Imagine the Possibilities: Table of ConTents
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H V w e N A : R E V O C E ON TH Editor’s Letter................................................................................4 Superintendent’s Message..........................................................6 Vision, Mission & Beliefs..............................................................8 Valdosta City Schools’ Foundation.............................................9 Valdosta Board of Education....................................................10 2015-16 Official Academic Calendar.......................................11 2015-16 Schools and Administrators.......................................12 2015-16 Central Office Personnel............................................13
Teaching and Learning..........................................................14 CCRPI Overview Technology Department 21st Century Learning Title I AVID Program Bring Your Own Device Middle School Advanced Content Courses STEM
2015 Teacher of the Year...........................................................20 Parent Spotlight..........................................................................23 Community Partners in Education............................................24
Middle Schools.......................................................................37 J.L. Newbern Middle School Valdosta Middle School
Valdosta High School...........................................................42 2015 Graduation Academic Bowl Athletics Band Georgia Cities Day Great Promise IB Keys to the Future Math New VHS Theatre Arts Robotics SAVE Speech & Debate Spartans
Valdosta Early College Academy....................................53
Elementary Schools.............................................................26 Horne Learning Center..........................................................55 J.L. Lomax Elementary School Pinevale Elementary School Sallas-Mahone Elementary School S.L. Mason Elementary School W. G. Nunn Elementary School
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Imagine the possibilities Facts & Figures.....................56
Imagine the Possibilities: Editor’s Letter, Nondiscrimination Policy & Child Find Project It is with great pleasure that we present to you “Imagine the Possibilities,” a comprehensive look of the 2014-15 school year. Our schools, departments and many employees contributed hours highlighting our favorite memories and profound accomplishments throughout the school district. We also would like to take the time to thank the many businesses who purchased advertisements to support this project. Because of their support, we were able to fully fund this project without using any tax payer’s money to design, layout or print this magazine. After reading our magazine, our hope is that you too can begin to imagine the possibilities that lie ahead for our students with the continued support and encouragement of this wonderful community we live in. Enjoy your walk through these pages as we pursue infinite possibilities for the future of our faculty, staff and students. Sincerely,
Jennifer Steedley Director of Public Relations Editor, “Imagine the Possibilities”
Nondiscrimination Policy It is the policy of the Valdosta City Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of gender (including pregnancy and wages), age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or retaliation in the educational programs, activities or admissions to facilities operated by the Valdosta City Board of Education or in the employment practices and to provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Board shall comply with all aspects of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Amended, 1973), Title II of the Vocational Education Amendments of 1976, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Amended, 1974), Title XXIX of the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Amended, 2008), Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.
The following individuals have been designated for coordinating the system’s efforts to implement its nondiscrimination policies: Sheila Lawson, Title VI (Civil Rights Act of 1964) Valdosta City Schools 1204 Williams Street Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 671-6056 Jennifer Thornton, Title II Valdosta City Schools 1204 Williams Street Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 671-6024
Valdosta City Schools’ Department of Special Education is seeking information from parents or others concerning anyone living in the Valdosta City School District, age 3 to 21, who may have a disability and is not now being educated. If you know of such persons who may have an intellectual, physical, emotional or other disability, please contact Valdosta City Schools’ Special Education Department. This information will assist us in planning appropriate programs for these persons. Director of Special Education at: Valdosta City Schools P.O. Box 5407 Valdosta, GA 31604-5407 All information received will be kept confidential. The Valdosta City School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, disability, religion, or national origin in its educational programs, activities or employment.
Valdosta City Schools
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Valica Sampson, Sports Equity Coordinator/Title IX Valdosta Middle School 110 Burton Ave. Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 333-8555, Ext. 3012 Joyce Dean, CTAE Director Valdosta High School 3101 North Forrest Street Valdosta, GA 31601 (229) 333-8540, Ext.4018
Scarlet Brown, Section 504 Valdosta City Schools 1204 Williams Street Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 671-6005
Child Find Project
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Jack Cook, ADA Valdosta City Schools 1204 Williams Street Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 671-6073
Proudly Supporting Valdosta City Schools!
Your News. Your Voice. Your Times.
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www.valdostadailytimes.com
Imagine the Possibilities: From the Superintendent
Dear Stakeholders, I am proud to present the Valdosta City School System magazine to our community. This magazine serves as an annual report of our progress and affords our schools an opportunity to share some highlights from the academic year. Once again, no tax dollars were spent on the publication of this magazine, and I am grateful to the businesses whose advertisement dollars made this possible. Thank you to all who contributed to the contents of the magazine. The 2014-2015 school year saw the completion of a new gymnasium and athletic fields for J.L. Newbern Middle School. We were also given our first look at the initial plans for a new Valdosta High School which will become a reality thanks to the passage of the ESPLOST referendum. If everything stays on track, groundbreaking on the new high school will take place in January, 2016, and it should be ready for the freshman class of 2018. The district made significant gains on the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI), which is the state accountability system. Community stakeholders were engaged in the development of a new strategic plan that will be implemented in the fall. This plan will prove to be beneficial as the district prepares for reaccreditation. The plan will also result in a balanced scorecard that will be used to track progress toward meeting the identified goals. Despite the continued austerity cuts from the state, the FY15 budget once again had 180 days of instruction for our students and no furlough days for our faculty and staff. The FY16 budget should reflect the same. Thank you for your support of Valdosta City Schools. My retirement marked the end of a long and prosperous career with the system. Welcome to the new superintendent and know that you will take the helm of a great school district!
E. Martin Roesch Superintendent Emeritus
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Imagine the Possibilities: Superintendent’s Retirement
E. Martin Roesch: The End of an Era Valdosta City Schools honored their retiring superintendent on May 26 at the Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center. A Valdosta native and a 1984 graduate of Valdosta High School, Edward Martin Roesch has more than 27 years of experience in education. He began his career as a teacher at West Gordon Elementary in 1988 and was promoted to an assistant principal of J.L. Newbern Middle School when it opened in the fall of 1994. He spent three years there and one year at Valdosta High School as an assistant principal before being promoted to principal of Valdosta Middle School in 1998. Mr. Roesch spent ten years in that role. In February of 2008, he was promoted to assistant superintendent of finance and spent five years in that position before being selected as the superintendent of the school district on February 19, 2013. Mr. Roesch officially retired from the role on May 29, 2015. The retirement celebration started with a reception to allow well-wishers the opportunity to drop in and give congratulations. Towards the end of the reception a surprise program was planned which included a video presentation and guest speakers from Roesch’s educational career. The first guest to follow the video montage of Roesch with both his family and VCS family was a former student from his years as an assistant principal at J.L. Newbern Middle School. Cantrell Cooley spoke about the connection he had with Mr. Roesch and how his kindness and generosity helped inspire him to be the adult he is today. Cooley explained to the crowd about a time in his life when he was at a crossroads. Mr. Roesch simply offered him the opportunity to be in charge of the school’s flag each morning and asked small questions of Cooley that showed genuine care and concern that no other male figure was asking. Now a Georgia State Patrolman, he vows to continue to give back to boys and girls in our local schools because Mr. Roesch did that for him. Following Cooley, Mrs. Brenda Rodgers was chosen to share her fondest memories of their experiences together as team teachers. Rodgers echoed Mr. Cooley’s
sentiments by sharing a story about when they invited their students to his home for a day of fishing and bar-b-que. For many of their students, this was their first experience fishing and that alone made the day special and memorable for Rodgers. The next speaker was Joann Mabry. Mrs. Mabry reminisced about having the opportunity to take Mr. Roesch into a new arena, school administration. Together, this team opened the newest middle school in the district, J. L. Newbern Middle School. Although she was advised by the superintendent at that time to rethink her choices for administrators, simply because they were all new to the role, she insisted that Roesch had what she wanted to move the new school forward. Mabry spoke about the connections he shared with his students, like Cantrell Cooley, and how she enjoyed watching him help others reach their fullest potential. Last on the program were two colleagues that considered themselves fortunate to now also be very good friends. Mr. Gary Glover and Mr. John Davis were both light-hearted and genuinely thankful for the time they spent working side by side with him. They provided laughter and tears as they told stories about their years of service together at Valdosta City Schools. The evening concluded with Roesch taking the stage and giving a heart-felt thank you to his family, friends and co-workers that have supported and encouraged him over the years. His last task as superintendent was handing his graduating daughter, Bailey, her diploma as she completed her studies at VHS with honors. The Roesch family has a long history with Valdosta City Schools. Ms. Susie Mae Hagan, his grandmother, taught at Central Elementary and went on to retire from S.L. Mason Elementary School. His mother, Avie Sue Hagan Roesch, retired from W.G. Nunn Elementary School. Laura, his wife, is a Kindergarten teacher at Sallas-Mahone, and his son, Benjamin, will be in the seventh grade at Valdosta Middle School. We thank you Mr. Roesch for all that you have done for our community, our schools and the boys and girls of this fine school district. You will be missed.
Imagine the Possibilities: Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Goals
Your future...Our mission.
Imagine the Possibilities! Vision:
Our vision is to prepare students to pursue infinite possibilities for the future.
Mission:
The mission of Valdosta City Schools is quality teaching and learning, resulting in superior performance for all.
Beliefs: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Positive attitudes and relationships are essential for quality learning. A safe, supportive environment nurtures teaching and learning. Continuous improvement through shared decision making is essential to increase student achievement. Involvement and support of all stakeholders contribute to improved educational outcomes for all students. Public schools contribute to and enhance the quality of life in the community. All students have unique needs and learn when actively engaged in appropriate instruction and support. Teachers and parents are the most influential factors in improving student achievement. High expectations for all students, staff, and stakeholders are essential to student success. Effective teachers continuously improve through ongoing, job-embedded professional learning. Activities beyond core academics provide relationships and connections that are critical to student learning. In order for students to be globally competitive, students, teachers, and leaders must possess 21st century technology skills. Effective leadership influences all aspects of the school, teacher, and learner and is essential for school improvement.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Alvin Hudson
Goals: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Ensure that all students achieve high levels of academic performance. Enhance student performance through increased parent and community support and involvement. Recruit and maintain highly qualified teachers and leaders. Utilize proactive planning to accomplish timely and effective financial decisions. Plan, construct, and maintain facilities that enhance academic and extracurricular programs and objectives.
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Assistant Superintendent Scarlet Brown
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta City Schools’ Foundation
Making the Difference by Chryse Thomas The Valdosta City Schools’ Foundation was established in 2000 with an initial donation from the Coca Cola Corporation. The foundation is a non-profit organization whose revenue consists of individual and corporate contributions from the community. From the beginning the foundation’s goal has been to promote, encourage, and recognize ex-
cellence in education for students and teachers in the Valdosta City Schools. This year, once again, the Foundation provided two $1,000 scholarships to both a female and male graduating senior at Valdosta High School. A donation from the Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation provided scholarships to three deserving VHS college bound students. Additionally, Pope Langdale, Jr. and Rusty Griffin provided two $1,000 scholarships. Through the generosity of our local State Farm agents Angie Crawford, Bubba Highsmith, Paul Cribbs, Brian Sumner, Travis Pate, Kelly Barr, and Christi Marsh, the foundation was able to fund the Teacher of the Year Banquet and provide two student
scholarships totaling $2,800. In addition, the Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program will continue to be implemented at each school, thanks to a $5,000 grant from the State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Grants program. Tax deductible donations made to the foundation will allow us to make positive strides towards excellence in the Valdosta City Schools’ family. Together we can make a difference! If you would like more information or would like to make a tax deductible donation please contact Chryse Thomas at (229) 671-6025,
[email protected], or by visiting our website, www.gocats. org/foundation.
