More Access to Literacy with PLAY cards

September 30, 2022

In the Douglas County School System (DCSS) student ID numbers will now also act as a library card number for the public library! The public library provides free access to books and online resources to help children succeed in school, as well as fun resources that help develop a lifelong love of reading.

The school system has partnered with the West Georgia Regional Library System and this partnership allows students to use their DCSS student ID number to access their PLAY Card account. The PLAY (PINES Library Access for Youth) Card is a digital library card that offers students at all of our schools free access to public library materials and online resources to support their educational success. PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) is the statewide network of public library systems serving 300 public libraries across the state of Georgia.

The PLAY Card is free to students within the Douglas County School System. Students with a PLAY Card can check out up to five physical items at a time (Books, DVDs, and CDs). They will also have free access to digital resources through Cloud Library, eRead Kids, GALILEO, Mango Languages, practice SAT and ACT testing, and so much more. Another benefit to students is that they will not be charged late fees for physical items.

The official partnership was signed by Superintendent Trent North along with West Georgia Regional Library and DCSS leaders. “We are excited about this partnership. The role that our public library plays to remove barriers in our community is huge. Access to literacy resources encourages students to enjoy reading and gives them opportunities to spend lots of time with books,” said North.

PLAY was developed by Georgia Public Library Service in order to give more youth access to their local public library and the tools they need to build literacy skills. “Building literacy skills is one of the main components of our district-wide strategic goal of teaching and learning '' said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Melanie Manley.

When schools and libraries partner to give students access to books and more, the possibilities are endless. These are the first steps to developing strong readers.

How does it work?

Students will use their student ID number to access their PLAY Card account just like they would use a library card. The PLAY Card is free and access to public library resources and services is free. There are no overdue fines for materials checked out through a student’s PLAY Card. Fees apply only for lost or damaged materials. If your student already has a library card, the student may use both the PLAY account and their original library card. The PLAY account will be an entirely separate account.

What are the benefits?

Students with a digital PLAY Card can check out up to 5 physical items at a time, including books, DVDs, CDs, free passes to state parks, and more. The PLAY Card will also give your student free access to digital resources such as e-books through Cloud Library and eRead Kids, language learning through Mango Languages, practice tests for SAT, ACT, nursing entrance exams, and more.

What If I Don’t Want to Participate?

If you would prefer your student not to have a PLAY Card, you may opt out of this program by notifying your school.

Pictured left to right are:

Katie Henry, DCSS Media Specialist & WGRLS Board; Stephen Houser, WGRLS Director; Trent North, DCSS Superintendent; Janet Payne WGRLS Board Chair; Tracy Crooks, WGRLS Board; Melanie Manley, DCSS Assistant Superintendent

DCSS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

All across the Douglas County School System there are celebrations honoring Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates U.S. Latinos, their culture, and their history. The origins of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated throughout the latter half of September and the first half of October, began as a way to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans, specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This is a time for all communities to learn and celebrate the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals and educational activities.

The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries.

Our students, staff, and teachers have done a great job with taking digital tours, decorating, and dancing. Some students have learned to make "papel picado", the Mexican folk art of cutting beautiful designs in paper. The hallways are festive and colorful, and classrooms are cheerful and inviting. It's clear that a lot of effort has gone into making our schools look its best for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mini Chef Academy Helping Students Form Healthy Habits

For many people, the eating habits that they take throughout their life often form in early childhood. This is why the Douglas County School System (DCSS) has partnered with The Rouse Foundation for the second consecutive year to help its elementary school students begin forming healthy habits by participating in the Mini Chef Academy.

“Through The Foundation, I’ve known Superintendent North for many years, and he knew that we were doing this type of program in other countries and asked that we consider bringing it to DCSS,” said Dr. Charlie Rouse, founder of The Rouse Foundation. “It has been a Godsend. The level of enthusiasm we’ve seen from students, teachers and administrators is absolutely incredible.”

This year, The Foundation will be working with students at Annette Winn Elementary School and Factory Shoals Elementary School students. On Wednesday, Dr. Rouse and members from The Foundation were at Factory Shoals Elementary School for an assembly teaching students about making healthy meal choices.

During the assembly, Dr. Rouse talked to students about the importance of having a healthy heart and told them how their diet and exercise can contribute to that over their lifetime. He also brought several visual aids to show students how the heart works and how much salt and sugar can be inside several ordinary foods.

This is the first step in the Mini Chef Academy, as students will begin learning more about growing, nurturing, harvesting and eventually cooking healthy foods themselves.

