A Special Recognition

A Little
Extra ...
Spring Graduations
for Class of 2013
The spring commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2013 will take place Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, at the Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive in Macon. May 24  Howard High School, 3 p.m.  Central High School, 5 p.m.  Hutchings Career Center, 7 p.m. May 25  Rutland High School, 9 a.m.  Northeast High School, noon  Southwest High School, 2 p.m.  Westside High School, 4 p.m. To view the 2013 High School Graduation Procedures and appendix, click here. May 17, 2013 * Page 1
Class of 2013 Valedictorians, Salutatorians
Fourteen District students have been selected as valedictorians and salutatorians to represent the Class of 2013. These students will be hon‐
ored at the annual Vals and Sals Luncheon on Monday, May 20, and will speak at their school's graduation ceremony. Alayna Williams, Central High School Valedictorian Alayna Williams is a National Merit Com‐
mended Scholar, STAR student, and received Honorable Mention for the Golden Eagle Awards. She is a member of Key Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish Club. Alayna plans to attend Mercer University on a Presidential Schol‐
arship and major in psychology. She is the daughter of Keith and Barbara Williams. Continued on Page 2
Alayna
Williams
District Retirees,
Students Honored
District retirees with 25 or more years of service were recognized at the Board Meet‐
ing on Thursday, May 16, along with many outstanding students. Photos begin on page 8, and will be posted at www.facebook.com/
bibbschools. Kindergarten Book
Available Online
The new District Kindergarten Handbook for the 2013‐2014 school year is available online. The handbook is a collabora‐
tive effort between the Dis‐
trict’s Kindergarten Coordina‐
tor, the Kindergarten Leader‐
ship Committee, and the Wel‐
come Center. The handbook will be available for parents newly enrolling their children for the upcoming school year and copies will be available at all Bibb County schools with kindergarten classes. To view the handbook, click here. Photo Courtesy of Department of Communications Springdale Elementary School Principal Dr. Amy Duke cuts her cake after being named the Georgia 2013 National
Distinguished Principal on Wednesday, May 15.
A Special Recognition
Springdale Principal Receives National Distinguished Principal Award
The Georgia Association of Elementary School Princi‐
pals (GAESP) has named Springdale Elementary School Principal Dr. Amy Duke its Georgia 2013 National Distin‐
guished Principal. This prestigious award is given by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the U.S. Department of Education. The surprise announcement came during a staff meet‐
ing at Springdale on Wednesday, May 15, when GAESP Continued on Page 3
May 17, 2013 * Page 2
VALS AND SALS
Continued from Page 1
Jihwan Oh, Central High School Salutatorian Jihwan Oh attended the Governor’s Honors Pro‐
gram as a sophomore in 2011. He was a Mathe‐
matics major and Woodwind minor. He is president of the Central High School Math Team, vice president of his school’s Beta Club, treasurer of the Na‐
tional Honor Society and Span‐
ish Club, and a flute player in the Macon Symphonic Youth Orchestra and Mercer Flute Jihwan Oh
Choir. He is a recipient of the Macon Symphonic Youth Orchestra Scholarship and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Music Scholarship. He plans to attend Georgia Tech and work to de‐
velop and distribute holograms. He is the son of Sungbok Oh and Sunju Kwon. Timothy Lewis, Howard High School Valedictorian Timothy Lewis is president of the Howard High School Beta Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and senior class president. He is also as an Ad‐
vanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction. Timothy plans to attend Mercer University this fall as a Presidential and Service Timothy Lewis
Scholar. He is the son of Paul and Marsha Lewis. Rachel Zion, Howard High School Salutatorian Rachel Zion is a member of Howard High School’s Beta Club, National Honor Society, yearbook staff, and pep club. Rachel plans to attend the Uni‐
versity of North Georgia in the fall. She is the daughter of Dr. Rachel Zion
Harvey and Cathy Zion. Gabrielle Riggins, Hutchings Career Center Valedictorian Gabrielle Riggins is a former secretary of Hutchings Career Center’s Skill‐
sUSA and Future Business Lead‐
ers of America (FBLA) chapters. She was also Hutchings Career Center’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Student of the Month for March. She plans to attend Georgia Southern University Gabrielle
and hopes to double major in Riggins
psychology and mechanical engineering. She is the daughter of Mary Riggins. Ta'Karsha Ridley, Hutchings Career Center Salutatorian Ta'Karsha Ridley is the president of Hutchings Career Center’s SkillsUSA chapter a member of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter. She also was named Hutchings Career Center’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Educa‐
tion (CTAE) Student of the Year for 2013. Ta'Karsha is a recipi‐
ent of the Middle Georgia Phi Beta Kappa Award and an En‐
voy Leader. She plans to attend Wesleyan College and major in business and advertising. She is the daughter of Timothy and Jacquelyn Ridley. Ta’Karsha
Ridley
Marcus Hill, Northeast High School Valedictorian Marcus Hill is the vice president of Northeast High School’s FFA and Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) organizations, and for‐
mer drum major. Marcus is an Advanced Placement (AP) scholar, a Governor’s Honors Program alternate, Golden Eagle Award nominee, and District finalist for the United Marcus Hill
