November 4, 2013 - Bibb County Schools

A Little
Extra ...
Applications for
Some Magnet Schools
Due November 15
Applications for most magnet schools and programs in the Bibb County School District are now available. Magnet schools and programs in the District are: Alexander II Math & Science Magnet School, Burdell‐Hunt Communications Magnet School, Vineville Fine Arts Academy, Miller Magnet Middle School, Central High School IB Programme, Central High School Fine Arts Magnet, Hutchings Career Center, Northeast Health Science Magnet, Southwest Law Acad‐
emy, and Westside Pre‐
Engineering Magnet. Elemen‐
tary and middle school appli‐
cations will be accepted until November 15, while most of the high schools will accept applications as long as slots are still available. Applications for Central High School's mag‐
net programs will not be avail‐
able until January 6, 2014. Applications may be picked up at each of these schools. For more information, call (478) 765‐8583. November 4, 2013 * Page 1
Rutland High No Longer a Priority School
Rutland High School Principal Dr. Jerri Hall announced on Tuesday, October 29, that the school is no longer consid‐
ered a Priority School by the Georgia Department of Edu‐
cation. Dr. Hall made the announcement during a small celebration, which was attended by students, staff, Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith and Board members. "The Rutland High staff and students are very proud that we are no longer a Priority School, which means we are no longer considered a low achieving school," Principal Dr. Jerri Hall said. "This accomplishment is the result of the staff and students' hard work, dedication, determination, and perseverance over the past three years. Rutland High made it a PRIORITY that we would not be a Priority School!" Continued on Page 2
Title I Begins Hosting
Series of Workshops
to Help Parents
The District's Title I Parent Center began hosting a monthly series of 50‐minute workshops for parents in Oc‐
tober. Each workshop is de‐
signed to help parents assist their children in achieving academic success. The next workshops, Understanding Primary Assessments Series 2 on EOCT, will be held Tuesday, November 19, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Title I Parent Center, 2003 Riverside Drive, Macon. This workshop will provide parents/guardians with the necessary tools to prepare for the EOCT to en‐
sure students are college and career ready. Participants will receive test prep take‐home materials. For more informa‐
tion, call (478) 779‐2585. Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith leads a parade of students during the dedication ceremony for the new trike path at
Northwoods Academy on Monday, October 21.
Leading the Way
Northwoods Hosts Dedication
Ceremony, Parade for Trike Path
Built to Honor Longtime Educator
Pre‐K students at Northwoods Academy helped cele‐
brate and honor the life of a longtime educator on Mon‐
day, October 21. The students and staff at the school gath‐
ered for a dedication ceremony and special trike parade to celebrate the opening of the school's new trike path, which was built in honor of the late Barbara Wood Easter. In May 2013, members of Leadership Macon toured Northwoods Academy as part of a class on education in Bibb County. Northwoods Academy is the Bibb County School District's early childhood learning center, which opened in August 2009. It was built to support the learning Continued on Page 2
November 4, 2013 * Page 2
NORTHWOODS
Continued from Page 1
of young children between the ages of three and four years old in both general and special education pro‐
grams provided in a child‐friendly environment. Leadership Macon class member Bob Easter enjoyed the tour so much that he came back to Northwoods offering to help build a trike path for the students to play on during the school day. He asked only that the path be dedicated to the honor of his mother, a former educator who spent her career working with chil‐
dren with special needs. "I know that each of you who worked in any way toward seeing this trike path become a reality did so because of a caring heart," said Dr. Michele Flowers, Program Admin‐
istrator. "We know that those who donated time, money, or talent, did‐
n't do so for recognition; however, we are so grateful to the family of Students release balloons on Monday, October 21, to celebrate the new trike path at
Northwoods Academy.
