Volume 11 Issue 6
February 2013
Colquitt County Schools - 710 28th Avenue S. E., Moultrie, Georgia 31768
Certification Reminders for
All Certified Staff
MyPSC
School Board Appreciation Week
March 18-22
District 1 - Trudie M. Hill
District 2 - Bobbie Key
District 3 - Mary Beth Watson
Dates of Interest
4
4
6
7
7
Pre-K Registration Begins
School Nutrition Mgr. Mtg.
5th Grade Writing Test
Elementary Music Teacher Mtg.
Georgia FIP
11
12
14
15
15
CCBOE - Work Session-Okapilco
Thinking Maps Training
Early Release Day (Prek-5)
Payroll Cut-Off
Student Holiday & Reduced
Calendar Day for Employees
(Does not apply to 12 month)
18
19
19
20
21
21
Hispanic Parent Mtg.
Payroll Due
District Admin. Mtg.
Report Cards
CRCT Orientation
Georgia FIP
25
25
25
27
High School Grad Tests Begin
CCAE - Educators Fair - CCHS
Regular Board Mtg.
Elementary Music Festival
Upcoming Events
March 4-8
Exceptional Children’s Week
http://www.gacec.org/ECW-v-23.html
March 3-9
National School Social Workers
Week.
http://www.sswaa.org/EventView.
asp?ID=69
March 4-8
National School Breakfast Week
http://docs.schoolnutrition.org/meetingsandevents/nsbw2013/index.htm
The Professional Standards Commission is now
“paperless” for certification. Educators view and print
their certificates online through MyPSC at
www.gapsc.com. No certificate copies are mailed.
District 4 - Roy Reeves, Chairman
District 5 - Patricia Anderson, Vice Chairman
District 6 - Kevin Sumner
It is essential that all certified employees register
and maintain a login for MyPSC on gapsc.com. Any
correspondence from PSC about a certificate comes
through MyPSC. Login is at the top right of www.
gapsc.com.
Certificate Renewal
The personnel office provides current employees
with the necessary paperwork for renewal before
their certificate expires. However, all educators
should be aware of their certificate expiration date
and can see this through MyPSC.
Currently, an educator is not required to show the
completion of PLU credit for certificate renewal. 10
PLUs will again be required for renewal for those
people whose certificates expire July 1, 2016.
Upgrading a Certificate
Educators who have completed an advanced degree
must submit to the personnel office a completed
Certification Application and an official transcript that
shows the degree completion date. The application
can be printed from the “Download Forms” link on
www.gapsc.com.
To learn about the acceptance of advanced degrees
for an upgrade and whether or not a GACE test is
required for the upgrade, educators should refer
to the gapsc.com “Current Educators” information
on Certification Upgrades. Using the “Certificate
Upgrade Advisor” tool provides information specific
to an individual’s upgrade options based on his or
her current certificate. Only the PSC can approve a
degree program for an upgrade and pay increase.
Adding an Endorsement
To add an endorsement such as Gifted, ESOL,
Reading, K-5 Math, or K-5 Science, an educator
must complete a GaPSC-approved endorsement
program. When all coursework is completed, the
GaPSC will add the endorsement to the educator’s certificate only after receiving a Certification
Application, a transcript of completed coursework,
and an Approved Program Recommendation Form
(completed by the college or RESA providing the
coursework).
BABIES
Dec 21 Jonah David son of Casey(Funston) & Matthew Sparkman
Jan 11 Allie Kate daughter of Kati (Funston) & Jay Strickland
Feb 16 Hailee Marie daughter of Nikki (Norman Park) & Jeremy Harrell
Planning to Retire?
If so, make plans to attend the Retirement Workshop
at 5:30-7:30 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the
Cook County Middle School Cafeteria
in Adel, Georgia.
Representatives will be present from the following
agencies:
* Teachers Retirement System of Georgia- an
overview of the process and Options
for TRS - Mike Zarem
* VALIC- How to access your 403b/457 funds in
Retirement-Debbie Smith
Information will be available on Social Security
and State Health.
This workshop will provide you with the information
and resources you need to help you map out your
retirement plan.
