DCSS Students Explore Brazil and Argentina

Students from the Douglas County School System had the opportunity to explore interesting cultures and amazing sites in two countries in South America over the winter break.

A total of 15 students, three staff members and 10 parents visited Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, from Feb. 19-28. The students came from all eight DCSS middle schools and were chosen via an essay contest. The trip was provided at no cost to the students through a partnership between DCSS and the Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority.

Mitch Springer, DCSS Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, went on the trip and said one of the highlights in Brazil was a “carnival experience” that was “wonderful because our students have been able to live Brazilian cultures and customs first hand.”

The group also visited Iguazu Falls, which are located on the border of the two countries and make up the largest waterfall system in the world. The group from DCSS took a boat under the falls on the Brazilian side and hiked around the falls on the Argentinian side, Springer said.

And they saw the famous Christ the Redeemer statue located at the peak of a 2,300-foot mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

In Argentina, one of the highlights was visiting a gaucho ranch where the group learned about that country’s cowboys, Springer said.

Lizzy Kilgore, DCSS District Bilingual Liaison, went on the trip and found some cultural terms interesting.

In Brazil, Soltar e Frango means “let loose relax party,” Kilgore said. She said Brazilians prepare for eight months for their big carnival celebration in February and that there are special carnival schools that teach children how to dance, build structures, paint and design “to be able to celebrate their big carnival.” She said fútbol (soccer) is “like a religion” to Brazilians.

In Argentina, mate or maté, is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused herbal drink. Argentinians will share the drink with anyone they meet and “people will drink out of the same straw and pass it around,” drinking it all day long, Kilgore said. 

“Both countries are beautiful and nature is protected,” she said. “This was a very important trip for our students to see the other side of the world and learn from other cultures.”

Lithia Springs High School students recently engaged with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to gain insight about the HBCU lifestyle. The Lithia Springs High School Counseling Department hosted the exciting event for 11th and 12th grade students. 

“Our scholars were excited to connect with a variety of HBCU ambassadors who provided invaluable insights into the college selection process, helping students find the right fit based on their academic interests, preferred location and desired campus culture,” said Lithia High School Principal Felicia Jones. 

Several educational institutions provided valuable information and shared knowledge about academic programs, extracurricular activities and campus life. Participating schools included Albany State University, Alcorn State, Bethune Cookman University, Fort Valley State, Morris Brown University, North Carolina A&T, Paine College, Savannah State University, South Carolina State, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University and Voorhees University. 

The celebratory day demonstrated unity as the staff showed their pride in their alma maters or favorite HBCU. Students were inspired by seeing their teachers proudly display their school spirit, fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the school. The day served as a reminder to students that they, too, can achieve great things through hard work, dedication, and support from their community.

“It was an enlightening experience for our students, and we were grateful for the opportunity to explore some of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country,” said Jones.

New Manchester High School Celebrates Francophone Week

The Department of World Languages at New Manchester High School recently coordinated a series of events to commemorate la semaine de la francophonie (French Language Week). Teachers decided to celebrate the French speaking world February 11-17 because the dates aligned with Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month, leading up to Francophone Month in March.

“The week offered us enriching opportunities to engage our students inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Ann Marie Moore, teacher of first year and AP French at New Manchester High School. “Our state standards for world languages heavily emphasize the teaching of all cultures that share the French language.”

Students enjoyed the opportunity to participate in “Fat Tuesday” where French students ate New Orleans style king cakes. During each lunch period, a raffle was held to determine who would become holiday royalty and be crowned Mardi Gras King or Queen. Members of the International Club earned volunteer hours by organizing the festivities and distributing festive beads. 

First year students participated in exchanging Valentine cards–written en français for Valentine’s Day while third year students researched a famous French speaker’s life and accomplishments to share with their class. On the Friday of Francophone Week, scholars earning an International Skills Diploma Seal watched a francophone movie from Africa.

Throughout the week, Principal Casey Bethel announced other engaging facts about the French speaking countries including France being the number one tourist destination in the world. 

Overall, there are 29 independent countries that have French as an official language, which does not include those countries with large French-speaking populations or areas of the world where French is commonly studied as an additional language. 

Mason Creek Elementary’s Ex-STREAM Night a Celebration of Creativity and Innovation

Mason Creek Elementary School recently hosted an unforgettable Ex-STREAM night that brought together students to celebrate STEM. It was a fun-filled night where students experienced excitement, discovery, and creativity. 