States Senator Youth Program. Marcus plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in computer science. He is the son of Marvin and Geraldine Hill. Chelsei Briana Poole, Northeast High School Salutatorian Chelsei Briana Poole is a member of Northeast High School’s National Honor Soci‐
ety, president of the school’s HOSA ‐ Future Health Profes‐
sionals chapter, and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scholar. She plans to attend the Univer‐ Chelsei Poole
sity of West Georgia and major in nursing and physical therapy. She is the daugh‐
ter of Reginald and Geraldine Poole. Kelly Bui, Rutland High School Valedictorian Kelly Bui is a member of Rutland High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), FFA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and SkillsUSA chapters, as well as Rutland's Beta Club and Inter‐
national Studies Club. She was Rutland High School’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Edu‐
cation (CTAE) Student of the Year for 2013, and is a recipient Kelly Bui
of the Middle Georgia Phi Beta Kappa Award and the University of Georgia (UGA) Certificate of Merit. Kelly plans to attend UGA and major in computer science. She is the daughter of Michael Bui and Hoa Thi Nguyen. Sterling Serfoss, Rutland High School Salutatorian Sterling Serfoss is a member of Rutland High School’s Stu‐
dent Council, Beta Club, Math Team, First Priority Club, and International Studies Club. He Sterling Serfoss
participated in drama and has volunteered for Rebuilding Macon and for the American Red Cross. Sterling is a recipient of the Middle Georgia Phi Beta Kappa Award and the University of Georgia (UGA) Certificate of Merit. He plans to attend Val‐
dosta State University and major in biology. He is the son of Steve and Deborah Serfoss. Jaimeson Taylor, Southwest High School Valedictorian Jaimeson Taylor is a member of Southwest High School’s Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) organization and Dis‐
tributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter. He received honors such as being named Southwest’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Edu‐
cation (CTAE) Student of the Year for 2013 and a recipient of the Al Lucas Memorial Scholar‐
Jaimeson Taylor
ship. He is also a three‐sport athlete. Jaimeson plans to attend Mercer Univer‐
sity and major in mechanical engineering. He is the son of Calandra Harpe. Alexiy’ C. Culler, Southwest High School Salutatorian Alexiy’ C. Culler has been awarded the salutatory honor graduate award, and academic excellence. Alexiy’ plans to at‐
tend Mercer University to major in law and minor in business in order to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer. She is the daughter of Alonzo and Natasha Alexiy’ Culler
Culler. Janki H. Patel, Westside High School Valedictorian Janki H. Patel is a member of Westside High School’s Student Council, Na‐
tional Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Technology Student Association. She is also a recipi‐
ent of the (National Center for Women and Information Tech‐
nology (NCWIT) Award for Aspi‐
rations in Computing. Janki was a member of the math team Janki Patel
and the varsity soccer team. She plans to attend Mercer University to pursue a ca‐
reer in biomedical engineering. She is the daughter of Hasmukhbhai and Jaynitaben Patel. Brittany Lynch, Westside High School Salutatorian Brittany Lynch is president of Westside High School’s Student Council, a member of the Na‐
tional Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and has completed dual enrollment at Middle Georgia State College. She plans to at‐
tend the University of Georgia and major in biology. She is the Brittany Lynch
daughter of Amy and Aubrey Lynch. May 17, 2013 * Page 3
Program Helping At-Risk Teens Find Success
By Daniel Daniels, Intern “Develop a comprehensive life plan to achieve their high school diploma or GED, further their post‐
secondary education and gain rele‐
vant employment.” This is the mis‐
sion of one program helping youth enrolled in the Bibb County School District. The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI) is a nonprofit organization that offers a 12‐week coaching pro‐
gram for at‐risk youth. Students en‐
rolled in the program are mentored by life coaches who help the stu‐
dents develop a life plan that ex‐
pands beyond high school. The ODBI program grew from the experiences of ODBI program co‐
founder, Sam Bracken. As a child, Mr. Bracken was a victim of abuse and endured a tumultuous home life. His mother left when he was 15 years old, which caused Mr. Bracken to complete high school without a home. In spite of the many chal‐
lenges he faced, Mr. Bracken was a gifted athlete and exemplary stu‐
dent. With his perseverance, and his performance on the sports field and in the classroom, he earned a schol‐
arship to play football at Georgia Tech. The Orange Duffel Bag premise stems from Mr. Bracken’s travels from Nevada and to Georgia; he had so few personal items that he was able to travel with all of his belong‐
ings in one orange duffel bag. Mr. Bracken, along with co‐author, Echo Garrett, wrote a book titled “My Orange Duffel Bag – A Journey to Radical Change,” which chronicles the many hardships Mr. Bracken faced, and gives a roadmap for youth to build a better life and overcome adversity. The tenets of the roadmap Photo Courtesy of Orange Duffel Bag Initiative Members, coaches, and supporters of the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative Macon Class 7
are seen recently at a graduation event for the class.
