Sometimes, a simple tool can open up a whole new world.
On Tuesday, Calhoun City Schools welcomed the Smokey Powell Center, an outreach program of the Georgia Department of Education’s Office of State Schools, to the CCS Central Office to provide Low Vision Evaluations for students with visual impairments from Calhoun and surrounding communities.
Among the students participating was CES fifth grader Sahidmar, who recently began receiving visual impairment services. During her evaluation, Sahidmar was introduced to a monocular telescope and, with its help, could sit at a distance and read the entire screening chart. She also received several new low vision devices to use at home and at school.
Her excitement was immediate. For her mother, watching her daughter experience what was possible with the right tool was an emotional moment.
It was a powerful reminder of what access can mean for a student and family. Sometimes, the right resource can make a difference in how a student learns, participates, and experiences the world around them, while revealing possibilities they may not have known were available.
By providing a central location for the Smokey Powell Center to conduct evaluations, CCS was also able to help make these specialized services more accessible to students and families beyond the district.
“We are incredibly thankful that Calhoun City Schools has allowed us to bring the Smokey Powell Center into our district, not only to serve our own students but also students from surrounding communities who need access to these evaluations,” shared Ms. Dawn Wright, Sahidmar’s teacher. “Today was definitely a reminder of why this work matters.”
Calhoun City Schools is grateful for the educators, families, and partners who help connect students with resources and opportunities that can make a difference.
For Sahidmar and her family, the impact of that work could be seen clearly.
Be There. Every Student. Every Opportunity.
