Annual Report 2014-2015

2014-2015
Annual Report
Dr. Curtis L. Jones, Jr.
Superintendent
VISION
Each student demonstrates strength of character
and is college or career ready.
MISSION
The Bibb County School District will develop
a highly trained staff and an engaged community dedicated
to educating each student for a 21st century global society.
BIBB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
County, the 55 county formed in Georgia, was created in 1822 and built up to support Macon,
B ibb
a town that had sprung up across the Ocmulgee River from the frontier post known as Fort Hawth
kins. Houston, Jones, Monroe and Twiggs counties gave up territory to create Bibb, which takes its
name from a distinguished Georgian, Dr. William Wyatt Bibb. He was Alabama's first elected governor.
Macon bears the name of a North Carolinian, Nathaniel Macon. Incorporated in 1823, Macon serves as
the county seat.
On July 31, 2012, the voters of Macon and Bibb County approved Georgia House Bill 1171, which created a consolidated Macon-Bibb County government with a nine-member commission led by an elected
mayor. Also, the legislation established a Consolidation Transition Task Force with 15 members and five
committees: Finance, Facilities, Technology, Human Resources and Laws. The Middle Georgia Regional
Commission assisted the Macon-Bibb County Consolidation Transition Task Force with its work to prepare and plan for the new government, which took office on January 1, 2014.
The Bibb County School District is a political subdivision of the State of Georgia, the boundaries of
which are coextensive with the territorial limits of Bibb County. The District is separate from and legally
and fiscally independent of the Board of Commissioners of Bibb County and all other political subdivisions in the state. The District is the only public school district in Bibb County and is vested, pursuant to
constitutional authority, with the power to conduct a system of public education within its boundaries.
The District operates public schools in unincorporated portions of Bibb County and in the incorporated
cities of Macon and Lizella, Georgia.
The Board of Public Education for Bibb County is the official governing body of the District, and it is responsible for the operation of all public schools within Bibb County. Annually, the Board elects a President, Vice President and Treasurer. The Superintendent serves as an ex-officio Secretary of the Board.
The Superintendent is appointed by the Board for a term that is determined by the Board. As its Chief
Executive Officer, the Superintendent has general supervisory and administrative responsibility for all
departments and personnel of the District. The Georgia Constitution provides that the management
and control of the District shall be under the Board of Education. The eight elected Board members
BIBB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
Ella M. Styles Carter
District 1
Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
President, District 2
Susan K. Sipe
District 3
Lester M. Miller
Vice President, District 4
have policy and decisionmaking authority.
The District embraces a
long held tradition of excellence in education,
and it is committed to
ensuring each child develops strength of character and is college or
career ready upon graduation from high school.
A pervasive belief within
this system of schools is
that each student, regardless
of
socioeconomic status, race,
neighborhood or family
structure, deserves an
education that will establish a foundation for life-long success.
It is the responsibility of each employee within the District, regardless of job title, to do his/her part to
provide a thorough and efficient educational program for all students. Through collaborative efforts,
District employees ensure that all pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students attending Bibb
County schools are provided a high quality education in a safe and comfortable environment and that
human and technological resources are effectively used in preparing graduates for post-high school objectives. The District recognizes its obligation to the greater community to create an educational system
that will encourage community growth and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
Thomas Hudson
District 5
Jason E. Downey
Treasurer, District 6
Daryl Morton
At-Large, Post 7
Dr. Wanda S. West
At-Large, Post 8
TEACHING AND LEARNING
DR. TANZY KILCREASE
DEPARTMENTS
The Teaching and Learning Department’s focus has been
to work collaboratively with teachers to ensure that quality standards-based instruction is implemented to prepare students for college and career readiness. The curriculum team partnered with several groups of teachers
and administrators to receive feedback on practices.
From the suggestions made by these stakeholders, several task force teams were developed to address the specific needs of schools.
 Pacing guides have been developed and are now
available on the Bibb County School District’s
website. These guides are specific to a particular
content area and level (e.g., 8th grade ELA) and
detail when particular content standards should
be taught and/or assessed. The guides provide
teachers with linked resources to assist in the
planning process.
 New lesson plan templates have been developed
to ensure alignment to standards-based practices. These templates include drop-down menus
to assist teachers in easily accessing the standards for a specific subject and grade level. Also,
the lesson plan templates are aligned to the
newly developed “Collaborative Planning Protocol” minutes form. After collaborative planning,
teachers will be able to directly pull information
from the minutes to embed in their lesson plans.
 After reviewing current grading practices, a
Grading Task Force Team that consisted of
teachers, principals, instructional coaches and
the members of the Teaching and Learning Department made revisions to the Grading and Reporting Administrative
Rule. These revisions are moving the District in the right direction to implement standards-based grading practices.
 During the 2014-2015 school year, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) were transitioned to the GO-IEP state platform.
Teachers received training throughout the year and diligently worked to implement this new process.
 The Fine Arts Department continued to provide a holistic fine arts education that develops the unique abilities of every
student. Throughout the year, Bibb County Fine Arts programs received several excellent ratings at music competitions.
 Bibb County students participated in several academic competitions including Science Fairs, National History Day, World
Language Competition, Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition
and Math 24. There was an increase in local and state winners for
several of these competitions.
 Several District schools received state-level recognition for the
implementation of Advanced Placement programs. The Teaching and
Learning Department has partnered with the College Board to enhance the current AP programs.
SYLVIA HOOKER
The Office of School Improvement assists school leaders in anchoring their work on central issues of teaching, learning and continuous school improvement and District effectiveness. This division uses Schmoeker’s combination of three concepts in its foundation for positive improvement results: meaningful collaboration; setting clear, measurable goals and regularly collecting and analyzing performance data. Also, the Office of School Improvement assists in preparing District and school-based leaders with skills in
areas to effectively lead a school in meeting its targeted school improvement goals. These leadership areas are:
 Promoting collaborative problem solving and open communication;
 Collecting, analyzing and using data to identify school and District needs;
 Using data to identify and plan for needed changes in the instructional program;
 Implementing and monitoring the K-12 school improvement plan;
 Providing support and training for District and school-based coaches; and
 Using systems thinking (GLISI Training) to establish a clear focus on attaining student achievement goals.
Critical support programs within this division are:
 Title I (state and federal funding);
 GEAR UP – Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (federal funding);
 School Improvement Grants (SIG) 1003g (state funding);
 Race to the Top (state funding) – expired June 30, 2015; and
 Charter schools.
Highlights from the 2014-2015 school year included:
 56 District and school-based instructors successfully completed GLISI Cohort 45;
 13 District Content Coordinators, Intervention Specialists and Graduation Advisers completed LAUNCH! training;
 School Improvement Specialist Training for K-12 academic coaches; and
 Two student graduates from the Performance Learning Center.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
EDWARD JUDIE, JR.
The mission of the Office of Student Affairs is to provide an array of supportive services geared toward keeping students in school
and graduating. The department has worked diligently to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students and
staff throughout the District.
 During the 2014-2015 school year, the leadership developed a District Discipline Data Committee, which was used to launch a District-wide framework of
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) with assistance from the
Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). In partnership with the GaDOE,
the District was able to train all middle and high schools’ PBIS teams. This
training was inclusive of rolling out the School Wide Information System
(SWIS). In addition, the Student Code of Conduct was revised to create a consistent set of expectations for behavior and to outline interventions and consequences for disruptive behaviors. All of the above action steps are aligned
with strategic plans to lower the number of disciplinary incidents occurring on
school campuses or at school-related events.
 Additionally, in 2014-2015 the leadership team organized a truancy task force
committee, which included approximately 25 representatives from partnering
community agencies such as Communities in Schools of Central Georgia and
the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The purpose of the committee was to review
the time and resources needed to keep students in school and graduate on
time and to develop a comprehensive plan providing evidence-based strategies to keep students in school.
 The GaDOE’s annual youth health surveys and District discipline data were
both useful in helping the District’s Campus Police Department to make a decision in favor of purchasing a drug dog (Bogi). Purchased in the winter of
2015, the drug dog (at right) has been involved in a number of random and deliberate searches, which resulted in lower
incidents of bringing drugs to school. Safety continues to remain a key focus for the department. In collaboration with the
Department of Justice, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Juvenile Justice, the department began examining data related to the different age groups and genders committing crimes locally and what strategies could be developed to mitigate or curtail these crimes.
DEPARTMENTS
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
RON COLLIER
Finance
 During the 2014-2015 school year, the Departments of Finance and Accounting began the first phase of the District’s conversion to Tyler Technologies’ Munis Software System, which will replace the current AS400 system with state of the art
Finance, Human Resources and Asset Management systems. The projected “go-live” date for Phase I: Financial Applications is March 2016.
 The Finance Department received Board approval for the District’s FY2016 budget in excess of $289 million, which consists
of a General Fund budget of $186.4 million and federal grant funds in excess of $51 million.
 The District received the prestigious GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the District’s FY2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This marks the 16th consecutive year the District’s Finance Department has received this award.
 The department received notice of a successful FY2014 audit report with no findings.
Energy Management
 Ongoing energy efficiency upgrades are being made throughout the District with funding from the 2010 Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST. These upgrades will allow the District to reduce utility expenditures and
redirect those dollars into instruction.
Transportation
 The District was featured in an article, “Schools Turn to Propane Buses as Stricter Emissions Standards Loom,” which ran in
the May 21, 2015, issue of The New York Times. The purchase of an additional 20 propane-fueled school buses in FY2015
brought the total of propane-operated school buses in the District’s fleet to 53. Propane fuel continues to cost the District
an average of $1.02 a gallon less than diesel fuel.
