ABAC hosts ‘Kindergarten Day’ Friday

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October 13, 2012

ABAC hosts ‘Kindergarten Day’ Friday

Latasha Everson/The Tifton Gazette CNHI The Tifton Gazette Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:05 PM EDT

TIFTON — Amy Warren with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, along with some students, and local Publix Manager Greg Boxx spoke at Tuesday night’s regular Tift County Board of Education meeting.

Warren discussed that as a part of their rural studies program, ABAC would be hosting a “Kindergarten Day” for all kindergartners at Len Lastinger Primary School. This event was held Friday on the college campus.

She and three ABAC students explained that the purpose of “Kindergarten Day” is to create a college-going culture and give a positive image of college.

Various stations around campus involving physical activity and discussions of future goals and interests were set up for students, such as “When I Grow Up,” “Making Things Grow,” “Let’s Move,” “Artists In the Making,” “Tell Me A Story” and “We Can All Be Scientists.”

The kindergartners had the opportunity to tour the campus. One ABAC student at the meeting stated that “hopefully, they will look back and see they had a great time.”

Warren said many rural communities don’t see college as an option. She added that by planting a seed, the students from Len Lastinger will have a better understanding of what college looks like and that it might be something they would like to pursue in the future.

Also, Superintendent Patrick Atwater introduced Boxx to the board and stated that he feels Publix will be a great Adopt-A-School partner. He added that the company is a strong supporter of public schools. He noted that local restaurant Stevi B’s is going to be a great partner as well.

Before shaking Boxx’s hand, Atwater thanked him for what he’s done. At their grand opening, Publix gave away $500 each to Annie Belle Clark, Charles Spencer, G.O. Bailey, Len Lastinger, Matt Wilson and Northside schools.

Boxx told the board that Publix is there for the community. Also, having his own children in the local school system, he commented that he’s been impressed with the Tift County School System.

“I’m happy to be a part of your community,” Boxx stated.

Furthermore, Atwater discussed the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds report.

He stated, “We are very pleased.”

He added, “Taxes are beginning to come in. Gene Goode (tax commissioner) has done a great job for many, many years. He’s done a good job at collecting these bills.”

Atwater mentioned that they’re already looking at the FY14 budget, which will be more challenging than FY13. He noted that there could be a possibly of no longer gaining $7.7 million from the state.

However, Atwater said they’re right on track as this year progresses.

“All bills are current and we continue to move forward,” he stated.

Other topics discussed at the meeting included:

• Robby Dasher, director of operations, addressed SPLOST projects at Eighth Street Middle School and Tift County High School Northeast Campus. He said the work at Northeast Campus is progressing — concrete work is still going on. He stated that the work at ESMS is complete.

• The board approved the current Board Policy JGCD - Medication as written. Dr. Gina Cox, student services director, mentioned to the board that all staff at local schools would not have to be trained, only two volunteers at each school and also bus drivers. Attorney Hank Pittman discussed the new policy written for diabetes, which he explained covered all of the bases.

• The board approved to reinstate non-certified staff salary steps. Also, Chairman Dr. Shawn Utley suggested that the finance committee meet for an approval on the voluntary employee benefit selection, which the board approved.

To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.

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