February 23, 2015 - Bibb County Schools
Transcripción
February 23, 2015 - Bibb County Schools
A Little Extra ... Annual CTAE Dress Sale Helping Seniors to Pay for College The District's Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Department will host its third annual Cinderella’s Wish List Dress and Accessories Sale. The sale features new or gently used prom dresses and accessories at a discounted cost. March 5-6: 4-7 p.m. March 7: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will be held at the Welcome Center Annex at 2007-F Riverside Drive in Macon. All high school girls are invited to attend. CTAE hosts the annual event to raise funds for the CTAE Student of the Year Scholarship Program. For more information, call (478) 779-2527. Partners Offer Help with Financial Aid OneMacon Business Education Partnership will host a Financial Aid Saturday at Southwest High on March 7 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The financial assistance sessions are free for students, parents and guardians who may need help completing federal and state financial aid applications for college enrollment. Contact high school counselors by February 27 for a time slot. Southwest is located at 1775 Williamson Road in Macon. February 23, 2015 * Page 1 BOE Set to Vote on Superintendent The Bibb County Board of Education is expected to vote on a Superintendent on February 26. The Board voted on February 11 to name Dr. Curtis L. Jones Jr. as the sole finalist for Superintendent. Dr. Jones is currently serving as Superintendent of Griffin-Spalding County Schools. “Dr. Jones was one of the finalists for the 2015 Georgia Superintendent of the Year Award and is President-Elect of the Georgia School Boards Association. He holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of the esteemed United States Military Academy at West Point. The consensus of the Board is that they are bringing in one of the best - someone who has demonstrated success and who will bring the district team and community together to improve the schools, the district, and the community by putting the needs of the students first,” Board members said in a joint statement. For more information, click here. Honoring his Legacy Ballard-Hudson Media Center Named After Dr. R.J. Martin Driver’s Licenses Linked to Absences According to the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TAADRA) passed in 1997, the Department of Driver Services could suspend a student’s driver’s license for up to one year if they are considered non-compliant. This includes 10 or more unexcused absences or certain discipline violations! For more information, see page 34 of the 2014 Drivers Manual here: www.eregulations.com/ georgia/driver/pageflip/. Dr. Curtis Jones Jr. Board of Education members and administrators join Carol Martin Hadley in celebrating the dedication of the Dr. R.J. Martin Media Center at Ballard-Hudson Middle on February 19. The Bibb County Board of Education celebrated the dedication of the Dr. Riago Joseph (R.J.) Martin Media Center at Ballard-Hudson Middle School on Thursday, February 19. An esteemed and beloved educator, Dr. Martin led Ballard-Hudson Senior High School as its only principal from 1949 to 1970. “I am very happy to know that he is still in people’s minds after 20 years, and this dedication means an awful lot to me,” said Dr. Martin’s daughter, Carol Martin Hadley. “His big achievements in helping the community out included integration and guiding his students in the right direction. So many of Continued on Page 2 Five Seniors Named QuestBridge Finalists Five college-bound seniors from Bibb County have been declared QuestBridge Finalists. QuestBridge aims to increase the number of talented low-income students attending the nation’s top universities. QuestBridge is a provider of the National College Match program that allows students to apply to their 35 partner colleges and may be admitted with full four-year scholarships to these schools. The students were named QuestBridge Finalists after the National College Match program did not match them to a Continued on Page 3 February 23, 2015 * Page 2 Don’t Miss Chance to Register for District’s 2015-2016 Pre-Kindergarten Program The District has kicked off Pre-Kindergarten registration for the 2015-2016 school year. Registration is taking place through February 28 at Northwoods Academy, 709 Pierce Avenue in Macon. Remaining registration times include: 4-6:30 p.m. February 24 and February 26 9 a.m.-2 p.m. February 28 Parents will need to bring the following to registration: Proof of residence (current telephone, gas, water, electric or cable bill), Child’s certified birth certificate, and Child’s Social Security card, and Photo ID of parent/guardian There are currently 729 Pre-K slots available to children who are 4 years old on or before September 1, 2015. Students may attend Pre-K at their zoned school or Northwoods Academy. Selection is based on a random computer lottery, and there is no cost to participate. For more, call (478) 779-3200, or click here. DR. R.J. MARTIN Continued from Page 1 them have come and said to me, ‘Your father steered me in the right direction and this is the reason I am where I am today.’” Mrs. Hadley said the decision to name a media center after Dr. Martin would have pleased him greatly. “He was one who believed in education, and in order to get an education you have to read, so it would mean a lot to him. It means a lot to me,” she said. Riago Joseph Martin, the son of the late John D. and Adele Collins Martin, was born January 1, 1905 in Mobile, Ala. He attended St. Peter Claver Elementary School, Emerson Normal Institute, Talladega College, Fisk University, Columbia University, and the University of Oklahoma. He received honorary doctor of human letter degrees from Morris Brown College and Allen University. During his career as an educator, Dr. Martin was employed by the Avery Institute, Lincoln Academy, Henry County Training School, and Central High School in Waycross. In Bibb County, he was principal of Ballard High School and later became principal of Ballard-Hudson Senior High School. Ballard-Hudson High School was built in 1949 as the only high school in Macon for African-American students in grades nine through twelve. The school represents the merger of two schools: Ballard High School, a private school, and Hudson High School, a public industrial school. In 1970, the same year a federal court required the integration of all public schools in Georgia, Ballard-Hudson Senior High was reorganized and renamed under the Southwest Comprehensive High School Complex. “It’s evident by the people in attendance today that Dr. Martin was the one who led so many to get an education, and a lot of those people are working in the school district today,” said Board of Education member Thomas Hudson. “He was a strong disciplinarian, he did so much Above, a crowd of former students, educators and family members gathered to honor Dr. R.J. Martin. Below, Carol Martin Hadley accepts a proclamation naming it Dr. R.J. Martin Day from Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Virgil Watkins Jr. At right, the family is seen with the proclamation below Dr. Martin’s portrait in the Dr. R.J. Martin Media Center at Ballard-Hudson Middle School. with so little, and it is evident because of the students he produced. His legacy speaks for itself.” “Many times we have a lot of trailblazers who are often forgotten, but today this is an indication that his legacy will live forever through the dedication of this center to Dr. Martin.” In 1972, Dr. Martin became one of the first elected African-American members of the Bibb County Board of Education and