Three DCSS Students Named 2023 Georgia Scholars

Three DCSS students were among 154 graduating seniors across the state who were recognized as 2023 Georgia Scholars, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced on March 27. 

Margaret Padgett (Alexander High School), Jordan Arfanakis (Chapel Hill High School), and Charlotte Hunter (Douglas County High School) were recognized as Georgia Scholars from Douglas County for excellence and high achievement in both their school and community life through the Georgia Scholar Program. 

To qualify as a Georgia Scholar, students must carry exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, excel in all courses, participate in interscholastic events at their schools and communities, and assume leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools. 

“I extend my sincerest congratulations to the 2023 Georgia Scholars," Superintendent Woods said. “These 154 Class of 2023 seniors worked hard, became leaders in their schools and communities, and took advantage of the opportunities offered in Georgia public schools. I wish them continued success as they embark on their futures, including plans for after high school and beyond. I know they'll continue to make us all proud."

The Georgia Scholars program is coordinated by the GaDOE in partnership with local school districts and schools. Visit the GaDOE website for a full list of award recipients.

DCHS Students Selected by GreyStone Power for EMC Youth Tour

GreyStone Power has chosen two exceptional high school students from Douglas County High School, Chloe Blacknall and Isabel Yang, to attend the 56th annual Washington Youth Tour leadership experience as youth delegates. This year's program, scheduled for June 15-22, will bring together 105 students from Georgia and over 1,500 from other cooperatives across the country to explore the dynamic world of politics and leadership.

As part of this incredible opportunity, Blacknall and Yang will be given an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation's capital, where they will have the chance to meet with state and national leaders and visit the city's most iconic sites. The Washington Youth Tour is Georgia's oldest leadership program for high school students, designed to educate them about U.S. history, government, and public service. The program, which has been running since 1965, has provided over 50,000 students with a firsthand experience of what the American flag represents.

To earn their spots on this prestigious tour, Blacknall and Yang competed against other students, community volunteers, student-athletes, and members of respected academic organizations. Additionally, tour alumni are eligible to apply for the Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation scholarship, which awards one $10,000 scholarship and four $1,000 scholarships annually. 

DCHS' Zhu Graduates from Leadership Program

A Douglas County high school student recently graduated from the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program along with 49 other high school students from across the area. 

Nathan Zhu, a student at Douglas County High School, completed the six-month program that allows students to explore real-world issues such as housing affordability, responsible water usage, and the impact of limited transportation options. They spoke with local changemakers about equity and resilience and offered their own reflections on ways the region can better serve its diverse population. 

“This year’s MARC students demonstrated tremendous leadership as they explored the key issues facing our region – challenges that are sure to shape their own futures,” said ARC Board Chairman Kerry Armstrong. “This dynamic and diverse group of young people got to know Atlanta from a regional perspective and had the opportunity to network with peers from across the metro area. That’s what makes the MARC program special.”

Since 1998, MARC’s youth leadership program has engaged hundreds of 10th and 11th grade students from Atlanta’s 11 metro counties in experiential learning about their region. Students go beyond the classroom to learn about the planning and development of a large metro region, while also developing their leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. 

MARC is now accepting applications for next school year’s class through May 19. Visit atlantaregional.org/marc for more information about the program.

The Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/ Douglas County (CAC) provided its March ARTSventure with Akua Taylor to Mt. Carmel Elementary School on Friday, March 10. Principal Tenia Boone and other staff members hopped with excitement when they saw Akua Taylor dressed in authentic Ghanaian attire which had been tailored specifically for her on a trip to Ghana. Taylor brought a show designed to uplift and motivate the students. Her program was designed to celebrate International Women’s month.

Taylor began her presentation by explaining the tradition of naming ceremonies in Ghana, and that she had been named Akua because she was born on a Wednesday. She gave her personal testimonies of achievement, encouraging the students to do anything they put their mind to, achieving anything they can dream! Taylor sang original songs about overcoming obstacles, teaching the youth to “Reach Higher.”

