Community Helpers Share a Piece of the Real World With HSES Students

Young scholars at Holly Springs Elementary are engaging in real-life classroom experiences, thanks to the generosity of Community Helpers. The professional volunteers play a vital role in the daily lives of society by providing important services and support for the well-being of others.  

“Each year HSES Kindergarten teachers address the GA Social Studies, Community Helpers, standard by providing students with situational lessons given by expert and professional speakers, according to Teacher Coach at Holly Springs Elementary LaKeia Carter. HSES’ most recent visits included Superintendent Trent North sharing his love for reading with kindergarten students and Forsyth County Firefighter Tyler Smith explaining the daily role of firefighters. Smith’s overall goal was to encourage students to feel more comfortable encountering firefighters during emergency situations, said Carter.    

This year Holly Springs has partnered with the Douglas County Police Department, Captain Adman Cannon, Greystone Power Company, Douglas County Schools and State Superintendent Trent North, DCSS Transportation Director Mr. EW Tolbert, DCSS Nurse Ginger Redman and DCSS School Resource Officer Mosely.

“Students are given the opportunity to engage in real world situations and learn about the services provided by the professionals who visit the school and who are committed to being of service to our community,” said Carter. 

Spanish Opera Singer Delights Students During Hispanic Heritage Month

New Manchester High School’s theater recently rang with the captivating voice of an acclaimed opera singer. Sindy Gutiérrez, a soprano singer from Guanajuato, Mexico, visited the school in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Gutiérrez’s performance in multiple languages created a remarkable cultural exchange at the school’s theater.

The cultural exchange was made possible by the Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/ Douglas County (CAC) with the help of the Mexican Consulate. It allowed the Cultural Arts Center to present a brand new “ARTSventure” to New Manchester High School and its fine arts program. 

Señora Gutiérrez has a doctorate in the arts and sings the classic art of opera worldwide. She talked to students about the significance of acknowledging art across cultures. The arts, Gutiérrez says, are crucial to the community, particularly for young people. With deep life anecdotes, she inspired the young audience. “Music,” Gutiérrez says, “is a language that doesn’t need words. Sometimes it isn’t necessary to talk.”

The ARTSventures program is made possible through support from Georgia Council for the Arts, GreyStone Power Foundation, and the Douglas County School System.

Douglas County District Attorney Inspires the Next Generation of Student Leaders at LSHS

“Determination, dedication, and a commitment to justice can break barriers and help you achieve your dreams,” said Dalia Racine as she recently paid a special visit to business and science students at Lithia Springs High School. She and her legal dream team shared industry knowledge and valuable insights into their respective roles within the criminal justice system.   

The University of Florida alumni was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to pour her expertise into the future professionals. “We are grateful to Lithia Springs High School for inviting our team to share about our experiences in the criminal justice system. The best part of the day was hearing the thoughtful questions of the students and engaging in a great conversation,” she said. Students experienced a dynamic dialogue about the legal landscape, emphasizing the importance of understanding the law’s role in society and business.   

Racine’s passion to motivate the next generation of legal minds and law enforcement professionals during her insightful presentation, demonstrated her unwavering commitment to educate and inspire youth. While sharing her own personal story of struggles and successes, she highlighted the significance of facing adversity and receiving a quality education to achieve her exceptional career milestones. 

As the first female to hold the prestigious position of District Attorney in Douglas County, Racine emphasized the importance of exploring every opportunity within the legal field along with embracing diversity and inclusion as essential pillars of a just society. Additionally, her legal team enlightened students about the complexity of collecting evidence, the importance of a strong legal team, and the profound impact of supporting victims through the judicial process. 

Racine says the Douglas County District Attorney’s office is dedicated to advocating for those without a voice and are excited to welcome the new generation of intrigued student leaders to help ensure that justice is being served effectively and efficiently to protect our community.

15 DCSS Students Earn Perfect Scores on GMAS

Fifteen Douglas County students have achieved something extraordinary. They achieved a perfect score on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS)! On Monday evening, the Board of Education and Superintendent Trent North recognized scholars who achieved a perfect score on one or more of the Georgia Milestones End of Grade or End of Course tests.

