November 10, 2014 - Bibb County Schools

A Little
Extra ...
Join Food Safety,
Nutrition Workshop
Shiona Drummer, a teacher at
Rutland Middle School, was
one of 32 teachers nationwide
chosen to complete a food
science training program developed and implemented in a
partnership between the Food
and Drug Administration
(FDA), the National Science
Teachers Association (NSTA),
and Graduate School USA. As
part of her participation in this
program, Ms. Drummer will
host a professional development training session on food
safety on Saturday, November
15, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at
Rutland Middle School, 6260
Skipper Road. It is open to all
District employees. To view
the agenda for the training
session, click here. To read
more about Ms. Drummer’s
experience, click here. For
more information, email
Shiona.Drummer@
bcsdk12.net.
November 10, 2014 * Page 1
Help Schools ‘Can’
Hunger This Season
Five District schools were
chosen to participate in
WDEN and the Grand IMAX at
Amstar Cinemas 16’s second
annual Hunger Games, a consolidated effort to collect
canned goods and nonperishable food items for the Middle
Georgia Community Food
Bank. One class or club from
each school will win a lunch
party from Chick-fil-A and
each school is qualified to win
the grand prize - a private
IMAX screening of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part
1” with free popcorn, drinks
and a boxed lunch from Chickfil-A for 100 students. The
Grand Prize party will be held
the week of November 18-21.
Participating schools collecting donations include Ingram-Pye Elementary School,
Morgan Elementary School,
Vineville Academy of the Arts,
Hutchings College and Career
Academy, and Rutland High
School.
Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith, left, congratulates Rutland High School science teacher Brian Butler after he was
named the 2015 Bibb County Teacher of the Year at a banquet Tuesday, October 28.
A Night for Teachers
Rutland High Teacher Named
2015 Bibb Teacher of the Year
at Annual Banquet at Mercer
Brian Butler, a science teacher from Rutland High
School, was named the 2015 Bibb County Teacher of the
Year during the annual banquet celebrating all Bibb
County School District 2014-2015 Teachers of the Year
on Tuesday, October 28, at Mercer University.
Mr. Butler has an undergraduate degree in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. He also has a Master’s degree in Teaching and an Education Specialist
degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia College and State University. Mr. Butler joined the Bibb
County School District as a science teacher at Miller
Continued on Page 2
District, CIS Celebrate Opening of PLC
The Bibb County School District, in partnership with
Communities in Schools, is proud to announce the launch
of its newest educational initiative, a secondary school
Performance Learning Center (PLC). An opening celebration for the PLC was held Monday, October 27, at Hutchings College and Career Academy, where the PLC is based
for all District high school students to attend.
The PLC offers a business-like learning environment
where students have the opportunity to catch up academically with their peers, by completing assignments using
online, computer-based curriculum and projects developed around student interests and pathways. Dual enrollment, job shadowing, and internship possibilities are also
available as students get back on track for graduation.
Continued on Page 3
November 10, 2014 * Page 2
Thank You for Your
Sponsorships and Donations!
From left, Holli Tarpley of Howard Middle, Michael Scott of Central High, Brian Butler of Rutland High, Delphia
Boynton of Hartley Elementary, and Earnestine McRae of Alexander II Magnet School are seen with a Kroger Co.
representative after being presented with gift baskets and gift cards from the company.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Continued from Page 1
Magnet Middle School in 2007. He began teaching
science for grades 9 through 12 in 2010.
“In my opinion, all true motivation is intrinsic.
Therefore, a teacher’s job is not to motivate students, but to create the conditions necessary for
students to be intrinsically motivated. This is accomplished by creating awareness of one’s
strengths and areas of needed growth, but most
importantly by connecting a student’s learning
goals to their life goals,” Mr. Butler wrote in his
application. “Once that connection is made, students can see the use for the classroom learning
and they become personally invested in acquiring
it. Outstanding teachers know their students’ backgrounds, interests, and prior experiences and use
this information to create rich learning environments where students are intrinsically motivated.”
Before becoming an educator, Mr. Butler served
as a weather officer in the United States Air Force
after earning his degree in Meteorology. He discovered his passion for education while teaching
other service members about weather.
“The most gratifying part of the process was
seeing how this new knowledge increased others’
career opportunities and enhanced our unit’s safety and effectiveness, thus improving the entire
organization’s capabilities,” he wrote.
Mr. Butler was named one of five finalists for
District Teacher of the Year at the Bibb County
Board of Education meeting on September 18,
2014. As District Teacher of the Year, Mr. Butler
will now compete for the title of 2016 Georgia
Teacher of the Year. Other finalists for District
Teacher of the Year were Earnestine McRae, Alexander II Magnet School; Michael Scott, Central
High School; Delphia Boynton, Hartley Elementary
School; and Holli Tarpley, Howard Middle School.
Mr. Scott was named runner-up for District
Teacher of the Year. Mr. Scott has been with the
MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union
Mercer University
The Kroger Co.
Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce
Chris R. Sheridan & Co.
Cox Communications
Bibb Association of Educators
AXA-Equitable
GA School Supply
PAGE
Mercer University Athletic Department
Youmans Chevrolet
Macon Door and Hardware
American Pride Bank
Communities In Schools of Central Georgia
Kelvin Epps Painting Co.
Elliott Wall Law Firm
Adams, Hemingway and Wilson
Lakeshore Learning Materials
Donaldson, Garrett and Associates
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
The Casserole Shop
Sphinx Inc.
Macy’s
Gold Cup Bowling Center
B-Relaxed with Brad Cass
Walmart
Bibb Music Co.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
The Mentors Project of Bibb County
Rebuilding Macon
Rutherford Trophies
Raffield Tire Master
Chick-fil-A Eisenhower Parkway
Popcorn Divine
New Piney Grove Baptist Church
Church of the Harvest
The Coca-Cola Co.
Catrice Allen of Taylor Elementary School, the 2014
Bibb County Teacher of the Year, welcomes guests
to the banquet at Mercer University on Tuesday,
October 28.
Bibb County School District since 2011. He began
his teaching career at Bloomfield Middle School as
a teacher of band and instrumental music. He has
been teaching music at Central High School since
2013. Mr. Scott has a Bachelor of Music Education
from Albany State University and a Master of Music in Performance from Mercer University.
Central High School music teacher Michael Scott,
right, is the runner-up for 2015 Bibb County Teacher
of the Year.
November 10, 2014 * Page 3
Northeast High Hosts Commitment Ceremony
Northeast High School celebrated
its freshmen with a Class of 2018
Commitment to Graduate Ceremony
on Wednesday, November 5. The
ninth-graders were encouraged to
commit to their classes, their work
and graduation.
“We want to start all of our students off with the right frame of
mind knowing what they have in
store for them. A lot of times our
juniors and our seniors wait until
they end, and we want to give our
ninth-graders an opportunity to start
early,” Principal Steven Jones said.
“We’re planting the seed of graduation. We’re building their mindset
and equipping them to let them
know exactly what we expect of
them. We want to set a tone of excellence for these students.”
During the ceremony, ninthgraders committed to graduating
with the Class of 2018. Each student
received individual recognition as he
or she was presented with a personalized "Commitment to Graduate
Certificate" along with a "GEAR UP
21st Century Scholar Certificate." The
ceremony ended with students reciting an oath and signing their Class
of 2018 Banner, which will be displayed throughout their four years at
Northeast High School to serve as a
reminder of their commitment.
Graduation rates were announced
last month by the Georgia Department of Education. Northeast High
Northeast High School ninth-graders sign a banner announcing their commitment to graduate with the class of 2018 during a
ceremony on Wednesday, November 5.
School’s graduation rate increased
12.5 percentage points from 2013 to
2014. The graduation rate jumped
from 52.5 in 2013 to 65 in 2014. The
increase can be attributed to the
school’s efforts to individualize students and their specific needs. As
examples, students were assigned
advisers who served as their advocates throughout their four years,
and faculty and staff made a point of
developing relationships with each
student.
The school’s counselors and graduation coach also developed a database to track students and because
of this they were able to meet frequently with students in the cohorts
who had grade and attendance problems. Students who fell behind were
assigned to credit recovery and repair programs, and the school also
hosted additional instructional and
remediation sessions.
PLC
Continued from Page 1
At left, Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement Sylvia Hooker addresses
the crowd of parents, students, staff and guests at the opening celebration for the
Performance Learning Center on Monday, October 27. Above, Taryn Collinsworth
of Communities In Schools addresses the crowd.
“Every year you’re going to see
how our graduation rates fluctuate and change. It’s critical that
we can have another avenue for
students to succeed to make our
Bibb County graduation rate improve and also make students
employable,” said Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement
Sylvia Hooker.
Throughout this initiative, graduation advisers/coaches, counselors and community mentors, and
PLC staff will provide additional
support for students who may
face challenges outside of the
classroom. Students who complete all program requirements
will graduate with a high school
diploma from their home school.
To read more about the PLC,
click here.
November 10, 2014 * Page 4
Howard High Celebrates AP Success
On Thursday, October 30, Howard
High School recognized 120 students
who earned an incentive check for
receiving a qualifying score on one or
more math, science and English Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The
staff and students celebrated their
success and the outcome of their
valuable relationship with NMSI.
Howard High received the National
Math and Science Initiative (NMSI)
grant in spring 2011. For the following three years, NMSI worked closely
with Howard High AP teachers and
students to establish mastery of the
advanced materials and preparation
for the test. NMSI sent AP teachers
to several training sessions where
they received extra information and
materials to ensure their students
made a 3 or higher on the AP exam.