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Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta Board of Education Members
Valdosta Board of Education 2015-16 Member Information Liz Shumphard, District 1
Bill Love, District 6
Vanassa Flucas, District 2,
Debra Bell, Superward East,
609 Jones Street, Valdosta, 31601 Home Phone: (229) 249-0700 Email:
[email protected]
1303 Baymeadows Drive, Valdosta, 31602 Business Phone: (229) 244-1400 Home Phone: (229) 247-1521 Email:
[email protected]
Warren Lee, District 3
Kelly Wilson, Superward West
Dean Rexroth, District 4
Jeana Beeland, At-Large
1402 Continental Drive, Valdosta, 31601 Home Phone: (229) 244-6187 Email:
[email protected]
Chair
1103 West Magnolia Street, Valdosta, 31601 Business Phone: (229) 249-9705 Home Phone: (229) 242-4045 Fax: (229) 249-9765 Email:
[email protected]
1804 Williams Street, Valdosta, 31602 Home Phone: (229) 247-5441 Email:
[email protected]
Trey Sherwood, District 5
P.O. Box 2070, Valdosta, 31604 Business Phone: (229) 242-4560 Home Phone: (229) 219-8489 Fax: (229) 242-4561 Email:
[email protected]
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2207 Azalea Drive, Valdosta, 31602 Home Phone: (229) 563-6594 Email:
[email protected]
Vice Chair
2210 Bridlewood Drive, Valdosta, 31605 Home Phone: (229) 292-0766 Email:
[email protected]
1088 Ridge Road, Valdosta, 31605 Business Phone: (229) 293-0800 Home Phone: (229) 242-1072 Fax: (229) 293-0103 Email:
[email protected]
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta Board Meeting Dates/School Year Calendar
Valdosta Board of Education Meetings
2015-16
Regular Board of Education meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted). Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Regular meetings are held at the Superintendent’s Office, 1204 Williams Street. Work Sessions are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month on a rotating basis September through May, and at the Superintendent’s Office June through August.
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Imagine the Possibilities: School Administrators
Valdosta City School System 2015-16 Schools and Administrators J.L. LOMAX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PreK-5) Address: 1450 Howell Road, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8520 Fax: (229) 245-5654 Principal: LaConya McCrae Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Tony Burgman Email:
[email protected]
S.L. MASON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PreK-5) Address: 821 West Gordon Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8525 Fax: (229) 245-5650 Principal: Kevin Daw Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Dr. Linda Hunt Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Danielle White Email:
[email protected]
SALLAS-MAHONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-5) Address: 3686 Lake Laurie Drive, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8530 Fax: (229) 245-5652 Principal: Gary Glover Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Dr. Artrice Haugabrook Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Al Swilley Email:
[email protected]
W.G. NUNN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PreK-5) Address: 1610 Lakeland Avenue, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8575 Fax: (229) 245-5653 Principal: Cisco Diaz Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Maggie Moody Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Tina Nunn Email:
[email protected]
PINEVALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PreK-5) Address: 930 Lake Park Road, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8535 Fax: (229) 245-5651 Principal: Royce Thomas Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Dr. Ann Finney-Williams Email:
[email protected]
VALDOSTA MIDDLE SCHOOL (6-8)
Address: 110 Burton Avenue, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8555 Fax: (229) 245-5656
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Principal: Beth DeLoach Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Mike Samaras Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Valica Sampson Email:
[email protected]
J.L. NEWBERN MIDDLE SCHOOL (6-8)
Address: 2015 East Park Avenue, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8566 Fax: (229) 245-5655 Principal: Dr. Dan Altman Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Virginia Crowell Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Valerie Smith Email:
[email protected]
VALDOSTA HIGH SCHOOL (9-12)
Address: 3101 North Forrest Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8540 Fax: (229) 333-8584 Principal: Dr. Janice Richardson Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Dan Chappuis Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Chris Chastain Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Paul Day Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Joyce Dean Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Kendrick Moody Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Betsy McTier Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Ricky Thomas Email:
[email protected]
VALDOSTA EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY (6-12) Address: 1605 Azalea Drive, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-8455 Principal: Dr. Mae McKinney Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Johnnie Marshall Email:
[email protected]
HORNE LEARNING CENTER
Address: 930 Old Statenville Road, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8597 Fax: (229) 671-8513 Principal: Michael Roberts Email:
[email protected] Assistant Principal: Dr. Cynthia Scurry Email:
[email protected]
Imagine the Possibilities: Personnel
Valdosta City School System 2015-16 Central Office Personnel Dr. Alvin Hudson
Deanna Folsom
Kaci Nobles
Scarlet Cassel Brown
VACANT
Jennifer Steedley
Interim Superintendent Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6053 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email:
[email protected]
Assistant Superintendent Address: 1204 Williams Street Phone: (229) 671-6005 Fax: (229) 671-8478 Email:
[email protected]
Joann Mabry
Assistant to the Superintendent Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6003 Fax: (229) 333-8594 Email:
[email protected]
Alex Alvarez
STEM, Advanced Programs, K – 12 Science, 6 – 12 Math Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6023 Fax: (229) 671-8478 Email:
[email protected]
Pam Boyd
Director of School Nutrition Address: 1215 Slater Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6002 Fax: (229) 333-8578 Email:
[email protected]
Dr. David Cole
6 – 12 ELA & Social Studies, Student Support Team/RTI Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6064 Fax: (229) 671-8478 Email:
[email protected]
Jack Cook
Maintenance Supervisor Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6073 Email:
[email protected]
Terry Daniel
Athletic/Ticket Office Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6049 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email:
[email protected]
Coordinator of Social Services Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6067 Fax: (229) 333-8598 Email:
[email protected]
Director of Title IA, C, D, Parent Involvement Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6013 Fax: (229) 333-8594
Crystal Hiller
Director of Purchasing Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6048 Fax: (229) 333-8539 Email:
[email protected]
Dara Holt
Director of Curriculum, PreK - 5 Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6062 Fax: (229) 241-2716 Email:
[email protected]
Joy Jennings
Executive Secretary to the Superintendent Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6053 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email:
[email protected]
Bob Jones
Director of Facilities Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6011 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email:
[email protected]
Director of Public Relations Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6065 Fax: (229) 333-8583 Email:
[email protected]
Mark Swift
Chief Technology Officer Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6066 Fax: (229) 241-2716 Email:
[email protected]
Chryse Thomas
Director of VCS Foundation Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6025 Fax: (229) 241-2716 Email:
[email protected]
Jennifer Thornton
Title II, Gifted, ESOL, Professional Learning Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6024 Fax: (229) 241-2716 Email:
[email protected]
Director of Finance Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6043 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email:
[email protected]
James Wakefield
Sheila Lawson
Gwen Weaver
Director of Human Resources Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 671-6056 Fax: (229) 247-7757 Email:
[email protected]
Director of Custodial Services Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8516 Email:
[email protected]
Director of Transportation Address: 1720 Eastwind Road, Valdosta Phone: (229) 245-5640 Fax: (229) 333-8528 Email:
[email protected]
Dr. Vakesha Mays
Director of Special Education Address: 1204 Williams Street, Valdosta Phone: (229) 333-8505 Fax: (229) 333-8598 Email:
[email protected]
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Imagine the Possibilities: Teaching and Learning
2014 COLLEGE & CAREER READY PERFORMANCE INDEX SCHOOL CCRPI RESULTS
School Name J. L. Lomax Elementary School Sallas-Mahone Elementary S.L. Mason Elementary School Pinevale Elementary School W.G. Nunn Elementary School J. L. Newbern Middle School Valdosta Middle School Valdosta High School
2014 CCRPI 70.8 82.9 81.9 65.5 78.5 69.7 83.2 66.2
Change from 2013 CCRPI +2.5 +5.6 +12.3 -7.5 +2.9 +17 +9.6 +8.6
CCRPI Single Score Comparisons 2012-2014
The College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) is Georgia’s comprehensive school improvement, accountability, and communication platform for all educational stakeholders. Georgia has been working to redefine the accountability system for public schools since 2012, when our state was granted our initial flexibility waiver under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Georgia’s new statewide accountability system has been revised and refined, based on feedback from education partners and the public, to create a more meaningful index of school performance. The 2014 CCRPI is calculated based on data collected during the 2013-2014 school year. School and district level data are reported below.
Technology Department
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System-wide Technology Replacement and Additions
Connections for Classrooms Grant
Valdosta City Schools has implemented an aggressive replacement plan during the FY13 academic year. We replaced over 1,695 desktop computers. Included in this initiative are projectors and printers that have become outdated. Projectors that are being phased out are being replaced by lampless LED projectors, interactive short throw projectors, and flat screen interactive televisions. Apple iPads are now being managed by a Mobile Device Management system that not only helps us make apps available on a system level, but also gives teachers the access to add apps themselves as needed. In compliance with new state testing regulations, Chromebooks were used for Georgia Milestones testing with success.
Valdosta City Schools has been awarded the FY15 Connections for Classrooms Grant for multiple projects that will improve technology infrastructure and increase bandwidth available to classrooms. Connections for Classrooms is a grant program joining multiple state agencies around the common goal of ensuring Georgia schools and classrooms have high-speed broadband access required for digital and blended learning. The program is part of a broader statewide effort to expand classroom high-speed broadband access in response to Governor Deal’s Digital Learning Task Force recommendations as well as the GaDOE’s efforts to enable personalized learning for Georgia students.
Imagine the Possibilities: Teaching and Learning
Title I Title I Part A, part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), is the nation’s largest assistance program for schools. This act provides federal funds through the Georgia Department of Education to local educational agencies (Valdosta City Schools) and public schools on the basis of the economic level of families in a school’s attendance zone. The mission of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.
The purpose of the Title I program is to:
Valdosta City Schools and The Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta are proud recipients of the 21st Century Community Learning Center program grant. This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours. Approximately 400 Valdosta City Schools’ students are served in after-school and summer programs at the David S. Waller Unit and Donald F. Reames Teen Center. The partnership helps students meet standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math. It also offers students a broad assortment of enrichment activities that can supplement their regular academic programs. Students enjoy field trips, special guests, and Friday Club Days. The program also offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating students. Meals and transportation are provided. The program works in close partnership with the school district by employing Valdosta City Schools’ teachers, utilizing student performancs’e data to guide programming, and fostering a relationship between the school and the club to make informed decisions about academic and social issues. This team effort benefits students by promoting social and academic achievement and ultimately helping students to become productive members of our community.
• Build capacity for parent involvement • Provide professional learning for teachers • Meet the requirements of Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)
All schools in Valdosta City School System operate as schoolwide Title I programs. Title I funds are used to provide supplemental core academic instruction and instructional support in the areas of English/Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The Title I program offers a variety of services which include
additional teachers, academic coaches, resource materials, smaller classes, parent involvement opportunities, and additional training for staff. Another goal of Title I is to increase parental involvement and to promote active engagement in their child’s education. By taking an active role in the school, parents show their children that they are valued and that education is important. Children learn that parents and the school are a team working together to help them succeed academically. Each Title I school in Valdosta City School District has a Parent Involvement Coordinator that works collaboratively with our District Parent Involvement Facilitator in recommending and implementing a strong parental involvement program.
• Help every child receive a high quality education.
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Imagine the Possibilities: Teaching and Learning
Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) is a K-16 college-readiness system implemented in school systems, colleges, and universities internationally. Valdosta City Schools (VCS) has implemented AVID in grades 6-12 and at each secondary school site including Valdosta Middle, J.L. Newbern Middle, Valdosta Early College Academy, and Valdosta High. AVID is offered as an elective course that includes an AVID research-based curriculum focused on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR). A week in AVID may include college readiness strategies, college tutor-led AVID Tutorology tutorials, binder-reviews, and motivational activities. College and university visits each year provide VCS AVID students first-hand knowledge of what college requires and has to offer. AVID students are motivated, have performed in the academic middle previously, and have college potential. Admission to the AVID program includes a recommendation, application, interview, and student/parent contract. VCS is proud to have served as a continuous site for AVID Center Showcase and Regional Training Events. As of 2014, 100% of VCS AVID seniors have been accepted into college and/or the armed forces. VCS AVID Success has resulted in a trend of significant growth in student participation over the past three years. Valdosta Middle and Newbern Middle have moved to school-wide AVID.
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Imagine the Possibilities: Teaching and Learning
Bring Your Own Device! At Valdosta City Schools, we are committed to providing our students with as many opportunities for success as possible. One avenue for providing such opportunities is our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative. We are striving to ensure our students are globally competitive and possess 21st century technology skills. In a BYOD environment, students are able to use their own devices while others use system-owned devices for instructional purposes. The intent is not to eliminate system-owned technology, but rather to leverage and maximize
available technology. Many of our schools are actively piloting BYOD and others are laying the groundwork to begin piloting the program in the near future. Many students and teachers are also engaging in Google Apps for Education. Students are members of their teacher’s Google Classroom (an online platform for delivering content, product creations, and submitting assignments). Students are collaborating on essays, journals and research, providing and receiving real time feedback, and accessing rich and
relevant digital content all from their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Students who have piloted the program are excited - now they don’t have to wait for their turn to use the classroom computers. Through our BYOD and Google Apps for Education initiative, our students are participating in an online cyber safety course. Prior to being approved for BYOD, students must complete the course. VCS is systematically addressing critical and current issues children and parents face online.
