January 2006 - Valdosta City School District

January 2006 - Valdosta City School District

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Cat Chat
Volume 16
Number 5
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Dedicated to the
Loving Memory of
Wilbur Bragg
January 2006
Welcome to Our VCS Family
VHS Improves GHSGT
Writing Scores by 6 Points
Anderson, Mixon
Brown, Samantha
VHS Principal Brett Stanton has received information verifying Chapman, Barbara
a six-point increase in the VHS overall Writing scores from the Cunningham, Barbara
Fall 2005 Main Administration of the GHSGT, as compared to Gay, Sharon
Gravlee, Marguerite
the Fall 2004 Main Administration.
Hamm, Staten
King, Tammy
2004
1st time regular program examinees
87
Loveday, Catherine
2005
1st time regular program examinees
93
Miles, Nancy
Parker, Eddie
Peterson, Brandi
Sears, Peggy
Sermons, Curtis
Smith, Loretta
Congratulations on a job well done!
SURF & LEARN
Student Support Team (SST)
Q&A
Contributed by: Scarlet Correll,
School Psychologist
http://www.funbrain.com
FunBrain.com offers teacher resources that include games for
reinforcing concepts being taught in the classroom for grades
K-12. There is a curriculum guide that allows the teacher to
choose games that are most appropriate for the class. Activities
can be selected based on the McREL standards. Flash cards can
also be printed out for practice. Games can be downloaded so
that students can play offline at any time. Games are available
in all subjects: Math, Language Arts, Science, History, Music,
Geography, Art, Technology, and Physical Education.
“The only difference between
stumbling blocks and stepping stones
is how you use them.”
VHS
Special Education
NMS
Guidance Secretary (Transfer)
SW
Social Work
SW Gear Up Grant/Program Director
TR
Substitute Bus Driver
NMS
Special Education
SE
Special Education (Transfer)
SM
Special Education
SW
Interpreter
VHS
Paraprofessional (RVI)
NMS
Paraprofessional (CIA Lab)
SW Gear Up Grant/Program Assistant
VHS
English
TR
Substitute Bus Driver
TR
Bus Driver
How can I get a copy of the SST forms?
The SST forms are available in several formats. Each
school SST Chair has a copy of all SST forms. In addition, the
SST forms may be downloaded off the Valdosta City Schools
website: http://www.gocats.org
Follow the link for Central Office on the home page. Then
click on the link for Student Support Team. The SST Forms are
available from this site. All of the forms can be downloaded or
opened in Word.
If you have questions about SST or Section 504, please email Scarlet Correll, system-wide SST Coordinator, at
scorrell@gocats.org.
-- Author Unknown
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
Get Well Wishes... 2
Sympathy to... 2
Welcome to Our World... 2
Wedding Bells... 2
Spotlight on Success... 3
CPIE Happenings... 10
Saying Goodbye... 10
Care Campaign... 11
Title I Distinguished Schools...12
Royal Retirees... 14
VCS at a Glance... 15
Early Dismissal Times
VHS . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m.
Middle Schools . . 1:30 p.m.
K-5 Schools . . . . 2:00 p.m.
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Sympathy to . . .
• Terri Steward (VHS – SpEd) and family on the death of
her father-in-law.
• James Kokoruda (VHS – science) and his family on the
death of his mother.
• Polly Baker (Retired – WG) and her family on the death of
her father.
• Angela Stokes (SLM – media parapro) and family on the
death of her sister.
• Valencia Lucas (VHS – Attendance Secretary) and family
on the death of her aunt and uncle.
• Joyce Robinson (JLL – 2nd) and family on the death of her
mother.
• Kathy Weldon (CO) and family on the death of her cousin.
• Shennel Collier (VHS – social studies) and family on the
death of her sister-in-law.
• Miriam Flail (WG) and family on the death of her nephew.
• Kim Ortmeyer (WG – SpEd) and family on the death of her
grandmother.
• Emelyn Odom (SM – media center) and family on the
death of her mother-in-law.
• Stephanie Whelchel (SM – K) and family on the death of
her grandfather.
• Georgia Nichols (SM – secretary) and family on the death
of her father-in-law.
• Scarlet Correll (CO) and family on the death of her
grandfather.
• Tim Horton (VHS – Driver’s Ed & PE) and family on the
death of his grandfather
• Henry Cannington (VMS – 6th social studies) and family
on the death of his father.
• Shannon Harley (NMS) and family on the death of her
cousin.
• Ricky Thomas (NMS) and family on the death of his
cousin.
• Elizabeth Lloyd (WGN) and family on the death of her
niece.
• Wendy Luke (WGN) and family on the death of her
grandmother.
• Massonia Mattox (WGN) and family on the death of her
father.
• Family of Wilbur Bragg (Retired – Vehicle Maintenance)
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Looking Ahead . . .
February 2006
• Grace Anne Rentz, daughter of Jack and Carrie Cardella Rentz
(VHS grads), born November 21. Grandparents include Craig
and Anne Cardella (WGN – gifted).
• Valyncia La'tesce Holmes, daughter of Ramonda and Vincent
Holmes, born November 5. Grandparents include Loretta
Floyd (JLL – SpEd parapro).
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• Romona Thomas (NMS) and Reginald Sutton were married
December 3.
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GKAP-R Window 2 Opens (K)
Teacher In-Service Days –
STUDENT HOLIDAYS
National Trivia Day
SNP Staff Training (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Classes Resume – 2nd Semester
WG PTO Candy Sale Begins
Report Cards Issued (K-12)
VBOE Meeting @ Superintendent’s
Office (7 p.m.)
SLM PTO Board Meeting (1:30 p.m.)
SM School Council Meeting (2 p.m.)
International Thank- You Days
VHS Student of the Month Luncheon
(for December)
Final Round Auditions – High School All-State
Band & Orchestra
Martin Luther King, Jr. HOLIDAY
Writing Assessment (Grades 5 & 8)
VHS All A’s Luncheon @ Ryan’s
NMS Gear Up Kickoff
VHS NFL Pizza Party
WG Candy Sale Ends
Final Round – Middle School Auditions
for All-State Band
VBOE Work Session (7 p.m.)
SLM PTO/Parent Workshops (6 p.m.)
NMS Open House/Parent Night (7 p.m.)
WG School Council Meeting (5 p.m.)