include Desire, Awareness, Meaning, Choice, Love, Change, and Gratitude. Keri Rowe, Homeless Assistant for the Bibb County School District, ex‐
plained that 25 to 30 ODBI students meet once a week at Middle Georgia State College. The students partici‐
pating in the ODBI program are given mandatory homework assignments and in‐class assignments to com‐
plete. The students who complete the class successfully are rewarded with a laptop at the ODBI program graduation. They are also presented with an orange duffel bag, which is a symbolic token for completing the class. While the ODBI program in Macon initially focused on students in foster care, the ODBI classes have ex‐
panded to include a hybrid of differ‐
ent at‐risk youth, Ms. Rowe said. “They call it the Macon model,” she said. “It includes students who are homeless, as well as students who are just at‐risk for other rea‐
sons.” Ms. Rowe works as a liaison be‐
PRINCIPAL
Continued from Page 1
Executive Director Hal Beaver presented Dr. Duke with the award. In November, Dr. Duke will travel to Washington, D.C., for a national celebration. "There are a lot of great principals in this state and a lot of great principals here in Bibb County, and for them to choose me to represent them in this way is just a huge honor," Dr. Duke said. "Really it's about the staff here at Springdale. We have an amazing group of teachers and staff mem‐
bers ‐ they're very hard workers and so the credit goes to them. You can't be a great principal with‐
out a great staff and great students and supportive parents." tween the Bibb County School Dis‐
trict and the ODBI program. She as‐
sists in enrolling students and re‐
cruiting potential participants for the ODBI program. “At the beginning, you see kids who have a lot of walls up,” she said. “They were from a lot of different situations, some pretty bad.” She explained that seeing the stu‐
dents grow from quiet and reserved to presenting their life goal at the ODBI graduation, and listing how they will achieve that goal, proves that the goal is not only a dream, but instead it is a reality that can happen for the student. ODBI classes are led by coaches who help guide them toward devel‐
oping a life goal. Two of the ODBI coaches are Beth McKinnon and Luis Castro. While speaking to a group of po‐
tential ODBI program participants at Southwest High School this month, Mr. Castro explained to the students that participation in the ODBI pro‐
gram will help them to become pre‐
According to the NAESP, “The National Distin‐
guished Principals program honors outstanding elementary and middle‐level administrators who ensure that America's children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. The program was established in 1984 to recognize and celebrate elementary and middle‐level princi‐
pals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the stu‐
dents, families, and staffs in their learning commu‐
nities.” Dr. Duke has been principal of Springdale since the summer of 2006. Prior to that, she was the assistant principal at Springdale for one year and also taught and coached for the Houston County Board of Education. pared, discover their purpose in life, and learn what they were born to do. He told the students, “you are always one day away from tomor‐
row.” Mr. Castro said ODBI participants are initially skeptical of the program. “They come with all these miscon‐
ceptions,” he said. As the students traverse through the program and reach graduation, “you can see all those walls coming down, them becoming more serious; more mature in the way, and serious about the roles that they play as a student, as a child, as a parent,” Mr. Castro said. “They see possibilities for them‐
selves that they hadn’t really seen before,” Ms. McKinnon said. “They start to believe that they can do it, and believe in themselves.” Shardae Robeson, a senior at Cen‐
tral High School, is a graduate of the Orange Duffel Bag Macon Class 7. Shardae said her experience with the ODBI program changed her attitude, and it allowed her to understand that she is not the only person going through a difficult time. Shardae plans to use the skills learned in the ODBI class as a spring‐
board to potentially becoming a pub‐
lic speaker or social worker who helps kids. “Sam Bracken really changed me,” Shardae said. “These folks really take the time out of their time, and really want to help you.” The Orange Duffel Bag program has held two Macon graduations this year. A third Macon class is slated to begin this summer, and its graduates will always be known as Macon Class 9 Orange Duffel Bag graduates. To learn more about the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, visit http://
orangeduffelbagfoundation.org. She received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia College & State University. She earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College & State University, and a specialist in edu‐
cation degree in Educational Leadership and Ad‐
ministration from Columbus State University. She received her doctorate in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern University. Dr. Duke's accomplishments include receiving the Governor's Bronze Award in the highest per‐
centage category three times for student achieve‐
ment, the GAESP School Bell Award, and the GAESP Patron Award. She also serves as a member of Gov. Nathan Deal’s Principal Advisory Council and is participating in NAESP's National Principals Men‐
toring Certification Program. May 17, 2013 * Page 4
Ingram-Pye, Nutrition Earn Walk Georgia Honors
Ingram‐Pye Elementary School and School Nutrition Program employees were named winners of the District’s Walk Georgia challenge for the 2012‐
2013 school year. Walk Georgia is a program spon‐
sored by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and its part‐
ners. Program goals are for partici‐
pants to develop regular physical activity habits, get healthier and more physically fit, and to have fun doing so. Participants were asked to set a goal of walking 10 miles each of the 12 weeks of the program. The winner of the Walk Georgia School Vertical Team Challenge Cup was Ingram‐Pye Elementary School, which had 22 participants. The school will keep the Challenge Cup until the next Walk Georgia event, when team members will need to defend it to keep it. Those from Ingram‐Pye who worked to win the trophy include:  Mary Berry‐Brown  Kelsey Born  Paula Bradley  Sherrie Caldwell  Jacqueline Carter  Karen Cromer  Laurinda Curtis  Tracey Deaton  Maurice Major  LaJuana Harris Mary Berry-Brown, left, accepts the
Walk Georgia award for Ingram-Pye
Elementary School.
