From Wood to Warmth

How MAES' Buddy Bench is Changing the Dynamics of Recess

During recess for elementary school students, it’s not uncommon to notice students playing or walking alone on the playground, hoping to find new friends to enjoy an activity with. At Mason Creek Elementary School, students and teachers are being proactive about helping these students make new friends by placing Buddy Benches around the school’s playground area.

The idea for these benches originated last spring, as a Facebook post sparked a desire in a few teachers’ hearts to create three wooden benches for MAES’ playground areas. The hope for these Buddy Benches was for students to sit on them to let others know that they are lonely and are in search of friends to play with. 

To create the benches, the teachers reached out to the community, and Alexander High School senior Ethan Shaw was there to answer. Shaw, an Eagle Scout, undertook the project as part of his Eagle Scout project. For the project, he built the three benches in record time to give the school a space to help all students feel included at recess. 

“We’ve seen lots of great results with the Buddy Bench,” said a 5th grade teacher at the school. “One day at recess, a student said that they had no one to play with, and we advised them to sit on the bench. Before long, another student came along to sit with them. We love it so much!”

Since installing the benches, MAES’ teachers have taken the time to explain the purpose of the benches to their students, and they say that they have already seen them being put to use during the first few months of the school year. 

“I have noticed that some of my shy students really enjoy going over to the bench and just sitting, and other students are coming over with them to sit and talk,” said a MAES first grade teacher. “Then they get up and start playing with their new friend. I like the new friendships that are being made.”

CHES Goes Pink for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer awareness is a cause that touches the hearts of many Douglas County students and staff. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chapel Hill Elementary School came together to beautifully demonstrate the power of unity. 

In a heartwarming event, 650 Chapel Hill Elementary School staff and students donned pink attire and gathered to form a "Circle of Hope" on their school's track. The scene was nothing short of inspiring as nearly 35 classes came together to support a cause affecting millions of people worldwide.

The event opened with Principal K'Asha Davis stating, "We wear PINK to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer." She went on to say that it was not only about wearing pink, but also about forming a symbolic circle of hope. This circle represents the unwavering support and collective efforts of individuals worldwide fighting breast cancer. One highlight of this special day included acknowledging one of their own survivors, 5th grade teacher Cynthia Mckinney.

As a lasting reminder, Principal Davis requested the support of Sean Kendrick of My Daddy Taught Me Better to capture the moment for eternity. A drone soared above, capturing an aerial photograph of​ the staff and students on the track, forming a massive, living pink ribbon - a symbol of the strength found in collective action. The event raised awareness of breast cancer and taught students about empathy. It also demonstrated the importance of giving back to the community and working together for a common cause.

CLMS Salutes Student Excellence

Chestnut Log Middle School is Bear-y proud of its young scholars and it shows! The school recently celebrated their students for all of their commendable efforts with a day full of concessions and fun. 

The Kona Ice truck delivered sweet treats and students rotated classrooms enjoying board games and movies. Principal of CLMS, Angela Holley, was pleased with the excitement surrounding the event. “On our Bear-y Good Day, I was filled with pride as I watched our students have fun and enjoy some social time,” she said.    

The highlight of the day was the Student-Faculty Basketball Game where students and staff enjoyed some friendly competition and a wonderful performance by the Chestnut Log Dance Team. 

Holley expressed gratitude for everyone coming together to ensure a successful and enjoyable day. “Our teachers and staff bought into this idea and did an amazing job with our students.The spirited basketball match between students and teachers put a smile on everyone's face,” she said. “This special day of fun demonstrated that when educators and students unite with passion and purpose, the excellence we can reach together is endless,” she added. 

Work-Based Learning Students Build Skills and Confidence Through Mock Interviews

Nearly 30 community business partners served as volunteer interviewers for the district’s Mock Interview Day on October 19.  About 240 students at all five DCSS high schools participated in the skill development opportunity which provided real-world experience in resume writing, networking, career exploration, community engagement, and an in-person job interview.  The business professionals offer constructive feedback to help students improve their interview skills. 

