Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
June 1 , 2018 Summer Edition 2
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!
* just added
- June 6 (CHANGED DATE) 6-7 pm Drop in RPM State Schools Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting, Wake Up Coffee Shop, 3349 Cypress Mill Road , Brunswick, Georgia 31520
- June 12: Drop in RPM State Schools Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia Address forthcoming
- June 10-15: GAB Summer Program Eye’s on the Prize (ages 12-21) DETAILS PAGE 2
- August 5: Open House, Cottage Move In and Mandatory Title I Parent/Guardian Meeting
- August 6: First day of school
- September 6: Drop in RPM State Schools Regional Parent/Guardian Meeting, Savannah. 6 pm Address forthcoming
Families of High School Students:
Be on the “listen out” for a phone call this summer from our Vocational Rehabilitation/Parent to Parent Transition Partner, Cindy Crawford. She has important information to share!
2018-19 Medical forms
THIRD NOTICE: Medical forms for 2018-19 were emailed on May 14 and sent home with students May 18. Be sure to get this completed and returned on or before August 5. Contact the school office if you did not receive.
We will send out an email the day REPORT CARDS are mailed. IF YOU’VE HAD A CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PLEASE INFORM US RIGHT AWAY!
Volunteer Spotlight
We know warm blankets are the last thing on your mind in June, but we wanted you to know about a special volunteer Mr. Merle Smith.
This 80-year-old Maconite (pictured below) has knitted 115 blankets for our students over the past two years and gifted them to our students through our 5th grade paraprofessional Ms. Cathie Bain. His service is through
Linus Project. We wish for Mr. Smith continued good health and joy as he continues his vibrant work.
Learn more about Linus Project below:
Last week in pictures!
Keep a Literacy Rich Home this Summer!
Online Resource List from Our Media Specialist, Mrs. Kim Smith
If you need any help with these resources, contact Sonya Milam, smilam@doe.k12.ga.us
(478) 262-3303
anytime this summer!
Wesbsites/and Apps:
Learningally.org
Bookshare.org- Read to Go $20
https://nlsbard.loc.gov/login//NLS- BARD Mobile
Storynory.com
Sparklestories (iPad)
Storylineonline.net
Booksshouldbefree.com
pbs.org
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/
Educational YouTube Channels for Various Age Groups
Descriptive Videos
https://dcmp.org/signup/register User: gabpanthers Pass: GAB2020
- A library card will allow you to check out free passes to Georgia State Parks, Go Fish, Zoo Atlanta, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Click to find the contact information on your local library below:
- Summer Feeding programs in you community can be found below:
If you need any help in accessing these resources, our Parent Mentor, Sonya Milam stands ready to help! 478-262-3303, smilam@doe.k12.ga.us
Promoting Responsibility and Independence at Home this Summer
· Check out this video from our Facebook page about making a chore chart from simple household items: https://www.facebook.com/Georgia.Academy.for.the.Blind/videos/1641861615909222/
· Learn more about tactile chore charts from our friends at Paths to Literacy here: http://www.pathstoliteracy.org/strategies/accessible-job-chart-home
Remember we can send things in Braille or large print and tactile markers home! (Contact Sonya Milam throughout the summer if we can help in any way!
Summer Birthdays
JUNE:
1st ~ Berkley
3rd ~ Arienne
4th ~ Jesse C.
8th ~ Savannah
12th ~ Courtney
27 ~ Angel
JULY:
2nd ~ Noah
6th ~ Reggie
9th ~ Juan
17th ~ Kimberly
19th Quinton
66 more days until school starts again!
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
She will be available for our families via phone and email throughout the summer. Campus visits may be scheduled as well.