the late Barbara Wood Easter, who dedicated her life to teaching and caring for students, and especially students with disabilities. We are so very proud of our new trike path." Others who made the trike path possible include teachers and staff at Northwoods Academy, Parrish Con‐
struction Group Inc., Warner Robins Supply Co., Super‐Sod, and Paulk Landscaping & Nursery Inc. Pre‐K Program Director Lori Smith said the trike path will give children at the school the opportunity to do things that they may never have had the opportunity to do before. "We mark a lot of milestones here at Northwoods, and one of them for some of our children is learning to ride a bicycle," she said. "Many of us learned how to ride a bicycle in our neighborhood with our parents tell‐
ing us they were holding on to the back when they really weren't. For so many of our children, they don't have the opportunity to ride a bicycle and do those kinds of things in their neighborhoods or homes, so they have the opportunity to do that here. Gross motor skills are very important for young children, and it's important that they have the opportunity to develop those." As a thank you to the Easter family, the students drew pictures express‐
ing how much fun they have had riding on the trike path. "We have tied these to balloons and in honor of your mother, today we are going to release these bal‐
loons and hope she gets the message loud and clear that the children have really, really enjoyed the trike path, and that it will have many years of scraped elbows and knees on it," Mrs. Smith said. "I hope we have many generations of tricycles that will get used on this trike path." RUTLAND
Continued from Page 1
Prior to 2012, the District was affected by the No Child Left Behind law, which identified schools that had not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as established by the federal government. Schools that were affected by consequences of No Child Left Behind received federal Title I funding. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) applied for a waiver to provide flexibility from federal No Child Left Behind regulations and, in February 2012, the state was notified that its waiver had been approved. Under No Child Left Behind, schools were identified as making AYP or Needs Improvement. Under the waiver, the state now identifies schools as Reward, Alert, Focus, and Priority ‐ with Reward being the schools with the highest performance or progress and Priority being the lowest performing schools in the state. Ten of the District's schools were designated Priority Schools in 2012. Through criteria estab‐
lished by the state, Priority Schools have been identified as schools with the greatest need. Ac‐
cording to the GaDOE, Rutland High School would not have been considered a Priority School but for its designation as a School Improvement Grant (SIG) (1003g) recipient. The school received the SIG (1003g) in 2010 as part of the District's SIG Cohort 1. Other schools in SIG Cohort 1 are Hutchings Career Center, North‐
east High and Southwest High. As of September 30, 2013, Rutland High School was no longer consid‐
ered a SIG school and did not meet the criteria of a Priority School, the GaDOE announced last week. "It has been an incredible journey for the faculty and staff of Rutland High School," said Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement Sylvia Hooker, who worked with the school during her Rutland High School Principal Dr. Jerri Hall, center, is joined by Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith, right,
deputy superintendents, staff, and students on Tuesday, October 29, to celebrate the announcement that Rutland High
is no longer considered a Priority School by the Georgia Department of Education.
tenure with the GaDOE. "I am super proud because Rutland, along with six other schools in which I was fortunate to pro‐
vide resources for from the U.S. Department of Education, also CAME OFF THE LIST. Certainly there were guidelines and mandates far beyond the nor‐
mal requests of an educator, that had to be fol‐
lowed in order to sustain the award over the past three years, but as you can see, it was all worth it. This grant is about leadership and the ability of the leader to build capacity within its staff to continue the work after the grant expires." "Dr. Hall overcame many challenges over the past three years, and it is exciting to see the fruits of her labor," she said. "I am confident that in short order all of our SIG (1003g) schools will move to‐
ward this same end. Hats off to the Mighty Rutland Hurricanes." November 4, 2013 * Page 3
Hartley Elementary Inducts 8
Students into Junior BETA Club
Hartley Elementary School inducted eight students into the Junior BETA Club on Friday, October 25. Hartley’s Junior BETA Club has almost dou‐
bled in members in its second year, and fac‐
ulty members plan to increase membership in the following years. Hartley’s Junior BETA Club is sponsored by school librarian and media specialist, Latricia Riggins. The students who were inducted into the Junior BETA Club are, in alphabetical order, Jaliyah Brooks, Ta’Zheara Butts, Amauri Cot‐
ton, Kyerra Harvey, Ne’Vaeh King, Christapher Knapp, Ania Ross, and Zynia Riggins. The ceremony’s audience included Hartley parents, guests, and Hartley fourth‐ and fifth‐
graders. The guests and students recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Christapher Knapp and were welcomed by Ania Ross. Next sec‐
ond grade teacher, Andrea Reed read the history of the National Junior BETA Club. Then each student presented the eight characteris‐
tics of being a BETA member as Ms. Riggins lit a candle for each student. The students were then pinned by their school principal, Dr. Shelia Garcia, and presented with a plaque. Lastly, to make the induction official the eight students raised their right hands and recited the BETA Pledge. In the closing remarks of the ceremony, Dr. Garcia encouraged each and every student in the school that they can also be Junior BETA members. Junior BETA Club promotes academic achievement, character, service and leader‐
ship to students. Hartley Elementary's Junior BETA Club is currently collecting pull tabs with the intent of donating them to the Ronald McDonald House. They also plan to attend the Georgia State BETA Club Convention. At the convention the students have the opportunity to participate in academic contests, talent competitions, quiz bowls, and more. ‐ Emily Brunner Carter, Lane Elementary Schools
Host Jr. BETA Club Ceremonies
Carter Elementary inducted 24 fifth grade students into the Junior BETA Club last month. The Junior BETA Club promotes char‐
acter, develops leadership skills, encourages service involvement, and recognizes aca‐
demic achievement. Thirty Lane Ele‐
mentary School fifth grade students were inducted into the Junior BETA Club on Thursday October 24. Pictured with the students, bot‐
tom right, are teacher sponsors Valerie Driskell, John Banks, Julie Ross, and Principal Lynn Stephens. Keith Moffett, Assis‐
tant to the Chief Administrative Offi‐
cer in the mayor's office in Macon, was the guest speaker. Macon-Bibb County Health Department County Nurse
Manager Beverlyn Ming administers a nasal mist flu
vaccination to Alexander II Magnet School fourth-grader
Simran Bhikot on Monday, October 21.