The students clapped and sang along as they learned the lyrics and rhythms, all the while paying tribute to great women who have since left us, such as Anne Frank and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Using a presentation and demonstrations, Taylor identified how we learn from the cultures and people who come before us, and we should never give up as we move forward. Akua Taylor sings with a heart to change the world for the better, developing workshops that serve higher purpose, especially celebrating women and youth.

Two CHHS Seniors Sign with Morgan State Acro and Tumbling Team

Two Chapel Hill High School seniors signed college letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

Makaya Stubbs and Tehya Purifoy signed letters of intent with Morgan State University to compete on the school's acrobatics and tumbling team.

Morgan State is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Division I program to offer this sport, and the 2023-2024 season will be the school's first season in competition.

DCSS Hosts Special Olympics

On Wednesday, DCSS' Program For Exceptional Children held its Special Olympics.

Athletes from each of DCSS' schools came out to test their skills in several Olympic-style events. Top performers were awarded with ribbons for their performances, and all athletes had fun competing and cheering on their friends during the events.

Classroom Corner

HSES STEM Camp Gives Unique Learning Opportunities

ASES Hosts 28th Annual Bear Woods Run

Last week Kindergarten and 1st Grade STEM Camp participants learned about the 4 C’s - collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. We had centers with Code-A-Pillar, Osmo for iPad, lots of engineering and building activities, Legos, a puzzle, and more.

Students made slime, made paper airplanes and tested them out,  and learned about our heartbeats and how physical activity makes our hearts stronger and increases our heartbeat.

The 28th Annual Bear Run was held on March 18 at Arbor Station Elementary School. Students from all over Douglas and Carroll counties came to compete against one another in the road race on Saturday.

Alcidez Andrade Jr. (Chapel Hill High) and Natalia Fiqia (Holly Springs Elementary) were the top runners in the main 3k race. Kheyon Lee took top spot in the one mile fun run. 

Student Spotlight

Abbie and Lilly Stone are twin Mason Creek Elementary School Wolfcubs who enjoy laughing and having fun! They are both involved in multiple activities offered by Mason Creek, including the MAES Girls Coding Club. Abbie and Lilly both especially enjoy singing! Lilly participates in the Diversity Choir, and Abbie participates in the MAES chorus. Principal Kristin Martin says both girls strive for excellence in everything they do. Their teachers are very proud of the great gains the girls have made over this past year. The sky's the limit for these girls! 



Mason Creek Elementary is proud to have them as part of the family and wishes them continued success!  

Key Dates

• April 3 - April 7: Spring Break
• April 10: Board of Education Work Session
• April 17: Board of Education Meeting
• May 1: Board of Education Work Session
• May 15: Board of Education Meeting
• May 23, 24: Half Days for All Students
• May 24: Final Day of Spring Semester
• May 25: AHS & LSHS Graduations
• May 26: NMHS & DCHS Graduations
• May 27: CHHS Graduation

Family Resources

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.

DCSS Family Health Center Offering Immunizations

DCSS' Family Health Center is offering immunzations for students Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 770-651-2273 to book an appointment, or 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 Autism Awareness Night

April is Autism Awareness Month, and DCSS will be holding an Autism Awareness Night on April 11 at Chapel Hill Elementary School from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to help foster a more inclusive community for individuals with autism.

Age-level activities will be provided for students during the informational portion for parents. Be sure to register your student if planning to attend.

Click the link above to register your student or for more information about the event.

KinderCamp for Rising Kindergarten Students

DCSS is hosting KinderCamp July 17-20 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m to help rising kindergarten students learn what to expect in the new school year.

Students must be fully registered for kindergarten by July 7 to attend KinderCamp at their zoned school.

Click the link above for a flyer with more information.

2023 Parent Survey

It is our mission to continuously improve, and we appreciate your partnership in working toward our vision. Your input is vital in the planning and implementation of parent and family engagement programs and activities at our schools.

Please click the link above to access the survey. Responses will be accepted through April 10, 2023. Also, Please note that his district-wide survey is separate and different from any "Satchel Pulse" surveys you may receive from your child's school.