NMHS Freshman Competes on "The Voice!"

September 27, 2019

Furry Friends at Bright Star Elementary

Adopted "Pets" Help Develop Reading Skills

Second graders at Bright Star Elementary practice reading with "pets" every day! Each second grade student adopted a stuffed animal, named their new friend, and pledged to read daily.

"Research shows that reading to a pet or even a stuffed animal can boost literacy skills in children," said Bright Star Counselor Naomi Gilbert. "The pets give the students motivation and a purpose. They also help them gain confidence in their reading abilities."

The excited second graders are pictured above with their new friends!

NMHS Student Wows Judges on The Voice!

New Manchester High School student Myla Finks recently won a chair turn from Kelly Clarkson during blind auditions for the 17th season of The Voice! Her duet performance of This Is Me from The Greatest Showman won cheers from the audience and glowing comments from judges.

Watch the video to see the performance and the interview of Myla, in the black jacket, and Chelsea.

Myla is a freshman in the FAME program at New Manchester High School. She previously attended Turner Middle School and Factory Shoals Elementary. She and Chelsea are the youngest duo to audition in the history of The Voice. Clarkson will coach the pair through the competition this season.

Magical Duo Hello Sunday Performs Keala Settle's "This Is Me" - The Voice Blind Auditions

Students Tackle Science Problems at FMS

Eighth graders at Fairplay Middle School have been planning and carrying out an investigation on the effects of heat transfer on molecular motion. Each team of students was challenged with the goal of promoting the maximum temperature gain inside the house over the temperature of the classroom as they designed, engineered, and constructed houses that could be heated via passive electromagnetic energy.

"This STEM assignment allowed students to use their creativity to problem solve as they learned about heat transfers," said Science Teacher Noelle Belaski. "They also learned skills of collaboration as they worked with teammates to solve a problem."

HSES Student's Photo Featured in Times Square

Holly Springs Elementary School 5th grader Anthony Dillon Retemiah traveled to New York City on September 14 to celebrate being selected as one of 500 students recognized in the 2019 National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video contest. He saw his picture featured on two adjacent Clear Channel Jumbotron screens in Times Square. Anthony also participated in the BUDDYWALK along with family and friends.

Anthony looks forward to middle school and hopes to become a teacher. His teacher Mrs. German and classmates are very proud of him.

School Nutrition Wins Golden Radish Award

Farm to Table Promoted at Schools

The Douglas County School Nutrition Department took home the top honor in the annual Golden Radish competition, which celebrates extraordinary work in farm to school programs. Criteria for the platinum award include local food procurement, exposing students to new foods through taste tests, and incorporating gardening and cooking activities in the curriculum. The competition is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Public Health, the UGA Cooperative Extension, Bright from the Start, and Georgia Organics.

Danielle Freeman, DCSS Executive Director for School Nutrition, is pictured above with State School Superintendent Richard Woods and other award sponsors.

Ms. Freeman credits two DCSS employees and the department's student brand ambassador with championing farm to school activities: Food Service Manager Cathy York from Dorsett Shoals Elementary, Chorus Director Natalie Murray from Mirror Lake Elementary, and 9th grade student and "Chopped Junior" winner Rose Genter.

Students at Dorsett Shoals Elementary Explore Farm to Table After School

Cathy York uses a school garden to demonstrate to her students where food actually comes from and to encourage them to try new foods and eat a healthier diet.

Ms. York teaches nutrition and cooking in the After School Program at Dorsett Shoals and incorporates math, science, and geography into the projects. "This month we are focusing on apples. Students have learned how and where apples are grown and the parts of an apple. We tried different recipes using apples, read Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss, and worked on several hands-on projects using apples.

Over the years, teachers at Dorsett Shoals have used the garden to grow worms, raise butterflies, and create works of art. "The entire school is actively working to bring agriculture into the classroom," said Ms. York. "Kindergarten planted a pumpkin patch last year and used the project for math, language arts, and reading lessons. They ended the unit by making a yummy pumpkin pie in a bag treat!"

Community partners including the Farm Bureau, the Extension Office, Master Gardeners, and the Farmer's Table have assisted with many projects.

Fridays Are "Garden Days" at Mirror Lake Elementary

At Mirror Lake Elementary, Fridays are "Garden Days." Students participate in hands-on lessons in agriculture with additional lessons in health, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and conservation.

"Students LOVE working in the garden by prepping soil, planting seeds, watering, and watching the growth of plants," said Ms. Murray. "They especially enjoy harvesting fruits and vegetables."

