STEM Fun at Arbor Station |
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Arbor Station Elementary School's STEM Teacher, Ms. Kristina Glenn, introduced her 1st grade students to Robo Dash and Dot Robots. Students developed coding literacy through coding task cards, which allowed Ms. Glenn to differentiate for all learners.
Because of the personality, interactivity and creativity of the Robo Dot Robots, students feel an instant connection. Ms. Glenn knows the importance of establishing a foundation for 21st Century learning.
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October 2 was National Custodian Day. Many schools recognized the hard work of the people who make sure we have schools and workplaces that are spotless and sanitary. We especially appreciate our custodians during this time of COVID-19, when extra sanitizing and deep cleaning has become the norm.
Students at Chapel Hill Elementary collaborated to create an appreciation video for their custodians. Mrs. Small, guidance counselor at the school, helped facilitate the project. ENJOY this sweet video!
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Newcomer Center:
Changing Lives One English Word At a Time
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When a teacher interrupts instruction and asks the principal to come to the classroom, it usually indicates a problem. Turner Middle School (TMS) Principal Darron Franklin was recently asked to come to a classroom, but it was for a time of celebration!
Angie Arita and Sthefany Lopez entered the Newcomer Center last year and knew very little English. Now, the 8th graders are fully engaged and communicate well both verbally and in writing. TMS Principal Franklin says Angie and Sthefany are brilliant examples of the effectiveness of the Newcomer Center. Angie’s and Sthefany’s desire and determination, in conjunction with caring and competent instructors, have put them on a path to success.
“I really love the Newcomer Center,” says Angie. “I love the encouragement of the teachers. They are very understanding and patient. They help us all to do our best.”
The Newcomer Center was founded six years ago by Marla Pfountz and Dawn Roberts, both ESOL teachers (English to Speakers of Other Languages), who would travel to different schools each day to teach students. They knew there had to be a more productive way for them to reach and teach the English language to students new to the country. After researching ESOL programs in other districts, they set up the Newcomer Center at the College and Career Institute (CCI). Having students in one central place every day meant more time for intensive language services, explained Ms. Pfountz. Last year the Newcomer Center moved to the Success Center.
Following Ms. Roberts’ retirement four years ago, Araceli Hurley joined Ms. Pfountz at the Newcomer Center. These ladies spend time getting to know and nurturing their students. They build relationships with families and guardians. They teach with content material so that while students are learning the language, they are also learning math and geographical concepts, sight words, etc. Teaching methods include one-on-one instruction, hands-on projects, cooperative learning and partner work. “Our goal is to give these students an appetite to learn the English language so they can readily access their classes and graduate high school,” says Ms. Pfountz. “Getting a high school diploma will open a lot of doors and make a difference in their lives.”
“Many of our students have moved to the United States without any of their immediate family, which often presents a challenge within itself,” adds Ms. Hurley. “The advantage of being bilingual has allowed me to connect with the students on a personal level. The Newcomer Center is more than a program for language development. It is a place where we can nurture, mentor, teach, close academic gaps and assist the students as they immerse themselves into the American culture.”
Commenting on the great success of Angie and Sthefany at TMS, Ms. Pfountz said, “Both girls were eager to learn and participated fully!” She went on to say Angie and Sthefany went above and beyond in the classroom and asked for extra work. “I communicated with Angie all summer,” said Ms. Pfountz. “She kept asking for extra work!”
Pictured are Angie Arita and Sthefany Lopez, 8th graders at Turner Middle School. They are great examples of the success of the Newcomer Center. A year ago, Angie and Sthefany knew very little English. Today, they communicate well both verbally and in writing!
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Rotary Donates Technology Fees for 400 Students |
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While members of the Rotary Club of Douglas County were grateful that the school system had acquired enough Chromebooks and laptops to provide to every student for online learning in August, they recognized that some families might have trouble coming up with the $25 technology fee that was required. To assist families in need and to support the education of students in Douglas County, the Rotary Club presented a check for $10,000 to the Board of Education on November 2. The donation will cover the technology fees for 400 DCSS students. The fee covers minor repairs, replacement of batteries and other costs associated with electronic devices.
The One-to-One Technology initiative, which provides a learning device for all students, was underway prior to the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, the school system accelerated the timeline for the initiative.
The Douglas County School System is also grateful to the nonprofit Beyond the Front Porch and other generous individuals who donated technology fees for students over the last few months.