Middle School Advanced Content Courses Valdosta City Schools established advanced content course options within sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math and English/Language Arts at the onset of the 2014-2015 school year. These courses were created to accelerate student learning and increase academic rigor. The new advanced course offerings provide students the opportunity to successfully prepare for high school Honors, AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses. Students who chose to accept the increased challenge of advanced content classes worked diligently inside and outside of class to meet or exceed rigorous expectations. Program goals have centered on strengthening Tier I instruction, improving ReadiStep/PSAT/SAT/GMAS/EOCT achievement scores, increasing success of ninth grade students and building strong vertical alignment. These goals were achieved through the employment of Parallel Curriculum Guides, AVID strategies, additional projects and academic extracurricular opportunities. Advanced Course opportunities will continue to be offered in math and English/Language Arts for the 2015-2016 school year, with planning underway for the addition of Science and Social Studies options the following year. Annually, parents of participants will be provided with program information, a student characteristic self-assessment checklist, and teacher recommendations in order to assist in course selections for their children. gocats.org
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Imagine the Possibilities: Teaching and Learning
{STEM} Valdosta City Schools recognizes the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) opportunities for students at all grade-levels. VCS sites offered numerous opportunities during the 20142015 school year to encourage student achievement and awareness as related to STEM opportunities and careers. VCS observed Georgia STEM Day 2015 with school-level science fairs, STEM activities, and art. VCS also held the inaugural district Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Day competition for elementary and
middle school students to compete for top district awards with a science fair, a LEGO Robotics Challenge, and the “A STEAM Powered World” Art Show. VCS has planned STEM and STEAM student opportunities for the 2015-2016 school year.
She truly focuses on the equality of education and the fairness available to each student. She never makes a decision that would allow one student to have an unfair advantage over another student. Her evenhanded decision-making fosters an environment that appeals to students and parents alike because all appreciate the safe haven she provides. - Betsy McTier
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Imagine the Possibilities: Teacher of the Year
2015 Teacher of Year
Mrs. Hunter Mrs. Wanda Chastang Hunter was named Valdosta City School System’s Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015. She is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elective teacher at Valdosta High School (VHS). She has served as an educator at VHS since 1997. Since joining that staff, she has taught mathematics and in 2009 began strictly working with the AVID program. Hunter believes that quality and engaging instruction ignites the thirst of a student’s desire to expand their current knowledge level or skill set. Over her educational career, she said that she has specialized in coaching students labeled as the academic middle to be successful in advanced, college preparatory courses. Hunter believes that as an academic coach, it is her job to first teach students the fundamentals of the game while periodically stopping to assess them and provide feedback on how they can improve. She also made a personal commitment for her own educational journey. She sought her Masters in Educational Leadership with the determination to become a school administrator. Upon the completion of her degree and having the honor of coordinating the AVID program, she realized that the most fertile ground for sewing change was to remain amongst the other teachers and become a teacher leader. Hunter is pleased to open her
classroom to others as a resource to learn that what exists does not have to persist. Her toolbox of proven strategies range from how to teach students to learn to how to help them believe they can learn. Betsy McTier, assistant principal and fellow educator said of Mrs. Hunter, “She truly focuses on the equality of education and the fairness available to each student. She never makes a decision that would allow one student to have an unfair advantage over another student. Her evenhanded decision-making fosters an environment that appeals to students and parents alike because all appreciate the safe haven she provides.” Mrs. Hunter is passionate about her calling to be an educator. “I ask the general public to once and for all resolve in their minds that schools are not perfect! Embrace the fact that the power which we all possess to facilitate change in the lives of our youth should be shared collectively with only one shared objective, that being the advancement of the social welfare of
all citizens. If we continue to point blame instead of accept responsibility, create division instead of unity, and judge instead of getting involved, forward movement in education will remain hindered,” said Hunter. All the 2014-2015 Teachers of the Year are as follows: Willie Edwards from J.L. Lomax Elementary School, Jennifer Carlson from S.L. Mason Elementary School, Elizabeth Blakley from Sallas Mahone Elementary School, Carrie Pate from W.G. Nunn Elementary School, Tiffany McCoggle from Pinevale Elementary School, Valerie Smith from J.L. Newbern Middle School, Angela Faber from Valdosta Middle School, Meredith Hall from Valdosta Early College Academy, and Tim Pate from Horne Learning Center. All winners were honored during a special dinner and celebration in September of 2014 sponsored by local State Farm agents Kelly Barr, Angie Crawford, Paul Cribbs, Bubba Highsmith, Christi Marsh, Travis Pate, and Brian Sumner. gocats.org
Valdosta City Schools 21
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta Board of Education Members
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Imagine the Possibilities: Parent Spotlight
S.L. Mason Elementary School Parent Serving on State School Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council Mrs. Terri Ball, parent of two S.L. Mason Elementary School students, was selected to serve on the State School Superintendent’s 2014-16 Parent Advisory Council (PAC). As members of the council, she worked with 36 other parents from across the state and together they met three times throughout the year with the superintendent to discuss education issues in Georgia. Their primary focus was increasing parent and family engagement to ensure student success, particularly in Georgia’s Title I schools. The meetings allowed parents to provide feedback and input on new policies, projects, and materials that influence students and their families. The Superintendent’s PAC shared the information they learned with community members, other families and schools. They also served as advisors and ambassadors in their respective communities. Parents are nominated to serve on the PAC by their local school districts at the beginning of each school year. Members are chosen by a committee of Georgia Department of Education representatives based on the applicant’s response to questions. Each member serves a two-year term on the council. Mrs. Ball was nominated by S.L. Mason Elementary and selected by Superintendent E. Martin Roesch to submit her application before being ultimately awarded a position on the council. Since her oldest child began
Kindergarten at S.L. Mason she has been a constant volunteer in the building. She’s served as the PTO president and is now the secretary and assists with Box Tops at the school. One of her greatest accomplishments was the implementation of the Camp Read-A-Lot family night at the school. This year, over 350 families attended the fun event to encourage literacy in the home. Her heart of service within S.L. Mason and the community also garnered her the prestigious Woman of the Year nomination. “We are honored to have someone like Mrs. Ball representing Valdosta City Schools and S.L. Mason on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council,” said Mr. Roesch, superintendent for Valdosta City Schools. “I know how hard she works over at S.L. Mason with their PTO and parent involvement team; we are fortunate that she is serving on our behalf for the betterment of children across the state of Georgia.”
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Valdosta City Schools 23
Community Partners in Education (CPIE) is a combined effort of the Lowndes County School System and the Valdosta City School System whose purpose is to encourage greater student achievement in school systems by developing partnerships between individual schools and area businesses, industries, civic, church and community groups. Today, CPIE has a total of 400+ partnerships and new partnerships continue to be formed each year. From spending an hour each week tutoring a student in reading to landscaping a schoolyard, to making presentations on career readiness, CPIE partners make a positive contribution by helping to better prepare the leaders of tomorrow – our children! Valdosta City Schools are proud to announce that all five of the recipients of CPIE Awards were nominated by our schools. The 2014 Partner at Large of the Year, Texas Roadhouse nominated by Pinevale Elementary and W.G. Nunn Elementary Schools; 2014 Volunteer of the Year, Dr. James Kokoruda nominated by Valdosta High School; 2014 Small Business of the Year, Jodi’s Accessories nominated by J.L. Lomax Elementary and J.L. Newbern Middle Schools; 2014 Large Business of the Year, Zaxby’s – St. Augustine Road nominated by S.L. Mason Elementary School; and the 2014 School Coordinator of the Year, Judy Cumbess nominated by Turner Center for the Arts and Davis Creations.
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PHOTO CREDIT – Brandon Powers (VDT), Recipients of the Community Partners in Education awards are (left to right) Small Business of the Year, Jodi Doss of Jodi’s Accessories; Volunteer of the Year, James Kokoruda; Coordinator of the Year, Judy Cumbess of Pinevale Elementary; PAL of the Year, Alison Still of Texas Roadhouse; Large Business of the Year, Chris Martin of Zaxby’s on Saint Augustine.
Community Partners in Education The individual school award winners in each category are as follows:
Sallas-Mahone Elementary School Large Business Partner of the Year – Zaxby’s (Inner Perimeter) Partner at Large of the Year – Wild Adventures Volunteer of the Year – Ann Mordon – Sallas Mahone PTO
J.L. Lomax Elementary School Small Business Partner of the Year – Jodi’s Accessories Large Business Partner of the Year – Southeastern Federal Credit Union Volunteer of the Year – Diane Wiese Coordinator of the Year – Erica GrantHudson, nominated by New Harvest United Methodist Church; Tamera Dariso, nominated by South Street Community Care House
S.L. Mason Elementary School Small Business Partner of the Year – Zacadoo’s (Baytree Road) Large Business Partner of the Year – Zaxby’s (St. Augustine Road) Partner at Large of the Year – Jodi’s Accessories Volunteer of the Year – Terri Ball, S.L. Mason PTO
W.G. Nunn Elementary School Small Business Partner of the Year – Daylight Donuts Large Business Partner of the Year – Southeastern Federal Credit Union Partner at Large of the Year – Texas Roadhouse Volunteer of the Year – Nishonda Alford – W.G. Nunn PTO
Pinevale Elementary School Small Business Partner of the Year – Davis Creations Large Business Partner of the Year – Southeastern Federal Credit Union Partner at Large of the Year – Texas Roadhouse
Imagine the Possibilities: Community Partners in Education Volunteer of the Year – Jean Miley – Pinevale PTO Coordinator of the Year – Judy Cumbess, nominated by Turner Center for the Arts and Davis Creations; Danita Boyd, nominated by Pinevale Alumni Association
J.L. Newbern Middle School Small Business Partner of the Year – Jodi’s Accessories Large Business Partner of the Year – Southeastern Federal Credit Union & Chick fil A – North Valdosta Volunteer of the Year – Sebastian Davis – Prince Hall Ossipee Temple
Valdosta Middle School Small Business Partner of the Year – Hester & Morris Orthodontics Partner at Large of the Year – Domino’s Pizza Volunteer of the Year – Jodi Doss – Jodi’s Accessories
Valdosta Early College Academy Small Business Partner of the Year – State Farm – Travis Pate Large Business Partner of the Year – South Health District – Adolescent Health & Youth Development Partner at Large of the Year – Smith Drug Company Volunteer of the Year – Dr. Paula McNeill, VSU Dewar College of Education
Horne Learning Center
Valdosta High School
Small Business Partner of the Year – Pinevale Alumni Association Large Business Partner of the Year – Pathway to Hope Partner at Large of the Year – Omega Psi Phi Volunteer of the Year – Annie Barbas – Master Gardener
Small Business Partner of the Year – US Army Recruiting Partner at Large of the Year – Jodi’s Accessories Volunteer of the Year – Dr. James Kokoruda
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Valdosta City Schools 25
Imagine the Possibilities: Elementary Schools
J.L Lomax Elementary School Welcome to Success! Recognized as a 2014 Reward School for Highest Progress, J.L. Lomax Elementary is a magical place where our shining STARS, or Scholars Taking Academic Responsibility to Succeed, shine bright like diamonds as they create tomorrow. We expect all of our scholars to excel academically and behaviorally. The faculty and staff work diligently to encourage and equip our scholars to pursue infinite possibilities. We believe that building healthy relationships with our pupils, parents, and partners in education is essential to our success. Also, key to our success is our belief that all children can learn and graduate from high school with the option to go to the college of their choice, pursue a fulfilling career, and contribute to the vibrant community in which they live. The faculty and staff plant seeds of success as early as Pre-K and celebrate our scholars’ achievements throughout the school year. Echoing the wisdom of Vince Lombardi, we constantly remind our scholars, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
Reading to Succeed and Lead: A Red Carpet Affair One of numerous highlights this year was our Reading Bingo Blackout initiative. Understanding the importance of our scholars being strategic readers, our media specialist, Mrs. Linda Sermons, implemented this initiative not only to supplement core instruction and our Accelerated Reader Program but more importantly to reignite the passion and foster the love for reading. This initiative began in October and culminated in April. Our scholars, with support of their parents and teachers, volunteered to complete Reading Bingo Blackout cards that consisted of a variety of topics that aligned to their grade level Common Core Georgia Performance Standards and Georgia Performance Standards. It also incorporated various genres. For example, a category on a fourth grade Reading Blackout Card might have been a book about the water cycle or a newspaper article about phases of the moon. Mrs. Sermons gave our scholars approximately four weeks to complete a Reading Bingo Blackout card. Each time a child read a book in one of the categories, he or she had to write the title of the book and the author’s name in that space. No titles could be duplicated on any Reading Bingo Blackout cards, and similar to the AR Program, our scholars could read independently or have someone read with or to
A Successful Partnership with VSU Students and the Valdosta Fire Department
them. When the entire card was blacked out, or completely filled out, the child had his/her parent/guardian or teacher to sign the bottom and return the card to the media center. Each time the child completed a card, he/she won a Pizza Hut BOOK IT coupon, a prize, and advanced to the next level. Upon completion of the first Reading Bingo Blackout card, our scholars earned their fivepointed gold star with their picture displayed in the center and posted on the wall in the main hallway. A different colored dot positioned in each of the five points of the star symbolized completion of a new card. On May 7, 2015, Mrs. Sermons and Ms. Gordon hosted a Red Carpet Affair fit for Hollywood celebrities for approximately twenty scholars who completed all six levels. These all-star readers entered the elegantly decorated media center greeted by the paparazzi and thunderous applauses of extremely proud faculty members as they walked the red carpet. Our scholars enjoyed fine dining and a bag of treats, a reading certificate, a ten dollar gift card to Books-A-Million, and a STAR Reader T-shirt. Our goal is to start this initiative sooner in fall 2015 to increase the number of children recognized in May. We strongly believe that readers are leaders.