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications From left, Bibb County Extension Coordinator and Walk Georgia Chair Jan
Baggerly and School Nutrition Program employees Angela Dyer, Cathey Hiley,
Bernice Tukes, and Dr. Cleta Long celebrate the department’s Walk Georgia award.
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Kewon Harvey Shirley Horton Evette Jackson JoAnn Lawson Sharon Mathis Wilson Tracey Muff Lillie Philson Michelle Ray Camisha Sneed Douglas Stewart Donnika Turner Howard Freshman
Selected to Study
in China as Part
of Summer Camp
Howard High School freshman Amanda Rowan was selected to participate in the 2013 Chinese Bridge Sum‐
mer Camp organized by the Con‐
fucius Institute at Troy University (CIT). She will spend two weeks in China studying Chinese culture and the language. There were more than 30 applicants for the few slots available. Prior to going to China, Amanda will spend three weeks at the University of Georgia participating in the Duke Talent Identification Amanda Rowan
Program (TIP) summer studies program. She will study Apocalypse in Literature and Pop Culture.  Synja Turner The winner of the Walk Georgia School Director’s Challenge Cup was the School Nutrition Program, which had six participants. The School Nu‐
trition Program will display the Walk Georgia School Director’s Challenge Cup until the next Walk Georgia event, when team members will need to defend it to keep it. Those from the School Nutrition Program who qualified to win the Challenge Cup include: 
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Christina Crane Angie Dyer Cathy Hiley Cleta Long Bernice Tukes Anien Yu Other schools or departments participating in Walk Georgia in‐
cluded Alexander II Magnet School, Burdell‐Hunt Magnet School, Elam Alexander Academy, Vineville Acad‐
emy of the Arts, the Maintenance Department, and the Welcome Cen‐
ter. To learn more about Walk Georgia, visit www.walkgeorgia.org. Northwoods Hosts Field Day
Photo Courtesy of Northwoods Academy Northwoods Academy students participated in the school’s Field Day on Thursday, May 9.
May 17, 2013 * Page 5
Northeast Entrepreneurs Present Business Plans
By Daniel Daniels, Intern On Thursday, May 9, students en‐
rolled in Northeast High School’s Entrepreneurship class presented business plans to community mem‐
bers. The business plans were the result of a semester‐long course assignment in which students worked in teams to develop an operational plan for a new business. Student presentations on Thursday included business plans for a childcare center, a sports train‐
ing center, digital photography cen‐
ter, and an online shoe merchant. Entrepreneurship instructor Ange‐
les Jefferies said the students typi‐
cally present their business plans to the class, but community members were invited to the presentations this year to give students the experience of presenting to business profession‐
als. The business professionals asked questions of the students and en‐
couraged them to give specific, quan‐
tifiable details on their business plans. Community members in atten‐
dance included representatives from the city of Macon, the Macon‐Bibb County Economic Opportunity Coun‐
cil, GEICO, and Coca‐Cola, along with a financial planner and real estate agent. Herbert Wynn, a real estate agent with Re/Max Realtors, said an oppor‐
tunity like this is great for students. “This is a great foundation to speak to someone that’s been in business for a while,” he said. “I hope during this presentation, we get a chance to talk one‐on‐one to some of the stu‐
dents to give them some of the things we had to go through to get where we got.” Photo Courtesy of Department of Communications Northeast High School students present a business plan for a sports retail and fitness
improvement company to members of the community on Thursday, May 9.
Jones Elementary
Students Learn
About Farm Life
Pre‐K and kindergarten students at Jones Elementary School took part recently in Farm Day. Guests Naomi Davis of Davis Farms in Roberta and Amy Bean of The Little Farm in Gray shared stories with students about life on a farm. Students had the opportunity to partake in a semi‐
farm experience with baby chicks, and fruit and vegeta‐
ble planting. Photo Courtesy of School Nutrition Program Pre-K students at Springdale Elementary School gather in the school's garden in front of a greenhouse
parents helped supply. Students are growing watermelon seeds and sunflower seeds in the greenhouse.
Springdale Garden Blossoms
With Help of Pre-K Students
Photo Courtesy of Jones Elementary School Pre-K and kindergarten students at Jones Elementary School
hold chicks after learning about farm life from Naomi Davis of
Davis Farms in Roberta and Amy Bean of The Little Farm in
Gray.
