Reminder: ESPLOST VI Vote Will Take Place June 9
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While COVID-19 has changed our lives for the past several weeks and has changed how schools operate in the short term, it has not changed the long-term needs of the school system.
The Presidential Primary and ESPLOST vote, originally scheduled for March 24, has been postponed until June 9 and will be
held in conjunction with the general primary and nonpartisan general election.
Every voter in Douglas County has been mailed an absentee ballot application. Voters must return the application in order to receive an absentee ballot.
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Voters may also vote in person. Early voting will resume on May 18, 2020, and polls will be open on June 9, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) is the penny sales tax that helps fund school improvements. ESPLOST can be renewed by voters through a referendum every five years and can be used to pay for capital projects (construction, buses, technology) or to retire debt.
We encourage all of our parents and employees to vote in this and all elections.
To see projects that are proposed for ESPLOST VI, voting information and additional videos, please click
here.
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Nine Seniors Named Elite 2020 GA Scholars
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Nine students from Alexander High School were among 295 graduating seniors from across Georgia who have been recognized as 2020 Georgia Scholars, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced on May 11.
The Georgia Scholars from Alexander High School are: Caleb Rice, Presley Webb, Joseph Kirkland, Luke Dixon, Clay Shackelford, Alexander Aybar, MaKenna Otten, Eli Harrison and Kennedy Ringer.
Through the Georgia Scholar program, the Georgia Department of Education identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life.
These students have carried exemplary course loads during their four years of high school; performed excellently in all courses; successfully participated in interscholastic events at their schools and in their communities; and have assumed roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools. Each Georgia Scholar receives a seal for his or her diploma.
“It is always special to recognize a new class of Georgia Scholars, but I have to say it is even more meaningful to recognize these students from the class of 2020,” Superintendent Woods said. “In the face of disappointing circumstances and delayed plans, these students have displayed great resilience, maturity, and grace. I am honored to recognize their accomplishments and wish them well as they proceed into futures that, despite this temporary setback, are still worthy of great hope.”
The Georgia Scholar program is coordinated by GaDOE’s Excellence Recognition office and through local coordinators in each public school system and private schools throughout the state.
For a profile on each of the Georgia Scholars from DCSS, please click
here
.
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Lebon Honored for International Skills
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Douglas County High School continues to impress with the number of students who earn the International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS). In addition to the 58 students who have earned the seal this year, one Douglas County student was named ISDS Star Student. A school may select one student for this honor, which requires an additional application and criteria.
Ludyanna Lebon was selected as the ISDS Star Student at Douglas County High School. Ludyanna shared that having the seal showcases her passion and hard work dedicated to learning how to communicate with others. "Earning the ISDS to me means that all of the work, extracurricular activities, international events and clubs I had the opportunity to be a part of over my high school career have influenced me and shaped me into a global citizen, with the ability to thrive in an ever-changing global economy."
Ludyanna will attend Georgia Tech and continue her study of foreign languages while majoring in biochemistry. "I want to use the skills I've learned in pursuing the ISDS to work around the world and aid and provide medical care to those who need it most."
The International Skills Diploma Seal is awarded to graduating high school students who complete an international education curriculum and engage in extracurricular activities and experiences that foster the achievement of global competencies. It is a signal to employers and higher education institutions that a student is prepared to participate in the global economy.
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Here's to the Class of 2020!
Caps and Gowns Distributed in Senior Send-off
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Love from teachers and students was in abundance as seniors drove through their school parking lots on Monday and Tuesday to collect caps and gowns. For most, it was the first in-person contact they have had since school buildings were closed on March 16.
Graduation ceremonies, originally scheduled for May 21 and 22, have been tentatively rescheduled for July 21 and 22.
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NMES Students Visit Virtually with Falcons Executive
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When Atlanta Falcons Account Executive Jason Dothard heard how disappointed the 4th graders at New Manchester Elementary were over the cancellation of their field trip to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium because of COVID-19, he found a way to reach out and spread a positive message to the students.
