November 11, 2022

I want to take this opportunity to thank the millions of Americans who swore an oath to defend our country, liberty and democracy. Please remember that today, November 11, is Veterans Day and an opportunity for us to honor our veterans, and their incredible service and sacrifice to protect our nation and preserve our freedom. We can never thank the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces enough for committing their lives to ensure our safety and security.

I want to especially thank every Douglas County School System employee who is a veteran. Regardless of the branch of service or role you held, you continue to be dedicated through public service in our school system.

The General Election was held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. All Douglas County Schools were closed for in person instruction while teachers participated in a work day. Because we support the local board of elections, several of our buildings serve as polling locations. I also want to thank our families and students for partnering with us and for your understanding and cooperation.

Together, we shape the future.

Sincerely,

Trent North

Superintendent

FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Ryan Beesley Visits New Manchester Elementary

Fourth-grade students at New Manchester Elementary School are learning firsthand about the science of weather forecasting. FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Ryan Beesley surprised the New Manchester Eagles with an in-person, interactive presentation. The meteorologist excitedly shared with classes his passion for weather, storm chasing, and the field of broadcast meteorology.

Beesley also discussed what led him to pursue the science of weather. To illustrate the science behind the field, he showed how meteorologists forecast by analyzing weather patterns.

Beesley’s classroom visit delighted students and educators. Principal Keith Racine says he is also grateful for Beesley’s school visit. “This weather presentation inspired our classes. It enhanced everyone’s understanding of science and introduced students to an additional career field they can explore after pursuing their STEM-related interests.”

Arbor Station Elementary School hosts Family Curriculum Night

Arbor Station Elementary recently hosted a curriculum night for families. The event was open for all families to participate and was a great opportunity to learn hands-on about what their children are learning. The hallways of the school were filled with families and students, who were encouraged to explore and create projects to support inquiry based learning.

“It was great having parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings coming to participate in the curriculum night,'' said Deborah Lindeman, ASES assistant principal.

Families rotated through various activities which included using their imaginations to create with cardboard, participate in grade level make and takes and gazing at constellations in the STAR lab.

Arbor Station families really showed off their math and science skills during this fun family event.

Reading Under the Trees at South Douglas Elementary

The last couple of years have presented challenges to teachers, students and families, alike. However, in response to the challenges, a wonderful addition was added to the grounds of South Douglas Elementary School.

Last year reading teachers Thomas Bruno and Natalie Benton realized the benefits of taking 4th graders outdoors to enjoy reading. Each day, when the weather was nice, the students dragged their chairs outside to the driveway along with their chapter books and laptops to read and work. It was quite a cumbersome process. Mr. Bruno and Mrs Benton noticed a shady, open area near the school building and saw a unique opportunity.

Benton went into action and partnered with Howard Ray, president and CEO of HRC, an engineering firm located in Douglasville. Thanks to HRC’s contribution, four brand-new metal picnic tables were delivered at the end of last school year. SDES Assistant Principal, Paul Spence assembled the tables and placed them under the pine trees. Now South Douglas students regularly have the chance to read a good book while enjoying a cool breeze outdoors.

“I like how we can go outside to read and enjoy the fresh air, which helps us concentrate better. I am very grateful for the tables donated by HRC,” said Luke Bell, a student at SDES.

Local Author visits Alexander High Classroom

Alexander High School, early childhood education and teaching as a profession teacher, Brooke Morris, invited retired Douglas County School System educator and author Kim Eldredge to speak to her class.

The curriculum standards that Morris' level three students are learning in class focus on determining activities necessary to support early childhood communication and language development. Two particular standards the students focus on for project based learning are: the importance of reading to children from infancy through childhood and evaluating the characteristics of a high quality children's book using developmentally appropriate guidelines.

Morris’ students are tasked with creating literacy sets that will go out to the community, so new parents have guidelines and a starting point for reading with their children. She felt that inviting the author would benefit and engage her students and help them to understand why this project is real-world and important. Kim Eldredge immediately agreed to come and present. Each student received a donated copy of the book. The book donations were made in honor of teachers that made an impact in their lives or people who showed them the importance of reading.

