‘Special’ Recognitions

Student recognition is always a special time at meetings of the Jeff Davis County Board of Education, but last Thursday’s recognitions took on special significance when Special Education Department Director Mary Susan Arnold gave an update on her department.
The significant part of Mrs. Arnold’s presentation came when she called on Special Ed teacher Anna Gilbert to share the work of middle school student Gabriel Garrett.
Mrs. Gilbert read a poem prepared by Gabe as the middle schooler stood next to her, seemingly overwhelmed by the attention he was receiving in front of board members, educators and members of the public in attendance.
It was a touching moment for all who listened to Mrs. Gilbert’s reading of his poem [see the insert for Gabe’s poem].
Mrs. Arnold also recognized middle school teacher George Lucke for being named the recipient of the Debra Brantley Award. Middle school principal Dr. Brent Coleman said of Mr. Lucke, “George’s tireless dedication to the academic and personal growth of our students sets him apart as
a truly exceptional educator.”
High school teacher Cheryl Lovett shared accomplishments of her students with disabilities.
And Mrs. Arnold pointed out that April is Autism Awareness Month and staff and board members in attendance were wearing blue to show their support.
Elementary school principal Garrett White recognized band instructor Shane Schroeder for his
dedication to the school’s Music and Band Program and his commitment to helping
students excel. Mr. Schroeder recognized the following fifth grade first chair
band students:
— Rayleigh Pierce & Jolie Kersey – Flute
— Solomon Edmonds & Addie Carelock – Clarinet
— Brayden Jackson & Sarabeth Powell – Saxophone
— Andalyn Dykes & Cye Atkinson – Trumpet
— Mishri Patel – French Horn
— Aiden Sanchez & Nathaniel Turfler – Trombone
— Ashton Belcher & Ya’Kira Coleman – Baritone
— Kearsten Perry – Tuba
— Kairi White – Piano
Mr. White announced that the band students’ spring concert will be held April 30 in the high school gym.
In other action, the board ….
…. heard an update on capital projects from Dr. Adam Kirby. He said the upcoming projects under pre-construction were the new primary school, the FFA multi-purpose arena and the tennis field house.
…. approved the use of school facilities for a benefit baseball tournament, and out-of-state trips for the middle school soccer team to Cocoa, Fla., Mary 10-11, the middle school cross country teams to Orlando, Fla., Sept. 20 and the high school cross country teams to Orlando, Fla., Sept. 6.
…. heard a financial update from Chief Financial Officer Joshua Worth.
…. accepted the resignations of Pre-K paraprofessional Fernando Chavez, primary school teachers Shabrica Jones and Chanmi Praise Baltazar, and elementary school paraprofessionals Isabella Sinquefield and Kayla Yawn.
…. accepted the retirements of school nutrition program employees Genie Hunt and Linda Sharon Alday.
…. approved recommendations to hire Pre-K paraprofessional Makayla Carter, elementary school paraprofessionals Angie Cook and Tashika Conaway, middle school cafeteria manager Angela Steverson and school nutrition program floater substitute Sherry Newell.
…. appointed board member Larry Allen as the board’s delegate to the Georgia School Boards Association Summer Conference in Savannah June 6-8. Board member Greg Brantley was appointed as an alternate.