Panther Press
a weekly publication of the Georgia Academy for the Blind
December 20, 2018
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.
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
Mark your Calendars!
*just added
December 21 – January 4: Winter Holidays ~ Families, remember this holiday is a good time to: 1. get updated eye report, 2. Obtain a state ID with your child who as a GAB student travels out of state and/or will be participating in our Work Based Learning. This can be done at your local drivers’ license service center. Contact Sonya Milam for more information. 3. Take these TWO easy and important surveys just for parents/ guardians! GaDOE’s climate survey: http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents and AdvanceED accreditation parent survey: https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/94664/14752
January 21: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
*January 25-26 SCASB in Louisiana (Wrestling, Cheering, Fine Arts)
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. Also stay tuned for link their parent/guardian survey.
February 18: Presidents’ Day Holiday
March 7: Braille Challenge
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 25-29: Spring Break
April 4: High School Prom
April 22: Easter Holiday
April 25- 28: Senior Trip
May 17: Graduation
May 24: Last day of school
December Birthdays
Students:
Shyann: 12/25
Dani and Seth: 12/26
Blake: 12/29
Jermaine: 12/29
James and Logan: 12/31
Devoneta: 1/5
John: 1/14
Brayden: 1/21
Morgan: 1/23
Destiny G: 1/24
Destiny I: 1/25
Jamari: 1/31
Staff:
Ms. Thomas: 12/26
Mr. Williams: 12/29
Mr. Forrester: 1/5
Mr. Guest: 1/5
Ms. Little: 1/16
Ms. Kimbrough: 1/19
Ms. Doctor: 1/19
Ms. Bright: 1/22
Ms. Franks: 1/23
Ms. Walker: 1/23
Ms. Knight: 1/27
The Case of the Missing 1000 Box Tops Mission 3: December 20, 2018: “BEFORE YOU START COOKING PLEASE BE LOOKING”
Berkley won our contest by bringing in the most tops prior to our holiday - - over 30 by using the Boxed.com app. We are getting closer to our goal for the school year!
Remember, the money we earn through this program goes toward our students’ educational field trips. As you go through the holidays, keep looking for box tops in places you might not expect.
Click here to learn of participating products. http://www.gabmacon.org/files/_EGBdS_/82b3641074067f1d3745a49013852ec4/BoxTopsParticipating-Products-Flyer_mar2015.pdf
P.S. Ask your grandparents, friends, and family everybody may have them. If you let people know why we are saving them, I am sure a lot of people would love to help us reach our goal.
Sylvia Layson, TVI, slayson@doe.k12.ga.us, (478) 751-6083 Ext. 1200
Last Week in Pictures
A beautiful Christmas lesson in life for all our students, staff, families and friends. . . . .
1. Embrace your uniqueness, as it is what makes you GREAT!
2. Being a misfit in others eyes is not bad if it leads you to discovering your purpose and dreams.
3. When others define “who” you are supposed to be, they will limit you and your abilities. You define who you are and will be!
4. Pursue your dreams and vision, even if it means walking away from what is “normal.” Blending in never gets one noticed…. Stand Out!
5. People are intimidated and scared of what they don’t know, but don’t let their insecurity keep you from reaching your full potential and being who you are destined and created to be.
6. Knowing who you are gives you the strength and perseverance to never give up.
7. Be mindful of who you let speak into your life and what you believe about yourself in the eyes of others.
8. Your gift makes room for you, if you allow it too. So, walk in it!
9. The world needs your gifts and talents. Just like Rudolph saved Christmas, you can save and impact the world positively!
Be like Rudolph, let your light shine so bright in the coming year so much so that it cannot be hidden from the world. Walk in your greatness and awesomeness! Written by: Tameka Williamson
Georgia Academy for the Blind presents "Family Matters" FREE for Parents/Guardians of Students with Visual Impairments
February 9, 2019
10 am – 4 pm
Lunch provided
Application Deadline: January 18, 2019
(All applications subject to approval)
Get your registration application from Sonya Milam smilam@doe.k12.ga.us
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a parent/guardian of a child with a visual impairment who is enrolled in the short course weekend provided February 7-10.
- Care will be provided for siblings 6-11.
- Activities for enrolled students ages 12-21 and sibling participants must display independent skills appropriate for their age.
- · Must be a resident of Georgia.
- · Sessions will be held for parents/guardians that will include O&M, Assistive Technology, Independent Living, Transition and much more!
For information please email or call Dawn Day mday@doe.k12.ga.us or Sonya Milam smilam@doe.k12.ga.us, Phone: 478-751-6083