served on the board for 12 years. His educational affiliations include: President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Georgia Teachers and Education Association (GTEA); Director, National Education Association (NEA); President, Georgia Council of Principals; President, American Teachers Association; founding member, Georgia Association of Educators; and member of the Georgia National Association of Secondary School Principals, the State of Georgia Salary and Research Committee and the White House International Cooperation Conference. His civic affiliations include: American Cancer Society, Economic Opportunity Council, United Givers Fund, Homosophian Club, Macon Hospital Authority, first black Chairman of the Bibb County Democratic Party, first black Chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee, first black Chairman of the Executive Committee for Health Systems Agency, charter member of the Lambda Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, longtime member of St. Peter Claver Church, and executive director of Thomas Memorial Funeral Home. His honors include: Meritorious Service to Education as Director of GTEA and NEA, 1970; the Homosophian Club’s Man of Wisdom Award, 1984; Black Georgian of the Year, 1985; and Race Relations, Business and Professional Awards and 100 Men in Progress awarded by the NAACP. Ballard-Hudson Middle School Principal Kenneth Lanier told the crowd gathered Thursday that a dedication in honor of Dr. Martin has been in the works since the school first opened in 2008. He told former students and co-workers of Dr. Martin’s they left behind a rich history of excellence with the name BallardHudson, and students and staff of Ballard-Hudson Middle continue to strive for that excellence today. “We are continuing to hold up that banner of excellence at BallardHudson Middle School in order that we may continue to live the legacy of Dr. Martin. As principal, I assure you the spirit of Dr. R.J. Martin will continue to live in this building,” he said. Catering for the event was provided by Charles Murphy. SP Design Group sponsored the event. February 23, 2015 * Page 3 QUESTBRIDGE through next year.” Continued from Page 1 school. Although the students were denied early acceptance, QuestBridge will continue to help the students gain acceptance and financial aid through the next part of their process: Regular Decision. More than a thousand students are admitted through Regular Decision every year. As an example, Central High School’s Joseph Lofton was selected for Regular Decision entry to Brown University with a generous financial aid package through QuestBridge last spring. Jennifer Gagne, Central High School Jennifer Gagne is president of Central’s Poetry Society and service chair of the school’s National Honor Society chapter. She is also a member of the Beta Club, French Club and Model UN Team, as well as an International Baccalaureate student. Outside of school, she regularly volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, including maintaining a neighborhood website, lynmoreestates.com. She is also an Jennifer Gagne active volunteer at local elementary schools’ science nights. Jennifer is applying to the following QuestBridge partners: Amherst College, Carleton College, Colorado College, Oberlin College, Vassar College and Wesleyan University. She has goals to obtain a bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a concentration in creative writing, as well as a bachelor’s degree in French. “My freshman English teacher told me, ‘I really hope you become a writer one day,’ after I read an original piece in front of the class,” she said. “It made me rethink about going into the medical field.” She developed an interest in French due to the origin of her last name. “I think it is important to know more than one language. I also think it would give me an advantage to possibly work for an international publishing house,” she said. Jennifer’s main goal is to work at a publishing house. She also wants to publish a book and produce a script. Due to her love of poetry, she would like to tour as a spoken word artist. Nine of Jennifer’s poems already have been published. She also majored in communicative arts with a minor in German through the Governor’s Honors Program. In her eighth grade year, she attended the Duke TIP Program for creative writing. “It would mean ultimately not having to worry about financial aid or being in debt in four years,” Jennifer said. “As someone who wants to do something that is not necessarily a stable career I am well aware that if I do take out loans I could risk having to pay these off for many more years or never pay them off. So, if I receive this scholarship it would mean that I do not have to worry as much about how I am paying for college, if at all. I would be able to have my head on my shoulders and not have to worry if my financial aid is going to fall Jocelyn James, Westside High School Jocelyn James is a Westside High senior who is an active member of the National Honor Society, Academic Team, cross country team and prom committee. She recently attended the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program where she majored in Communicative Arts with a minor in theatre. Jocelyn possesses interests in both art and technology. “I have always been interested in art,” she said. Jocelyn James Jocelyn uses video tutorials to teach herself new methods and to enhance her drawing skills. Last school year, she joined the Bibb County RoboBibb Robotics team where she developed an interest in technology. She designed the team’s competition T-shirt and brochure. She also recently learned to fully choreograph the movements of a robot through a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education (STEM) program. Jocelyn’s goals include combining her interests of art and technology to become an Art Director. She plans to major in illustration and work for an ad agency as a designer or illustrator. She aims to work her way up to art assistant followed by art director, where she can create the theme of her own projects. Columbia, Princeton and Yale University are all among Jocelyn’s top schools. “It would mean a lot of stress off my family and me,” Jocelyn said of getting a scholarship. “Neither of my parents graduated from college and they couldn’t help me on a lot of material going through school. The whole process has been a roller coaster and it would be really rewarding to receive a scholarship like QuestBridge.” Chiamaka Nwokeocha, Central High School Chiamaka Nwokeocha is a member of Central’s Student Council, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Key Club. She is editor of the school’s yearbook and a member of newspaper tutors. Chiamaka also is enrolled in Central’s rigorous International Baccalaureate program. Outside of school, Chiamaka tutors students at Stone Academy. Chiamaka Nwokeocha “I want to help give them as much guidance as I can,” she said. “As the oldest child, I did not have that for myself when I was younger.” She is applying to Emory University, Brown University and Promona College. Chiamaka wants to major in biochemistry and combine her passions for children and medicine to become a pediatrician. Chiamaka is a Georgia Merit Scholar. She recently competed in a Leadership Conference where she earned first place in the art category and third place in the writing competition. She is also Central’s Homecoming Queen. “It would mean a lot for me and my family,” she said. “Any possible way for me to attend college on any scholarship would be rewarding. I have been trying my hardest for the past four years so I won’t have to pay for college.” Nicole Wiggins, Central High School At Central High, Nicole Wiggins is the president of National Honor Society. