Good luck to DSES parent Shadale on "The Voice!"

October 15, 2021

From the Superintendent

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As I visit schools throughout the county, I am impressed with the learning and engagement that are taking place in our classrooms. In addition to academics, our students are enjoying being with their friends and teachers. Involvement in sports and clubs is so important to the well-being of our children, and I’m happy to see a return to all of these important activities. Field trips have resumed, providing an opportunity for learning and fun beyond the classroom.

In addition, our students who chose to learn online this year are making strides in their coursework with the leadership of the dedicated teachers at FLEX.

In all cases, the success we are having this year would not be possible without the support of our parents and community.

You may have noticed a new tagline we are using in our communication and promotional materials: Together, we shape the future.

This statement has never been more true than it is right now. It takes everyone to make our students and schools successful -- our teachers, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, office staff, central office personnel, our business and community partners and especially our parents.

We have the most important job in the world -- preparing our students for their next steps when they leave us, whether it’s off to a prestigious university or to a full-time career. I want to live in a community, state and nation where we provide abundant resources for our young people and ensure that they feel valued and loved. They are our future.

As we head into the second half of the semester, I am filled with optimism. The COVID case numbers are dropping in our community and our schools. Our students are thriving.

As always, I appreciate the support of our parents. Together, we shape the future.

Best regards,

Trent North, Superintendent

Getting their garden growing

Members of the brand new garden club at South Douglas Elementary are anxious to get their garden growing!

At the first meeting on October 1, a representative from the Farm Bureau taught students about composting -- what it is and why it's important. Students participated in a composting activity, learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin and made a bracelet.

The goal of the garden club is to teach students about gardening, composting, pollinators and ecosystems. They will improve and enlarge the existing garden area, which will serve as an outdoor classroom that students can visit during the school day to enhance lessons in science, math, writing and reading. Before the first meeting, teachers weeded the area and gave the butterfly bushes a cleanup. Plants and mulch were also added around the gazebo.

Upcoming meetings of the 100-member club will feature speakers and farm animals. Each grade level will work on a project in the garden, from planting vegetable seeds to fruit trees and flowers. The grade levels will maintain their area and make sure plants are watered and growing.

The garden club used two grants to purchase a greenhouse and supplies to get started. Club sponsors Elizabeth Shadix and Kati Kent are looking for a beekeeper to talk to the students about the importance of bees in our environment. If you know of a beekeeper who would be willing to help, reach out to Ms. Shadix at elizabeth.shadix@dcssga.org!

Good luck to Shadale!

DSES parent competes on "The Voice"

Students and staff at Dorsett Shoals Elementary have a celebrity parent to cheer for every Monday and Tuesday! Shadale represents Douglasville on "The Voice" as part of "Team Legend."

Shadale Johnson is the parent of kindergarten student Milan, who was shown on the first episode with her mom.

"Ms. Johnson and her family are very involved here at Dorsett Shoals, and we are so excited to support her in her journey on 'The Voice,'" said DSES Principal Kelly Brown.

Shadale, in the hat, is pictured in front of the DSES sign with (from left) Principal Brown, Kindergarten Teacher Jill Farnan and Assistant Principal Heather George.

Daughter Milan is pictured giving two thumbs up for the video of her mom playing in the background!

WES celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month at Winston celebrates the unique diversity we have here within our building. Our Wildcats represent many countries with Hispanic roots, and spending time valuing those cultures leads to a greater appreciation for our school and community as a whole.

- WES Principal Chelsie Goodman

Schools across the county celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15.

At Winston Elementary, students participated in a variety of academic and social/emotional activities.

Among the activities were a trivia contest each morning with a chance to win prizes! In their classes, students delved deep into learning about notable Hispanic figures in literature and the arts. They wrote opinion pieces with specific details on which articles and books they found most insightful and entertaining based on the life of Frida Kahlo.

Home rooms and grade levels also worked together to decorate their doors for a fun contest that spread awareness and acknowledgement of Hispanic culture.

Pictured are WES Assistant Principal Davita Williams and School Counselor Sharleta Smith.

Serving others during Fall Break

One of Bright Star Elementary's Junior Beta Club students, Beckett Dewitt, spent part of his fall break making kindness bags for the homeless.

"We are so proud of Beckett for using his time away from school to help others," said BSES Junior Beta Club sponsor Katrina Barnett.

The mission of the Beta Club is to to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.

Learn what makes each of our high school magnet programs special!

Eighth graders and their parents have a great opportunity to learn about the magnet programs at each high school by listening to the podcasts below. The principals along with the magnet program coordinator or a magnet teacher at each school give details and expectations about their programs and explain what sets them apart. The programs are also available on other platforms typically used for podcasts.

Parents and students may also determine their best fit by attending the upcoming information sessions in October and November at each school. You will find the dates and times at the link below.

Magnet Timeline and Application Links

The deadline to apply is Monday, December 13, 2021. You may apply to more than one magnet program, so feel free to attend as many information sessions as you wish.

Alexander High Podcast on AP Capstone Magnet Program

Chapel Hill High School Podcast on Advanced Placement Program

Douglas County High School IB Program Podcast

Lithia Springs High School STEM Magnet Program Podcast

New Manchester High School Podcast on FAME Program

Learning about fire safety at MCES

During Fire Safety and Prevention Week, students at Mt. Carmel Elementary learned about basic fire safety.

On National Hero Day, the kindergarten students received a special treat from Engine 5. They were given a personalized lesson about the Sounds of Fire Safety and what they can do at home to help keep their families safe.

Linda Cano is a fifth-grade student who has attended Eastside Elementary since kindergarten. Principal Timothy B. Jenkins, Sr., says Linda always enjoys learning new things. Her favorite subjects are reading, math, science, and social studies. During her free time, Linda likes playing with her friends. Linda’s teachers say she is a good student who often leads by example. She is known for being an excellent role model for the younger students and her grade-level peers. Linda says although she loves Eastside, she looks forward to what the future may bring as she continues her educational career!

Families can 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.