Refreshments will be served! Reservations are
required. You may bring a guest.
SPRING FORWARD
March 10, 2013
Change the batteries
in your smoke
detectors.
Page 2
The BRAVO Employee Recognition Program was created to promote the Colquitt County Schools’ shared
values of excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, peer recognition, and school spirit. At this
time, the site BRAVO awardees are being recognized for their outstanding individual performance and to
celebrate their commitment and contributions to the Colquitt County School System.
Classified employees eligible for nomination include bus drivers, clerks, custodians, food service workers,
instructional providers, maintenance personnel, nurses, paraprofessionals, social workers, and technology
specialists. Criteria for selection include: at least three years employment in the Colquitt County School
System, a good attendance record, enthusiasm and initiative in job performance, and an excellent attitude
and rapport in the workplace.
A reception will be held on May 2, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. at Cox Elementary School cafeteria to honor each
site nominee. At that time, three finalists and an Employee of the Year will be announced. Make plans to attend!
Josephine King is a assistant nutrition manager at Colquitt County High School and has been employed in the school system for eight years. Principal
Bob Jones commented, “She is always pleasant in her dealings with both students and faculty members. She has always been able to diffuse a
negative situation with her kind words, her gentle tone, and to top it off--her gracious, sincere smile.” Mrs. King shared, “It makes me feel very
good to know that my work family think so much of me. It gives me great pleasure to come to work each day to serve my fellow co-workers and
the students of Colquitt County High School. It is great to know that I am appreciated!.” Josephine and her husband Gary have two children –
Carol Tyler and Brenda Tyler Dixon.
Kerry Bullard, a school nurse at Cox Elementary School, has been employed in the school system for 12 years. Mrs. Bullard commented, “I am truly
humbled and honored to be nominated for this award. Having the opportunity to care for and to nurture children who are in need is tremendously
rewarding. I feel extremely blessed to be able to do this job on a daily basis.” Principal Dr. Thelma Jackson commented, “Nurse Bullard is a
consummate professional. Her tailored scrubs, beautiful smile, and patient concern for each student, parent, and staff member who visits the clinic
or encounters her in the office, makes Cox Elementary a warm environment.” Mrs. Bullard and husband Jason have one son Parker.
June Chatman is a paraprofessional in the computer lab at Doerun Elementary School. She has been employed in the Colquitt County School
System for three years. Principal Chuck Jones shared, “Mrs. Chatman believes it is important for each student to experience some level of success
and reinforces positive attitudes to foster confidence. She is firm, fair, and consistent with our students and they respond well to her style.” Mrs.
Chatman humbly shared, “I am honored to receive this nomination and to be recognized by my peers at Doerun Elementary. I enjoy my job so
much and look forward each day to helping the teachers and serving the students of Doerun Elementary School. Mrs. Chatman and husband Elkin
have one daughter, Olivia.
Ja’Net Smith, a computer lab paraprofessional at Funston Elementary School, has been employed for the Colquitt County Schools for three years.
“Mrs. Smith’s dedication to children is evidenced by her compassion to our students. She goes beyond to help everyone at Funston. The staff
and administration alike appreciate the manner in which she handles her duties as well as, the many things she does that are beyond her duties,”
shared Principal Ricky Reynolds. Mrs. Smith commented, “My Funston family has welcomed me from day one, and being nominated as their BRAVO
winner truly shows me that they care and appreciate everything I do for them and our students.” Mrs. Smith and her husband Jesse have two
children - Nakia Johnson and Shontonio Smith.
Kristy Tucker is the school secretary at C. A. Gray Junior High School and has been employed for the Colquitt County Schools for 10 years. Principal
Dr. Todd Cason shared his thoughts, “Mrs. Tucker is the one to go to if you need anything at C.A. Gray. She will get the job done - one call that’s
all! Her respect and integrity to our school speaks volumes, and it is evident in her hard work and outstanding service to our school system.” Mrs.
Tucker shared “It feels great to know that others appreciate the work I do to help keep C.A. Gray operating smoothly. It is a wonderful honor to
be selected as C.A. Gray’s BRAVO winner.” Mrs. Tucker and husband Craig have two sons Matthew and Scott.