 During the 2014-2015 school year, 21 bus drivers and monitors achieved perfect attendance for the entire year.
DEPARTMENTS
School Nutrition
 School Nutrition awards during the
2014-2015 school year included:
Georgia Best Practices Awards, the
Georgia Organics, Golden Radish
Award – Silver Level (at right), Georgia
Department of Agriculture, Feed My
School, SUDIA.
 Recognitions during the 2014-2015
school year included: US Healthier
School Challenge Bronze Level for all
Elementary Schools, the Alliance for a
Healthier Generation Healthy Schools
Program for 7 schools, and 8 schools
received the Let’s Move! Active
Schools National Recognition Award.
 Successful programs and projects during the 2014-2015 school year included: Breakfast in the Classroom in six schools, 42 Edible School Gardens in 13 schools, USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in 15 schools, and the HealthMPowers SNAP-ED Fruit and Vegetable Tasting Program in 9 schools.
Procurement
 Procurement processed more than 7,575 purchase orders and 58 formal bids which include RFPs, RFQs, and IFBs in
FY2015.
 Two training sessions were conducted for all bookkeepers and secretaries during the school year.
 The District received rebates of more than $12,000 from cooperative agreements.
 The department played a key role in the re-establishment of the District’s Distribution Center, formerly known as the
Warehouse, to take advantage of bulk purchases for high-volume items used by the District.
 The department engaged in the re-establishment of the print shop operations in partnership with the Career, Technical
and Agricultural Education Department.
 The department partnered with local agencies, such as the Macon-Bibb County Office of Small Business Development, to
host vendor and/or information fairs to reach out to local business representatives in the community.
Maintenance, Custodial, Energy Management, Procurement and Distribution Center
 Operations will be relocated to the Cavalier Drive Operations Center during the 2015-2016 school year.
DR. MICHAEL KEMP
Technology Services
 The District is serviced by a robust, up-to-date wide-area network infrastructure (WAN) that utilizes a 40G X 10G topology
with a 40G interconnect between a centralized Datacenter and a Cox COLO-action for redundancy and disaster recovery.
All 42 schools were serviced by the Datacenter during the 2014-2015 academic year and reaped the benefits of an increased internet access bandwidth of 10G. The benefits of having such a robust, virtualized networking environment were
abundant. Thirty percent, over 7,000 students, were able to take the Georgia Milestones Assessment online with no local
networking or bandwidth issues. SAFARI Montage, the District’s digital media management system, was able to provide
video streaming to every classroom.
 Two initiatives – the Staff and Student Computer Initiatives – made a significant impact in the District with the refresh of
more than 7,000 end-user devices. The Staff Computer Initiative provided every staff and faculty member with a modern
Windows 7 device. The ongoing Student Computer Initiative has given students greater accessibility to modern devices.
 Current technology implementations under way are the adoption of a new Enterprise Resource Planning solution, MUNIS;
the upgrade of the IP Phone system, Cisco Call Manager, to version 10.5 and a work-order tracking system, Track-It!, for
Technology Services support tickets. The MUNIS system will modernize payroll operations, finance and accounting, as well
as create an onboarding process for Human Resource management. The Cisco Call Manager update will make the District’s IP Phone system current and allow for virtual softphone interfaces. The Track-It! system will provide work-order
ticket tracking, asset management, mobile device access and real-time analytics for work-flow analysis. The implementation and adoption of these three solutions have the potential to improve services and increase production throughout the
District.
 The next steps for Technology Services involve enhancements to wireless infrastructures and services in the schools, an
ongoing refresh process for end-user devices every 3 to 5 years and the move to online fax capabilities.
Instructional Technology
 The Instructional Technology division trains and supports faculty and staff on instructional and administrative solutions.
The 21st Century Lab located at Hutchings College and Career Academy serves as a training and preview center for the
latest technologies available for use in the District. On-site school trainings occur throughout the school year as new technologies and applications are rolled out. Online tutorials are created and posted on the District’s web site for continued
learning and support. With SAFARI Montage being the District’s digital media management platform, every educator in
the District has been trained on the use and features found in the platform. Administrators and media specialists have
been trained on the use of SAFARI Montage Live, a video conferencing module.
 Trainings for the following initiatives are scheduled for the 2015-2016 school year:
 Rollout of Office 365 for faculty, staff and student use;
 Rollout for blended learning with teachers and students using SAFARI Montage’s Digital Curriculum Platform
(DCP);
 Technology integration in a standards-based classroom;
 SMART and Promethean interactive whiteboard integration; and
 On-site support and training for the following application and updates: Classworks, School City, Georgia OAS,
Schoolwires and more.
Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Accountability
 The goal of the Office of Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Accountability is to provide quality data to assist Bibb
County schools with continuous improvement of student achievement. There are four areas in this department: Research
and Evaluation, Assessment, Accountability, and Records Management. The department coordinates the district, state and
national testing programs, state reporting of student data, College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) verifications, data requests, research requests, district surveys, district scorecard, school benchmarking, full-time equivalent, federal impact aid, high school waivers and variances and program evaluation and statistical research in support of accountability programs. The department also manages the data within the Student Information System, Infinite Campus.
 The Records Management Center (RMC) provides an economical and efficient system of handling the large volume of records generated by the District. The RMC manages all District records, which are stored at an off-site facility, thus allowing
for more usable and free space in schools and administrative offices. The District began to convert to a paperless system
beginning with the enrollment of kindergarten students in the fall of 2014. Scanners have been purchased for all schools
to facilitate the process to paperless student records.
 Personnel in the department work closely with schools in the area of assessment. About 30 percent of Bibb County students took the new Georgia Milestones assessment online during the 2014-2015 school year. All students in third and
eighth grade took the assessment online, as well as students enrolled in high school mathematics classes and those students who required a read-aloud accommodation. Two high schools administered all of the Milestones assessments
online. This required close collaboration between schools, the REAA department and the Technology department. Also,
REAA personnel provide training throughout the District on assessment procedures and practices, the Student Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), data entry and retrieval for Infinite Campus and the utilization of data for school improvement.
DEPARTMENTS
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: EMANUEL FRAZIER
Central Fine Arts and International Baccalaureate Magnet High School is committed to providing excellence in academics with an
emphasis on the fine arts. The school’s mission is to offer study and training in the various fine arts disciplines with opportunities
for performance, exhibition and publication. Courses are designed to allow each
student to learn, create, explore and develop an appreciation for the arts through
dynamic activities that connect their experiences to the diverse world in which they
live, and to prepare students for college and future careers. These experiences encourage participation and engagement through lifelong learning.
Also, Central offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. IB aims to be informative, not definitive; it invites conversation and regular review. IB has always
championed a stance of critical engagement with challenging ideas, one that values
the progressive thinking of the past while remaining open to future innovation. The
IB program is committed to creating a collaborative, global community united by a
mission to make a better world through education. The aim of the IB program is to
develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to
create a better and more peaceful world. Informed by these
values, an IB education centers on learners, develops effective
approaches to teaching and learning, works within global contexts and explores significant content.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Central High School has a rich tradition of excellence and high
achievement in all areas. The 2014-2015 school year was a
continuation of this legacy of scholarship and service. The
school produced many scholars in the academic disciplines, as
well as in the arts. Notable achievements included:
 Central was the recipient of the SHAPE Grant from
the Department of Public Health. The grant was utilized to establish a wellness council at Central, provide training to the physical education teachers and
expand a raised bed garden project in the courtyard.
 Nicole Wiggins (bottom left) was selected as a Gates
Millennium Scholar, making her the sixth Bibb County student to receive the prestigious scholarship. All students who have
received the scholarship in Bibb County have been students at Central High School.
 Jennifer Gagne was selected as a Questbridge Scholar, a national scholarship program that helps “match” graduating seniors with scholarship opportunities at prestigious colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
 Joe Kovac III (right) was named as a Golden Eagle Award winner in music.
 Darius Moye (top) received a scholarship from the ACE Mentor program in Atlanta. The Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) program is a nationwide program that invites professionals to speak to the younger generation about their
profession. Darius competed against other student architects and artists from across the state.
 Cristopher Thompson (bottom right) received a scholarship from the Horatio Alger Foundation and was named a Jackie
Robinson Scholar. The Jackie Robinson Scholarship is presented to graduating, minority high school seniors who show leadership potential and demonstrate a dedication to community service. Only 90 students
nationwide are named each
year.
PRINCIPAL: DR. SHANNON NORFLEET
Howard High School is honored to partner with Howard Middle School to “Make Every Day Count,” as both schools work to prepare all Howard Huskies to be college and career ready.
During the 2014-2015 school year, Dr. Shannon Norfleet took the reins of Howard High School and focused on building Husky Pride
in all endeavors, including academics, athletics and the arts.
Part of the plan to improve climate and culture at Howard High included more student-centered activities: pep rallies to build
school pride, the implementation of positive incentives through the use of “Husky” tickets, which students earned and then redeemed for small rewards — Coke floats, popcorn and
special activities.
To enhance the academics at Howard High School, professional development was provided to all teachers on
Formative Instructional Practices, MAX Teaching Strategies and Behavior Science. Teachers were provided the
opportunity to attend AVID training, AP Summer Institutes, Pre-AP Strategies Training, AP one-day workshops, math workshops and content area conferences.
The AP Program (top) at Howard High School continued
to expand. Howard High School administered 622 AP
exams in May, which was a 5 percent increase over
2014 and represents a 100 percent increase over the
past four years.