The grant provided guest presenters
from around the country who visited
with Howard High students and
worked to help them better understand the material. NMSI also administered a mock AP exam where the
students and teachers had the opportunity to test their knowledge
before the real test. This grant was
made possible by a commitment
from Northrop Grumman, which paid
for the teacher training sessions,
food and door prizes for the Saturday Study sessions, and the incentives.
Suzanne
Spaid,
Performance
Learning Coach at Howard High,
refers to NMSI as a rising tide that
lifts all boats.
Having the NMSI grant at Howard
High School has changed the academic culture,” she said. “After three
years of increased enrollment in AP
classes and a steady increase in qualifying scores, taking AP classes has
become part of the fabric of Howard
High.”
Students who earn a score of 3 or
higher on an AP exam receive a $100
stipend per test. Teachers of these
students also receive $100 per student and an additional $1,000 if the
teacher meets his or her goal set by
NMSI.
Howard has seen tremendous
growth in their AP program since the
inception of the NMSI grant in fall
2011. Before the grant, Howard High
yielded 34 qualifying scores out of
the 130 students who took the exams. By the final year of the grant,
the number of qualifying scores rose
to 120, which totals a 253 percent
increase. The number of students
Howard High School students and teachers hold up the incentive checks they were presented with Thursday, October 30, for
achieving Advanced Placement success.
enrolled in AP classes increased to
340. In addition, minority participation in AP classes rose 277 percent
and qualifying scores for minority
students tallied an 800 percent increase.
Chelsea Carr, a graduate of Howard High, is currently in her first year
at Mercer University. Thanks to the
10 AP courses she took throughout
high school, she is considered a
sophomore even though she hasn’t
even completed her first semester.
Her mother spoke at the assembly
praising the advantages of AP classes. Her daughter has several benefits at Mercer such as getting the
opportunity to register earlier,
omitting core classes to begin focusing on her major and overpassing
freshman year’s tuition. All off these
benefits arose from taking AP classes
at Howard.
At the celebration, Howard High
recognized 34 AP Scholars. Twentyone students earned the honor of
being named an AP Scholar with an
average of 2.82 on their AP exams,
three were named AP Scholars with
Honor with an average of 3.33 on
their AP exams, and 10 were named
AP Scholars with Distinction with an
average of 3.95 on their AP exams.
AP Scholars
(Granted to students who received
scores of 3 or higher on three or
more AP Exams)
Sandra Amadi (graduate)
Anna-Lisa Baidoo (graduate)
Songha Beak (senior)
Sam Bechtel (graduate)
Bayleigh Carver (senior)
Jasmine Clark (graduate)
Kristen Collier (graduate)
Celia Dann (graduate)
Bryce Fincher (senior)
Anna Horton (graduate)
Jordan Lasker (graduate)
Daniel Mines (graduate)
Nirali Patel (graduate)
Trey Powell (senior)
Austin Samuelson (senior)
Alex Sandifer (senior)
Cary Lynne Thigpen (senior)
Jacy Thomas (graduate)
Alex Wood (graduate)
Cameron Wright (senior)
AP Scholar with Honor
(Granted to students who received
an average score of at least 3.25 on
all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or
higher on four or more of these exams)
Brendan Carmack (graduate)
Kemjika Echebelem (graduate)
Jipal Patel (graduate)
AP Scholar with Distinction
(Granted to students who received
who received an average score of at
least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five
or more of these exams)
Chelsea Carr (graduate)
Sydney Hutchings (senior)
Teva Ilan (graduate)
Anna Jones (senior)
Piny Kane (graduate)
Daniel Pham (graduate)
Hayley Reynolds (graduate)
Ian Roughen (senior)
Jeremiah Smith (graduate)
Jake Taylor (graduate)
Howard High also recognized six
AP teachers who were part of the
NMSI grant. Teachers attended workshops, Saturday study sessions, four
vertical team meetings, a mock exam
grading session, and held additional
tutoring sessions for the students.
One of those recognized was AP
Calculus teacher Amy Brand. The
overall national pass rate for the AP
Calculus exam was 58.4 percent.
Mrs. Brand’s Calculus class totaled a
78 percent pass rate.
“As a former AP student myself, I
fully understood the value of AP
courses but had a hard time making
students see what these classes
could mean to them,” Mrs. Brand
said. “NMSI raised awareness of the
benefits of AP courses among the
students, and they also helped me
improve as a teacher. AP Calculus
classrooms are always filled with
bright students, but that does not
translate into success. NMSI provided training with teachers who had
years of experience teaching AP Calculus in a similar environment. They
gave me practical advice on how I
could improve as a teacher and also
demonstrated activities that could be
immediately applied in my classroom. This allowed me to be a much
better teacher and help my students
achieve their full potential.”