Amy Grantham is a paraprofessional at Hamilton Elementary School. She has been employed for the Colquitt County Schools for 19 years. Principal
Brenda DeMott said, “Mrs. Amy has been in the school system long enough to understand the ins and outs of her job and duties. That’s why she
eagerly does her part and her job so effectively. She‘s a real “go-getter” who takes pride in her work and strives to accomplish everything in a
highly professional manner for her principal, teachers, students, and co-workers.” Mrs. Grantham shared her thoughts on this nomination, “I am
very blessed to be a part of such a loving, compassionate, supportive group of people. I am humbled that they believe that I’m deserving of this
recognition.” Mrs. Grantham and her husband Robert have two children - Bradley and Erica.
Becky Gomez is the migrant education tutor for Norman Park Elementary School and has been employed with the Colquitt County
Schools for nearly five years. Principal Keith Adams commented, “Ms. Gomez works hard to make sure that each child she works
with is meeting or exceeding academically. She is such an assist to the students and staff of Norman Park Elementary.” Ms. Gomez
shared, “This honor means more than words can express. I work with such wonderful children and staff that it makes my job a
joy. I am committed to improving a child’s life one day at a time.” Ms. Gomez has three children - Priscilla, Anthony, and Victor.
CCHS
Cox
Doerun
Funston
Gray
Hamilton
Norman Park
Page 3
Dianne Thompson is the receptionist at J. M. Odom Elementary School and has been employed with the Colquitt
County School System for 23 years. Principal James Harrell noted, “Mrs. Thompson is a bright spot in our office.
She is very dedicated and willing to go above and beyond her job requirements. Our staff realizes we have a
jewel of a person in Dianne.” Mrs. Thompson stated what this meant to her, “I am blessed to work with such
a wonderful group of people Money can buy lots of things, but the family and friends that I have made at J.M.
Odom are worth more than money can buy.” Mrs. Thompson and husband Darrell have two children - Shana
Rae Thompson Broadhurst and Joshua Thompson.
Christina Angel is a school nutrition assistant at Okapilco Elementary School, and has been employed at Okapilco
for nine years. “Mrs. Angel takes pride in her work and demonstrates that by her efficiency, her perseverance
when things get hectic, and by the fact that she can do all of this with a continuous smile on her face,” commented Principal Eric Croft. Mrs. Angel
responded to her nomination, “Okapilco is a loving place to work. The teachers and staff are a great team. I feel that I put a smile on our children’s
faces when I provide a meal that they can enjoy. I hope they remember me as the ‘nice lunchroom lady.’” She and husband Eusdebio have four
children - Andres, Sergio, Celene, and Isabela.
LeAndra Gay, is the school nurse at Stringfellow Elementary School, has worked with the Colquitt County Schools for nine years. “Mrs. Gay is
the consummate loyal team player. She treats each and every student, parent, and staff member with respect. She has a special way of making
everyone feel welcome. The quality of Mrs. Gay’s work is second to none. The students at Stringfellow Elementary School are well taken care of,”
remarked Principal Darlene Reynolds. Mrs. Gay shared her thoughts on being nominated, “I know the students depend on me to take care of them
whether they are sick or just need some tender loving care. I consider this not just my job, but a family of friends and students. I am very proud
and honored to have been nominated by my fellow co-workers for this award.” Mrs. Gay and husband Mike have two children - Kirsten and Karalee.
Susan Corley is a clerk at Sunset Elementary School. She is in her seventh year with the Colquitt County Schools. “Mrs. Corely is a team player.
She is respected by our staff because she is positive, caring, fun and above all, efficient. She is a true example of a dedicated employee,” shared
Principal Bruce Owen. Mrs. Corely shared, “I’m honored to be nominated by people who I love to work with. At Sunset we work, laugh, cry, and
pray together. It is a great feeling to wake up knowing I have a job I love to go to each day.” She and husband Doug have two children - Shianna
and Nathan.
