DCSS Receives Generous Contribution to Enhance Learning | |
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Thanks to the generous support from the education-focused company, True 42, over $13,000 of scientific school supplies, including calibration weights, spatulas, and scales, were recently gifted to high schools in Douglas County. The Atlanta-based business, established in 2016, produces instruments tailored for scientific and educational purposes.
The materials were donated in an effort to take learning experiences to new heights, according to CEO Hemant Gopalani. “True 42 is a strong advocate of education and serving our community. The idea to donate scientific school supplies is a small initiative we took to inspire interest in science among students."
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Lithia Springs High School welcomed the special science delivery just before the holidays. Lithia Springs Science Content Specialist Ebony Potts expressed sincere appreciation for the donation, emphasizing how it will enhance learning for high school science students. "We are so grateful for the materials that were donated because these materials will enable students in STEM, specifically Physics, to explore and witness Physics concepts in an up close and personal manner. In return, it helps students gain a deeper understanding, retain information and work toward concept mastery,” Potts added.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve with the need for innovative technologies and methodologies, True 42 is focused on contributing to development and implementing cutting-edge tools and instruments.
Depending on resources available, Gopalani says the company would consider donating materials to schools at least once a year. “Our primary motivation is to make a positive impact on education,” he said.
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Alexander Boys Basketball Team Ranked No. 1 in State | |
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Alexander High School’s boys basketball team is ranked No. 1 in the state as it rolls into the second half of the season.
The Cougars won their first state championship in school history last year, defeating Lee County in the Class 6A title game in March.
Alexander rattled off 13 wins in its first 15 games to start the 2023-24 campaign.
The Cougars are led by senior Braedan Lue, last year’s Class 6A Player of the Year and a Kennesaw State signee, who was averaging 18.8 points per game heading into the week.
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Sophomore Gregory Dunson, senior Allen Stoddard and senior Jermaine Freeman are also averaging double digits through the first half of the season.
Head Coach Jason Slate said ball distribution has been the key in four starters averaging double figures.
“We do an overall good job of sharing the ball and we play some good defense,” Slate said. “I think it all comes down to the team refusing to lose. They are always fighting back.”
The Cougars are in action again Saturday at Pace Academy against Dutchtown. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
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Stewart Middle Beta Club Explores Legal System with Courthouse Visit | |
Members of the Stewart Middle School Beta Club gained real-world exposure in the legal field during their recent visit to the Douglas County Courthouse. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lauren Wallace welcomed the Beta scholars to engage in the world of law.
While students participated in a mock trial taking on the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses and victims, they received insight about the criminal justice system. Additionally, they were sworn in by Bailiffs and toured the holding cell for inmates.
Victim advocate, Kaci Davis, paralegal, Rebecca Houston, and investigator, Amanda Moore shared knowledge about their respective roles in the District Attorney’s Office and within the criminal justice system. Students also met District Attorney Dalia Racine and State Court Judge Brian Fortner who encouraged students and inquired about their career aspirations.
Beta club members express gratitude for the support received to help make this special field trip possible.
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January is National Mentoring Month | |
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Want to know how to make a positive change in your community? Become a mentor! The MATCH Program is a school-based mentoring program that connects participating students in the Douglas County School System with caring adults. It only takes an hour per week to be a positive influence in a child's life.
MATCH, which is operated during school hours, focuses on enhancing student success through a one to one, group, and peer mentoring session. According to Executive Director of Communities in Schools, Mitzi Teal, the program is open to all DCSS enrolled students where mentors engage with mentees weekly to provide support with educational activities, college research, or real-world experiences.
For more information please call Mitzi Teal at 770-651-2039.
The MATCH mentoring program is a collaboration between Communities In Schools of Douglas County, Inc. and the Douglas County School System.
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Building a community of lifelong learners every day | |
HSES Celebrates Glowing Reading Achievement with Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party | |
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Over three hundred Holly Springs Hawks were recently recognized for reaching 50% of their annual reading goal at the end of the Second Nine Weeks Grading Period. The young scholars were all smiles while enjoying the glow-in-the-dark dance party hosted in the school’s Media Center.
Fifth-grade student, Kierra Godfrey stated, "I love the way we do celebrations at Holly Springs and how we are encouraged to read. The dance was a fun way to celebrate our hard work!" Student Arden Meridy expressed how she also loved getting a glow in the dark necklace!
Students who reach 75% of their yearly reading goal by March 8 will be invited to a gaming party. Principal Sherritta Abel of Holly Springs Elementary says, “Readers are leaders at HSES!”
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Mason Creek Middle Adopts Creative Approach to Explore Earth's Crust | |
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Sixth-grade science students at Mason Creek Middle School recently explored the Earth’s crust using 3D models. With playdough and Styrofoam as the main materials needed for the 3D Earth's crust replica, students used their creative juices to capture the four layers including the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
Following the engaging activity, scholars were asked to label each layer and explain its components.
The intriguing project was completed in Mrs. Taylor’s 6th grade science classes.
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Adrianna Chavis exemplifies the "Spirit of Excellence" it takes to be a "Shining Knight" at Factory Shoals Middle School! She is an eighth-grade honor student who takes all advanced classes while maintaining straight A's.
Adrianna is always prepared and eager to learn new things. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, watching YouTube videos and spending time with her family.
Adrianna is a role model who is focused on obtaining her goal of attending the University of West Georgia and majoring in English. The high academic achiever displays leadership qualities that will help her excel in life. Principal Dr. Raymond Leonard of Factory Shoals Middle School says, “FSMS is proud to call Arianna a Knight.”
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Ashwini Pagidimarry has made an immeasurable impact in her first year as a 6th grade teacher at Stewart Middle School. As a math instructor, Pagidimarry engages students in interactive lessons while creating meaningful connections with all of them. In just a short time, her dedication has made her an invaluable member of the Stewart family. Both students and fellow staff are excited to have Pagidimarry as part of the Stewart school community. | |
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Winter Sports Preview
AHS Varsity Boys Wrestling Team
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Alexander High School Wrestling Head Coach Michael Robinson says the Varsity Boys team has big expectations this season. With five returning seniors, Alexander’s goals for the season are to win Region and place in the top 4 at the GHSA 6A State Tournament. Throughout the season, Alexander has been competing at some of the toughest tournaments in the state.
Coach Robinson says the team is 8-5 in duals wrestling against six top-10 ranked teams in the state and three teams which placed at state last year. This month, the team won the Screaming Eagle Tournament at Mt. Zion. The wrestling team also won the County Championship for the 19th straight year. With team captains Nathan Ward, Dylan Bland, Maddox Brackin, and Sophia Italiano, the team is excited to finish the season strong.
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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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Who: Seniors
What: DCEF Scholarship Application
When: January 1 -26
The Portal is Open!
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DCCA Scholastic Chess Championship
Where: Turner Middle School
When: January 27, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. (check in at 9:30)
Cost: $15 per student
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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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