VHS Student of the Month Luncheon
(for January)
All-State Jazz
GMEA In-Service Conference
100th Day of School
WG Spelling Bee
JLL Parent Session (10 a.m.)
VHS Financial Aid Workshop @ PAC (7 p.m.)
SE Spelling Bee (9 a.m.)
WG Honor Roll Celebration
SAT
VMS PTO Student of the Month (2 p.m.)
NMS School Council Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
Welcome to Our World . . .
Wedding Bells . . .
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January 2006
Get Well Wishes . . .
• Kevin Thompson, son of Mike Thompson (CO – Warehouse)
• Andrew Denmark (VHS grad), son of Pat Denmark
(WG – guidance).
• Bill Diamond, husband of Dr. Polly Diamond (CO).
• Bernetha McCray (SE)
• Bridgette James (VHS -- SpEd parapro)
• Kathryn Alyssa Swilley, infant daughter of Al Swilley
(VMS – 6th math)
• Judy Martin (VHS – English)
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March Cat Chat Deadline
National School Counseling Week
SE/WG/NMS/VMS Interim Reports
Parent Conferences – EARLY DISMISSAL
VBOE Meeting (7 p.m.)
Multicultural Awareness Week
Valentine’s Day
Mid-Winter Break – HOLIDAYS
VBOE Work Session (7 p.m.)
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Spotlight on Success . . .
• Shenell Collier (VHS – social studies) has been nominated
for the 2005-06 Disney Teacher Award. Congratulations,
Shenell.
• Hazel Keith (VHS – RVI), Terri Steward (VHS – VHS)
and Carl Camon (VHS – SpEd) attended the Related
Vocational Instruction Fall Youth Leadership Conference
November 17-18 in Atlanta. Six students participated in this
activity, which covered such topics as transition from high
school to college or work, leadership skills, and self-advocacy.
The teachers and students learned many new concepts at this
conference.
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• Essie Rayford (VHS – guidance) and Jamie Christopher
(VHS – Assistant Principal) have been confirmed as presenters
of information on the VHS PAWS (Parents Actively Working in
School) Program at the upcoming Georgia Tech Prep
Conference in Atlanta in February. Over 2,000 secondary and
postsecondary academic and vocational/technical educators,
agency personnel, parents, and business representatives are
expected to attend this conference.
• Roosevelt Lowther (VHS – science) was named by his
peers as Teacher of the Month for December.
• VHS Interact Club sponsor Carl Camon (VHS – SpEd)
supervised fourteen VHS Interact Club members who helped
serve Thanksgiving dinner to over 100 people at the Ora Lee
West Soup Kitchen. These Interact members represented VHS
in the spirit of a true Wildcat by showing respect and putting
"service above self."
Roosevelt Lowther accepts a plant from Phyllis Harvey (Assistant Principal).
• As an extension of their church activities, Carolyn Force
(SLM – K) and Lisa Stephenson (SLM – parapro) donated 35
Thanksgiving baskets to SLM families in need. Many families
throughout the community harvested from the generosity of
Central Avenue Church of Christ.
• Karen Campbell (SM), Melanie Searles (SM –
PreSchool SLP), and Patricia Tomlinson (SM) received their
National Board Certification recently. Congratulations, Karen,
Melanie, and Patricia!
• Lee Tarpley (VHS grad), son of Jeane (VHS – math) and
Charles Tarpley (Retired – VHS), graduated from VSU with
his Master’s Degree in Business Administration on
December 10.
• SM Principal Gary Glover presented gifts recently to
Catherine Moore (SM – 1st parapro) and Assistant Principal
Susan Crago in recognition of their honor as December and
January Employees of the Month.
• Betsy McTier (VHS – math) and Heather Dowdy (VHS –
math) took 13 Y-Club students to the YA Conference
November 20-22 in Atlanta. At the conference, the students
participated in a mock congress, a mock supreme court, or
worked for the YA Newspaper.
• Congratulations to S.L. Mason’s Teacher of the Month,
Donna Campa (SLM – 3rd) and to Support Staff Member of
the Month, Susan Jones (SLM – K parapro).
• Congratulations to these wonderful Southeast Elementary
teachers for being chosen Who’s Who Among America’s
Teachers: LaConya McCrae (5th – math), Tomas Moore
(4th – Language Arts), Katie Wright (Computer Lab) and Dr.
Cheryl Copeland (SE – Assistant Principal). Each of these
teachers made a great impact on students that realized their
teachers needed to be recognized for the great work they do
everyday.
• Floye Luke (WG – gifted) and Miriam Flail (WG – social
studies) attended the Georgia Council for the Social Studies
State Conference in Athens. The conference focused on
productive learning experiences that will enable the teacher to
provide students with cutting edge social studies content and
instruction.
• Tony Burgman (PLC – science) was selected November’s
Teacher of the Month at the PLC.
• Carl Camon (VHS – SpEd) won re-election in November
2005 as Mayor of Ray City.
l-r Catherine Moore, Susan Crago, Gary Glover
• Wendy Bahnsen (SLM), Stephanie Brock (SLM), and
Tina Nunn (SLM) received their National Board Certification
recently. Congratulations, Wendy, Stephanie, and Tina!
• Kathy Weldon (JLL, JLN, WGN – SpEd Compliance
Support) received her National Board Certification recently!
Congratulations, Kathy!
• VCS School Psychologists (David Branch, Amy Brett,
Scarlet Correll, & Wynn Herndon) extend a huge “thank
you” to the SpEd Office for such a wonderful celebration
honoring them during Georgia School Psychology Week
(November 6-12). They were honored by the Central Office
Annex with a fabulous Appreciation Luncheon.
• George Ward (VHS – Career & Technical Education
Supervisor) earned his Specialist Degree in Educational
Leadership from Albany State University.
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• Keith Middleton (VHS – DCT) and fellow team members
were recognized recently as members of the 1980 UGA
National Championship football team. Keith was a linebacker
on the team that celebrated its 25th National Championship
anniversary at the UGA/Kentucky game.
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• Charlotte Brown (JLL – 3rd) was recently selected for
Who's Who Among America’s Teachers.
• Congratulations to Saralyn Singletary (JLL – SpEd) as
she transfers from Pre-K Special Education teacher to SpeechLanguage Pathologist at JLL!
