From Superintendent Trent North
We have much to celebrate today!
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On to the Final Four!
The Chapel Hill Panthers defeated Veterans High School on Wednesday and will now advance to the Final Four in the state basketball playoffs! Please join me in congratulating the players and coaches on this outstanding achievement.
Congratulations also to the boys and girls teams from New Manchester High School. Both teams played exceptionally well this season and advanced to the Elite Eight. I'm proud that nine teams, at least one from each school, reached the state basketball playoffs.
At DCSS, we believe in providing excellence and opportunities in Academics, Athletics and the Arts. This newsletter highlights all three areas, with: an impressive online gallery featuring magnificent works of art by our students; academic achievement at our high schools that is reflected in the Georgia Department of Education's list of AP Honor Schools; and, of course, our successful basketball season.
COVID-19 Vaccine for DCSS Employees
On February 25, Governor Kemp announced that teachers and school staff would be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 8. The following day, we announced to our employees that the vaccine would be available for DCSS employees on a Friday and Saturday in March, with dates to be determined based on the supply of vaccine.
I am thrilled to announce that yesterday we were able to inform our employees that we will hold a drive-through vaccination event for all employees on March 12 and 13. Employees who have signed up for the vaccine will receive details and appointment times next week.
The drive-through vaccination event is exciting for our employees, and I trust that it is equally exciting for our families. It is a sign that our world is a step closer to becoming normal. The transmission of COVID in our schools should be greatly reduced, and we can soon get back to “doing school” in a more traditional way.
While I have always been proud of the hard work of our employees and the support of our parents, I am especially proud and grateful this year.
With sincere thanks,
Trent North, Superintendent
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Next Up for CHHS: Final Four! |
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The Chapel Hill Panthers defeated Veterans High School Wednesday night in a decisive 79-63 victory and will advance to the Final Four in the state basketball playoffs. CHHS will face Eagles Landing on Saturday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Pictured is CHHS playing Lithia Springs High School earlier in the season.
GO PANTHERS!!!
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Congratulations to our High Schools! |
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Superintendent Trent North is pleased to announce that all high schools in Douglas County received recognition on one or more of the lists of 2021 AP Honor Schools announced by State School Superintendent Richard Woods on February 24, 2021. The honors reflect achievement and/or participation on the AP (Advanced Placement) tests administered by the College Board during spring of 2020.
For more information on the awards, please click here. |
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DCSS Celebrates Youth Art Month with Online Gallery |
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Youth Art Month kicked off March 1 with the Douglas County School System recognizing the role the arts play in education. Held annually in March, it emphasizes the importance of quality art education.
Douglas County students explore the arts through music, band, chorus, performing arts and the visual arts. Superintendent Trent North supports the arts and celebrates its role in public education. “The arts allow our students to grow in confidence and to think positively about themselves and learning,” he says. “Our school system is thrilled to encourage students, community organizations and individuals everywhere to celebrate the arts.”
Elementary Art Content Specialist Tammy Morris agrees. She says the arts create endless learning opportunities. “Research shows that students who participate in arts education programs have a direct correlation to higher student achievement,” Ms. Morris says. “Now, more than ever, the arts have provided opportunities for social and emotional healing as students process the fears and uncertainty of a global pandemic.”
In previous years, the Douglas County School System worked with community groups like the Cultural Arts Council and the Douglas County Courthouse Gallery to host student art shows and receptions during Youth Art Month. Unfortunately, COVID-19 placed restrictions on many art events.
This year the celebration of creativity will continue. DCSS visual arts teachers have prepared a virtual art show highlighting various art programs at participating schools. Each school’s art gallery can be found by visiting the Youth Art Month link.
Ms. Morris says it has been heartwarming to watch art teachers make the arts relevant and meaningful. “Art teachers are using current events to emphasize the importance of community and personal connection,” Ms. Morris says. “As art educators, we have a front-row seat in their artistic development. It is exciting to watch students explore artistic expression and appreciation through the arts.”
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Thaler Selected as Finalist for Prestigious Scholarship |
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Congratulations to Carson Thaler, a senior in the IB program at Douglas County High School. Carson was selected as a finalist for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship.
Carson competes on the swim team, math team, and ultimate frisbee club, and is a member of several honor societies. He was a member of the Tiger Marching Band for four years, serving as a section leader this year. Outside of school, Carson is active in his church and community and recently obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.
Carson will enroll at the Georgia Institute of Technology next year, where he plans to major in aerospace engineering.
We wish Carson luck as he advances in the National Merit Scholarship selection process. For more information on the scholarship, click here. |
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Science Fair Sparks Learning, Creativity at FSES |
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Almost all students submitted a project for the Factory Shoals Elementary Science Fair, which was under the direction of Belinda DuBose. "The teachers made science a focus this year so that virtual and in-person students could stay engaged in the inquiry and discovery methods," said DuBose.
"When I look at the quality of the Science Fair projects my 4th grade students produced, it warms my heart," said Julie Hodo, science teacher at FSES. "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that teaching my students the scientific process in my kitchen during virtual instruction on Fridays would lead to this awesomeness. My eyes get full when parents say, 'Thank you for insisting my child do this Science Fair project.'"