The following teachers were honored for their contribution to academic excellence through NMSI:
Kevin Adams, AP Statistics
Jamie Akin, AP Chemistry
Amy Brand, AP Calculus
Dan Maley, AP Physics
Louisa McDonald, AP Environmental
Science
Melinda Powell, AP English Literature
Due to the success of this program
at Howard High School, all Houston
County schools are now participating
in the NMSI Grant sponsored by the
Department of Defense as part of
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Initiative
for Military Families.
- Emily Brunner
November 10, 2014 * Page 5
Bruce, Williams Honor Schools’ Achievements
Two Bibb elementary schools were removed
from the Georgia Department of Education’s
(GaDOE) list of Alert Schools earlier this year. Both
Bruce Elementary and Williams Elementary
Schools held ceremonies for students and staff
recently to celebrate their success.
“First, we worked on our mindset. We believe in
the three M’s: mission, method and mindset. We
really believe in the mission of the Bibb County
School District,” said Bruce Elementary School
Principal Dr. Ramon Johnson. “We want to make
sure we build strength of character and that our
students know they can go to college and have
great character. We started doing self-reflections
to determine if we needed to change anything we
were doing. Then we started working on relationships, relevance and rigor in the curriculum. When
you put all that together it really has made an impact in changing the culture here at Bruce Elementary.”
“Over the last three years, teachers and support
staff have focused on analyzing student data and
adjusting instruction to meet the needs of individual students,” said Williams Principal Dr. Shandrina
Griffin-Stewart.
“Professional learning was also a key component. Teachers participated in targeted professional learning in the areas of math and reading while
integrating the science and social studies content.
The training allowed teachers to implement research-based instructional strategies that yielded
Above, administrators celebrate with Williams Elementary School students and staff. Below, Interim Superintendent
Dr. E. Steven Smith congratulates Bruce Elementary School Principal Dr. Ramon Johnson.
results. In the process, students increased their
knowledge in the classroom while becoming selfdirected learners. Lastly, teamwork helped us
move out of the Alert category. Parents attended
workshops that focused on assisting with homework and understanding the Common Core standards, while community partners provided tutorial
opportunities and so much more. We still have lots
of work to do at Williams but we are truly moving
in the right direction. It is all about academic excellence,” she said.
Vineville Robotics
Team on a Mission
Alexander II Builds Fence with
Lowe’s Toolbox Education Grant
Vineville Academy of the Arts’ RoboPandas, a
FIRST LEGO League Robotics team, are off to a great
start. Coaches for the new team are Leslie Brown
and Debra Griffith. Recently, the RoboPandas have
focused on building their team core values and
building the LEGO missions for the robot game competition. The team is working toward competing in
the December state-level qualifier.
Last spring, Alexander II Magnet School was
selected to receive a 2014 Lowe’s Toolbox for
Education Grant. The school was awarded
$4,630 for a “Please Fence Me In!” grant written
by Dr. Nicole Evans. The grant was requested in
order to install a fence around a grassy area
between the school's parking lot and playground area in order to keep students safe while
playing.
"Our project is designed to keep students safe
while being able to provide enough space for
them to play ball, visit with friends, and play
games,” Dr. Evans wrote in the grant request.
The installation of the fence is now complete
and this has expanded the play area for students at Alexander II.
November 10, 2014 * Page 6
Japanese Exchange Students Visit Rutland High
Eight Japanese exchange students
visited Rutland High this month for a
weeklong American culture experience. While the Japanese students
were in America, they lived with host
families. The Japanese students
attended school with their host students and accompanied them
throughout their daily activities.
“It has been amazing. My family
and I have learned so many different
things,” said Rutland junior Hayley
Harrod. “Everything is different in
Japan. Their homes are different,
their schools are different, their
modes of transportation and even
breakfast. In Japan they eat rice for
breakfast so when we made bacon
and eggs she got a little wide-eyed,
but she seemed to like it. It is really
interesting, especially to see her get
excited about the little things that
we take for granted.”
The International Studies Program
at Rutland High allows the school to
partner with schools in Macon-Bibb’s
sister cities. Macon-Bibb has several
sister cities, including Kurobe, Japan.
This is the second time in the last
four years that Japanese students
from Kurobe have visited Rutland
High.
“I think it is very important to
Rutland High School students and their Japanese exchange students enjoy Krispy
Kreme donuts in the school’s media center.
broaden the horizons of our students
because all we know is what we see
every day. We do not know what life
is like in other countries. This opportunity allows them to learn how people in other countries live, what is
different about their culture, and
what is different about their
schools,” said Rebecca Morgan, Social Studies teacher and International
Studies Coordinator. “There are
some things that cannot be taught by
looking in a text book. This is one of
those life experiences that really
enriches everything that they know.”
The Japanese students were honored at City Hall on Tuesday, November 4. They watched their first football game, toured the city, and visited museums while in Macon. They
also spent time in Atlanta where they
visited the CNN Center, the CocaCola Factory, and had tea at the official residence of Kazuo Sunaga, Consul General of Japan.