Achieving these scores is a tremendous accomplishment. Not only does it reflect the students' hard work, but it also reflects their commitment to academic excellence. The Douglas County School System proudly recognizes the following students for their achievements:

From Bright Star Elementary School:

Chidera Obinojue, perfect score in 3rd grade Math

From Mirror Lake Elementary School:

Makai Bellamy, perfect score in 3rd grade Math

From South Douglas Elementary School:

Rachael Daniel, perfect score in 3rd grade Math

From North Douglas Elementary School:

Luke Wilgenbusch, perfect score in 4th grade Math

From Winston Elementary School:

Justus Hutchinson, perfect score in 4th grade Math

From Arbor Station Elementary School:

Francesca Huff, perfect score in 5th grade Math

From Chapel Hill Elementary School:

Blight Chen, perfect score in 5th grade Math

William Liu, perfect score in 5th grade Math

From New Manchester Elementary School:

Morgan Pasley, perfect score in 5th grade Math

From Chapel Hill Middle School:

Tyler Green, perfect score in 6th grade Math

Michael Bush, perfect score in 8th grade Science

Reese Martin, perfect score in 8th grade Science

From Mason Creek Middle School:

Parker Hunnicutt, perfect score in 8th grade Science

From Lithia Springs High School:

John Matlock, perfect score in Biology

From Douglas County High School:

Princess Montgomery, perfect score in Algebra 1

AHS Celebrates Basketball State Championship with Ring Ceremony

In front of a packed stadium last Friday night, Alexander High School honored its 2023 basketball team, who received their Class 6A State Championship rings. 

“It was really awesome to see the players and coaches faces when we opened the ring boxes,” said AHS head coach Jason Slate. “I know the boys have really been anticipating this moment, and it was great to see them finally have their rings.”

The Cougars put together a stellar run to end the 2023 season, winning the Region 5-6A title before stringing together five consecutive victories in the state tournament to capture the school’s first basketball state title. The state title run also included a career milestone for Slate, who captured his 500th career victory in the team’s Final Four victory over Etowah High School.

Classroom Corner

Officer West Delights Young Readers at MLES

Officer West regularly patrols the halls of Mirror Lake Elementary School. This time, Officer West took on a role beyond safety and security by reading to the school’s kindergarten students. The students smiled in delight as she read tales from a favorite book. She further enriched their class visit by underscoring the importance of kindness and community service. Her classroom visit not only inspired students, but it exemplified the school system’s commitment to shaping the future.

Thank you, Officer West, for making a difference in the lives of our future leaders!

CLMS AVID Students Explore Ancient Art

Chestnut Log Middle School’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students got the chance to explore the art of ancient worlds on a recent field trip to the Michael C. Carlos Museum. 

Located on Emory University’s campus, the Carlos Museum hosts various types of exhibits that introduce students to various styles, subjects, and perspectives through art. This exposure helps students to continue developing critical thinking skills that are integral to future success while also allowing them to see 

“I wanted our students to see the artwork here,” said CLMS AVID educator Shenola Adigun, “but I also wanted to show them how unique and diverse a college campus can be.”

Student Spotlight

Fourth grader Chidera Obinojue is a shining star at Bright Star Elementary with a kind heart and genuine love for people. Her passions include singing in church and the arts where she takes great pleasure in painting scenery and people. Additionally, Obinojue’s joy for cooking motivates her to expand her knowledge of various cuisines.  

Obinojue strives for academic excellence, which is evident by her work ethic. Principal of Bright Star Elementary, Heather Fields, says the math team scholar earned a rock star math status as she landed a perfect score on the math GMAS test last spring. Obinojue embraces the Bright Star motto: “we SOAR ABOVE THE REST!”

Weekly Athletics Schedule

Key Dates

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

September Saturdays

Douglasville's September Saturday Festival is coming up September 23 and September 30, and several of Douglas County's schools will be performing during the festival.

See the flyer above for performance times for each school.

Probe College Fair

Alexander High School is hosting a college fair for Douglas County students. The Probe College Fair will be held Monday, October 2 at the AHS Coliseum.

Come speak to representatives from several colleges, universities, technical programs, industry employers, and the military.

8th grade students are also welcome to come and meet representatives to learn more about DCSS' high school magnet programs.

Use the link above or the QR code on the flyer to register to attend.