Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
September 14, 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
Hurricane Florence
Be sure to check your email, text messages and our Facebook page throughout the weekend to receive updates on the weather and school closure if this becomes necessary.
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!
*Just added
September 17: Drop in RPM State Schools Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting, 6-7:30 pm, *The Drip Coffee Shop, 928 Garrett St SE B, Atlanta, GA 30317
September 17: Monday Media Mania and Coffee Club
*Constitution Day
October 8-12: Student Fall Break
November 19-23: Thanksgiving Break
December 21 – January 4: Winter Holidays
January 21: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
February 18: Presidents’ Day Holiday
February 28: Braille Challenge
March 25-29: Spring Break
April 22: Easter Holiday
May 24: Graduation
Character Education
Trustworthiness – worthy of confidence; reliable
"The highest levels of influence are reached when trustworthiness surrounds your behavior.” ― Dale Carnegie
September Birthdays
Students:
Trinity 9/15
Armondo 9/15
Kaharye 9/21
DJ 9/23
Nikki 9/25
Staff:
Ms. Layson 9/18
Ms. Bloodsaw 9/21
Ms. Griffith 9/23
Ms. Hillman, Dr. Gardiner, Mr. Blackwell 9/26
Ms. Lynch 9/29
The Case of the Missing 1000 Box Tops: September 14, 2018
Our detectives are finding some Box Tops and helping us meet our goal. One detective named John found 80 (see picture below). We also had a detective named Ms. Thomas from our school find those hidden Box Tops. I need all agents to look carefully on all products and send them in. Our total to date is 604. We are only 400 away from our first goal of 1000 Box Tops. Clues to finding Box Tops are to look on items you buy such as cereal boxes, can goods, organic foods, and frozen items. They hide in the funniest places. We need all agents to keep up the good detective work.
Sylvia Layson, TVI (478) 751-6083 Ext. 1200, slayson@doe.k12.ga.us
Reminder!
This week in pictures
GAB THUNDER! Ms. Holloway’s drum class, named GAB Thunder by the students, is well underway. Students as seen below are outside wearing drum carriers that enable them to carry the drums. Three students are carrying bass drums in various sizes, two students are carrying snare drums and one student is carrying tenor drums. The tenor drums are four drums of various sizes and pitches put together. Students are performing specific songs and warm ups for class.
Visitor from France Sonny Servais visited GAB’s French II class and read for the listening part of the French test. He is a graduate student in France, and is visiting his cousin in Macon. He lives in Juvisy Sur Orge, France. His district is 15 minutes from Paris central. He was very impressed with the school's appearance, staff and students.
Collaboration and Pathways Currently we have three students enrolled the Bibb County School District’s Hutchings College and Career Academy for morning classes in the early childhood education and cosmetology pathways. Their PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) “kick off” was a lot of fun. They had a variety of Minute-It to Win-It games. Each of our students participated well and each completed at least 5 of the challenges. Ms. Paige Welch, the Hutchings instructor overseeing the “Golf Cady” game approached Judy after the games to tell her that she was one of only 5 who was successful in completing the challenge. We are proud of these students and are thankful for our collaborative partners in Bibb County. Center right photo was taken on “dress for success” day.
Housekeepers Appreciation Week GAB students and staff showered our Housekeepers this week with special treats at break, notes and posters, a lunch off campus and a breakfast by our Student Council. We truly appreciate our housekeeping staff for helping us keep our school and cottages clean and healthy for us and our visitors!
State School Superintendent Richard Woods selects 2018-2019 Student Advisory Council
A note from Dr. Gibson: Congratulations to Jess James and Judy Charles (pictured below) for acceptance to Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Council. Thank you also to Amy Bardash and Toni Kimbrough for being their sponsors. We are so proud of these young women. Below is copied from the GaDOE’s press release:
September 10, 2018 – State School Superintendent Richard Woods has selected 120+ Georgia students to serve on his 2018-2019 Student Advisory Council. Throughout the school year, these middle and high school students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom. Members of the Student Advisory Council will also discuss other issue related to education, serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools, and participate in service projects to benefit schools and students.
“Every day, I’m faced with choices that will directly affect Georgia’s kids,” Superintendent Woods said. “Because of the students who serve on this council, I’m better able to make sound, informed decisions. I deeply value their input and involvement.”
Members were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants who applied to serve on the council. Students were chosen based on the strength of their essay answers, which focused on their ideas for public education as well as their community service experience. The students selected attend public schools all over the state, in every RESA district in Georgia.
We will never forget. . . . .
On September 11 we began our day with a moment of silence to reflect on the tragedy of that day 17 years ago. Teachers shared with their students their remembrances of that historical day and their hopes for the future.
On September 12, Mr. Acree (pictured below) conducted a school wide read aloud of the children’s book entitled September 12: We Knew Everything Would Be All Right. This book was written by first grade students from an elementary school in Missouri. It gave us peace and hope to live our lives to do good and spread love.
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