DCSS Spreads Holiday Cheer in Annual Jingle Jamboree Christmas Parade | |
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The Douglas County School System filled the streets with joy last week during Douglasville’s annual Christmas Parade. Hundreds of parade-goers lined Church Street just before sunset eager to witness community groups, businesses, and civic organizations spread Christmas cheer and kick-off the holiday season.
Students from all five high schools, along with several middle and elementary schools were full of excitement as they performed and tossed festive sweet treats to spectators. The Douglas County Marching Tigers and New Manchester Marching Jaguars played popular holiday melodies while the Mason Creek Wolves Cheerleaders and Stewart Middle School Step Team wowed onlookers with their best dance routines and flavorful cheers. Additionally, the Alexander High School Chorus cruised in the DCSS holiday float with soulful smiles, captivating the crowd with their sultry musical selections.
“The Douglas County School System was honored to celebrate our community and the spirit of the holiday season,” said Superintendent Trent North. “I am happy that our students had the opportunity to participate and witness the number of people in our community who are invested in their future.”
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Real Men Read Initiative Inspires DCSS Students to Strive for Success | |
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Eastside and Burnett Elementary students recently benefited from valuable insights shared by positive male mentors in the community as part of the Real Men Read initiative. The United Way program encourages men to read to children in the classroom once a month for 45 minutes.
Burnett Elementary hosted their 6th annual event with a goal of providing young men and all Pre-K-5 students the opportunity to meet positive male role models who value reading and education. Overall, the program aims to motivate all students to increase their love for reading.
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Mentors from Burnett Elementary read grade-level appropriate books and shared how reading has impacted their lives and professional careers. The male teachers also participated in the event organized by Media Specialist Lynn Chabayta. Chabayta enjoys teaching the students they can achieve, aspire, and obtain any career choice their heart desires. “It is never too early to discuss college and career choices with students,” she said. “It was a fun-filled day where both the students and guest readers enjoyed their special reading time. We have several men that return each year to participate in the event and we are so grateful,” she added.
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For their 7th annual Real Men Read event, Eastside Elementary welcomed over 30 participants eager to connect with students at all grade-levels. “Reading is such an important skill to acquire, and this event helps the school connect students with readers from different backgrounds,” said Eastside Principal Timothy Jenkins. Jenkins went on to say students engaged with readers of various backgrounds, including local business owners, a retired military specialist, and a Chef.
“We are looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better,” expressed Jenkins.
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Arbor Station Elementary Partners with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to Enhance Student Achievement | |
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Arbor Station Elementary students and staff were recently honored with a visit from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, acknowledging their academic excellence and dedication. With the belief that school and community partnerships are essential for fostering holistic and well-rounded educational experiences for students, the Rho Pi Lambda chapter of the Greek organization provided a generous donation of $500 to support enriched experiential learning opportunities for students.
Second grade scholars in Ms. Buchanan’s class were all smiles as Alpha Phi Alpha members showered them with goodies and Mayor Rochelle Robinson made a special guest appearance. Alpha Phi Alpha expressed excitement about the opportunity to embark on a new partnership journey with Arbor Station Elementary.
“Our commitment to serving the students and staff of Arbor Station Elementary is an exciting new partnership for our chapter, "said the fraternity’s Educational Committee Chair, Andre Burgess. He went on to say, “The commitment to education is deeply invested in our fraternity’s mission and activities.”
In addition to the classroom donation, the fraternity will support literacy for all students by building a book donation drop box at the entrance of the school. Principal Dr. Emily Felton welcomes the partnership with the fraternity. “It is my belief that community partnerships have proven successful in creating a supportive learning environment that promotes student learning and success. We are thankful to the men of Alpha Phi Alpha and look forward to the continued partnership,” she said.
The fraternity looks forward to continuing its educational commitment to serving students in Douglas County.
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Alexander High Biology Boot Camp Serves Up Science Success | |
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Alexander High School’s recent Biology Boot camp was a cellular success! The event, designed to help students boost their End of Course (EOC) scores, was very popular with students.
Over eighty students took a deep dive into biology for three hours on Saturday morning. They rotated through six different stations, each featuring a different science teacher. Each station provided a review of biology material covering many science standards.
Following each creative science presentation, Alexander students received a stamp. Once the science program ended, the science scholars could enjoy pizza and redeem their stamps for a prize. These stamps helped them earn an Alexander High School shirt as a reminder of their commitment to education.
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Building a community of lifelong learners every day | |
New Manchester High School's AVID Program Empowers Students on their Educational Journey | |
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New Manchester High School seniors are making preparations for the next phase of their educational journey, and the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Program is playing a significant role in empowering them throughout the process. Annually, the high school hosts a college fair that includes several participants from community colleges, four-year universities, trade schools, and Military Branches throughout the state of Georgia.
AVID Site Coordinator and AVID Elective Teacher Tahira Chandler was excited to see over 100 seniors participate in their 3rd annual event. “AVID's mission is to close the opportunity gap for all students by preparing them for college readiness and success. She went on to say, “By holding this year's New Manchester AVID college and career fair during the day, all New Manchester high school seniors were given the opportunity to meet with higher level institutions, even those who do not have transportation to after-school college events.”
Overall, AVID is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting college and career readiness throughout the school. The program is designed to assist students in succeeding in high school and preparing for their post-secondary education and future careers.