This year J. L. Lomax partnered with the athletics department from Valdosta State University (VSU) and the Valdosta Fire Department. The VSU undergraduates would visit our school weekly and volunteer in our classrooms. Most teachers would use them to listen to our children read and ask them comprehension questions. Others would work with our upper elementary scholars to improve their math fluency by practicing their math facts. Many opted to assist Mrs. Stokes in PE. No matter what role they played, our scholars thoroughly enjoyed reading and working with the VSU volunteers.
Imagine the Possibilities
Walking in Success Thanks to the generosity of our Community Partners in Education (CPIEs), Mr. Langdale and Mr. Powell, all J.L. Lomax scholars with perfect attendance the first 100 days of school traveled by bus to Academy Sports to purchase a new pair of shoes up to $75. Mr. Roesch, Dr. Hudson, and Mr. Jones assisted our children in their shoe selection. Their excitement was contagious and evident as they wanted to adorn their feet with their new kicks before they returned to school. The look on the children’s faces was priceless!
Working Together for Success In addition to buying new shoes for our children, our CPIEs have also sponsored field trips to Raisin’ Cain throughout this year for all of our scholars. Our scholars thoroughly enjoyed the exposure and varied experiences these field trips offer. The generosity of our CPIEs has also boosted teacher and staff morale. Every teacher and staff member receives a card, a bouquet of fresh flowers, and a birthday cake for his/her birthday. The CPIEs also sponsor and donate many items we offer in our AR Store. To shop at the AR Store, our scholars must earn a minimum of five AR points and maintain an 85% or higher average. To promote good decision-making, our scholars have opportunities to earn CAT Cash for demonstrating CATS, Cooperating, Acting appropriately, Taking responsibility, and Showing respect. Children who earn 100 or more Cat Cash have their names entered in a drawing. Prizes have ranged from brand new bicycles to Wal-Mart gift cards. Overall, the climate and culture of our school has improved greatly which is evident by fewer office referrals. In observance of Teacher Appreciation Week, our CPIEs provided lunch catered from Covington’s for all faculty and staff members. Everyone enjoyed great food, fun, and fellowship.
Wishing “The King” Success After 33 years of service to the boys and girls in Valdosta City Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, summer school administrator, and principal, Mrs. Pam Parlee King announced her retirement this year. From your J.L. Lomax Elementary family, we wish you much success as you embark upon a new chapter in your life.
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Imagine the Possibilities: Elementary Schools
Pinevale elementary school This year, the Pinevale Elementary new faculty participated in the Induction Phase Teacher Support Team. Monthly topics, daily and weekly collaborations, peer observations and feedback were the strong points of this collaborative community of professionals. Induction phase teachers met with their mentors and improved their classroom practices based on their feedback from their mentors’ observations. Induction phase teachers identified their goals based on their TKES self-assessment at the beginning of the school year. Aside from providing valuable professional advice and feedback (and a shoulder to cry on), the mentors’ role was to provide the young induction phase teachers a nonthreatening environment and a “soft” place to fall while learning. Mission accomplished! Our Pinevale students continued their experience learning about STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering). Teachers and students got “geared up” for STEM Day by engaging in “Engineering Days” beginning in February 2015 and leading up to STEM Day in May. The purpose of these lessons was to provide students the opportunities to use creative and critical thinking to problem solve, to have an awareness of engineering and the work of engineers, and to ignite an interest in pursuing engineering as a career. The culmination of Engineering Days was our STEM Day held on May 8, 2015, where teachers designed engaging lessons for students to explore creative learning in science technology, engineering, and math. Our Pinevale Elementary
Junior Fire Marshals (JFM) also excelled this year in community service. Chaired by Dr. Danielle Gibbs (Gifted/ESOL teacher), the Junior Fire Marshal’s work catapulted Pinevale into the limelight as “JFM School of the Year”, and Dr. Gibbs as the “Chairperson of the Year”. Dr. Gibbs and the fire marshals’ focus this year was giving back to the community. This was accomplished by providing needed supplies to community recipients, in-kind services, and hosting fundraisers for donation. In November, JFM held a “Dog and Cat Supply” drive to donate to the Valdosta Humane Society, as well hosting a drive to collect care package items to donate to people in need. During Fire Prevention Week, the marshals provided facts, tips, and riddles daily to the staff about
fire safety. The JFM talent show, featuring a “STOMP” performance, also taught students and guests about fire safety. The Fire Safety Exhibit in February and the annual “Tiger Trot” raised funds to be donated to the Georgia Burn Foundation. JFM competed in opportunities such as the VCS Poster and Essay Contest, as well as hosting a recycling drive. As in the past, funds were donated to support victims of the Georgia Burn Foundation. Congratulations to the new addition to our family—the 22 Pre-K students together with teacher Ms. Jennifer Webb and paraprofessional Ms. Takisher Clark who joined us in January 2015. Both ladies came to us with magnificent Pre-K experience and continued to expand the students’ knowledge with some great
fascinating learning opportunities! At the end of the year, their students knew the seasons of the year, numbers 1-20, and body parts...IN SPANISH!! We are very grateful for our new “additions!” Pinevale also experienced a great loss this year with the unexpected passing of Mr. Stephen White. Mr. Stephen White was our lead SPED K-5 Math Co-teacher. He had served Southeast/Pinevale students for approximately 13 years. Loved and respected by students and teachers alike, he was an amazing, hands on, caring teacher and mentor who worked with the science lab, student mentoring, new teacher mentoring, and so much more. Pinevale will forever remember the impact made over the years by Mr. White!
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Imagine the Possibilities: Elementary Schools
Sallas-Mahone Elementary
Sallas-Mahone emphasizes Academics. At Sallas-Mahone we want students not only to meet the educational goals set forth, but also to exceed these goals. Teachers have high expectations for all students. We provide rigorous, effective, and engaging opportunities for learning. The result – Confident children, interested in learning! Our Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl students won second place at the Divisional Meet in Statesboro, GA. This made them the first team in our district to place at the state level. This year, SME students also won the top honor for most time spent reading on our on-line reading program, MyOn. Ms. Shajuantae Parks’ third grade class won honors as one of the top twenty classes in the nation on our on-line math learning program, DreamBox. We also have a Mentoring Program in which older students mentor younger readers. Sallas-Mahone Recognizes Reading Rockstars! Each semester, SME celebrates readers who improved Lexile levels or had a great enthusiasm for reading that semester with a special “Reading Rockstar” party. Our “Rockstars” are recognized for sharing what they read with others, increasing their time spent reading, maintaining a high Accelerated Reader average, and always staying engaged during “Drop Everything and Read” time. Second semester 2015 student rock stars enjoyed a performance by a live rock star, Justin Crenshaw!
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Sallas-Mahone Provides a Positive Learning Environment! Our students follow the SME “Essential 20,” guidelines encouraging students to make good choices, learn from mistakes, treat everyone with respect, and always try their best. During daily morning announcements, “ShoutOuts” can be heard, praising students who have impacted the school in a positive way. Teachers choose weekly “Character Cats,” and their pictures are displayed by the front office. Students earn “Cat Cash” for good behavior which they can use to enter daily drawings or save to “buy” rewards provided by our wonderful Community Partners in Education. Sallas-Mahone Celebrates Student Creativity. Various organizations on campus stimulate student imagination, promote healthy choices, and provide social outlets. Art Club members create various projects throughout the year, including paintings, crafts, and multimedia products. Choral and drama programs throughout the year give students increasingly challenging opportunities to speak and sing publically. Garden Club members learn to cultivate fruit and vegetable gardens by creating and enjoying their own crops in a healthy school garden. The 4-H Club members explore through hands-on creative activities. The Robotics Club members creates robots to complete an assigned task as they
At Sallas-Mahone our principal, Mr. Gary Glover, and assistant principals, Dr. Artrice Haugabrook and Mr. Al Swilley, are building a community that engages, encourages, and empowers students for life. Their collective goal is to develop excellence in our school family by creating flexible and innovative learning opportunities and promoting student achievement in a positive atmosphere.
Imagine the Possibilities: Elementary Schools prepare for a competition. Our Student Council is active taking on projects for our community. Coins for Critters helps raise money to care for unwanted exotic animals through Tiger Stripes. “Barefoot for a Buck” students paid a dollar to go barefoot for a day to increase awareness of people around the world who don’t have shoes to wear. We also collected hundreds of gently used pairs of shoes which were distributed to needy families in our community and around the world through Soles for Souls. Both our boys’ and girls’ teams won their VLPRA Youth 3rd – 5th grade Basketball championships. Sallas-Mahone Emphasizes Communication. Parents, students, and teachers stay connected using Communication Books that students regularly take home. Teachers and parents can easily communicate with each other about educational matters or positive comments that have been written regarding students. Each monthly calendar
Sallas-Mahone Embraces Our Community! Students with a deployed military parent participate in the Scott Craven Mentoring Program. These students eat breakfast with a mentor from Moody Air Force Base every Thursday morning. On Career Day, members of our community from a wide variety of fields are invited in to share with our students. This allows students to explore various areas of interest and begin thinking about professional careers for themselves. This also encourages students to view themselves as successful college and career candidates. With over a dozen different languages and cultures represented within our school family, Sallas-Mahone is bursting with diversity! Throughout the year we have programs highlighting this cultural diversity. Multi-cultural events are held throughout the month of October with parents and community members invited to share their cultures, folk tales and stories, language, music, dances, and other insights. In February, we celebrate Black History Month with art and essay contests, as well as a wonderful program including drama, talking drum, game, and dancing demonstrations by community members and by members of our Sallas-Mahone family.
knowledge and skills in practical, everyday situations. Teachers promote student engagement through purposeful learning experiences which include opportunities for students to create, evaluate and apply knowledge in unpredictable situations. Creativity and innovation are encouraged and embraced by all. Thus, students are led to become self-directed learners. Successful schools are a foundation of community stability, growth, and prosperity. Our school family and community unite to create a beautiful tapestry of support for student success. At Sallas-Mahone we have a constant and purposeful focus on what is best for our students. We are cultivating a positive environment where students are provided pathways for success.
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has all important information concerning academics, Community Partners in Education (CPIE) spirit nights, special events such as music and drama programs and parent workshops, and even dress-up days. Also included in the Communication Book are grade specific student goals for the year with checkpoints for updates on progress towards reaching goals. Parents Support Sallas-Mahone! The PTO continually works to provide opportunities to round out student academic success through supporting students by organizing numerous fund-raising and family events, such as Fall Family Carnival and Box Tops for Education. Our parents rock! They take part in many student-centered events throughout the year. Sallas-Mahone hosts “Parents are Teachers Too” workshops to provide support for home learning and “Moving Up” sessions that help with transitioning to the next grade level. Parents participate in events that showcase student work and allow them to learn alongside their student.
Our Annual Don’t Run with Scissors 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run (benefiting our Visual Arts program) is a favorite family event at SallasMahone. It’s held on the third Saturday of March, Youth Art Month. The 500+ runners from each year’s race help raise funds for art room supplies such as paint, origami, drawing paper, and canvases. Sallas-Mahone Students Connect Learning to the Real World. At SallasMahone, students not only learn basic content knowledge, but they also learn to make relevant connections to the real world through hands-on activities and multi-media presentations. With the connections they make, students are able to apply the newly acquired
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Imagine the Possibilities: Schools
Imagine the Possibilities: Elementary Schools
S.L Mason Elementary School
participated in a kickoff rally introducing the campaign slogan, “BE THE CHANGE.” Throughout the month, S.L. Mason had various activities including poster contests, door decorating contests, and writing contests to remind the students that words hurt and being kind to all people is important.
