August 26, 2013 - Bibb County Schools

A Little
Extra ...
Employees May Attend
Home Football Games
for Free this Season
Starting this year, all District employees will be allowed to attend home football games for middle and high schools for free. View the memoran‐
dum with instructions here. Varsity and middle school football schedules, as well as directions to the stadiums, are posted on the District's web‐
site under Athletics. Football and softball games also have been posted to the calendar on the District's homepage at www.bibb.k12.ga.us. August 26, 2013 * Page 1
Earn Box Top Credit
with Kroger Card
Earn money for your school while you shop. Register your Kroger Plus card on the box top site for eBoxTops: www.rewardyourschool.com/
S i t e s / G e n e r a l _ M i l l s _ Box_Tops/Page/HomePage. When a product is scanned and a Kroger Plus card is used, you receive credit for a box top. Sign up, choose your school, and shop. Dr. John Barge Seeks
Student Advisers
State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge is accepting applications for the 2013‐
2014 Student Advisory Coun‐
cil. The members of the Stu‐
dent Advisory Council meet three times during the school year with the State School Superintendent to discuss how decisions made at the state level affect students throughout Georgia. All stu‐
dents in grades 9‐12 are eligi‐
ble to apply. Meeting dates are: Sept. 27, 2013; Feb. 14, 2014; and May 2, 2014. Appli‐
cations must be received by Sept. 13, 2013. Students inter‐
ested in applying should e‐
mail [email protected]. For an application, visit the Student Advisory Council’s website. A Central High School graduate receives his diploma from Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith, second from left,
during the Summer Graduation Ceremony on Friday, August 23, at Central High School.
Congrats, Grads!
About 40 students participated in the District's Sum‐
mer Graduation Ceremony on Friday, August 23, in Cen‐
tral High School's Auditorium. Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith was the featured speaker. "I want to commend you for your courage, for your patience, for your perseverance," Dr. Smith said. "You have reached a point in your life where you are just beginning to take off. I encourage you and I challenge you, don't let this be the end of your learning." Dr. Smith spoke to graduates about his experience as a life‐long learner and encouraged them to continue their own education, no matter the next step in their life. "I encourage you to do likewise," he said. "Don't give up on yourself. Keep working, keep striving, keep climb‐
ing, and reach that last rung on the ladder, and you'll be extremely proud of yourself." New Coaches Ready to
Make Mark this Season
Southwest High Head Football Coach Joe Dupree
adjusts a player’s helmet during practice last week.
Two new head football coaches will make their marks on the field this season. At Howard High School, Coach Barney Hester hopes to turn things around after two fairly lackluster seasons for the school, and at Southwest High School, Coach Joe Dupree has taken over the reins from long‐
time coach, Carror Wright. Coach Barney Hester Coach Hester officially took Continued on Page 2
August 26, 2013 * Page 2
Two Howard High Students to
Serve as FBLA Region Officers
Howard High School juniors Zach Carlson and Mar‐
quis Chester have been elected Region Officers for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). "We act as the bridge between the state and local officers, as well as the ‘behind‐the‐scenes’ workers that get the job done," Marquis said of their role as Region Officers. Marquis was first introduced to FBLA by his Com‐
puter Applications teacher, Tom Kelly. "He told me that based on my outgoing and charis‐
matic personality, in addition to my professional demeanor, that I had what it took to succeed in the world of business," Marquis said. "After joining, learning what it was about and becoming one of the most involved members, I’ve realized my true poten‐
tial. I have had the distinguished honor of shaking hands with the superintendent, eating lunch with the Rotary Club, and speaking as the Master of Ceremo‐
nies for Bibb County’s Convocation." Marquis served previously as FBLA Treasurer. He COACHES
Continued from Page 1
over as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Howard High School in March. He came to the Howard from Tattnall Square Acad‐
emy, where he led players to 11 state football championship titles since 1982. While at Tattnall, he served in such positions as Headmas‐
ter, Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, and Head Track Coach. Prior to his work at Tattnall, Coach Hester worked at Josey Academy and Gordon Ivey High School before join‐
ing the coaching staff at Georgia Southern University when the univer‐
sity first began its college program. QUESTION: Other than winning, what is your overall goal for the sea‐
son? HESTER: The biggest goal is teach‐
ing commitment; teaching guys that once they make a decision to do something, that’s what they do, as well as make sure our kids are good in the classroom and in the commu‐
nity and doing the right things. QUESTION: What are you most excited for this season? HESTER: I am excited about being in a new place. I am excited about the young people I have. I have a lot of really great kids that have worked really hard. QUESTION: What challenges do you anticipate for the season? HESTER: The lack of depth would be our biggest concern. The lack of also has been involved with Track, Cross Country, Student Council, BETA Club, Chorus, and the Envoy Project. Zach was introduced to FBLA, "during an open house when I was a freshman by Delaney Doolittle," he said. "Along with her, by being in my adviser’s class for Computer Applications, Morgan Jarvis insisted that I join FBLA and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made,” he said. “Ever since then, fellow members and advisers have brought me to where I am now with encouragement and guidance." Zach served previously as FBLA Secretary. He also has been involved with BETA Club, Model UN, Golf Team, DECA, Key Club, and the Envoy Project. "Being a region officer gives me the ability to give insight to members over several high schools in Bibb County. Along with my fellow officers, we can help our region, and mostly our local chapter," he said. "Before anything else, I am a local member." knowing how to win is also another concern that we are working on. Q U E S T I O N : What would you predict to be your toughest game? Barney Hester