The School Nutrition Program has been working with a Pre‐K class at Springdale Ele‐
mentary School on a school garden this year. Staff put in several above‐ground beds and parents helped supply the school with a greenhouse. The students have planted items such as lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, and herbs, and items harvested from the garden have been used to make salads for the students. "The students have really enjoyed the gar‐
dens and are learning so many things from this project," said Theresa Cantrell, a Site Support Manager for the District. May 17, 2013 * Page 6
Welcome Center Honors Teachers, Nutrition Staff
In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week and School Nutrition Employee Week, both of which were celebrated May 6‐10, members of the Welcome Center staff visited several schools to recognize these valued employees. The Welcome Center randomly selected 11 teachers and 10 employees from the School Nutri‐
tion Program throughout the Bibb County School District to celebrate their contributions to student achievement. "Our Nutrition staff serve in critical roles that directly relate to the healthy development of our students," said Kimberlyn Carter, Director of Stra‐
tegic Partnerships and the Welcome Center. "I feel very connected to the lunchroom staff because I understand that the work they perform sets the tone for our students. I have a passion for recog‐
nizing those individuals that contribute to the suc‐
cess of our students in the Bibb County School District." All elementary, high school, alternative school, hospital homebound and special facility teachers were included in the drawing for teachers. Recipi‐
ents were presented with a certificate of apprecia‐
tion and a meal coupon from the Welcome Center. "Our teachers are vital to the holistic develop‐
ment of our students," said District Coordinator of Parent Education Dr. Terrance Smith. "Teachers help to mold students into mature and responsible  Cynthia Smith‐Miller, Rice Elementary School  Barbara Williams, Springdale Elementary School  Steven Gunn, Weaver Middle School  Winnie Ross, Howard Middle School  Jennifer Jones, Bloomfield Middle School  Mark Richter, Central High School  Harold Rollins, Westside High School  Patricia Yarbrough, Rutland High School  Wynathia Jenkins, King‐Danforth Elementary School  Katie Wall, Westside High School Photo Courtesy of the Welcome Center District Coordinator of Parent Education Dr. Terrance
Smith, left, presents King-Danforth Elementary School
teacher Wynathia Jenkins, center, with a certificate of
appreciation and meal ticket in honor of National
Teacher Appreciation Week with the help of Principal
Dr. Benjy Morgan.
adults. It is critical that we continue to pay tribute to our outstanding teachers for the great work performed inside and outside of the classroom." Among teachers, recipients were as follows:  Zenbria Dewberry, Ingram‐Pye Elementary School Among School Nutrition Program staff, recipients were as follows:  Rosa Bundrage, Rutland High School  Charlene Grant, School Nutrition Office  Estella Chambliss, Springdale Elementary School  Dorenda Hill, Ingram‐Pye Elementary School  Catherine Caines, Weaver Middle School  Stacey White, Northeast High School  Andrea Butts, Weaver Middle School  Connie Johns, Burghard Elementary School  Ma Lelia Hutchinson, Appling Middle School  Chaka Shine, Heritage Elementary School Westside Students Study
Importance of Marketing
Standards at Coca-Cola
Westside High School Advanced Marketing students visited the World of Coca‐Cola in Atlanta recently. During their visit, students were able to con‐
nect marketing standards and curriculum to Coca‐Cola's product develop‐
ment, distribution, promotion, advertising, and business strategy. Photo Courtesy of Bruce Elementary School Ramona Patterson's class at Bruce Elementary School toured a vehicle from the Fort
Valley State University's College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology and
Cooperative Extension Program during Career Day on Friday, May 10.
Bruce Elementary Students
Participate in Career Day
Photo Courtesy of Westside High School Westside High School Advanced Marketing students and teacher Katie Wall, second
from left in front, are seen during a visit to Atlanta to tour the World of Coca-Cola.
Students at Bruce Elementary School participated in Career Day activities on Friday, May 10. Guests sharing information about their career fields in‐
cluded a radio personality, school nutrition staff, a medical technician, an engineer, and a Bibb County Sheriff's Office deputy. May 17, 2013 * Page 7
Williams Elementary Students
Help Honor Teachers, Staff
Photo Courtesy of School Nutrition Program Brookdale Elementary School students learn about herbs and
watermelon radishes before tasting them.
Elementary Students
Learning More About
Fresh Fruits, Veggies
Many of the District's elementary schools have partici‐
pated this year in the fresh fruits and vegetables pro‐
gram. Through the program, students have been intro‐
duced to different fruits and vegetables during the year. Some of the items students have learned more about and tasted include lemon plums, mangoes, papayas, watermelon radishes, and dragon fruit. They've also learned more about many items they enjoy each day, such as a variety of apples and oranges, strawberries, pineapples, grapes, watermelons, and cantaloupes. Photo Courtesy of Williams Elementary School Williams Elementary School Student Council members, front from left,
Christian Middleton and Rodrea Ross presented School Nutrition
Program staff members, back row from left, Steve Thompson and
Patrina Slappy with a stylus pen and card.