Read for the Record
S. L. Mason students participated in Read for the Record on October 21, 2014. Dr. Alvin Hudson from VCS, Mrs. Kaye Meadows, retired teacher from VCS, and Mrs. Tina Nunn, assistant principal at S. L. Mason, were some of the people who volunteered to read the book Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells. This was a great day for the students!
Student Council Trip to the State Capitol
S. L. Mason’s Student Council has been busy this year! On November 17, student council officers attended the Georgia Association of the Student Councils’ Annual Leadership Summit. This is the third year S.L. Mason has taken its officers to the State Capitol to learn more about what it takes to be a leader. In addition to the opportunity to sit on the floor of the House of Representatives during the annual session, students enjoyed speeches from various inspirational leaders such as Darrel Chaney of the Atlanta Braves, David Carr, drummer of Third Day, and Kimyung Kim.
Community Service
Jr. Beta Club participated in Community Harvest Day on November 11, 2014. Students helped to prepare food boxes with Second Harvest, this region’s largest hunger relief organization. It is extremely important to Jr. Beta Club to participate in events that help strengthen our community.
Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl
In January, SLM took part in the systemwide Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl. All five elementary schools in our system participated, and the SLM Reading Team emerged with 2nd place! We are so proud of these students who dedicated many long hours reading and studying for this competition.
Other events that took place at SLM throughout the year included a Boo Hoo Breakfast, AR Kickoff celebration, Fall Carnival, Box Tops for Education collection, Red Ribbon Week, Grandparents Day, Polar Express Day, Valentine’s Dance, Dr. Seuss Read Across America Week, Black History Program, Principal for a Day, Mr. Davis’ Birthday Celebration, PBIS events, Family Math Night, as well as various afterschool programs, writing contests, Parent Grade Nights and informational sessions. A very special thanks to Superintendent Mr. Martin Roesch, Mr. John Davis, Hilary Gibbs, PTO President, all SLM faculty & staff, and our many CPIE partners for making this year a HUGE success!
World Changers
In February, S.L. Mason’s Student Council, along with Jr. Beta and the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Team, hosted an anti-bullying campaign. The campaign is designed to remind students to CHANGE THE WORLD by being kind to others and allowing that kindness to spread. On Friday, January 30, students
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Imagine the Possibilities: Elementary Schools
W.G. Nunn Elementary School It’s been a busy year at W.G. Nunn with many new programs and activities to go along with old traditions!
W.G. Nunn and the Arts Three students swept the elementary division of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry Contest. Assistant Principal Dr. Williams presented certificates and trophies to the winners in January. First place went to Kamari Godfrey (fourth grade); in second place was Kayla Davis (fifth grade); and in third place was Damari Sheffield (fourth grade). Also honored for their submissions were Charlize Pendleton and Makayla Jackson. Many students had their work on exhibit at an art show at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts during Youth Art Month in March. We had a great turnout for the opening reception; W.G. Nunn was proud to have such a beautiful and diverse exhibit of our own students’ art. Several of our budding artists were on hand, as well as our talented art teachers, Ms. Hurley and Mrs. Akins. Greg White placed first and Jamie Burrus placed third in the Valdosta City Schools’ Nutritional Art Contest. Their work has moved on to the regional level to be judged.
plans for W. G. Nunn for quite some time. The Master Gardener Program along with members of the outdoor gardening community recently helped the school construct vegetable boxes and an arbor on the school’s campus. An orchard with a variety of fruit trees has also been added to the targeted outdoor classroom site. The grant will provide for the addition of student patio benches, picnic tables, landscaping, and a classroom gazebo to complete the site. Principal Cisco Diaz explained, “We now want to create a place where students can receive instruction outside while learning about agriculture, as well as world history and science. Building a gazebo will allow our teachers to teach outside while providing our students with shade.”
In Touch with Nature The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation awarded a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education® grant to W. G. Nunn for the construction of an outdoor classroom. W. G. Nunn is one of more than 600 schools across the United States to be awarded a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant this year for improvement projects during the 2014-2015 school year. Building an outdoor classroom has been in the
Community Service Jr. Beta Club members and sponsors donated their time this past Christmas season to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at the Valdosta Mall. Jr. Beta Club’s service project for the month of April was assembling “boxes of sunshine” for our troops. The students brought in snacks, stationery, and magazines and added their own notes, cards, and pictures to create their boxes of love. The package will be sent to Logistics Readiness Unit stationed at Al Salem Air Force Base in Kuwait and connected to W.G. Nunn through MSgt. David Heeter, husband of W.G. Nunn fourth grade teacher, Shila Heeter. Members of the Student Council traveled to Atlanta to attend the annual Student Council Summit. The Summit is held at the Georgia Capitol building each year. This year almost 500 elementary, middle, and high school students attended the event. W.G. Nunn and S.L. Mason were the only elementary schools in the state of Georgia to attend. The students listened to leaders Darrel Chaney of the Atlanta Braves, David Carr, drummer of Third Day, and Kim Yung Kim, a former struggling teen who now speaks to motivate youth. The students divided up to attend mini sessions where they learned ways to improve our own Student Council and become more involved in community service. W.G. Nunn is proud of our student leaders! Jr. Fire Marshals joined students and teams from all over Valdosta to celebrate another successful year! Students were honored by Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and the Valdosta Fire Department. After dinner, students received certificates for their work and dedication to teaching fire safety in schools. Mrs. Moody was also on hand to support our Jr. Fire Marshal team. Thank you to Mrs. Haynes for sponsoring our group. Way to go W.G. Nunn Jr. Fire Marshals!
Technology The fruits of our labors! W.G. Nunn gardeners, under the direction of Mrs. Hart, discovered that some of the vegetable seeds planted earlier this spring are ready for harvest. We’ve got carrots!
Academic Excellence Our 2015 Spelling Bee winners were Matthew Dennis in first place, Madison Waters in second, and Brandon Carter in third. The winners are shown with Mrs. Rickman, Spelling Bee Coordinator, and Principal, Mr. Diaz. Congratulations to all 22 contestants! We are proud of each and every one of you! Third grade teacher, Lisa Daw, and her class received exciting news this year. Mrs. Daw was congratulated by DreamBox Learning for being one out of 20 classrooms nationwide to win their National Math Challenge. Along with this distinction came individual student certificates, wristbands, and a $100.00 class pizza party. Congratulations Mrs. Daw and class! W.G. Nunn hosted the first annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Science Fair and Art Show in May. All fourth and fifth grade students had an opportunity to enter. Projects were judged according to a rubric the students were given in advance of the competition.
Danielle White (VCS Technology) visited Ashley Haynes’ first grade class to launch their first “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) lesson. Teacher and students were excited to teach and learn all about geometry. Using iPads, students were able to launch their lesson through Google Classroom and Google Docs. Mrs. White was hands-on with students as they learned how to navigate through the apps. Students were actively engaged and extremely excited to learn through the use of technology! This was Mrs. White’s first time launching BYOD in a classroom of first graders. She was pleased with the students’ excitement for learning and ability to complete the assignment successfully! W.G. Nunn plans to implement a school wide BOYD program next year! Other traditions that took place this year include: Father/Daughter—Mother/Son Dance, Fall Carnival, Red Ribbon Week, Grandparents’ Day, Coffee House Night, Book Fair, Family Movie Night, Jump Rope for Heart, Read for the Record, Math and Science Night, March Madness Showdown, and the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl.
Imagine the Possibilities: Middle Schools
J.L. Newbern Middle School Newbern Wins District Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (HRRB) was founded by Helen Ruffin, a library media specialist from DeKalb County, Georgia. To inspire her students to read, Ruffin encouraged them to read books from the Georgia Children Book Award nominees. In 2003, the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and the Georgia Library Media Association (GLMA) sponsored the first Georgia Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl competition, which uses a game format to test students’ knowledge and comprehension of selected books in a statewide competition. To participate in the bowl, elementary and middle school students must read the current year’s Georgia Children’s Book Award Nominees. Newbern Middle School won first place in the 2015 Valdosta City Schools’ Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition held at the VHS Performing Arts Center. Students competed against other VCS middle school teams while they were quizzed over 20 books they read during the school year. Newbern advanced to the Southern Regional Bowl held at VSU on February 7, to compete with eight other middle schools from the Southern region. Newbern placed fifth in the competition. The students went on to compete in the Regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition. The Southern Regional Bowl was a challenging but rewarding experience for Newbern. The team consisted of the following students, which represent grades 6-8 at NMS: Dennis Austin, Gahnique Bell, Makalee Cooper, Shantell Crumpton, Kathy Emanuel, Zion Hill, Flora Maxwell, Chasidy Moore, Jo’ani Wells, and Demond Williams. The team is led by their coach, Mrs. Paige Berry and other committee members, Dr. Vakesha Mays and Ms. Kimberly Crawford.
Dr. Vakesha E. Mays
By: Dr. Dan Altman
J.L. Newbern Excited About Completion of New Facilities Newbern Middle School is excited to announce the construction of the new state of the art athletic complex will soon be finished. The new facility was designed by the architect firm Altman + Barrett. Once construction is complete, the school will have a new baseball field, softball field, football field, and a regulation track that will be able to host the full range of track and field events. Seating for spectators will be provided at all four sporting fields. The complex also includes a new parking section, ticket gates, concession facilities, restrooms, and press box facilities. The baseball and
softball fields both have home and visitors’ dugouts, bullpens and batting cages for our boys and girls to sharpen their skills. The centerpiece of the complex is a new 900 seat gymnasium. Girls and boys locker rooms will be provided for Newbern teams and for our visitors. Featured within the gymnasium is a state of the art weight room that will help prepare our student athletes for competition. Newbern students, faculty, and staff are excited about the use of these new facilities.
Nu Mu Sigma
BREAKS the Stage
The J.L. Newbern step team (Nu Mu Sigma) originated in the summer of 2014. It was during this summer the team qualified for the Break the Stage Step League National Competition. Nu Mu Sigma By: Mr. Jonathan Headen competed against step teams from across the United States and placed second at the national competition. After graduating ten eighth graders, Nu Mu Sigma held auditions for its new team. The new team took off with a phenomenal start and continues to turn heads at all performances and competitions. Nu Mu Sigma opened for the Valdosta State University Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., homecoming step show where they got a chance to meet Angela Simmons. They competed in the Valdosta’s Got Talent competition and the T & C Talent Show where they placed second in both competitions. The young men of Nu Mu Sigma became known as the Valdosta City Boys and competed in both the Capital City Teen Step Challenge at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and The Run and Chase step show where they placed second overall. On April 13, Nu Mu Sigma competed in the Break the Stage North Florida Championship. They placed first in the Middle School Division, and had the overall high score of the competition scoring 492 out of 500 points. They have qualified for the Break the Stage National Step Competition which takes place June 13 in Atlanta.
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Google Classroom A Teacher’s Perspective By: Mrs. Rachel Ponder-Kight In August 2014, I had the honor of joining the Valdosta City School’s Instructional Technology Teacher Leaders Team (ITTL). It was a rewarding and challenging experience from the start. Sharing instructional strategies with the use of technology in one room with my colleagues and coworkers from all over the system sparked interest and intrigue as to what I could do in my own classroom to revolutionize and recapture my students’ engagement level. The real excitement began when we were given the task of creating a Google based site for our classroom using Google Sites. The entire Google-based product line was easy to maneuver through and seemed as simple as accessing Gmail. Soon after we implemented Google Drive and Google Sites, Danielle White, our ITTL leader and Google guru guided me through the process of creating my own Google Classroom. As the first teacher in the Valdosta City School system to implement this program, I was challenged and exhilarated. We began by organizing my personal Google Drive, and then we created a digital classroom. In minutes, I had established four digital classrooms with the capacity to create, post, and grade assignments from any device that had the capability of a Wi Fi connection. We drifted through the classroom interface and reviewed how to modify assignments, organize due dates, collaborate digitally, as well as suggest and edit student submissions in real time. The first day of classroom implementation was a huge success. The enthusiasm and eagerness from the students was electric as their animated faces and fingers typed away on the Chromebooks. They were filled with curiosity as we completed and discussed a lesson over cyber safety and the impact of technology in the classroom. For the students, navigating through Google Classroom was not a problem, but completing and turning in quality work took a little longer to establish. I was optimistic and set high expectations from the start, which helped my students understand what was expected of them. However, the real opposition came when I challenged the student’s sense of media literacy and digital usage. For years, our students have used one style of digital communication amongst themselves and another formal writing style for the classroom. When we bridged these two worlds, it took close to three weeks to establish new conventions and habits of communicating effectively. To say it simply, most of their formal writing was inundated with text and instant messaging jargon.
