please encourage your child to know and name the parts of his cane and outlined above.
more White Cane Day photos at end of this newsletter
Please Help!
October 25 is approaching soon! We are approaching a deadline to send in our box tops! We need your help to collect at least 400 box tops before October 25. We spend the funds given from box tops on field trips. Send in any box tops NOW, don’t wait to get a bundle. Thanks for your help. Ms. Layson, slayson@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-751-6087, ext 1200
FuNdraiser$
Senior Class Fundraiser Chick Fil A Calendars now on sale!
They are $8.00 each and contain a free menu item each month. Supplies are limited, so see a senior class member or staff member to order today!
Mr. Collins, mcollins@doe.k12.ga.us, or Mrs. Thomspon, mthompson@doe.k12.ga.us
Senior Class Lawnmower Raffle Tickets now on sale!
Buy a raffle ticket for just $10 and get a chance to win this Hustler Raptor SDX 23hp Kawasaki 54 inch Mower donated by Vidalia Small Engine Services to be given away December 21. Contact a member of the 2018 Senior Class or Sonya Milam to buy your raffle ticket. Smilam@doe.k12.ga.us
Senior Fundraiser Dinner Tickets now on sale!
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Serving: 5:00- 6:45, Carry begins at 4:30 in the GAB Cafeteria
ENTREES Catered by TOMMY’S Cafe and Bakery of Macon and are $13
Chicken Divan with salad OR roast beef with green beans & mashed potatoes OR veggie lasagna with salad. Dessert & drink included.
Get your tickets today from a member of the senior class or Dr. Gardiner: mogardiner@doe.k12.ga.us
The evening includes:
~Silent Auction ~Old Book Sale ~Student Entertainment
This Week in Pictures!
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