NMHS marches in Magic City Classic Parade

November 5, 2021

NMHS band travels to Birmingham for the Magic City Classic Parade

Alabama A&M Alum and Board Chair Tracy Rookard sets the stage with encouraging words

The Mighty Marching Jaguars from New Manchester High School had the experience of a lifetime marching in the Magic City Classic Parade on October 30. The annual parade was a kickoff to the huge rivalry game between the Alabama State University Hornets and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, two premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in both football and band.

The 85-member band made the trip to Birmingham after going through an extensive application process and receiving an invitation to the prestigious event.

Douglas County Board of Education Chair Tracy Rookard was at the school for band practice on October 28 to share encouraging words with the band members. As a member of the Alabama A&M Marching Maroon and White for four years, Ms. Rookard knows the value of being a band member and credits the program with having a large role in shaping her into the person she is today.

“Being in a musical program is a rewarding experience,” said Rookard. “It reinforces mathematics, language arts, communication and discipline. Many musicians find themselves excelling academically because of the blended rigor and creativity they are required to employ on a daily basis.”

Ms. Rookard, a 1991 graduate of her beloved Alabama A&M, played both the flute and piccolo.

In addition to the excitement, camaraderie, and creative benefits that participation in a college band offers, the experience also paid off for Ms. Rookard in other ways. “Although I did not major or minor in music, my band scholarship paid for 80% of my university fees.”

NMHS Band Director Marcus Chester said that participating in the parade was a great reward for his students who stayed with the band through the challenges of the pandemic last year. “Our goal was to make this year better, by any means necessary,” he said. “It is a testament to the tenacity and resilience of the NMHS band students to want to be better and continue to move forward.”

Ms. Rookard is pictured in the top photo at the NMHS band's October 28 practice.

ASES promotes family engagement with Family Paint Night

"Family Paint Night is a magical event where students and their families have the opportunity to explore their creativity and relax," according to Katie Callan, art teacher at Arbor Station Elementary.

Callan coordinates Family Paint Night three times a year. A few years ago, ASES received a grant from the Douglas County Education Foundation to purchase the easels.

In past years, more than 70 families have participated in the much-anticipated event. This year, because of COVID, attendance was limited to 50 families.

Dr. Felton praised the efforts of Ms. Callan. "Her creativity and love of art is one of the reasons why she is Arbor Station's Teacher of the Year."

This year, kindergarten parent Deshan Carter created a video of the event. Enjoy!

Stewart Middle wins football championship

Congratulations to Stewart Middle School, the new Douglas County Middle School Football Champions! Stewart defeated Chapel Hill Middle School on November 2 to take the title. Congratulations also to Chapel Hill Middle School for being undefeated until the championship game.

Starting the day off right at SWES!

Tyese Marshall-Boyd's 4th graders at Sweetwater Elementary are particularly calm and relaxed on Tuesdays. That's because they meet in the gym every Tuesday morning to start the day with stretching, breathing and other yoga techniques that promote physical fitness, relaxation and focus.

School Psychologist Dedria Johnson and Counselor Cedric Slay, along with Mrs. Marshall-Boyd, lead the 35-minute class.

"Yoga and Mindfulness practices can help increase our ability to regulate emotions, stay calm, decrease stress and anxiety and focus our attention," said Mr. Slay. "We wanted to share that experience with our students."

Pictured are Ms. Johnson and Mr. Slay with Alejandro, Jeremiah and Londyn, three students who enjoy the Tuesday morning routine!

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NMES recognized by Board of Commissioners

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners proclaimed October 19 of every year as "New Manchester Elementary Bee Kind Day."

The special day was inspired by the Douglas County Optimist Club as a way to recognize and reward acts of kindness by children. It was first implemented in 2020 and continues as part of the school-wide behavior management system.

When a student observes another student being kind, he or she gives the student a "Bee Kind" ticket. Once a month, a ticket is drawn and the two students are both rewarded with a $25 gift card, sponsored by the Optimist Club.

Naomi Wood is an accomplished 7th grader at Mason Creek Middle School (MCMS). Naomi has accepted the challenge of becoming involved in the school and community. Naomi is a member of the Douglas County High School color guard, the MCMS pep band, BETA club, math team, running club, the Douglas County Stingrays swim team, and participates in community volunteering whenever possible. Naomi was a virtual student her entire 6th grade year and did not miss a beat while she underwent several medical procedures. Naomi scored at the top of her grade level on the state assessments in both Math and Language Arts. She also won first place in the Douglas County School System in the individual math competition in the spring of 2021. Naomi is a pleasure to teach and has earned the status of MCMS Student of the Month. MCMS is so proud of Naomi!

GHSA announces classifications for 2022-23

Tonight marks the final regular season football games for 2021.

The competition for high school sports will look a little different for 2022-2023. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) announced the new classification for teams in Georgia earlier this week.

Lithia Springs High School will compete at the 5A level. Alexander, Chapel Hill, Douglas County and New Manchester will compete against each other at the 6A level. Classifications are based on student enrollment and other factors, and schools are reviewed and reclassified every two years. Regions will be determined in January 2022.

Families may now register children for the seventh annual Operation Christmas Douglas County, which is scheduled to take place December 11, 2021.

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 16 or younger, and receive free or reduced price lunch. This community effort is not sponsored by the school system.

To register for this opportunity, click here. For a Spanish version of the registration form, click the "Español" button at the top right of the form.