According to DCSS Executive Director of Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education Tekmekia Gilchrist, “Practicing interview skills in a controlled setting can boost students’ confidence when they face real job interviews in the future. Overall, mock interviews with business partners from the community are a valuable part of our Work Based Learning (WBL) career readiness and professional development program.  These students are prepared for their future endeavors in the workforce.”

The event was hosted by the WBL Coordinators at each of the five high schools: Julie Jeffcoat at Alexander High School; Summer Rogers at Chapel Hill High School; Tawyna Bailey at Douglas County High School; Kimberly Isles at Lithia Springs High School; and Whitney Lester at New Manchester High School.

Classroom Corner

DCSS Celebrates 50 Days of Learning in Style

Two local elementary schools recently celebrated the 50th day of school in style! Arbor Station and Dorsett Shoals Elementary teachers and students went back in time as they honored the exciting decade in fabulous fifties fashion.        

Teachers see the 50th day celebration as a creative way to educate and engage students about life in the 50’s. The young scholars are given the opportunity to explore the era’s culture, fashion, and music with interactive learning that will leave a lasting impression and deeper understanding of the time period.      

While fostering a love for education and history, students also shared excitement about all of their learning experiences over the first 50 days of school. “We are 50 days smarter and learning more every day,” said Principal of Arbor Station Elementary School, Dr. Emily Felton.

Student Spotlight

Eighth graders Madison and Mikayla Gibson are shining panthers at Chapel Hill Middle School. These exceptional twins excel in academics, sports, and character!  

Madison and Mikayla have maintained an 'A' average in all courses while in Middle School. They not only shine academically but also athletically by playing volleyball and running track. 

The Gibson twins actively participate in various extracurricular activities, highlighting their well-rounded interests and engagement within the school.  What truly sets them apart is their positive attitude. They embody the "Chapel Hill Way" in all that they do and Chapel Hill Middle School is proud to call them a panther!

Weekly Athletics Schedule

Key Dates

• November 7: Teacher Work Day
• November 15: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
• November 20-24: Thanksgiving Holidays
• December 15: End of First Semester
• December 18-January 1: Holiday Break
• January 2: Teacher Work Day
• January 3: Students Return for 2nd Semester
• January 3: Report Cards (all levels)
• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• February 7: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
• February 19-23: Winter Break
• March 11: Teacher Work Day
• March 20: Report Cards (elementary & middle schools)
• March 20: Progress Reports (high school)
• April 1-5: Spring Break
• April 24: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
• May 22: Report Cards (elementary schools)

DCSS Testing Dates

Family Resources

DCHS Theater Hosting Fall Play

FDouglas County High School's theater will be presenting The Complete HIstory of Theatre on November 1-3 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Call 770-651-6574 for more information.

AHS Cougar Cruise & Craft Show

Alexander High School's band is hosting a car and craft show on Saturday, November 4.

Come out to enjoy a day of classic cars, crafts, food trucks, and a 50/50 raffle! Click the flyer above for more information.

DCSS Community Bulletin Board

Looking for a great weekend event, after-school care, or a new activity? Check out DCSS' Community Bulletin Board at the link above to learn all about events and activities occurring in Douglas County.

Douglas SEES

DCSS offers several resources for student health, wellness and support through the Douglas SEES website. Visit the link above to learn more about the resources available to students and families.

DCSS Family Health Center

DCSS' Family Health Center is a resource for families and staff within the school system. The center is located at the lower level of Burnett Elementary School and offers several services. Click the flyer above to learn more.

Registration Open for Operation Christmas Douglas County

Registration is now open for families to take part in the ninth annual Operation Christmas Douglas County!

Click here to complete the registration form in English or Spanish. For more information, please reach out to operationchristmasdc@gmail.com.