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The Bibb County School District Newsletter
September 30, 2019
Graduation Rate Nears 2020 Goal
Data released earlier this month by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) show the Bibb County School District’s high school graduation rate increased from 78.5 percent in 2018 to 79.4 percent in 2019. This marks the sixth consecutive increase in the District’s graduation rate since 2013 when the graduation rate was 58.9 percent. Six of the seven high schools in the District in spring 2019 earned a graduation rate of 80 percent or higher.
“The latest numbers released today by the Georgia Department of Education show the District is continuing to close the gap with the state. Five out of six of our high schools now have a graduation rate of 80 percent or higher. This success is not just because of what high schools are doing; it is because everyone in our schools and throughout our community is coming together in a concentrated effort to make sure students graduate. We have to celebrate this victory,” Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones said.
Upon joining the District in 2015, Dr. Jones set a goal for the District to achieve a 90 percent graduation rate by the year 2025. The District also has a goal of reaching an 80 percent graduation rate by 2020.
How Can ESPLOST Help Our Schools, Community?
Heard Elementary Hosts Mobile Dairy Classroom
On Sept. 5, the Georgia Grown Mobile Dairy Classroom visited Heard Elementary School. This visit allows students to learn first-hand about the dairy process and even see how a real cow is milked.
"For them to be able to see a cow being milked, they can relate that to when they go to the grocery store," said coordinator Nicole Duvall.
The students learned about dairy products, including ice cream and butter. They also learned that a dairy cow eats at least 50 pounds of feed per day and drinks a bathtub full of water!
Howard Middle Teacher Chosen for National History Program
Howard Middle School's Mitzi Heath is one of only 114 teachers selected for a National History Day program titled "Legacies of World War I." The program is a partnership between the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and National History Day. Heath will participate in webinars and discussions with educators from around the world to learn about World War I and its lasting impact. As one of the selected teachers, Heath receives free tuition, graduate credits, and materials for the online program.
Each of National History Day’s 58 affiliates could choose two teachers for this honor and the National History Day program in Georgia selected Mrs. Heath. Affiliates include all 50 states and the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and international school programs in China, South Asia, and South Korea.
Heritage Elementary Hosts 'Wedding' for PBIS, 'Leader In Me'
On Sept. 6, Heritage Elementary School held a “wedding” to unify Bibb PBIS and “Leader in Me” efforts at the school. Students got to hear how the two programs work together and about rewards for following procedures.
PBIS coach Scott Davidson performed the ceremony. He said that the two programs worked well together because they have a “common goal in mind” for improving student outcomes.
“They’re both really good programs,” he said. “‘The Leader in Me’ really teaches leadership skills, leadership habits that are going to carry with them into their careers.”
Wesleyan Intern Teacher at Taylor Receives Scholarship
Nutrition Department Receives Golden Radish
Hydroponic Gardens Produce Learning, Food
District Holds Annual VIP Luncheon
The District held its annual Victory in Progress Luncheon on Sept. 25. Dr. Curtis Jones, Jr. spoke to community partners and leaders about the strides the District has made and the work we have left to do.
"We thank you for being a part of this victory as we move forward to make this work," he said.
The students at Hutchings College & Career Academy prepared and served a delicious meal with the help of the Teacher of the Year, Mark Robinson. The Central High School Chamber Ensemble was truly terrific. There was also an amazing performance by Rutland Middle School's FFA Program with their version of "The Git Up Challenge."
Congratulations as well to our honorees who were recognized:
- Superintendent's VIP Award, Ron Shipman of Georgia Power
- VIP Volunteer Award, John Sheely of Northride Baptist Church
- VIP Partner Award, Junior League of Macon
- VIP Industry Award, Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders and Navicent Health
Central High Recognizes Banned Book Week
SOAR Academy Utilizes Pop-up Library
Students Celebrate Constitution Day
Alex II Students Visit Ocmulgee Mounds
Students from Alexander II Magnet School visited the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park recently for the BioBlitz. This allowed them to study dragonflies as part of a year-long STEM project about the importance of pollination to the planet.
“We talked about the importance of dragonflies and butterflies and that they pollinate,” said second-grade teacher Amanda Cooper. “So that’s why we’re doing this because it goes along with our year-long STEM project.”
Macon Periods Easier Receives Year Supply of Always Products to Benefit Schools
Macon Periods Easier is one of 12 in the U.S. selected to receive 35,000 menstrual products from Always, and the organization has donated a bulk of them to the Bibb County School District.
The District knows the importance of supporting our students so they don’t choose between school or staying home due to lack of menstrual products. According to Always, one in five girls in the U.S. has missed school due for this reason.
Athlete of the Week!
District Leaders Welcome Amazon Fulfillment Center
Porter Receives Pair of Media Center Grants
The school also received a $1,500 literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. This grant is intended to fund the "Readers are Leaders" program.
Bibb Schools Chosen for NFL Fitness Program
The Atlanta Falcons chose the Districtvfrom among all the districts in Georgia for the NFL "Fuel Up to Play 60 FitnessGram" grant. The 10 schools picked to participate are Bruce Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Vineville Academy, Miller Middle, Rutland Middle, Weaver Middle, Central High, Howard High, Southwest High, and Westside High.
Carter Celebrates 'Grits With Grandparents'
Check Out the Bernd PBIS Kickoff on WVIP!
Heard Counselor Chosen for Panel
Heard Elementary School counselor Mary Margaret Smith (pictured left) participated in a panel for the graduating school counseling cohort at the University of Georgia. Panel members gave advice based on their first year experiences and about the interview process. Smith was one of five members of her 2016 cohort asked to speak. She was able to encourage the new counselors by all the exciting things going on in the Middle Georgia area, specifically Bibb County.
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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.
Email: communications@bcsdk12.net
Website: bcsdk12.net
Location: 484 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA, United States
Phone: 478-765-8548
Facebook: facebook.com/bibbschools
Twitter: @bibbschools