Howard High School is proud of the accomplishments
of its students. Students were accepted at prestigious
institutions — Brown University, Vanderbilt, Duke,
Clemson, Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia and
Mercer University. They earned over $1.5 million in scholarships, including a Stamps Scholarship, a CURO Honors Scholarship, several Peyton Anderson Scholarships and an Al Lucas Scholarship, to name a few. In addition Howard High School students were recognized with a Golden Eagle Award in Literature and two Honorable Mentions, a Governor’s Honor Program finalist in Communicative Arts, CTAE Student of the Year and a Georgia Power Youth Leadership Award recipient.
Howard High School clubs provide diverse activities for students from the Science Club, which presents science night activities at
elementary schools, to the Pep Club, which fills the halls with banners on game days. Students can find their niche at Howard High
whether their passion is in the arts, drama, band, orchestra, choral, drawing, ceramics or photography; in world affairs with Model
UN and Mock Trial team; in Leadership Development through the CTSO clubs, especially the award-winning FBLA club (center); or
service with the National Honor Society and Beta Club.
Howard High School is an award-winning school offering a high quality education in a caring environment.
HIGH SCHOOLS
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
HUTCHINGS COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY
PRINCIPAL: DARRICK MCCRAY
The mission of William S. Hutchings College and Career Charter Academy is to graduate students who are equipped and prepared
for an emerging 21st century global workforce. Hutchings creates an academic environment that will optimize student achievement
by providing high-demand industry pathways, rigorous academics and opportunities to earn stackable industry and college dualenrollment credentials for all students in Bibb County. Faculty and staff truly believe the motto, “Our Best is Yet to Come.”
HIGH SCHOOLS
In June 2014, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) approved Hutchings as a completed conversion-charter. The conversion-charter status allowed Hutchings to obtain several needed waivers from the GaDOE. Hutchings used these waivers to extend
career pathway opportunities to all District high school students for the 2014-2015 school year. As a result of this new offering, all
high school students will have the opportunity to become college and/or career ready.
Listed below are some of William S. Hutchings College and Career Charter Academy’s other accomplishments for 2014-2015.
 As many as 115 high school students from across the District became pathway completers and received industry credentials during the 2014-2015 school year at William S. Hutchings College and Career Charter Academy.
 Hutchings students won big at
SkillsUSA Region Competition:
Monica Jackson won first place in
Speech; Jasmine Spears (HHS) and
Dineka Bivens won gold in Hair
Design; Yasmeen Henderson, Mia
Edwards and Tarell Gay (RHS) won
silver in Chapter Display.
 In November 2014, the Technical
College System of Georgia awarded the College and Career Grant in
the amount of $3.11 million to the
Bibb County School District for
expansion of William S. Hutchings
College and Career Charter Academy programs (top right).
 Hutchings students continued to
make huge strides in their academic studies, according to data
from the state’s College and Career Performance Index (CCRPI). Hutchings increased 8 percentage points during the 20142015 school year and received a 4-star rating on Georgia’s School Climate Star Rating.
 Students in Hutchings’ Class of 2015 became the District’s first charter school graduates.
 At the end of the 2014-2015 school year, Hutchings was converted from a school to a program. During the 2015-2016
school year the program will be relocated to a state-of-the-art facility at the Dr. Robert J. Williams Complex on Anthony
Road. The move will strengthen the program’s partnership with Central Georgia Technical College and provide students
with even greater real world experiences and educational opportunities.
PRINCIPAL: R. STEVEN JONES
Northeast Health Science Magnet High School is located in northeastern Bibb County. It has a long-standing deeply rooted history
in the community. In an effort to strengthen Eastside Pride in the community, Northeast High School partnered with the District’s
eastside schools to change each school’s mascot to the Raiders. Now, Northeast High, Appling Middle, Bernd Elementary, BurdellHunt Magnet and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary all boast pride as Raiders.
Listed below are some of Northeast’s major accomplishments for the 2014-2015 school year.
Student Distinctions
 Auriel Wright (top right), the Class of 2015 valedictorian, was named Grand Champion in the Georgia
National Agriscience Fair and placed first in the National FFA Agriscience Fair. She was named CTAE
Student of the Year for her school, received the NAACP’s Thomas M. Jackson Award for Community
Service and was named a Questbridge Scholar finalist. She was accepted by multiple Ivy League colleges and made the decision to attend Harvard University in fall
2015. She was invited to participate in a global studies program
in China during summer 2015.
 Tramese King and Armani Glover received the annual Al Lucas
Scholarship for outstanding student athletes.
 Jaliah Jackson and Rachel Solomon placed third in Agriscience at
the region Science Fair.
 Santez Kinder was named the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Player of the Year.
 Audie Farley was named the National Football Association Player
of the Year.
 Te’Korien Denson was named the Macon Touchdown Club Player of the Year.
 Eddie Gibson was named Macon Hall of Fame Player of the Year.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Program
 Northeast STEM students built their first soap box derby car
(center right) and participated in the Magnolia Street Soap Box
Derby during the 2014-2015 school year.
Career and Technical Instruction (CTI)
 Antonio Garcia, first place in Horticulture at CTI State Convention
 Stephaugn Hamilton, first place in Advertising at state
 DeVaughn Hamilton, first place in Graphic Arts at state
 John Queen, first place in Agriculture at state
 Daniel Garcia, second place in Floriculture at state
 Eddie Gibson, second place in Auto Mechanics at state
Faculty Distinctions
 Lula Curry Williams, Agriscience Ambassador
 Alonza Raines, President-Elect of Georgia Association of Career
Education Special Needs Population
 Donna Kelley, Northeast High School BAE of the Year
 Kizzie Lott, Northeast High School Teacher of the Year
 Keith Heard, Region Band Director of the Year
School Distinctions
 Georgia College and State University Professional Development
School
 2014 Advanced Placement (AP) Challenge School
 2014 Advanced Placement (AP) STEM School
 Georgia College and State University STEM grant recipient
 Toyota FFA Grant recipient
 Northeast High School girls track team placed second at region
competition.
HIGH SCHOOLS
NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL
RUTLAND HIGH SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: KENT SPARKS
Rutland High School’s crowning achievement for the past school year centered on its removal from the Georgia Department of
Education’s list of Priority Schools and ending its status as a School Improvement Grant (SIG) school. This was accomplished by the
school’s achievement of a four-year
graduation cohort for 2013 of 72.3 percent, which was higher than both the
state and District average.
Rutland High School was designated as
an Advanced Placement School of Distinction based upon the number of tests
taken. The 2014-2015 academic year
saw a 60 percent decrease in the number of office discipline referrals handled
in comparison to the 2013-2014 school
year, and a 57 percent decrease in the
number of students who were sent to an
evidentiary hearing for alternative placement. Rutland High School is working
diligently to implement the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
(PBIS) framework for the 2015-2016
school year. Administrators expect discipline numbers to continue to
improve.
Rutland High school Science teacher, Brian Butler, was named the
2015 Bibb County Teacher of the Year. He was among the top 10
finalists for 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Mr. Butler has performed exceptionally well in and out of the classroom and has
emerged as a true teacher-leader.
Athletically, Rutland High School is fresh off of a region championship in basketball and final four appearance during the spring. The
softball team won the region championship in the fall.
Rutland High placed fifth nationally in the FBLA National Leadership
Conference in Network Design, thanks to Rutland senior, Tavin Hall,
(right, second from bottom) and faculty sponsor April Wade.
In addition, five students were recognized with prestigious Peyton
Anderson Scholarship awards.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Rutland High student Alexa Martinez won first place in the 2015
Congressional Art Competition. Her artwork titled “Carpenter Bee,”
created with colored pencils alone, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
PRINCIPAL: DR. TANZY KILCREASE & P. KEITH LAURITSEN
Southwest Magnet High School and Law Academy is dedicated to ensuring that students demonstrate strength of character and
are college and career ready. The school has a history of producing some of the finest citizens within the community. It has a history rich with success, and it is the faculty and staff’s goal to carry on that torch. Southwest’s students, staff, parents and community
members unite to continue the established traditions
and to assist in creating new ones that hopefully will
last for generations to come. Faculty and staff work
collaboratively to ensure that students graduate and
are able to give back to the community. Recent
achievements and recognitions include the following:
 Southwest High School made significant
growth on the December release of the 2014
College and Career Readiness Performance
Index (CCRPI). The CCRPI score increased by
12 points from the 2013 CCRPI report. Southwest High School was also featured in the May/June 2015 edition of PAGE
Magazine. Southwest was second in the
state for increase in the graduation rate percentage since 2011. Stakeholders are very
proud of this accomplishment.
 Southwest students have benefited from the
strategies outlined in the 2014 School Improvement Grant. Southwest was awarded
$875,000 during the 2014-2015 school year
to implement the Freshman Academy
(bottom right), the Law Academy (center
left) and leadership development activities
for students. All freshmen have been afforded the opportunity to take the introductory
course of Law, Introduction to Law, Public
Safety, Corrections and Security. Students
will have the opportunity to choose from
two Law pathways during the 2015-2016
school year and three by the end of the
grant. The Student Government Association
attended the SGA Leadership Conference at
Auburn University. Students attended several workshops to assist them with their leadership roles in SGA. They had an opportunity
to network with students from throughout
the nation.