HESTER: Oh my goodness. All of them. I don’t know that I really can predict any one over anyone else. I think any time we play in‐town teams, there is always going to be a different emotion involved. We play Rutland, Westside and Southwest in town so I would think all of those would be a challenge. Coach Joe Dupree Coach Dupree is a former South‐
west Patriots quarterback who has played for the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University. He was appointed Athletic Director and Head Football Coach of his alma ma‐
ter in May. Prior to taking over as Head Foot‐
ball Coach for Southwest, Coach Dupree was a Head Football Coach in Henry County. He also has served as an assistant coach at Westside High, Rutland High, and Twiggs County High. QUESTION: Other than winning, what is your overall goal this season? DUPREE: The overall goal for this season other than winning is make sure our players are successful on and off the field. QUESTION: What are you most Zach Carlson, left, and Marquis Chester, FBLA
Region Officers at Howard High School, prepare
for a recruitment drive during Howard's Student
Orientation.
excited for this season? DUPREE: I am most excited about the opportunity to compete every Friday night and facing the chal‐
lenges that come with it. QUESTION: What challenges do you anticipate for the season? DUPREE: The challenges I antici‐
pate for this season are how our players are going to respond to ad‐
versity and overcoming our lack of experience. QUESTION: What would you pre‐
dict to be your toughest game? DUPREE: I feel like all of our games are going to be tough because of the region we are in. We are in the re‐
gion with Central, Pike, Peach, Henry, Jackson and Carver, who are all capa‐
ble of winning the region. Also, the non‐region games are all inner‐city games and they are always tough because of the tradition at each school. Others Ready for Season, Too The District’s other head football coaches were asked the following question about the upcoming sea‐
son: “Other than winning, what is your overall goal for the season?” These were their responses. Coach Jesse Hicks, Central High School: Our Goal for the 2013 foot‐
ball season at THE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL is to build a F.A.M.I.L.Y. first culture with our players, parents, student body, faculty and staff! We feel that this type of atmosphere will Southwest High Names
Alum as Next Boys
Head Basketball Coach
Former Southwest High School basketball player Robert Worthy has been named as his alma mater's next Boys Head Basket‐
ball Coach. This is Mr. Worthy's first year at Southwest High, where he also coaches Cross Country. allow our young Chargers to become successful academically, athletically and socially!! Coach Bruce Mullen, Northeast High School: The main thing is to work toward graduation and their paths in life, and for our young men to work hard to better themselves and be prepared for the future. Coach George Collins, Rutland High School: Our goal is to teach our play‐
ers skills of leadership, to produce hard work; as well as to play as a team, improve as a team, and count on each other. Coach Sheddrick Risper, Westside High School: My overall goal is to be successful off the field, as well as on the field, in the classroom, and to sign as many athletes to collegiate scholarships as possible. August 26, 2013 * Page 3
Recognitions from Aug. 15 Board Meeting
Howard High, Northeast Students
Attend International Science Fairs
Two Bibb County School District students competed in international science fairs in May. Howard High School senior Teva Ilan placed fourth at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix in May. The then junior also received an award of $500 for his Animal Sci‐
ences project, "Response of Soil Invertebrates to Electro‐
magnetic Stimuli." Teva earned the chance to compete at the Intel Interna‐
tional Science and Engineer‐
ing Fair after being named the high school winner of the "Best of Show" category at the Regional Science and Engineering Fair in February at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. Teva also was recognized with two awards at the 65th Geor‐
gia Science and Engineering Fair in March: the H.O. Lund Entomology Club Award Sec‐
ond Place Senior and Regional Science Fair ISEF Trip Winner ‐ Georgia College and State University Regional. Northeast High School jun‐
ior Auriel Wright attended the International Sustainable World Energy Engineering Environmental Project Olym‐
piad (I‐SWEEEP) in Houston, Texas, in May. The then sophomore attended the competition with teacher Tara Jones‐Lawrence. Auriel earned the opportu‐
nity to attend I‐SWEEEP after receiving the Regional I‐
SWEEEP Award at the Re‐
gional Science and Engineer‐
ing Fair in February at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville for her bio‐
diesel project, "Grease Light‐
ning: Investigation of Bio‐
diesel Fuel Efficiency from Different Vegetable Sources." She also placed first at the Regional Science and Engi‐
neering Fair, and received additional awards including the BioGenius Award nomina‐
tion and the Scientific Re‐
search Award. She also was chosen as a Navy Senior Award Recipient (Medallion) from the Office of Naval Re‐
search. Auriel placed fourth at the 65th Georgia Science and Engineering Fair in March. Howard High
School senior
Teva Ilan,
second from left,
is seen with his
mom, Interim
Superintendent
Dr. E. Steven
Smith, left, and
Howard High
Principal Matt
Adams, right.