Students Receive
Flu Vaccinations
The Bibb County School District, in partnership with the North Central Health District and the Macon‐Bibb County Health Department, again offered the flu vaccine to students. Nurses from the Macon‐Bibb County Health Department visited schools throughout the District to administer the flu vaccine Monday, October 21, through Friday, November 1. "The school district has a program for coordinated health for our students and our employees, and the flu vaccination program that we're initiating every year is part of the effort by the school district to do everything we can to keep our students and our employees healthy," said Director of Safety and Risk Management David Gowan. Letters and consent forms were sent home with stu‐
dents for participation in the flu vaccination program. Students were required to submit a signed consent form to receive the flu vaccination, which was available by nasal mist or shot. Carter Elementary School
Horace Mann Honors
Lane Elementary
Fifth Grade Teacher
Lane Elementary School
Valerie Driskell, a fifth grade teacher at Lane Elemen‐
tary School, was selected as the Horace Mann Teacher of the Month for October. Mrs. Driskell, center, is pictured with Sharon Broadnax, left, a representative from Horace Mann, and Principal Lynn Stephens. November 4, 2013 * Page 4
Pictured from left are Williams Elementary School Student
Council representatives Destiny Barnes, President; Akishi
Pertillo, Secretary; DeAju Lewis, Parliamentarian; Fatima
Dixon; and their advisers.
Students from Central, Howard, Hutchings, Rutland and Westside traveled to the World Congress Center
in Atlanta to participate in GRITS, or the Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase.
Robotics Team Prepares for
FIRST Major Competition
On Saturday, October 5, students from five high schools in Bibb County experienced what it will be like to compete in a robotics compe‐
tition. Students from Central, Howard, Hutchings, Rutland and Westside traveled to the World Congress Center in Atlanta to participate in GRITS, or the Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase. GRITS is an an‐
nual event that allows participants in GA FIRST (For Recognition and Inspiration of Sci‐
ence and Technology) to compete in an off‐
season scrimmage. In this year’s GRITS event, students from several schools throughout Georgia and Florida competed in “Ultimate Ascent.” In this challenge, robots had to gather and propel Frisbees through slots in an opponent’s wall. The 2014 season in which Bibb students will participate in as team 4941 (RoboBibb), gets under way with a worldwide simulcast kickoff event on January 4. Team RoboBibb will travel to Georgia Tech that day to participate in the kickoff. At the event, teams will learn what this year’s competition challenge will be. They will also receive a kit of parts enabling them to begin to build their robots. RoboBibb and the other teams will have six weeks to complete and program their robot to compete in a regional event in March. RoboBibb will compete in the Peachtree Re‐
gionals, which will be held at the World Con‐
gress Center the last weekend of March. Win‐
ners of that event will move on to the Na‐
tional Championships. Howard High School junior Erin Rodenroth wrote the following passage about her experi‐
ence: "On October 5, my team and I got the chance to travel to Atlanta for GRITS. At the time, I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen at this event, but I’m very glad I went. Our team is new as of this year, and for us it was a perfect chance to meet and bond with each other. I was able to learn a lot about many of the kids from the other schools (since our team is a compilation of schools in the county), and after that day I felt as if we really were a team.” "Other than getting to spend time with our freshly made team, I was able to learn a lot about the process of the competition and how a team works together to build a robot. After we arrived at GRITS, we were split up into groups of three and sent off to watch a specific team. I was placed with a wonderful team from Florida. This team wasn’t there only for the competition, but also to simply have fun. While with them, I had the chance to learn about the previous competition and how their robot worked (programming, con‐
trolling it, and such). During this time, they competed multiple times and I even had the chance to help during one of the 'battles.' Because of this hands‐on experience, I was able to get a good feel for what goes on dur‐
ing competition and how things are run. All in all, my day at GRITS was a wonderful experi‐
ence to help my team and me as we prepare for the competition in 2014." Williams Elects
Student Council
Williams Elementary School held Student Council Elec‐
tions during the week of October 21‐25. The entire stu‐
dent body voted for Student Council leaders to represent the school. Students campaigning for office made posters, visited classrooms, and discussed why they should be elected on the school’s morning newscast. Students in kindergarten through second grade voted in their classrooms while students in third through fifth grades utilized voting booths provided by the Bibb County Board of Elections to cast their ballots. Parents, volunteers, and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority assisted with counting the ballots. The winners were Destiny Barnes, President; Aniyah Askew, Vice President; Akishi Pertillo, Secretary; and DeAja Lewis, Parliamentarian. Some plans for Student Council this year include a field trip to Mercer University, a canned food drive, support‐
ing the staff in the school's cafeteria, presenting cards to veterans and local nursing homes, and working on a Christmas project. Pictured from left are Songha Beak, Erin Rodenroth, Lindie
Crosbie, Delaino Lowder, Zach Carlson, Nick Carlson and
Kuttan Lal.