AVID Goes School Wide
By: Dr. Vakesha E. Mays
Changing the culture of a school is energizing, exhausting, and somewhat tricky all at the same time. It is like embarking on a noble crusade. Newbern has built a college ready culture from a population fraught with challenges. It is from this experience that our principal and his team learned what was possible through intentional change. The mission to transform a culture to one where a college future was plausible for our students showed all of us, if it could happen here, it was possible anywhere. Newbern has developed into an Avid school and continues to thrive school-wide as a model for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) learning. Our crusade began five years ago when the school introduced AVID. In 2010, our school grew in AVID awareness, adjustments to instruction, and most importantly a clearly defined mission. AVID was implemented on a school-wide level for the 2015 school year. The mission of AVID is to close the achievement gap by preparing our students for college readiness and success in a global society in the 21st century. The use of AVID methodologies will help us fulfill this
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Since those first three weeks, we have seen vast improvement in student growth, quality of work, grades and media literacy. You see, my tech savvy students are no strangers to applying new technological mediums and programs. I could hand any of them a new phone or computer and in seconds they could have it up and running efficiently, playing games, and chatting with their nearest friend faster than I could say “Jiminy Cricket!” The real gem is seeing those same students open up a word processor via Google Classroom/Google Docs to type meaningful, contextually based content, and then witness them revise, modify, discern, and reflect on their work using real life college/job ready skills. What bigger gift can we give to our students than preparing them for the real world with hirable, technological applicatory skills? So, what is this mystery Google Classroom? It’s an online classroom essentially designed to foster organization and improved communication with students. The classroom page or “stream” looks very similar to Facebook or Edmodo. A teacher posts an assignment by titling it and then attaching the document much like you would if you were attaching an email. It will show up at the top of the page like a Facebook post would. Then, the students access the post and begin working. When they finish and are satisfied with their work, they turn it in with a click of a button, and it’s done. Their personal assignment is then submitted to a file, and the teacher can begin grading. The most brilliant feature of Classroom is the real time accessibility to student’s work. Instead of waiting until the student is finished to comment or make suggestions, the teacher can access the assignment as the student is typing and make comments to offer help or advice. For the student, it’s like having your own personal tutor. For the teacher, you can truly have eyes not just on every student, but every student’s work simultaneously. The features and options are endless with this program and Google itself is constantly evolving. Every week there seems to be something new added to ease communication and share resources amongst students and teachers. It has been the best thing to happen to the classroom since the invention of the Promethean/Smart Board. With the age of technology infiltrating every aspect of our lives, education especially, it is necessary to teach our students the skills to thrive in this ever evolving realm of media literacy.
mission. It affords students the opportunity to participate in college tours which increase awareness and promote post-secondary education. AVID promotes excellence in organization, writing, reading, and critical thinking skills which will help students as they enter college. The administration, faculty, and staff of Newbern along with the community made it possible for our students to tour Albany State University, Valdosta State University, Fort Valley State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Wiregrass Career Days, an Atlanta Hawks basketball game, and an Atlanta Hawks Arena College Fair. This year, all Newbern students use the AVID binder system, take Cornell notes in all classes, and use critical reading strategies. Teams have been constructed to focus on student learning, while professional learning communities dissect and then restructure collaborative instruction. Newbern has developed into a strong AVID site and continues to thrive as a model for AVID learning.
Imagine the Possibilities: Middle Schools
Valdosta Middle School Valdosta Middle School Demonstrates Excellence in Writing
Valdosta Middle School Students Earn Math Distinctions
Technology Opportunities Increase at Valdosta Middle School
One of the main focal points of the Valdosta Middle School curriculum is writing. Students have been encouraged to hone writing skills in all academic content areas and the work has obviously paid off. Valdosta Middle School students demonstrated excellence in various writing competitions throughout the year. Amelia Barnett, seventh grader, won first place in a statewide essay contest for Fire Prevention Week sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. The theme for this year’s competition was “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep; Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm.” The competition encouraged students to think about current issues and affect change through creative expression. The Young Georgia Authors Competition encourages and celebrates writing achievement. Creativity is cultivated through choice. Entries were open to any type of original student writing from poetry to academic/research reports. Nadia Yankovsky from Nadine Whitfield’s sixth grade class, and Hailey Williams from Lisa Wood’s seventh grade class proudly represented Valdosta Middle School by placing in the 2015 competition. Another great win for Valdosta Middle School came in the Valdosta City’s “If I Were Mayor …” Essay Contest. Valdosta Middle School students took first, second, and third place wins: Abbi Long, first place; Tyson Parker, second place; and Beth-Anne Thornton, third place. All three students were from Whitfield’s sixth grade Language Arts class. The event was in observance of Georgia Cities Week and prompted students to learn about city government, the roles cities play in communities, and their responsibilities as leaders. Valdosta Middle School students were honored for winning the 2015 Moody Air Force Base Black History Contest. Mya Bacon won first place and Lindsay Henshaw placed second. The essay contest topic was “Why Black History Month is Important”. Literacy and writing skills are essential to growth in all academic areas and are a focus of the Valdosta Middle School curriculum. These honors are reflections of the dedication of our teachers and our students.
Math students at Valdosta Middle School earned numerous distinctions in competitions over the 2014 – 15 school year. Valdosta Middle School Accelerated Math students participated in the AMC 8 Math Competition. This national contest compares student mathematic performance to eighth graders across the nation. Valdosta Middle School had six students place in the top 5% nationally: Beth-Anne Thornton, Marvens Cherelus, Kolton McCutchan, Albert Kang, Xavier Lee, and Jackson Page.
Technology provides interest and motivation for students. Valdosta Middle School is providing new and exciting opportunities for students to become 21st century learners. This year VMS has added several new mobile, wireless labs in various formats: iPads, touchscreen laptops, and Chromebooks. The latest software is also being implemented. Students are experiencing virtual Science labs with Gizmo, improving Math skills with DreamBox, and using online textbook resources. Reading on Lexile level at home is made easy with MyOn online library. This year we also had several classrooms piloting Google Apps for Education. Google Ed will be used school-wide next year. Students will be able to create documents and presentations with Google Apps for Ed saving them for use at school and home and sharing them with teachers and classmates for online editing. As well as our software and hardware additions, Valdosta Middle School will be adding a STEM and robotics connections class. Students use Lego EV3 robotics sets and programming software to create and command robots. As students gain valuable STEM skills, they will be preparing for district and Lego League level competitions. The new class will follow a curriculum built on CCGPS Math and Science standards.
The Math Team at Valdosta Middle School also had a banner year under the leadership of academic coach, Matt Cribbs, and teacher, Karen Smith. VMS placed second in the annual MathCounts competition where students participated in “bee-style” contests. Albert Kang and Jackson Page qualified for the statewide MathCounts competition and will represent Valdosta Middle School as they compete against and alongside other talented students from across the state. In a local area math competition held by Lowndes High School, Valdosta Middle School took first place against participating schools: Georgia Christian Academy, Hahira Middle, Newbern Middle, Pine Grove, St. John’s Catholic School, and Valwood. In the individual competition, Albert Kang won second place and Jackson Page took fourth place. Valdosta Middle School students also stood out at the Valdosta State University 14th Annual Middle Schools Mathematics Tournament held by Valdosta State University on May 5. The seventh and eighth grade teams placed in the top 10. Owen Anderson placed in the top 10 for sixth grade. Albert Kang took first place overall. Math skills are increasing in importance as Science and Technology fields grow. Valdosta Middle School is proud of the accomplishments of our students and excited for their future. We continue to be dedicated to preparing students for 21st century challenges.
community and family support is essential to student success. We appreciate our many community partners who have donated funds, time, and energy to our students. Colquitt Electric donated to STEM activities. Georgia Power gave lessons on energy to eighth grade science classes. Smith Drugs built Little Free Lending Libraries for each hall. Students from VSU and VHS High School read to our students for Drop Everything and Read days. VSU Chemistry Seniors came out and provided Chemistry and Physics demonstrations. The Valdosta City Engineering Department shared the benefits of trees in urbanized environments and planted a federally protected Bald Cypress on campus. The VSU Sonorous Brass Quintet played for band students. Moody Air Force Base held a Black History Essay Contest. Chick-fil-A gave us Spirit Nights. This is just a small representation of the many and varied contributions our community has made to the continued success of our students. Photo: vcs-vms4
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Imagine the Possibilities: Middle Schools
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Community Involvement: Essential to Success
Valdosta Middle School: Diversity of Talent
At Valdosta Middle School, we believe that community and family support is essential to student success. We appreciate our many community partners who have donated funds, time, and energy to our students. Colquitt Electric donated to STEM activities. Georgia Power gave lessons on energy to eighth grade science classes. Smith Drugs built Little Free Lending Libraries for each hall. Students from VSU and VHS High School read to our students for Drop Everything and Read days. VSU Chemistry Seniors came out and provided Chemistry and Physics demonstrations. The Valdosta City Engineering Department shared the benefits of trees in urbanized environments and planted a federally protected Bald Cypress on campus. The VSU Sonorous Brass Quintet played for band students. Moody Air Force Base held a Black History Essay Contest. Chick-fil-A gave us Spirit Nights. This is just a small representation of the many and varied contributions our community has made to the continued success of our students.
In addition to academics, Valdosta Middle School shows versatility in its extra-curricular activities. Fifteen VMS band students were selected to participate in the Sousa Regional Honor Band. Twenty-two students participated in the GMEA District 8 Honor Band. Six of those students scored high enough in their auditions to be selected to the South Georgia Region Honor Band. Seventh and eighth grade Symphonic Band students also received straight superior ratings at the GMEA District 8 Music Festival where middle and high school bands are judged in large group performance based on state level criteria. Of special note are Xavier Lee, eighth grade, and Sophia Noll, seventh grade, who were selected to participate in the 2015 Georgia Middle School All-State Band. The drama department had an enriching school year. They participated in Music in Our Schools month performing with other Valdosta City School students from grades K-12. Plays produced this year included Actor Games by the eighth grade class, Little Red Robin Hood
Valdosta City Schools
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by the seventh graders, and the spring musical, Hairspray, Jr. The spring musical, Hairspray, Jr. was especially rewarding as it was performed for Valdosta City Schools’ students Pre-K to high school. Our drama students also participated in several competitions and conferences: One Act Play Competition, Jr. Thespian State Conference, and the Georgia Regional Media Festival Competition. In all, our students received excellent ratings. Sports is always an important part of Valdosta Middle School culture. Our competition cheerleaders won first place at the Fear to Cheer Competition competing against other teams from South Georgia and the Atlanta area. Girls Golf won every tournament during the 2015 season. They won the region tournament and Rachel Massingill won the Low Medalist Award at the region tournament. This is the first time our Lady Wildcat golf team won every tournament and region. Our cross-country team also made it to the state championship. Valdosta Middle School celebrates the diversity of talents and achievements that exists among our students and makes our school community a great place to thrive and grow.
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School By Jason Stewart & Jennifer Steedley
2015
Graduation
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Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
The Class of 2015 was one of the largest, a total of 447 graduates, that Valdosta High School has seen since 2006. Together, they gathered as a class for one last time in the Physical Education Complex at Valdosta State University on May 22, to honor their educational accomplishments. The evening began with the presentation of colors by the Valdosta High School NJROTC Color Guard and singing of the National Anthem by senior Faith Shemetrius Emanuel, followed by Andrew Tyler Bradshaw who led the guests and Class of 2015 in an invocation. Principal, Dr. Janice Richardson, addressed the graduating class following the traditional opening. This commencement ceremony marked many milestones for her she explained to the crowd. Sitting out in the graduating class were members of her first first-grade class, young men from her first Gentleman’s Academy at Newbern Middle School, and students from her first sophomore class when she became principal of Valdosta High School. Following Dr. Richardson’s address, Miss Emanuel led the class in singing the class song, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.” Valedictorian Eileen Rou Chen and Salutatorian Ryan Edward Bradshaw shared many memories with the Class of 2015 in their speeches following the class song. Chen counted off the number of school days that the class had attended high school, the number of football games played by the Wildcats and reminisced about how they had all counted down the days until graduation. She reminded her fellow classmates, ”It’s not about where life is taking us, but about where we are taking our lives.” At the conclusion of the speeches, the graduates began to make their way to the stage for the presentation of the diplomas by the members of the Valdosta Board of Education and the interim superintendent of Valdosta City Schools, Dr. Alvin Hudson. After all diplomas were distributed, the Taurence Phillips sang the Alma Mater and Superintendent Emeritus, E. Martin Roesch, proudly presented to the crowd the Class of 2015 and allowed them to transfer their tassels as his last responsibility before retiring. Adam William Murphy concluded the ceremony with the benediction. Members of the VHS Class of 2015 were accepted to over 46 colleges and universities from nine states around the United States of America and two branches of the US military. No matter what path these graduates choose in life, they are sure to remember the many memories they made during their times at VHS and the people that helped them along the way. And one thing is certain; they will always hold close their pride in being a Valdosta Wildcat.
