FAME Chorus Joins Grammy Winner Samara Joy at Atlanta Symphony Hall Performance | |
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During a spectacular evening concert at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, the New Manchester High School FAME Chorus shared the stage with a two-time Grammy-winning jazz singer.
The chorus performed on the Atlanta holiday tour with jazz phenom Samara Joy. In February, Joy became the second jazz performer in Grammy history to win the award for Best New Artist. The 23-year-old also won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Recording.
The opportunity to perform at the holiday concert arose when Joy’s musical director noticed clips on social media from "A FAMEous Chorus Christmas," the New Manchester High School Christmas concert. Impressed by the group’s talent and harmony, the musical director reached out to NMHS Choral Director Antwoin Holman and invited the group to perform. The FAME chorus was the only high school performing group selected to perform with the artist during her national tour.
On December 19, Joy and the FAME chorus filled Atlanta Symphony Hall with music and inspiration. They captivated concertgoers with their impeccable harmonies as they showcased their musical talent. Looking back at the performance, FAME Magnet Director Ashley Cleveland says the evening was a transformative experience for everyone. “To perform on a nationally recognized stage like the Atlanta Symphony Hall, with beloved Grammy award-winning musician Samara Joy, provided our students with a glimpse into the process and product of what it takes to hone your artistry,” she explains. “This auspicious moment for our FAME Chorus students served as a testament to the dedication of our dynamic faculty and the rigor of the FAME program.”
Principal Casey Bethel agrees with the talent level found in the New Manchester High School FAME program. “While New Manchester High’s FAME students are incredibly talented, they also work extremely hard. So we were proud to see them earn this tremendous honor and represent the entire Douglas County community with pride and distinction.”
As the evening concluded, the musical artist went backstage to share high fives and thank the New Manchester High School performers. Director Holman says the students were excited about the performance opportunity. “This was the highlight of our 2023 Fall Semester and a highlight of my professional teaching career,” Holman explained. “Moments like this make our job worth all the hard work and sacrifices that we as music educators make and make us proud to be teachers with the DCSS team and family.”
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SDES Garden Club Tastes Cranberries | |
Students in the South Douglas Elementary Garden Club recently had the opportunity to taste cranberries and learn how they are grown and harvested.
As part of the focus on cranberries, students learned about where they are grown in the U.S., read a book written by a cranberry farmer, and tasted fresh and dried/sweetened cranberries and compared the two.
“We (discussed) cranberries due to their popularity during the holiday season particularly but also talked about how a lot of people eat dried cranberries as something ‘sweet’ that isn't candy and drink cranberry juice for its health benefits and because it tastes good,” School Garden Club Coordinator Natalie Murray said.
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SDES has thriving Garden Clubs for lower grades and upper grades, with 120 students total participating, Murray said.
Students in the Upper Grades Garden Club also got to harvest broccoli and cauliflower and eat the vegetables, Murray said. While cranberries do not grow in Georgia, Murray said the broccoli and cauliflower was grown at the school as its fall season garden crop.
South Douglas’ Garden Clubs also maintain four Bee Hotels, which provide a safe place for solitary bees to lay their eggs for the winter months. The Bee Hotels are part of a larger effort by South Douglas to become an official "Pollinator Habitat," specifically for the endangered Monarch butterflies, Murray said.
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DCHS QB Sire Hardaway Wins Howard Thompson Award | |
Douglas County High School quarterback Sire Hardaway was recently named the winner of the Howard Thompson Award as the county’s top senior football player.
Tigers Coach Johnny White presented Hardaway with the award during a ceremony at the school on December 13.
Hardaway led Douglas County to its first region title since 2002 and a Class 6A state semifinal appearance this year. He finished the 2023 season with 175 pass completions for 2,933 yards and 23 touchdowns. He rushed for another 404 yards and four TDs.
For his career, Hardaway threw for 6,429 yards and 48 touchdowns.
Tigers Quarterbacks Coach Corky Gordon said Hardaway is the best quarterback he’s ever coached.
"This is just as special to me as it is to him," Gordon said. "We’ve been together for the past three years. He’s been so mature from the first time that I met him as a sophomore until now. He’s grown leaps and bounds. When I first came in he was actually the one who taught me the offense. So he’s that intelligent and that smart and that in tune with what everyone does around him. He’s a joy to be around."
The Howard Thompson Award is named in honor of the man who brought football to the county in 1924. The county’s football coaches, athletics director and selected media members vote on the award each year.
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Chestnut Log Scholars Explore Civil Rights History | |
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Scholars at Chestnut Log Middle School recently embarked on a historical journey at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Eighth grade students explored American and international documentation along with artifacts of many human rights movements throughout history.
Chestnut Log Social Studies teacher Ms. Tanisha Matthews suggests these relics and reflections are important for students to connect with a critical time in local and world history. “The students enjoyed seeing exhibits of people and events we’ve studied in both their 7th and and 8th grade classes,” she said.
Several of the historical exhibits detailed experiences and actions of individuals during the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, references to Mahatma Gandhi and India's Independence movement sparked enthusiasm among students as they recognized their huge impact on American Civil Rights leaders such as Dr. King and the Reverend Jim Lawson. Students were captivated by the history showcased at the museum and connected it to their ongoing discussions in Georgia Studies class.
