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The Bibb County School District Newsletter
October 8, 2021
Superintendent Announces Retirement
During the monthly Bibb County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, September 16, 2021, Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones Jr. announced plans to retire at the end of his contract term this school year. He is a National Superintendent of the Year and is well-known throughout the state and country for his leadership on public education matters.
“I am thankful to have had the humbling experience of being your Superintendent in Bibb. The past seven years have been the best years of my professional life, and it is because of you, our employees, students, parents, and community members. I thoroughly enjoyed the work we have done, the achievements we have accomplished and the relationships we have created. In my opinion, Bibb County is one of the best school districts in the state to work. Our teachers, leaders and staff care about students and our community, and I know how dedicated and hardworking our team is. I will miss this community and our VIP team greatly,” Dr. Jones said.
CLICK HERE for more!
Heard Elementary Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Heard Elementary School HAWKS - Macon, GA held a Hispanic Heritage Parade on Sept. 30. This event allowed students to perform traditional Hispanic dance and display clothing from various Hispanic cultures for their classmates, teachers and parents.
"It is important to celebrate Hispanic heritage because they're one piece of fabric for this great country," said principal Carole Cote. "We are better together."
Southwest Senior Named to State Council
Congratulations to Altaron Palmer for being selected to State Superintendent Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Council. Altaron is a senior who is in the top 10 in his class, while playing football and serving on the school’s student council.
“Mr. Palmer is a true servant leader who leads by example, and astute scholar and the epitome of Patriot PRIDE,” said principal Bernard Young.
Thank you for representing Bibb County well!
District Honors Custodial Workers
Celebrate Georgia Pre-K Week!
Oct. 4-8 is Georgia Pre-K week, but early childhood education is always a priority in the District. According to Olena Stadnik, Director of Elementary Services, these years are perhaps the most important periods of a child’s education.
“We see that the first five years of a child’s life are probably the most important because this is a time where they’re like little sponges,” she said. “As much of the information as we put on, they accept, and they’re eager to learn.”
Congratulations, Dr. Daniely!
Students Participate in 'Be Pro Be Proud' Event
Recently, high school students have the opportunity to take part in the "Be Pro Be Proud" Mobile Workshop at the Macon State Farmers Market. This event, a partnership with WorkSource Macon-Bibb and WorkSource Middle Georgia, provided students with hands-on experiences related to fields in robotics, health care, welding, plumbing and more.
“Students must graduate college or career ready, which means they must be prepared for post-secondary, military, or the workforce. Presently, the lack of skilled employees is a huge problem in Georgia with a shortage of 61,000 or more employees reported in 2019,” says Cassandra Miller-Washington, Executive Director of CTAE and CEO of W. S. Hutchings College and Career Academy. “Bibb County CTAE has partnered with WorkSource Macon-Bibb to provide students with an opportunity to see skilled trade careers through virtual simulations.”
#BibbVictories: Jasmine Habersham, Rutland Class of 2007
Meet Jasmine Habersham. She’s up next for our #BibbVictories campaign to tell the stories of Victory in Progress in the Bibb County School District by students, teachers, staff, alumni and parents.
We are all in this together (even if it's virtually!) and we could all use a little more positivity on our social media feeds. Every day, we all have the power to inspire, make a difference and exemplify strength of character. This is the opportunity to do just that.
Jasmine Habersham is a Macon native and a 2007 graduate of Rutland High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance at Shorter College and her master’s degree and Artist Diploma from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music - CCM. She has performed in numerous concerts and is well versed as a cross-over artist in opera and musical theatre.
“During my time as a student in the Bibb County School District, I was so grateful to have been part of a community that supported my academic and artistic growth in so many positive ways,” Habersham said. “I was taught to think, to discover and to enjoy the love of learning. That kind, nurturing support and guidance has inspired me to reach my goals in every aspect of my life today,” she added.
We are so proud of Jasmine! She is an excellent example for our students and community. Jasmine will be performing the role of Cleopatra in the opera entitled “Julius Caesar” at The Atlanta Opera this November.
The performance will be held at the Cobb Energy Center, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. The dates are:
November 6, 2021 - 8:00 p.m.
November 9, 2021 - 7:30 p.m.
November 12, 2021 - 8:00 p.m.
November 14, 2021 - 3:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online or by phone:
404-881-8885
My Teacher is Tops: Lisa Maddux, Heritage Elementary
Special Library Cards Available to Students
CLICK HERE for more information on how to access the PLAY card for students.
Congratulations to Fire Safety Winners
Congratulations to the students recognized by Macon-Bibb County Fire Department for their essays and artwork for Fire Prevention Week!
Fire Safety Poster:
Madison Smith, 3rd place - 5th grade - Heritage Elementary School
Caylee Rembert, 2nd place - 2nd grade - Heritage Elementary School
Jeriah Webb, 1st place - 3rd grade - Heritage Elementary School
Fire Safety Essay Elementary School:
Shivansh Mishra, 3rd place - 5th grade - McKibben Lane Elementary School
Autumn Love-Farrar, 2nd place - 5th grade - McKibben Lane Elementary School
Allison Crane, 1st place - 5th grade - John R. Lewis Elementary
Fire Safety Essay Middle School:
Johnathan Barrion, 2nd place - 8th grade - H. G. Weaver Middle School
Remiya Stephens, 1st place - 8th grade - Rutland Middle School
Scholarship Winners:
Simrah Siddiqui, 12th grade - Howard High School
Han Nha Nguyen, 12th grade - Howard High School
Alex II Students Attend Play in Park
Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School students went across the street to Tattnall Square Park on Sept. 24 for a free performance of "Pinocchio." This Mercer Theatre production was an excellent opportunity to connect students with the arts and their community partners.
Central High Welcomes Guests from FAMU
ESPLOST Dollars Fund School Renovations
Thanks to the community for funding renovations to three elementary schools this summer! Funds from the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), the one percent sales tax approved by Macon+Bibb County voters, supported the upgrades to McKibben Lane Elementary School, Rosa Taylor Elementary School and Skyview Elementary.
Renovations at Rosa Taylor Elementary School and Skyview Elementary School were conducted with support of WM2A Architects and Sheridan Construction. Renovations at Taylor included all new flooring and paint throughout, a new gymnasium floor with striping, and new HVAC units, as well as a new bus canopy and emergency generator. Renovations at Skyview included all new flooring and paint throughout, a new gymnasium floor with striping, and new HVAC units.
Renovations at Lane Elementary (top picture) were supported by SP Design Group Architects & Engineers and ICB Construction Group.Springdale Hosts Student-Led Conferences
Central Office Participates in 'Hats 4 Hope'
TRS Opens Satellite Office in Bibb
On Sept. 29, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia held an official ribbon-cutting for its satellite office in Macon. This office, housed at 2007 Riverside Drive, was opened as part of a partnership between TRS and the District.
"We want to work hard to support our schools," said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones Jr. "One of the best ways we could do that is to get this site here."
Previously, when retiring educators needed face-to-face retirement counseling, they had to drive to Atlanta to the main TRS office. With more than $140 million in TRS benefits coming to educators in Middle Georgia, the new satellite office will help serve Bibb educators and others in a more convenient fashion. The reception following the event was catered by the culinary arts students at W. S. Hutchings College and Career Academy.
Bibb County School District
VISION: Each student will demonstrate strength of character and will be college or career ready.
MISSION: The Bibb County School District develops a highly trained staff and an engaged community dedicated to educating each student for a 21st century global society.
COMMUNICATE WITH US: Send us a message or question through Let's Talk!
Website: www.bcsdk12.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bibbschools
Twitter: @bibbschools