In support of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6‐
10, Student Council mem‐
bers at Williams Elemen‐
tary School presented the principal, each teacher, and staff member with a soft tipped stylus pen and a card made by the stu‐
dents. Each stylus pen may be utilized to keep any touch screen device free of fin‐
gerprints and smudges. The pens were presented in an enclosed pillow box with the motivational theme “For All You Do, We Appreciate You." Throughout the entire week, the staff enjoyed pizza, snacks and treats presented by members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. About This Newsletter
This newsletter is created and distributed by the De‐
partment of Communications as a means to inform the community of the events, announcements, and highlights of the Bibb County School District. Permis‐
sion to reprint unaltered photos and/or stories in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the Bibb County School District Department of Communica‐
tions is cited. Photo Courtesy of Jones Elementary School Meet the Team
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Dr. Donald Porter, Director of Communications, dbporter@bibb.k12.ga.us Stephanie Hartley, Public Relations Specialist, snhartley@bibb.k12.ga.us Kim Pelt, Secretary to the Director/Facility Use Coordinator, kdpelt@bibb.k12.ga.us Daniel Daniels, Intern Follow Us on the Web
www.bibb.k12.ga.us * Facebook.com/bibbschools Twitter.com/bibbschools * YouTube.com/bibbschools The newest members of the Walter P. Jones WJOY school news team for 2013-2014 are seen with, from
left, Jones Elementary Media Specialist Brandi Malloy, Principal Dr. Keela Malone, and from right,
41NBC Morning Producer Jerry Houston, and Family Engagement Facilitator Dawn Scott.
41NBC Producer Surprises Jones
Elementary School News Team
Jerry Houston, Morning Producer for 41NBC, surprised Jones Elementary School students last week to announce the names of students selected for the Walter P. Jones WJOY school news team for the 2013‐2014 school year. To be selected for the school news team, students had to receive a teacher recommen‐
dation, pass a good character and grades check, and write two papers. The students will have the opportunity to visit the 41NBC studio and train directly under the leadership of Mr. Houston and his report‐
ers in the upcoming school year. May 17, 2013 * Page 8
Retirees with 25 or More Years of Service
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography Gregory Austin, Department of Fine Arts, 34 years in
Bibb, second from left. With him, from left, are Riley
Elementary School Principal Kent Sparks, Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Director
of Fine Arts Ben Bridges.
Barbara Bivins, Vineville Academy of the Arts, 38
years in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Danice
Talbert of Vineville Academy of the Arts and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Elizabeth Blair-Ricks, Southwest High School, 30
years in Bibb, left. With her is Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Linda Blassingame, Hartley Elementary School /
Custodial Services, 30 years in Bibb, center. With her,
from left, are Director of Custodial Service Dennis
Staten, Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart,
and Hartley Principal Dr. Shelia Garcia.
Glenn Brassel, Warehouse, 37 years in Bibb, left. With
him is Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Joyce Cicalese, Heritage Elementary School, 34 years
in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Heritage
Elementary Principal Jennifer Sadler Askew and
Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Sybil Coffee, Burdell-Hunt Magnet School, 25 years in
Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Burdell-Hunt
Magnet Principal Tanya Allen and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Margie Davis, Heritage Elementary School / Nutrition
Services, 30 years in Bibb, second from left. With her,
from left, are Mike Kane, Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Site Support Manager
Theresa Cantrell.
Evelyn Gilbert, Burdell-Hunt Magnet School, 34 years
in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Burdell-Hunt
Magnet Principal Tanya Allen and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
May 17, 2013 * Page 9
Retirees with 25 or More Years of Service
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography Minnie Gordon, Burdell-Hunt Magnet School, 34 years
in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Burdell-Hunt
Magnet Principal Tanya Allen and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Geraldine Harris, Ballard-Hudson Middle School, 31
years in Bibb, left. With her, from left, are Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and BallardHudson Middle School Principal Kenneth Lanier.
Harriett Holmes, Bruce Elementary School, 27 years
in Bibb, left. With her, from left, are Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and Bruce
Elementary School Principal Dr. Ramon Johnson.
Leslie Johnson, Heritage Elementary School, 25 years
in Bibb, left. With her, from left, are Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and Heritage
Elementary School Jennifer Sadler Askew.
Annie Pearl Jones, Union Elementary School /
Nutrition Services, 44 years in Bibb, second from left.
With her, from left, are Rhonda Drawhorn, Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Site
Support Manager Theresa Cantrell.
Theresa Jones, Vineville Academy of the Arts, 30 years
in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Danice Talbert
of Vineville Academy of the Arts and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Jean Kiernan, Springdale Elementary School, 34 years
in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Springdale
Elementary School Principal Dr. Amy Duke and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Gail Mack, Vineville Academy of the Arts, 30 years in
Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Danice Talbert
of Vineville Academy of the Arts and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Tina May, Title 1 / Special Programs, 32 years in Bibb,
left. With her, from left, are Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and Executive Director of Title
I / Special Programs Dr. Lori Rodgers.
May 17, 2013 * Page 10
Retirees with 25 or More Years of Service
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography Bernae Mink, Howard Middle School, 29 years in Bibb,
left. With her, from left, are Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and Howard Middle School
Assistant Principal Peggy Nipper.
Geonene Minshew, Taylor Elementary School, 33
years in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Taylor
Elementary School Dr. Susan Simpson and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Ned Moore, Williams Elementary School / Custodial
Services, 26 years in Bibb, second from left. With him,
from left, are Director of Custodial Services Dennis
Staten, Priscilla Stanley of Williams Elementary, and
Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Peggy Nipper, Howard Middle School, 31 years in Bibb,
right. With her, from left, are Springdale Elementary
School Principal Dr. Amy Duke and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Elizabeth Raines, Westside High School / Nutrition
Services, 31 years in Bibb, second from left. With her,
from left, are Westside Assistant Principal Dr. Linda
Hall, Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart,
and Site Support Manager Theresa Cantrell.
