Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
February 15, 2019
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.
Check out the student produced video about our Mission Statement below:
Mark your Calendars!
February 18: Presidents’ Day Holiday
February 22: Special Olympics applications due! REMEMBER: Parent/guardians are on their own to get physical at family doctor, pediatrician OR med stops.
February 22: Social Science Fair in the Media Center
February 27 and 28: AdvancED site review. Please save these date and stay tuned for the day in which we will need parents/guardians to come and meet with this accreditation team. See page 3 for important pre visit survey.
February 28, 5-7 pm: Student Art Show at Goodwill, 4560 Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210
March 7: Braille Challenge. Includes program for parents/guardians!
March 8: School Council Meeting, 1:00. Open to all. Call in number: 1-888-557-8511. The access code is 2537361 followed by the # sign.
March 22: Spring Music Program. Student Art Show and Family meetings prior to and after the program.
March 25-29: Spring Break
April 4: High School Prom
April 9: Special Olympics
April 11-14: SCASB, Alabama (Track & Field)
April 22: Easter Holiday
April 25-- 28: Senior Trip
May 17: Graduation
May 24: Last day of school
Character Education
Acceptance: recognition of the diversity of others, their options, practices and culture
February Birthdays
Remaining Student Birthdays
DaQuan 2/15
Ambria: 2/18
Roni: 2/22
Kayla and Dorrian: 2/24
TJ: 2/26
Remaining Staff Birthdays:
Mr. Brunner: 2/14
Mr. Daniel: 2/17
This week in pictures: Valentine Dance
Parents/guardians: “THREE’s a charm!” We’ve another very important and easy survey just for YOU!
3. N E W ! GaDOE’s Parent Survey for Special Education services: We believe that all students must have an equitable opportunity for school completion and successful postsecondary outcomes. This survey helps improve educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities and ensure that the requirements of IDEA are met. When asked to Select child's school district, scroll down to STATE SCHOOLS NOT your local county district. Then you will be prompted to select Georgia Academy for the Blind. Deadline is May 15
2. GaDOE’s Climate Survey: This survey in addition to a student and staff survey is how we receive our Star Climate Rating from the Georgia Department of Education and is your opportunity to help GAB shine. When selecting SCHOOL SYSTEM, scroll down to STATE SCHOOLS (799) NOT your local county district. After making that selection you will be prompted to select Georgia Academy for the Blind. Deadline is March 1
1. AdvanceED Accreditation Parent Survey: This is in preparation for February’s AdvanceED accreditation we undergo every three years. The purpose of this survey is to find out your beliefs and opinions about your child's school. Read each question and choose the response that most closely matches your opinion. Please answer each item honestly. Your responses will be completely confidential.
Each survey can be found at links below. Please contact Sonya Milam if you have questions or would like assistance. smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303
Atlanta Area Families: a Special Invitation To Families of Students Who Have Additional Disabilities
WAIVER WORKSHOP
Who is it for? Parents and guardians of State Schools students who have additional disabilities that may limit their independence after high school.
What? Students receive many services during their years in school. Some will need support beyond graduation. These waivers help cover expenses for training, living and a host of other supports. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and Parent to Parent of Georgia will partner with the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf transition staff to offer a workshop dedicated to helping parents understand the services available to them and the process of securing those services.
Why now? Waiting lists are years long. There is no time to waste and no penalty for applying. Navigating multi-year waiting lists can be challenging. It is never too soon to start the application process. If you think your child may qualify, please join us, no matter what their age.
When?
Saturday, February 23 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where?
Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, 890 N. Indian Creek Drive Clarkston, GA 30021
Following the workshop facilitators will be available to help you complete your application. Those intending to complete applications on site will need to let Sonya Milam know and she will provide the application and other supplies this day. Kindly RSVP to her at smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303
Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
There is no childcare available.
Middle Georgia Families: All GAB families living in middle Georgia are invited!
Important notice!
Dear families:
As a result of seeking to be as secure as possible, effectively immediately, our campus is under complete lockdown. The Gates 2, 3, and 5 will be opened from 7 am to 8:30 in the mornings and opened again from 2:30 to 3:30 in the afternoons. Also, we have a few gate operators assigned to remotely open the gates. You simply call them by pressing the Gate operator button shown in the picture.
Once you are parked, remember to bring your license in order to receive a visitor’s badge. To enter the Hendricks school building, remember the only entrance to a door with a bell is the door on the far right. You press that button and you will gain access to this building where you will sign in and receive a visitor’s badge.
We appreciate your help and patience in this matter.
Let us hear from you!
This newsletter is published by our Parent Mentor, Sonya Milam. Please send your ideas, news, and resources in your community to her. smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, 478-262-3303