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Key Club, Beta Club, and the Model UN Team. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, and Purrs N Paws. Nicole applied to the University of Southern California, Promona College, Wesleyan University, Nicole Wiggins Oberlin College and the University of Virginia through QuestBridge. She wants to major in neuroscience to become a neurosurgeon. She became interested in this field due to her father’s neurological condition. “It would mean an opportunity to not worry about money in college. It would also be an opportunity to continue with what I want to do in my professional career,” Nicole said. Auriel Wright, Northeast High School Auriel Wright is a senior at Northeast High School where she is active in Student Council, FBLA, FFA, and National Honor Society. She is also a member of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). Outside of school, she volunteers at Coliseum Hospital and the American Red Cross. She is also a tutor at both Northeast and Burdell-Hunt Magnet School. Auriel plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Her goal is to major in nursing with a minor in multicultural studies. She plans to obtain an occupation in the field of world health. She hopes to Auriel Wright combine her love of traveling and studying cultures with her love of science, specifically biology. In October, Auriel won first place in the National FFA Organization National Agriscience Research Fair. She recently attended the Governor’s Honors Program where she majored in biology. She received fourth place in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). She is also a Hamilton Scholar. “Receiving this scholarship would mean that all of my hard work and everything that I have done would be much more validated,” she said. The students will hear from each of their chosen colleges and universities this spring. - Emily Brunner February 23, 2015 * Page 4 Robotics Team Ready for Next Challenge Team RoboBibb is awaiting its first competition of its second season, which will begin on February 27 and end March 1. The team will compete in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition (FRC) in Perry at the Georgia Southern Classic Regional. The District's high school robotics team participated in its first season of competition during the 2013-2014 school year after community partners from the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Mercer University joined the District’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Department to create a vision in which Bibb County students would have the chance to participate in an exciting and valuable STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiative. The FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams comprised of high school aged students, are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. During the team’s first year, it was invited to participate in the annual FIRST Robotics Competition Championship in St. Louis, Mo., after being named the Peachtree Regional’s Rookie All-Star Winner during competition in Atlanta. Team RoboBibb was also honored as the “Highest Rookie Seed” at the Peachtree Regional. On January 3, FRC held its annual kickoff for this season’s game. The teams were shown the playing field and received a kit of tools to help them along the way. The kit of parts included motors, batteries, a control system, a PC, a mix of automation components and limited instructions. This year the teams are competing in a game known as Recycle Rush. The game requires the robot to stack recycling totes on raised platforms. The robot must stack up to six totes on top of one another. After the totes are stacked, the robot must then place a trashcan on top, as well as, insert a pool noodle into the can. At the competition RoboBibb will be placed on an alliance team with two other robots that will then compete against an opposing alliance of three robots. Within six weeks, RoboBibb built a 6-foot robot that includes a forklift that moves both up and down, as well as pinches inward and expands outward. The forklift has clamps, which help when picking up the totes. The robot can move backward and forward to carry the totes to the scoring platform. RoboBibb named its robot 2 Chainz due to the importance of the two chains that control the forklift. 2 Chainz requires one chain to go around the motor and another chain to transfer the force from the motor to the forklift. RoboBibb is composed of 40 Bibb County students from all seven high schools. The students split into teams in order to divide up the work of the robot. RoboBibb currently has a marketing team, mechanical team, electrical team, and pro- Members of Team RoboBibb are seen with advisers and mentors on the final day of work before competition. The team finished bagging up its robot for competition with just under 2 hours of time left. gramming team. The design of the robot altered several times throughout the six-week building period forcing the electrical team to overcome the difficulty of moving and rewiring the board several times. Tate Testa, a freshman at Howard High, is a programmer for Team RoboBibb. It is his job to take the port numbers and their function and write the programming code. “It will be cool to see how our robot compares to the other teams’ robots during competition,” said Tate. The RoboBibb team also consists of mentors who guide the students in the building of the robot. “I came back for RoboBibb’s second year to see the team improve, help with their success and hopefully make it back to St. Louis again,” said Brandon Borah, an electrical engineer at Robins Air Force Base and RoboBibb programming mentor. Mr. Borah helped the students initialize the environment of the program Lab View, which the team uses to program the robot. In preparation for the season’s big competition, RoboBibb participated in the Destination Einstein (DE) scrimmage in Columbus on Saturday, February 14. “The scrimmage is to find out how our robot will work and how well it does in competition,” said team captain and Howard High senior Cameron Wright. “It also helps us decide if we need to make any necessary changes in order to complete it before bagging day.” “We are preparing for the scrimmage by making sure the robot works,” said Howard High junior Sebastian Lauterbach. “At the scrimmage we will do a lot of testing, including testing drivers for the region competition.” Sebastian is the electrical team captain. He is responsible for the internal wiring of the robot, ensuring the robot and all of its motors function properly, and guaranteeing all of the parts receive power. RoboBibb received the Hardship Grant from FIRST Robotics for a total of $5,000. The Hardship Grant will be used toward transportation, lodging and meals for the students during their trips to competitions. “It is to help the team overcome some of the obstacles that more established teams have, such as lodging,” said Charles Baima, one of the District’s CTAE Supervisors. “That grant comes into play and helps us expose the students to things they traditionally may not have the opportunity to do.” “It is recognition that the actual FIRST organization sponsors you,” said Edward Bujak, Howard High’s programming and computer science teacher and RoboBibb’s lead mentor. “It seems like they have a vote of confidence you will be around and you’re not just a one-year team.” The students were required to complete all final touches on the robot before Tuesday, February 17. The robot was bagged Tuesday night and sent to competition. “I am looking