Cheryl Sanders, Heritage Elementary School, 27 years
in Bibb, left. With her, from left, are Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and Heritage
Elementary School Principal Jennifer Sadler Askew.
Anne Sawyer, Howard Middle School, 31 years in Bibb,
left. With her, from left, are Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and Howard Middle School
Assistant Principal Peggy Nipper.
Julie Saylor, Porter Elementary School, 28 years in
Bibb, second from left. With her, from left, are Patti
Gladwell, Acting Superintendent Susanne
Griffin-Ziebart and Porter Elementary Principal
Lanny Davis.
Theresa Thompson, Rutland Middle School, 28 years
in Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and Rutland
Middle School Principal Richard Key.
May 17, 2013 * Page 11
Retirees with 25 or More Years of Service
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography Not Pictured:
 Denise Bennett, Program for Exceptional Children, 31 Kari Waltz, Rutland Middle School, 27 years in
Bibb, center. With her, from left, are Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart and
Rutland Middle School Principal Richard Key.
George Wimbush, Taylor Elementary School, 34
years in Bibb, center. With him, from left, are
Taylor Principal Dr. Susan Simpson and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
years in Bibb, 31 years total  Christine Bunn, Jessie Rice Elementary, 27 years in Bibb  Patricia Clarke, Bernd Elementary, 26 years in Bibb  Nancy “Ginger” Connell, Lane Elementary School, 26 years in Bibb  Laura Corkery, Elam Alexander Academy / Northwoods Academy / Psychological Services, 32 years in Bibb  Prentis Dominy Jr., Maintenance, 36 years in Bibb  Patricia Huckabee, Heritage Elementary School, 34 years in Bibb,  Debra Jones, Hartley Elementary, 30 years in Bibb  Regina Marsh, Heard Elementary, 31 years in Bibb  Michael Mason, Maintenance, 33 years in Bibb  Paula Murphy, Ingram‐Pye Elementary School / PEC, 26 years in Bibb  Joan Radiker, Skyview / PEC, 30 years in Bibb  Evelyn Smith, Howard Middle School, 26 years in Bibb  Phyllis Zellner, Elam Alexander, 40 years in Bibb Recognitions from May 16 Board Meeting
Above, the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP) named Springdale Elementary School
Principal Dr. Amy Duke, center, its Georgia 2013 National Distinguished Principal. She is seen with Board members,
from left, Tom Hudson, Lynn Farmer, Ella Carter, Jason Downey, President Dr. Wanda West, Treasurer Dr. Thelma
Dillard, and Vice President Susan Sipe.
Top left, Southwest High School student Tanaji Mays, right, led the Pledge of Allegiance for the Board Meeting on
May 16. She is seen with Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Bottom left, three Central High School seniors, from left, Ashley Washington, Kenya Andrews, and Christine Okaro
have been named Class of 2013 Gates Millennium Scholars. and will each receive $250,000 toward their college
education. They are seen with Central High School Principal Dr. Efrem Yarber, second from right.
May 17, 2013 * Page 12
Recognitions from May 16 Board Meeting
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography Howard High School freshman Amanda Rowan, center,
was selected to participate in the 2013 Chinese Bridge
Summer Camp organized by the Confucius Institute at
Troy University (CIT). She will spend two weeks in China
studying Chinese culture and the language. She is seen
with Howard High School Assistant Principal Stacey
Bennett, left, and Acting Superintendent Susanne
Griffin-Ziebart.
Above, Rutland High School junior Tyler Ragin, center, was named State Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls
Clubs. She is seen with from left, Angie Wilson and Lee Wagner of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Georgia,
her family, and Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Georgia Educational Technology Fair winner Howard
High School student Jordan Ammons is seen with Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Other winners were: Kelly Bui, Rutland High School;
Jamicah Moore, Rutland Middle School; Jeremy Moore,
Rutland Middle School; Jonathan Wimberly, Appling
Middle School; Austin Woods, Rutland High School;
Luke Bush, Rutland High School; Kianna Elam, Appling
Middle School; Steven Flagg, Northeast High School;
Charles "CJ" Hammock, Howard High School; Tucker
Preston, Rutland High School; Kinealie Rutland, Appling
Middle School; Arielle Balkcom, Rutland High School;
Titania Lester, Northeast High School; and Andrew
McBryde, Rutland High School.
Georgia Educational Technology Fair winners, from left, Sami Momin, Alexander II Magnet School; Kaitlyn
Minter, Heritage Elementary School; Aman Borcha-Masand, Alexander II Magnet School; Kishan Patel,
Alexander II Magnet School; and Lauren Applebee, Heritage Elementary School are seen with Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
May 17, 2013 * Page 13
Recognitions from May 16 Board Meeting
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography Savion Sneed, center, from Miller Magnet Middle School
placed first in the District’s Math 24 Competition. He is
seen with Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart,
left, and Principal Dr. Sherri Flagg.
Other winners not pictured include Ricardo Dunham,
Union Elementary School; William Hoang, Weaver Middle
School; Walter Hollingshed, Hartley Elementary School;
and Savion Sneed, Miller Magnet Middle School.