Howard CTSO Members
Volunteer at Festival
Students from Howard High School's Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) ‐ DECA, FEA, FBLA, and SkillsUSA ‐ volunteered at Springdale Elementary School's Fall Festival on Friday, October 26. Students assisted with games, face painting, and more. November 4, 2013 * Page 5
Schools Celebrate Red Ribbon Week
Schools throughout the District hosted activities in honor of Red Ribbon Week in late October. River Edge Behavioral Health Center sponsored Red Ribbon Week, an anti‐bullying and anti‐drug awareness campaign, at Appling Middle School. The events were part of the national anti‐drug campaign and River Edge’s prevention efforts, funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and De‐
velopmental Disabilities. “The students are very excited about this week,” said Dr. LaPrincess Vinson, school counselor and event organizer. “The week really helps to reinforce the messages against drug and alcohol abuse and anti‐bullying for our school and we are grateful to River Edge for its continued support of our Red Rib‐
bon Week.” This year’s theme is “The Best Me Is Drug Free,” for the week’s activities, Dr. Vinson said. On Mon‐
day, the school decorated for the week and received armbands and red ribbons. There also was an essay contest, commercial con‐
test and door decorating contest judged during the week, with winners announced at a school‐wide assembly on Thursday. Each day, students led the morning announcements with anti‐drug and anti‐
bullying “commercials.” Thursday’s assembly included the school’s band, cheerleaders and dance team, a video by Principal Steven Jones and performances by singer Cori Simms and the Royal Elite Modeling Troup of Fort Valley State University. The speakers included Ethe‐
ria McFarland Dalton of River Edge; Mercer Basket‐
ball Assistant Coach Jonathan Howard; Chris Paul, executive director of Macon Regional Crime Stop‐
pers; and Sammie Haynes, chief executive officer of Sheen Magazines. River Edge also sponsored Red Ribbon Week at Bernd, Jones, Rice and Williams elementary schools. At Williams Elementary School, McGruff the Crime Dog visited third and fourth grade students to discuss drug prevention and tips for staying safe. Williams Elementary School ended Red Ribbon Week with a parade around the streets of the school. Several officers from the Macon Police Depart‐
ment brought treats along with a message to stay drug free. The officers also escorted the students for the parade. The activities ended in the gym with chants and cheers. Radio station 97.9 was on hand to help with the message of staying drug free. During Red Ribbon Week, students and staff at Carter Elementary School also teamed up to pro‐
mote a Bully Free and Drug Free learning environ‐
ment. Carter students took a stand by pledging to never bully, and to say no to drugs. Lane Elementary School hosted a "Positive Choices" assembly in which a representative from the mayor's office made a proclamation for Red Ribbon Week and law enforcement spoke with chil‐
dren about making positive choices and staying drug free. Ballard Hudson Middle School hosted a program for students. Radio personnel from Blazin' 92.3 were in attendance and talked with students about bully‐
ing and being drug free. Above, students
at Williams
Elementary
School ended
Red Ribbon Week
with a parade
around the streets
of the school.
At left, students
at Carter
Elementary
School took part
in Red Ribbon
Week by pledging
to stay drug free
and to not bully
other students.
Below, members
of the Macon
Police
Department
visited Williams
for Red Ribbon
Week.