forward to this year’s competition to meet up with some of our friends from other robotics teams,” Cameron said. “If we succeed within our region we will advance to international and it would be unbelievably great if we could get there,” Mr. Bujak said. RoboBibb would like to thank the following sponsors for their contributions: Lauterbach & Associates LLC, 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia, Bibb County School District, Macon Economic Development Commission, Georgia Power, SCANA Energy, Cox Communications, Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants Inc., Central Georgia Technical College, Mercer University MIRL, and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. - Emily Brunner February 23, 2015 * Page 5 High Schools Named AP Honor Schools Heritage Elementary School students get moving during the kickoff for the spring round of Walk Georgia. Below, Heritage Principal Jennifer Askew holds the school’s Walk Georgia Award for fall 2014. Heritage Receives Walk Ga. Award During a kickoff celebration for the spring 2015 Walk Georgia contest on February 3, Heritage Elementary School students and staff were presented with a first place trophy for their efforts in the fall 2014 Walk Georgia contest from the UGA Cooperative Extension for their combined total of 11,475 hours of physical activity. That’s a total of 478 days worth of activity. The spring 2015 Walk Georgia contest for schools and district departments began on February 2 and will conclude on April 26. The Walk Georgia program converts any type physical activity into equivalent miles walked, allowing participants to enjoy many types of physical activity. High Schools to Participate in Derby Racing Challenge The Second Saturday of April brings out the competitor in everyone as teams of homemade soap box racers vie to be named the fastest or most creative car in a thrilling race down the steep hill of Magnolia Street in downtown Macon. Always family-friendly, the Magnolia Soap Box Derby is full of activities for children, including the Big Wheel Race, bouncy house, and most recently, the addition of the Gravity Racing Challenge, a STEM-based initiative inviting high school students from all seven of Bibb’s public high schools. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Educational Collaborative is a partnership between the Magnolia Soap Box Derby, Middle Georgia State College and the Bibb County School District, courtesy of grant funds from the Knight Neighborhood Challenge, a project of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Students and advisers gathered Monday, February 2, at Middle Georgia State College for the kickoff event for the STEM Educational Collaborative and Gravity Racing Challenge. To watch video from the kickoff, visit the District’s YouTube page or click here. “This collaboration between the Magnolia Soap Box Derby, Middle Georgia State College, and the Bibb County Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program is great! This partnership will allow the secondary and postsecondary institutions as well as the community to see the value of STEM and increase the importance of preparing students for careers in STEM fields. This grant and racing project exposes students to the various facets of STEM along with the career pathways and skills required of a 21st century workforce,” said Bibb County School District CTAE Director Dr. Cassandra Miller-Washington. Racers and race fans of all ages are invited to participate in one of Macon’s best action events - the Magnolia Soap Box Derby on Saturday, April 11, 2015. For more information, visit http://maconderby.com. On Wednesday, February 18, State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods named four District schools Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools. Howard, Northeast, Rutland and Westside High Schools were each named 2015 AP Honor Schools. “I am very proud to hear of this recognition for our schools. We continue to promote opportunities for our students to take advantage of more rigorous content, which prepares them to be college and career ready,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kelley Castlin-Gacutan. AP classes and exams are administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT. These courses offer rigorous college-level learning options to students in high school. Students who receive a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams may receive college credit. The AP Honor Schools are named in six categories, based on the results of 2014 AP classes and exams. AP STEM Schools are schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses (AP Calculus AB, AB Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics B, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science). Howard, Northeast, Rutland and Westside High Schools were each named AP STEM Schools. AP Access and Support Schools are schools with at least 30 percent of their AP exams taken by students who identified themselves as African American and/or Hispanic, and 30 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. Howard High School was named an AP Access and Support School. AP Challenge Schools are schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students and students testing in four of the core areas (English, math, science, and social studies). Northeast High School was named an AP Challenge School. AP STEM Achievement Schools are schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses and at least 40 percent of the exam scores on AP math and AP science exams earning scores of 3 or higher. Howard High School was named an AP STEM Achievement School. AP Humanities Schools are schools with students testing in all of the following AP courses: at least one ELA course, two social science courses, one fine arts course and one world language course. Howard High School was named an AP Humanities School. AP Merit Schools are schools with at least 20 percent of the student population taking AP exams and at least 50 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. February 23, 2015 * Page 6 Central High Senior Receives Horatio Alger Scholarship Central High School senior Cristopher Thompson received a $7,000 scholarship from the Horatio Alger Foundation. The scholarship is funded through the generosity of the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation. Cristopher was one of 50 students in the state of Georgia to receive this scholarship. The Horatio Alger scholarship serves to give aid to students who exhibit integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity and who aspire to pursue higher education. Cristopher is the founder and president of the Habitat for Humanity Club at Central. He serves as treasurer of the senior class and senior representative for the Key Club. He is also a member of Central’s National Honor Society Chapter and Student Council. Outside of school, Cristopher is an active member in his community. He organized a nonprofit group of young adults in his community who aid the elderly with yard work, housework, or other tasks. “It is really great to receive recognition for the activities I am doing Cristopher for my school and comThompson munity,” he said. “It is really nice to know someone else believes in you.” Cristopher wants to attend college to study economics and dreams of being CEO of companies such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. He plans to run his own slate of nonprofit companies. Howard High’s Baseball Coach, Program Honored During the Georgia Dugout’s Club annual conference in January 2015, Coach Danny Slaughter of Howard High School was honored with a plaque for achieving the