Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
January 19, 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!
January 18 – 21 SCASB Wrestling and Cheer Competitions, Fine Arts Show Case, Oklahoma. Follow them this weekend on Facebook ! https://www.facebook.com/Georgia.Academy.for.the.Blind/
January 25: Art Students exhibit at Goodwill’s Artist Show, details on last page
January 29: Monday Media Mania and EECC Coffee Club
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 26-30: Spring Break
April 5 Easter Holiday
April 19-22SCASB
April 26-29: Senior Trip
May 1: Help a Child Smile Mobile Dental Clinic
May 25: Graduation
Celebrating Mr. Reynolds!
Join us in thanking Mr. Frank Reynolds, who has been honored for his commitment to Georgia AND education! We previously reported on the surprise visit from State Schools Director Dr. Kenney Moore and State Board of Education Mike Long on December 1 as the entire GAB staff honored Mr. Frank Reynolds on the anniversary of his 40th year at the Georgia Academy for the Blind.
On Thursday, January 11, The State Board of Education recognized Mr. Reynolds as longest serving state employee for 50 years, 40 of those at Georgia Academy for the Blind. He was presented with a flag flown over the Capitol, a certificate of recognition from both State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods and Governor Nathan Deal. Says GAB Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Gibson: “Congratulations to Frank Reynolds, a person of high ideals and a joy to know and love!”
With Mr. Reynolds at the State Board of Education Meeting at the Georgia Department of Education are Board Member Mike Long, State School Superintendent Richard Woods, Board Member Scott Johnson, Dr. Gibson, and Dr. Moore.
Happy Birthday
January Birthdays:
~5th Devoneta
~10th Shakira
~14th John
~15th Johnny
~23rd Morgan
~24th Dente
~24th Destiny G.
~25th Destiny I.
~30th Sydney
~31st Jamari
Second survey from GaDOE is out! Parents/Guardians, Please Assist Us With All 3!
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!
5th Annual Middle Georgia Conference “Mapping a Self Determined Future: Where Transition Meets Real Life”
Saturday, January 27, 2018
8:30-1:00 PM (Conference and breakfast will begin promptly!)
Bibb County School District’s Professional Learning Building
2007 Riverside Drive
Macon, GA 31204
This free one day conference that comes with breakfast is designed to allow teachers, families and students with disabilities to come together to dream of the possibilities for a full life after gradation. There will be a youth leadlership track, a college bound track and a career/community track.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
Click the link below.
Middle Georgia Families! Baseball Season at Miracle League of Macon is now accepting registration applications.
Click the length below to register.
Call on Sonya Milam if you need any help with these registrations!
Help others stay informed
Calling all collectors:
Calling all collectors: We need you to please send in your collection of Box Tops. We are approaching our goal of 1,000 Box Tops. Remember the person who sends in the most in January gets a surprise. Thanks for all the hard work. We will try and start a total for each month and let you see the progress. Sylvia Layson 478-751-6083 ext. 1200 slayson@doe.k12.ga.us
THIS WEEK IN PICTURES!
Snow Day fun and learning
GaDOE and State Capital
The council then toured the State Capitol and met with members of the State Senate and House of Representatives during their visit.
Preparing for SCASB!
Below: A few SCASB participants awaiting to board their flight to Oklahoma on Thursday