“Meeting the Japanese students
was very exciting because it brings a
new dimension to Rutland High
School. They were bright-eyed, enthusiastic and enjoying their visit,”
said Rutland High Principal Kent
Sparks. “On the humorous side, we
had a reception for them where we
served Krispy Kreme donuts. They
had never seen a donut and watching them eat a Krispy Kreme donut
for the first time was priceless.”
Next school year, the eight Rutland
High host students will visit Japan to
live with their Japanese exchange
students’ families and learn about
the Japanese culture.
“It will give the students memories
that will last a life time and hopefully
friendships that will last a life time,”
Mr. Sparks said. “I hope this opportunity will change their world view
for the better because some of our
students haven’t traveled outside of
Middle Georgia. To meet someone
from another culture is always a
learning experience.”
- Emily Brunner
Bernd Students Dress
as Favorite Characters
In recognition of Attendance Awareness Month in September, Bernd
Elementary School students who had perfect attendance for a week were
able to participate in Tacky Day.
Mayor’s Wife Visits Students
at Williams on Halloween
Dele Reichert, wife of Macon-Bibb Mayor Robert Reichert, visited with students at Williams Elementary School on Friday, October 31. Mrs. Reichert
passed out special Halloween treats and spent time with the students.
November 10, 2014 * Page 7
GEICO Hires 13 Youth Apprenticeship Students
The Youth Apprenticeship Program
(YAP) is proud to announce its continued partnership with GEICO. This
year the company hired 13 Bibb
County high school seniors to work
as youth apprentices. YAP is designed for high school students, and
it is designed to build a partnership
with the school system to develop
future employees for the emerging
workforce.
“We continue to enjoy a solid and
productive partnership with the local
high schools to provide employment
opportunities for their students with
the hopes that these part-time positions develop into future full-time
employees,” said Melinda (Mindy)
West, Department Manager at GEICO.
The YAP Coordinator, teachers and
counselors identified and selected
students based on their educational
goals and career objectives, Grade
Point Averages, attendance, and
discipline records to interview for
the newly created positions. All students participated in a panel interview, which consisted of GEICO’s
mangers and Human Resources personnel. Before students were offered
the position, they had to complete all
of the hiring steps required for any
Students in the Youth Apprenticeship Program have been hired to work at GEICO.
They are Morgan Flowers, D’yana King, Monica Jackson, Alyssa Trussell, Markell
Barron, Simone Rainey, Samantha Van Aken, Amanda Casteel, Macy Watson, Trey
Foust, Justin Little and Brent McKinney. Not pictured is Juwan Hammock.
other potential GEICO applicant.
The students are: Markell Barron,
Westside High; Amanda Casteel,
Howard High; Morgan Flowers,
Hutchings College and Career Academy; Trey Foust, Rutland High; Juwan
Hammock, Central High; Monica
Jackson, Hutchings College and Career Academy; D’yana King, Rutland
High; Justin Little, Rutland High;
Brent McKinney, Rutland High; Simone Rainey-Way, Rutland High; Alyssa
Trussell, Westside High; Samantha
Van Aken, Howard High; and Macy
Watson, Rutland High.
“GEICO remains committed to its
partnership with the local school
districts by providing real-life work
experiences that will prepare students for future career opportuni-
ties,” said Meredith Rosser, Director
of Human Resources at GEICO.
The Youth Apprenticeship program
has been in place since 1994. It is a
component of the Career, Technical,
and Agricultural Education (CTAE)
Department led by Director Dr. Cassandra Miller-Washington, and provides an opportunity for students to
connect classroom learning to “real
world” work experience.
“I am so excited for this opportunity to partner with GEICO and provide
students with real world work experiences aligned to their career objectives as teenagers preparing for their
future,” said Vonnie Angelo, YAP
Coordinator for Bibb County. “This is
an amazing opportunity for these
students as they set the tone for this
program.”
The seniors are excited about the
experience and training they will
receive at GEICO.
“I enjoy working at GEICO because
it has given me the opportunity to
have a real world business job while
still in high school. I love learning
new things and GEICO allows me to
learn and gain experience at something that could later turn into a
career,” said Rutland High School
student Brent McKinney.
State Board Provides
Funding for Technology
Morgan Pre-K Students
Travel to Elliott Farms
Pre-kindergarten students at Morgan Elementary School took a
field trip last month to Elliott Farms in Lizella. Students learned about
fall and pumpkins.
The State Board of Education voted
Monday, October 27, to contribute more than $14.8 million in bond
funds toward grants that will allow 103
local education agencies (LEAs) to improve their internet infrastructure, part
of a larger effort to ensure all classrooms have the high-speed broadband
access required for digital and blended
learning.
One state charter school and 102
districts received a total of more than
$36.7 million in grants from Connections for Classrooms, a collaborative
funding effort between the Georgia
Department of Education (GaDOE), the
Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA), and the One Georgia
Authority (OGA). The Bibb County
School
District
was
awarded
$134,363.81.