• Farewell to Wendy Windle (JLL – art) as she moves to
New Hampshire. JLL faculty, staff, and students will truly
miss Wendy and her enthusiasm and love of art!
• Congratulations to Sallas-Mahone faculty members JaBra
Fuller and Holly Strickland on the completion of their
Education Specialist degrees.
l-r Keith Middleton, Frank Ros (Team Captain), and Coach Vince Dooley –
1980 UGA National Football Championship team.
• Dr. Charles Johnson (VSU history professor) spoke to
Gnann Moser's (VHS) AP English classes and Narci Drossos'
(VHS) honors English classes on the 2006 National Society of
The Colonial Dames of America essay contest topic. Valdosta
is the leading participant in this contest in the state and region
because of VHS.
• Debbie Paine (VMS – 8th Language Arts) and Giles
Godwin (VMS – 8th science) have been recognized for their
success in the classroom with the Disney Teacher Award. The
next step in this process for these nominees will be submitting
the application to be considered for the National 2006 Disney
Teacher of the Year Award. Congratulations, Debbie & Giles.
• Diane Lewis (VMS – registrar) and Ashley Cody (VMS –
7th science) coached their VMS competition cheerleading
squad to a wonderfully successful first year. The squad
competed four times and brought home a 1st place and a 2nd
place trophy.
• Todd Smoot from Get Active sportswear shop has started
a program honoring Honor Roll students. At the end of each
nine weeks, Todd offers three prizes to three students for
making the Honor Roll.
• The Georgia Department of Education recently awarded
Valdosta City Schools with a Certificate for Highest
Performance. This award was in recognition for excellence in
the education of students with disabilities by increasing the
percentage of fully certified teachers for the 2004-05 school
year.
l-r Gnann Moser, Dr. Charles Johnson, Narci Drossos
• Monia Barnes (CO) recently participated in the Muscular
Dystrophy Association Lock-Up. She was “arrested” and had
to make bail in order to be released. During the event, Monia
was named the winner of the most creative Wanted Poster
contest! Thank you, Monia!
• Carl and Angela Camon’s family (VHS – SpEd) recently
received the National Family First Award presented by the
National Council of Negro Women. Their family was
highlighted in local newspapers and on television. This
prestigious award was presented to the family because of the
tremendous amount of volunteer work done for their
communities.
• Carl Camon (VHS – SpEd) won re-election in November
2005 as Mayor of Ray City.
• Gayle Golden (CO) is leaving our VCS family as of
December 16 to assume her new role as the Assistant
Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction in the Troup
County School System. You will be missed, Gayle!
• Scarlet Correll (CO) will be serving as the Interim
Professional Learning Coordinator through this school year,
along with a modification of her current duties.
“Praise does wonders for our
sense of hearing.”
VPD Officer and Monica Barnes
-- Arnold Glasgow
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S. L. Mason’s Red Hot Readers
S. L. Mason students are hot, hot, hot about reading! This
year, the children are Blazin’ Into Reading With AR through a
host of exciting events.
Blaze, Valdosta State University’s mascot, stopped by the
school to promote Accelerated Reader and to encourage all the
boys and girls to participate. Principal John Davis escorted
Blaze to each classroom and handed out theme stickers.
Thanks to Julie Hiers (3rd) for coordinating Blaze’s visit and
Georgianna Nash (2nd) for designing the flaming stickers.
Teachers were given die-cut black books for every student’s
name to be to displayed in the hallway. As students earn AR
points, they will gain a red blaze to be placed beneath their
book. Students will also be awarded prizes for their efforts
every two weeks, along with opportunities to attend a Fired Up
Feast that will be held in the media center.
Best of all, students can earn money for special projects at
SLM by participating in the second annual READ-A-Thon.
The children have been encouraged to get family and friends to
sponsor them for every AR point received. Money will be
collected; and READ-A-Thon prizes will be awarded on
Literacy Day, along with a dance to honor the Red Hot
Readers.
SLM hopes to make reading practice a great source of fun
for our Red Hot Readers!
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“Children are likely to live up to how
much you believe in them.”
-- Lady Bird Johnson
The Southeast Elementary Junior Fire Marshals, sponsored
by Katie Wright (Computer Lab), hosted a Sock Hop Dance.
The children invited fellow students and former students to
come and “dance their socks off’ for fire safety. The Valdosta
City Fire Department and Mayor John Fretti attended the event.
The children got a chance to take a picture with a favorite
firefighter or the Mayor. All the proceeds from this event went
to provide charitable contributions to the Georgia Burn
Foundation, which will be donated in the spring at the annual
Valdosta City Fire Department Junior Fire Marshal Banquet.
Southeast
Every little bit helps here at Southeast Elementary School.
With so many children facing math anxiety, it’s obvious that
something needed to be done. Under the leadership of
Wyonnie Hardee (4th – math), an After-School Skills
Enrichment Program was created to assist children in their
comprehension of mathematics and reading. The program
prepares students for the CRCT that is given in the spring. The
program operates Monday-Wednesday (4- 5 p.m.). Several
Southeast teachers also help with this program: Jackie Offutt,
Mary Roe, Bernetha McCray (all 4th – LA), Claudee Rampley,
Mary Mincey (all 4th – math), Lillie Calhoun (PE), and
Josephine Lewis (ISS-Parapro). The program accepts
volunteers from the community and from various organizations.
The members of Kappa Eta Omega Chapter and Kappa
Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. have
been a great help to the after-school program. Two volunteers
this month La’Conya Manuel, a Marriage and Family Therapy
graduate student and Sharonda Rozier, a psychology
undergraduate student are students from Valdosta State
University. Every week they come and work as teacher aides
in the classroom, assisting the teachers to provide one-to-one
tutoring with the children. The Southeast faculty appreciates
all the hard work these people are doing to help our children of
today become the leaders of tomorrow.
La’Conya Manuel and Sharonda Rozier (VSU students) tutor SE students
in the After-School Skills Enrichment Program.
l-r Sgt. Ken Taylor, Firefighter Johnny Henry, Katie Wright (SE–computer
lab), Mayor John Fretti, Lt. Ronald Roe and Firefighter Ken Parsons attend
the SE Junior Fire Marshall’s “Sock Hop Dance.”