Douglasville Mayor Rochelle Robinson supported the Science Fair by sending an inspiring video message about hope and resiliency to the students and teachers at FSES.
The Elementary Science Fair district competition took place this week. Award winners for the district will be announced in next week's newsletter.
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Sup. North Wins Vision Award from GAEL |
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Mr. Robert Costley, executive director of the Georgia Association for Educational Leaders (GAEL), presented the GAEL Vision award to Superintendent Trent North at the Board of Education meeting on March 1. This year, GAEL recognized four superintendents across the state for their vision and leadership.
“Mr. North is a respected leader at the state level,” said Mr. Costley. “Whenever the governor calls meetings with educational leaders, Trent’s name is on the list. Because Mr. North is willing to share and collaborate, public education in the state of Georgia is better.”
Established in 1974, the mission of GAEL is to improve public education in Georgia through high quality leadership development, advocacy, and a resource network for educational leaders.
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Celebrating School Social Work Week: March 7-13 |
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Happy School Social Work Week to the 11 outstanding individuals who make up the team of school social workers for DCSS.
School social workers are trained mental health professionals with a master's degree in social work who provide services related to a person's social, emotional, and life adjustment to school and/or society. School social workers are the link between the home, school and community in providing direct as well as indirect services to students, families and school personnel in an effort to promote and support student success.
"Our resourceful team has over 173 combined years of experience in the social work field, which we joyfully use to assess and address barriers to student success," said School Social Worker Amber Walker. "We're very proud of the work we do and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute to DCSS's standard of excellence."
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Meet School Resource Officer Dominic Bell
Alexander High School
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Originally from Miami, Florida, Dominic Bell has 12 years of experience in law enforcement, including eight years with the East Point Police Department and four years with Atlanta Public Schools. In addition to serving as an SRO, Officer Bell serves in the Georgia Army National Guard.
"I work as an SRO because I want to teach kids what to do when encountering a police officer and teach them to make better life choices."
Officer Bell attended Bethune Cookman in Daytona Beach, Florida, and is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University. He and his wife of 13 years have five children. Officer Bell's hobbies include grilling and coaching football and basketball.
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Dual Enrollment: A Fast Track to College Credits |
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Through Dual Enrollment, high school students can earn technical college credit or core college credit that will transfer to any college or university in the University System of Georgia.
Today we are featuring the opportunities at Georgia Highlands College (GHC). Many students in Douglas County have taken advantage of the opportunity to earn college credit at GHC's local campus on Highway 5.
For more information on Dual Enrollment, please go to Dual Enrollment on the dcssga.org website. |
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Mon'Tez Wells is currently a school-based digital learning student who exemplifies excellence in everything he does. He is always active in digital lessons and goes above and beyond on his assignments. Even if he is absent, he will complete all missing assignments, assessments and notes, usually on the same day. While digital learning, Mon’Tez has improved his reading and math academic levels, and he is thriving in the midst of the current challenging times. Mon'Tez is the epitome of excellence and is always his “Best Under Every Situation!” |
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March 10: Grading Period Ends
March 15: BOE Board Meeting
March 17: Progress Reports, High Schools
March 17: Report Cards, Elementary and Middle Schools
March 25: Freshman Expo at All High Schools (Times Vary)
April 2: Holiday (Except 240 Employees)
April 5-9: Holidays for All
April 19: BOE Work Session
April 21: Progress Reports, Elementary and Middle Schools
April 26: BOE Board Meeting
May 3: Kindergarten Registration Begins for 2021-2022
May 3: BOE Work Session
May 6: 6th Grade Orientation
May 17: BOE Meeting
May 25, 26: Half Days for All Students
May 26: Semester Ends
May 26: Report Cards, Elementary Schools
May 27, 28: Post Planning
May 31: Holiday for All
June 1, 2: Professional Learning
June 4: Report Cards Mailed, Middle and High Schools
June 21: BOE Work Session/Board Meeting
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The award winning Fine Arts Magnet Education program at New Manchester High School presents the Broadway hit In The Heights, conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda (the man behind the Hamilton phenomenon). In the Heights will run March 18 through 20 in the Fine Arts theater on the NMHS campus.
In The Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican community in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood—a place where the coffee from the bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the streets explode with the songs and rhythms of three generations. In The Heights is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations.
There will be limited seating and strict COVID compliance guidelines regarding seating and mask usage.
Tickets are $15 (adults) / $10 (students). To book tickets, go to www.freshtix.com or call 678-701-6114
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The Foundation Fun Run is back! Boys and girls in pre-K through 8th grade are invited to participate in this fun and exciting event on April 17 at New Manchester High School. For a printable PDF of the registration form, click here.
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Members of the Class of 2020 and 2021 are invited to participate in the "College Kickoff" virtual event. The University of West Georgia will facilitate the hour-long event and will provide important information that will apply to any college.
After the event, students may apply for a college mini-grant up to $200 to assist with the cost of applying or enrolling in college. To be eligible for the grant, students must attend the kick-off event.
To register for the event, please click here.
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For a PDF of the Virtual Parent Workshop flyers with clickable links, please click English or Spanish.
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SAVE THE DATE! Kindergarten registration will begin May 3. Click here for additional information and updates.
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Check out opportunities that are available in our area by clicking the Community Bulletin Board below! |
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