“As technology advances, educators
have an unprecedented opportunity to
provide personalized learning to every
student,” State Superintendent Dr.
John Barge said. “However, schools
cannot fully take advantage of that
opportunity without access to adequate infrastructure. Through this program and others, we are working to
ensure that every Georgia classroom is
fully equipped for digital learning.”
The Connections for Classrooms
grant program is part of a broader
effort that includes expanding the University System of Georgia’s (USG)
Peachnet network to connect every
Georgia LEA to its high-speed network.
The partnership between GaDOE and
USG will ensure that all district central
offices have 100 megabits of bandwidth
per second, per school by July 2015.
Connections for Classrooms broadens
this expansion to ensure that schools
have sufficient network infrastructure
to effectively utilize that increased
bandwidth at the classroom level.
- GaDOE
November 10, 2014 * Page 8
Central High Wins District
AAA One-Act Competition
Central High School’s theatre team won
first place in the One-Act Competition for
District AAA. They performed the play “Hush
Little Celia, Don’t Say a Word” written by
Joseph Wallace.
The play is about a girl named Celia who
does not speak. She is bullied by her peers
and neglected by her parents. A student,
Todd, wants to get to know her and through
his help she is able to find her voice and open
up.
“It is really relatable. There is always that
one kid who is mistreated in a class and you
are either going to help them or be part of
the problem,” said senior Kayla Dunn. “You
never know who is going to be in the audience. It might help someone figure out what
they need to do in that situation. For us to be
able to help them with that is really important.”
The students are currently preparing for
Jabba-Jabba-Womp, a 10-minute play festival
for midstate schools hosted at Central High.
The festival provides students with an opportunity to express their creativity and showcase their own work. Plays for the festival are
coordinated by the students – they write
them, cast them, direct them, design the sets
and costumes, and perform in them.
- Emily Brunner
Community Partner Donates
School Supplies to Ingram-Pye
School community partners from Macedonia Church visited Ingram-Pye Elementary School
recently to deliver school supplies that had been donated by the church's Education Ministry.
Porter Whips Up
Pancakes for
Reading Success
Porter Elementary School Principal Dr. Kim ReiningGray and Assistant Principal Chris Kirby (above) whipped
up pancakes for students on Friday, October 24. Students
in five classes enjoyed pancakes as a celebration for completing their Accelerated Reading goals. Guests, including
Deputy Superintendent of School Operations Dr. Kelley
Castlin-Gacutan, were invited to visit and read to students during their pancake parties.
Vineville Students
Time Travel to ’50s
Kindergarten teachers and students at Vineville Academy of the Arts celebrated the 50th day of school with a
1950s style sock-hop. The students and teachers wore
poodle skirts, leather jackets, bobby socks and high-top
sneakers for the occasion. All Common Core curriculum
activities for the day revolved around the number 50.
November 10, 2014 * Page 9
Schools Participate in Red Ribbon Week
Schools throughout the District celebrated Red Ribbon Week on October 23-31. Red Ribbon Week is a
national campaign celebrating safe, healthy and drug
free youth.
At Bernd Elementary School, students kicked off a
week of special themes by wearing red on Monday.
Throughout the week they dressed for the themes of
Team Up Against Drugs, Super Hero Day, and Too
Bright For Drugs.
At Heritage Elementary, students in Catharine Ely
and Rebecca Lober’s kindergarten class wore “ghost”
mustaches for Red Ribbon Week on Halloween. The
theme was “I ‘Mustache’ You to Say No to Drugs.”
Ingram-Pye Elementary School celebrated Red Ribbon Week with various activities. On Tuesday, the students were entertained and educated during an assembly program. Principal Dr. Quintin Green served as
"Deputy Dog Green" as he talked to the students about
taking a bite out of drugs and bullying. Assistant Principal Danielle Howard and instructional paraprofessional
LaJuana Harris dressed as bullies, while academic
coaches Camisha Sneed and Tracey Muff acted out the
role of drug pushers. The students had a great time
laughing at the adults during the assembly.
Dr. Green’s message to the students came from a
role-play he created where he had gifts wrapped neatly and beautifully as he impressed upon students that
it is important not to judge a book by its cover. He also
enforced the message that our bodies are our
"package" and we must protect our health by staying
away from drugs and bullying. Two students were selected to volunteer to pick a package. The students
usually pick the most beautifully wrapped package
because of its look and size; however, Dr. Green put a
cash prize into the packages that are usually the most
unattractive. During the assembly fifth grade student
Antonio Hightower was recognized for his creation of
an acrostic poem using the word HAND: H - Help each
other say no to drugs and bullying; A - Associate with
adults who can assist you; N - Never use drugs or bully
others; and D - Do what you can to encourage others
not to do drugs or bully anyone.
Lane Elementary School held a Positive Choices Assembly in connection with Red Ribbon Week activities. Speakers and guests included Ninti Chance, Miss
Macon; Marvin James, WMAZ Sports Reporter; and
Curlandra Lightfoot-Smith, Bibb County social worker.
