DCSS Says 'Thank You' to Our Board of Education

This week, the Douglas County School System joins in a statewide celebration saluting the efforts of local school school boards. The weeklong observance sponsored by Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education. 

Superintendent Trent North and the Douglas County School System celebrate the contributions the board members have made and acknowledges their role supporting student success.

In 2022, the DCSS Board of Education was named an Exemplary Board by the Georgia School Boards Association. Only 60 of the 181 school districts in Georgia achieved this status, the highest awarded by GSBA.

CHES' Sheldon Named DCSS Media Specialist of the Year

Chapel Hill Elementary School is delighted that Cameron Sheldon has been awarded the title of Douglas County’s Library Media Specialist of the Year. The award honors K-12 library media specialists who have created instructional collaborations that improve student engagement and achievement.

As an educator with 14 years of experience, Sheldon has transformed Chapel Hill Elementary’s Media Center into a lively and welcoming community. She regularly organizes school-wide reading celebrations to foster a love for literature among students. Additionally, she sponsors the Cheetah News Network, producing daily video news announcements with fifth-graders.

Sheldon’s vision for the media center is to create a student-centered, vibrant, fun space that promotes learning. She strives to make it the heart of the school, where all guests feel comfortable and at ease.

According to Principal K’Asha Davis, Sheldon’s media center welcomes everyone who enters. Davis praises Sheldon for instilling a love for literacy, technology, and creativity in every learner. “With each visit to the Media Center, our students are fully engaged and excited to go on their reading adventure because of her infectious love for literacy and learning,” Davis adds.

The Georgia School Library Media Specialist of the Year award recognizes K-12 library media specialists like Sheldon, who have fostered instructional collaborations that increase student engagement and achievement. 

Sheldon will now compete for the Georgia School Library Media Specialist of the Year award. The winner will be announced at the GLMA Summer Institute in June.

Every year, the Douglas County Farm Bureau nominates a particular school to participate in their “Ag In the Classroom Rockstar Teacher” Contest! This year’s nominated school was South Douglas Elementary. From the beginning of the school year through mid-March, teachers participate by submitting monthly lesson plans showing that they have incorporated agriculture into their classroom in some way.

This year’s winning teacher was Robin Bell. Bell won an all-expenses paid trip to the National Ag In The Classroom Conference this summer in Orlando, Fl.  

Lori Goode took second place, and she was also the recipient of $100.

Natalie Murray, a teacher at Mirror Lake Elementary School, as well as a Douglas County Farm Board Member, started this contest as a way for teachers to see how easy and how fun it is to incorporate Ag in the Classroom (AITC). Mrs. Murray herself was inspired after attending the National AITC Conference in Arkansas several years ago and wanted teachers in our district to be able to have that same experience.  

If your school would be interested in participating in the contest next year, contact Murray at natalie.murray@dcssga.org. Also, if your school is interested in starting a garden or other Ag-related project, please reach out to Murray or Douglas County Farm Bureau to apply for the $500 mini-grant program. Only one school per year is eligible for the mini-grant.

North Visit to Head Start Program Highlights Role of Early Learning

Superintendent Trent North visited Douglas County's Head Start program this week, highlighting the importance of early childhood education. During a visit filled with smiles, laughter, and literacy, he learned about the program's impact on young learners. 

In addition to speaking with students, Superintendent North talked with program administrators and teachers to learn about the program's successes. He also spent time observing classroom learning and reading to students.

While there, Superintendent North expressed admiration for the staff member's dedication and hard work. He shared excitement about meeting the future scholars and later shared that he attended Head Start as a child. 

His visit reminded teachers that their work is invaluable. Early education, he says, is critical to our community's success. As a result, Superintendent North says we must strengthen the years from birth to five. "The Head Start program is an investment in our community's future," he explains. "The Douglas County School System must continue to support early childhood education programs. We must work together to provide every Douglas County child with the necessary resources to thrive."

He also emphasized early childhood education as a key factor in ensuring all children have an equal opportunity to succeed. Chelsie Goodman, K-5 Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, agrees. Goodman says the visit highlights the district's commitment to ensuring all children have a firm foundation for lifelong learning and success. She adds, "When we invest in our children's education, we invest in the future of our community."

Classroom Corner

Two Students Place in Braille Challenge

Two DCSS students brought home top finishes in the 2023 Braille Challenge. Mason Creek Middle School’s Caleigh Caston received second place in the competition’s sophomore division. 

Christopher Morgan, an Alexander High School student, took first place in the junior varsity division of the contest.

Local Students Participate in Georgia Tech STEAM Day

Holly Springs Elementary, New Manchester Elementary, and South Douglas Elementary were able to send 10 students each to the STEAM Day at Georgia Tech.  

During the day, college students took time out of their Saturday morning to volunteer to help teach our students.  One session covered the nervous and circulatory systems along with how our brain functions. The second session allowed students to create their own apps for a community to use.  All the students were engaged and greatly enjoyed the experience.

AWES Jr. Beta Club Gives Back

Service is the foundation of the Junior BETA Club.  The club's goal is to serve their school and community.  

On Tuesday, March 7, the Junior BETA Club students at Annette Winn Elementary presented Sweetwater Mission with a donation from their outreach project.  During the month of February, the BETA Club students assembled and sold Candy Grams to raise money. The candy grams were personally delivered throughout the school on Valentine's Day.  This donation will help the people at Sweetwater Mission to support families in need with food and other resources.

Student Spotlight

Eduardo Lozano is an 8th-grade student at Mason Creek Middle School. He participates in many extra-curricular activities at Mason Creek Middle, including Yearbook Club and Math team. He is also the first chair clarinet player at Mason Creek Middle and was in the top band at District VII Honor Band. Eduardo plans to continue his passion for music and become a DCHS Incomparable Marching Tiger Band member next year.

Outside of Mason Creek Middle School, Eduardo is a competitive swimmer. He has competed in multiple state and national championships. This past February, he won the Junior Olympics events in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke.

When asked what kind of student Eduardo is, one teacher reported that Eduardo's goal is "excellence," and he'll do "whatever it takes" to get there. Another teacher said, "his wheels are constantly turning. He is very inquisitive and asks many thought-provoking questions in class." Congratulations, Eduardo!

Key Dates

• March 20: Board of Education Meeting
• April 3 - April 7: Spring Break
• April 10: Board of Education Work Session
• April 17: Board of Education Meeting
• May 1: Board of Education Work Session
• 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

Family Resources

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.

DCSS Family Health Center Offering Immunizations

DCSS' Family Health Center is offering immunzations for students Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 770-651-2273 to book an appointment, or click the flyer above for 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.

High Schools Presenting Spring Musicals

Spring is nearly here, and several schools around the county are preparing to host their annual spring musicals!

Chapel Hill High School and Douglas County High School will both be hosting musicals March 24-26 at their respective schools.

Click the link above for flyers with more information about each school's musical.

Special Olympics

The Douglas County School System proudly hosts the Douglas County Special Olympics on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at New Manchester High School.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. Come out to celebrate with our exceptional athletes! Click the link above for a flyer about the event.

2023 Parent Survey

It is our mission to continuously improve, and we appreciate your partnership in working toward our vision. Your input is vital in the planning and implementation of parent and family engagement programs and activities at our schools.

Please click the link above to access the survey. Responses will be accepted through April 10, 2023.