The children enjoyed conversations and chats during a Google visit with Mr. Dothard. He encouraged them and told them to stay focused in and out of the classroom. He also gave the inside scoop on how the Atlanta Falcons games may start and look this fall. After COVID-19, Mr. Dothard and the Falcons team look forward to meeting the students in person to give them the field trip and tour they deserve. #EaglesRiseUp #DouglasStrong
“I enjoyed the opportunity, and the kids at New Manchester Elementary are very cool!” said Mr. Dothard.
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Welcome to Middle School!
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All eight middle schools in Douglas County collaborated on a video to highlight what makes each school special. To help students entering 6th grade, several schools have also prepared videos or presentations outlining procedures particular to their school. You can find this information on each school's website.
We regret that the annual 6th grade orientation in May was canceled, but we hope that our incoming 6th graders and their parents can get a feel for their school through our virtual presentations. Sneak-a-Peek for middle school is scheduled for August 3, 5:30-7:00. We look forward to welcoming our 6th graders!
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Bethel: Innovations in Education During Pandemic
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We are proud of Casey Bethel, science coordinator for DCSS, whose column was recently published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Bethel, 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year for the Douglas County School System and 2017 Teacher of the Year for Georgia, writes about how the COVID-19 pandemic has forced teachers out of their comfort zone and into new ways of teaching.
To read the article please click below.
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Meals for Children to Continue through July 15
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The School Nutrition Department will continue to distribute free meals to children every Wednesday from 9:00 - 11:00 through July 15. For May 20, the meal distribution sites are:
Alexander High School,
Chapel Hill High School, Douglas County High School, Lithia Springs High School, New Manchester High School, Eastside Elementary School, North Douglas Elementary School, Turner Middle School and Winston Elementary School. (Stewart Middle School will not be a distribution site on May 20.)
Any change in locations will be announced on the district Facebook page and emailed and texted to parents.
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Help Us Improve: Survey for Parents and Staff
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Today is the final opportunity to let us know how Digital Learning and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected you and your family. We will use this information to help us with our continuous improvement process. We appreciate your feedback!
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Tips from Our School Social Workers
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The Douglas County School Social Workers serve as the link between the school, the home and the community. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, School Social Workers are available to connect students and their families to appropriate resources. For a list of social workers and contact information, please click
here
.
Featured Local Community Resource of the Week: Warehouse of Hope
During COVID-19, Warehouse of Hope continues to serve residents of Douglas County by providing food and other household items to those in need. It is preferred that first time visitors send an email to
Efinger1215@gmail.com
. If an email is not sent prior to first visit, be prepared to complete paperwork. Once registered, families can receive weekly assistance via curbside pickup or one person may shop inside warehouse per social distancing guidelines. Hours of operation are Monday-Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. For more information, call
770-489-0509.
Address:
100 Hunter Road Douglasville, GA 30134
For Mental Health Emergencies, please contact 9-1-1 or the following:
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL):
1-800-715-4255
Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Domestic Violence Statewide Hotline
1.800.33.HAVEN (1.800.334.2836)
Parenting Support and Resources
1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373)
To Report Child Abuse and Neglect
1-855-GA-CHILD (422-4453)
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Maya Sanchez is an outstanding Fairplay Middle School (FMS) Jaguar who is focused, motivated, respectful and dependable. She is in Junior Beta and was a member of the FMS softball team as well as the 8th grade girls championship basketball team. Maya was one of the 8th graders chosen to be a recipient of the 2019-2020 Reach Scholarship for the school system. Maya participates in class and shows leadership in all that she does. She is a model student and carries herself with dignity and pride. We wish her the best as she moves on to high school this fall!
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Many events have been canceled or postponed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Please click below for the most up-to-date information regarding event cancellations and other important information during our time of digital learning.
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Check out opportunities that are available in our area by clicking the Community Bulletin Board below!
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