District or state Math 24 winners recognized at the Board meeting include, from left, Katie Alley, Carter
Elementary School; Haaris Ahmed, Alexander II Magnet School; Christapher Knapp, Hartley Elementary School;
Ta'Zheara Butts, Hartley Elementary School; Marquez Finney, Hartley Elementary School; Walter Hollingshed,
Hartley Elementary School; Jasper Lewis, Hartley Elementary School; their principals and teachers, and Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
Math Team competition winners from Miller Magnet Middle School are,
front from left, David Ren, Aubrey Heaton, Stephanie Rawls, Trey
Burton; with, back row from left, Amy Heaton, Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Principal Dr. Sherri Flagg. Not pictured
are Andrew Barnes, Zipporah Graham.
Math Team competition winners from Springdale Elementary School are, front from left, Jessica
Gu, Konner Toth, Christian Lee; with, back row from left, Principal Dr. Amy Duke, Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, Dr. Deborah Russ, and Assistant Principal Cami Hamlin.
Not pictured are students Robert Ceglie, Katie Kosowski, and Jake Holt..
May 17, 2013 * Page 14
Recognitions from May 16 Board Meeting
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography Middle school Young Georgia Author winners for the District
include Edna Rutland, Miller Magnet Middle School; Taylor Bowdry,
Weaver Middle School; and Alaina Graham, Miller Magnet Middle
School. Students are seen with Dr. Arrika Tunstell, Acting
Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Miller Principal
Dr. Sherri Flagg.
Elementary school Young Georgia Author winners for the District include Josiah Cotton, Taylor
Elementary School; Gregory Jones, Riley Elementary School; Alexander Hamlin, Porter Elementary
School; Savannah Whitehead, Skyview Elementary School; Morgan Hickman, Skyview Elementary
School; and Aryan McColumn, Alexander II Magnet School (not pictured). Students are seen with
Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, right, and their principals and teachers.
High school Young Georgia Author winners for the District include
Jacy Thomas, Howard High School; Amanda Rowan, Howard High
School; Holly Carter, Hutchings Career Center; and Delanie
Newberry, Rutland High School (not pictured). Students are seen with
Howard Assistant Principal Stacey Bennett, Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Hutchings teacher Jennifer Hunter.
The top elementary Quiz Bowl team in the county this year was
Alexander II Magnet School. Team members include Colin Browning,
Caleb Muhammad, Wylie Byrne, Jaden Deuley, Jack Lamb, Gabby
Floyd, Aman Boricha-Masand, Tim Johansen, Sami Momin, Taylor
Frankum (not pictured), and Michael Oliver (not pictured). Students
are seen with Principal Cynthia Canova, back right; their advisers;
and Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, back.
Miller Magnet Middle School was the top middle school Quiz Bowl / Academic Team in the county this
year. Miller team members include Joseph Heaton, Trent Smith, Victor Toliver, Tobias Kopp, Elijah
Rutland, Gracie Bell, Chandler Clark, and Naved Momin. Not pictured are Team Captain Thomas
Martin, Caleb Lindsey, Lucas Davis, and Nika Lofton. Students are seen with Acting Superintendent
Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, back row, Miller Principal Dr. Sherri Flagg, right, and their adviser.
May 17, 2013 * Page 15
Recognitions from May 16 Board Meeting
Photos Courtesy of Department of Communications/Ken Hill Photography The Healthcare Science program at Hutchings Career
Center received Industry Certification. Pictured are
Angelique Lattimore, right, and CTAE Supervisor Jo
Brown, left, are Acting Superintendent Susanne
Griffin-Ziebart.
The Business and Computer Science program Howard High School received Industry Certification with the help of
Joe Finkelstein, Natasha Eppinger, N’Yasha Davis, Paige Welch, Susan Little, Morgan Jarvis, and Josh Hunter.
They are seen with CTAE Supervisor Charles Baima, Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Assistant
Superintendent Stacey Bennett.
The Business and Computer Science program at Central High received Industry
Certification with the help of Wylene Dickey, Alicia Daniels, Nikia Williams, and
Cassandra Thrasher (not pictured). They are seen with CTAE Supervisor Jason Weiss,
Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Principal Dr. Efrem Yarber.
The Business and Computer Science program at Rutland High School received Industry
Certification with the help of Cheryl Hitchcock, April Wade, Diane Byington, William
Moultrie (not pictured), and DeAndra Richards (not pictured). They are seen with
CTAE Supervisor Charles Baima and Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
The Business and Computer Science program at Southwest High School received
Industry Certification with the help of Queen Adeboyejo, Lucretia Fuller, Tesheika
Stewart, and Tina Ransey. They are seen with CTAE Supervisor Jason Weiss,
Principal Elizabeth Blair-Ricks, and Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart.
The Business and Computer Science program at Westside High School received
Industry Certification with the help of Steve Neil, Chris Fleming, Betty Whitaker,
Shawana Thomas, and Dr. Patricia Curtis (not pictured). They are seen with CTAE
Supervisor Jason Weiss, Acting Superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart, and Westside
Assistant Principal Dr. Linda Hall.