 The Fine Arts Department continues to
showcase the students’ magnificent artistic
abilities. The chorus performed the opera
“Amahl and the Night Visitors.” This was a
challenge that was accomplished with hard,
diligent work. The Art Department produced
all of the phenomenal artwork for the production. The Choral Department’s spring
production was the energetic “The Princess
and the Frog.” This collaborative effort between the Art Department and Music Department resulted in a stellar performance directed by students. Also, Southwest Choir Chamber was selected to perform
at the 2015 GMEA In-Service Conference in January.
 Southwest’s wrestling team performed very well during the 2014-2015 school year. The wrestling team placed first in the
Bibb County Wrestling Championships with 10 out of 14 weight classes placing in the top three.
 Student Jeremiah Scott (center right) was one of two Bibb County students selected to participate in the 2015 Georgia
Music Educators Association All State Band.
 Shungarrius Robinson was selected to participate in the 2015 Governor’s Honors Program in Music.
HIGH SCHOOLS
SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL
WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. JULIA DANIELY
Westside Pre-Engineering Magnet High School is committed to ensuring students are college and career ready and graduate with
pre-engineering skills and competencies that will optimize their success in a related field. Faculty and staff strive to provide students with rigorous and relevant learning experiences enhanced and supported by strong family and community partnerships.
Recent notable achievements and recognitions include:
Achievement
 Increased Graduation Rate from 46 percent in 2013
to 61 percent in 2014
 Increased CCRPI score from 46 percent to 54.1 percent with the following highlights: +7.6 gains
(CCRPI), +2.3 (Achievement), +5 (Achievement Gap),
+.5 (Challenge Points) and remaining constant at
13.8 in Progress points
 2014 EOCT results show that five of six WHS End-ofCourse Test courses reported increased scores from
the previous year.
 Acquired STEM National Curriculum: Project Lead
the Way
Students
 Awarded National Beta School of Distinction (top
right)
 Regional and Bibb County
CTAE Student of the Year:
Taylor Babbs (bottom right)
 Governor’s Honors Program
participant: Jocelyn James
(right)
 STAR Student for High Performance on SAT and perfect
score on AP Calculus Exam:
Mark Clayton
 Two Pre-Engineering Magnet
Program students were a part of the District’s winning robotics team.
Programs
 Earned five-year Industry Certification from Standards for Georgia Business and Computer Science
Programs
 Over 40 students working toward 2014-2015 Microsoft Certification
 Successful April 2014 implementation of Twilight
Program to support students in meeting graduation
requirements with three spring graduates
 Increased Twilight enrollment from 38 to 61 from
April 2014 to August 2014
HIGH SCHOOLS
Staff




Principal selected to present at 2014 Fall GASSP in
Savannah
Social Studies Department selected to present at
2014 GCTSS Conference in Athens
Graduation Coach and Assistant Principal selected
to present RTI and PBIS at the 2015 S-STAGE Conference
Discipline Task Force selected to present at the 2015 National Youth-At-Risk Conference in Savannah.
PRINCIPAL: DR. CHRISTOPHER RIDLEY
Peter G. Appling Middle School had several accomplishments during the 2014-2015 school year which focused on academic and
behavioral progress.
 Student Led Conferences: Students held conferences with their parents concerning academic progress.
 Schoolwide Career Day: Students were exposed to various careers and career paths from individuals who work in specific
fields.
 Boys’ Basketball Champions: The boys’ basketball team was undefeated during the 2014-2015 school year.
 Appling Gems and Gents Mentorship Program: The mentorship program was developed to assist students with making
good choices and leading by example at school and in the community.
 College Day: Colleges from the midstate area spoke to students about their programs of study.
 Individual Subject Workshops for Parents: All subject areas, including Connections classes, provided information to parents to help increase student achievement.
 Math Competition: Students participated in the District’s Math Competition.
BALLARD-HUDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: KENNETH LANIER
Ballard-Hudson Middle School staff believes first
and foremost that all children can learn and
should learn when provided opportunities and
tools to reach their fullest potential. All courses
of study are communicated with high expectations for students and structures are provided to
assist students in meeting such expectations.
Faculty and staff believe in the strength of teamwork and hold students to high standards for
attendance and productive participation in class.
The school’s goal is “effective learning,” which
instills a value for education, applies virtual and
authentic exposure to increase the graduation
rate and meets post-secondary school demands
for the 21st century job market. Recent achievements included:
 Ballard-Hudson Middle School was recognized as a Title I High-Progress Reward School in 2013.
 The Media Center was dedicated in honor of legendary educator Dr. R.J. Martin (above).
 Custodial staff was awarded the “Cleanest Middle School in the County” for three consecutive years.
 Faculty and staff have worked on the implementation of a schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
(PBIS) plan in which all adults in the building monitor students’ behavior, and homeroom teachers chart students’ behavior daily. At the end of each month, a PBIS celebration is held for the students who have earned enough “TIGER” Points.
 The principal implemented the “Tiger PAW” Award for students and “Eye of the Tiger” Award for staff in which students
and staff members who have displayed outstanding character or received some kind of recognition are honored.
BLOOMFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: BRENDA A. EDWARDS
Bloomfield Middle School opened in 2006 and closed at the end of the 2014-2015 school year when it consolidated with BallardHudson Middle School. Accomplishments during the 2014-2015 school year included the following:
 Bloomfield Middle School’s 2014-2015 wrestling team won the Bibb County Middle School Wrestling Championship.
 The school was adopted by the Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club, which collected and donated schools supplies for students and staff throughout the school year.
 With the implementation of a schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system for 2014-2015,
disciplinary problems decreased.
 In 2014, Bloomfield Middle School, with the assistance of Family Engagement Facilitator Jaqueline Raines, opened a Title I
Parent Center for all parents, students and community partners.
 More than 30 Bloomfield Middle students received awards at the Bibb County 4-H Awards Program for their service and
completion of various modules and programs associated with the Bibb County 4-H Program.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
APPLING MIDDLE SCHOOL
HOWARD MIDDLE SCHOOL
MILLER MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL
HOWARD MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: LINDSEY ALLEN
At Howard Middle School, faculty and staff are committed to providing students with a meaningful educational experience daily.
The school’s core business each day is a focus on teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Faculty and staff provide
students with a safe, orderly and secure learning environment where high student achievement and continuous improvement are
the expectation. Also, faculty and staff take responsibility for providing engaging, participatory, image-rich and collaborative lessons that facilitate high levels of student learning. The school is striving daily to build a strong and vibrant partnership between the
school, students, parents and community. With this essential and robust partnership, Howard Middle School can, and will, meet its
fullest potential. Listed are some of Howard Middle School students’ and staff’s most recent achievements and recognitions.
 Howard Middle School was selected as one of three Gold Medal Leaders by Ascend Math in the United States for 2015.
 More than 130 rising eighth grade students earned the opportunity to take high school courses in Algebra 1, Physical Science or CTAE for the 2015-2016 school year.
 The HMS Fine Arts department (band, orchestra, and chorus) achieved superior ratings in all areas. The HMS Symphonic
Band received superior ratings at the annual District XI Large Group Performance Evaluation for the fourth year in a row.
Howard Middle had its first band student in the history of the school to make the prestigious All State Band based in Athens. Eight students in the band program were selected to participate in the 2014 UGA Middle School Band Festival in Athens. Seven students in the band program passed the audition for and were invited to participate in the 2015 District XI
Honor Band in Milledgeville. Two students in the band program scored high enough to be selected for the South Georgia
Region Honor Band in Valdosta.
 Howard Middle School football, girls’ softball, and girls’ track and field teams were 2014-2015 county champions.
MILLER MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL: DR. SHERRI FLAGG
At Miller Magnet Middle School, faculty and staff are committed to offering the very best for each student. Faculty and staff pledge
to create a safe, orderly and positive learning environment where all students can be successful. Teaching and learning are the first
priority. Through the school’s excellent fine arts program, students learn to express themselves through individual and group performances and transfer the self-confidence gained from these performances into their academic classes. Miller Magnet Middle
School has a rich history of academic and athletic success, backed by the strong support of parents, community partners and alumni. Recent notable achievements include:
 The Lady Mustangs basketball team and Coach Beth Finch celebrated after winning the County Championship in back-toback years.
 Educational tax funds were used to build a new gym for Miller Magnet Middle School. The new Miller gym is 22,500
square feet and has bleachers located on both sides of the basketball court. It has day lighting features that allow natural
light to come in. The new facility has a classroom in the back that is upgraded with the newest technology, including a
SMART Board and wireless access throughout. It has a full-size weight room that will be equipped with weight lifting
equipment for the students. The gym features a concession stand and new parking that will provide additional parking
access for school events.
 Miller’s Model United Nations (UN) Team and coach, Ashley Tarver, participated in an 8-week Model UN Conference hosted by Mercer University. The focus of the conference was on child labor and global education.
 Miller Magnet Middle School’s Green Team, led by adviser Tera Roberson, won the Middle School Division as part of the
High Performance Healthy Schools in Georgia from the United States Green Building Council Chapter. The team was recognized for its recycling program.
 Miller was presented with a check as part of the Falcons’ Rise Up Fuel Up Breakfast Contest. Miller was one of three
schools in the state to win Freddie the Falcon’s visit and a check.
PRINCIPAL: RICHARD KEY
The primary focus of Rutland Middle School is the academic achievement of its students. Everything faculty and staff do at Rutland
is dedicated to increasing student achievement, creating a positive learning environment and delivering meaningful instruction in
every classroom. Much attention is given in assisting students to learn responsibility, developing age-appropriate interpersonal
skills and teaching students how to behave in a way that shows respect for themselves and others. At Rutland Middle School, faculty and staff are committed to students’ success, both in and out of the classroom. Some of the things that make Rutland Middle
an outstanding school include, but are not limited to:
 The school remains listed on the Georgia Department of Education’s website for implementing innovative practices.