The Southeast Fall Carnival, sponsored by Janice Mobley
(5th – math) and Ann Finney-Williams (5th – math) and other
committee members, was a great success thanks to the CPIEs,
PALs, the Quad-A Club of Valdosta High School and parent
volunteers. During this year’s carnival, students were able to
participate in a variety of games and activities. There was the
Nail Spot, Face Painting, Bounce House and the Haunted Hall
just to name a few. In addition, there was a Country Store and
Snack Spot. When asked, one student said she enjoyed the
Haunted Hall and could not wait for next year’s carnival. The
Southeast faculty and staff will continue to work hard each
year to make this event a success.
Valdosta High
The Career/Technical Department serves a vital role in
preparing VHS students for the work force and/or further
technical education. The VHS Career/Technical faculty works
hard to keep abreast of developing technology and to create
exciting, hands-on learning activities for their students. VHS
Career/Tech Director George Ward feels a strong commitment
to the mission of his department, stating, “I believe that all
students can learn. They may not learn at the same time, at the
same rate, or on the same day – but they can learn.”
This fall, Family and Consumer Science teacher Amy Webb
challenged her students to show their concern for the welfare of
hurricane victim children by organizing a Pajamas & Books
Drive. The goal for this project was to provide pajamas and
books that would help make bedtime more comforting and
soothing for these children in shelters. Additionally, in her
Child Development class, Amy involves her students in a
realistic childcare experience. For extra credit, students
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voluntarily take home Baby Think It Over simulators to care for
over a weekend. The BTIO babies cry, coo, burp, fuss, and
breathe based on the schedules of actual babies, and emit
sounds recorded from live babies. The baby only responds to
the student who is wearing the sensor. When students return
the babies to Amy on Mondays, she can determine from
recorded data how well each student took care of his or her
baby.
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shows in area schools. Through participation in these
activities, students discover the continuing need to be not only
lifelong learners but to give back to the community, concepts
that they will find rewarding throughout their lives.
VHS Career Center Coordinator Nancy Farber is
committed to helping students choose meaningful careers that
will lead to better life quality. Because the VHS Career Center
created more student portfolios than any other high school
career center in the state, the Georgia Career Information
System program asked VHS to take part in a state wide pilot
program to train GCIS users the portfolio portion of GCIS.
Portfolios created by VHS students are currently being used as
examples at GCIS training sessions. Starting in 2004-5, the
VHS Career Center provides each freshman class the
opportunity to start their portfolio and to add to portfolios each
year. This year’s junior class is participating in GAcollege411
to help prepare them to plan, apply, and pay for college. This
effort has been extremely successful due to the partnership
between the VHS counselors and the Career Center
coordinator. The VHS Career Center is also in the process of
establishing a GO Center that encourages students to take
advantage of post-high school education in order to maximize
Amy Webb displays items donated for the Pajamas & Books Drive she
life choices.
organized for children displaced by the hurricanes.
Students in Keith Middleton’s Diversified Cooperative
Training program explore various careers and skills that will
Health Care Science Technology teacher Derrith McQuaig help them achieve employment in the application process. In
wears many hats at VHS. Derrith organizes the VHS biannual order to find an appropriate career field, students first consider
Blood Drive, co-sponsors the VHS Prom, and co-sponsors
their personal values, interests, skills, aptitudes, and abilities.
Skills USA with Graphic Communications teacher Wes Force. Next students research salary, required education/training,
In addition, Derrith coordinates a joint program with Val Tech employment outlook, and potential for professional growth
that offers a certified nursing assistant class on the VHS
within their desired field. Students then practice skills they
campus. The Health Care Science Technology Education
will need in order to be successful in the application process
program is currently going through Industry Certification.
such as filling out applications correctly, writing a professional
cover letter, creating a resume, and improving interview skills.
In addition to these career-related skills students learn on
campus, Keith’s students also practice these skills during their
part-time work at their training stations in the afternoons.
Automotive instructor Henry Acree recently attended a car
show in Jacksonville to obtain ideas for organizing the
upcoming VHS Car Show. Participating in a car show is
beneficial to Henry’s students, as they have the opportunity to
observe the different ways that cars can be outfitted and
restored to an almost new condition. During this hands-on
educational experience, students learn the importance of being
multi-talented in the auto field.
Metals Technology Instructor Greg Johnson continues to
challenge his students to improve their skill level in the metal
working field. To prepare for state competition in February, his
students practice manufacturing items in accordance with the
Derrith McQuaig (r) poses with Red Cross nurse Monica Tillman Williams
specifications of blueprints; the winning team receives gift
(VHS grad) in front of the Bloodmobile at a recent Blood Drive.
certificates from local venders. Greg also works closely with
Valdosta Technical College and the local community to stay
Youth Apprenticeship teacher Tammy Leff has been busy
abreast of the latest advances in the metal working field.
making a difference this year with students in her nationally
Graphic Arts instructor Calvin Graham teaches his students
recognized Youth Apprenticeship Program. Enrollment in YAP how to use the Autocad program to design architectural floor
is at an all-time high of 125 students actively participating in
plans as well as engineering parts. Calvin also sponsors the
the program career opportunities and community projects. YAP Sigma Beta Club, a youth organization that prepares young
students have taken part in educational and civic events ranging men for life.
from the International British Exchange this summer, Extreme
Business Education Department head Lori Buckham is
Makeover Build in September, Make a Difference Day in
excited about the new computer lab in her department and is
October to writing children’s books and performing puppets
looking forward to updating additional computer labs. The
business faculty focuses on teaching students how to use
programs to produce professional quality business
“Education is a debt due from present to computer
documents, skills that will help students at college, in the work
force, or at home.
future generations.”
-- Author Unknown
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Future Business Leaders of America sponsor Kelli Smith took
her FBLA students to the Fall Motivational Rally in Macon.
Five of these students are preparing to compete at the Region
Leadership Conference in Computer Applications, Desktop
Publishing, and Word Processing. Students who place in the
top ten will advance to the State Leadership Conference in
Atlanta.
VHS Principal Brett Stanton has high expectations for the
VHS Career/Tech Department. “There are many exciting
things taking place at the local, state, and national level
regarding Career/Tech Education. I am pleased that, through
our membership in the High Schools That Work program, VHS
faculty, staff, and students are benefiting from best practices
and an expectation for achievement in this area of public
education.”