goal of 200 wins as a varsity head baseball coach. Coach Slaughter has headed the baseball program at Howard since the school opened its doors in 2008. Prior to that he held the same position at Macon County High School in Montezuma. While at Howard, his team has a record of 112-55 and has made a state playoff appearance in all six seasons. Also while at the conference, Howard High received an award for the 2014 AAAA Baseball Field of the Year in the state of Georgia. This award is given by the Georgia Dugout Club to a select baseball program each year. - Emily Brunner Central Senior Selected for State Superintendent’s Advisory Council Central High School senior Michaela Woody was chosen to be a member of State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods’s Student Advisory Council. At Central, Michaela is involved in Beta Club, Student Council and DECA. She is also a member of the Central orchestra and marching band. Outside of school, Michaela is a member of the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS). The Student Advisory Council will meet three times during the school year to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students in Georgia classrooms. The members will serve as advisers and liaisons between the Georgia Department of Education and their fellow classmates. Members include students from seventh to twelfth grade. Michaela was selected for the Student Advisory Council from a pool of more than 1,000 students. The students were chosen based on the strength of their essay answers. The essay topic prompted her to discuss a method to improve education and enrollment in schools. She chose to argue that textbooks should be provided for each class and each individual student, rather than all classes sharing a class set. She believes this would provide more opportunities for learning. “I think serving on the Michaela Woody Student Advisory Council will give me a better outlook to ways I can shape my leadership skills. That is something I really want to focus on,” she said. On February 25, Michaela will attend her first meeting for the Student Advisory Council at the Georgia Department of Education office in Atlanta. Michaela said she would like to see an increase of technology in schools. In fall 2015, Michaela will begin her first semester of college at Albany State University where she will study business. Her career goals include starting a business, as well as a mentoring program. - Emily Brunner Student Art Show Opens March 6 Karen Cook, Howard High Student artwork will be on display when the Annual Student Art Show opens this week at The 567 Center for Renewal. The opening for the show will be held Friday, March 6, from 6-9 p.m. The 567 Center for Renewal is located at 533 Cherry Street in Macon. The art show is a collaboration between the Bibb County School District, the Georgia Art Education Association - District 5, and The 567 Center for Renewal. The artwork will remain on display through March 27. Morgan Elementary Ranks 10th in Nation for Classworks Use Morgan Elementary School is boosting student achievement with a Classworks incentive program each month. For December, students had to complete at least three units in reading and/or math with at least 80 percent accuracy. Students that completed three units with that accuracy level for one subject area received a free coupon for a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty, while students that met the criteria for both subject areas received a coupon for a Frosty and a coupon for a special prize. For January, the criteria was raised to six units per subject area with at least 80 percent accuracy. Students are encouraged to use the program outside of school as well. Teachers, coaches, lab managers, administrators, parents, and the media specialist closely monitor student work on the platform and encourage students to meet the goals. Morgan’s staff is very proud of the students’ hard work and excited to be ranked No. 10 in the nation for Classworks usage. February 23, 2015 * Page 7 Bernd Elementary Celebrates January Students of the Month Students pictured with Principal Dr. Chad Thompson and Assistant Principal Tawanya Wilson are Students of the Month for January. They demonstrate P.R.I.D.E. on a regular basis – Prepared for school, Respectful to all, Informed individuals, Demonstrate strength of character, and Engaged in learning. The students received a pencil and coupons from Stevi B’s and Wendy’s. Students Compete in Speech Event High school students participated in the Rotary Clubs of Macon’s annual High School Speech Competition on Thursday, February 12, at Mercer University. The competition is hosted annually by the Downtown Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Macon and the Uptown Rotary Club. Dublin Rotarian Preston Johnson started the local speech contest in 1997. Vineville Learns About Chinese New Year Vineville Academy of the Arts celebrated the Chinese Spring Festival in February. It’s the New Year of the Lunar Calendar. The Spring Festival is the most important festival in China, similar to Christmas in the United States. Ms. Lui and Ms. Ping planned to teach the topics of Chinese Zodiac (12 animals for every year), the many traditional cultures of Spring Festival, Chinese songs, and speaking and writing the blessing words of the New Year. Students created Chinese lanterns, Spring Festival couplets and a large representation of the Chinese dragon. Students at Vineville Academy are excelling in Chinese traditions and culture. Hutchings Hosts Pin Ceremony for Class of 2018 On Thursday, February 5, freshmen enrolled at Hutchings College and Career Academy participated in a 21st Century Scholars’ Ceremony, also known as the Class of 2018 Commitment to Graduate Ceremony. The students were pinned by their parents and encouraged to commit to their classes and to graduate with the Class of 2018. During the ceremony, which was sponsored by the GEAR UP program, 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 signing their Class of 2018 banner, which be displayed throughout their four years at the school to serve as a reminder of their commitment. Lane Students Create Art Based on Book Second grade students in Laurie Park’s and Sabre Bostwick’s class at Lane Elementary School created ties after reading the story, “Mr. Tanen’s Tie Trouble.” February 23, 2015 * Page 8 Hartley Puts Vocabulary on Parade Hartley Elementary School held a Vocabulary Parade on Friday, February 13. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade, dressed as costumed words, walked through the halls as part of an effort to increase word recognition for students. The idea for the parade was based off of Debra Fraiser’s book, “Miss Alaineus, A Vocabulary Disaster.” In the book, a student confuses “miscellaneous” for Miss Alaineus. Williams Student Council Treats Staff Williams Elementary School Student Council members presented Breakfast Snacks for Staff on January 30. The members wanted to thank the staff for their support on projects completed from August through December. Staff members received a Chick-fil-A biscuit and juice. Principal Dr. Shandrina Griffin-Stewart said the members have learned an important lesson on sharing and giving back to others. Springdale Celebrates Character with Cookies Springdale Elementary School students were recognized for exhibiting commitment in the month of January. They were invited to a “Cookies with the Counselor” Party with Springdale’s School Counselor, Stacey Creter, and the Springdale mascot, Eddie Eagle. The students enjoyed hearing a book about Michael Jordan while snacking on milk and a cookie cake provided by The Great American Cookie