Helen Farrell is the discipline clerk at W. J. Williams Middle School, and has been employed with the Colquitt County Schools for 24 years. “Ms. Farrell
is an example of quality and efficiency in the performance of her assigned duties at Williams Middle School. She demonstrates her compassion for
students on a daily basis, dispensing advice, encouragement, and reprimands with a grandmother’s brand of tough love,” shared Williams Principal
Doug Howell. “This honor is not about me, it’s about the children. Despite all of the hard work as a discipline clerk, the thing that matters is the
students. It’s a humbling experience to be recognized for something I love to do,” shared Ms. Farrell. Ms. Farrell has four children - Gunnery Sgt.
Palace Harris, Jr., Kenasie Taylor, Shantique Taylor Prather, Cystal Taylor.
Lisa Chambers-Owen is a paraprofessional at R. B. Wright Elementary School, and she has been employed with the Colquitt County Schools for five
years. Principal Marc Bell said, “Student success at any level is very often linked to having the right person in the right situation or setting. Lisa
Chambers-Owen is the sort of staff member every school is looking to have on staff. She is always looking for ways to help our students succeed.”
Mrs. Chambers-Owen shared, “I feel very humbled to receive this honor. I love my job, and honestly don’t feel I deserve this award any more than
any other person at my school. My cup runneth over with the opportunity I get everyday to help a child succeed, and I feel truly blessed that my peers
would recognize me for doing something that I absolutely love.” Mrs. Chambers-Owen and husband Andy have two children – Caroline and Sam.
Lori Pagels is a computer technician with the Central Office and has worked for the Colquitt County Schools for 27 years. Network Services Director
Greg Ponder shared, “Mrs. Pagels works well with everyone and she is willing to do things that are not normally part of her job description. She
is always cordial, mindful of the needs of others, and displays integrity that is beyond question. She truly cares for the students and considers her
job as a means to help provide a quality-learning environment.” Mrs. Pagels shared, “Being able to go in and fix a problem or show something
that helps them is very satisfying. Now, I am able to help not only students, but teachers, administrators, and cafeteria workers.” Mrs. Pagels has
three children -Brandi Thomas, Brittany Pagels, and Megan Strayer.
Retha Slaughter, bus driver with the Transportation Department, has been employed with the Colquitt County School System for 22 years. Christine
Page, Director of Transportation, remarked, “Reatha has a cooperative spirit, professional attitude, and a caring disposition. Ms. Slaughter works
with students with disabilities and she shows a genuine concern for them all.” Ms. Slaughter shared what being selected as a BRAVO nominee
meant to her, “Being nominated is truly a great honor, one that I never expected. I really enjoy doing my job. It is times like this that makes me
want to come to work each day.” Ms. Slaughter has six children - Antonio, Justin, Kiarah, Karlisha, David, and Derrick.
Odom
Okaplico
Stringfellow
Sunset
Williams
Wright
Support Services
Transportation
The Tools of Her Trade: Kind Words and Friendly Smiles
By Lori Glenn, Colquitt County Family Connections
Sandra Richardson thrives on quotes. Her favorite is one she
takes to heart and mind: “Life is like melted butter... Once things
cool down, it can be reshaped!” – Guru Kripa. And what about
“It's easier to build up a child than to repair an adult. Choose
your words wisely.” Words float her through her days as a school
counselor in two of the district's most outlying schools. Words –
kind words – and friendly smiles are the tools she uses every day
to get through to children struggling with challenges in their lives.
“These kids go through so much. I try not to take it home with me,”
she said, when asked how she copes with the information she is
entrusted with. She recommends the same to her co-workers, that
is to come fresh with smiles and encouragement for the students
the next day, she said. “It just breaks your heart, but what can you
do? ...You want to cry for them and inside you do, but you have to
be strong for them. You just have to hope and pray that things will
change for them and get better.”
Richardson was born and raised in Doerun, attending the same
elementary school she works with today. (She splits her time
between Doerun and Hamilton.) She boasts a perfect attendance
record through her primary education and is a graduate of CCHS.
She comes from a large family. Her parents are Bobbie Jackson
and Willie Richardson. Sisters Alicia and Teresa and brothers
Anthony, Patrick, and Willie round out the group.
