Education Notebook: Bibb teacher selected for international program
Rutland Middle School teacher Shiona Drummer was selected as one of 87 participants in the 2015-2016 cohort of Teachers for Global Classrooms program out of more than 500 applications nationwide and has successfully completed eight weeks of required graduate-level coursework. She has been assigned to travel to the Republic of Georgia from March 11-25 with fellow TGC teachers.
"I am so excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to share my learning experience with my students and colleagues upon my return home," Drummer said in an email.
IREX, the organization behind the program, will cover the cost of a substitute teacher.
HOUSTON SPECIAL OLYMPICS COMING THIS WEEK
The Houston County Special Olympics will be held Thursday and Friday at the Veterans High School gym from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Middle and high school students will compete Jan. 14, and elementary school children will participate Jan. 15. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m.
WRHS TAKING FORMAL WEAR DONATIONS
Warner Robins High School is holding its 10th annual Demon Dress Drive to collect and resell formal wear for young people. The Student Council and Debate Team are seeking donations of gently used formal, semiformal and bridal wear in all sizes, styles and colors.
Donations may be dropped off at the Warner Robins High front office between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Jan. 29. Donations are tax deductible. No items will be returned to the donor.
Dresses will be offered for sale to the public Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WRHS Rockin' R Cafe. Proceeds will benefit a local charity and competition expenses for students.
I LOVE MATH DAY
I Love Math Day will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, at Wesleyan College. It's free to 10th- and 11th-graders. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Olive Swann Porter Building lobby. It's sponsored by The Lane Center for Service and Leadership and the Wesleyan College Math Club. Lunch will be provided at no charge. Registration is required. RSVP to your graduation adviser by Jan. 19. Transportation will be provided from home schools. Call 478-757-3800 for more information.
HOUSTON SCHOOLS HONORED FOR PERFORMANCE
Six schools have been named 2016 Reward Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. The awards are reserved for Title I schools with the highest performance or biggest academic gains by students over the past three years.
Centerville Elementary and Eagle Springs Elementary were chosen for Highest Performance. Morningside Elementary, Northside Elementary, Parkwood Elementary and Perry Middle were chosen for Highest Progress.
A Highest-Performing Reward School is among the 5 percent of the state's Title I schools with the absolute highest performance over three years for the "all students" group on the statewide assessments.
A Highest-Progress Reward School is among the 10 percent of the state's Title I schools making the most progress in improving the performance of the "all students" group over three years on the statewide assessments.
MERCER RANKS AT TOP OF COLLEGE LIST
After ranking No. 2 in College Choice's Best Southern Regional Universities list in 2015, Mercer University was No. 1 on the 2016 list. The online publication ranks universities based on a variety of factors, from academic reputation to financial considerations.
Other Georgia universities making the cut were Brenau at No. 24, Georgia College & State University at No. 29 and Kennesaw State at No. 48.
WILLETTS NAMED DEAN OF MERCER THEOLOGY SCHOOL
Jeffrey Willetts, professor of divinity, founding dean and former vice president at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Arlington, Virginia, has been appointed dean of Mercer University's James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, effective July 1.
Willetts succeeds McAfee's founding dean, Alan Culpepper, who stepped down this past summer after 20 years in the leadership position to return to full-time teaching. Robert Nash Jr., the Arnall-Mann-Thomasson professor of missions and world religions at McAfee, has been serving as interim dean since July 1.
RILEY NAMED HEAD OF INNOVATION CENTER
Samantha Riley, an entrepreneur, business and service-learning consultant and educator, has been named director of the Mercer Innovation Center, effective Jan. 1.
Riley most recently served as visiting assistant professor of entrepreneurial business writing at Pennsylvania State University, where she developed and implemented a universitywide business writing program focused on service learning and entrepreneurship. She led more than 550 students to develop 50-plus business startups and 25-plus service-learning projects.
MDS RECEIVES MATH AND SCIENCE GRANT
Mount de Sales Academy received an ExxonMobil Education Alliance Grant to fund middle school math and science programs.
Shawn Heacox, a representative of Walthall Oil Co., presented Kari Alderman, head of the middle school, with the grant of $1,000. The funding provides school grants across the country. Mount de Sales Academy has been a recipient for more than a decade.
Telegraph writer Jeremy Timmerman contributed to this report.
This story was originally published January 10, 2016 at 9:09 PM with the headline "Education Notebook: Bibb teacher selected for international program ."