From Superintendent Trent North
Reaching and Teaching during COVID-19
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The Board of Education and I continue to be proud of the outstanding way our teachers and staff have responded to the challenges of teaching during the time of COVID-19.
The Reaching and Teaching during COVID-19 video highlights three teachers who have embraced the challenges and even added to their teaching toolbox with new and innovative techniques they will use beyond the current crisis.
We commend all of our educators who continue to persevere and provide a quality learning experience for our students every day.
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Three Teams Advance to Second Round of Basketball Playoffs!
NMHS Boys and Girls and CHHS Boys Win First Round
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We are proud of all nine basketball teams that advanced to the first round of state playoffs this week!
Congratulations to the three teams that will continue to the second round! We wish them well as they face the following teams.
New Manchester Girls vs. Greenbrier at NMHS, Friday, February 26, 6:00
New Manchester Boys vs. Decatur at NMHS, Saturday, February 27, 5:00
Chapel Hill Boys vs. Lithonia at Lithonia, Saturday, February 27, 6:00
Results will be posted on the district Facebook page and in next week's newsletter. Pictured are the NMHS Girls during their 63-31 victory over Cartersville on Tuesday.
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Eight Douglas County Students Recognized as REACH Scholars
Scholarships Offer Extra Support, Resources
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Destiny Francis, CLMS/FLEX |
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Eight middle school students are getting a head start on their college careers by signing for scholarships worth up to $10,000. The students are part of the Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Georgia program, a scholarship that promotes academic success and expands access to higher education. Its mission is to increase academic persistence and achievement in Georgia’s academically promising middle and high school students.
Nana Gardiner of Chapel Hill Middle, Amelia Phillips of Fairplay Middle, Louis Gutierrez of Factory Shoals Middle, De’Anthony Bateman of Mason Creek Middle, Hardley Mesidor of Stewart Middle, Pedro Lopez Roman of Turner Middle, Catherine Rameriz of Yeager Middle and Destiny Francis of Chestnut Log Middle/Flex Academy are the Douglas County School System’s REACH scholars.
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Schools to Celebrate Read Across America Week |
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Douglas County students will join young readers across the country celebrating the National Education Association’s Read Across America week. The nationwide reading celebration kicks off the first week in March and expects to inspire more than 45 million students to pick up a book and read.
Every elementary school in Douglas County will take part in the nation’s largest celebration of reading. At North Douglas Elementary School, students watched a sneak preview of the reading celebration.
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Students listened to Superintendent Trent North read and share his favorite book, “I Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. The title is a personal favorite of the Superintendent and one he enjoyed reading to his two daughters.
Superintendent North joins dozens of community leaders reading their favorite books virtually. North Douglas Elementary School Media Specialist Katie Henry says elementary media specialists asked community and business leaders to film themselves reading their favorite book. She then created a spreadsheet of YouTube links so all elementary school teachers can play their videos during Read Across America week.
“This year’s Read Across America week will look different than in previous years,” Ms. Henry says. “I'm excited to make this a fun week for our students to celebrate reading. I'm so thankful for our community leaders willing to go the extra mile for Douglas County students,” she adds.
Ms. Henry says by watching the videos, students will see people they recognize from around the community reading their favorite book. Douglasville Mayor Rochelle Robinson, Keep Douglasville Beautiful, and several Douglas County judges are among those sharing their love of reading in the videos.
During Read Across America week, each school will host individual celebrations. At North Douglas Elementary School, students will enjoy a virtual book fair and dress-up days. Monday they look forward to celebrating funny books and on Tuesday, they will celebrate books with diverse main characters.
Pictured: Ms. Jami Williams' Kindergarten class (North Douglas Elementary School) watches Superintendent North read.
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Celebrating Black History Month |
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February marked Black History Month, and schools across the district celebrated in fun and creative ways while learning the many contributions of African Americans throughout history. |
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Holly Springs Elementary
Holly Springs students and teachers produced an impressive 33-minute video celebrating Black History Month. Students attending class in person as well as online learners were invited to participate. Most of the work took place as an after-school activity.
Enjoy this short clip that features students dressed as famous African American figures as you listen to the inspiring music of Lift Every Voice and Sing.
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Bill Arp Elementary
Fifth grade students at Bill Arp had a special surprise on Tuesday, February 9. In observance of Black History Month, and showcasing the school's theme "Amazing Achievements by African Americans," College Football Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson participated in a Google Meet with all 5th grade classes.
He shared his inspirational story of overcoming a severe speech impediment as a child and going on to have a stellar college and pro career. The students enjoyed listening to his story, and participating in a lengthy Q&A where Mr. Peterson personally answered many questions posed by students.
Peterson was a four-year All American at Georgia Southern University, playing fullback under Coach Paul Johnson from 1998-2001. He led the Eagles to two straight NCAA Division 1-AA national championships in 1999 & 2000. In 1999, he won the Walter Payton Award as the nation's most outstanding player. He finished as the all-time leading rusher in Division 1 NCAA history, a record he still holds today.
After being drafted by the Chicago Bears, he won an NFC championship and played in Super Bowl XLI.
He is the current Director of Student Athlete Development at Georgia Southern. He is also a published author and a motivational speaker.
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It's a Parade!
FLEX celebrates honor roll students, December graduates
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On January 29, FLEX Academy held its first ever honor roll parade. Over 50 FLEX Academy K-12 students were invited to attend the parade as an honor for achieving academic excellence.
