Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
December 15, 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 your Calendars!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS * just added
*December 18: Monday Media Mania and Coffee Club
December 21: Winter Student Music Program and Art Show. All details are below
December 22- January 5: Winter Holiday
January 8: Second semester begins
*January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
February 2-3: GaDOE’s Family Engagement UnConference, Macon
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 1: Help a Child Smile Mobile Dental Clinic
May 25: Graduation
Happy Birthday
Remaining December Birthdays:
~16th Adria
~22 Kiauna
~25 Shyann~26th Dani & Seth
~29th Blake & Jermaine
~31st James & Logan
Beginning of January Birthdays:
~5th Devoneta
~10th Shakira
~14th John
~15th Johnny
WINTER PROGRAM 2017
We hope you are able to join us on Thursday, December 21 at 10 am for our Winter Music Program. Our students have been working hard to bring us a delightful program. Be reminded that due to auditorium renovation we changed the location to nearby Vineveville Baptist Church (1/2 mile east from GAB) at 2591 Vineville Avenue. Students will be transported to and from the church by bus. No student will be allowed to leave the church except on the bus. If you are signing your child out before 1:00 p.m. you must sign out in the Hendricks office. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
At GAB students are to remain with their teachers. We have the following offerings for our families that we encourage you to take advantage of:
8-9:30 am then repeated at 11:15 am - 1 pm:
o Student Art Show in the Hendricks Building’s Media Center
o Purchase a coffee, breakfast bar, or vending machine snacks from the GAB Café in the Hendricks Building
o Shop at the GABwill in cottage 1
o 3-D Printer exhibition in the Hendricks Building’s Tech Lab within Media Center
11:15 am – 1 pm:
For our families of students with additional disabilities ages 10 and older in the Multi-purpose Room in the Hendricks Building: Life after High School
o Come learn of the services provided through the Waiver programs that assist with a wide range of services including employment options, help with activities of daily living, building life skills, therapies, respite care and other supports designed to promote independence and inclusion.
o Also learn about the other flexible services offered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities such as Family Support Services and specialized resources. These programs are designed to keep Georgia residents in their homes and included in their communities.
o At this presentation of you will get your questions answered and learn how to apply for these free services. Presentation by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
o You will also get to meet our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and our Parent to Parent Transition Partner at this time.
o Light refreshments served and a door prize will be awarded.
o To assure ample materials and seating, rsvp to Sonya Milam through the link below, or call 478-262-3303
Service Learning Continues
SECOND NOTICE: Don’t forget the Student Council’s two projects:
- Canned Food Drive We are collecting canned foods and any nonperishable items like mac-and-cheese and ramen noodles. These goods will be donated to a local organization that benefits those in need.
- Pet Supplies Collection We need gently used or new blankets, canned dog food, and kitten food. These items will be used to help keep pets warm and fed at the local “All About Animals” shelter this winter. Students, parents, staff and friends; please help us with these projects. The collection boxes will be located in the Multi-Purpose Room until the last day of the semester, December 21.
Above: Student Council members with canned goods collected thus far.
Below: Student Council Members with blankets and pet food collected thus far.
Middle School Students are C.H.A.M.P.S.
On Wednesday, 5th - 8th graders had their monthly visit from our CHAMPS Officer, Bibb County Sheriff Deputy, Amber Glitz. CHAMPS (Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety) is an outreach service of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department for the Bibb County School System. We are grateful they have included GAB!
This week in pictures—fun at the student party on Tuesday!
FUNdraiser$
HO! HO! HO! Please think about helping us get some $DOUGH, $DOUGH, $DOUGH $$$$$$$$
This will be a year long project!
Check out this list of participating products below! It’s more than fod items!
If you have any questions contact Sylvia Layson at slayson@doe.k12.ga.us or call after 3:00 P.M. 478-751-6083 ext 1200. Thanks for all your help!
LAST WEEK! Senior Class Lawnmower Ticket Sales ends next Thursday, December 20! Winner Announced December 21!
Make a donation of at least $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 Rachel Towery, rtowery@bellsouth.net, 912-403-9302
LAST WEEK! Give a gift that gives all year! Senior Class Chick-fil -A Calendar Sales Continue
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