Thanksgiving Comes Early at Dorsett Shoals: Navy Officer Surprises Daughter After 553 Days Apart | |
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A heartwarming reunion at Dorsett Shoals Elementary School touched the hearts of the Panther community. Petty Officer Byrd, serving in the US Navy, returned home after 553 days to surprise his daughter, Samara, at school.
The surprise was carefully orchestrated by Samara’s mother, Mrs. Byrd. She reached out to the school earlier in the year, hoping to make this reunion memorable. Dorsett Shoals Principal Kelly Brown was happy to facilitate the extraordinary event. “It was so wonderful to share this special moment with one of our Panther families,” she reflected.
Excitement filled the air at Dorsett Shoals on the day of the surprise. Friends surrounded Samara, who was unaware of the plans. That’s when her father, Petty Officer Byrd, walked in. Samara experienced pure joy and astonishment when she saw her father.
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After more than a year apart, the father and daughter embraced in a touching reunion. Samara, overwhelmed with emotion, said, “I was so happy to see him! It felt like I was in a dream!” The joy on her face reflected the love and bond she shared with her father despite the long separation.
Reflecting on this special day, the Byrd family expressed gratitude to the school. “We were so excited when Principal Brown gave us the ok to share Samara’s special moment at school surrounded by her friends! It’s been a rough 553 days for us, but this moment made it all worth it, seeing the joy in our little one’s face when she saw her daddy,” Mrs. Byrd shared. The Byrd family continued to thank the Dorsett Shoals staff for their support and for allowing them to surprise Samara in a big way.
This heartwarming event at Dorsett Shoals not only brought joy to the Byrd family but also brought joy to the school community. The school community rejoiced in sharing this moment with the Byrd family in a memory they will cherish for years to come.
| Watch the heartwarming reunion here: |
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HSES Students Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle Through Skating | |
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Holly Springs Elementary students are rolling their way into good health! Students engaged in an in-house Physical Education field trip where they learned a variety of skating benefits including balance, coordination, motor skills, and cardio-respiratory workouts.
HSES P.E. teacher Katie Walls was inspired to kick off the skating unit 4 years ago. Just like reading and writing, children have to learn how to move,” said Walls. “When I first started the unit, the majority of the students did not know how to skate. This inspired me to continue teaching students a skill that was a lifetime experience,” she added. Wall's exciting childhood memories of skating motivated her to recreate these same “old school memories” for her students.
In an effort to help students become more proficient skaters, they learned essential safety tips along with fundamental skating techniques such as starting, stopping, forward skating, backward skating, and cornering.
All K-5 students have the opportunity to learn to skate and are encouraged to participate in the skating unit, which takes place during Physical Education class.
“It’s awesome to see these students thriving in a skill they may not have ever participated in before. It makes my heart so happy to hear students are being active rather than playing video games,” Walls said.
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Wildcats Leap into Reading Success: Annette Winn Elementary Celebrates Literacy | |
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The Annette Winn Elementary Wildcats are celebrating a milestone in their literacy journey. Students who met their Accelerated Reader (AR) goals in both points and average percent accuracy enjoyed a day of educational achievement and fun. The reading all-stars celebrated by bouncing in inflatable playhouses.
As they laughed and played, they reflected on their shared success. At the same time,, students reignited their passion for learning. Lisa Burtz, Media Specialist, shared enthusiasm for the event, saying, "We are so happy to offer this incentive to students who are reading and striving to reach their AR goals."
Annette Winn's celebration was more than just a day of fun. It helped students build a love for reading. Additionally, the event demonstrated the DCSS commitment to building a community of lifelong learners.
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Mount Carmel Elementary's Fifth Graders Dive into Science with Playdough | |
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At Mount Carmel Elementary, a burst of creativity and scientific exploration recently took place in the fifth-grade classroom. Teacher Heather McElroy led students in an innovative exploration of group organisms and vertebrate and invertebrate classification.
McElroy decided the best way to engage the students in the lesson was to make it fun and hands-on. She began the study by asking students to construct models of vertebrates and invertebrates using Playdough. After creating their organisms, McElroy challenged students to think about their creations. She asked how they would fare if they put weight on invertebrates and discussed how the constructed animals are different and similar.
“My biggest takeaway from the lesson was seeing the ‘aha’ moments when students could truly understand the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates by creating the visual models,” said McElroy. Not only did McElroy enjoy seeing her students enhance their learning with this fun activity, but students also enjoyed it.
