DCSS Celebrates AP Capstone Diploma Recipients

AP Capstone Diploma Program Students Excel in Project Based Learning

The Advanced Placement program recently celebrated the achievements of 60 students from the Douglas County School System Class of 2023 who were named AP scholars. In addition to this group, 12 earned the AP Capstone Diploma, while eight earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP Exams of their choice. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. 

AP Research assessments are project based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects. 

“AP Capstone offers advantages beyond college preparation,” said Chelsie Goodman, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “Besides the long-term benefits, the program cultivates students’ abilities in areas crucial to academic achievement. We proudly acknowledge their extraordinary achievements and dedication to this academic program.”

Douglas County students join the success of other scholars participating in the AP Capstone program. The program has reached a milestone of over 100,000 students participating during the 2022-23 academic year, representing over 2,500 schools worldwide. 

“We extend congratulations to these AP Capstone Award winners. They are all motivated students who worked hard to earn the AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificate,” said Douglas County School System Superintendent Trent North. “By participating in this program, students enhance the foundation for their future academic and professional careers.”

The College Board Advanced Placement Program allows students to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. A 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP Exams. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time.

CHHS Receives GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award

Chapel Hill High School was among 64 Georgia High School Association (GHSA)-member schools named a recipient of the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award. The award, which is sponsored by Georgia’s ELectric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs), honors schools that demonstrated impeccable sportsmanship during the 2022-2023 school year.

“It is an honor to have been selected by GHSA as one of its Cooperative Spirit sportsmanship award winners. We value what it means to display sportsmanship here at CHHS, and our student athletes work very hard on and off the playing fields,” said CHHS athletic director Rodney Latham. “This award attests to what our coaches here instill and require of their players. Expectations are set high and we are concerned about winning in the game of life which translates to our overall success. We have a great community and support system here at Chapel Hill and it is a pleasure to be our school's athletic director and witness such greatness.”

Since 2006, the GHSA and Georgia’s EMCs have sponsored the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award which reinforces the GHSA philosophy: “Students, athletes, coaches, spectators and all others associated with high school activities programs should adhere to the fundamental values of respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility.”

Schools winning this award are thus honored for displaying exemplary sportsmanship during competition throughout the school year. Student athletes, fellow students, school staff, parents and event spectators are recognized for the sportsmanship they display. The award is not only a school honor, but a community honor as well. The GHSA Region Secretaries select winners based upon sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the school year.

“Congratulations to all of the region winners of the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award for 2022-2023,” said Dr. Robin Hines, GHSA’s executive director. “It is an honor for these member schools to be selected by their regions for this award. The characteristics of good sportsmanship are critical to the development of our young people as they transition into productive adults. The GHSA applauds our schools on this accomplishment and appreciates Georgia’s EMCs for their support of this outstanding recognition program.”

Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards are presented annually to the GHSA-member high schools in the 64 regions from the eight classifications by EMC representatives during fall athletic events and school assemblies.

DCSS Elementary School Students Experience Special Visit from Local Pet Hospital

Banfield Pet Hospital recently paid a very special visit to first-grade students at Arbor Station Elementary school. The young scholars participated in a unique in-house field trip where presenters from Banfield engaged students with captivating pet x-rays, an informative discussion about the variation in dog breeds, and played entertaining games identifying which items were best for pets. 

ASES students were excited to share in the experience, according to first grade elementary teacher at Arbor Station, Kimberly Arnold.  “Students have been learning all about animal needs, so they were thrilled to answer the presenter's questions about proper food, water, and shelter for pets,” she said.   

While building on the Capturing Kids’ Hearts theme of empathy, students discussed and analyzed the needs of animals in shelters.  As a bonus, they were given a guide to owning and loving pets along with their very own stethoscope to listen to Loki the dog's heartbeat! 

"Having visits like this, you never know what seed will be planted for a future Veterinarian," expressed Principal of Arbor Station Elementary School, Dr. Emily Felton.

Volleyball Previews

Jags Eyeing Top-Four Spot in Region

After falling just short of a state playoff appearance last season, New Manchester High School’s volleyball team is excited to compete for a spot in the playoffs this season. Entering the year, the Jaguars will be under new leadership with Victoria Rushin taking over as the team’s head coach. 

Under her leadership, the team has adopted new roles, and she hopes that this will help the group demonstrate its potential as the season progresses and claim one of the top four spots in the region in order to qualify for the state playoffs. 

NMHS is 3-3 on the season, and they will have two chances to improve their record this week at home with a region matchup against South Paulding and a non-region matchup with South Cobb.

Lions Committed to Improvement in 2023

With the 2023 season underway, Lithia Springs High School’s volleyball team is hoping to make this season the team’s most successful yet. With 10 seniors on the roster, the group is determined to be competitive each time out and is looking to compete for a state playoff spot out of Area 5-5A. 

