Education Notebook: School expected to attain AYP status

Fort Valley Middle School is expected to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress once the state Department of Education makes a final report expected this month, said Jeff Fitz, Peach County’s assessment coordinator, at the system’s Tuesday study session.

Of the system’s six schools, Byron Elementary and Byron Middle have already achieved AYP this year.

While Hunt and Kay Road elementary schools did not meet AYP, the state Education Department approved a system appeal to count them as new schools based on changes in student population, Fitz said. With the designation, the schools will not receive Needs Improvement status.

Peach County High School still did not meet AYP, though. While meeting academic requirements, it narrowly fell short of the required 80 percent graduation rate. Even with summer graduates, the graduation rate is expected to reach 79.4 percent, based on preliminary projections that will not become official until the state’s report, Fitz said.

Central Key Club plans fundraisers

Central High School will host its Key Club induction ceremony Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Key Club is a student service organization.

Central will induct its new members and go over its agenda for the school year, which includes several fundraisers, said Central teacher Marquis Harris, the club sponsor.

The club plans a “Pennies for Pakistan” benefit to raise money on behalf of those affected by disastrous floods. All proceeds will go to UNICEF USA.

Another fundraiser is “Sweating for Sri Lanka,” a walk-a-thon in the spring to benefit those suffering in Sri Lanka because of the effects of a prolonged civil war. All proceeds will go to the Caring for the World organization, Harris said.

The Key Club’s annual fundraiser is its winter talent show, which benefits the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes.

Central’s Key Club has the largest membership in the system, Harris said.

Bibb creates anonymous tip line

An anonymous web-based tip line has been created by the Bibb County Campus Police Department in an effort to improve safety and security through communication.

The community can access the tip line at schools.bibb.k12.ga.us/cpd.

Information shared with campus police is provided to CrimeStoppers and Student CrimeStoppers.

“We wanted to provide people with a tool by which they can directly promote improved safety in their schools and community,” Campus Police Chief Daniel DeCoursey said.

Bibb improvement program featured online

In March, the Bibb County school system’s Capital Improvement Program, which is building and renovating schools with a local option sales tax, was recognized with the FMXcellence Award from Building Operating Management Magazine, according to the school system.

The magazine has developed a multi-media presentation featuring the recipients of the award which can be viewed at facilitiesnet.com. Click on the green box labeled “Better Building Performance Boosts FM Standing.”

Peach County to host curriculum night

Peach County High School will hold fall curriculum night for parents Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Those interested in attending are strongly encouraged to arrive at the auditorium at 5 p.m. During the event, parents will be able to tour the academies and find out more information about them.

Parents will also be able to pick up student progress reports.

Telegraph writers Julie Hubbard and Andrea Castillo contributed to this report.