Inservice Highlights 

Back to School Kick-Off
Energizes Alternative Schools’ Staff

School began this year with bursts of energy and optimism from Director of Alternative Schools Joris Ray. The kick-off and in-service program was held at the Pink Palace Museum on August 10, 2007, and the agenda included a delicious breakfast, a dynamic speaker, and several important division updates.

Jennifer Rucker, teacher at Macon Academy, opened the program with inspirational words of wisdom entitled “Restoration.” Others on the program were Margaret Woods, Coordinator of Alternative Schools; Sherill Hentz, Success Schools Coordinator; Cheryl Cathey, Transition Office Coordinator; and Dorothy Hopson, Adolescent Parenting Coordinator. John White, principal of Pyramid Academy, introduced the guest speaker Board Commissioner and Pastor Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr. Dr. Whalum’s message encouraged staff members to serve as good role models and help students make realistic choices about post-secondary opportunities. Music was provided by Stephanie Parker and Kelley Greene. Stephanie is the music director at KIPP Academy, and vocalist Kelley Greene is a special projects coordinator with MCS’s Coordinated School Health. During the occasion, a special award was presented to Dr. Betty Cooper, site administrator at Reconation Academy. To recognize her service as a long-time administrator, Joris Ray announced that future Alternative Schools’ administrative awards will be named in her honor.

New alternative programs this year include the Office of Transition coordinated by Cheryl Cathey, and Macon Academy High School with new principal Melita Jordan-Thomas. The Office of Transition is an important link between MCS and students in residential facilities returning to regular school environments. The office is designed to help assure that students have the academic and social skills they need to re-enter regular schools and be successful. Macon Academy High School enrolls students in grades 9-12 and serves both zero tolerance and success high school students. Referrals to Macon Academy may come from regular high schools, Pupil Services, or the Office of Transition.

Prior to the director’s closing remarks, an inspiring video chronicling the successes of alternative schools was shown on the awesome IMAX screen. As a grand finale to the event, alternative staff were issued tee shirts and cups that reinforced the district’s new mantra, “Every Child. Every Day. College Bound.”

Guest Speaker Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr. MCS Board Commissioner

Lifetime Achievement Award Administrative Dr. Betty J. Cooper Site Administrator Reconation Academy