November 4, 2013 * Page 6
Westside Marketing
Students ‘Pop’ with
Hands-on Learning
“Get your popcorn!” Before Advanced Marketing stu‐
dents at Westside High School could yell that infamous line, they had to learn the extensive process of bringing a new product to the market. As part of project‐based learning, the students used content from their course standards to research and develop a new product to be sold in the school‐based enterprise, The Spear‐It Shop. The class, comprised of juniors and seniors, was di‐
vided into four teams: Product Development, Packaging and Design, Graphic Design, and Advertising and Promo‐
tion. The students quickly learned that a few good ideas with differing opinions can lead to confusion and chaos without proper communication and management. The assigned task was for students to introduce a new pop‐
corn product that would appeal to their target market, or students at Westside. “The Advanced Marketing course is the capstone in the Marketing Pathway. Project‐based learning provides students the opportunity to combine their knowledge with the skills gained throughout the pathway. Students love purchasing from the Spear‐It Shop, so this was the perfect assignment,” said Katie Wall, Marketing and School‐Based Enterprise instructor. Each group worked on their specific tasks to assist with the development of the new product. Internet research, student surveys, taste tests, packaging samples, and logos and nutritional facts were developed. The students worked from bell‐to‐bell each day during class to ensure the product was a success. Students had to calculate their expected sales revenue to determine if their profit would exceed the cost of production. The Advertising and Promotion team created a commercial for teachers to show during class as a means to stir demand for the new product. The flavors selected for production were P’Oreo (popcorn, white chocolate, and crushed oreos) and Dynamic Heat (buffalo flavored). After making 100 bags of the newly marketed popcorn, complete with unique packaging and labeling, the stu‐
dents introduced their product to the market. Within two hours, all of the bags had been sold, profit was made, and the Advanced Marketing students experi‐
enced success for the hard work and effort they poured into the project. Pictured from left are Emilie Reid, Jada Anderson, Anthony Thomas, Josh Anderson, Ty’Quari Burke, and
Zachary Head.
Hutchings Students Construct
Hovercrafts for Class Lesson
Hutchings Career Center students in Emilie Reid's aviation class and students from the Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) program constructed hovercrafts using balloons and paper plates. The lab experience illustrated how Newton's Third Law of Motion applies to flight. After complet‐
ing the lesson on equal and opposite reaction force pairs, students later had a great time "flying" their aircraft. Vineville Academy Students
Raise Funds for United in Pink
Students at Vineville Academy of the Arts raised $567 by Uniting in Pink T‐shirts. United in Pink enriches lives and strengthens families affected by a breast cancer diagnosis. Vineville supports this organization that seeks to positively affect the quality of life of survivors, and their spouses and children by addressing their psychological, relational, physical and educational needs. Vine‐
ville's donation provides a network of support and an offering of hope to all members. November 4, 2013 * Page 7
Pictured from left are Central High School cast
members CiCi Love, Kayla Dunn, Emma Johnston,
Najee Watkins, Savannah Johnson, Caroline Martin,
Bre Smith and Natori Williams.
Central High Cast
Members Honored
at One-Act Play
Central High School students were recognized during One‐Act Play Competition on Wednesday, October 24. Cici Love was selected for All Star Cast in Region 2AAA, and Caroline Martin was selected as Regional Best Supporting Actress for Region 2AAA. The students performed a production called "Asylum" about a state‐run mental institution. Pictured from left are Auriel Wright, Jalyssa Hicks, Stepanie McNeil, Natasha Reed, Aaliyah Smith, Jordan
Gray, Rachel Solomon, and Essline Duhram. Not pictured are Terri Askews and Benjamin McLin.
Northeast High FFA Members
Place in Competition at Fair
Congratulations to the following students for winning blue, red and white ribbons in competi‐
tions at the Georgia National Fair in October. These students will receive a check for their efforts, and division champions will receive a check and plaque. Large Chapter FFA Booth Stephanie McNeil ‐ 2nd place N’Yirah Renfroe ‐ 2nd place Plants and Materials Stephanie McNeil ‐ 1st place Natasha Reed ‐ 1st place N’Yirah Renfroe ‐ 1st place Rachel Solomon ‐ 1st place Jordan Gray ‐ 2nd place Floral Design Arrangements Natasha Reed ‐ 1st place Terri Askews ‐ 3rd place Horticulture Mini‐Booth N’Yirah Renfroe ‐ 1st place Essiline Durham and Jalisa Hicks ‐ 2nd place Jordan Gray and Rachael Solomon ‐ 3rd place Stephanie McNeil ‐ 3rd place Aaliyah Smith ‐ 3rd place Agriscience Research Mini‐Booth Auriel Wright ‐ 1st place, Division Champion Benjamin McLin ‐ 3rd place Pictured from left are Lula Curry-Williams, Essiline
Durham, Jalyssa Hicks, Troy Solomon, Natasha Reed,
A'Keryah Turner, A'Kelyah Hart, David Fite, Travyon
Curry, Michelle Carr, Johnathan Wimberly and Marteka
Harold.