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
Imagine: Athletics By Emily Posas and Rochelle Owe
ns
People recognize Valdosta High for many reasons—sports being a predominant reason. With its variety of offerings, all students can find a sport to fit their personalities. Football represents Valdosta High’s most known sport. The Wildcats hold the title as “the winningest” high school football team in the nation. Over the years, the ‘Cats have amassed 23 State Championships and 40 Region Championships. Other sports have also achieved success and contribute to Valdosta’s winning name. In basketball this year, the Lady ‘Cats advanced to the Sweet 16 after winning Re-
gion 1-6A, while the boys’ team made it to the state playoffs and won third in Region 1-6A. In track competition, many athletic students qualify at the regional and state level. This year, Zahirra McKinnon advanced to the state finals where she competed in the 110 hurdles with an impressive time of 14.96. The Wrestling ‘Cats have members that qualify for state and many times those members go on to win a title in their weight divisions. Reggie Dennis won the 2015 state title in the 126 pound weight class. The Tennis Cats competed on the state level, as did Luukas Alakulppi in Golf. The
VHS Baseball Team advanced to the state playoffs again this year as well. All students who participate in sports understand that grades come first. They accept that they all must maintain an acceptable GPA and exhibit good behavior. Each year we are thrilled to have students accept athletic scholarships to colleges and universities all over the United States. Being a part of the Wildcat athletic family is a great experience. After all, Valdosta is known as Titletown for its athletic accomplishments.
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
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Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
Imagine: Speech & Debate The VHS Debate Team did not suffer the “sophomore slump” in their second season this school year – instead rising higher than any dared to dream. The regular season ran from September to January with VHS taking 60 students to at least one tournament and qualifying 38 students to join the National Speech and Debate Association Honor Society. The team also hosted their first tournament in October, welcoming more than 150 students to our campus. The post-season started in snow flurries at the Novice State Championships in
February. VHS Debate walked away with their first state championships. Lorna Chitty was named state champion in Lincoln Douglas Debate while Brianna Crockett became state champion in Prose/ Poetry Interpretation. The team walked away with eight silver cups and two congressional gavels. The Varsity State Tournament started with VHS named a School of Excellence in Speech and Debate. Retired coach, Frank Hjort was inducted into the Georgia Coaches Hall of Fame. Several students competed in semi-finals and finals with Mo
Asebiomo ranking highest as state runnerup in Original Oratory. The tournament ended with Mrs. Pamela Childress named the Debate Coach of the Year. The post-season could have ended at the National Tournament Qualifier, but, instead, VHS qualified our first student, Raja Sadarangani, to compete in the NSDA National Tournament to be held in June in Dallas, Tx. Before the day ended, VHS qualified our second student, Marquis Grant, to compete as well and had two students named to the alternates list, Mo Asebiomo and Hunter Calkins.
Academic Bowl By Cecilia Carroll
The Valdosta High School Academic Bowl team has had a successful season this past year and hopes to continue to grow in the future. The Academic Bowl team competes in tournaments with NAQT questions (like trivia), with topics that can range anywhere from Austrian Physicists to the Super Bowl. The team has won the regional tournament four out of the last five years. They hosted the GATA (Georgia Academic Team Association) winter tournament with Varsity placing third, Junior Varsity placing first, and the Novice team placing second. This victory earned the team as spot at Nationals, which will be held in Chicago during May 2015. Members of the Academic Bowl team include David Branch, Conner Burns, Ceclia Carroll, Eileen Chen, Stephen Chen, Aubree Cooper, Josh Hanson, Miki Kitahara, Shunteia Linder, Jimmy Loud, Kiana Simpson, and Josie Smith. Current senior and team captain Josh Hanson has been a leading point earner for the team, and next year the role of team captain will be passed on to Cecilia Carroll. The team sponsor, Pamela Hubert, is excited to see what the future holds with new members coming aboard who thrill in academic knowledge through this competitive academic sport. Imagine a school that is very competitive with athletics and academics- that is Valdosta High School!
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Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
Imagine: Georgia Cities Day Each April during Georgia Cities Week, cities throughout Georgia showcase their departments and jobs to bring attention to city government. This year Valdosta High School 10th grade AVID students job shadowed city workers by being paired with city employees for a few hours of on the job training before returning to Valdosta City Hall to give short speeches about what they learned about the various departments. Students learned much about the jobs and how the unique character of each department operates to make the city function effectively. The event is one way to collaborate with the community to inspire students to consider jobs in Valdosta. Organizers report the students learn so much and the workers are just as eager as the students to participate in the event and share their careers. The student interns return to their homes and educate family members about the daily operations of Valdosta. These experiences afford the students an opportunity to learn what makes Valdosta a “City Without Limits”.
The Great Promise
by Carley Saul
In its second year at Valdosta High School, the Great Promise program has proven to be a great opportunity for students to connect with local businesses and gain mentors. Businesses offer training, donations to help with the cost of travel expenses, and mentors for the students. The students take field trips to these local businesses and find out all they have to offer. Community leaders stage mock interviews with students to give them practice in interviewing for a job. Community Partner, Texas Roadhouse, provided a very interactive session for the students on “how to make a good first impression.” Valdosta State University School Counseling interns meet weekly with the students to provide personal/social, academic and career awareness lessons that will help these students
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find promise in their futures. This year the students in the program who were age appropriate found jobs with partnering Wild Adventures who conducted “funterviews” at the school and invited students to interview for positions when the Wild Adventures season opened. Other students were employed by the Rainwater Conference Center to help with special events and catering. The partnership with the Greater Valdosta/Lowndes Community affords these students the opportunity to learn career readiness skills. The students were excited to attend a legislative day in Atlanta in February and visit Georgia State University. The program continues to grow with the support of mentors and educators who help these students imagine a successful future.
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
Imagine: IB & Camping The International Baccalaureate Program is unique in its scope and rigor. The IB diploma organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people. To this end, we at Valdosta High School offer field trips that are designed to be an important component in enhancing the student’s learning opportunities by exposing the them to valuable learning experiences that cannot be duplicated in a classroom. For the last three years the Valdosta High School International Baccalaureate Program has taken the Senior IB students on a weekend camping trip to St. Joseph’s Peninsula State Park near Port St. Joe on the Panhandle of Florida. The students tent camp over the dunes that line the Gulf of Mexico underneath a lush pine canopy. St. Joseph’s Peninsula State Park offers an opportunity for the IB
students to fully interact with a unique and pristine eco-system. They also participate in geo-science activities and exploration that illustrate the interconnectivity and cycles of the earth in order to develop individuals, who, in the words of the IB mission statement, “recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.” We engage the students in activities that enhance their camping experience. Hiking, exploration of St. Joseph’s Bay’s abundant marine life, fishing, bonfires with a s’more roast, a lecture from a park ranger, a blow-out Low Country Boil, and mandatory sunset attendance are just some of the ways the students enjoy their experience at the park. It is a fun trip, an invaluable experience, and a well-deserved reward for these IB Seniors!
SAVE
Students Against Violence Everywhere
In February 2015, VHS Principal Dr. Janice Richardson initiated a Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) chapter because she felt a SAVE chapter in Valdosta would be appropriate to the environment of Valdosta High School. Assistant Principal Rick Thomas, the SAVE program advisor, comments that he feels humbled to meet a need for the students of SAVE and the Valdosta community. The program helps students with conflict/resolution skills as well as encouraging responsibility, accountability, and dependability, and it also helps students improve academically and behaviorally. The goal of SAVE is to educate and empower young men and engage them in positive interaction while also affording students opportunities to visit other places and meet new people in addition to providing resources and help that they would not have otherwise. For instance, the students receive help with college, job, and financial aid applications and learn interview skills through mock interviews. The program facilitates not only academic education but social and financial education as well, and Mr. Thomas hopes that, via their participation in the program, the students will graduate high school on time, achieve their goals beyond high school, and be informed and productive citizens of society. He wants his students to be aware that every action has a consequence. In the future, Mr. Thomas hopes that SAVE activities will be student-directed with students serving as facilitators, advisors, peer mentors, and, ultimately, positive examples for other students.
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
IMAGINE: SPARTANS By Nada Kent and Christina Lane
Inspired by the Obstacle Course Race series called the Spartan Race, the Valdosta High School Spartan Club is truly like no other. The Spartan Club is open to people who are involved in sports and those who are not. On the surface, members compete in difficult obstacle courses and accept mental challenges in the limits they place upon themselves. Individuals can begin to improve only after they acknowledge and accept their weaknesses which the Spartan races visibly expose. Students that join the VHS Spartans will learn what is means to push on when life is dragging them down. They will create “obstacle immunity,” the ability to prevail in any circumstance.
Spartans follow a code which reads: “A Spartan pushes their mind and body to their limits. A Spartan masters their emotions. A Spartan leans continuously. A Spartan gives generously. A Spartan leads. A Spartan stands up for what they believe in, no matter the cost. A Spartan knows their flaws as well as they know their strengths. A Spartan proves themselves through actions, not words. A Spartan lives every day as if it were their last.” Though a fairly new club, the VHS Spartans hopes to gain more members and spread across more schools. Members from the 2014-15 year include Nick Carothers, Roopa Patel, Franklin Kier, Nyasia Ponder, Kameron Anderson, Nya Bryant and Aaron Brown.
Keys to the Future
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For the past four years Valdosta High School has partnered with Valdosta Toyota Scion and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to present the “Keys to the Future.” This program rewards students who meet goals based on maintaining all passing grades, no behavior referrals and no absences or tardies for the four and half week grading period. Students receive rewards from local Community Partners in Education each four and a half weeks. Graduating seniors who met these same goals and completed college ready initiatives such as taking entrance exams, college applications, and college visits are eligible to be in a drawing for 14 car keys to try to win a new Scion donated by Valdosta Toyota Scion. This year Kayla Adkins won the 2015 Scion IQ and the 13 other students received laptops. Throughout the year, underclassmen who maintain good grades, attendance, and behavior are awarded gift cards and prizes donated by local Community Partners in Education. The program is an incentive for students to demonstrate these positive initiatives.
Valdosta City Schools
gocats.org
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
IMAGINE: Theatre Arts Valdosta High School is privileged to have such a wonderful theatre department. Led by Ricardo Ipina, the Drama Club flourishes with six shows a year. The season starts with either a cabaret or an operetta, both of which are dinner theatres. During the dinner theatres, audience members are invited to come on stage and enjoy a three-course meal, cooked by Ipina and served by the students as well as view an entertaining performance. Next is the One Act Play competition, a Georgia High School Association sponsored competition usually held in our very own Performing
by Allie Smotherman and Sierra Marlin
Arts Center. With this completion, the performances must be under 55 minutes and are evaluated by three esteemed judges. The Drama Club also participated in the Performing Art Department’s “Christmas Spectacular,” which displays the school’s wonderful singers, actors and dancers. After the Christmas show, there is another dinner theatre, this one being a drama. The theatre department usually hosts the Region 6-A Literary Competition for debate, acting, music and writing. Next is the big show: the musical. VHS has produced well-known shows such as “Beauty and
the Beast”, “Nunsense”, and “Little Shop of Horrors”. They close the season with a recital, including the advanced drama class, and every year there is an award’s banquet for all the students that performed throughout the year. The Drama Cats definitely produce beyond imagination in the Performing Arts Center at Valdosta High School. All the staging and scenery is built by the students. If you are looking for great entertainment, check out the next production--Lights, Camera, Imagine!
IMAGINE: Math
by Darcy Farwell and Ashli Alston
Imagine: Robotics by Anish Gupta
Nobel Laureate Stephen Hawking stated, “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” Valdosta High School’s Robotics Club reflects this definition through exploration of the hardware and software of the world of robotics. The Robotics Club provides information about electronics to students who wish to pursue a hobby or career in electronics or engineering. The members build robots from scrap materials to show their creativity. This club inspires students to learn about robots which in turn helps them in the academic areas of math and science. The advisor describes the club as a relaxed club that allows students to pursue infinite possibilities of the mind while using math and science skills. The students who participate in the club learn to work together to learn and create. The Robotics Club often can be found showing off their creations in the cafeteria. The students guide these robots through the cafeteria to spark the interest of others who may have an interest in electronics. The VHS PTO invited the advisor and students to share about the club and demonstrate how robots are used. This mind blowing presentation was received well by the parents in attendance and many commented on the student’s knowledge and creativity. The limits are as high as imagination can take them.