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useful tools to promote good behavior. Family activities like
bowling or a movie are great reward choices. Mr. Chastain
concluded his presentation reminding parents to be positive and
to keep lines of communication open with their children. He
also invited parents to contact his office for more family
strengthening activities. Delicious dinners from Chick-Fil-A
(CPIE – PAL) were provided for all in attendance.
Blondie Manning (WGN – guidance) has a variety of
Parent Involvement workshops scheduled – Kindergarten
Make-It and Take-It, Raising Readers with Lynn Kilgard
(WGN – media), Dads and Donuts, Moms and Muffins, and a
Parent CRCT Prep Workshop.
West Gordon
West Gordon has been going through an "Extreme
Makeover." Our first makeover was our fabulous Safety Day.
Our thanks go out to Kathryn Armstrong for planning the day’s
The Pinevale Performance Learning Center joined 22 other events. The day began with four "bombs" placed in teacher's
centers statewide in participating in PLC Day with the Atlanta rooms. We made several trips to "follow the fence" as fire
drills, gas leaks, and an explosion in the lunchroom cleared the
Hawks on January 16. The purpose of the trip was to help
create a PLC community between students, staff, and the state school. We had to wait for our intruders to be escorted off of
the campus. Kathy worked with the Valdosta Fire
office of Communities in Schools of Georgia. Students who
attended the game received a free water bottle from the Hawks, Department and the Valdosta Police Department so that our
and the school name was recognized on the Jumbo-Tron during Safety Day was a learning experience.
Fifth grade students have been involved with piloting the
the game.
Valdosta’s PLC was one of five centers state wide that was SRA Corrective math program. All fifth grade students were
given a placement test to see which program would benefit
recognized by Communities in Schools for its hard work and
effort put forth by staff and students. The center will receive a them. The students really enjoy the interaction with the teacher
and receiving immediate feedback from the lessons daily.
free Georgia Go kit, courtesy of Communities in Schools of
VSU practicum students are finishing up their teaching
Georgia and Education Go Get It.
experiences at West Gordon. The students had to spend two
December’s guest speakers for Morning Motivation
weeks at our school and teach five lessons in social studies and
included Percy Chastain (South Health District) who
continued his presentation on Health Wellness. DARE officers Language Arts. Our students have really enjoyed the practicum
students, and we wish them the best of luck as they student
presented Resist Drinking and Driving During the Holidays
teach next semester.
SAFE Program.
A special thank you goes to Elizabeth Raque, as she
instructed us in our GPS training for science. West Gordon and
Southeast teachers worked on "unpacking" the science
standards. We were very pleased with our work as we
"unpacked" all of the science standards for fifth grade science.
WG fifth grade students have been, or will be going, on a
Just as carpenters need a toolbox with a variety of
field
trip to the Agrirama in Tifton. During this field trip, the
hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers to properly complete
their jobs, parents need to be prepared with a variety of "tools" students will dress in the l900s era. They will also have
assigned jobs such as cooking, grinding corn, blacksmithing,
to complete the job of parenting. As part of W.G.
working in the sawmill, and working in the newspaper office.
Nunn's Parent Involvement Series, Percy Chastain (South
The day is filled with fun and is a great learning experience for
Health District 8-1/Office of Adolescent Health and Youth
our children.
Development) presented "Tools 4 Parenting" on November 7
(5:30-6:30 p.m.). Mr. Chastain reminded parents that they
needed "tools" to build self-esteem, motivation, and positive
behavior in their children. He suggested verbal praise and
plenty of hugs are tools for positive reinforcement: "Parents
Teachers and staff at Newbern Middle School continue to
need to display a positive attitude toward school and learning
use Critical Friends Groups to improve teaching and learning
for the child to be successful."
on a regular basis. Consider this a mid-year check point.
Mr. Chastain also suggested that parents need to take a
Positive comments are often overheard after the meetings
more visibly active role in the schools. They should
by area/grade level take place. We share our lives and
consider volunteering, mentoring, or just dropping by for lunch experience in this time. Staff is getting acquainted on deeper
to support their child.
levels; we are analyzing student work to improve teaching
At home, parents need to consciously monitor their child's strategies; and, through honest, non-judgmental input, school
behavior. Good behavior charts that result in an award are
improvement strategies are being implemented with both new
and veteran staff.
“Everytime a child is born, the world
As GPS replaces the customary flow of thinking and
expectations, data-driven assessments form new measures of
lights up with new possibilities.”
instruction, and the best expectation seems to be "how to
Pinevale Learning Center
W.G. Nunn Offers
"Tools for Parenting"
Newbern Middle
-- Author Unknown
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twice during the year to determine the growth of their reading
abilities. Results reflect student improvement and the success
of both the AR and the SRA programs. The media center will
give awards to students, classes, and grade levels at the end of
the year based on their success with the AR program.
Technology training is another project assumed by the
media center. Training is offered in using Microsoft Office
programs and Galileo/Internet research for both faculty and
students. Faculty members are also offered instruction in
website design.
The Reading Club sponsored by the media center has also
been completely revamped. Meetings are now held on
Mondays and Thursdays (3:30-5 p.m.) in order to
accommodate the large number of projects the club on which
the club is working. To reflect the new mission of the club, the
name was changed from Cats Reading Club to VMS Junior
Johnnie Woods, Manager (SE), and Alex Mizell, Manager
Literacy Cats. Part of the name change reflects our goal of
(WGN), recently attended a two-day Manager’s Retreat in
promoting literacy in our school and community. The other
Norcross at the Simpsonwood Conference Center.
Classes were held on the new USDA Food Guide Pyramid. reason for selecting this name was to show our collaboration
with the VHS Literacy Cats. Major projects the JLC has
During the Retreat, everyone went on a Wellness Walk, which
planned for the 2005-2006 school year include:
stressed the importance of exercise along with the food we
• The rebirth of the Paw Prints school newspaper
consume. Chef Michael Banks from First Flight Foods
• A Poetry Slam (a formal evening during National Poetry
discussed how to prepare healthier recipes. In one of the
Month)
sessions, attendees were placed in groups; and everyone
discussed ways to increase our fruit and vegetable consumption • A literary magazine set to be published for the end of the
year
in our diets. The classes recommended eating foods containing
• Collaboration with the public library and the city to
lots of fiber, drinking lots of water, and exercising daily.
promote literacy and volunteerism in our community
• Participation in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl at Valdosta
State University
• Voting for the Georgia Book Award
• A reader’s theatre project
• Participation in the Georgia Student Media Festival
The VMS Media Center theme for the 2005-2006 school
year is Overhaulin.’ Utilizing this theme, media specialist Britt • Activities celebrating statewide and national events
celebrating libraries and reading.