Northeast High
FFA Students
Attend Ag Expo
Northeast High School FFA members attended the Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie on Wednesday, October 16. The event attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors from all over the country. Visitors come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 1,200 com‐
mercial exhibitors, and capitalize on educational opportunities from university research specialists. Pictured from left are Jeff Wilson, adviser; Alec Lewis, 3rd place overall; Justin Martin, 7th place overall;
Chris McCarter, 8th place overall; and Zack Stewart, 10th place overall.
Rutland High FFA’s Meats Evaluation
Team Advances to State Competition
Congratulations to Rutland High School FFA's Meats Evaluation Team. With their second place fin‐
ish on Thursday, October 24, at Camp John Hope, Rutland has qualified for the State FFA Meats Evaluation finals in Athens on November 16. November 4, 2013 * Page 8
‘Celebrities’ Celebrate School Lunch Week
The Bibb County School Nutrition Pro‐
gram and District schools celebrated National School Lunch Week in October. National School Lunch Week ran October 14‐18 and the theme for this year was School Lunch Across the USA. School cafeterias welcomed celebrity servers from throughout the community. Guests included Board of Education rep‐
resentatives, Welcome Center adminis‐
trators, Chief Financial Officer Ron Col‐
lier, Bibb County school administrators, pastors, principals, teachers, Community Healthy Work volunteers, firefighters, police officers, parole officers, DARE officers, retired managers, State Depart‐
ment reviewers, and special super he‐
roes. Each of these individuals helped serve lunch to the students each day. "Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the School Nutrition De‐
partment during National School Lunch Week," said Site Support Manager Theresa Cantrell. Celebrity servers
helped serve lunch
at many schools
in Bibb during
National School
Lunch Week,
including at
Heritage Elementary
School, pictured at
left.
Grandparents
Join Students
for Breakfast
District elementary schools celebrated Grandpar‐
ents Breakfast Day in September and October. Lane Elementary School hosted a Grandparents Breakfast Day on Tuesday, September 24, and Wil‐
liams Elementary School hosted a Grandparents Breakfast Day on Thursday, October 31. Pictured from left are Southwest High School DECA members Shanika Gordon, Kelin Williams, Zuri Blair,
Chelsea Evans, Teleshia Vail, Calvisha Harris, Crystal Walker, Assyria Worthy, and adviser Tina Ransey.
Central, Rutland, Southwest DECA
Attend Fall Leadership Conference
Central, Rutland, and Southwest High School DECA chapter members attended Georgia DECA's annual Fall Leadership Development Conference at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta on October 24‐25. At the conference, DECA members met lead‐
ers from the business community, state Depart‐
ment of Education officials, and National DECA representatives. Students listened to Eddie Slowikowski, a former NCAA All‐American run‐
ner, who was the keynote speaker during the opening session. He focused on DECA’s theme for the year, “Make it Count.” Students participated in competitive events, attended various leadership sessions, and net‐
worked with DECA members from around the state. Participants also had the opportunity to take the Statesman exam, a test that measures their knowledge of DECA. In order to receive the award a student must score a 90 or better on Nancy C. Hampton, right, joined her grandson Eli Currey,
a second grade student at Lane Elementary School, for
Grandparents Breakfast Day.
Pictured from left are Central High School DECA
members Elizabeth Smith, Chancelynn Ridley,
Swanette Johnson and Zshomari Holmes.
the exam. All five of Central High's attendees, Zshomari Holmes, Swanette Johnson, Chan‐
celynn Ridley, Elizabeth Smith and Ronald Whipple, earned the Statesman Award. Zshomari Holmes and Chancelynn Ridley made a perfect score. Guests enjoy breakfast at Williams Elementary School
during Grandparents Breakfast Day.