Northeast High
School junior
Auriel Wright,
second from left,
is seen with, from
left, Interim
Superintendent
Dr. E. Steven
Smith, Board
President Dr.
Wanda West,
her mom, and
Northeast High
Principal Dr.
Quintin Green.
Northeast FFA Receives
$15,000 to Open Floral
Shop Business on Campus
The Northeast‐Bibb FFA Chapter received a $15,000 grant from Toyota through the National FFA Foundation to start a floral shop business at Northeast High School. With the donation, the Northeast‐Bibb FFA Chapter's goal is to continue bringing awareness to the community that the horticulture industry is one of the largest employ‐
ers in Georgia. "Northeast High has a flourishing Horticulture program, but it is our desire to teach entrepre‐
neurship through the Floriculture industry, which is currently a multimillion‐dollar business that fo‐
cuses on bedding plants, potted herbaceous peren‐
nials, foliage and fresh flowers," FFA Adviser and Northeast teacher Lula Curry Williams said. "We want to ensure we have the sustainability to con‐
tinue making the difference for our students, just as we have done with the gracious gratitude of Toyota." With the funds, the Northeast‐Bibb FFA Chapter From left, Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith, FFA’s National Program Success Specialist Frank Saldana,
Northeast High CTI Coordinator Alonza Raines (back), FFA Vice President Natasha Reed, FFA Reporter Rachel
Solomon, FFA Secretary Stephanie McNeil, FFA President N'Yirah Renfroe, Principal Dr. Quintin Green, FFA
Sentinel Jordan Gray, FFA Treasurer Aaliyah Smith, CTAE Supervisor Charles Baima, FFA Adviser Lula Curry
Williams, and CTAE Director Dr. Cassandra Miller-Washington.
plans to develop, create, and design, with space provided by the school, a floral shop business. "We have been renting and selling ferns to com‐
panies that have conventions in the local area," Ms. Curry Williams said. "We have provided ser‐
vices to formal receptions, weddings, funerals, and community gatherings. We wish to continue our work, but in a more formal, modern facility." August 26, 2013 * Page 4
Recognitions from Aug. 15 Board Meeting
Longtime Northeast High School Teacher
Named DuPont AgriScience Ambassador
Lula Curry Williams, an agriscience teacher at Northeast High School, successfully completed the 11th an‐
nual DuPont National AgriScience Teachers Ambassador Academy (NATAA) at the company’s Chesa‐
peake Farms in Chestertown, Md., this summer. Upon receiving the certificate of completion, Ms. Curry Williams be‐
came an “Ag Ambassador,” joining the 228 other outstanding teachers who, over the past decade, have attended NATAA and earned that designation. The NATAA “Ag Academy” is a professional development institute sponsored by DuPont and is a special project of the National FFA Founda‐
tion and the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE). This year, 48 highly recommended agris‐
cience teachers were selected to engage in inquiry based activities, where they explored innovative teaching concepts in a classroom setting and spent the majority of the training time applying what they learned outside the classroom through real‐world, hands‐on activi‐
ties on Chesapeake Farms' 3,300‐
acre working farm. Ms. Curry Williams has been a teacher at Northeast for 20 years and has taught Floral Design, Floriculture Production, Horticulture, Nursery & Landscape Design, and Agriscience. "It meant a lot to me to be able to attend the NATAA," she said. "It was a once in a lifetime experience. I got the chance to network with agricul‐
tural teachers from all over the United States. NATAA taught me the miracles of science and other teach‐
ing strategies." By bringing these new learning experiences back to the classroom, teachers make the learning experi‐
ence for their students more intrigu‐
ing and fun, so students are moti‐
vated to learn more about agris‐
cience and its role in helping create a healthier, more sustainable future. “Making sure we have enough healthy, nutritious food to feed a rapidly growing global population is one of the greatest challenges that the world faces today,” said Rik L. From left are Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith, Northeast High School
teacher and FFA adviser Lula Curry Williams, and Northeast Principal Dr. Quintin
Green.