Rodgers is restructuring both the physical look of the media
The media staff is actively researching grant opportunities
center and the programs associated with it. The long-term goal
to
help
fund these projects and others in order to develop a
is to increase usage by both faculty and students, as well as to
vibrant media center full of interesting and informative
create a more supportive and user-friendly environment.
materials.
The work began over the summer when one of the offices
This is Britt’s first year as the VMS media specialist. She
was transformed into a teachers’ media room. This room
was
previously the VMS media clerk and worked at South
contains the video and audio collections, magazine archives,
Georgia Regional Library before joining the VMS family.
and professional magazines. It also has a conference table,
Britt is joined this year by media clerk, Tara Moffett, formerly
phone, and a television/VCR unit for previewing videos. The
the Young Adult Coordinator at South Georgia Regional
South Georgia Regional Library has also donated popular
Library.
fiction for the teachers through its outreach program. These
books are also housed in this room.
At the beginning of the school year, the staff began a twotier process of reorganizing the layout and contents of the
library. Signage for the shelves with Dewey Decimal notation
I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream.
was purchased to make items easier to find. Sections were
That’s literally the latest scoop at Sallas-Mahone, thanks to a
relocated throughout the media center to provide better access
cool partnership with Bruster’s Ice Cream (CPIE). Owners
to non-fiction, reference, the professional collection, and
Gina and Chadd Mathis offered us a really sweet deal – they
reference class sets. Once general redesign was complete, Britt agreed to dip into their profits, if we’d be willing to dip into the
began a collection alignment and inventory. All the books and ice cream. With this in mind, Principal Gary Glover and
videos in the collection are being examined to make sure they
several teachers formed a team of “Super Scoopers.” Team
contain current information and are in line with the new
members include Kim Bolton, Karen Campbell, Staci
Georgia Performance Standards. All items which are outdated Chastain, Jennifer Cosper, Tanya Davis, Sharon Everson, JaBra
or out of line with standards will be removed and replaced with Fuller, Holly Hobbs, Sherri Kirbo, Sarah Moorer, Pat Nehren,
new materials that reflect current needs.
Nancy Sartin, Jane Stanaland, Holly Strickland, Patricia
Britt has also become the Accelerated Reader Coordinator. Tomlinson, Kristin Wade, Pam Waller, Misty Watkins and
Her primary goal is that of creating a more integrated and
Stephanie Whelchel This industrious group of volunteers can
structured program that will help increase student use of the
now be seen serving up warm smiles and frozen treats at
media center – and ultimately improve reading scores. The
Bruster’s quite frequently. You’ll recognize them easily in their
program is being pushed most strongly through the SRA
Reading classes. All students are being tested to find their
reading level using the STAR program. Students test at least
teach/learn more next time," teachers are turning to each other
for solutions and support. One has only to pose a dilemma to a
room of educators to be inundated with years of experiences as
varied as shells on a beach. Why not use each other more often
for insight and creativity? The feeling of relief and motivation
that takes place in collaboration lends itself to a wonderful
New Year's resolution.
A highly motivated teacher motivates highly – so click your
heels together three times and repeat, “I will stay motivated; I
will stay motivated; I will stay motivated.” Thanks to our
Newbern and VCS family, there is no place like home!
School Nutrition
Valdosta Middle Media Center is
Overhaulin’
Sallas-Mahone
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“Life is like a ten-speed bike.
Most of us have gears we never use.”
-- Charles M. Schulz
red SM t-shirts that proclaim, “Supporting Our Kids One
Scoop at a Time.” Indeed, the funds gained through this
endeavor are certainly appreciated, as they enable us to put the
“cherry on top” of student achievement through the purchase
of additional resources.
To add to this, several of our SM faculty members have
“Cici-ed” the opportunity to volunteer at Cici’s Pizza (CPIE).
Sherri Kirbo (SM – CPIE Coordinator) enthusiastically notes,
“Projects like our school nights at Cici’s are so much fun. The
kids really love seeing their teachers in a different
environment.” Accordingly, savory SM nights at Cici’s
throughout the year have led to some extra “dough” for our
school. Consequently, we’re not being “cheesy” when we say,
no matter how you slice it, working together is one sure way to
guarantee that educational opportunities rise! We appreciate all
of those who work collaboratively to put unity in the word
community.
SM Super Scoop-ers proudly display their school and community pride!
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J.L. Lomax
J. L. Lomax Elementary celebrated its annual Harvest Day
program in style. The faculty and staff selected several crops
to focus on this year (i.e., corn, peanuts, pecans, cotton, sugar
cane, potato and pumpkin) for which samples were provided.
Each grade level designed display boards to be exhibited in
the gymnasium. Parents, students and teachers were stationed
at each display on a rotating basis to provide information and
to answer any questions about their displayed crop.
Teachers planned lessons/activities around harvesting on
this day. Planting seasons for the crops, harvest seasons,
demographics, things that are made from the studied crop were
all covered in the lessons/activities. Faculty members shared
dishes of the items that were made from the crops that were
researched.
The Art Department assisted the classes with making
gourds and scarecrows. These are often used as bird feeders or
decorative pieces and to ward off animals or fowls.
All students and some teachers took hayrides around the
school. Faculty, staff and students dressed in harvesting attire
and participated in a line dance. Sandra Allen (JLL –
Principal) educated the students on the various types of green
leafy vegetables that are harvested. All students were treated
to a “taste of honey” (honey straw), as they exited the Harvest
Day festivities. This event was a great success.
Sandra Allen
JLL teachers enjoy hayrides
on Harvest Day
“There are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree –
Sit on an acorn and wait OR climb it.”
-- Author Unknown
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CPIE HAPPENINGS
• Shawn Henderson ( SE – 4th parapro) and Sharon Hunter
(SE – Parent Involvement Coordinator) sponsored a wonderful
Georgia Power (CPIE – PAL) Good Citizenship Ceremony
for the chosen students. The teachers selected these students
because they displayed leadership skills and great behavior in
the classroom and school. Rosetta Ponder (Georgia Power
Company) encouraged the students to continue doing their
best and being leaders in school. Alvin Hudson (SE –
Principal) and Dr. Cheryl Copeland (SE – Assistant Principal)
also encouraged the students to keep up the good work.
l-r Dr. Cheryl Copeland, Rosetta Ponder (GA Power), Sharon Hunter,
Shawn Henderson, and Alvin Hudson gather at the GA Power Good
Citizenship Award Ceremony for SE.
