By Jamie Gardner
The Appling County Board of Education approved a waiver request recommendation from Superintendent Scarlett Copeland, at the regular monthly meeting held on February 27, that will request approval from the Georgia State Board of Education to waive O.C.G.A. 20-2-1183, Possession of Electronic Communication Devices, in all Appling County Schools for the next five years. As part of the waiver request the board stated that technology would be used in Appling County schools to provide access to the Internet, instructional applications, digital resources, productivity tools and blended learning environments. It will also be used to improve and encourage collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and creativity. Technology better engages students and prepares students for the 21st Century workforce.
Board approves waiver for BYOT
The system plans to eventually allow students to “bring your on technology” (BYOT), such as iPods, iPads, tablets, laptop computers, etc., to use in allowing students access to the Internet and with instructional applications. The next step to bringing technological advances into the school system is to allow teachers to test systems capabilities to see if problems arise before opening access to students.
The News-Banner questioned if the schools would have some type of filtering system in place to keep staff and students from accessing information that may be considered inappropriate on the Internet. It was stated that the system would have the appropriate filters in place.
Other business
The board and superintendent expressed concern to the public about Georgia House Resolution 1162 (or also known as the charter school legislation). H.R. 1162 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Georgia so as to clarify the authority of the state to establish state-wide education policy; to restate the authority of the General Assembly to create special schools (charter schools); to delineate types of schools that the General Assembly may authorize and clarify funding authority; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes. It was stated that it is unclear at this point how this could impact state funding for public schools and how charter schools would be funded. The measure passed through the House of Representatives and moved over to the Senate where it has been tabled for now.
The board approved a recommendation to hire Douglas Rooks as a bus driver for the system.
Medical leave requests were approved for Felicia Hayes, Debra Youmans, Karen Shipes, Genevieve Garnes, Leslie Belcher and Bryan Weaver.
Board members approved a recommendation from Copeland to open one bus driver position to be filled.
The low bid for new serving line equipment for the Altamaha Elementary School cafeteria was approved. Norvell Equipment submitted the low bid at a price of $16,494.00. The board also received a grant to assist in purchasing the equipment in the amount of $15,000.00.
The board approved a fundraiser request from Joy Connelley on behalf of the Children’s Miracle Network.
Superintendent’s report
Superintendent Copeland offered the following during her report:
- Congratulations to our Star Student and Valedictorian Andrea Taylor Dominy. The Valedictorian is a senior with the highest cumulative average who meets all honor graduate criteria. In order to become Star Student, you must have the highest SAT score at one seating.
- Congratulations to our Salutatorian Brooke Lyndsey Sikes at Appling County High School. The Salutatorian has the second highest cumulative average that meets all honor graduate criteria.
- Congratulations to our Title I Distinguished Schools who were recognized at the Federal and State Levels. These schools are Appling County Primary School, Appling County Elementary School, Altamaha Elementary School, and Fourth District Elementary School. Also, congratulations to Appling Elementary for being a recipient of the Silver Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
- Congratulations to the Appling County Middle School Floriculture Team who recently won the State Competition at the State FFA Floriculture Career Development Event on February 4. Team members were Chris Cook, Carson Carter, Autumn Bailey, Francisco Segura, and Kaley Carter. Their club advisors are Mr. Ricky Barnes and Mr. Van Mills.
- Congratulations to the ACHS Wrestling Team who made it to state competition. Appling County High School’s (ACHS) wrestling team members, DeMarco Dixon, Emmanuel Ryan, Kaleb Nails, Marquez Thomas, Ian Carter and Chase Johnson advanced to the state level February 16-18, 2012. Chase Johnson placed 6th in the state wrestling match.
- Congratulations to ACHS FFA Members Kaleb Wright who placed 1st and Jarrett Williams who placed 2nd in the FFA Sub-Area Public Speaking Contest.
- Congratulations to ACHS Boys and Girls Basketball Teams who both made it to State Playoffs this past weekend. The girls played in Brooks County and the boys played in Albany.
- Congratulations to ACHS and ACMS Showchoir who won 1st Place Overall this weekend at the Georgia Vocal Invitational which was held at Lakeside High School in Augusta. Sam Lawrence placed 3rd in the Solo Competition.
The News-Banner questioned if the schools would have some type of filtering system in place to keep staff and students from accessing information that may be considered inappropriate on the Internet. It was stated that the system would have the appropriate filters in place.
Other business
The board and superintendent expressed concern to the public about Georgia House Resolution 1162 (or also known as the charter school legislation). H.R. 1162 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Georgia so as to clarify the authority of the state to establish state-wide education policy; to restate the authority of the General Assembly to create special schools (charter schools); to delineate types of schools that the General Assembly may authorize and clarify funding authority; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes. It was stated that it is unclear at this point how this could impact state funding for public schools and how charter schools would be funded. The measure passed through the House of Representatives and moved over to the Senate where it has been tabled for now.
The board approved a recommendation to hire Douglas Rooks as a bus driver for the system.
Medical leave requests were approved for Felicia Hayes, Debra Youmans, Karen Shipes, Genevieve Garnes, Leslie Belcher and Bryan Weaver.
Board members approved a recommendation from Copeland to open one bus driver position to be filled.
The low bid for new serving line equipment for the Altamaha Elementary School cafeteria was approved. Norvell Equipment submitted the low bid at a price of $16,494.00. The board also received a grant to assist in purchasing the equipment in the amount of $15,000.00.
The board approved a fundraiser request from Joy Connelley on behalf of the Children’s Miracle Network.
Superintendent’s report
Superintendent Copeland offered the following during her report:
- Congratulations to our Star Student and Valedictorian Andrea Taylor Dominy. The Valedictorian is a senior with the highest cumulative average who meets all honor graduate criteria. In order to become Star Student, you must have the highest SAT score at one seating.
- Congratulations to our Salutatorian Brooke Lyndsey Sikes at Appling County High School. The Salutatorian has the second highest cumulative average that meets all honor graduate criteria.
- Congratulations to our Title I Distinguished Schools who were recognized at the Federal and State Levels. These schools are Appling County Primary School, Appling County Elementary School, Altamaha Elementary School, and Fourth District Elementary School. Also, congratulations to Appling Elementary for being a recipient of the Silver Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
- Congratulations to the Appling County Middle School Floriculture Team who recently won the State Competition at the State FFA Floriculture Career Development Event on February 4. Team members were Chris Cook, Carson Carter, Autumn Bailey, Francisco Segura, and Kaley Carter. Their club advisors are Mr. Ricky Barnes and Mr. Van Mills.
- Congratulations to the ACHS Wrestling Team who made it to state competition. Appling County High School’s (ACHS) wrestling team members, DeMarco Dixon, Emmanuel Ryan, Kaleb Nails, Marquez Thomas, Ian Carter and Chase Johnson advanced to the state level February 16-18, 2012. Chase Johnson placed 6th in the state wrestling match.
- Congratulations to ACHS FFA Members Kaleb Wright who placed 1st and Jarrett Williams who placed 2nd in the FFA Sub-Area Public Speaking Contest.
- Congratulations to ACHS Boys and Girls Basketball Teams who both made it to State Playoffs this past weekend. The girls played in Brooks County and the boys played in Albany.
- Congratulations to ACHS and ACMS Showchoir who won 1st Place Overall this weekend at the Georgia Vocal Invitational which was held at Lakeside High School in Augusta. Sam Lawrence placed 3rd in the Solo Competition.
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