Co. Springdale’s crossing guard, Carmenita Shine, was also recognized due to the commitment she shows students and parents every day. Heritage Students Honor Classmate with Donation Four Heritage Elementary students created a fundraiser in honor of their classmate who passed away due to brain cancer. The students raised $500 selling snowflakes within their school and community. On Wednesday, February 11, the four students presented a check to Jay’s Hope representatives. The students chose to donate the money to Jay’s Hope to commend them for their work with their former classmate and her family. “The amazing thing about schools getting involved with Jay’s Hope is watching children giving back to children,” said Stephanie Steinbar, Development Director for the Jay’s Hope Foundation. “We are a community-driven organization that relies solely on our donors’ support. Nothing warms our hearts more than watching local kids caring about our Jay’s Hope kids who are battling cancer. These four students went above and beyond what their school was doing and really took the mission and burden of Jay’s Hope on for themselves.” Vineville Collects Pennies for Patients Vineville Academy of the Arts collected “Pennies for Patients” and donated $699 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Dominike Lockwood, in kindergarten, was the school’s highest contributor, donating $141.45. February 23, 2015 * Page 9 Central Key Club Collects Over 3,000 Books for Methodist Home The Central High School Key Club collected books for The Methodist Home literacy initiative during the month of January. More than 3,000 books were collected from Central High’s literature classes. Lane Keeps 4-H Club of Month Title Lane Elementary School was honored with the 4-H Club of the Month for the third month in row. The school had the Club of the Month in December, January and February. Pictured are Nathan Hutcheson, Adam Johnson, Tamia Cross, Keiala Thomas, Carley Horne, Khevan Patel, Ambrosia Davis and Trevor Derrick. Vineville Students Send Cards to Firefighters Vineville Academy of the Arts faculty and students wanted to honor and show respect for the firefighters of firehouse No. 7 and Randy Parker. In memory of firefighter Randy Parker and in honor of the bravery and selfless valor of the other firemen who were injured or sacrificed their safety to protect and serve in the community, students expressed love, concern and a desire to write cards and letters to the firemen and their families. Miller Middle Students Place in Museum’s Art Contest As part of their history day projects, several Miller Magnet Middle School students in Michaelle Banks’ social studies class and Chelsea Oglesby’s art class participated in the Museum of Aviation’s 2015 Skyscapes Poster Contest. For the contest students were asked to draw orignal works that related to the theme “On the Home Front During WWII.” Of the 16 students that participated in the contest Miller had three winners. Kevyon Johnson received an honorable mention for his work. CiCaihya Abram and Faatima Dixon placed between first and sixth place in the contest. The awards ceremony will be held on February 24 at the Museum of Aviation. Both of the young ladies will have their work displayed in an exhibit for the next two years. Hutchings SkillsUSA Student Advances to State Competition Hutchings College and Career Academy sponsored four students at the SkillsUSA Region 5 Competition on February 5 in Griffin. Alisha Thomas competed in First Aid/CPR, Tarell Gay competed in Pin Design, Gregory Jones entered a TShirt Design, and Monica Jackson delivered a gold medal-winning Prepared Speech. Because Monica placed first in her competition, she will advance to the state championship on March 26-28 in Atlanta. February 23, 2015 * Page 10 Bruce Elementary Students Serve as Pages at Capitol Six members of the Bruce Elementary School Peer Mediation team were afforded the opportunity to represent the school as Pages in the Georgia House of Representatives. They were invited to page by state Reps. James Beverly and Nikki Randall at the State Capitol in Atlanta on Thursday, February 12. The students were: Ja’Mya Warner, President; Montene’ Williams, Vice President; Anna Sandifer, Secretary; Tamiya King, Historian; and members Richard Jones and Alondra Monroy. The students rode to Atlanta in a limousine. Once they arrived, they were given a preliminary tour of the House of Representatives Chambers prior to orientation and the opening session. It really made Richard Jones’s day when Rep. Beverly showed him how to vote on an issue. The students were able to learn first-hand how legislation is presented, debated, passed, or declined. Westside High DECA Chapter Organizes Literacy Campaign Westside High School’s DECA chapter is taking on the “Pay It Forward: Literacy Project.” The purpose of this project is to promote literary awareness throughout the school and community. Literary skills can have an impact on how well an individual interacts with their peers, as well as society. It is also fundamental for learning in school. The chapter believes that having strong literary skills provides a foundation in which young children can build upon from childhood to adulthood. Literary skills are crucial to the success of individuals; therefore, for the month of February, the chapter has been hosting six campaigns to promote literacy among young adults. These campaigns include creating a DECA Dictionary: Word of the Day for the school, and reading to local elementary school students. In addition, the chapter will be collecting over 250 new children’s books to donate to charity. Students will also be promoting the importance of literacy via social media. To find out how to get involved, call (478)-779-3800. Burghard Hosts Black History Month Program A powerful idea was planted the moment gifted students performed excerpts from the book “Are You Stuck in Traffic?” The entire third through fifth grade student body was mesmerized when retired U.S. Air Force Col. William R. Saunders entered the auditorium wearing his flight helmet and saluting individuals. After removing the helmet, the first command of the pilot was “raise yourself higher.” Students remained seated and politely raised their hands. His second command was “show me how to raise yourself higher.” This time, every student stood up and stretched both hands toward the ceiling. Col. Saunders announced his topic: “Plant an Idea and Raise Yourself Higher.” Taking an interactive approach, the colonel traced his life from “a country boy in John’s Island, South Carolina” to becoming a mechanical engineering graduate of Tuskegee University, to serving as a command instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force, to retiring and becoming a motivational speaker and published author. Col. Saunders commended students for asking “high quality questions,” and he responded in ways that informed them of their roles as tomorrow’s history and the world’s future. He emphasized that black history does not start with slavery, and suggested that raising oneself involves doing the right thing, doing the best one can, practicing teamwork, listening better, doing homework, and having a good attitude. On behalf of all black legacy leaders, his concluding command was, “Plant an idea. Start today. Start right now, and remember you don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Linda Thomas, Resource Teacher of the Gifted and Gifted Collaboration Professional, presented Col. Saunders with copies of “Are You Stuck in Traffic? Found Poetry” that was written by gifted students who attend the Barden REACH Center. Dr. Thomas expanded the interdisciplinary study of