• Roosevelt Lowther (VHS – science) was named Teacher of
the Month for December. Roosevelt received gifts from
Valdosta Greenhouses, U.S. Army, Austin's Cattle
Company, Subway, Arby's, and Langdale Ford.
• Many thanks to Lata Shah (CPIE – PAL) for her help
with SLM’s Red Hot Readers program. Lata supplied all the
books and flames for the school!
• Congratulations to S.L. Mason’s Teacher of the Month,
Donna Campa (SLM – 3rd) and to Support Staff Member of the
Month, Susan Jones (SLM -- K parapro). These ladies
received gifts from Bubba Southall (Horace Mann
Insurance – CPIE).
• Brian Law (VHS – guidance) was the Master of
Ceremonies at the VHS Holiday Banquet held at the VSU
Magnolia Room. Over 170 faculty and staff attended this
annual event. CPIE partners from the community contributed
50 door prizes – thanks to each of you for your contributions!
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Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy . . .
Gayle Golden has accepted a position
in Troup County School System as
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
& Instruction. She will be responsible for
the following areas: Curriculum &
Instruction, Federal Projects, Special
Education, Testing, and Professional
Learning. She will hit the ground running
in LaGrange January 3. Gayle will be
living with her mother, who is undergoing
chemotherapy; and she will be able to care for her mother
while in LaGrange.
Gayle has received four degrees from Valdosta State
College – B.S. in Elementary Education in 1973, Master’s in
Reading Education in 1975, Master’s in Education in
Administration & Supervision in 1983, and Education
Specialist in Administration & Supervision in 1985.
Gayle has worked 32 years in education. She joined the
VCS family first (1973-1978) as a Reading/Title I math
teacher and then returned to VCS in 1997 as Curriculum
Director. In 2001, she added the title of Director of
Professional Learning to her VCS duties. Prior to that, she
was with Coastal Plains RESA (1986-1997), Coastal Plains
RAC (1983-1986), and the Turner Board of Education (19781983). In 1977-1978, she worked with MAFB/Valdosta
Technical College as a teacher of ESOL, as well as a Reading
and Language Arts GED teacher.
Idle time is not something with which Gayle is familiar –
she is very involved in her community. She served on the
Lowndes County Historical Commission Board (1999-2002);
Valdosta Heritage Foundation (1990-2000 – President, Vice
President, Board of Directors); Lowndes County Historical
Society (1996-2001); Leadership Lowndes Class of 1992;
Valdosta District, South GA Conference (2004-Present);
Valdosta First United Methodist Church (numerous positions
held).
Gayle also serves as a GA Staff Development Council
Board Member (2004-Present); serves on the GA Facilitators
Project, State Advisory Board (1992-1994). She has
presented at numerous conferences, and she has served as a
private consultant and speaker for many school systems. Her
professional memberships include: National Staff
Development Council, GA Staff Development Council, Phi
Delta Kappa, GA Association of Curriculum & Instructional
Supervision, GA Association of RESA Personnel, and the GA
Council of Reading Consultants.
Gayle’s family is very important to her. Ladson Golden
(husband) is in Pharmaceutical Sales and is looking toward
retirement this year. Gayle & Ladson have two children –
Catherine and Kevin (both VHS grads). Catherine is also a
UGA graduate with a major in Speech Communications and a
double minor in Sociology and Dance. She is gainfully
employed – much to the relief of her parents – with Intrepid, a
home healthcare agency, in marketing. Kevin is a senior at
GA State University and will graduate in May with a degree
in Philosophy and a minor in Sociology. He will be interning
at the U.S. Office of Civil Rights in downtown Atlanta this
Spring semester and is also considering graduate schools.
Gayle says, “There is more to this notion of teaching and
learning than simply memorizing facts and details. Although
these are important, it is even more important to teach our
students to learn to discover for themselves – for that is where
true lifetime learning takes place.”
• The Valdosta Sunrise Rotary Club (CPIE) hosted its
annual Holiday Party for students in Charlotte Brown’s class
(LP – 3rd) December 8. Students enjoyed refreshments,
played games and received many exciting surprises.
“That which we discover for ourselves, we own for a
lifetime – and no greater gift can we give our children.”
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VALDOSTA CITY SCHOOLS
CARE CAMPAIGN
2005 - 2006
#
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#
Part
Percent
Giving
School
United
Way
American
Heart
Assoc.
American
Cancer
Society
Other
Donations
TOTAL
64
64
J L Lomax
100%
$ 1,719
$
70
$
551
$
0
$ 2,340
65
65
Sallas-Mahone
100%
$ 1,882
$ 120
$
485
$
0
$ 2,487
70
33
S L Mason
48%
$ 1,640
$ 500
$ 1,385
$
0
$ 3,525
82
21
W G Nunn
26%
$ 1,180
$
0
$
155
$
0
$ 1,335
53
43
Southeast
82%
$ 1,104
$
5
$
75
$ 340
$ 1,524
46
46
West Gordon
100%
$ 1,507
$
20
$
155
$ 286
$ 1,968
74
17
Newbern Middle
23%
$ 1,655
$
60
$
120
$ 120
$ 1,955
81
54
Valdosta Middle
67%
$ 1,873
$ 250
$
395
$ 743
$ 3,261
151
91
Valdosta High
61%
$ 5,864
$ 370
$
485
$
95
$ 6,814
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Pinevale Learning Center
50%
$
170
$
25
$
60
$
0
$
255
20
10
Central Office/Title I
50%
$
410
$
25
$
230
$ 300
$
965
24
24
Central Office Annex
100%
$ 3,487
$
30
$
120
$
25
$ 3,662
44
35
Transportation
80%
$ 1,772
$ 140
$
260
$
0
$ 2,172
73
40
School Nutrition
55%
$
$
$
106
$
0
$
Grand Totals
60
$24,323
3
$ 1,618
$ 4,582
$ 1,909
169
$32,432
** Congratulations to J.L. Lomax, Sallas-Mahone, West Gordon, and Central Office Annex for 100% participation in their
facilities!!
