State Superintendent Visits AHS for VR Experience

Alexander High School welcomed a special visitor on Wednesday, as Georgia’s State School Superintendent Richard Woods stopped by to observe students using new, virtual reality (VR) technology to learn algebra. 

The technology, known as Prisms, touts itself as a personalized learning experience that helps students learn math through real-world applications. The technology features three key components – VR content modules for students to learn more about core concepts, teaching materials to support learning, and an area that allows students to work on additional practice problems. 

While using the program, students are able to problem solve in a real-world situation by using hands-on models to visualize and interact with different structures. The goal is for this to help students connect three-dimensional experiences to abstract representations, like graphs, tables and equations. 

During Woods’ visit, students put on their VR headsets to work through a new concept before coming back together as a group to break down the problem. Following the lesson, Woods heard from students about their experiences with Prisms and how it has impacted their learning. 

“I think that a lot of people’s issue with math is not seeing the usefulness of it,” said one student, “but I think this is so valuable because it gets people to understand math and not just know how to do the steps and get an answer.”

Like this student, others echoed this, with many saying that they believe that the VR technology helps them master content more quickly and that they would welcome it in other subjects outside of math if possible. 

“I appreciate the feedback from you all,” Woods told the students. “This is the first time I’ve seen this technology, and I want to get your perspective, because [students] are what it’s all about. We always want to hear about ways we can deliver a great education to you all.”

DCHS, LSHS Recognized for Cybersecurity Education

Students at two Douglas County high schools will soon have the opportunity to further enhance their education by learning about cyber security thanks to the CyberStart America program. The organization recently announced Douglas County High School as a Cyber Expansion School and Lithia Springs High School as a Cyber Opportunity School in the county. It also awarded the district a District of Distinction Award in January for having one of the highest amounts of students registered with the program in the state. 

For being named schools of distinction, both DCHS and LSHS will receive $2,500 prizes to continue investing in their students’ cybersecurity educations.

The program, which is sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation (NCSF) and the SANS Institute, features a series of online challenges that allow students to act as cyber protection agents. In the game, students will solve cybersecurity-related puzzles while exploring topics such as code-breaking, programming, networking, and digital forensics. And the best part is that no prior knowledge of computer science is required by students or teachers to begin the program. 

While playing, students are also able to compete in the game with other students from across the state to win scholarships, prizes, and recognition for themselves and their schools. Currently, over 50 students in Douglas County have been participating in the program through their cybersecurity courses, and many hope to see that number increase as the game gains popularity.

Along with helping students learn about cybersecurity, makers of the game also hope that it can begin helping address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in today’s world. Currently, there are tens of thousands of cybersecurity professionals are needed, as threats from around the world are a critical issue for the state and country. The hope is that this game can begin creating a robust pipeline of students who eventually enter the workforce as cybersecurity professionals in various organizations. 

The state of Georgia has already seen the importance of creating this pipeline. Last year, the University of North Georgia, the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University, Georgia Tech Research Institute, and the Georgia Department of Education all came together to create “CyberStart in Georgia” to promote the program in schools and give $100,000 in cash and prizes to Georgia’s students, teachers, and schools.

DCSS Announces 2023-2024 TOTYs

The Douglas County School System is excited to announce its school-level Teachers of the Year (TOTY) for the 2023-2024 school year. 

These teachers were selected by peers to represent theirs schools as TOTYs for demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication to their students and the profession. Their tireless efforts, passion for teaching, and innovative approaches have inspired and motivated students to excel academically and personally. Each school-level nominee will now move on to compete for the honor of being named the county-wide teacher of the year in the fall.

Congratulations to these outstanding educators for a job well done in helping to shape the future of Douglas County.

DCSS Celebrates School Nurses

Happy Nurse Week and School Nurse Day to all the amazing school nurses across our district! We appreciate your work to keep our schools healthy and safe. 

Thank you, school nurses, for all your service and contributions to our school community! 

Classroom Corner

Air Elite Entertainment Gets Students Excited for Testing

Arbor Station Elementary School’s third, fourth, and fifth grade students were motivated before the Georgia Milestones (GMAS) by Slam-Dunk Entertainment Air Elite. The group came out to the school and delivered a gravity-defying show to help get students excited for testing. 

Students went into GMAS testing with a positive attitude knowing they were going to "Slam-Dunk" the test. In addition to being exciting, the Air Elite Dunkers instilled character traits such as respect, kindness, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and honesty. They spoke about the importance of having and keeping a great attitude, as well as treating others how you would want to be treated.

"When students are motivated and inspired they will do their best,” said principal Emily Felton. 

Air Elite Dunkers are a well-known group throughout the country. The group has performed for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards.

BAES Jr. Beta Club Builds Little Free Library

While many students took the Saturday to relax, Bill Arp Elementary School’s Jr. Beta Club students were hard at work completing a community service project at their school. 

On April 29, students took to to clean up at their school’s campus. During the project, the students took time to pick up trash, lay new pine straw, and sit out new plants. 

Along with this, students also installed a Little Free Library at the school. Little Free Library is  a nonprofit organization with a mission to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all. All books inside the library are free, and readers are encouraged to return the book, share it with a friend, or add it to another Little Free Library when finished reading it.

DCSS Hosting Blood Drive May 11

DCSS is partnering with the Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, May 11 at Central Office from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

To sign up or learn more about the drive, contact Sean Roach at sean.roach@dcssga.org.

Student Spotlight

Annyssa Hamilton models perseverance every day. The fourth grader loves learning and believes the most essential thing in school is doing your best and never giving up. Annyssa’s favorite subjects are math and science, and her favorite book series is “The Baby-Sitters Club.” She also enjoys singing and gymnastics outside of school. Principal Tosha Wright says Annyssa models the true spirit of a Factory Shoals Dolphin by being kind to others, helping others, and always doing her best. Factory Shoals Elementary School proudly recognizes Annyssa for her positive attitude and effort. Congratulations, Annyssa!

Key Dates

• May 1-May 8: High School GMAS Testing Window
• May 9-12: High School AP Testing Window
• May 15: Board of Education Meeting
• May 23, 24: Half Days for All Students
• May 24: Final Day of Spring Semester
• May 25: AHS & LSHS Graduations
• May 26: NMHS & DCHS Graduations
• May 27: CHHS Graduation
• May 29: Memorial Day Holiday for All
• May 30-31: Teacher Professional Learning Days
• June 19: Juneteenth Holiday for All
• July 3, 5-7: Holidays for All (exc. 246)
• July 4: Holiday for All
• July 22: DCSS Back-to-School Kickoff
• July 25-31: Preplanning
• July 28: High School Back-to-School Bash
• July 31: Elementary and Middle School Sneak-a-Peak

Family Resources

KinderCamp for Rising Kindergarten Students

Kindergarten registration is underway for the Class of 2036. Students who register by July 7 are also eligible to attend KinderCamp to learn what to expect in the new school year. KinderCamp will be held July 17-20 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at their zoned school.

Students must be fully registered for kindergarten by July 7 to attend KinderCamp at their zoned school.

Click the link above for a flyer with more information.

DCSS Community Bulletin Board

Looking for a great weekend event, after-school care, or a new activity? Check out DCSS' Community Bulletin Board at the link above to learn all about events and activities occurring in Douglas County.

Douglas SEES

DCSS offers several resources for student health, wellness and support through the Douglas SEES website. Visit the link above to learn more about the resources available to students and families.

DCSS Family Health Center

DCSS' Family Health Center is a resource for families and staff within the school system. The center is located at the lower level of Burnett Elementary School and offers several services. Click the flyer above to learn more.