 The school is noted for academic excellence. Rutland Middle consistently brings home trophies from the Bibb County
Math Tournaments and Math 24, the National History Day competition, Science Fair competition and Quiz Bowl.
 The Fine Arts Department continues to make the school proud. Both the band and the chorus have received Superior
Ratings at annual festivals. The visual arts program has been featured by the local art association and others for students’
outstanding works of art.
 The Athletic Department has championship banners that line the walls in the gym. During the 2014-2015 school year, the
sixth grade football and baseball teams and the boys’ soccer team were the county champions. The school came in second in baseball, softball and boys’ basketball and one of the wrestlers was the county champion for his weight class.
 Rutland Middle School has one of the most extensive master schedules in the state, which includes four core classes and
an additional class for each student, high school class opportunities for eighth-graders, career classes and enrichment
classes for all grade levels.
WEAVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: JIM MONTGOMERY
Weaver Middle School is a friendly, exciting and safe place that provides students with many opportunities to develop academic
skills, acquire knowledge, explore interests and develop special talents. In addition to concentrating on student achievement,
Weaver encourages students to participate in many extracurricular academic activities — Beta Club, Academic Team, Math Team,
Science Fair, Social Science Fair, Technology Fair, Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA), History Day, Math Counts, Geography
Bee, Spelling Bee and music festivals. Weaver’s faculty and staff work diligently to develop students with strong character who are
ready for college. Weaver Middle School is “raising the bar for rigorous instruction and student performance and closing the gap in
student achievement.” Recent accomplishments include:
 Over the past 3 years, Weaver’s achievement scores have increased in all subject areas. The school has accomplished a 7
percent overall increase in its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) score.
 Students at Weaver won several District competitions. Rahul Patel, an eighth grade student, was the District Spelling Bee
Champion in January 2015. William Hoang, an eighth grade student, placed second in the District’s Math 24 Competition,
and Mona James, a sixth grade student, placed second in the District’s Young Georgia Authors Competition.
 Weaver hosted an inaugural event focusing on students’ transition from fifth to sixth grade. Middle School 101 was a successful event that was well received by parents and community. Additionally, fifth grade students participated in the
school’s first ever sixth-grade bridge program.
 Weaver hosted its second annual Seminole Success Summer Program to provide remediation and enrichment instruction
to students in preparation for their forthcoming grade. The school also held the Seminole Success Afterschool Program to
provide students with additional instructional opportunities throughout the year to promote their success.
 The school is committed to making a difference in the communities in which its students live. The Junior Beta Club raised
over $1,300 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The school exceeded its goal to raise funds for United Way. In spring
2015, the school hosted a “Pink Flag” event to raise awareness for breast cancer and other forms of cancer.
RUTLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL
WEAVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
RUTLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL
ALEXANDER II MAGNET SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: BERTHA CALDWELL
Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School is a historic school where outstanding students, a dedicated and caring staff, active
and involved parents and a supportive community have created a legacy of excellence. Realizing that the elementary school experience provides the platform from which a child’s educational journey is launched, staff are committed to making sure the foundation is strong, filled with wonder, and fosters a quest for knowledge that will last a lifetime. Alexander II is a place where children
are nurtured and a high premium is placed on learning. Creative hands-on projects and scientific investigation are combined to help
students master academic goals, problem-solving skills and accelerated learning opportunities to maximize each student’s growth.
Recent achievements include:
 Nominated for National Blue Ribbon Award
 Title I Reward School: Highest Performing Reward School
 REACH students raised $1,300 for The Water Project, which helps provide clean, safe water to a community in need.
 Student awards and recognitions:
 Math Team earned second place in the county and won first, second and third place ribbons
 Placed within top 5 in county for Math 24 and Quiz Bowl competitions
 Student Abby Edwards won first place at Region Science Fair
 At Bibb and State Media Festival: Alex II had 10 projects entered and earned superior in Bibb County; all 10 projects made
state level; out of 10 at state level, three placed Superior, and one placed best of show
 Received all “Superior Ratings” at the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation
 Placed first in Riverside Optimist Club Jr. Olympics
BARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. JACQUELINE JACKSON
Agnes Barden Elementary School is the center of a comprehensive learning
community. The faculty and staff strive to emphasize the development of
good character and set high standards for students. Faculty and staff feel
strongly that Barden is a special place for children to learn and grow, both as
students and as individuals. The students are motivated to learn. The faculty
displays continuous school improvement efforts and boasts a positive relationship between home and school. Recent achievements include:
 Designated a Title I Reward School
 Partnered with Safe Routes to School (at right)
 Partnered with Middle Georgia State’s School of Education
 Received Superior Ratings for Chorus at the Georgia Music Educators
Association Performance Evaluation
 Received the Superintendent’s Distinguished Achievement Award for
improvement in Grade 5 Mathematics from the Georgia Department
of Education
BERND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL: DR. CHAD THOMPSON
Florence G. Bernd Elementary School’s commitment to providing a rigorous education, one that prepares students for the next
level, aligns with Bibb County’s vision of ensuring each student is character-strong and college or career ready. Bernd Elementary
School family boasts of Raider P.R.I.D.E. on the Eastside. It is the faculty and staff’s goal to encourage student self-efficacy, confirming that effective effort brings forth achievement. Through intentional efforts, staff inspire stakeholders to maintain a lifelong
learning mindset. Recent achievements include:
 Student ownership of learning outcomes was realized through the implementation of student-led conferences, Pre-K
through Grade 5.
 Through academic and extracurricular club implementation, students were allowed an opportunity to participate in activities, monthly, based on academic strengths and/or interests.
 Through the intentional use of Title I funds, Bernd has increased the availability of technology throughout the building.
 Bernd Elementary, which opened in 1947, is currently in the midst of an extensive renovation process.
 Students supported several worthy causes throughout the year, including raising money for Macon’s Community Food
Bank and the ALS Organization.
 Bernd strengthened its partnerships with several community partners, including the Rotary Club, GEICO, Waffle House,
Ticonderoga/Dixon, Stevi B’s and Wendys.
 Bernd was recognized twice for being one of the Top 20 Daily Classworks Performers in the nation.
PRINCIPAL: KIM E. TOLBERT
Brookdale Elementary School, located in Payne City, is committed to providing its students with a quality education and instilling
the importance of developing strong character. On a daily basis, faculty and staff instill the need and the will to learn through challenging and engaging activities. Above all else, students are encouraged to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, understanding that through hard work and determination, all things are possible. Recent accomplishments include:
 School based 21st Century Technology including the purchase and Installation of Promethean Boards in every classroom
 Brookdale’s partnership with Academy Sports, which sponsored the school’s first Bicycle Giveaway for Character
 Establishment of a Backyard Garden through a grant received from Bibb County’s School Nutrition Program to promote
the benefit of fresh fruits and vegetables
 Implementation of an afterschool program funded through SCANA.
 HealthMPowers partnership, which promotes healthy eating and physical education
 Partnership with the First Tee National School Program, which provides basic information on learning the game of golf as a
lifelong health and fitness activity and values consisting of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment
BRUCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. RAMON K. JOHNSON
Charles H. Bruce Elementary School prides itself on great character as it strives for excellence in academics, service and leadership.
The faculty and staff at Charles H. Bruce Elementary School look forward every year to working with students by providing them
the very best rigorous learning experience and helping to develop their maximum learning potential. The faculty and students will
continue to shine in order to become a beacon of light in the school’s neighborhood and Bibb County. In 2014-2015 students took
part in a variety of activities that are notable for the school.
 On the south side of Macon, the “Eagles” at Charles H. Bruce Elementary School are soaring. The staff and students participated in HealthMPowers to learn ways to stay healthy and active. Bruce Elementary School was awarded the 2014 Bronze
National Healthy Schools Award by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
 Students showed great character with the use of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework,
and discipline decreased by 53 percent.
 Students in grades Pre-K and kindergarten increased their attendance rate for the 2014-2015 school year to 93 percent.
 Bruce Elementary Peer Mediators were chosen to serve as pages for the House of Representatives.
BURDELL-HUNT MAGNET SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: TANYA ALLEN
Burdell-Hunt Magnet School specializes in the communicative arts. The school
offers a curriculum where the magnet focus areas of multimedia, Spanish and
writing are integrated into the basic curriculum in order to produce responsible
citizens who are proficient in communications and problem solving. BurdellHunt is proud to have been the first recipient of the Bibb County Readers Cup
and the second place recipient in spring 2015. Burdell-Hunt became a Leader in
Me school in spring 2015. Through this innovative process. teachers will help
develop greatness in each child. The faculty and staff members are committed
to providing students with a quality education in a structured learning environment. Through the focus on the communicative arts, Burdell-Hunt students
continuously excel in writing and celebrate numerous achievements in technology. As a beacon in the historic Fort Hill community, Burdell-Hunt provides an
enriched legacy. Some recent notable achievements include:
 Title I Reward School, High Progress for 2 consecutive years
 Received Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Grant and Elam Alexander Trust Grant
 Offers two world languages – Spanish and Mandarin Chinese
 Student-produced Morning Broadcast
 HealthMPowers partnership promotes healthy eating and physical activity
 Reading Prize Patrol for Accelerated Readers (at right)
 Community Partnerships – Junior League of Macon, Jones Brothers Funeral Home, New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist
Church and Macon Rotary Club
 National Junior Beta Club chapter chartered in September 2014
 Junior Achievement, partnership with GEICO
 School hosts annual International Cultural Festival
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
BROOKDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BURGHARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: EDDIE MCCLOUD
Minnie Burghard Elementary School opened in 1967. The school’s faculty and staff strive to create a positive learning environment
where students can meet their full potential every day. Burghard Elementary School
closed at the end of the 2014-2015 school year as students consolidated with Rice
Elementary School at the new Southfield Elementary School. Some recent notable
achievements include:
 Community partners included the Community Church of God, Wendy’s, The
Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Goggles Eye Care Center. Local Target
store employees visited with students for “Read Across America.”