November 4, 2013 * Page 9
Howard High CTSOs
Get to Know Each
Other, Improve
Teamwork Skills
On Wednesday, October 30, students from How‐
ard High School's Career Technical Student Organi‐
zations (CTSOs) ‐ DECA, FEA, FBLA, and SkillsUSA ‐ got together for a Halloween Party in the Howard cafeteria. Students enjoyed snacks and Halloween‐
themed games. The party allowed students from the various organizations to get together and have fun while building teamwork skills through games like the Mummy Wrap and Pass the Pumpkin. Organization Donates
School Supplies to
Williams Elementary
Williams Elementary School received a donation of school supplies from the nonprofit organization StudentsFirst. The organization, which was formed in 2010, seeks a better educational system for all students. Volunteer Reads Halloween
Stories at Williams Elementary
Volunteer Sandy Sizemore read Halloween stories to Gloria Houston's kindergarten class last month. Mrs. Sizemore is a part of the Vineville Tutors from Vineville United Methodist Church. Lane Elementary Students Participate
in Worldwide Day of Play Fitness Event
Students at Lane Elementary School participated in the one‐minute Worldwide Day of Play fitness break event on September 26. Pictured with first grade students are Nutrition Manager Lori Swanner, P.E. Coach Robert Woods, Principal and Lynn Stephens. November 4, 2013 * Page 10
Jones Hosts Annual Title I Fall
Festival for Parents, Students
Jones Elementary School held its annual neighborhood Common Core fall festival, JonesFest, on Tuesday, October 22. The event was a Title I parental involvement activity. JonesFest featured instructional game booths and activities to promote learning at school and home, a performance by the school chorus, and a kickoff for multiple char‐
acter celebrations with community represen‐
tatives. Student Council members and BETA Club members also participated in the event, as did members of Mercer University's men's basketball team, who gave away tickets to a home game. Tomaia Glover, right, is seen with Bernd Elementary School
Principal Dr. Christopher Ridley.
Tomaia Glover of
Bernd is Stevi B’s
Student of Month
Bernd Elementary School student Tomaia Glover was named Stevi B's Student of the Month. She received a coupon for to enjoy a free buffet at Stevi B's along with a free T‐shirt and a hat. Stevi B's is one of Bernd's partners in education. Superintendent Visits Students
at Carter Elementary School
Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith visited with students and staff at Carter Elemen‐
tary School on Friday, October 18. Above, Dr. Smith, center, is seen speaking to a group of REACH students. Lane Fifth-Grader
Wins Guessing Game
Tyrone Cobb, a fifth grade student at Lane Elementary School, was the winner of the media center's Halloween guessing game. He guessed the exact number of objects ‐ 904 ‐ in the Halloween jar and won two glow sticks. November 4, 2013 * Page 11
Two CTSOs Help
Raise Awareness
at Local Events
Representatives from State Bank visited with students in Westside High School teacher Katie Wall’s
Advanced Marketing class.
Westside Students Learn About
Finance from State Bank Reps
Representatives from the District's Career Technical Student Organizations participated in local races last month to bring awareness to special causes. On Saturday, October 19, Westside High School Tech‐
nical Student Association adviser Dr. Sidorva Johnson and student Antonia Harvey represented the school's TSA in the Komen Central Georgia Race for the Cure event in Byron. The annual events raises awareness for breast cancer. On Saturday, October 26, representatives from Huc‐
things Career Center's Future Business Leaders of Amer‐
ica (FBLA) chapter volunteered at the Run or Dye race in Macon. The event was sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Those participating included Jamaka Jones, Marion Nixon, LaRissa Young and adviser Maggie Bruce. State Bank employees Mike Speight, Sara Whiddon, and Lauren Selvidge visited with Westside High School Advanced Marketing students. Mr. Speight gave a presentation on financial literacy, including credit, credit scores, and tips for future success. Mrs. Whiddon conducted several role play scenarios in which students would purchase a car and rent an apartment. TSA adviser Dr. Sidorva Johnson, left, and Antonia Harvey
from Westside High School participated in the Komen Central
Georgia Race for the Cure event in Byron.
Rachel Broussard's Pre-K class at Hartley Elementary School gets ready to tour a fire truck and learn
about fire safety from members of Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Station 8.
Hartley Elementary School Pre-K
Students Learn About Fire Safety
During the week of October 6‐12, Hartley Elementary School helped spread the word about Fire Prevention Week and how it was established to commemorate the Great Chi‐
cago Fire, a tragic incident in 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. Media Specialist Latricia Riggins read the book "Firehouse" by Mark Teague to Rachel Broussard's Pre‐K class. On Monday, October 21, guests from Macon‐Bibb County Fire De‐
partment Station 8 visited the school and allowed the Pre‐K students to tour the fire truck. The firefighters also talked to students about fire safety. From left, LaRissa Young, FBLA adviser Maggie Bruce,
Jamaka Jones and Marion Nixon, all from Hutchings Career
Center, volunteered at the Run or Dye race sponsored by Big
Brothers Big Sisters.
