Drive-Through Vaccination Event a Success
No Classes on Friday, April 16
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Approximately 1,300 employees received their first vaccine in a drive-through vaccination event on April 12 and 13. We are on our way to making our schools safer for students and staff!
Employees will receive their second dose of the vaccine on Friday, April 16. Because some employees may experience temporary side effects after the second vaccine and potentially need Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to recover, we will not hold online classes that Friday. Students may work independently on assignments. April 16 will be a teacher workday for employees.
We appreciate the support of our parents as we work to make our community a safer place.
Pictured are Superintendent North and Cobb & Douglas Public Health Director Dr. Janet Memark at the drive-through vaccination event for DCSS employees.
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Many members of the Douglas County School System and Cobb & Douglas Public Health worked together to make the drive-through vaccination event a success on March 12 and 13.
Pictured above are members of the Student Services Department.
Also pictured is DCSS Nurse Kay Thompson as she prepares an employee for the vaccination.
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Ambitious Students Earn College Associate Degree Along with High School Diploma |
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Jerney Jackson and Nikera Williams are both seniors at New Manchester High School. When the friends walk across the stage in May and receive their high school diploma, they will need two frames: one for the high school diploma, and one for the college diploma. The girls have taken advantage of dual enrollment, a state-funded program that allows students to attend high school and an eligible postsecondary institution in Georgia. Participants earn credit toward both high school graduation and postsecondary degree, diploma or certificate requirements. Jerney and Nikera began taking college classes the summer after their sophomore year. |
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Jerney Jackson
Jerney Jackson’s initial dual enrollment goal was to take a few college courses to make it easier to transition into four-year college when the time came. With plans to become a doctor, she decided during her junior year in high school to focus on earning an associate of science degree from Georgia Highlands College (GHC) to reduce the number of years before medical school and to take advantage of state-paid courses while she had the chance. When she receives her two diplomas, she will have 22 college courses on her transcript, including several from West Georgia Technical College.
At NMHS, Jerney is on the FAME (Fine Arts Magnet Education) Pathway, plays on the varsity volleyball team and is a competitive cheerleader. “I’ve had to truly manage my time and study often to maintain my grades and keep up with the rigor of the college courses.” She says her biggest challenges have been time management and scheduling her dual enrollment classes with her FAME classes.
Despite the challenges, Jerney is a big proponent of dual enrollment. “Dual enrollment allows students to have a sneak peek at college as well as take advantage of courses at no cost. I must say the level of responsibility has allowed me to grow and become more organized.”
Jerney’s journey will continue this fall at University of Georgia or Georgia State University where she is exploring the Honors College. “I plan to major in biology or the pre-med track. I aspire to become a bariatric surgeon and someday own my own medical practice.”
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Nikera Williams
“It has always been a goal of mine to graduate with my associate degree by the time I graduate from high school,” says Nikera Williams. She began taking classes at West Georgia Technical College and later transferred to Georgia Highlands College where she is completing the general studies curriculum. Her completed college classes include astronomy, environmental science, English, psychology, sociology, history and economics.
Like Jerney, Nikera is very busy with high school and college classes, extracurricular activities and part-time work. She says she has learned a lot about time management. “I had to juggle my regular high school classes, clubs, and my job, all while trying to stay on track and succeed in my college courses.”
She gives a lot of credit for her success to her parents, especially her mom, who she says gave her the motivation to start taking college classes. She also has good friends who have been with her throughout high school. “Having an amazing group of friends in addition to my parents has played a major role in my success in taking these college courses,” says Nikera. “They motivated me every day, and I am so grateful for them.”
The next step for Nikera is majoring in biology at Georgia State University followed by medical school. “I plan to become an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) and own my own private practice.”
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Students Bring History to Life Through
Lincoln Oratory Project
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Using the words of President Abraham Lincoln, South Douglas Elementary School students in Thomas Bruno’s 4th grade reading class are learning the historical context of a speech, the power of oratory and the fundamentals of performance and public speaking. By dressing up to mimic President Lincoln’s iconic look – stovepipe hat, beard, and black tie and overcoat – the students are having fun, too!
Mr. Bruno teaches reading, but says, “I try to incorporate other subjects like social studies and science when I assign reading material to my students.” After reading books about the about the Civil War and the life of President Lincoln, Mr. Bruno’s 5th period reading class was ready to participate in the Lincoln Oratory Project, an educational program offered by Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.
With the help of grants from Ford’s Theatre, National Park Trust, and the Douglas County Education Foundation, students enjoyed five virtual visits from Heidi Fortune, a professional actress with the Theatre. Ms. Fortune helped the students learn oratory and performance skills. They expanded their vocabulary, developed public speaking skills and built confidence as they brought historical speeches to life.