 Burghard hosted a number of school and community events, including the
Community Foundation’s Press Conference, Academic and Instructional
Coaches Clinic and U.S. Senate candidate Michelle Nunn’s community visit
(at right). She read to students and worked with students in the Community Garden Project.
 The school was awarded a $1,000 Westat Grant for Research to promote the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s lessons
of wellness at school. Burghard received a bronze award in the Healthier U.S. School Challenge.
 The school was awarded the Safe Route to School Golden Shoe Award for the most team spirit.
 Fifth grade students participated in STEM activities through STARBASE Robins at the Museum of Aviation.
 Fifth grade students participated in CHAMPS (Choosing Healthy Activities Methods and Promoting Safety).
 Math and Science Night for parents and students featured live animals from the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
 The Kayasi Kids of South Africa visited and performed for students.
 Col. William R. Saunders (retired U.S. Air Force) visited and spoke with students for Black History Month.
CARTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: LATRICIA REEVES
Sonny Carter Elementary School is committed to creating an atmosphere that will allow all students to “challenge the edge of the
universe.” Faculty and staff strive to encourage children to discover the joy of learning in a positive, culturally diverse and challenging environment — becoming independent, creative thinkers. Carter Elementary School is a caring, child-centered learning institution that fosters high expectations. Strong parental support, community partnerships, high academic standards and a challenging
curriculum make Carter Elementary a great place to learn and work. Recent achievements include:
 Carter became one of two schools selected to participate in Franklin Covey’s Leader In Me program. Faculty and staff underwent training at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.
 Carter Elementary was featured in Georgia Family Magazine.
 Carter’s Junior Master Gardener program is growing, thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo Financial Advisors.
 Carter’s Math Team won third place in the Bibb County Math Tournament.
 Carter Elementary School participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge fundraiser.
 Carter received the “I AM APPRECIATED” Award.
 Students won Superior ratings for their entries in the Georgia Student Media Festival.
HARTLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL: DR. SHELIA V. GARCIA
Matilda Hartley Elementary School is fully committed to the belief that every student has the ability to learn and the potential to go
to college or pursue a career in a field of interest. It is imperative that teachers be in the classroom, prepared and ready to teach
students prior to the start of the school day. Hartley’s staff is continuously developing and implementing new strategies to help
teachers effectively instruct students in all subject areas. Faculty and staff believe in standards-based instruction, where teachers
and students are guided by data; the goal being to reach the highest levels of academic excellence. Recent notable achievements
include:
 Hartley celebrated student improvement and the school’s eligibility for removal from Georgia Department of Education’s
list of Priority Schools. The school received notice of the announcement in December 2014.
 Mayor Robert Reichert read to students and proclaimed Matilda Hartley Elementary Day in May 2015.
 Fourth-graders were honored at the District’s annual Math 24 Competitions.
 HealthMPowers provided nutrition and physical activity instruction for all students to improve health and well-being.
 Linda Blassingame was selected as the Education Support Professional at the BAE Award Ceremony in the spring.
 Media Specialist Latricia Riggins was selected as the Teacher of the Year 2015-2016 and serves on the State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Panel.
 The school received a National Beta School of Distinction award.
 Fifth-graders competed and placed at the annual Georgia College Regional Science & Engineering Fair 2015.
PRINCIPAL: SANDRA STANLEY
Boasting fifth generation students currently in attendance and having many parent and grandparent volunteers, Dr. John H. Heard
Elementary School is a community school that is proud of its heritage. Students, parents and visitors are made to feel welcome
through the creation of a warm, inviting, safe environment, where high expectations are set, doing your best is encouraged and
students are engaged in learning. Faculty and staff believe every student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs. Opportunities must be provided for every student to participate, learn and grow according to individual differences, and staff provide opportunities to develop well-rounded individuals who can function safely and successfully in,
and contribute positively to society. All stakeholders share the responsibility for supporting the school’s mission. Heard’s goal is to
prepare its students to be successful learners, develop strength of character and be ready for college.
 The new Dr. John H. Heard Elementary, with enhanced technology and safety features, opened its door to excited students, faculty, parents and community on January 7, 2015.
 Fifth grade students and chaperones visited the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., for five days in November 2014.
 Heard’s students and faculty highlighted Georgia Grown products during the week of May 11-15, 2015 with a visit from
the state’s agricultural commissioner, faculty and student cooking demonstrations and competitions using Georgia-grown
products. The cafeteria served meals with Georgia-grown products taking center stage.
 On March 20, 2015, the students at Heard participated in Careers on Wheels by visiting static displays and demonstrations
featuring community businesses and leaders.
 Students participated in the annual Bike Rally, a student-generated activity to help raise funds for Relay for Life and to
promote physical fitness.
HERITAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: JENNIFER ASKEW
Heritage Elementary School fosters an environment that encourages students to “soar like an eagle and be all you can be.” The
school’s goal is to provide an academically rich environment for every student and to support the whole student and family. Heritage encourages parental engagement, community involvement and family partnerships. Recent notable achievements include:
 The school’s CCRPI score is 75.9 percent.
 Students were named finalists in county and region academic and achievement competitions.
 Heritage was the top fundraising elementary school for several community organizations.
 Heritage has been a HealthMPowers Bronze School for the past 2 years and received Let’s Move! Active School national
recognition in 2014.
 Heritage Elementary’s faculty and staff were named the Walk Georgia top team in the District for winter 2014. The school
received second place in spring 2015.
 The school had a 58 percent reduction in suspensions during the 2014-2015 school year.
INGRAM-PYE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. QUINTIN GREEN
Ingram-Pye Elementary School is home to more than 600 students in Pre-K through fifth grade. The school’s faculty, staff and students are committed to creating a culture and climate of efficacy for adults and children. Ingram-Pye faculty and staff understand
the critical role adults play in the early childhood development of students; therefore, faculty and staff work collaboratively to create high expectations for all students and the parents who play an awesome, yet fundamental roles in their child’s education. Family engagement is critical for Ingram-Pye’s students, and faculty and staff are constantly looking for ways to develop the most qualified educational plan for students, and ensure communication lines between the school, home and community are always open.
Honors include:
 Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission Campus of the Year Award
 Spring 2015 Walk Georgia school Vertical Team Winner
 2015 Riverside Optimist Club Junior Olympic Winner, first place
 Top 20 in the nation for Classworks Usage and Accuracy and No. 1 in the nation for Classworks Usage and Accuracy on
May 19, 2015
 Fifth grade students visited Mercer University for a campus tour, Amstar movie theater to view and discuss “Selma,” and
CNN and The King Center Museum in Atlanta
 Fifth grade “moving up” ceremony was hosted by Pentecostal Temple Holiness Church
 Outstanding business partner recognitions to: Epsilon Tau Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Lizzie Chapel Baptist
Church and General Electric Co.
 STEM camp participants, summer 2015; MERLC summer camp collaboration with Greater Little Rock Baptist Church
 300-plus students attending all monthly Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) celebrations
 “Boyz to Men” Mentor group made multiple donations to Salvation Army
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
HEARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BRUCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HEARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. SHANDRA YARBROUGH
Walter P. Jones Elementary School was a Title I school continuously monitoring student achievement and setting high expectations
for all students. Faculty and staff worked hard to assist students in becoming college or career ready. Through school improvement
initiatives, faculty and staff developed
plans and partnerships to assist all students in achieving. The school closed at
the end of the 2014-2015 school year
and students consolidated with KingDanforth Elementary at the new Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary
School in 2015-2016. Highlights from
the 2014-2015 school year include:
 Awards ceremonies, Career
Day and Literacy Night
 HealthMPowers activities, including Red Ribbon Week and
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
 Fifth Grade Gala (Theme: Old
School Hip Hop)
 Extracurricular academic activities such as Student Council,
Junior Beta Club, Quiz Bowl,
Math 24, Math Team and Quiz
Bowl
 Highly qualified staff participated in professional learning to promote student achievement and professional growth
KING-DANFORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL: DR. SONYA COLEY
King-Danforth Elementary School faculty and staff worked under the belief that all students are capable of attaining academic
achievement through rigorous and relevant instruction. Student success is enhanced when school programs assist students in the
development of high moral and ethical standards along with good character, citizenship and a positive self-concept. The school
closed at the end of the 2014-2015 school year and students consolidated with Jones Elementary School at the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in 2015-2016. Recent notable achievements include:
 Reader’s Theatre productions
 HealthMPowers programs
 Curriculum Nights in math, science and reading
 Healthy School Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation
 Student Activities: Fire Marshals, Math Team, Safety Patrol and Quiz Bowl
 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework
 Accelerated Reader program
PRINCIPAL: GEORGLYN S. STEPHENS
The teaching and learning taking place at McKibben Lane Elementary School is evidence of the faculty and staff’s love and dedication to students. Teachers’ commitment to excellence, combined with best practices, is evident in students’ achievements. Lane
has been recognized as a Title I School of Distinction for 10 years. Faculty and staff are proud of the fact that the school made adequate yearly progress for 10 years. At McKibben Lane, teachers and students are dedicated to excellence. Recent notable achievements include:
 The school is proud of its custodial staff, which has received the Cleanest School Award among elementary schools in the
county for 5 years. Staff and students work together to maintain a clean environment that is conducive to learning.