Miller, President of DuPont Crop Protection. “The ongoing work of the Ag Acad‐
emy helps us take a significant step toward meeting that challenge, as it embodies both the professional de‐
velopment required and the enthusi‐
asm necessary to help students flour‐
ish in agriscience‐related fields,” he said. In addition to applying new teach‐
ing techniques in the classroom, Ag Ambassadors also present work‐
shops to their peers. In the past 10 years, about 12,000 teachers across the United States including Puerto Rico and Alaska have participated. In all, Ag Ambassadors have had a di‐
rect impact on tens of thousands of students. Vineville Academy
Student Leads Pledge,
Tells Board Members
About New Mascot
Vineville Academy of the Arts fourth‐
grader Laurence Hill led the Pledge of Allegiance at the August 15 Board Meet‐
ing. He also told Board members about Vineville Academy's new mascot, the PANDAS, which stands for Performing Arts Nourish Dreams Academics and Success. This is the first time in 12 years that Vineville Academy has had a school mascot. Vineville Academy is a fine arts magnet school, teaching Common Core Georgia Performance Standards with the arts integrated into the curriculum. Students are taught through music, dance, art, strings and creative writing. For students with exceptional talent in the areas of art, music, dance or writing extended classes are offered. Vineville Academy inspires students to reach beyond the everyday classroom experience and strive to achieve their highest potential. From left are Vineville Academy of the Arts Assistant Principal Kristy Graham with Vineville Academy fourth-grader Laurence
Hill and his family, and Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith.
August 26, 2013 * Page 5
From left, Lane Elementary School Principal Lynn Stephens, Frankie Robinson, Leroy Tyler, Oscar Hall,
Arenetta Hall, Director of Custodial Services Dennis Staten, and Tracy Dawson are seen at a reception at
Lane Elementary honoring Mr. Hall.
From left are Howard High Assistant Principals Terrance
Phillips and Stacey Bennett, and Principal Matt Adams.
Howard High Named
Best Public School
Howard High School was voted this summer as the 2013 Best of the Best Public School for Macon and Sur‐
rounding Counties by The Telegraph's readers. Runners‐
up included Springdale Elementary School and Alexander II Magnet School. "The teachers, students, parents and administration working together as a team made this accomplishment possible," said Principal Matt Adams. "Together we're working smart and staying focused on student learning. We realize that it's always about continuous improve‐
ment, and we're always moving forward to that goal. I'm blessed to be a part of such an engaged and supportive community. Thank you Telegraph readers for this honor." Retiring Custodial Service
Supervisor Recognized
A reception for retiring Custodial Service Supervisor Oscar Hall was held on Thursday, August 1, at Lane Elementary School. The reception was sponsored by Lane Elementary School custodi‐
ans Leroy Tyler and Frankie Robinson to show their appreciation for the 23 years that Mr. Hall worked to support efforts to maintain the high quality of care and cleanliness in Bibb’s schools. About This Newsletter
This newsletter is created and distributed by the De‐
partment of Communications / Community & School Affairs as a means to inform the community of the events, announcements, and highlights of the Bibb County School District. Permission to reprint unal‐
tered photos and/or stories is hereby granted, pro‐
vided the Bibb County School District is cited. E-mail Us
 Stephanie Hartley, [email protected]  Kim Pelt, [email protected]  Emily Brunner, [email protected]  [email protected] Follow Us on the Web
www.bibb.k12.ga.us * Facebook.com/bibbschools Twitter.com/bibbschools * YouTube.com/bibbschools Photo Courtesy of Macon Mayor Robert Reichert’s Office Students in Rutland High School’s International Studies Program ask questions during a Skype exchange
with students in Macon’s sister city of Kurobe, Japan, as Macon Mayor Robert Reichert, left, looks on.
Rutland High Students Skype with
Japanese Students in Sister City
Students from Rutland High School participated in a language exchange via Skype with stu‐
dents from Macon's sister city of Kurobe, Japan, on Tuesday, August 20. With the time differ‐
ence, it was 8 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, in Kurobe. During the exchange, students in Rutland High's International Studies Program traded ques‐
tions with about 60 elementary and middle school students in an English Summer Camp in Ku‐
robe. Macon Mayor Robert Reichert also was in attendance and participated by asking questions during the Skype session.