Articles - Spotlight on Education

T.D. Tinsley Elementary School
A Farewell to Tinsley

By Leslie Poythress


For Macon’s Tinsley Tigers this school year is bittersweet. On April 
15th the school celebrated its fiftieth year in operation with a spirited 
school-wide birthday bash. Families joined faculty members for a night of fun and entertainment. The party was a celebration of all they have accomplished. As the end of the school year approaches, the festivities are dying down. The doors of Tinsley, located off of Pierce Avenue, will be closed forever this summer. Students will be moved to other Bibb County schools, with the majority of them going to Taylor Elementary School. The new name of the combined school will be Taylor-Tinsley Elementary. The closing of Tinsley brings about reflections of her past and her service to the Middle Georgia community.

Tinsley was built in 1953 and completely renovated in 1994. Over 365 students are currently served in kindergarten through sixth grade. The mission of the school is provide their diverse population with an accepting environment in which every individual is encouraged to develop his or her social, creative, and intellectual potential. Since the day the doors first opened all stakeholders have been involved in furthering the school’s mission.

One of the many areas in which Tinsley has excelled over the years is its Special Education program. The school has served a high population of special needs students throughout the years, approximately 30 % annually. With hard work and dedication, their program has helped countless children succeed. Tinlsey’s innovative special needs kindergarten classes provide learning in a fun and educational setting to young Tinsley Tigers. Students with learning disabilities and emotional behavior disorders are served in self-contained classes. In this setting, students are educated together using researched based instruction to benefit the learning style of each child. An interrelated class serves students with a variety of needs in a resource setting. These children are taught in the regular classroom setting with special education support. Adaptive physical education classes allow all children to participate in PE, including the numerous wheelchair-restricted students. With all of their programs, the school has worked hard to "Accept all and expect the best."

Tinsley has worked to become a technologically advanced training center for both teachers and students. The primary focus of technology instruction at the school is to equip students and staff with adequate knowledge to perform in our ever-advancing society. An introduction to computers begins in kindergarten. Each classroom has computers connected to the school-wide network and has Internet capabilities. A state-of-the-art computer lab houses 30 computers, a printer, and a projector for presentations. The majority of the certified teachers are trained in Georgia’s InTech (Integrating Technology in the Classroom) model. The technological skills that students have acquired at Tinsley will remain with them as they advance in education and life.

Community support has been tremendous throughout the years. The true spirit and determination of the Tigers was shown in the past year when parents, teachers, students, and the community rallied together to try and keep Tinsley from closing. The school has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that has worked diligently to further the mission of Tinsley. With annual fundraisers and book fairs, the PTA has provided money, books, and supplies to support the school’s instructional program. The organization supports the faculty and staff throughout the year with luncheons, treats, and by volunteering in the classrooms. Parents and grandparents are often seen helping out around the school. The School Council consists of the principal, two teachers, two parents, and two businesspersons. The Council has served to provide advice, recommendations, and assistance to the principal and local Board of Education.

Tinsley’s pride is evident as one enters the school’s doors. All students, faculty members, and parents will take a part of the school with them when the doors close. Principal Jan Wright, who has served the school well for three years as the lead administrator sums up the feelings of many: "I’ll always cherish the memories of our Tinsley Tigers. You have left footprints on my heart." Farewell Tinsley. The Middle Georgia community celebrates your successes along with you and wishes each Tiger the very best!