scarcity in the context of water, food, and energy to incorporate a lesson on solving the problem of scarcity relative to highlighting positive black role models. Principal Eddie McCloud and Dr. Thomas seized an opportunity to expose gifted students from Barden, Burghard, Rice, and Riley Elementary to a leader who is living the dream. February 23, 2015 * Page 11 DECA Students Compete at Region 10 Event DECA Club chapters throughout the District participated in the 2015 DECA Region 10 Competition at Middle Georgia State College in Macon on Thursday, January 22, and brought home several awards. Central High School Six students from Central High School placed among the top award winners at the region competition. First place winners included Nekaybaw Watson, Public Speaking; and Micheala Woody, Hotel and Lodging. Second place winners included Amani Mitchell, Restaurant and Food Service Management; and Nia Holland, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism. Third place winners included Rukayat Adebayo, Principles of Finance; and Monica Robinson, Quick Service Restaurant Management. Howard High School Students Tariq Raines, Elijah McCoy, Daejah Sinclair and Brandon O’Neal represented Howard High School DECA at the region competition. Elijah, Howard High School DECA chapter president, received first place in the Apparel and Accessories Marketing event. Rutland High School Northeast High School Northeast High School DECA member Albert Smith Jr. placed second in Principles of Marketing, therefore qualifying him to compete at the State Career Development Conference this month. Other student competitors from Northeast included Quantarius Stephens, Devaughn Hamilton, Jarvis Hill, and Stephaughn Hamilton. Rutland High School Three students from Rutland High School qualified at the region competition to attend DECA state competition this month. Xavier Hawkins placed second in Business Management and Administration, Josh Courson placed second in Personal Financial Literacy, and Simone Rainey-Way placed third in Accounting Applications. Westside High School Southwest High School Students Kerria Bryant, Teleshia Vail, and Ashanti Jones competed in the categories of Business Finance, Job Interview, and Business Speech at the region competition. Participants received valuable feedback from the judges, which they will use in the future. Westside High School Six students from Westside High School participated in various events at region competition. Niyah Dumas, who serves as the chapter president, competed in Apparel and Accessories and placed second in the event with a score of 98. Ariane “Jade” Hodges, who serves as chapter vice president, competed in Principles of Marketing and placed third in the event with a score of 88. Other DECA participants included Aaliyah Dorsey (Principles of Marketing), Jy’Neeshia Goolsby (Hospitality and Tourism), Meshavise Henderson (Food Service and Restaurant Management), and Northeast High School Howard High School Yolandria Tomlin (Job Interview). These four individuals are first-year members. Westside also received notification from Shannon Aaron, Executive Director/State Adviser, that the school’s chapter exceeded last year’s end of the year membership total. Southwest High School February 23, 2015 * Page 12 FBLA Students Take Part in Region Event On Friday, January 30, students in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapters from throughout the District participated in the FBLA Region 5 Leadership Conference at Wesleyan College in Macon. Central High School Many students from Central High participated in various competitions. Students who attended but did not compete were able to participate in various leadership workshops, including Bingo for Babies in support of March of Dimes, Hunger Games: Are you Hungry to be a Leader? and FBLA Jeopardy! just to name a few. Those advancing to state include Ira Moore, first place in Business Calculations; Grace Nguyen, 10th place in Business Calculations; A.J. Walker, seventh place in Economics; and Tamia Middleton, first place in Career EPortfolio. Other awards included Reginald Previlus, Homer Jones, and Jasmine Green, second place in Digital Video Production; Ira Moore, fourth place in Career E-Portfolio; Jordan Tarver, first place in Hospitality Management; Tamia Middleton and Amelia Smith, first place team in Marketing; Grace Nyugen, third place in Impromptu Speaking; Valencia Williams, fifth place in Public Speaking I; Homer Jones, fourth place in Public Speaking II; and Alexis Sanders, second place in Sales Presentation. Howard High School The Howard High FBLA team walked away with the Region 5 Trophy for the fourth year in a row. The following students placed and/or qualified for the State Leadership Championship: Jimmy Asbell, second place in Personal Finance; Nick Ayerbe, eighth place in Business Calculations and sixth place in Business Math; Zach Carlson, second place in Spreadsheet Applications; Bayleigh Carver, seventh place in Economics; Brynn Codone, second place in Computer Applications; Rett Elliot, fourth place in Emerging Business Issues; CJ Hammock, second place in 3D Animation and third place in Management Information Systems; Sarah Harvin, third place in Introduction to Business Communication; Ashlynn Kilcrease, first place in Digital Video Production; Jenny Lee, second place in Future Business Leader; Chase McCard, fifth place in Personal Finance; Lauren McCue, fifth place in Business Communication; Amrigna Mehta, fourth place in 3D Animation; Hitanshi Mehta, fourth place in 3D Animation; Sarah Miranda, fourth place in Emerging Business Issues; Erin Rodenroth, fourth place in Accounting I and first place in Desktop Publishing; Ashley Todd, second place in Business Calculations; Savannah Tomberlin, first place in Digital Video Production; Ashley Van Aken, fifth place in Introduction to Business Communication; Cecelia Venditto, first place in Database Design and Applications; Cameron Wright, second place in 3D Animation and third place in Management Information Systems; and Alex Wu, ninth place in Business Calculations. The following students placed at the region competition: Nadia Adkins, second place in Manage- Central High School Howard High School Hutchings College and Career Academy Northeast High School ment Decision Making; Jimmy Asbell, first place in Accounting II; Madelyn Barker, second place in Parliamentary Procedure; Cedric Barnes, second place in Social Media Campaign; Cameron Belvin, third place in Business Presentation; Nyesha Card, fifth place in Help Desk and second place in Public Service Announcement; Jazmin Carswell, fifth place in Job Interview and second place in Management Decision Making; Marquis Chester, fifth place in Impromptu Speaking; Trinity Choo, third place in Global Business and fourth place in Future Business Leader; Brynn Codone, first place in ParContinued on Page 13 Southwest High School February 23, 2015 * Page 13 FBLA Continued from Page 12 liamentary Procedure; Noah Davis, third place in Sales Presentation; Larkin Floyd, second place in Parliamentary Procedure; Sadie Giegler, first place in Parliamentary Procedure and first place in Social Media Campaign; Sydney Hutchings, first place in Business Plan; Weldon Hutchings, first place in Business Plan; Jordan Jedneski, first place in Social Media Campaign; Garrett King, second place in Sport and Entertainment Management; Jenny Lee, third place in Global Business; Pennuel Lockett, second place in Social Media Campaign; Baylee Marsh, second place in Parliamentary Procedure and first place in Word Processing; Hunter Martin, third place in Business Ethics and second place in Electronic Career Portfolio; Caroline