Ten FLEX Academy students were honored for completing their graduation requirements in December.
As each student arrived, their name was called by loudspeaker and they drove through to the cheers of FLEX teachers. Students, families and FLEX Academy faculty and staff all enjoyed the opportunity to honor students in a fun and tangible way while keeping a safe social distance.
FLEX offers a fully online, rigorous, self-paced curriculum for independent, highly motivated students in grades K-12. FLEX is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. The application deadline is March 31.
Click HERE for a PDF with links to informational sessions.
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Celebrating Exceptional Children's Week |
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The Douglas County School System proudly celebrates Georgia Exceptional Children’s Week March 1-5. This is an opportunity to honor children and youth with exceptionalities, along with the professionals who serve them.
The statewide theme for this year’s event is appropriately named - “Virtually Unstoppable.” According to the Council for Exceptional Children, special education concentrates on providing individualized education, related services, and specialized accommodations so that students with special needs make great strides, prepare for transition, and as a result, achieve academic and life-long personal success and independence.
The student pictured at Mason Creek Middle School is using a customized communication app with an iPad to engage with others during a lesson. The use of this technology is one of many ways students receive resources and accommodations to aid in their success.
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CTAE and Dual Enrollment:
Two Paths to Preparing for College and Career
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February is CTAE Month and a time to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our Career, Technical and Agriculture Education programs!
The CTAE programs in all five high schools and the College & Career Institute (CCI) offer a wonderful way for students to gain career skills and certifications while in high school.
In addition, students can participate in Dual Enrollment at Georgia colleges and universities while in high school and earn technical college credit or core college credits that will transfer to any college or university in the University System of Georgia.
Today we are featuring the opportunities at the University of West Georgia (UWG). For 2021-2022, students who participate in Dual Enrollment at UWG may attend class in Douglasville and use transportation provided by the Douglas County School System.
For more information on CTAE and Dual Enrollment, please go to the links below.
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Register to be a "Principal 4 A Day" |
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Ever wonder how principals keep their schools running, their staff happy, and their students engaged?
Even though the coronavirus pandemic is limiting visitors to schools, during the week of March 8, Partners in Education is offering community members an opportunity to spend some virtual one-on-one time with a Douglas County School System principal. Participants will learn about the creative programs and offerings available at “their” respective school while engaging in different aspects of “a day in the life” of a principal.
The virtual visit will link participants to at least four different areas or activities. One link may be a school assembly followed by a link to a classroom or lab, or you may be linked to a fine arts presentation followed by a team leaders’ planning meeting. Each session will last about 15 minutes. You'll get bragging rights for being a Principal 4 A Day, but your time requirement is only one hour.
The actual date and time during the week of March 8 will be coordinated between each school’s principal and the Principal 4 A Day. Follow the link to register and make sure to secure your spot by the end of today, February 26.
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Hiroto Noda moved to the United States from Japan at the beginning of his 6th grade year at Mason Creek Middle School (MCMS). Knowing limited English, Hiroto immersed himself in the English language and has become one of the school's top students in all subject areas. He has won Student of the Month multiple times, and he is a member of the MCMS Math Team, International Club, and BETA Club. In his free time, he enjoys gaming and teaching Japanese to fellow MCMS students. Congratulations, Hiroto! |
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Lionel Velasco is an academic scholar and a model student who always has a book in his hands and a smile on his face! He exhibits impeccable character and all the qualities of a leader. Lionel is kind, humble and has a heart for helping and serving others. He is on the Math Competition Team and has been nominated for Jr. Beta for the 2020-2021 school year. We are very proud of Lionel and know that he will continue to accomplish great things! |
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The full 2021-2022 calendar is now available on the dcssga.org website! The updated calendar includes report card dates, graduation dates and times, and more.
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March 1: BOE Work Session
March 2: K-5th Science & Engineering Fair Judging
March 4: FTE Count (Important Day for Attendance)
March 4: K-5th Science & Engineering Fair Awards
March 10: Grading Period Ends
March 15: BOE Board Meeting
March 17: Progress Reports, High Schools
March 17: Report Cards, Elementary and Middle Schools
March 25: Freshman Expo at All High Schools (Times Vary)
April 2: Holiday (Except 240 Employees)
April 5-9: Holidays for All
April 19: BOE Work Session
April 21: Progress Reports, Elementary and Middle Schools
April 26: BOE Board Meeting
May 3: Kindergarten Registration Begins for 2021-2022
May 3: BOE Work Session
May 6: 6th Grade Orientation
May 17: BOE Meeting
May 25, 26: Half Days for All Students
May 26: Semester Ends
May 26: Report Cards, Elementary Schools
May 27, 28: Post Planning
May 31: Holiday for All
June 1, 2: Professional Learning
June 4: Report Cards Mailed, Middle and High Schools
June 21: BOE Work Session/Board Meeting
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SAVE THE DATE! Kindergarten registration will begin May 3. Click here for additional information and updates.
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The award winning NMHS Fine Arts Magnet Education program is proud to present its annual Black History program. This year the program is titled "Good Trouble" in honor of the memory of Georgia Congressman John Lewis and will pay tribute to African-American pioneers in the arts with performances and presentations from the FAME art, dance, drama, band and choral departments at NMHS. This year's performance will be streamed starting February 22 and will run through February 28 at: https://nmhsfame.anywhereseat.com. Join us for a great evening of "Edu-tainment"!
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Check out opportunities that are available in our area by clicking the Community Bulletin Board below! |
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