The students chose President Lincoln’s second inaugural address to study in-depth and present. All 20 students in the class were assigned lines from the speech that they had to memorize. Their presentation was videoed and will be a part of the Ford’s Theatre Online Oratory Festival later this spring. The Oratory Festival will include videos from students nationwide presenting various speeches from President Lincoln and other famous Americans.
“When we first started this project, I didn’t understand what most of the words meant,” said student Claire Vaughn. “Then, my teachers helped us understand what the speech really meant for the country.”
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Student Julianna Desantiago said, “At first, I was a little nervous to say my lines in front of others, but by the end, I felt way more confident!"
“It’s great to see students improve their speaking skills and gain confidence to speak in front of others, all while learning about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War,” said Mr. Bruno. Speaking specifically about this year’s students, Mr. Bruno said, “The class worked together as a team to create a unique, worthwhile presentation. I’m very proud of them!”
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Mathews Named Library Media Specialist of the Year |
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Congratulations to Jennifer Mathews, Library Media Specialist of the Year for the Douglas County School System!
Ms. Mathews' goal for the media center at Factory Shoals Middle School is to provide a place that encourages inquiry, creativity, discovery, collaboration and community, along with literacy. "Our vision is for our media center to become the hub of our school, which allows everyone in the school to come and feel welcome, enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and meet their education needs, be it our students, teachers, administrators or parents."
Ms. Mathews has implemented programs and activities to encourage a love of reading, including organizing the media center by genre to make it easier for students to find books that appeal to them. She also started a Lunch Bunch Book Club for each grade level and pulled in the faculty to show students that they also read for fun. Ms. Mathews gave faculty members a sign to post outside their classroom showing what they are currently reading for pleasure with an invitation for students to ask them about their selection.
The Library Media Specialist of the Year award recognizes K-12 library media specialists with dynamic, innovative programs and whose instructional collaborations foster student engagement and achievement. Ms. Mathews will advance to the region competition. The state winner will be announced in June.
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Students and staff at Dorsett Shoals Elementary donated teddy bears for children in Texas. The teddy bear collection was spearheaded by the Douglas County Fire Department. The stuffed animals are being distributed to little ones in Texas who were impacted by the snow storm and power outage a few weeks ago.
Fire Department Chief Roderick Jolivette and other firefighters picked up the generous donations from Dorsett Shoals on March 5.
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The Family Health Center at Burnett Elementary:
Providing Sports Physicals and Other Services
For an appointment, call 770-651-2273.
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Does your child need a physical for sports? The Family Health Center at Burnett Elementary can do that and more.
The Family Health Center serves all students enrolled in the Douglas County School System, as well as their siblings up to age 18 and their pre-school age siblings beginning at age three. The center accepts insurance or charges parents for services based on a sliding scale.
Services provided at the clinic include primary care, immunizations, laboratory services, physicals, chronic disease management, health education, nutrition counseling, and behavioral health.
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Time to Apply for Foundation Scholarships
46 Scholarships Worth Over $57,000 Available to DCSS Seniors
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The Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF) online scholarship application is now open! Any DCSS graduating senior may apply for one or more of the 46 available scholarships.
The online portal will remain open through March 26.
DCEF supports the students and teachers of the Douglas County School System through Classroom Impact Grants, honorariums for Teachers of the Year and scholarships for graduating seniors.
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Kada Bush is helpful, motivated, organized and a joy to be with. She helps friends and family whenever they need it and always has a kind or encouraging word for her classmates. In addition to her warm spirit, Kada is a remarkable student who works hard and values learning. She is a self-starter who needs no prompting. She demonstrates self-efficacy and understands what she has to do to meet her goals. She takes every opportunity to lead and showcase her talents. Kada truly sets the bar for excellence! |
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March 25: Freshman Expo at All High Schools (Times Vary)
April 2: Holiday (Except 240 Employees)
April 5-9: Holidays for All
April 14: Elementary Science Fair Judging (New Date)
April 16: Elementary Science Fair Virtual Awards (New Date)
April 16: NO CLASS for students (Work Day for Teachers)
April 17: Foundation Fun Run at NMHS
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 13: 6th Grade Orientation (Changed from May 6)
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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On March 25, current 8th grade students have the opportunity to attend the Freshman Expo at the high school they will attend. Students will learn about extracurricular activities, classes and pathways available at their school.
Times for the event vary by school, so students and parents should check their high school's website for time and details.
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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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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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