Mayfield, first place in Parliamentary Procedure; Lauren McCue, first place in Network Design; Prit Patel, fourth place in Digital Design and Promotion and third place in Marketing; Juliann Pham, third place in Global Business; Briauna Scott, second place in Public Service Announcement; Constance Sermons, third place in Business Presentation; Mary Slaughter, first place in Hospitality Management; Thorsha Stephens, second place in Social Media Campaign; Jordan Tarver, first place in Hospitality Management; Cary Lynne Thigpen, third place in Business Ethics and second place in Electronic Career Portfolio; Eliza Thigpen, third place in Public Speaking I; Jake Thornton, second place in Sport and Entertainment Management; Ashley Todd, first place in Network Design; Savannah Tomberlin, first place in Parliamentary Procedure; Cecelia Venditto, second place in Parliamentary Procedure; Rand Williams, fourth place in Digital Design and Promotion and third place in Marketing; Jordan Williamson, second place in Accounting II; and Alex Wu, first place in Network Design. Hutchings College and Career Academy Hutchings FBLA students earned 10 medals* (all in the top five), with two students advancing to state competition. Competitors attending were Khabiyr Dawkins*, Vada Amerson*, Ira Freeman, Neiman Johnson, Jordan Reeves, Logan Poole*, Angelique Orr*, Makaylah Brown, Elise Harris*, Roni Roland*, Jaylon Pitts, Judah Dixon, Monica Jackson*, Alexis O’Dette*, Ananeisha Walker and Anderson Wash*. Roni Roland and Elise Harris will advance to state competition this month. Advisers are Maggie Bruce and Jo Brown. Northeast High School The Northeast chapter of FBLA was recognized for moving forward to the next round of the world’s largest Monopoly tournament. The chapter will be testing and participating in the following competitive events at the State Leadership Conference: Agribusiness, Computer Problem Solving, FBLA Principles, Cybersecurity, Healthcare Administration, Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure, Introduction to Business, Business Procedures, Insurance and Risk Management, and Mobile Application Development. Rutland High School Thirty-three students from the Rutland High Rutland High School Westside High School Rutland Middle School School FBLA chapter competed and attended leadership sessions throughout the day. Rutland had 22 students place in 16 events, 11 of which advanced to the state conference. Three of these students are already ranked first at the state level in their respective event. Southwest High School The Southwest FBLA chapter was recognized for the December Draft membership campaign in Region 5. The following students were recognized for their achievements: Ashanti Jones, third place in Business Communications; and Jamarkus Dixon and Victoria Vail, fifth place in Website Design. Ashanti will advance to the state competition. Miller Magnet Middle School Westside High School Westside High School’s FBLA students competed in numerous competitions, as well as attended various leadership workshops. Miller Magnet Middle School Miller Magnet Middle School students Ashley Knight and Markayla Mathews will advance to the state FBLA conference. They will compete in the area of FBLA Concepts. Rutland Middle School Rutland Middle School students attending the FBLA conference included Paige Thurman, Kierra George, Jared Crittle, Amaia Howard and Maria Askew. The students attended workshops, participated in competitive events and attended an awards program. FBLA advisers were given the opportunity to meet and network with one another. In addition, the students had an opportunity to network with other FBLA students from around the region. Weaver Middle School Weaver Middle School Weaver Middle School’s FBLA chapter received eight awards, including two first place medals. Winners were Amari Bray, third place in Parliamentary Procedures; Anthony Bray, second place in Personal Financial Concepts; Tamia Collins, fifth place in Business Concepts; Zyan Cornelius, first place in Career Exploration and fourth place in Intro to Business Communication; Marchad Edwards, fifth place in Marketing Concepts; Akira Felton, fifth place in Internet Concepts; Kaitlin Simms, first place in Personal Financial Concepts; and Herman Story, fourth place in Parliamentary Procedures. February 23, 2015 * Page 14 Westside Engineering Class Designing, Building Cars Howard Middle Student Sings at Mayor’s Address Howard Middle School eighth-grader Leah Duval, seen above with Principal Lindsey Allen, sang the National Anthem at Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert’s State of the Community address on Thursday, February 5, at the Emerson Ballroom in downtown Macon. Guests included community members and business stakeholders, as well as the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. 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. E-mail Us Stephanie Hartley, [email protected] Jacqueline Harnevious, [email protected] Kim Pelt, [email protected] Emily Brunner, [email protected] Sign Up to Receive the Latest News To receive e-mails with the latest news and highlights from the Bibb County School District, please send an email with your name and e-mail address to [email protected]. Connect with Us on the Web www.bcsdk12.net www.Facebook.com/bibbschools www.Twitter.com/bibbschools www.YouTube.com/bibbschools www.Instagram.com/bibbschools www.Pinterest.com/bibbschools Students taking engineering at Westside High School have been using the Auto Inventor program with WhiteBox Learning to design cars. Through the program, students designed cars and tested them against other students’ cars on a virtual track. Because the designs were completely virtual, the students could go back and make changes to the car. Once they were satisfied with their car and the cars were within the parameters given to them at the beginning of the assignment, they began printing the design, laying it on a wooden car block, and then drawing it out. Once completed, students cut their cars out with the help of the Construction instructor. Once the cars have been built, students will test them out in actual races. School Counselors Recognized for National Counseling Week During National Counseling Week, which was celebrated February 2-6, the Macon-Bibb County Commission recognized school counselors during its meeting on Tuesday, February 3. National Counseling Week honors school counselors across the nation. School counselors are an integral part of the educational program. School counselors assist with helping to remove barriers and challenges that students face daily. To view a letter from United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in which he discusses the role of school counselors and the impact they have in meeting the needs of students’ academic success and overall well-being, click here. From left are Commissioner Elaine Lucas and District administrators Dr. Beverly Stewart and Pat Galloway. Vineville Academy Students Create Art for Capitol Exhibit Vineville Academy of the Arts had the privilege to participate in the Capitol Art Exhibit and reception held on Wednesday, February 11, at the James H. Sloppy Floyd Building in Atlanta. Students from throughout the state participated in the art exhibit, which was sponsored by the Georgia Art Education Association and the Secretary of State’s Office in honor of Youth Art Month. Debra High and Alexis Lanier, fourth grade students at Vineville Academy, were both chosen by art instructor Amanda Gaskins to participate in the event. Representatives, senators, and State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Woods were present during this event.