Eldredge signed each one of the books, and gave a presentation on the areas that address the standards they are learning about. The book “The Sky is the Limit,” was written to convey to children the limitless career choices they have when they grow up. Eldredge said that "I hope my presentation inspired Morris’ students to continue on their path to become educators." The author and former educator believes that teaching is the most rewarding career there is.

8 Elementary School Counselors receive $2,000 Grant from Office Depot

The Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF) was recently able to secure a grant from Office Depot/Office Max. DCEF is led by a volunteer board of community leaders, including educators, who are committed to providing the best public education possible to Douglas County School System. The foundation partners with the school system to be a source of help and hope to many students and educators by distributing grant and scholarship funds. When DCEF asked for suggestions on how this grant should be awarded, Superintendent Trent North, said “these funds will be ideal to support elementary school counselors.”

These 8 counselors were selected from elementary schools that serve the highest rate of free and reduced lunch percentages. Each counselor received a $2,000 eGift card to purchase items either online or at the Chapel Hill Road Office Depot location.

Angelia O’Neal, DCEF executive director, met six of the counselors in the store to meet Office Depot staff, take pictures and of course shop. The counselors were able to make purchases that support the day to day work they do with elementary students. “We have so many challenges, said one of the counselors, but having the tools and supplies to serve our students helps us to be able to work through them.”

Murray Spotlights Legacy Arena at Rotary Club

At a recent meeting Rotarians heard from Damon Murray, executive director of facility use. Murray gave an overview of the Douglas County School System's Legacy Arena, now under construction at the corner of Hwy. 5 and Gurley Road.

The 6,000 seat multi-use arena is projected for completion in the spring of 2024. In addition to hosting graduations for all five local high schools, the arena will be rented for concerts and sports competitions, including basketball, indoor football, volleyball, cheerleading and more.

The facility is expected to draw attendees from throughout the region and will be an economic boost for Douglas County as out-of-town guests spend their dollars at local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

National School Psychology Week

This week, November 7-11, 2022, has been recognized as National School Psychology Week. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this year's theme, "Together We Shine" is derived from how we see hope after several challenging years.

We have all faced difficulties created by the pandemic, social injustice and inequity, economic stress, and challenges to mental and physical health. For some, it has been a time of real darkness, and finding light is critical to building resilience and hope.

Our school psychologists wear many hats and are often unsung heroes yet their work is tremendously impactful for children and the school community.

This year Douglas County School System (DCSS) is excited to recognize and celebrate the following team lead school psychologists: Dr. January Few, Dedria Johnson, Jammie Johnson, Dominique Walker, Jana Wallace and school psychologist facilitator, Nancy Schusterman.

Additionally, DCSS celebrates the school psychologist service providers: Dr. A.J. Bell, Anna Finley, Horizons, Tenishia Johnson, Javelle Lambert, Naia Oden, Jordan Parker, and Victoria Patrick.

Thank you to the Douglas County school psychologist team. Your dedication and commitment to students is appreciated and your work is honored.

AHS Performing Arts Arena Scheduled for Spring Completion

Alexander High School’s newest addition, a state-of-the-art performing arts center, now has a projected completion date. Construction on the new facility is expected to wrap in April 2023

“Construction progressed right on schedule throughout the pandemic and went very smoothly, and we’re excited that things are on schedule,” said Kwame Carr, Douglas County School System's Assistant Superintendent of District Operations. “Our purpose of this project was to expand the footprint of AHS’ theater program to allow them more space and ability to do more with their performances.”

AHS’ current theater was built in 1986, and has had no renovations. It features a small stage, which often limits the number of tickets that can be sold for each performance.

However, the new facility will remedy this problem with an increased seating capacity for nearly 800 guests, an orchestra pit, a large lobby for smaller performances and gatherings, and gallery space to showcase student artwork.

Other features include updated light and sound equipment, workshop space for building sets, storage room to save and reuse sets, dressing rooms, a green room, concession stands, and a loading dock.

Overall, the upgrade to AHS’ performing arts department will cost $8 million, and the project will be funded by ESPLOST, the one-cent sales tax that was approved for renewal in June 2020.

In addition to hosting theatrical performances and academic events for teachers and students, the new theater will also provide a new, unique space that can also be used by the community. During the design process, AHS received input from its band and choral directors along with the owner of a local dance studio in order to make the space functional for several purposes.