Master Gardeners and the Farm Bureau are two of the organizations that assist with the agriculture program at Mirror Lake. Ms. Murray serves on the board of the Farm Bureau and works with elementary and middle school principals whose schools feed into Alexander High School, which has an active FFA program. "We want to see more and more students become Ag-literate and ready to join FFA when they get to high school."

"Chef Rose" Promotes Healthy Cooking

After School

Rose Genter, a 9th grade student at the Academy at CCI and 2016 winner of the televised contest "Chopped Junior," serves as the Douglas County School Nutrition Department's brand ambassador.

She works in After School Programs at various schools to educate students on locally grown food and its impact on the taste of the food they eat. Apple pie parfaits, zucchini muffins, and strawberry smoothies are a few of the recipes she has made with students.

Rose, center, is pictured with School Nutrition Assistant Director Francetta Muhammad and students in the After School Program at Mason Creek Middle School.

DCSS Lends Support to The Bahamas

The powerful category 5 storm named Hurricane Dorian hit the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama on September 1. Now, almost a month later, it is still difficult to completely assess the extent of damage because some areas remain unreachable. Many people lost their lives, many children and parents are homeless, and many students and teachers no longer have schools.

Although the islands of The Bahamas seem far away, this tragedy hits really close to home for some in our community. Casey Bethel, K-12 Science/STEM Coordinator for DCSS, is just one example.

Strong for Bahamas in Douglas County Schools

Bethel grew up in The Bahamas where his parents and family still live. “I lived through hurricanes in The Bahamas and I can tell you that the people there are strong and resilient. But I can also tell you that this storm was different and the devastation is unlike anything ever experienced. They simply do not have the resources to overcome this challenge on their own.”

Students and staff members in the Douglas County School System are helping out. Students may purchase a STRONG For BAHAMAS wrist band in the colors of the Bahamian flag for $2 starting on September 27. Teachers may purchase wrist bands for $5. Money raised will purchase needed resources that will be donated through The Bahamas Embassy in Atlanta. On Wednesday, October 9, the entire DCSS family will wear the wrist bands together to celebrate and show solidarity and strength.

“It will be exciting and inspiring to see the students of Douglas County practicing the type of love and empathy that make the world a better place," said Bethel.

Congratulations to Our MS Softball Champions!

MCMS Defeats Fairplay for County Championship

The Mason Creek Middle School Lady Wolves softball team won the school's first-ever county softball championship Wednesday evening, September 25, in an exciting game against reigning champs from Fairplay Middle School.

The Wolves, who began as the third seed, had an impressive, undefeated run through the tournament. On Monday evening they defeated Yeager 23-4, followed by a 10-2 victory over Fairplay. Tuesday evening they punched their ticket to the championship game by defeating previously unbeaten Chapel Hill 6-4. In Wednesday's final game, a rematch with Fairplay, the Wolves posted a dominant 11-2 victory, highlighted by Kaylee Underwood's out-of-the-park grand slam.

Three Mason Creek players, Jaime Warnock, Kaylee Underwood, and Chloe Smith, were named to the All-Conference team. Chloe Smith was selected by a vote of conference coaches as the 2019 All-Conference MVP.

The Lady Wolves are coached by Kelly Gray and Judy Cross.

“Spunky, sassy, and a savage beast”…that is how Isabelle Cruz describes herself! Isabelle has overcome adversity her entire life. She was born with spina bifida and is confined to a wheel chair, but she doesn’t let that slow her down! According to her grandmother, “She doesn’t even know she has a disability.” Isabelle is seen around school, amazingly independent and super strong. You can often find her participating in gym activities, playing with friends on the playground, or joining in during a dance party. She is a smart young girl who loves to read and is passionate about helping others. Her teacher, Bridgette Bias, says, “Isabelle amazes me every day. Her grit and determination are traits that everyone should strive for. She doesn’t let anything stop her. I feel blessed to be her teacher.” Today, Isabelle’s favorite activities are playing on her Nintendo Switch, watching funny YouTube videos, swimming, and eating Ramen noodles, but they frequently change, just like a typical seven year old!

Free Christmas Gifts for Eligible Children!

Children enrolled in Douglas County schools and their younger siblings may once again receive a free Christmas gift through the generosity of the folks at Operation Christmas Douglas County. Among the fabulous gifts available this year are accessories for Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo, and Playstation. Each registrant will also have a chance to receive one of over 200 donated bicycles in addition to their gift.

To qualify, children must reside in Douglas County and receive free or reduced price lunch. This is a community effort and is not sponsored by the school system.

To register for this opportunity, please go to the link below where you will find registration links in English and Spanish. The deadline to register is November 15.

Registration Link in English Registration Link in Spanish