Thinking first she'd study to be a child psychologist, she entered
Albany State University as a psychology major. She earned her
bachelor's in psychology and acquired her masters in school
counseling. She's currently pursing an Ed.D. in curriculum,
instruction, and assessment. She has three more classes to go.
“Woo hoo!!,” she said.
Her son and only child, Quen Jenkins, is a 17-year-old senior at
CCHS – young for his class but ready to head to college after
graduation – narrowing his choices to Valdosta State, Albany
State, or Georgia Southern after “freaking out” his mother with the
idea of entering Georgia State as a freshman. She's glad to keep
him closer to home for a while and in relatively smaller classes
than the ones he would encounter at GSU. Quen, a forward
for the Packers men’s basketball team, wants to study sports
medicine, so his plan is to acquire his master's degree from GSU.
“He has to have a plan. I tell him, 'Mama's not going to take care
of your forever,'” she said, laughing.
The love of sports (basketball and football in particular) is
something Richardson shares with her son – and the “love of
her life,” Eric Scott, a surgical laser technician from Orlando.
Richardson is a fan of Miami Heat, Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta
Falcons, although for the past two years, Eric's been trying
to convert her into a Gator. A fate she's resisted thus far. “He
can't stand Georgia. He's hates everything Georgia. He hates
the Falcons, the Atlanta Hawks... He's a Gator. He's a Gatoreverything. He loves Florida. He can't stand anything to do with
Georgia,” she laughed. On top of sports, Richardson loves to shop
and spend time with family and friends.
Between her son, running up and down
the road to see Eric, and her studies,
Richardson is still smiling. “It's a balancing
act. It is,” she said.
She began her career with Colquitt County
Schools in 2003 as a parapro at Williams
then worked in a media center at Gray prior to securing her
position as counselor at Williams for four years. She's been in her
current position four years as well and absolutely loves working
with the younger children.
Bullying is her primary concern with her students. “You can't
just say kids are being kids. You've got to call it what it is,” she
said. Bullying is addressed formally three times a year – and
many teachers she works with have said that effort has had
positive impact -- but Richardson believes educators should be
vigilant and act swiftly to tamp it down. Last year, she had four
elementary school students threatening to kill themselves, she
said, making note of the district's protocol. “If a child says he
wants to kill himself or kill somebody else or say 'I don't want to be
here anymore, I want to die' any of that we follow protocol,” she
said. “We're supposed to call their parents to come pick them up.
They're supposed to be evaluated by their doctor or sent to the
emergency room and not allow them back until the doctor clears
them to come to school.”
In counseling her students, Richardson hopes to teach them that
no matter where they come from or what's happening to them
now, they have the power to build a happy life. It's a difficult
concept for children in despair to grasp, she admitted.
“I grew up in working class. My mom got an associate's degree.
My dad, a high school diploma is the highest he had. I had Quen
the summer of my senior year … but I try to tell the kids I had
a very supportive family. When I had him, my focus changed.
It wasn't about me anymore,” she said. “So when I was at the
middle school I let the girls know that. I'm not perfect. Adults aren't
perfect. We're just kids who grew up. Making mistakes is part of
growing up. …Not just as counselors but as adults, we're here to
uplift kids and build character not kick kids when they're down.”
That doesn’t mean she doesn’t practice “tough love,” she said.
Richardson believes teaching children to be accountable cannot
be postponed until middle school. Parents and elementary
teachers should set standards for accountability, even for young
children. It especially helps when parents and teachers are of one
accord in communicating to children what is important.
Counselors are essential members of the education team, helping
students not only grapple with personal challenges but also in
social and career development – not to mention taking some
of the burden off the shoulders of teachers and administrators.
Richardson understands, she said, that Colquitt County –
especially being rural – is more fortunate than many other
systems since we continue to fund school counselors.
Your input is greatly appreciated. If there are items you would like to
see in future editions, please contact Lou Ann Lardy at 229-890-6235 or
by email at [email protected].
Visit the Colquitt County School System website www.colquitt.k12.ga.us.
The Colquitt County Board of Education does not discriminate in any educational programs or activities or in employment policies.
Colquitt Connections Employee Newsletter
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