At Vineville Academy of the Arts, students dressed
up for Halloween and Red Ribbon Week to the theme
of “Good Characters Say Boo to Drugs.”
At Williams Elementary School, members of the
Downtown Macon Rotary Club visited with children on
Wednesday, October 29. Members Paul Bronson and
Ed Davis read to the students.
Rutland Middle School students and staff dressed up
during Red Ribbon Week to celebrate a drug-free life.
Themes for the week included Sock it to Drugs, Don’t
Get Tied up in Drugs, Shade Out Drugs, Put a Cap on
Drugs, and Dress for Success, Be Drug Free, Show your
Swag. The school held a Hall Decorating Contest and
the students and teachers on the winning hallway
were allowed to have a jeans day on October
30. Students also received numbered red ribbons for
the week, and a drawing was held each day for prizes
for each grade level.
Vineville Academy of the Arts
Ingram-Pye Elementary School
Bernd Elementary School
Lane Elementary School
Rutland Middle School
Heritage Elementary School
Williams Elementary School
November 10, 2014 * Page 10
Pictured at Tractor Supply Co. are, from left, freshman Joseph Simpson, junior JaShon Reese, Southwest
alumnus and employee of Tractor Supply Mr. Jones, senior Deontre Harrell, senior Terricca Roberson,
senior Breun Brown-Smith and CTI Coordinator Willie Batts.
Southwest CTI Students Take
Part in Transition Awareness
Southwest High School Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) chapter members participated in
a transition career awareness activities on Wednesday, October 22. The students visited the
Macon Transit Authority where they practiced self-advocacy skills in order to find transportation
around the city for school and work purposes. They also participated in an industry tour at Tractor Supply Co. where they learned entry-level job readiness skills, as well as requirements to
become employed with the company.
Lane Elementary Recognizes
October Students of Month
Lane Elementary School students in Pre-K through fifth grade were recognized at a breakfast
for being selected as Students of the Month for October. Pictured with the students is Assistant
Principal Catherine Chastain.
Williams Elementary School students had a chance to take
‘selfies’ with Jason Carter.
Williams Students
Meet Gubernatorial
Candidate, Former
First Lady of U.S.
Students from Williams Elementary School met gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter during a tour stop in
Macon on Monday, October 27. The students toured his
bus and met former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Heritage Students
Decorate Pumpkins
Heritage Elementary School students got into the spirit
of the season by decorating pumpkins as book characters
for Halloween. The decorated pumpkins were for a contest sponsored by the Media Center.
November 10, 2014 * Page 11
Vineville Appoints
Junior Fire Marshals
Vineville Academy of the Arts appointed
junior fire marshals under the assistance and
direction of Macon-Bibb County Fire Lt. Ellen
Kicklighter. The Vineville Academy Junior Fire
Marshal Program is provides instruction on
fire behavior, fire prevention, and fire safety
for students in the fourth and fifth grades.
Lt. Kicklighter presented a four-part program that was arranged and scheduled with
the students, teachers and Assistant Principal
Lashonda Gilbert.
Lt. Kicklighter presented audio and visual
materials, as well as lectures. The students
met fire crew members and learned about the
firefighters’ occupation. During the program,
students received instructions on school fire
safety, home fire safety and fire prevention.
Upon completion of their assignments, the
students receive a certificate and fire safety Tshirt from the prevention department.
Porter Hosts Title I
Math, Science Night
Porter Elementary School hosted a Title I Math and
Science Night for families on Tuesday, November 4. Parents had the opportunity to learn more about math and
science curriculum, and also participated in a PTO
Meeting.
Central High DECA
Partners with Group
for Service Project
Rice Student Leaders Visit
Fort Valley State University
On Monday, October 20, the Rice Elementary School Student Leadership Association (SLA)
traveled to Fort Valley State University. The field trip, sponsored by State Farm Agent James
Hawkins, was an effort to prepare and expose the students to post-secondary education. While
there, they participated in the college’s Homecoming kickoff celebration.
Central High School DECA members volunteered with
the Middle Georgia Down Syndrome Society’s annual
Middle Georgia Buddy Walk on Saturday, October
18. The students assisted with setup, monitoring games
and activities and cleanup. Central High’s DECA chapter
has also adopted this organization as their local service
project. The students will assist in developing a website,
sponsorships and advertising for the annual event. The
Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National
Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome
Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
November 10, 2014 * Page 12
Bernd Recognizes
October Students
of the Month
Weaver FBLA Chapter
Celebrates Fall Season
Weaver Middle School’s Future Business
Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter had a busy
October. On Monday, October 13, FBLA members attended the FBLA Motivational Rally
with other chapters around the state to kick
off the new school year. Members celebrated
neighbors in the community by playing bingo
at Morningside of Macon on Saturday, October 25. Showing appreciation for teachers,
members handed out bags of Halloween
goodies to teachers on Friday, October 31.