The young scholars engaged in learning about international dictators and the leaders who fought against injustices around the world. Furthermore, they listened to the words of citizens who fought for justice and watched a video describing the freedom riders efforts to end segregation on public bus transport.
Matthews said a lunch counter interactive was perhaps the most impactful experience. “Students learned about the sit-ins of the 1960s, but to see, hear, and feel even a part of what people went through, it really made the lessons come alive,” she said.
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Building a community of lifelong learners every day | |
Holly Springs Students Learn About Coding | |
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Students at Holly Springs Elementary School took part in the #hourofcode event for the recent Computer Science Week through the school’s Media Center.
The Hour of Code is a global movement to inspire the world about computer science and to break computer science stereotypes through fun, engaging and creative activities.
The Hour of Code is organized by Code.org and helps students learn critical skills for 21st-century success.
"Technology is changing so quickly in our society,” said Kerry Harbin, Media Specialist at Holly Springs. “With this new technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), there will be jobs invented that we do not yet even dream of when our students prepare to graduate. I hope I am able to plant a seed in our students. Maybe they will consider a future career in computer science.”
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Factory Shoals Middle Students Receive Books for Christmas | |
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Students at Factory Shoals Middle School received books as special gifts this holiday season.
Thanks to the generous support of the L4GA grant (Literacy for Learning, Living and Leading), Factory Shoals was able to provide each student with a carefully selected book that aligns with their interests and reading level.
“We hope that these books will inspire a love for reading and encourage our students to explore new worlds and ideas,” said Factory Shoals Media Specialist Katrina Barnett.
Barnett, Principal Dr. Raymond Leonard and Michelle Watson from the teaching and learning department at central office helped coordinate the initiative.
“Together, we are fostering a love for reading and empowering our students to become lifelong learners,” Barnett said.
Factory Shoals encourages parents and guardians to support their children's reading journey by setting aside dedicated time for reading at home.
By fostering a reading-friendly environment, we can reinforce the importance of literacy and create a lifelong habit of reading, Barnett said.
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Eastside Elementary is proud to call Litzy Diaz an Eastside Bear! The fifth-grade student truly exemplifies leadership with her strong character and outgoing personality.
Diaz finds satisfaction in teamwork, and her most favorable learning styles include listening to the teacher, completing her homework, researching in libraries, and working with friends. Academically, math and science are her most enjoyable subjects.
The young scholar recognizes that true value comes within, which is evident in her vibrant personality. In fact, her idea of the perfect classroom is one with mood lights and attractive decor. Diaz’s peers are drawn to her fun-loving spirit, and she values the quality time spent with them.
In her spare time, she enjoys Roblox and playing outside with friends and family. Diaz’s positive attitude and dynamic personality are a true asset to Eastside Elementary!
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New on the scene with the ability to build strong relationships with both staff and students is a testament to the character of Mr. Darius Owens. A Lithia Springs High School graduate of the Class of 2011, Mr. Owens has already proven to be an effective educator who has positively impacted the classroom. His willingness to listen and bond with students coupled with his great personality makes the learning environment enjoyable and welcoming for everyone involved. Not only is he impactful in the classroom, but he is also showing his dedication and enthusiasm for extracurricular activities as the assistant coach to our 2023 State Champion Flag Football team. In addition, he displays professionalism which fosters a respectful and productive school culture. Mr. Owens is a team player who knows what it takes to keep the ball rolling! | |
Wrestling Preview: Lithia Springs High School | |
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As the wrestling season at Lithia Springs High School approaches, the young team is gearing up for what will be a remarkable season. This year promises to be particularly exciting, with Lithia Springs High School boasting a strong team with exceptional talent. Head Coach Khalil Brooks says while the team is not large, it is comprised of quality student athletes on and off the mats.
Brooks says the motto for the team is "Pound for Pound.” Brooks explains it means “being the best in everything that we do, not only on the mat but in the classroom.” Managers Julie Cardenas, Jade Davis, and Jayla Collins strive to be the best and are involved in several clubs and organizations at Lithia Springs High School.
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This season, the team predicts they will be in the top three in the region team tournament, with a few making it to state in their respective weight classes. Hunter Cartwright-Bryant and Trinity Grimes are wrestling team captains. Other team members include: Donovan Arnold III, Devon Barkley, Jr., Dylan Carver, Elijah Curry, Kaleb Derosena, Joshua Garrett, Theodore Hicks, Roman Lopez, Bryan Miller, Joshua Restrepo, Jaden Shaw-Etienne, Da'Quan Simmons, Jermaine Staples, and Jaydon Young.
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Weekly Athletics Schedule | |
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- January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- February 7: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
- February 19-23: Winter Break
- March 11: Teacher Work Day
- March 20: Report Cards (elementary & middle schools)
- March 20: Progress Reports (high school)
- April 1-5: Spring Break
- April 24: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
- May 22: Report Cards (elementary schools
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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.
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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.
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DCSS Family Health Center
DCSS' Family Health Center is a resource for families and staff within the school system. The center is located on the lower level of Burnett Elementary School and offers several services. Click the flyer above to learn more.
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