One of the evening’s highlights was a Paper Heart Sculpture Challenge. Artists of all ages took on the challenge, which showcased creativity and engineering skills. This hands-on activity highlighted the principles of design and sculpture while demonstrating art integration into the STEM fields. 

The evening also included fun, interactive activities from community businesses such as GreyStone Power, Banfield Pet Hospital, and Georgia Farm Bureau.

Mason Creek Elementary STEM Teacher Sara Anthony says the school has fostered a love for STEM for years. Ex-STREAM Nights, she says, take it further. “These evenings offer families a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on activities. They spark creativity and problem-solving skills,” she explains. “We’re excited to help students encounter inspiring experts and professionals who share their passion for STEM. This exposure opens doors to exciting career possibilities students may not have considered.”

State Superintendent Recognizes Four DCSS High Schools for Success in Advanced Placement Courses

State School Superintendent Richard Woods has designated 276 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools for 2024, including Alexander, Chapel Hill, Douglas County and Lithia Springs high schools.

AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools doing remarkable work to welcome more students into AP courses and supporting them on their higher educational journey. These honors reflect achievement and participation on the AP tests administered by the College Board in 2023.  

Alexander, Chapel Hill, and Douglas County each earned recognition as AP Access and Support Schools. This honor goes to schools with at least 30% of AP exams taken by students who identify as African American and/or Hispanic and have 30% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

Additionally, Alexander was honored as both an AP Humanities School and AP Humanities Achievement School. Schools recognized in these categories administered at least five exams each in ELA, social studies, fine arts, and world language with a minimum total of 25 exams administered overall. Earning the AP Humanities Achievement School designation requires at least 50% of all AP Humanities exams earning scores of 3 or higher.   

Four DCSS high schools were named AP STEM Schools – Alexander, Chapel Hill, Douglas County and Lithia Springs – for having a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Chelsie Goodman emphasized the significance of these special honors. 

“The AP Honor School accolades highlight what we see in each of our schools every day with rigorous, quality, and high-impact instruction preparing our students for college and beyond,” Goodman said. “We are thrilled that the state has once again recognized exemplary teaching and learning in Douglas County.”

DCHS' Yang Wins Congressman Scott’s App Challenge With ‘BrainBoost’

Douglas County High School freshman Sophia Yang recently won first place in Congressman David Scott’s Congressional App Challenge with “BrainBoost,” an AI-powered application designed to support students in their studies. 

Users can input any topic into the app, whether it’s about photosynthesis or quantum mechanics, and the app generates a concise summary of that topic. In addition, a customized quiz based on the provided topic is generated, enabling students to reinforce their understanding and knowledge retention.

“Sophia's innovation and advancement in technology is on full display with her BrainBoost App,” said DCHS Principal Kenja Parks. “Her eloquence, natural curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning make her a frontrunner as a young disrupter in the tech space. We take great pride and honor in celebrating Sophia, and we feel confident that she will continue to flourish in the fields of science and technology.”

Yang will be invited to the House of Code in Washington, D.C., where she will have the opportunity to meet with other coders and program participants from across the country. Her app is also being displayed in the U.S. Capitol and on the House of Representatives’ website.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of my Congressional App Challenge,” said Congressman David Scott. “Their ability to identify and solve problems with much-needed solutions speaks to their ingenuity and creativity. I am excited for this young generation of STEM leaders.”

In addition to winning Congressman Scott’s App Challenge, Yang has been racking up accolades for her science project “CanineCare: An AI-Based Approach for Mammary Tumor Detection in Dogs.” Yang’s project won first place at both the DCSS District Science Fair and the Regional Science Fair to earn a spot at the state fair in Athens in April.

School Social Work Week is March 3-9, 2024

From March 3-9, we celebrate our School Social Workers. National School Social Work Week celebrates school social workers across the country. It also highlights their vital role in helping students meet academic, social, and emotional challenges. In our school system, School Social Workers are trained to identify, assess, and resolve personal and/or family conflicts which may interfere with school attendance, social adjustment or academic achievement.

We recognize and value the work of the Douglas County School System’s Social Workers. Thank you, School Social Workers, for your commitment to Douglas County students!

Classroom Corner

CHES Celebrates Black History and Promotes Literacy

The Chapel Hill Elementary School media center presented a Black History Wax Museum as part of the school’s Black History Month celebration and its commitment to fostering literacy.

The exhibit features historical covers of Time Magazine showcasing Black history figures, Barbies representing influential African American women, and motivational posters. 