The chapter is busy collecting items for the
annual Bibb County Career and Technical
Student Organization (CTSO) Coat Drive. The
community is invited to drop off coats, hats,
mittens, or scarves at Weaver Middle School
Bernd Elementary School Students of the Month
for October were recognized by Principal Dr. Chad
Thompson and Assistant Principal Tawanya Wilson.
These students show Raider P.R.I.D.E. throughout day by
being Prepared for School, Respectful to All, Informed
Individuals, Demonstrating Strength of Character, and
Engaged in Learning. They received a coupon to Stevi B’s,
a coupon for a free waffle at Waffle House, and a pencil.
throughout the month. Also, Weaver’s FBLA
chapter and Junior Beta Club have joined
forces to help the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful
Commission’s recycling initiative by collecting
gently used shoes throughout the month of
November. The community may bring old
shoes (even flip flops and slides) to Weaver
and drop them in the bin.
Guests Invited to
Share Importance
of Literacy at Rice
Lane Elementary First-Graders
Perform at School PTO Meeting
First grade students at Lane Elementary School presented a program at the school’s October
PTO meeting based on the book, “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.”
On Monday, September 8, grandparents, family members and the community were invited to International
Literacy and Grandparents Day. Guests were invited to
read and tell stories, and discuss the importance of literacy. The school’s staff was excited to have so many volunteers celebrate with them as they continue to provide
avenues to build strength of character for students and
ensure that they are college or career ready. Without the
commitment of dedicated community leaders, the program would not have been successful.
November 10, 2014 * Page 13
Gently Used Formal Gowns
Sought for Dress Drive
The District's Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Department is preparing for its third annual
Cinderella's Wish List Dress and Accessories Sale with a
Dress Drive throughout the months of November and
December. Donations of gently used prom, formal and
bridesmaid dresses, as well as shoes and accessories,
may be dropped off at any of the District’s seven high
schools through Friday, December 19.
The Cinderella's Wish List Dress and Accessories Sale,
held in late winter, features new or gently-used prom
dresses and accessories for sale at a discounted cost. All
high school girls are invited to attend the sale and shop.
The CTAE Department hosts the annual event to raise
money for the CTAE Student of the Year Scholarship fund.
Currently, the CTAE Department presents a scholarship
to the Bibb County CTAE Student of the Year, as well as
to the first- and second-place runners-up.
For more information on the Cinderella's Wish List
Dress and Accessories Sale or Dress Drive, please contact
Vonnie
Angelo
at
(478)
779-2526
or
[email protected].
About This Newsletter
This newsletter is created and distributed by the
Department 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
unaltered photos and/or stories is hereby granted,
provided the Bibb County School District is cited.
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Students Attend DECA
Fall Leadership Event
Students from Central, Howard, Southwest and Westside High Schools participated in this year’s DECA Fall Leadership
Development Conference in Atlanta on
October 23-24. During the two-day conference, students attended various leadership sessions, networked with DECA
members from around the state, and
participated in the Statesman Exam,
which is a testing event that allowed
them to demonstrate their knowledge of
DECA.
From Central High School, the following DECA students were presented with
the Statesman Award: Nia Holland, Alexis
Sanders, Prince Henderson, Zshomari
Holmes, Kendra Swayne, Rukayat
Adebayo, Nekaybaw Watson, Jasmine
Green and Monica Robinson.
Howard High School DECA officers
Elijah McCoy, Brandon O’Neal, Jordan
Tarver, Daejah Sinclair and Tiriq Raines
represented Howard High School along
with their adviser, Vicki Wechsler. The
team members learned a lot during the
conference and are looking forward to
implementing some great ideas for Howard High School’s DECA program.
From Southwest High School, the following DECA students were presented
with the Statesman Award: Kerria Bryant
(Perfect Score), Ashanti Jones, and
Teleshia Vail.
Westside High School DECA students
Niyah Dumas (President), Ariane “Jade”
Hodges (Secretary), and Jaron Jackson
participated in the Statesman Exam. Ariane and Jaron both obtained perfect
scores on their tests. The team members
also competed in the Membership Recruitment Contest and the Community
Service Project for Literacy. Westside
DECA members hosted literacy week at
their school October 13- 17. On October
13, DECA members distributed green
ribbons to faculty, staff, and students, to
promote literacy. On October 14, DECA
members took selfies with their favorite
book. On October 15, they concluded the
chapter competition: Who can read the
most books? DECA member Kimberly
Hoang, who had read 70 books since the
start of the school year, won. On October
18, the chapter promoted literacy via
social media, and October 18, members
teamed up with Wesleyan College to
promote literacy on the college campus.
As result of the chapter’s community
service project, Westside DECA received
the highest incentive level, Level 1 “I AM
DECA,” at the conference.
Central High School
Howard High School
Southwest High School
Westside High School