2019 Annual Report

January 31, 2020

Becoming Wise about Weather at Dorsett Shoals

At Dorsett Shoals Elementary, weather is a hot topic every day. Through a grant provided by the Douglas County Education Foundation, the Weather Wiz Kids program provides tools for students to learn about the weather. Among the tools are a digital weather station, rain gauge, and thermometer. The weather equipment is located in the school's outdoor classroom space.

"I think it's awesome!" said Jamison Bowman, 1st grade student in Ms. Ibbetson's class. "I like learning about weather, and the weather station can help us know how fast the wind is going."

Checking weather measurements for rain, temperature, and wind correlates with science standards for students in 1st and 4th grades and gives students hands on experience with digital and analog weather tools. In addition, new books on weather in the Dorsett Shoals library offer students additional resources to supplement learning. In addition to supporting student achievement in the area of science, students also strengthen skills involving reading, writing, and math while recording, tracking, reading, and analyzing weather data.

Media Specialist Tracy Scaglione and Ms. Cynthia Ibbetson applied for the grant. The Douglas County Education Foundation awards Classroom Impact Grants on a competitive basis to teachers at all grade levels. With funding from the grants, students learn through programs, projects, equipment, and enrichment opportunities that are not available through state funds alone.

DCSS Presents the Annual Report for 2018-2019

Assessment data, demographics, financial information -- it's all available in the 2019 Annual Report! For an overview of the 2018-2019 school year, click the link below.

Each year, the Douglas County School System compiles district information to keep our stakeholders informed about the progress of our students and the state of our finances.

2019 Annual Report

InToneNation Wins Again!

2019 Varsity Vocals ICHSA National Champions March Toward a 2nd Championship

Congratulations to New Manchester High School's nationally recognized group InToneNation! They won the ICHSA A Capella 2020 Quarterfinals! They will now compete in the semifinals, which New Manchester High School will host in March!

Coach Smart Touches Down at Douglas County High School

University of Georgia Head Football Coach Kirby Smart landed his helicopter at Douglas County High School this week to take care of some recruiting business.

In addition to speaking with coaches and athletes, Coach Smart stopped by the classroom of Mrs. Meg Hart, UGA alum and rabid Bulldog fan. Mrs. Hart teaches Pre-IB English and serves as the yearbook adviser at DCHS.

Student Scientists Impress Judges at Annual Science Fair

From "Chillin' Soles" to "Cockroach Locomotion," impressive science fair projects covered a plethora of topics this week at the Murray Educational Center. Top middle school and high school projects from each school were displayed on January 28. As part of the judging process, judges examined log books and presentations and spent time interviewing students about their projects.

Check back next week to find out which students took top honors and which projects will advance to the regional fair. Congratulations to all the students who spent hours researching and reporting on their topics and to the parents and teachers who supported them!

Painful but Important Lessons from the Past

Chapel Hill Elementary School recently hosted a traveling exhibit from Kennesaw State University’s Museum of History and Holocaust Education. “Never Forget: An Introduction to the Holocaust” is aligned with 5th and 6th grade social studies standards and tells the complicated history of the Holocaust.

In addition to an overview of the Holocaust, students were also given a glimpse into the life of one Holocaust survivor, Norbert Friedman. According to Mr. Alford, 5th grade teacher who arranged the exhibit, “The students were visibly moved by the exhibit, and their teachers said that they talked about Mr. Friedman and the exhibit for days after the class visit.”

The teachers at CHES desire for real-world connections in their lessons because they want students to see that the Holocaust victims were regular people just like them. When asked about why it is important to study the Holocaust, student Laila Bempah says that it is important because “sheltering kids will not prepare them for the real world. The real world can be tough, but knowing your environment around you helps.”

Adebisi Adeloye is a leader among her peers at New Manchester Elementary School (NMES). She is a member of the Safety Patrol, Jr. Beta Club, and writes scripts for the WEGL Morning News. In addition to her leadership, she is an outstanding citizen, is helpful to peers and adults alike, and excels in mathematics. When anyone encounters Adebisi, he or she can expect eye contact, a firm handshake, and a sincere greeting. She is an ambassador of sorts on the 5th grade hall who stops daily to hug and check on teachers and students and to tell everyone to have a great day. Adebisi represents her school, her family, and herself with a spirit of excellence. We are proud of this soaring Eagle!