After students complete the program, Dr. Rouse says that he hopes to create positive behavioral change within these students so that they can share their knowledge with parents, friends and others within their community.

“We know that heart disease is the top killer of adults in our society,” said Dr. Rouse. “But we also know that this is not a disease of adults. It may manifest itself at that time, but if children can cut down on sugars, salts and other things, then they’re less likely to develop those cardiovascular problems that lead to sickness or bad outcomes.”

This is the second year that Dr. Rouse and The Rouse Foundation has partnered with DCSS in order to teach its students about making healthy choices, and Dr. Rouse added that he’s excited to see the partnership grow for several reasons.

“I hope to let students know at this young age that they can take control of their life and when they are old like me, they can be healthy, more productive, and, in some instances, disease free,” Rouse said.

Turner Artists Shine at Lithia Springs Library

If you are looking for a good read and a colorful masterpiece to enjoy, Turner Middle School students can help you find that and more at a local library. Turner’s talented young artists inspire local readers by displaying their artwork at Lithia Springs Library. The partnership started when library branch manager Dewayne Brown noticed a piece of artwork from a Turner student. He reached out to Turner Art Instructor Beverly Sheng and asked to display her student’s artwork.

“Her energy brings passion and energy to our school,” says Turner Middle School Principal John Chandler. “Ms. Sheng doesn’t say a lot, but the impact on the students and what she brings out of them speaks volumes.”

Technology affects how many teenagers communicate with their teachers and parents. Still, Sheng has found a way for her students to impact library patrons in the Lithia Springs community.

Brown says the Turner students’ artwork will be on display through October. “We hope this artwork will help encourage our families, parents, and caregivers to visit and see some of the beauty in our community,” Brown says.

SWES Teacher Honored as Braves 3 Millionth Fan

Every morning when Anita Outlaw wakes up, she rolls over, turns on the light, and is greeted by the sight that she says is still too good to be true.

This part of Outlaw’s wakeup routine involves seeing an Atlanta Braves jersey hanging in her room that she received on September 21. That day, Outlaw was honored as the Braves 3 millionth fan of the 2022 season.

“I think my brain sort of exploded when that happened. I was speechless then, and a week and a day later, I’m still speechless,” Outlaw said. “I’m a Braves fan, but not a rabid fan because I’m a teacher and go to bed early every night. But the excitement of being in that place was ridiculously awesome.”

In a typical circumstance, Outlaw and her Sweetwater Elementary School students would not have been at the game, as it was played during the school day. However, on this day, the team held Science Education Day, and SWES’ principal Albert Lindsey encouraged Outlaw to bring a group of students for the game.

At the mention of this, Outlaw began organizing the trip in August, and she later made the trip to Truist Park to deliver the money for her group’s tickets and thought no more about the game until one day before.

That day, she got a call from the Braves staff asking her to say “play ball” before the game’s first pitch. For Outlaw, this was a big prize in itself, but things only got sweeter for her on the day of the game.

While making her way down to the field, Outlaw was stopped by another group of Braves staff and was officially told that she was the team’s 3 millionth fan of the 2022 season.

For reaching this attendance milestone for the team, Outlaw has already received many prizes, including a TV interview during the game, free Chick-fil-A for a year, a $500 shopping spree to the Braves team store, two seats to 2023 Opening Day, and the special jersey that still hangs in her room.

Despite being gifted with many different prizes, Outlaw says that her students being in attendance was what made the afternoon special. And even with the focus of the day being on baseball, she still found a teachable moment to share with her students at the end of the day.

“This really was an unbelievable opportunity, and a great life lesson for my kiddos,” Outlaw said. “That is sometimes amazing things will happen to you, but you just have to be prepared. Walk through the world being kind and nice and the best person you can be, and you never know where that will take you.”

See the moment Outlaw was told here.

Why I love to teach!

In May, all school-level Teachers of the Year were given the opportunity to express what they love about teaching. This video was shown at the Teacher of the Year banquet on September 22.

See what some of our BEST teachers have to say about their profession!

Bill Arp Elementary School is proud to shine the Student Spotlight on Francisco Perezcassar, Jr. Currently a 5th grade student, Francisco serves as a leader and role model inside and outside the classroom. In addition to maintaining excellent grades and achieving exceptional assessment results, Francisco participates in numerous extracurricular activities. He is a BAES Morning News broadcast team member, competes on the school's math competition team, serves as a student ambassador and safety patrol member, and is part of the flag squad that raises and lowers the flag in front of the school each day. Francisco's hard work, cooperative spirit and friendly demeanor make him the ideal representative for the Bill Arp Patriots. Congratulations, Francisco!