“With a wealth of experience and leadership, [our seniors] hope to inspire their teammates and create a winning culture within the team,” said Lions head coach Kimberly Benford. “Their commitment to improvement has already set a positive tone for the entire roster.”

Currently the Lions’ record sits at 3-3. However, they will have four opportunities to improve their standing with a region matchup with Creekside on Tuesday, followed by non-region matchups with Pebblebrook, Douglass (Atlanta), and the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy later in the week.

DCHS Looking to Build on Last Season's Success

Following a 14-win season in 2022, Douglas County High School’s volleyball team is hoping to improve on this and make a push for the state playoffs this season. 

Already in 2023, the Tigers have collected four wins, and they will have the opportunity to improve their record this week with three matches this week. The Tigers will battle Paulding County Tuesday in a region match before going on the road to take on Jackson and Alexander high schools Thursday.

Panthers Pushing for Another Playoff Berth

After winning 23 matches and narrowly missing the state playoffs a season ago, Chapel Hill High School’s volleyball team is looking to take the next step and secure a state playoff appearance in 2023. 

CHHS holds a 12-6 record this season, and they will enter the meat of their region schedule next week. But before stepping into region play, the Panthers will travel out of state this weekend to compete in the Rocky Top Classic Volleyball Tournament. In the 64-team tournament, the Panthers will see competition against teams from seven states to prepare them for the difficult region schedule awaiting them. 

Upon returning from Tennessee, the Panthers will take on three region opponents next week with matches versus Banneker, Mays, and Langston Hughes high schools.

Cougars Hoping for Strong Finish in Region

After making the state playoffs last season, Alexander High School’s volleyball team has its eyes on repeating that feat this year. 

AHS record currently sits at 4-6 with victories over local rivals Douglas County and Pebblebrook. They currently sit in third place in Area 5-6A, but will have an opportunity to improve their standing with a region matchup against South Paulding next week. They will also battle Jackson and Douglas County high schools in non-region contests on Thursday.

Classroom Corner

Author's Visit Inspires BEES Writers

Last month, a special visitor stopped by Beulah Elementary School to share her love of reading and writing with students. Shelli R. Johannes, author of 18 books including the popular Cece Loves Science series and Penny: The Engineering Tail of the Fourth Little Pig, encouraged students to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the differences they see between themselves and others. 

During her visit, Johannes conducted three sessions for students and read one of her books for each one. Along with reading to students, she also helped reinforce classroom lessons by showing the students that all writers use the tools of character, plot, and setting to form their stories.

Schools Celebrate Sports Fans and Future Scholars

Douglas County students show their school spirit throughout the school year. Many schools celebrated Spirit Day this month by dressing in their favorite game day gear.

A spirited celebration for college and sports teams happened at Mason Creek and South Douglas Elementary. Students there celebrated College and Sports Gear Day by wearing their favorite team's jersey, shirt, or cap. From football, soccer, and basketball, the young sports fans enjoyed sharing their loyalty to their favorite team. Both principals say the dress-up day was a tremendous success. The celebration inspired students to think about their future and celebrate the value of teamwork.

Student Spotlight

Extraordinary fifth grade student, Noah Pagan, is a true leader at Beulah Elementary. His eagerness to partake in reading language arts is apparent by his enthusiasm to engage with the text and participate in classroom discussions. The inquisitive learner serves as a role model to his peers and always works well with others. Additionally, he thrives in the STEM classroom where he loves to create, explore and investigate.  

Pagan’s passion for learning is not limited to a classroom setting. His talents also go a long way in extracurricular events and activities. With his vivacious and sweet personality, Pagan meets no strangers and his friendship to everyone exemplifies the meaning of kindness. Pagan’s future is bright and Beulah is thrilled to have him at the HIVE.

Weekly Athletics Schedule

Key Dates

• September 15: Start of Hispanic Heritage Month
• October 6: Grading Period Ends
• October 9-13: Fall Break
• October 21: DCEF Fun Run
• October 18: Progress Reports (high school)
• October 18: Report Cards (elementary & middle schools)
• November 7: Teacher Work Day
• November 15: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
• November 20-24: Thanksgiving Holidays
• December 15: End of First Semester

Family Resources

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.

Jaguar Classic

Come out to New Manchester High School for a special band exhibition on October 14. See performances from Talladega College's Great Tornado Band, Sounds of Success, and NMHS' Mighty Marching Jaguars. The fun begins at 10 a.m. Click the flyer above for more information.

DCEF Fun Run

Join the Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF) and the DCSS family for the annual DCEF Fun Run on October 21 at New Manchester High School. The fun begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until noon with races for all grades and age groups.

Pre-registration runs through October 7 online here for $20. Race-day registration is $25. All runners who pre-register will receive a Fun Run t-shirt.

For more information, contact DCEF Executive Director Angelia O'Neal at angelia.oneal@dcssga.org.