A New Way to Submit School News!

October 18, 2019

Learning Lessons in History and Engineering at FMS

During an enrichment/remediation period at Fairplay Middle School, teachers Mrs. Angela Wiggins and Mrs. Lydia Palmer used the opportunity to co-teach a STEM lesson using the picture book Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven.

After reading the book and quickly reviewing historical aspects of the Berlin Airlift of 1948/1949, the teachers and students studied the engineering design process. The students then took the role of Col. Gail Halvorsen and created their own “parachute” for a candy drop. Students tested their parachute to determine if it would float like “marshmallow clouds” as the author described in the book.

Hands-on Learning at Holly Springs Elementary

Kennesaw State University’s iTeach Maker Bus recently made a stop at Holly Springs Elementary and provided Program Challenge students with a day of fun and engaging activities. Students participated in coding and and other activities that support critical and creative thinking skills.

"This was a great opportunity for our students," said Program Challenge teacher Meghan Rathel. "They were able to practice problem solving skills in an engaging and hands-on way to explore real-world applications of critical and creative thinking."

Out-of-School Learning Experiences

Students from Three Schools Visit the Georgia Aquarium

Fifty students from the Performance Learning Center (PLC) learned about the path to employment at the Georgia Aquarium and requirements for becoming a volunteer.

"At the PLC, we love taking our students outside the county to experience some of the great attractions around Atlanta and the state of Georgia," said PLC Principal Caroline Whitt. "Students learn a great deal through field trips."

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students from Douglas County High School and Lithia Springs High School went on their first ever joint field trip to the Georgia Aquarium on October 27.

"The field trip allowed students to widen their English vocabulary while giving them experiences outside the classroom," said ESOL teacher Sherry Sutton. "Many of our students do not often have the opportunity to travel outside of Douglas County." The group finished their trip with a trip to the CNN Center for lunch.

Students Show Compassion for The Bahamas

Students and staff members raised over $8,000 for victims of Hurricane Dorian, the catastrophic storm that hit the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama on September 1. Students purchased "Strong for Bahamas" wrist bands in the colors of the Bahamian flag for $2 and staff members purchased them for $5. Students and staff wore their wrist bands on October 9 to celebrate and show solidarity and strength.

"Beyond the bracelets sold and money raised, we are incredibly proud of the many comments and expressions shared by our students, teachers and parents," said Casey Bethel, who spearheaded the project. "The school system accomplished its goal of demonstrating that Douglas County truly is a loving and supportive community, even when those in need are seemingly far away."

The money raised will be donated through The Bahamas Consulate in Atlanta and earmarked specifically toward resources like food, water, and toiletries to assist the people devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

Pictured above are students from Sweetwater Elementary.

A New and Easy Way to Submit News!

The Communications Department now offers a new and improved way to submit news articles! By clicking the link below, you will go to a form that will offer you the option of submitting:

a news article about something positive in our schools. The information might be used in the weekly district newsletter, on social platforms, or shared with the media.
an item appropriate for an employee only newsletter
a sympathy announcement for a relative of an employee
a flyer to post on the Community Bulletin Board

Parents, employees, and community members are all welcome to submit news for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

Submit News Here

Parents: We Need Your Input for the Strategic Plan

Parents, the Douglas County School System is developing the Strategic Plan for 2020-2025, and we need your suggestions on how we can make our schools the best they can be.

Parents should have received an email from Hanover Research on or around October 16. The email contained a link to an important survey regarding the school system’s Strategic Plan.

If you did not receive an email, please contact pam.nail@dcssga.org . We want all of our parents to have the opportunity to help us identify school system priorities for the next five years!

Rowan Boyce is an outstanding student who is well respected by his teachers and classmates. He is an eager learner, an exemplary role model, and an exceptional leader. He possesses a self-driven attitude, a strong desire to succeed, and an unquestionable work ethic. In addition to his high academic performance in all subject areas, he participates in numerous extracurricular activities. He is an active member of chorus, Program Challenge, Road Runners, and the Beulah Bee News Crew. His smile and love for learning are infectious and brighten the halls of Beulah Elementary School! Congratulations, Rowan!

Be a "Principal 4 A Day"

Members of our business community are invited to serve as a “Principal 4 a Day” on Tuesday, November 19. Sponsored by the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce and the Douglas County School System, the program offers the chance to shadow a principal for a half day in one of our 35 schools.

Each principal will be paired with an individual who will experience a typical day in the principal’s shoes. Guest principals will be exposed to the many exciting programs offered in our schools and will gain first-hand insight into the challenges that schools face on a daily basis.

Chamber President and CEO, Sara Ray, commented, “Principal 4 a Day continues to be a great experience that our Chamber members truly enjoy and look forward to each year. Allowing business leaders to have access to principals is an excellent way for the community to see the needs of each school and to help tell the story of the successes they achieve daily.”

“The Douglas County School System is again pleased to partner with the Douglas County Chamber to offer Principal 4 A Day,” stated Superintendent Trent North. “This is an excellent opportunity for our community members to visit with principals in our schools and learn more about the quality education we provide and become better acquainted with the learning that takes place every day. Our principals and staff are all committed to offering an excellent education to all students in a safe, supportive environment.”

While this program is for members of the business community, other members of the Douglasville and Douglas County community will have the opportunity to participate in the second portion of this program, “Teacher 4 a Day,” on March 25, 2020.

To apply for a P4AD, click here . Applications are due by 5 p.m. on November 5. See flyer at the end of this email.

Reminder for 8th Grade Parents:

Magnet Information Sessions Are Underway!

Next Meeting: DCHS on October 23

Did you know that all five high schools in Douglas County offer a magnet program? Students in 8th grade may apply to attend any of the high schools in the county or the Academy at CCI.

Applications for the magnet programs at all five high schools are due on Monday, December 16, 2019, for the 2020-2021 school year. For the Academy at CCI, students may register for the lottery between January 10, 2020, and January 29, 2020.

For a list of informational meetings at each school and other important dates, please click the link below. Please consult each school's website for details on the various programs.

Timeline for Magnet Selection Process for 2020-2021 School Year

Free Christmas Gifts for Eligible Children!

Children enrolled in Douglas County schools and their younger siblings may once again receive a free Christmas gift through the generosity of the folks at Operation Christmas Douglas County. Among the fabulous gifts available this year are accessories for Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo, and Playstation. Each registrant will also have a chance to receive one of over 200 donated bicycles in addition to their gift.

To qualify, children must reside in Douglas County and receive free or reduced price lunch. This is a community effort and is not sponsored by the school system.

To register for this opportunity, please go to the link below where you will find registration links in English and Spanish. The deadline to register is November 10.

Registration Link in English Registration Link in Spanish