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The Bibb County School District Newsletter
September 28, 2018
Graduation Rate Hits 78.5 Percent
Data released recently by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) show the Bibb County School District’s high school graduation rate increased from 77.1 percent in 2017 to 78.5 percent in 2018. This marks the fourth consecutive increase in the District’s graduation rate since 2013 when the graduation rate was 58.9 percent.
Central earned the District’s highest graduation rate in 2018 at 83.6 percent, making it one of three high schools in the District to achieve a graduation rate of 80 percent or higher in 2018. Northeast and Rutland High Schools earned graduation rates of 81.6 percent and 80.6 percent, respectively.
“Congratulations to our high schools for improving the District’s graduation rate,” Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones said. “The District’s graduation rate this year increased at a greater percentage than the state, which means we are continuing to close the gap with the state. I’m very excited that three of our six high schools now have a graduation rate above 80 percent, which is a good indication that we are moving toward a District graduation rate of more than 80 percent by 2020."
Citizens of Georgia Power Deliver 300 Backpacks
The Citizens of Georgia Power – Heart of Georgia/Macon Chapter delivered 300 backpacks with school supplies to Veterans Elementary School on Friday, August 31. The backpacks were purchased by employees through Georgia Power’s partnership with Purposity, a technology-based charitable giving platform that connects individuals with needs in their communities.
“At Georgia Power, we believe that it is our responsibility to build a better tomorrow for our families, friends and neighbors. For us, this starts by investing in the next generation of students. Through the company’s partnership with Purposity, employees now have another way to help meet needs in the communities where they live and work,” the press release from the company stated.
Three Students Chosen for State Superintendent's Advisory Council
Three District students were chosen for the State School Superintendent’s 2018-2019 Student Advisory Council. These students are selected each year to meet with Superintendent Richard Woods to serve as liaison's between their classmates and state officials. This year's representatives are Judy Charles of the Georgia Academy for the Blind and Hutchings College and Career Academy, right; Howard Middle School's Sofia Ali, left; and the Academy for Classical Education's Ben Trofemuk, center, who has served on the council in the past. Congratulations!
Williams Elementary Parent Chosen for State Council
"I want to help the parents be able to talk to the higher-ups they don't feel able to reach," English said.
Attendance Awareness Month Kicks Off at Hartley
Attendance Awareness Month got off to an exciting start at Hartley Elementary School on Sept. 7. The Macon Mayhem, Macon+Bibb CountyCommissioner Virgil Watkins, Power 107.1 and Forrest B. Johnson & Associates helped the students, faculty and staff at the school celebrate with giveaways, music and more.
"Everybody sitting up here before you had to get up and go to school to be great at what they do," said Shay Star with Power 107.
Throughout the year, our students are encouraged to "Strive for 5" by missing five or less days of class. We want all of our students to be at school every day, all day!
Southfield Students Design Bus Stop Shelters, Catapults as STEM Lessons
Community Partners Gather to Hear About State of the District
Recently, the District held its VIP Luncheon, which brought together community partners and District administrators to kick off the school year and celebrate past successes. Superintendent Dr. Curtis L. Jones Jr. highlighted these successes, which included AdvancED accreditation, higher graduation rates and more, as part of his State of the District presentation.
The following groups and individuals were also recognized for their commitment to the District:
- Superintendent's VIP Award - Roy Bibb, MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union
- VIP Volunteer Award - Jane Ferguson, Howard Middle School
- VIP Industry Award - Newberry Farms, represented by Ben Newberry
- VIP Partnership - Men of Beulahland Bible Church
We thank all of our partners and look forward to another great school year!
Burdell-Hunt Students Experience Reading Safari
On September 6th, Burdell-Hunt Magnet Elementary School students went on a reading safari to kick off this year’s focus on reading, accelerated reading, comprehension and growth. “Jeffini the Great” presented a roaring magic show that highlighted many different books, the importance of reading, and laugh out loud jokes. Students and teachers were engaged, energized and excited about reading and the adventure that awaits them in books. Classes also synergized to complete a literacy scavenger hunt. During this one day, over 285,000 words were read by students!
Alliance for a Healthier Generation Recognizes 17 Bibb Schools
The following schools were recognized with National Healthy School Awards at the Bronze level: Alexander II Magnet School, Brookdale Elementary School, Burdell-Hunt Magnet Elementary School, Central High School, Bernd Elementary School, Howard High School, Porter Elementary School, Heard Elementary School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Northeast High School, Riley Elementary School, Rutland High School, Southwest High School, Springdale Elementary School, Taylor Elementary School, Union Elementary School and Westside High School.
All schools recognized with a National Healthy School Award met a list of criteria to be named one of “America’s Healthiest Schools.” These schools meet or exceed federal nutrition standards, offer breakfast daily, implement wellness policies and provide at least 60 minutes of physical education per week with physical activity throughout the school day.
Compass Rose Cafe to Re-Open on Oct. 19
Central IB Students Present Superhero Projects
This month, juniors and seniors in the Central High School International Baccalaureate program presented their Group 4 Projects to their peers. These were science projects that combined knowledge of physics and biology to outline and explain the powers of superheroes the students created.
"This project challenged the students in a way they aren't used to in that they had to use real science to explain superpowers that are fictional," said teacher Jennifer Tillery. "The students researched the science in great depth and had to be creative in order to come up with all aspects of the characters."
The students incorporated powers like electric charges, teleporting and super speed, explained by a variety of scientific concepts. They also involved aspects of the IB Learner Profile like being a risk-taker.
Students at Rutland Middle Care for Bees
Principal Keith Groeper said that the addition was part of an ongoing STEAM effort that incorporates agricultural education. He also credited teachers Andrew Reeves and Robbie Bartlett for their efforts in coordinating the bee colony as well as cows and other animals.
“If that means we’ve got to house some bees, we’ve got to house some cows, we’re gonna do that,” Groeper said. “We’ve got kids begging to get in classes.”
RMS Academic Coach and STEM Coordinator Eric Thompson and Steve Nofs of Shamrock Apiaries have also had huge hands-on roles with this project.
Vineville Academy Parents Donate LEGO Wall
"What a blessing to have engaged parents who are partnering with our school and teachers to ensure our students have a place to express their interest, spark their creativity and have social interactions with one another - creating a learning environment like no other," said Principal Kristy Graham.
In addition to installing the wall, parents raised the funds to purchase the materials and blocks necessary for the project. We appreciate the efforts of all our parent volunteers!
Volunteer Statisticians Sought for Athletic Events
Are you interested in helping our Bibb County student-athletes get the recognition and coverage they deserve? Bibb Athletics is looking for volunteer statisticians for our remaining home games, and especially for football. Volunteers will receive free admission as well as a Bibb Athletics t-shirt. The necessary materials to gather stats will be provided.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. With your help, our student-athletes can shine from the field to online and on-air. Please contact Hannah Jett Moore, Bibb Athletics Sports Information Specialist, at (478) 365-0967 or hannah.moore@bcsdk12.net for more information.
Bibb County School District
Vision:
Each student demonstrates strength of character
and is college or career ready.
Mission:
The Bibb County School District will develop
a highly trained staff and an engaged community dedicated
to educating each student for a 21st century global society.
Email: communications@bcsdk12.net
Website: bcsdk12.net
Location: 484 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA, United States
Phone: 478-765-8548
Facebook: facebook.com/bibbschools
Twitter: @bibbschools