The District kicked off the 2016-2017 academic school year with Convocation at the Macon Coliseum on Monday, July 25, 2016.

About 3,500 employees gathered for inspiration from students, Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones and author and speaker, Dr. Todd Whitaker.

Photos | 2016 Convocation

Teachers took away encouragement and excitement to start the new school year. The 2016-2017 Teachers of the Year were announced, students from three different schools.

Dr. Whitaker shared thoughts from his book “School Culture Rewired.” As one of the nation’s leading authorities on staff motivation, teacher leadership and principal effectiveness, he has written more than 30 books, including the national best seller, “What Great Teachers Do Differently.”

"Do you know why teaching is hard? Because it matters every single day," Dr. Whitaker told the audience.

District leaders engaged in a two-day leadership symposium to start the 2016-2017 school year to engage in professional learning for software, District goals and the strategic plan.

The District Department of Nutrition served 170,966 meals in 29 days at 84 locations throughout Bibb County to serve the needs of children in Bibb County.

That's not without the Macon-Bibb community's support. Forty-one Champion Community Partners opened their doors to help serve breakfast, lunch and two snacks to children ages 18 and below during the summer months.

Nutrition School Site Support Manager Bernice Tukes says the ability to meet children's nutrition needs supports the continued learning process during the summer break.

Sixteen District schools now have flat screen interactive panels in every classroom as part of an initiative to bring interactive technology to every student through ESPLOST funding. The District's plan is to bring interactive panels to all schools in order to prepare all students for a 21st century global society.

Director of Instructional Technology Dr. Monica Radcliff said the mobile, interactive panels resemble TV-screen sized tablets and have 10 points of touch, and enable students to collaborate with each other on assignments.

She explains that this generation of learners is used to having access to tablets and cell phones. These interactive panels will enhance the learning environment by providing experience with advanced technology and prepares students for careers and college in the long run.

"We live in a visual culture...we're really preparing students for the world they already live in," Dr. Radcliff said.

Alexander II Magnet School has already employed the technology.

"The interactive panel has completely changed the way that I teach in the classroom," Alexander II Magnet School Media Specialist Brandi Malloy said.

She says that students, rather than merely staring at a projector screen throughout the duration of their class time, can now manipulate information on the screen to participate.

Students who participated in the District's Summer Opportunity Program over the summer saw significant growth in literacy.

SOP offered students the ability to improve literacy in the third, fifth and eighth grades at no cost to families. The programs focused on instructing students in literacy through reading activities and assignments, and the SOP has shown positive effects within a student's performance level.

"We are extremely pleased with the results from our elementary and middle school Summer Opportunity Programs. This concerted effort to strategically focus on effective literacy instruction this summer has had a positive effect on student performance," Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tanzy Kilcrease said.

Some of the data showed that specific sites saw half a years' worth of growth in just a month's time.

Site Director Patricia Barnes who supervised the program at Union Elementary this summer points to the dedication of teachers and staff for ensuring students were garnering growth in learning during the program.

"Teachers and staff worked hard to ensure that students were actively engaged in learning activities that promoted growth in their reading abilities through the use of the Read 180 program. Students participated in small group activities, as well as used technology to enhance their reading comprehension skills," she said.

Dr. Kilcrease says it's imperative for the District to be innovative in providing our students with explicit reading instruction throughout the year and during the summer months, with research indicating that students lose ground academically when they are out of school for the summer.

"We are appreciative to the staff and community members who worked with our students this summer to provide them with a quality learning experience," Dr. Kilcrease said.

Hutchings College and Career Academy, in collaboration with Central Georgia Technical College, held an inaugural Certified Nursing Assistant Pinning Ceremony on May 24, 2016. Pinning Ceremony's in the nursing arena date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was a way to recognize those individuals who were dedicating themselves to a life of health, healing and compassion for those in need.

Students were qualified by state mandates and regulation to be eligible to test for the state CNA exam. Clinical practices took place at Zebulon Park Health and Rehab as well as Bolingreen Health and Rehab facility. Over 13 Bibb students successfully passed the state assessment. This means that students are now able to work with a certification which is entry level into nursing and are graduating from high school both college and career ready.

A District Career, Technical, Agricultural and Education Department Advisory Board member from each high school was recognized for major contributions to the CTAE programs.

Chris Tsavatewa, Chairman of Office of Experiential Learning at Middle Georgia State University, served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Engineering Program and STEM program at Westside High School. He wrote a grant for the annual Magnolia Soap Box Derby. This event served the entire community and involved students across the district. Mr. Tsavatewa was also awarded Advisory Board Member of the Year for the Bibb County School District for his tireless commitment to the success of CTAE students.

Donna Drummond, Marketing Development Coordinator with Robins Financial Credit Union, served as a member of Northeast High School’s Marketing Advisory Board. She was instrumental in providing students with the financial knowledge needed to become productive citizens.

Rick Canipe, Commercial Lender with BB&T, served as a member of Rutland High School’s Advisory Board. He participated in mock interviews, prepared FBLA students for competitive events and was always available to help in any capacity.

Tony Varamo, Vice President of Personnel Development with Metro Power, served as a member of the Construction Pathway Advisory Board for Hutchings College and Career Academy. Through Metro Power, Mr. Varamo provided internship opportunities to more than 20 students.

Chuck Hammock, Consulting Engineer for Andrew, Hammock, and Powell Inc., was vital to Howard High School’s Advisory board last year. He served on the Mock Interview team, assisted with FBLA competitions and was instrumental in Bibb County’s robotics program.

Daylon Martin (not pictured), Jones County Commissioner and Director of Neighborhood Academy, was a proud supporter of the CTAE department at Central High School. He provided opportunities for Early Childhood Education students to gain employment at the Macon Neighborhood Academy.

Marvin Riggins, Chief of the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, was an integral part of Southwest High School’s CTAE program. He attended countless meetings. He and members of the fire department graciously served as guest speakers on numerous occasions.

Tarry Little was awarded the Industry Collaboration Award for her service to Bibb County CTAE programs at the school level and district level. Ms. Little is a Centralized Salvage manager at GEICO and is a leader within her company and an advocate for Bibb’s CTAE department.

Veterans Elementary School opens its doors to students for the first time on August 1, 2016. Students from Morgan and Barden Elementaries will enjoy the state-of-the-art school designed at 4901 Faubus Ave in Macon.

Dr. Cleveland Johnson III says he's grateful for the opportunity to welcome students into the brand new school and he's excited to start the school year!

The Hutchings College and Career Academy program has officially moved into the new, ESPLOST and grant-funded building at 1780 Anthony Road.

CTAE students will begin their pathways at the building after August 8, 2016.

Students interested in enrolling in career pathway courses offered at Hutchings should speak to their high school counselor.

A dedication celebration for Hutchings and the new Dr. Robert J. Williams Complex will be held September 1 at 9 a.m. The community is invited to attend the celebration and to tour the new facility.

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