TomeCon 2022 was held at the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville Campus on Tuesday, March 15. The Tome Society serves students in grades 2-12 by providing a diverse menu of digital student competitions, an annual book award list of new, fun-to-read children's and young adult literature titles, student book club activities, curriculum materials for educators and the TomeCon annual conference for both students and educators.

The Douglas County School System was well represented at TomeCon this year with 11 schools attending and competing in the competitions. Our students dominated many of these state competitions and schools brought home multiple awards. We are so proud of these readers, their media specialists, and coaches who have worked hard all year reading and creating.

DCSS winners included:

Beulah Elementary - Lori Blevins, Sponsor

1st Place Fan Art - Sofia Corrales

2nd Place It List Book Review Vlog - Kenzie Broome and Lydia Noonan

3rd Place It List “Like, Try, Why” Social Media Post Competition - Bryce Benton

Bright Star Elementary - Katrina Barnett, Sponsor

Tome Service Award - Chidera Samson

Chapel Hill Elementary - Cameron Sheldon, Sponsor

3rd Place Library Video Commercial

Holly Springs Elementary - Kerry Harbin, Sponsor; Janet Valley & Jamie Boemer Co-Sponsors

Superior Chapter Award and Elementary Chapter of the Year Award

1st Place Infographic - Nathaniel Boyd & Christina Paul

1st Place Historical Fiction Infographic - Nathaniel Boyd

1st Place Team Award Service Project Newsletter - Tyler Green, Elin Berry, Christina Paul & Nathan Harbin

2nd Place Current Issues Portfolio & Essay - Christina Paul, Chi'Nia Ross, Tyler Green, & Nathaniel Boyd

3rd Place Book Trailer - Natalia Fiqia

3rd Place Fan Fiction - Nathaniel Boyd

Winston Elementary - Dani Johnstone, Sponsor; Michelle Hill, Coach;

Julia Buff, Coach

Superior Chapter Award

1st Place Blog - Brandon Awa

1st Place Current Issue - DJ Holsey & Brandon Awa

1st Place Poetry - Chace Williams

1st Place Fan Fiction - Bella Mathis

1st Place Book Talk - Jaiden Jones

1st Place Book Print Video - Avery Bradley

2nd Place Author Letter - Amari Cromey

3rd Place Historical Infographic - Chace Williams

3rd Place Promotional Flyer - Abby Hodges

Chestnut Log Middle- Lindsay Lucas, Sponsor

2nd Place Library Video Commercial - Chelsea Ann Charles

2nd Place Book Print Video - Alyssa Thomas

3rd Place It List Poem Contest - Jaci Warren

Mason Creek Middle - Jennifer Baker, Sponsor

1st place Character to Author Letter - Lexi Shearouse

Alexander High- Valli Robinson, Sponsor; Leigh Becigneul and Karen Thornton, Co-Sponsors

1st Place Reading Bowl Competition

1st Place Digital Reading Bowl Competition

Douglas County High - Heather Almond, Sponsor

1st Place Character to Author Letter - Alexandria Criner

1st Place Fan Fiction - Jayden Henry

1st Place Book Talk - Lindsey Robles

1st Place Book Review Blog - Isabel Yang1st

1st Place Infographic - Damilola Bankole and Lindsey Robles

2nd Place Reading Bowl - Brooke Blacknall, Gaby Ortega, Isabella Ortega, Sofia Wood

Tau Omicron Mu Epsilon Honor Society - Sofia Wood

Yeager Middle School students agree on one thing. Students say the best part of reading is taking new adventures and exploring a new world. This month Yeager’s eager readers traveled the globe through a Book Tasting.

Each student sat at a place setting with a book and blank menu during the Book Tasting. When the time came to open their books, the reading adventures began. Students eagerly filled out several things on their menu. They documented the title of their book and the appetizer, which included characters and a description of each character. It also featured a main course. They also included a main course and a summary of what they read. Dessert featured a student product review.

Yeager English Language Arts content specialist Brittany Whitfield created the event to encourage young readers. Ms. Whitfield explains she is always thrilled to share the importance of reading with students. “Yeager students are always enthusiastic about exploring new books and new authors,” Ms. Whitfield says.

“There is a strong connection between reading and academic success. Book Tastings encourage students to become even more motivated and engaged in reading,” Ms. Whitfield says. “Every Yeager staff member is a lifelong learner, and we are working together to prepare every Yeager Mustang for success!“

Yeager’s Book Tasting was part of D.E.A.R. day, or Drop Everything and Read Day. D.E.A.R Day celebrates reading and reminds students to make reading a lifelong priority.

With over 4,000 in attendance at the annual HOSA State Leadership Competition, Alexander was able to bring 11 students to compete and work the event this past week. From competing in medical math, job-seeking skills, healthcare display, and community awareness projects, students spent the prior months preparing themselves for this event! Prior to the event, students were required to first test in the event of their choosing, to make it in the top 10 of their region. Once they make it in the top 10 of the region (for AHS it is region 2, one of the largest regions in the state), students prepare for state competition, which places them against the other top competitors in the state.

Luke Nguyen placed 6th in the state for Medical Math, which opens the door for him to compete at the HOSA International Competition (competing against HOSA members from other states), and Jayden Holman, Karsen Spencer, and Kadence Nguyen placing in the top 10% of the state testers of the Healthcare Issues Exam.

On top of competing, there are multiple medical workshops to attend, student networking, HOSA activity night (which is a dance and karaoke), and not to mention the walk to ride SkyView Atlanta (the beautiful ferris wheel) and who doesn't love eating Waffle House at night? Congratulations to all!

Heather Deal of Stewart Middle School was named Douglas County School System’s Library Media Specialist of the Year (LMSOTY) for the 2021-2022 School Year.

The Georgia Library Media Association and Georgia Association of Instructional Technology co-sponsor the Georgia LMSOTY Award to recognize a K-12 library media specialist with dynamic, innovative programs, and whose instructional collaborations foster student engagement and achievement.

Deal has been in education for over 20 years, and she has been a media specialist for more than 10 of those years. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mercer University, she obtained her media certification from the University of West Georgia in 2014.

Before working as a media specialist, Deal spent time as a classroom teacher. Along with working in the classroom, she has also served as a leader in many different capacities and been a member of several committees and boards within her schools.

As a media specialist, Deal’s mission is to continue making the media center a hub of knowledge, information and growth for teachers, students and the community.

“As a library media specialist, my vision is to create a 21st century learning environment that seeks to provide an academic atmosphere that encourages lifelong learning,” said Deal. “The media center strives to be the learning hub of the school that promotes achievement for all stakeholders through equitable access to resources, teaching literacy skills, and deepening an appreciation for literature and reading.”

To do this, Deal is one of her school’s leaders in learning and sharing new technology with students and teachers while also working hard to help students become stronger independent learners by teaching research skills and instilling a love of reading.

Now that Deal has been named DCSS’ LMSOTY, she will now advance to compete at the regional level of the competition.

It is our mission to continuously improve and we appreciate your partnership in working toward our vision. Your input is vital in the planning and implementation of the parent and family engagement programs and activities at our schools.

This survey is confidential and will be used to assist us with future activities.

To access the survey scan the QR code with a smartphone or click here.

If you need a paper copy of this year’s survey, please contact your child’s school and one will be provided for you.

It is so important for our school system to hear from you as the major stakeholders in our students' education.

We appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to complete the survey.

Douglas County School System - Together, we shape the future.