CHES 5th Graders Help Make Book Fair Fun for Younger Students

October 21, 2022

Although book fairs are about reading, some fifth grade students at Chapel Hill Elementary School got to showcase their math skills to help younger students enjoy the book fair.

"Shopping for the book fair is always an exciting experience and students always want to purchase everything,, but sometimes funds don't allow," said CHES media specialist Cameron Sheldon. "So when reflecting on previous fairs, I remembered that first grade students were usually the ones in most need of assistance when it came to shopping, so we wanted to do something to help them out."

To help, Sheldon partnered with CHES' school counselors, Elisa Vaught and Tracy Small, and the school's fifth grade teachers to select responsible students to help the younger first graders as shopping buddies.

Each day during first grade shopping time, the fifth graders would meet their younger peers and help them practice the real-world skills of working within a budget to purchase items.

"The first graders were delighted to get one-on-one time with the big kids, and the fifth graders were so kind and patient with our small shoppers," Sheldon said. "Our first grade teachers and students were very grateful to get help from the fifth graders, too. It was a beautiful partnership to witness."

Along with giving students some extra math practice, Sheldon added that the partnership reinforced CHES' Cheetah community goals of having pride, acting responsibly, making wise choices, and showing respect.

DCSS Superintendent North Named Finalist for GA Superintendent of the Year

Douglas County School System Superintendent Trent North has been named a finalist for Georgia's Superintendent of the Year. North received the honor on October 19 at the Georgia School Superintendents Association's fall conference in Athens.

The recognition program honors outstanding district leaders who exhibit exemplary and visionary leadership. Georgia School Superintendents Association selected four superintendents from across the state in a competitive process based on their visionary leadership, commitment to improving the quality of education, communication, and community involvement.

"Superintendent Trent North is a skillful leader who never fails to do what is best for Douglas County students," says Douglas County Board of Education Board Chair Tracy Rookard. "He leads our district with an unmatched commitment to educational excellence and student success."

Rookard adds that Superintendent North is passionate about preparing Douglas County students to enter the global workforce by integrating technology, real-world applications and rigorous instruction. "Superintendent North advocates for Douglas County students and educators and personifies what quality public education leadership means," Rookard continues.

Superintendent North has led the Douglas County School System since 2017. He says he is honored and humbled by today's recognition. "My family taught me that education is the key to transforming lives. This passion and love for children drives every choice and every decision I make," Superintendent North says. "Every decision we make in our district is driven by how it impacts student success."

Before joining the Douglas County School System, Superintendent North gained broad educational experience as a middle school teacher, elementary school principal, middle school principal, alternative school principal and human resources director.

Superintendent North holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of West Georgia. He earned a specialist's degree in leadership and curriculum from Lincoln Memorial University. In addition to having broad experience in education and civic involvement, Superintendent North served as a commissioner in Carroll County for 25 years.

Georgia's next Superintendent of the Year will be named during the December Georgia School Boards Association/GSSA Winter Conference. That winner will have the opportunity to advance to the 2023 AASA National Superintendent of the Year competition.

NMHS Students Learn About Career and Internship Opportunities

New Manchester High School's Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) department recently hosted a speaker from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and picked up some surprising new knowledge.

During the event, students learned about local career and internship opportunities, and they also heard about how their science, math and social studies curriculum can relate to conservation and safety.

However, the highlight of the day came when their speaker talked about the best ways to scare away a bear in the event of an attack.

"If you walk across a bear, the way to scare the bear is to be bigger than the bear. I'm not sure if Mr. Owens was joking or not, but our students made the best bear faces to scare away a bear," said Kenneth McClendon, NMHS' CTI Coordinator. "This was a fun and engaging guest speaker, and students really enjoyed the part about the bears."

DCSS Introduces New Safety App

"See it, Say It, Send It" App Launch Allows Students to Anonymously Report Potential Threats

With the addition of a student app, Douglas County students are bringing safety to their fingertips. The added layer of school safety is called See It, Say it, Send It.

Sending a message through the anonymous app is quick and easy. First, students download the See It, Say it, Send It app. From there, students send a video, audio or text message. In their message, they can include anonymous information about potential school violence, drug use or bullying. When students use the app, sharing information with administrators is easier.

The app gives students a voice. Students can share information through the app, and parents can also use the phone or website to submit information. This accessibility allows pertinent information to be shared with those who need to know.

Director of School Discipline and Safety Management James Strong says this technology empowers students.

“See It, Say it, Send it not only empowers our students, but acts as an early warning system,” Strong says. “It facilitates reporting potentially dangerous situations and allows administrators to continue providing the best learning environment. This technology allows us to be more proactive in resolving matters before they ever become an issue.”

The student communications tool reflects the district’s efforts to improve safety in the school community.

“Meeting students where they are is critical,” Superintendent Trent North says. “Board members believe we must offer students a mobile way to interact with our district. Our students live in a digital generation and are redefining how we communicate. This app allows them to share critical information through text, picture messages, or video any time of day.”

Superintendent North encourages students to download the app. Along with school administrators, he sees the app as an additional way for students to share safety concerns.

Students can download the free app from Android, Apple, or Classlink. From there, they can submit a quick or detailed tip and follow the tip’s progress.

Attention 8th graders: It's time to apply for magnet programs for 2023-2024

Eighth graders and parents:

It's time to learn about the magnet programs at all five high schools in Douglas County and determine the best fit for you!

Each high school plus the CCI will host one or more information sessions in October and November. Mark your calendar now. You will find the dates and times at the link below.

Magnet Application Link

Magnet Timeline

You will also find the contact information for the coordinator at each school in the timeline.

The deadline to apply is Monday, December 12, 2022.

You may apply to more than one magnet program, so feel free to attend as many information sessions as you wish.

The Douglas County Success Center would like to recognize Roderick Scott as our Spotlight Recognition. Roderick is a student in our Performance Learning Center Program. He is an enthusiastic learner who enjoys school and exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in all of his classes. Roderick was in the Junior ROTC programs at both Douglas County High School and Alexander High School. Being in the Junior ROTC prepared Roderick to display leadership qualities and aided in him being an important member of the Student Advisory Board here at the Performance Learning Center. Roderick will be an early graduate, participating in the May 2023 graduation ceremony. Roderick's plans for the future include being a member of the United States Coast Guard and majoring in Pharmaceuticals in college.

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.