An eye-catching balloon display, crafted by paraprofessionals Roslind Agbo and Ajuane Saulsbury, is designed to captivate the curiosity of young readers.

This thoughtfully curated collection aims to provide age-appropriate literature, allowing students to delve into the rich tapestry of our nation's history. 

Cameron Sheldon, the media specialist, emphasized the careful selection process.

"We dedicated time to create this display, aiming to spotlight influential African Americans who have significantly shaped our history,” she said. “Our students are enthusiastically embracing the exhibit, and the books are quickly disappearing from the shelves." The display will remain open throughout February, inviting both students and staff to explore and learn more about the impactful individuals showcased.”

Winston Students Take Part in Antonovich's Final Art Show

Winston Elementary School held its annual Night of the Arts Show fundraiser on February 13. 

A total of 295 students participated and funds raised will help support the Winston art program. 

The show was art teacher Tabitha Antonovich's final show at Winston. She is retiring at the end of the year after 32 years at the school.

"Mrs. Antonovich is a phenomenal teacher who has served the students of Winston Elementary for over 30 years," Winston Principal Heather George said. "Through every stroke of the brush and artistic piece created, she has painted a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of our students. Her dedication to nurturing student's artistic talents has left an indelible mark on their lives. Mrs. Antonovich has instilled the belief that creativity knows no bounds and has dedicated her career to empowering all students to find beauty in every canvas of life."

Student Spotlight

Bella Cade is an eighth-grade student at Mason Creek Middle School. The young scholar has made a big impression on others with her kindness, consideration and intelligence. She is passionate about lending a helping hand in a social or academic setting when her peers are in need. 



In fact, her teachers say she is “helpful and kind to all of her classmates, which makes her a pleasure to teach in the classroom.” 

In addition to taking and excelling in all advanced classes, Bella serves as an Exceptional Ambassador in the special needs classrooms and is a proud member of the MCMS Cheer Squad. Cheer Coach Hope Carnes praised Bella’s diligence and exemplary leadership skills.   

“Bella was a leader on and off the field and worked hard in everything she did with a positive attitude. While we hate that she'll be leaving soon for high school, we know that she'll continue to do great things in the future!”

Mrs. Tina Johnson, transitioning from a career in law enforcement to education, has quickly established herself as a source of inspiration in Chestnut Log Middle School’s Special Education English Language Arts department. Her unique background as a former police officer brings a distinctive perspective to her teaching approach, blending discipline with empathy in a way that resonates deeply with her students. Her decision to pursue a career in education stemmed from a desire to make a lasting positive impact on young lives, particularly those who face learning challenges. In her classroom, Mrs. Johnson combines her motivation and calm demeanor to create an environment where students feel safe, valued, and capable of achieving their best. Her lessons in ELA are tailored to meet the diverse needs of her students, incorporating a variety of teaching methods to ensure that each child can access and engage with the material effectively.

Mrs. Johnson's experiences in law enforcement have endowed her with a unique skill set that includes effective communication, classroom management, and a deep understanding of the importance of structure and consistency—skills that are invaluable in a special education setting. She is particularly adept at building trust and rapport with her students, many of whom have faced various challenges in their educational journeys. By integrating her life experiences into her teaching, she not only enriches her students' learning experience but also serves as a role model, showing them the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Through her dedication and innovative approach, Mrs. Johnson has quickly become an integral part of Chestnut Log Middle School, inspiring both her students and colleagues with her journey from police officer to passionate educator.

Panthers Look to Make Another Playoff Run in 2024

Chapel Hill’s boys soccer team is looking to make a fourth-straight trip to the state playoffs.

The Panthers are coming off a 13-3 season last year and have gone to the state playoffs three years in a row.

Coach Matt Leach said his Panthers are also the defending Douglas County Champions after defeating the other county high schools in the Douglas County Derby in 2023.

Senior striker Kenny Pameni and senior defender Habib Senghore are team captains this year. Pameni has eight goals to lead the team in the early going.

Other key players include midfielders Gonzalo Hurtado, Daniel Kossilov and Ariel Martinez and goalkeeper Peter Martinez, according to Leach.

The Panthers have won four of their first seven games in 2024 so far and tied cross-town rival Alexander 1-1 on Feb. 16.

Weekly Athletics Schedule

Key Dates

• 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

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 on the lower level of Burnett Elementary School and offers several services. Click here to learn more.