“The new performing arts center will be beautiful as well as functional,” said Kirk Nicholson, Capital Improvements Coordinator for DCSS. “I believe that the new facility will be a showcase for the school system and an asset to the entire county.”

Ma’Leah Defour is an outstanding student who exhibits all Mirror Lake Anchor expectations and characteristics. Principal Lisa Huey says Ma’Leah is a positive role model in her classroom who always has a smile. She always strives to meet her academic goals and volunteers to help others reach theirs. Mirror Lake Teachers agree Ma'Leah has a big heart and is always thinking of others. She works hard at school and the gym, where she loves gymnastics and tumbling. Mirror Lake is very proud of Ma'Leah and her kind spirit! Keep spreading your positivity, Ma'Leah!

NMHS Basketball Preview

Lady Jags Hoping to Replicate Last Season’s Success

Coming off a Final Four berth last season, New Manchester High School’s Lady Jaguars enter the 2022-2023 season with a new roster but similar goals to last year.

“Last year we made it to the Final Four, and this year we have somewhat of a different group, but we’re still expecting big things from them,” said Lady Jaguars head coach Vincent Parks. “We’re still expecting to compete for the region and make it back to the state tournament once again.”

This year, the Lady Jaguars will rely on a mixture of youth and limited experience this year after losing All-State selection Kharyssa Richardson. But despite being less battle tested, Parks believes this year’s team will have more depth, which will be an advantage over the course of a long season.

“The difference between this year’s team and last years is that surprisingly we’re deeper and have more girls ready to play,” Parks said. “That will definitely help us out throughout the strenuous season in a new region.”

This year, the Lady Jags will lean on several players to carry the load, including Andrea Guilford, Taniya James, Ashanti Lewis, Amaya Broadus, Kyara Lawrence, Janitra Brown and Paige Fears.

Along with having several new faces on the team, NMHS will also face new competition, as they move to a new region this season. In Region 5-6A, the Lady Jags will see two teams who made the Class 6A state tournament last season, including a Langston Hughes team that advanced to the second round. The region also includes in-county rivals Douglas County and Alexander high schools.

The Lady Jags tip off the 2022-2023 season on November 15 at Hiram High School.

Jaguars Looking to Continue Strong Tradition Under New Leadership

After advancing to the second round of the state playoffs last season, Jaguars first-year head coach Greg Martin enters 2022-2023 looking to continue the program’s winning tradition. This year, Martin will be tasked with doing it with a new group, as the team graduated several players who were present for last year’s run.

“This is my first year, and I’m really excited about this group,” Martin said. “We’re an inexperienced team, but we do have a lot of athletic ability and a lot of strong leaders who have stepped up.”

Despite losing a lot of production from last year’s squad, the Jaguars enter expecting big things from players like Amir Banks, Tyler Baldwin, Jermaine Hines, Chasen Allen and Allen Stoddard.

With his team’s athleticism as a strength, they are well suited to compete in a tough new Region 5-6A that features in-county foes Douglas County High School and Alexander High School, who is ranked No. 2 in the state. The region also features Langston Hughes, who was a Class 6A Final Four participant last year and Class 6A state playoff qualifier Paulding County.

“I’m really excited about the leaders who have stepped up for us so far,” Martin said. “I think that leadership ability will get us through some of that lack of experience. Our practices have been very good, and I’ve been very impressed. We’ve been able to implement some schemes that I thought would take us longer to put in, so it’s been really satisfying to see everything come together thus far.”

The Jaguars will begin the season on November 12 at Stephenson High School.

Families can now register children for the eighth annual Operation Christmas Douglas County, which is scheduled to take place December 10, 2022.

Children enrolled in school in Douglas County and their younger siblings may once again receive a free gift through the generosity of the folks at Operation Christmas Douglas County.

To qualify, children must reside in Douglas County, be age 18 or younger, and receive free or reduced price lunch or WIC or other services from the Health Department or Educational System due to financial hardship. This community effort is not sponsored by the school system.

Visit http://theelfsquad.org/#/login to complete the registration form in English or Spanish.

This community effort is not sponsored by the Douglas County School System.