** Thanks to CARE Chairmen: Libby Allen (VHS); Jamie Christopher (VHS); Al Swilley (VMS); Leslee Lampert (NMS);
LaShonda Bess (SE); Elizabeth Raque (WG); Linda Sermons (LP); Penny Shenton (SLM); Imogene Hezekiah (SLM); Pat
Nehren (SM); Resa Harris (SM); Anne Cardella (WGN); Eloise Cupp (PLC); Scarlet Correll (COA); Belinda Griffin (SNP);
Annetta Thomas (TR); and Linda Hart (CO). Thanks for all you did to make this a successful 2005-2006 CARE Campaign!
THANK YOU FOR C A R E-ING!!!
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Title I Distinguished Schools Celebrate
All K-3 schools in the Valdosta City School System were recently named as Title I Distinguished Schools – J.L. Lomax,
S.L. Mason, Sallas-Mahone, W.G. Nunn. As a reward for all their hard work, a surprise celebration was planned for all K-3
faculty/staff by the four Principals (Sandra Allen, John Davis, Gary Glover, Gary Mims), Joann Mabry, Dr. Joanna Bridges, and
Janeen Josey. Enjoy the photos below that depict the fun and frolic enjoyed by all.
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Royal Retirees Honored
The annual Valdosta/Lowndes Royal Retirees’ Reception
was held November 15 at the Valdosta Country Club.
Approximately 100 Retirees from both Valdosta City Schools
and Lowndes County Schools were honored as “Royal
Retirees” at the Reception; each Retiree enjoyed renewing old
friendships, making new friendships, and recalling precious
memories.
Valdosta City Schools and Lowndes County Schools serve
as hosts to the annual event on alternate years – Valdosta City
Schools was the host system for 2005. Dianne Harrell (VCS –
CO; Due Process Coordinator) provided soothing piano
entertainment prior to the program. Joy Jennings (VCS – CO;
Administrative Secretary to the Superintendent) led the Pledge
of Allegiance. The Invocation was given by Maude Johnson
(VCS – CO; Director of Personnel). Superintendent Sam Allen
(VCS) welcomed everyone to the event. WG’s Kids Healing
Kids Chorus provided entertainment for the group – including
giving red carnations to all the Retirees during the final song.
Kathy Armstrong (WG) serves as Director of the Chorus; Pat
Denmark & Janet Cothron serve as Assistants.
Superintendent Sam Allen (VCS) lit a Memory Candle in
honor of educators in both systems that had passed away since
November 1, 2004. Superintendents Allen (VCS) and Dr.
Smith (LCS) each read the list of names of the deceased
educators from their respective systems. Valdosta City
deceased educators remembered in this touching ceremony
included: Linda Newkam Ballentine, Dr. F.G. (Tex) Eldridge,
Mark A. Freeman, Dr. Charles Green, Catherine Hodge,
Dorothy Ann Thomas Moran, Wyolene Grant Nichols,
Jeannette Royal, and Helen Lambert Scott. Lowndes County
deceased educators included Corinne DeLoach Coleman,
James Charles Cooper, Felton “Pops” Forthe, Jr., George
Wallace Hubert, Jr., Claytis Knox, Anne White Rude Merritt,
and Deborah J. Strom.
Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith (LCS) gave the closing
remarks.
The Retired Educators’ Reception is one of the main events
held annually during American Education Week. Retirees were
also invited to have Thanksgiving lunch at the school of their
choice.
Many thanks to Joy Jennings (VCS – CO) and Terri
Welden (LCS – CO) for their help with decorations,
registration and so much more! Janeen Josey (CO – VCS) and
Jennifer Hattaway (CO – LCS) are the Retiree Reception
Coordinators.
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At the VHS Holiday Banquet, Principal Brett
Stanton presented Fanny O'Neal (VHS – ISS)
with a check for $1500 (donated by the faculty
and staff). Fanny and her family lost their
house to a fire in September.
VMS Cheerleaders wrapped gifts for local
charities at Colonial Mall – Valdosta December 21.
That’s the holiday spirit, ladies!
Mayor John Fretti dances his
socks off at the SE Junior Fire
Marshal Sock Hop.
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VCS At A Glance . . .
Keith (VHS – DCT) and Teresa (VHS – art)
Middleton enjoyed a weekend of festivities
recently with former players and coaches at
the 25th anniversary of the 1980 UGA
National Championship football team.
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Check Out Our VCS Website...
Please visit our website at www.gocats.org - click on "Dates & System Information" OR
“Community Relations” for these publications and additional Valdosta City School System
information.
The 2005-2006 VCS Activity Calendar and the 2005-2006 Student Code of Conduct are both now
available on our Valdosta City School System website. Beginning in September, Cat Chat will once
again be posted on the website each month.
For those currently receiving a copy of Cat Chat via the U.S. Postal Service . . . Please call
333-8500 (Joy Jennings) if you would like your name REMOVED from the Cat Chat mailing list.
PROMOTION, PLACEMENT, RETENTION
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 3, 5, AND 8 (O.C.G.A. 20-2-2882, 283, 284, 285)
Promotion of a student shall be determined as follows:
1. No third grade student shall be promoted to the fourth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test in reading and meet
promotion standards and criteria established by the local board of education for the school that the student attends.
2. No fifth grade student shall be promoted to the sixth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test in reading and
Criterion-Referenced Competency Test in Mathematics and meet promotion standards and criteria established by the local board of education for the school that the student
attends.
3. No eighth grade student shall be promoted to the ninth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test in reading and
Criterion-Referenced Competency Test in Mathematics and meet promotion standards and criteria established by the local board of education for the school that the student
attends.
4. Requirements in this section shall apply to students in the following grade levels:
*The third grade beginning with the 2003-2004 school year
*The fifth grade beginning with the 2004-2005 school year
*The eighth grade beginning with the 2005-2006 school year
Celebrate LIFE, FREEDOM & PEACE in 2006!
Janeen Josey, Editor
website: www.gocats.org • email: vboe@gocats.org
Valdosta City Schools
P.O. Box 5407
Valdosta, Georgia 31603-5407
Non - Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #46
Valdosta, Georgia
The Valdosta City School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, handicap or disability in its educational programs,
activities or employment practices (Title VI, IX, Section 504, ADA). The Valdosta City Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.