Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
September 1, 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
September 4: Labor Day Holiday Ice Cream Social for returning residential students
September 8: School Council Meeting 1:00 pm
September 12: Pep Talk Soaring to Success : What Do I Need to Know? Autism Center, Macon (see below 3 for details)
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 page 3 for details)
*September 22-29: SCIVIS (Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students)
September 28: Chatham & Clarke Counties Drop in RPM (Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting) 5:30-7:30 (see page 3 for details)
October 16-20: Student Fall Break
October 31: Help a Child Smile Mobile Dental Clinic
*November 9 Senior Fundraising Dinner
November 10: School Council Meeting, 1:00 pm
November 16: South Fulton Drop in RPM (Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting) 5:30-7:30 (see page 3 for details)
November 20-24: Thanksgiving Break
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: http://www.gabmacon.org/files/_bGCSQ_/4e91ae56587d77f23745a49013852ec4/Final_2017-2018_Calendar.pdf
* April 5 Prom
* April 19-22 Senior Trip
* May 25 Graduation
Character Education
Word for the Quarter: RESPECT - Showing regard for the worth of someone or something.
Words for the week: SELF-RESPECT - Pride and belief in oneself and in achievement of one’s potential. RESPECT FOR OTHERS – Showing appreciation for the importance of and efforts of others.
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!
September Birthdays:
4th ~ Felix
4th ~ Leah
7th ~ Destiny R.
7th ~ Lucas
15th ~ Armando
15th ~ Trinity
30th ~ Jesse
Media Center News!
DID YOU KNOW? So far, we have had THREE Donors Choose Projects fully funded?? A 3D printer, new non-fiction books on CD, and an Echo. All are expected to arrive mid-September. Thanks to everyone who donated and shared our projects on social media. Updates about the media center can be found on Twitter. Follow us @gab_library. 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 Tip: Remind your child when approaching a familiar drop-off and allow him to detect it with his cane. If your child is very experienced, do not remind him. Allow him to detect drop-offs independently.
O&M Vocabulary word for the week: Drop-off – a surface that drops down to a lower level. Examples: a step or a curb.
Attention Parents/Guardians:
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
Click the video below for more information about this exciting event!
Middle Georgia Families: PEP TALKS: Soaring to Success - - - What Do I Need to Know?
Tuesday, September 12
6PM at the Autism Center, Navicent Health 1014 Forsyth Street, Macon Parking available in the YELLOW Deck
Presented to you by the Bibb County Schools, Special Education Parent Mentor, Terri Goodridge
Join us to discuss:
• Understanding the IEP
• Transitioning to the next grade
• Meeting my child's needs
Registration is not required but is suggested. For more information or to register, call 478.633.8100 or email autism@navicenthealth.org and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email).
Like us on Facebook for more information, future events, and interesting facts.
PEP Talks is hosted the second Tuesday of the month.
This week in pictures
Project Search Interns returning to GAB after a day’s work at Navicent Health!
Harvest Time!
Students enjoying Mercer University’s opening game of the football season!
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