“I liked it because it was fun,” said fifth-grade student Ace Walden, “We did a hands-on activity, and it helped me get ready for our test. Hands-on makes me really remember it.”
McElroy says she enjoys teaching with creativity, adding, “It really helps my students learn, grow, and retain the information.”
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Congratulations to Our Exceptional Student-Athletes | |
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Cheerleading Head Coach, Alyssa Handley, and the Panther community celebrated the Chapel Hill High School Cheerleading Competition Team securing fifth place in 5A at the State Finals Cheerleading Championship in Macon, GA.
Handley is proud of the team and their ongoing efforts to excel. " We have really been striving for excellence and the girls have risen to the occasion consistently," she said.
Since their state championship appearance in 2017, CHHS has placed 3rd, 5th, 5th, 3rd, 2nd and 5th in the state. The team consists of 20 cheerleaders with 6 being seniors.
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The third-ranked Tigers rose to the challenge in their first round of the Class 6A playoffs Friday night with a 63-9 victory sweep over Habersham Central. Round two will kick-off Friday, November 17 at Douglas County High School in a matchup between the undefeated Tigers and Sequoyah Chiefs.
The Tigers went on a 11-0 winning streak this season and 7-0 in the region. Douglas County Coach Johnny White has taken the team to its first region title since 2002.
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Building a community of lifelong learners every day | |
DCSS Experiences A Glowing Display of Science and Art | | |
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Families, student artists, and attendees had the opportunity to engage in glow-in-the-dark art at the first-ever county-wide art exhibition. Art educators used their imaginative minds to bring each artistic creation to life.
"A variety of neon colors and fluorescent media including tempera paint, acrylic paint, neon pastels, and neon markers were all illuminated under black lights for the awe and wonder of combining science and art," said Tammy Morris, K-5 Visual Art Specialist.
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DCSS Salutes Our Veterans | | | |
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South Douglas Elementary paid tribute to Veterans through a special Veterans Day program and breakfast on Friday, November 10. Students sang patriotic songs and highlighted each branch of service.
Veterans shared their military experience and their connection to South Douglas Elementary. Guest speaker, Dr. Vanessa Johnson, Lieutenant Commander U. S. Navy, retired, spoke to students about how to thank a Veteran!
"It is such a privilege for our staff and students to have the opportunity to salute and honor our Veterans!," said SDES Principal Brad Corbett.
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Bill Arp Elementary welcomed local veterans for its annual Veterans Day assembly. There was a veterans processional as kindergarten through second grade students cheered and serenaded the honorees with waved flags.
In the school gymnasium, there was a ceremony that included patriotic musical presentations by the school chorus and chimes club, followed by a performance by the school's dance team.
Students were able to introduce their guests and share which branch of the armed forces they served, and the morning concluded with a breakfast for the guests of honor.
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Third grader Khialar Morrow is known as a dedicated, natural leader at Dorsett Shoals Elementary School who puts forth his best effort in all aspects of his life. The compassionate Panther is a fantastic student who strives for academic excellence.
Morrow demonstrates outstanding behavior, impeccable character, and maintains straight A's in all of his classes while setting goals to extend his learning. Additionally, he consistently demonstrates courtesy and respect to his teachers, classmates, and all those he encounters.
When not working hard in the classroom, Morrow enjoys playing football and spending time with his family. With such a great attitude and work ethic, the young scholar has a promising future ahead.
“Khialar is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Panther. He exhibits the absolute best manners, has the kindest heart, and always puts others first. We are so proud of Khialar and happy to have him at Dorsett Shoals Elementary,” said DSES Principal Kelly Brown.
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Weekly Athletics Schedule | |
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- 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)
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DCEF Atlanta Falcons Fundraiser
The DCEF Atlanta Falcons fundraiser has officially begun! To support DCEF's Scholarships and Classroom Impact Grants for the Douglas County School System, the Atlanta Falcons will donate $10 for every ticket sold for the Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Sunday,
December 10th at 1pm at the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Tickets start at $50. Group ticket sales are also available. Get Your Tickets TODAY!
Tickets can be purchased below
https://fevo.me/douglasedfoundation2023
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Douglas County School System Job Fair
DCSS is hosting a Classified Recruitment Fair on Thursday, December 7, in the Magnolia room at Central Office from 4:00-6:00.
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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.
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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.
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