Math is essential to success in one’s life. The Math Team at Valdosta enables students to become the best they can be and enjoy doing it. Students, such as David Branch, who won fourth place in the individual completion at VSU, have gone on to competitions and won awards for their achievements in math. Meanwhile, the Math Team placed fourth in the team competition. Valdosta High School enables all students to excel in the area of math. By offering a variety of different levels such as regular, honors, Advanced Placement, and even International Baccalaureate math classes, any individual student can excel. No student feels too much pressure and the individual needs are always addressed. The math teachers at Valdosta High School ensure that each and every one of their students understands the standards and often go beyond to make the lessons apply to real world outlets. This growth is essential to a healthy future for Valdosta Wildcat students.
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Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta High School
A New Valdosta High School The citizens of Valdosta and Lowndes County went to the polls on March 17, 2015 and voted to extend the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST). This tax allows local school districts to collect one percent sales tax to fund school reconstruction, facility improvements and equipment. The largest project on the Valdosta City side of ESPLOST V will be funding the construction of a new Valdosta High School (VHS). Many have asked, “Why do we need a new high school?” “The current facility was built in 1972, and though it has had some cosmetic changes on the inside, the infrastructure is still that of 1972,” said Superintendent E. Martin Roesch. “We have major infrastructure problems out at the current school. The sewer system is deteriorating, the water system is deteriorating and we have an outdated air chiller.” According to estimates, the repairs to the sewer system could cost nearly $17 million and the student population would have to be relocated as it is all underneath the structure. Currently, there is no place to relocate a student body with more than 1,700 students for an extended period of time. “We are so appreciative of the voters within our community that took the time to vote and bring this dream to a reality for our faculty, staff and students now and in years to come,” concluded Roesch. The new VHS site is 184 acres and the proposed building will be 508,599 square feet. The new campus is located on the corner of Inner Perimeter Road and Lakeland Highway. Altman + Barrett Architects have been planning and working with faculty, staff, students and community members to design a facility that is both environmentally friendly and will accommodate future growth.
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The new campus has many site features that will provide a safe learning environment which should equally excite the learner to be engaged in the educational process. When entering the new campus, visitors will be stopped at a welcome center at the front of campus. The entire site will be fully fenced with automatic gates and feature separate parking for students, faculty and visitors. There will be a designated parent pick-up and drop-off area and a covered bus pick-up and drop-off area. The vocational area will feature an exterior court with a covered work area for students as well. In addition, there will be many new physical education activities close to the school building. Academically, the new building will have 126 instructional units, 15 science labs and 91 general use rooms to serve a variety of purposes. There will be 19 major vocational programs that will feature four business labs, a construction lab, an engineering lab, automotive lab, broadcast/video lab, graphic lab, metals lab, culinary arts lab, three health care services labs, cosmetology lab, public safety lab, worked based readiness lab and a multiprogram career, technical, agricultural and educational (CTAE) lab. For the arts, the facility will boast band rooms for the Marchin’ Cats and the Symphonic Band, a choir room, a Black Box Theater for drama and two visual arts labs. Valdosta High’s Naval ROTC will also have space designated specifically for their program’s use. The new cafeteria will have staging with the ability to seat up to 800 students at the time. The state of the art kitchen will include a separate loading dock to support the ease of deliveries on and off the campus. Exterior dining opportunities will be available in the courtyard of the new building. The central administration area
will house all of the high school’s guidance programs and offer a beautiful reminder of the rich tradition of athletic and academic success through the many gallery and display spaces. Also visible from the main rotunda, new computer labs and the school’s media center will be a focal point of the ornate entrance. The students will enjoy a wide array of indoor and outdoor athletic facilities. The two court basketball arena will house up to 2,600 spectators. Separate wrestling and cheerleading rooms each hold 200 additional visitors for on-site tournaments. Two weight rooms (male/female), PE locker rooms, competitive locker rooms and an athletic laundry area are also planned for the gym. The athletic administration offices will house the coaching staff. In addition to the gymnasium area, an indoor multi-purpose facility will be available with training/rehab facilities and Varsity/ JV football locker rooms. Baseball and softball are also planning for an indoor hitting/pitching facility. Outside of the building, plans include multiple lighted facilities; these are comprised of ten tennis courts, two football practice fields, track and field, two soccer fields, band practice field, baseball and softball facilities and a cross country path. Construction of the site will begin in January of 2016 with hopes of opening the doors to students in the fall of 2018. A virtual tour and additional renderings of the new Valdosta High School is available on the system’s website. Visit gocats.org and click press room to view these renderings and to take the virtual tour. For questions about VHS or any facility within Valdosta City Schools, please call Kaci Nobles, director of facilities at (229) 671-6011.
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta Early College Academy
Service Learning, A Few of Our Favorite Things By: Traci Jones & the students of Writer’s Workshop
Many states expect high school students to serve the community as part of their graduation requirements; VECA students do it for love: “putting smiles on families’ faces is the ultimate goal in service learning projects,” says Kam. Gaten concurs and further asserts that “service is just a way to thank the community that housed and taught [us] life lessons. . .” And William adds, “It’s an obligation.” Initiated by a “Kindness Jar”-- Mariah’s favorite source of service, changing change into change “because we’re able to benefit any person, any situation as the need arises”—the first service learning project, “Hungry at Home,” benefited by the purchase of portable, nutritious food, delivered by a small league of high school students who tested their shopping-cartracing skills. Kiona hopes to continue this project as she “hated knowing that people in our community—especially children—go home hungry.” The Kindness Jar also helped buy Christmas for a needy VCS student when the class realized “that some people aren’t as fortunate as we are.” Gaten, Albert, Kam, and Gabby all commented that “seeing him smile” lets them know that “helping children . . .is simply the right thing to do.”
Others—Afrika, William and Elisse— enjoyed using their talents during the Christmas season and again in the Spring— accompanied by the Legacy Seniors-performing, reading and presenting to elementary schools in the system because they saw it as “a great way to direct them to success” while saying and showing—as Albert and Afrika noted-- what they themselves “wished someone had done or told them at their ages.” Also during Christmas, ninth and tenth graders spent spare ELA, science, lunch, and after school hours making lap blankets for nursing home residents. For many, this was their first sewing experience. A small group of eighth and ninth grade girls delivered the blankets, getting to see firsthand appreciation for their efforts while the entire school contributed to Toys for Tots and the AVID book drive. Currently three students are collecting more “change for change” as we conclude “Autism Awareness” month. Jahmal and Joel just want to know “when we can go again”: “I want to make sure they got the lesson— they’re a lot of fun.”
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: VECA/VSU Partnership By: Johnnie Marshall, Brad Tarpley, Mae McKinney
Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.” The University System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Education developed the Georgia Early College Initiative to address the low high school graduation rates and college enrollment rates of low income and first generation students. A major part of the Early College initiative is the relationship that the Early Colleges develop with the University System of Georgia colleges and universities. Valdosta Early College Academy has been fortunate to partner with Valdosta State University since its inception. Through this partnership, VECA’s students have received major benefits and successes from VSU’s technology, athletics, and fine arts programs this school year. iPartnership - Educreations and Haiku Deck and Apple TVs, Oh My! Valdosta State University continues to support VECA through its technology. In 2012, VECA became a 1:1 iPad school with VSU’s assistance. VSU continues to provide support to VECA’s initiative by providing IT support and professional learning from Dr. Andy Brovey, Apple Distinguished Educator. This year, VECA’s diverse apps (students) continue virtual learning by using productivity apps that are implemented across multiple disciplines and academic levels. Tyler Smith, 8th grade student explains, “Using technology in class speeds the personal learning and retaining information for me. It also creates a special relationship between the teacher and other peers ensuring that we all learn together and help each other.”
Imagine the Possibilities: Valdosta Early College Academy With innovative risks, students and teachers engage in authentic instruction while keeping iPads “Happy, Safe, and Secure!” Our commitment is to strive for infinite possibilities by assisting our apps one pixel at a time! Athletic Partnership-VECA’s eighth grade Health and Physical Education classes partnered with Valdosta State University’s Aquatic Center this semester. The students were taught to swim with weekly indoor swim lessons. Students and teachers were excited about the learning experience. Both VECA and VSU hope to continue and possibly expand this swimming program to include more students in the future. Choral Partnership-For the past seven
years, Valdosta State University’s Music Education Coordinator, Dr. Lynn Corbin, and her music education students provided chorus to the students at VECA. VECA students look forward to this every year since it is an opportunity for them to showcase their talents and be a part of a choral group. For about 9 weeks, students learn various choral pieces including learning diction, stage presence, blending, tone and more. The weeks of practice culminate with a spectacular choral concert directed by Dr. Corbin’s music students. This year, 7th grade students participated in the choral group. During their performance, they performed various genres of music including Christmas carols. It was a great end to their hard work.
Valdosta Early College Academy: A Promise to Attend College Early and a Dream Realized On May 22, eleven students celebrated the realization of a dream as they became the first to graduate from Valdosta Early College Academy. Seven years ago these young men and women began this program with hopes and dreams of completing high school and taking college courses. Adalis Calhoun noted it was through their “talent, hard work, accomplishment, and determination” that they earned the distinction of Early College graduates. Over the course of seven years these young people have persisted in a journey which not only transformed their lives but the lives of everyone associated with this Early College initiative. In early 2008, Valdosta City Schools and Valdosta State University entered into a partnership to create Valdosta Early College Academy (VECA). The purpose of VECA was to provide an opportunity for students to be challenged to meet high academic expectations and to be prepared for success in high school, college, and in their future endeavors in a global society. After recruiting its first class of sixth grade students in the spring, thirtysix boys and girls were accepted into the program. In August 2008, VECA began its inaugural year with Ingrid Hall, principal, and two
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teachers, Hilda Edgerton and Lanita McDuffie. Together these passionate educators and enthusiastic students took on the challenge of creating a learning environment which blended middle school, high school, and college. VECA became an innovative learning environment focused on preparing students to succeed in high school and to be prepared to realize the dream of attending college early by taking college courses during their junior and senior years. The Class of 2015 has become known as the “Legacy Class” of VECA because they have been the first to experience this journey from middle school through college. Kahlia Alexander said “As the first graduating class we are creating a legacy. We took a risk by coming to this school not knowing what to expect, but the risk has paid off. We are not only leaving with a high school diploma but also with college credit.” Through their determined efforts these students have blazed a trail of success for other students to follow. Mitzie Pablo reflected on their experience stating, “Throughout all our years to-
gether, we were met with many challenges and sometimes we wanted to give up, but we didn’t! We will be recognized for succeeding and conquering all our challenges. Our principal and teachers never gave up on us, not once, and they motivated us to keep going.” During the past seven years these boys and girls have grown and developed into resilient, confident young men and women. As this chapter in their lives comes to a close, Rashaun Inman acknowledged, “VECA has nurtured my peers and I …providing the necessary tools to further our intelligence and make it success.” What is next for these Legacy graduates? College of course! The promise of Early College has become their reality as they pursue their dreams for a successful future.
Imagine the Possibilities: Horne Learning Center
Horne Learning Center Maceo A. Horne Learning Center, the system’s alternative education program, is located at 930 Old Statenville Road. During the 2014-2015 school year, enrollment was 86 middle and 170 high school students—a student-teacher ratio of 20:1. While the center’s main mode of instruction is computer-assisted, a variety of teaching models are incorporated in this blended learning environment. This year, approximately fifty students received their high school diplomas. Future plans include attending the following colleges and technical schools: Brooklyn Community College, Fort
Valley State University, Georgia Military College, Valdosta State University and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Student success continued throughout the year. Savannah James (8th) and Kayla Edna Sturrup (7th) were second and third place system-wide winners for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry Contest. China Pace (8th) and Deanna Albritton (12th) were named Young Georgia Authors for the school system. For the second year, high school students participated in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, which was held at Valdosta High School.
Maceo’s Kids, a Positive Behavior Intervention System initiated this year, improved school climate and motivation. Students earned rewards for positive behavior, academic achievement, and improved attendance. Trips to the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, Valdosta State University, and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College were among the attractions. An end-of-the-year bash honoring academics, citizenship, and most recent graduates was held on May 21, 2015.
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Valdosta City Schools 55
Imagine the Possibilities: Facts & Figures General Budget Expenditures
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Valdosta City Schools 57
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