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Chapel Hill High Beta Club Receives National Recognition | |
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The Chapel Hill High School Beta Club was recently honored at the National Beta Club State Convention in Savannah, GA, receiving over 20 awards in multiple categories.
The high school was presented with National Convention Awards including School of Merit, School of Distinction, and All Service Club with over 5000 hours of community service. Ivan Ou received 2nd place in French; Pierce Berrien received 10th place in Poetry; and Lily Kate Buscema received 9th place for Agriscience.
Club awards included 5th place in Accessorized Design and 3rd place in Large Group Performing Arts. Additionally, Chapel Hill High teachers, Mrs. Sims and Ms. Morton, were recognized as John W. Harris Educators of Excellence, which is given to less than 1 percent of Beta Club Sponsors from around the USA.
Individual awards were presented to Lily Kate Buscema: 4th place for 11th-grade Agriscience and 5th place for recyclable art; Scythe Vance: 3rd place for Digital Art; Ivan Ou: 5th place for Digitally Enhanced Photography; Lauren Badgero: 4th place for Drawing; Lorelei Sims: 5th place for Jewelry; Lailah Rahman: 2nd place for 11th grade Language Arts; Kai Hing Cheung: 4th place for 10th-grade Math; Mazzy Beyer: 5th place for Mixed Media Art and 4th place for Onsite Painting; Madison Smith: 1st place for Onsite Drawing, Pierce Berrien: 4th place for Poetry; Lindsey Mercer and Rachel Frith: 2nd place for Quilling; Cristian Torres: 5th place for Recyclable Art; Layla Sims: 5th place for Woodworking; and Corynn Nurse: 1st place for Dance.
Additionally, three Beta dancers were invited to participate in the opening ceremonies of the National Convention in June of 2024 as Premier Performers: Corynn Nurse, Payton Lee and Layla Sims.
National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. For more than 80 years, it has prepared today's students to be tomorrow's leaders by promoting the ideas of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.
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Eastside Elementary is proud to call Litzy Diaz an Eastside Bear! The fifth-grade student truly exemplifies leadership with her strong character and outgoing personality.
Diaz finds satisfaction in teamwork, and her most favorable learning styles include listening to the teacher, completing her homework, researching in libraries, and working with friends. Academically, math and science are her most enjoyable subjects.
The young scholar recognizes that true value comes within, which is evident in her vibrant personality. In fact, her idea of the perfect classroom is one with mood lights and attractive decor. Diaz’s peers are drawn to her fun-loving spirit, and she values the quality time spent with them.
In her spare time, she enjoys Roblox and playing outside with friends and family. Diaz’s positive attitude and dynamic personality are a true asset to Eastside Elementary!
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Aubrey Lee is a first year 2nd grade teacher at Winston Elementary School. Ms. Lee graduated from the University of West Georgia with a degree in Business Management and Marketing, but quickly found her heart leading her to the classroom with students. Ms. Lee is a lifelong native to Douglas County where she attended Lithia Springs Elementary and Fairplay Middle School before graduating from Alexander High School.
Ms. Lee is a natural teacher and has had an amazing start to her first year! She's energetic and passionate about teaching her 2nd grade students and has built a positive relationship with them and their parents. During instruction, Ms. Lee makes learning fun and engaging so that all of her students can learn and grow. At recess, you'll find Ms. Lee racing students on the playground or swinging on the swings. The Wildcat Family is blessed to have Ms. Lee.
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Alexander High School Swim Team Dives Into New Season | |
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The Alexander High School Swim Team is beginning a new season of promise and excitement. Swim Coach Maris Nichols is brimming with excitement for this swim season. “I envision a program that not only helps students improve their swimming skills but also nurtures and encourages personal growth and teamwork,” Nichols says.
Nichols plans to grow the team to even higher levels of success. This season’s plans include implementing effective training regimens, fostering a sense of camaraderie, and instilling a love for the sport. “My commitment extends beyond the pool,” Nichols explains. “I aspire to be a mentor for these young athletes and guide them through both triumphs and challenges.”
Swim team leaders include (pictured, left to right): Charlie White (Junior Boys Captain), Jack Wittwer (Senior Boys Captain), Lilli Hinds (Senior Girls Captain), and Halley Schraff (Junior Girls Captain).
The team competes every Thursday at Boundary Waters Aquatic Center. Swimmers will compete at a county wide meet on January 25.
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Weekly Athletics Schedule | |
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- 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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Factory Shoals Middle School
Please come out and support the FSMS Band and Chorus as they present Sounds of the Season, a Winter Concert.
Date: December 13
Location: New Manchester High Auditorium
Time: 6:30 pm
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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.
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Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Date:
December 14 and 15.
Location:
Alexander High School Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are available via ahspab.ticketleap.com/rudolph2023
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New Manchester High School Jaguar Singers
The community choir of the NMHS Jaguars will perform at First Baptist Church of Lithia Springs on Saturday, December 9 from 8:00 p.m.-9:30pm.
Tickets are $10.
Address: 1031 Veterans Memorial Hwy. Lithia Springs, GA 30122.
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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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DCSS Family Health Center
DCSS' Family Health Center is a resource for families and staff within the school system. The center is located on the lower level of Burnett Elementary School and offers several services. Click the flyer above to learn more.
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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 p.m.
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