Making the presentation at the Board of Education meeting were Rotary members (front row, left to right): John Baker; Gil Shearouse; Joe Williams; Tekmekia Gilchrist; and James Harper. Pictured in the back row: Superintendent North; Board Chair Tracy Rookard; Board Member Devetrion Caldwell; Vice Chair Michelle Simmons; and Board Members Rita Fasina-Thomas and D.T. Jackson.
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Please Complete the Parent Survey |
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Have the academic and social needs of your children been met during this time of COVID-19? We want to know.
On November 3, the Douglas County School System sent a survey link via email and text to all parents and guardians. We know that our students are experiencing a very different school year, and we hope to better understand student engagement despite the challenges created by digital and hybrid learning.
If you are a parent or guardian and you have not yet completed the survey, now is your chance! Please go to the link below. Thank you.
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Partners in Education: Serving Our Schools |
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Partners in Education (PIE) is the organization that serves as a link between the business community and our schools. There are a number of opportunities to help our students.
Would you like to provide assistance to a school? Take a look at some of the opportunities and success stories outlined in the PIE newsletter below. For a link to the PIE website, please click here.
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Meet Our SRO: Adrian Rucker |
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Adrian Rucker began her career in law enforcement 13 years ago with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office where she attained the rank of sergeant. She then worked as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for Clayton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools. She now serves as an SRO at Mason Creek Elementary and Mason Creek Middle School.
"I am excited to now work in the school district where my family resides and where my children receive a great education," said Officer Rucker.
For Officer Rucker, working for the school system fulfills her desire to work with children and set a great example of being a "good cop" every day. "The best part of the work is getting to protect, interact, engage, care for, educate, counsel, mentor, dance and be silly with kids for a living," said Rucker. "With this work, walls are broken down and windows of opportunity to build rapport and relationships with students and their families are abundant."
Officer Rucker was born and raised in Glennville, GA. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Savannah State University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She is married with three children and a German shepherd. Officer Rucker said she looks forward to one day seeing what the students and staff at her schools look like without masks!
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Parent Help for
Digital Learning
The Office of Educational Technology with the US Department of Education has put out a very helpful "Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide." The guide provides valuable information for parents and guardians as they monitor the progress of children who are accessing and using technology for learning.
Click the link to access the guide:
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New Dates for Magnet Information Sessions |
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ATTENTION 8th GRADERS AND PARENTS:
Some schools have changed or added dates for their magnet information sessions. Please click the link below for the most updated timeline with revised dates:
This year, 8th grade students may apply for any of the magnet programs at the five traditional high schools through one link:
Podcasts about each program are available on the dcssga.org website. Look for the magnet news article on the home page. The deadline to apply is December 14.
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Carter Davis is a joy to have as a student at North Douglas Elementary School. He is an excellent helper, a great reader, and he is very kind to everyone he meets! His first grade teacher, Mr. Douglas Adams, loves having Carter in class! Carter is a great example of what it means to be Stingray Strong: “In the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.” Congratulations, Carter! |
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Register for Free Christmas Gifts! |
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Children enrolled in school in Douglas County and their younger siblings may once again receive a free Christmas gift through the generosity of the folks at Operation Christmas Douglas County.
To qualify, children must reside in Douglas County, be age 16 or younger, and receive free or reduced price lunch. This is a community effort and is not sponsored by the school system.
To register for this opportunity, please go to one of the links below. The deadline to register is November 6.
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November 18: Progress Reports for Elementary and Middle
November 23-24: Holidays (Except 240 Employees)
November 25-27: Holidays for All
December 7: BOE Work Session and Meeting
December 16-17: Half Days for High School
December 18: Semester Ends
December 21: Holidays (Except 240 Employees)
December 22-31: Holidays for All
January 1: Holiday for All
January 4-5: Teacher Work Days
January 6: Students Return
January 6: Report Cards, All Levels
January 11: BOE Work Session (tentative)
January 12: Science Fair Judging for 6th - 12th
January 14: Science Fair Awards for 6th - 12th
January 15: District Spelling Bee (Virtual)
January 18: Holiday for All
January 19: BOE Board Meeting (Tentative)
February 1: BOE Work Session (Tentative)
February 8: BOE Meeting (Tentative)
February 10: Progress Reports for Elementary and Middle
February 15-19: Holidays (Except 240)
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Check out opportunities that are available in our area by clicking the Community Bulletin Board below! |
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