November 4, 2013 * Page 12
Howard Math
Chair Takes Part
in AP Reading
Kevin Adams is the Department Chair of Mathematics at Howard High School, where he teaches Advance Place‐
ment (AP) Statistics and Coordinate Algebra. In June 2013, Mr. Adams was one of 385 high school AP Statistics teachers to participate in the 2013 AP Reading in Kansas City, Mo. At the reading, the teachers scored 10,171 AP Statistics exams. This is the second year Mr. Adams has par‐
ticipated in the AP Reading. In a letter congratulating Mr. Adams and his school for his significant contri‐
butions, College Board Senior Vice President, Trevor Packer wrote, “The careful evaluation of students’ work by Kevin Adams
your faculty member and other highly qualified professionals is one of the most important as‐
pects of the AP Program. A huge part of the AP Pro‐
gram’s success is due to an evaluation and scoring proc‐
ess that reflects the high standards of AP Readers who, by virtue of their experience and expertise, have appro‐
priate student performance expectations within their respective disciplines.” Mr. Adams said the experience has helped him to bet‐
ter prepare his students for their AP exams. “The experience out there is probably the best profes‐
sional development that any teacher can participate in," he said. "As an AP statistics teacher, I have been teaching for 11 years and for the first several years I did not par‐
ticipate. After participating it was clear to me some of the things that I could do to help my students be more successful on the exam. My content knowledge did not change, but my appreciation for how my students' con‐
tent knowledge will be assessed was tremendously im‐
proved.” ‐ Emily Brunner About This Newsletter
This newsletter is created and distributed by the De‐
partment of Communications / Community & School Affairs as a means to inform the community of the events, announcements, and highlights of the Bibb County School District. Permission to reprint unal‐
tered photos and/or stories is hereby granted, pro‐
vided the Bibb County School District is cited. E-mail Us
 Stephanie Hartley, [email protected]  Kim Pelt, [email protected]  Emily Brunner, [email protected]  [email protected] Follow Us on the Web
www.bibb.k12.ga.us * Facebook.com/bibbschools Twitter.com/bibbschools * YouTube.com/bibbschools Pictured are Kelle Ashley, 4-H agent; Elizabeth McArthur, Alexander II; Virginia McArthur, Alexander II;
Elizabeth Fogarty, Miller Middle; Micah Spaulding, Carter Elementary; Jordan Farr, Howard Middle;
Leigha Mays, Miller Middle; Brandon Gray, Miller Middle; LaShea Lawrence, 4-H Program Assistant;
Tyler Gilbert, Alexander II; Chaucey Wimberly Jr., Miller Middle; Jamon Wilson II, Springdale
Elementary; Kaylee Moore, Howard Middle; Bethaney Denni, Union Elementary; Avionnah Harned,
Union Elementary; Audrey Na, Carter Elementary; Owen Na, Carter Elementary; Cynthia Lawrence,
Skyview Elementary; Kody Moore, Howard Middle; Trinity Burton Lawrence, Rutland Middle. Not
pictured are Robert Footman, Lane Elementary; and Dakarai Williams, Springdale Elementary.
Students Participate in
4-H Fall Break Day Camp
Participants Were from Alex II,
Carter, Howard, Miller, Rutland,
Springdale, Skyview and Union
National 4‐H Week is held during the first full week of October. This year, Bibb County 4‐
H held a Fall Break Day Camp at North Macon Park where 4‐H’ers celebrated National 4‐H Week in a variety of ways. Each day 4‐H’ers practiced for the 4‐H Cot‐
ton Boll and Consumer Judging Contest. Stu‐
dents also designed a 4‐H themed holiday card that was entered in the Georgia 4‐H Holi‐
day Card Contest. Daily team building activi‐
ties and recreation also occurred. On the last day of the 4‐H Fall Break Camp 4‐H’ers dressed in green and white from head to toe to show their 4‐H spirit. They spent the day conducting science experiments that dealt with solids, liquids and gases. The 4‐H camp ended with a talent show. 4‐H is one of the largest youth development programs in our nation. 4‐H provides educa‐
tional opportunities and life skill development experiences. Recent studies from the Tufts University 4‐H Study of Positive Youth Devel‐
opment shows that, when compared to their peers, young people in 4‐H are nearly four times more likely to contribute to their com‐
munities, two times more likely to pursue healthy behaviors and two times more likely to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs in the out‐of‐
school time. For more information about the Bibb County 4‐H program, contact Kelle Ashley at (478) 751‐6338 or [email protected], or like the Bibb County, GA Cooperative Extension Facebook page.