 The school is extremely proud of initiatives to promote strength of character. Faculty and staff recognize students each
month with a Student of the Month breakfast, as well as daily “shout-outs” when they exemplify character qualities. Every
month, the school sponsors a huge Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) celebration to recognize students
for good behavior. Celebrations have included Zumba, Bingo, making slime, Popcorn and a Movie and “Bring Your Own
Device” Day.
 Reader’s Cup is a competition for second and third grade students in Bibb County. The students read 20 Georgia Picture
Book nominees and compete by answering questions about the books. Under the leadership of Media Specialist Jane Hardy, Lane Elementary’s team won the Reader’s Cup Award for Bibb County. Also, Mrs. Hardy is responsible for Lane receiving the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant. With this grant, the school was able to purchase and install a Smart Projector
and SMART Board in the Media Center.
 Lane takes advantage of any opportunity for students to compete and display their talents. Nisu Franklin, a third-grader at
Lane, won first place in the Art of Reading Competition for Bibb County. Her artwork is on display in the Washington Memorial Library in downtown Macon.
 Faculty and staff take pride in nurturing writers. Ja’mia Jackson, a fifth-grader at Lane, won second place in the annual
Young Georgia Authors competition. Her writing piece will be published in the Young Georgia Authors Book.
MORGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. TERESE MARTIN
The students and staff at W.T. Morgan Elementary had a great school year in 2014-2015. The faculty and staff at Morgan Elementary firmly believe that character education plays a significant role in student achievement, and as a result, the school focuses on
teaching different character traits each week through daily instructional lessons, videos, inspirational quotes and messages from
the principal. This helps students to understand the connection between exhibiting good character and succeeding academically.
Students make a daily commitment to four things that they M.U.S.T. do on a daily basis: Move with a purpose; Use good manners;
Show respect and Think before acting. The school’s goal is to foster a safe environment and enable students to meet their highest
potential while simultaneously being able to create a strong academic focus, which is shown during daily intervention time called
Gallop Time to symbolize that students are “Galloping into Greatness!” Although faculty and staff were busy in the spring making
preparations for the school’s temporary transition to the Rice Elementary building while construction began on the new Veterans
Elementary School, they continued to remain focused on ensuring the success of all students by allowing them to participate in
various activities that built both achievement and character. Recent notable achievements include:
 Fifth grade REACH students interviewed cafeteria workers in December 2014
 The school’s annual Literacy Family Fun Night in March 2015
 Participation in the Chorus Festival in March 2015
 Atlanta Zoo Accelerated Reader End-of-Year Field Trip in May 2015
 Fernbank Museum End-of-Year Fifth Grade Field Trip in May 2015
LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MORGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PORTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. KIM REINING-GRAY
James H. Porter Elementary School experienced many changes during the 2014-2015 school year. The school is currently undergoing an extensive renovation on the lighting, playground, roof, floors and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Recent
notable achievements include:
 Porter Elementary received a 4-star climate rating and a school CCRPI score above state average.
 Interactive boards were purchased for all classrooms to be installed during the summer.
 Faculty and staff integrated Classworks Software use into data collection.
 Faculty and staff began using the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. Faculty and staff will
participate in the PBIS elementary cohort training in the 2015-2016.
 Porter Elementary celebrated many student successes: Accelerated Reader goals, Young Georgia Authors winners, Math
Team, Math 24, Quick Think and Spelling Bee recognitions.
RICE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: JANICE SHARPE
Jessie Rice Elementary School faculty and staff were committed to providing a quality education full of rigor and high expectations
for every student. The faculty and staff followed the belief that the level of success any child achieves is greatly affected by the
school’s culture, climate and partnership of the home and community. Faculty and staff continuously strive to keep the school safe
with a positive atmosphere full of effective teaching, relevant learning and significant growth. Rice Elementary School closed at the
end of the 2014-2015 school year and students consolidated with Burghard Elementary at the new Southfield Elementary School.
Recent acknowledgements and recognitions
include:
 Rice Teacher of the Year Amaris Hawkins received an Explore Learning: Reflex math grant.
 Read Across America/International
Literacy Day was celebrated with Interim Superintendent Dr. Kelley CastlinGacutan reading to all kindergarten
and first grade students. Also, other public figures from the community
came in to read to classes.
 As a Relay for Life fundraiser, a group
of Rice faculty, staff, students and parents attended a Hawks Family and Friends Night at Phillips Arena on March 27.
 Mercer University football players and cheerleaders, along with Tex James and community partner Amber Jones of AmeriGroup participated in a pep rally to cheer on third, fourth and fifth grade students for the Georgia Milestones Assessment
System.
RILEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL: DR. KEELA MALONE
Located in the heart of the Greenbriar community, Joseph B. Riley Elementary is the embodiment of a true neighborhood school.
Riley is committed to fostering a community of learners that will help take students, “forward and upward to greater heights.” Riley
is focused on creating a safe, effective and engaging learning environment that will provide students with opportunities to become
active learners and independent thinkers. A team of educators, committed to professional learning, who have embraced high academic standards, strong community partnerships and the desire to make a positive impact in the community is transforming Riley
Elementary into a better place to learn and work.
 Renovations to beautify the facility began in June 2015. The renovations, which will continue through December 2015, will
include upgrades to the media center, classrooms and administrative office.
 Riley has improved the accessibility of technology for students and staff by upgrades made in two labs and the purchase of
laptops with carts for classrooms.
 Riley teachers have engaged in increased professional learning opportunities to improve instructional practices by partnering with consultants and district coordinators across curriculum content areas.
 Riley is the recipient of the 21st Century Afterschool Program Grant, which provides students with additional academic
support and extracurricular activities through service providers that included Mercer University, the Museum of Art and
Science, Girl Scouts and Red Cross, along with other community and business supporters.
 In a spirit of partnership, Joseph B. Riley hosted a reunion of alumni from the 1950s through the 1970s. Former educators
and students toured the building to reminisce on their educational experiences at Riley. The event was a huge success.
PRINCIPAL: SARA CARLSON
Skyview Elementary School is committed to preparing its students to be college and career ready and capable of competing in a
global workforce. The school’s motto is, “Work Hard, Get Smart!” Faculty and staff are focused on increasing the rigor in instruction
and challenging students to give 100 percent in every aspect of their education. Skyview is building students with high academic
goals and good character and support of the community in which they live. Skyview prides itself on its strong support from all
stakeholders: parents, grandparents, business owners and churches. Skyview is a wonderful environment for students, teachers
and staff. Recent highlights at Skyview Elementary include:
 Skyview received $10,000 from the “Squeeze or Spoon 4 Ur School” contest by
Del Monte, thanks to photo entry (at right) by a parent at the school.
 Skyview received a 2014 Let’s Move! Active Schools national recognition
award.
 Skyview’s annual PRIDE Parade in October celebrates good character by having
each grade level create a float showing positive school pride.
 Skyview received a 2014 U.S. Healthy School Bronze Award.
 Skyview’s fifth grade received 4-H Club of the Month for the month of February.
SPRINGDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DONNA JACKSON
Springdale has a well-established, inviting learning environment that welcomes, encourages and connects families and community
members to the school. Leadership, teachers, parents and the community work as a family toward a common vision that defines
the school and ensures high levels of learning for all students. Our well-educated, passionate teachers know and care about the
students’ personal growth and development. They work diligently to analyze and use instructional data to provide timely and descriptive feedback. Likewise, Springdale students demonstrate respectfulness and responsibility, as they take an active role in their
own learning. Faculty and staff feel confident Springdale is producing the next generation of problem-solvers, team players and
decision-makers. Some of the school’s most notable achievements and student recognitions include:
 Springdale’s College and Career Performance Ready Index (CCRPI) continues to increase with a score of 88.6. This is higher
than the state average, county average and averages of neighboring counties.
 On the CCRPI Parent Survey, Springdale parents indicate the highest level of satisfaction.
 Since 2011, CRCT scores for grades 3-5 indicate that 95 percent of students meet or exceed standards in content areas.
Fifth grade writing test scores are the highest in the District.
 The Georgia Assessment of Performance on School Standards (GAPSS) Analysis rated Springdale with a score of
“Exemplary” in 25 of 48 standards, with no standards receiving a “Not Evident” rating.
 During the 2014-2015 school year, Springdale was recognized at the District’s annual recognition and award program for
school volunteers. Springdale received the prestigious awards of the Red Apple Award, the Golden Apple Award and the
Harriet Madison Volunteer Spirit Award for the 37,298 volunteer hours earned by Springdale volunteers in 2014-2015.
 Students have numerous opportunities to excel outside of the classroom. Some individual student or team recognitions
include: participant in District spelling bee, participant in National Junior Beta Convention, two winners in regional science
fair, first place and award-winning Math Team, award-winning Quiz Bowl team, award-winning Math 24 team and Chorus
Festival ratings of Superior.
TAYLOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: DR. SUSAN SIMPSON
Rosa Taylor Elementary School is committed to being “a great place to work and learn.” Through Positive Behavioral Interventions
and Supports (PBIS), faculty and staff promote students being respectful, responsible and safe so they can be successful. The school
offers a safe, positive, culturally diverse and challenging environment where learning takes place all day, each day. Rosa Taylor Elementary School is a caring environment and holds high expectations for all students. The school has an active PTA, several community partnerships and follows the Georgia Department of Education standards and curriculum frameworks. Recent notable achievements include:
 Lakeshia Williams, the school counselor, organized, planned and presented a wonderful Career Day Program with 22 community volunteer speakers presenting career information to students on February 25, 2015.
 The Attendance Committee hosted monthly Attendance Rewards Day activities for students with perfect attendance each
month during the school year.
 The PBIS Committee hosted monthly reward parties for students meeting the good behavior goal set for each month.
 Rosa Taylor received 96 new computers in the building, set up a second lab for students, and third grade students as well
as PEC students successfully took the Georgia Milestones Assessment System exams online.
 The Rosa Taylor Chorus received three superlative ratings from judges at festival in March 2015.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
SKYVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL: LALISA BURSTON
Union Elementary is a Title I school in Macon. Union Elementary works to develop character by focusing on character words of the
week. In addition to helping students develop into positive, productive citizens, Union Elementary strives to raise the bar academically for all students. Union is honored to have been named a Title I Reward School in 2014. The staff and students have worked
diligently to improve academics and increase rigor. To develop the atmosphere of improved academics, the staff has focused on
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards and worked to implement true standards-based classrooms. Recent notable highlights include:
 Title I Reward School, High Progress
 Earned 3 stars on the school’s College and Career Ready Performance Index
 A National Junior BETA Club chapter
 Communities In Schools-sponsored afterschool program
 Awards ceremonies, Career Day and Curriculum Night
VINEVILLE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS
PRINCIPAL: KRISTY GRAHAM
Vineville Academy of the Arts is a fine arts magnet
school with the motto “Preparing Students for Academics and Personal Success through the Arts.” All students
experience the joy of learning through voice, music,
dance, studio art, orchestra, Mandarin Chinese and
technology. For students with exceptional talents in the
areas of art, music, dance or voice, the school is proud
to offer extended opportunities to allow these students
to follow their dreams. At Vineville Academy, faculty
and staff firmly believe art is an academic discipline.
Vineville Academy provides a safe, warm, nurturing,
child-centered learning environment focused on rigor
and high expectations. Family engagement, community partnerships, a high quality staff, and a nurturing climate and culture set
the stage for PANDAS: Performing Arts Nurture Dreams Academics and Success. Recent accomplishments include:
 2014 and 2015 Bibb County School District Quiz Bowl champions
 2015 RoboPandas Robotics – FIRST Lego League champions (above)
 2015 District Quick Think champion
 2015 Art of Reading first place winner
 21st Century Technology, including STEM classrooms, SMART Boards, a Bring Your Own Device Program, broadcast studio,
iPads and iPods
 The First Tee National School Program, a student golf program providing health and fitness activities
 HealthMPowers partnership promoting healthy eating and physical education
 PANDAMONIUM clubs and offerings
WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL: DR. SHANDRINA GRIFFIN-STEWART
L. H. Williams Elementary School is a Title I school located in the historic Pleasant Hill area. The faculty and staff at Williams strongly
believe “it takes a village to raise a child” and with the support of parents, community partners and volunteers, Williams’ students
are on the path to academic excellence. The teachers plan lessons aligned with Common Core Standards, which provide students
with differentiated instruction in all subjects. Recent notable achievements include:
 Students participated in an annual career fest. Multiple vendors conducted demonstrations and answered job-related
questions. Overwhelming numbers of parents attended the career fest with their children.
 Jessica Rivers received the Top Volunteer/Award of Excellence for Williams Elementary School. Jessica volunteered 1,447
hours in 2014-2015.
 The school has implemented professional development pertaining to Math Best Practices conducted by math consultant
Kelly Derzi.
 Three of Williams’ fifth grade students participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest sponsored by the ASAP
Phillip Randolph Organization. Students won monetary awards for first, second and third place.
 The Macon Rotary Club sponsored a camera/writing project for fifth grade students during the 2014-2015 school year.
Students learned how to care for and properly use a digital camera. The project culminated with students taking photos
throughout the school and the city.
DIRECTOR: LARA SIMS
Elam Alexander Academy is one of 24 programs in the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS). GNETS is
a network of services provided to local school districts. It is designed to be a support program for students to address the interfering emotionally-based behaviors that have disrupted the education of the child. The GNETS program provides an array of therapeutic and behavioral supports and specialized instruction for students who exhibit emotional and behavioral disorders. These supports are designed to assist the student in progressing in the general curriculum and graduate ready for work or post-secondary
studies. In addition, the GNETS program provides supports to families and works collaboratively with other agencies serving students. Elam Alexander Academy provides services in the following counties: Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach and
Twiggs.
 Elam Alexander Academy has been recognized for supporting positive school climate through the implementation of the
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. The program achieved Operational Status and has maintained that status for the past 3 years. The recognition exemplifies best practices in the implementation of Tier 1, (PBIS).
 Elam Alexander Academy representatives presented at the Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Supports Conference
held in Atlanta in December 2014. A student attended and provided musical entertainment for the conference attendees.
 Elam Alexander Academy continues to expand professional learning in the areas of Life Space Crisis Intervention and Youth
Mental Health First Aid training. Elam Alexander Academy added a Life Space Crisis Intervention trainer during the 20142015 school year and will have a Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer on staff in 2015-2016.
 Through partnerships with local educational agencies, Elam Alexander Academy has increased service options provided for
students in their home counties. During the 2014-2015 school year, three classes were added in Bibb County.
 Elam Alexander Academy has increased attendance by 2.09 percent to a current rate of 94.10 percent for all students enrolled at Elam Alexander Academy.
NORTHWOODS ACADEMY
ADMINISTRATOR: LORI SMITH
Northwoods Academy is a thriving early childhood center housing some of Bibb County’s youngest students ages 3, 4 and 5. About
a third of the students in attendance at the Pierce Avenue location have special needs and require additional services — speech,
physical therapy or occupational therapy. These services are provided on-site and in compliance with their IEP goals. During the
2014-2015 school year, Northwoods Academy tested 100 students for suspected developmental delays, and 91 of those students
qualified for services. Students were evaluated and placed in their least restrictive environment at either Northwoods Academy, in
a pre-school class throughout the District or in the community.
 Staff participated in yearlong training with the Marcus Institute.
 The Pre-K Program became one of several participants in the E3Z (Early Education Empowerment Zone) Grant Early Learning Challenge with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and United Way of Central Georgia.
 Staff converted two self-contained classes into inclusion classes to allow more social opportunities for students.
 Summer Transition Program was held for students going into Pre-K and students going into kindergarten.
 Numerous experiential activities were held for all children to enrich their school days.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
DIRECTOR: DR. JEFFERY ASHLEY / COORDINATOR: DR. CHANELLE SWEET
The Bibb County alternative education program, known in 2014-2015 as the Bibb Academy of Excellence, operates under guidelines
established by the Bibb County Board of Education, the Georgia Alternative Education Association and the National Alternative Association. The focus is on improving instruction, student achievement and student behavior. The program provides innovative, 21st
century approaches to teaching and learning to provide students the opportunity to meet graduation requirements, engage in college and career readiness activities and participate as productive members of their community. Students are provided the opportunity to accelerate their learning and rediscover their capacity as lifelong learners via individualized and differentiated instruction
to meet their needs. During the 2014-2015 school year, students in the program attended school at the Bibb Academy of Excellence at Barden Elementary School (for elementary grades) and the Bibb Academy of Excellence at Bloomfield Middle School (for
middle and high school grades). At the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the alternative education program was renamed and
moved to Burghard Opportunity Center. Highlights of the program included:
 The use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the RISE matrix (Respect yourself and others, Inspire
others, Show self-control, Engage in learning);
 Credit repair and recovery for high school students;
 Transitional planning and support;
 Service learning, digital and virtual learning; and
 Implementation of “effort and achievement” charts for student self-monitoring.
PROGRAMS
ELAM ALEXANDER ACADEMY
The Power of a Penny
ESPLOST 2010 – 2015 PROJECTS
The 2010 Capital Improvement Program is the third such program funded with the one-cent
Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST). Since 2000, substantial
progress has been made in the improvements to district facilities. These projects were identified
and approved based on documented need and board priorities.
Complete / In Progress Projects
Westside H.S. Renovation – complete
Campus Police Vehicles – complete
Central Office HVAC – complete
Porter E.S. Roof – complete
Rutland H.S. Gym HVAC – complete
Data Center Building Modification – complete
Athletic Facility Improvements – complete
Union E.S. Renovation – complete
Local Facilities Plan (5 Year Plan) – complete
School Bus Replacements – in progress
Security Improvements – in progress
Veterans Elementary – in progress
Porter E.S. Renovation – in progress
Staff / Student Computers – in progress
New Heard Elementary – complete
Maintenance / Custodial Facility – complete
Brookdale E.S. Renovation – complete
Williams E.S. Renovation – complete
Carter E.S. Renovation – complete
New Miller M.S. Gym – complete
Welcome Center Phase I – complete
Elam @ Burke Project – complete
Technology Improvements – complete
Dr. MLK, Jr. Elementary – complete
Riley E.S. Renovation – in progress
Bernd E.S. Renovation – in progress
Welcome Center Phase II – in progress
Southfield Elementary - complete
Dated 8/6/2015
NEW HEARD ELEMENTARY – COMPLETED DECEMBER 2014