2022 Graduation Rate Exceeds State Average

October 28, 2022

DCSS Graduation Rate for Class of 2022 Exceeds State Average

The Douglas County School System Class of 2022 four-year high school graduation rate of 88.7% once again surpassed the graduation rate for Georgia. According to data released by the Georgia Department of Education, the graduation rate for the state was 84.1%. Douglas County’s rate for 2022 climbed above the district’s 2021 rate of 87.74%.

For more information and scores for each school, please click here.

DCSS STEM Certification for Educators

Thirty-six Douglas County School System (DCSS) educators are first to complete the Douglas County School System’s District STEM Certification. Started in August of 2022, this competency based certification comprises eight state, national and international STEM modules, each focusing on a distinct aspect of STEM education. Thirty three of the educators are from Lithia Springs High School and the remaining three are from South Douglas Elementary School. All thirty six educators dedicated time and effort to complete all modules successfully in order to enhance their day-to-day instruction.

The certification program was created and developed by Dr. Marissa Prather, Director of STEM and Fine Arts. Educators are provided resources to explore each aspect, including articles, videos and interactive websites. As they work through each module, they are required to submit evidence of their learning and compose a reflection of how each STEM component fits into their classroom. All Douglas County educators are eligible to participate. The certification is , self paced and teachers can start at any time. Interested DCSS educators may reach out to Dr. Marissa Prather, for more information.

"STEM related studies do more than widen career prospects. The disciplines of STEM and their relationship to innovation contribute to the advancement of many different job sectors" said Dr. Prather. "This, in turn, can strengthen an entire economy. STEM insights can lead to life-changing – even life-saving – ideas. STEM is not an acronym. STEM is a way of looking at the interconnectedness of the world and realizing that all academic skills come together into a beautiful harmony of understanding designed to help me become a better problem solver."

Magnet Programs at all 5 DCSS High Schools and CCI

Parents of 8th grade students are invited to apply and attend information sessions about the magnet programs available at all five traditional high schools in Douglas County and the Academy at the College and Career CCI.

Eighth grade students may apply to attend the magnet program at any high school. The deadline to apply for magnet programs is December 12. The deadline to register for the lottery for the Academy at CCI is January 27.

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

For dates of information sessions, a list of contacts, and the timeline, click here. For information on each magnet program, click here.

Another Successful DCEF Fun Run

One of the community’s favorite fun runs, the Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF) Fun Run, was a great success at New Manchester High School the morning of October 15.

A special appearance by Falcon Freddie and Lil Fred, mascots for the Atlanta Falcons, cheered and motivated the crowd. Beginner and experienced runners from pre-kindergarten through middle school participated. The three schools with the most runners each took home a trophy for permanent display and bragging rights.

DCEF is the organization that raises money for the Douglas County School System. This is the eleventh year the foundation has sponsored the fall Fun Run.

The Fun Run raises money for school system teachers and students while at the same time promoting fun and fitness. Earnings from this event are returned to the school system through Classroom Impact Grants. Foundation sponsored Classroom Impact Grants are reaching almost 10,000 students across all grade levels this school year.

Congratulations to the winning schools with the highest number of student runners:

1st Place - Arbor Station Elementary School - 67 runners

2nd Place - Holly Springs Elementary School - 40 runners

3rd Place - Mt. Carmel Elementary School - 30 runners

The Douglas County Education Foundation greatly appreciates all participants and looks forward to another successful event next year.

Work-Based Learning Mock Interviews

The Douglas County School System Work-Based Learning (WBL) program hosted Mock Interviews for students at West Georgia Technical College. WBL students from all high schools in the county were interviewed by community members and business partners who provided feedback on the interview process and on student resumes.

The WBL program is designed to provide experiences and activities that support a school to career transition. The Mock Interview experience allows businesses, schools, and community organizations to work together to provide our students with practical work related experiences by providing them with skills needed in today's workplace. Throughout the day, over 251 students were interviewed by 47 community partners.

DCSS is Grateful for all of our Hardworking Principals

Samuel Lele is a 5th grader at Bright Star Elementary. Principal Heather Fields says Samuel is always smiling and has a kind spirit. Samuel is an excellent role model to his peers and is an active member of his church. Samuel’s teachers say he is also very creative. He recently created a rap about vertebrates and invertebrates. Bright Star Elementary School is so proud of Samuel. Congratulations, Samuel!

Have you heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project?

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick or treaters.

For the first year, Main Street Douglasville has partnered with the Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau to set up a Teal Pumpkin table inside the Welcome Center downtown from October 24 - November 1, located at 12385 Veterans Memorial Highway Douglasville, GA 30134.

We are raising food allergy awareness and offering the option of FREE non-food trinkets and toys in a separate bowl to make Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick-or-treaters.

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.