Chapel Hill High Senior Accepted to 40 Colleges, Receives $1.6 Million in Scholarships

As a Chapel Hill High School senior, Regis Harris faces the same decisions many students must make: where to go to college and how to pay for it? But this fall, his journey to higher education will be much easier thanks to the number of colleges recruiting him and the scholarships he has received.

Regis has been accepted to over 40 colleges and received $1.6 million in scholarship offers. Some of the top schools offering Harris admission include the University of Southern California, Clemson University, and the University of Georgia.

Harris is no stranger to academic achievement. He has worked hard throughout his school career. At Chapel Hill, he is in the National Honor Society and a member of the marching band. He is also on the varsity track team, the chess club, and works in the school store.

The million-dollar-plus scholarship winner will attend North Carolina A&T State University this fall as a Biology (Pre-Med) Major. At North Carolina A&T, the talented scholar will receive the Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy, which includes tuition, room and board, all fees, and books. His goal is to continue his education, become a psychiatrist, and provide service to underserved communities. 

Douglasville Mayor Visits Burnett Elementary for Women's History Month

On Friday, March 31, the City of Douglasville Mayor, Rochelle Robinson, visited Burnett Elementary School in honor of Women’s History Month. She was featured on Burnett’s morning newscast, Tiger News Broadcast. On the broadcast, BUES’ students had been highlighting phenomenal women in American history throughout the month of March, and the group thought it would be most befitting to host Mayor Robinson as Douglasville’s first African American and female mayor. 

She was interviewed by fifth-grade student Gabriella Washington, who asked her about why she wanted to be the mayor. Mayor Robinson said she wanted to become a mayor so that she could help people. During the interview Washington asked the mayor about being a woman in her career, and advice for today’s girls. 

Mayor Robinson said she overcame obstacles as a woman through prayer and perseverance. She gave Gabriella wonderful advice for chasing her dreams. She tells young girls to continue to dream and believe in yourself. During her childhood, she credited reading to much of her success and achieving her dreams. She explained that reading can take you anywhere you want to be.

Mayor Robinson is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and fellow sorors at the school presented her with a gift basket to show sisterly love, and their appreciation for her public works in the city of Douglasville. 

“Oftentimes, we can’t see the impact we have on people in real time,” said Marketa Croom, Principal at BUES.  “Not only were we honored to be blessed by Mayor Robinson’s presence, we were more blessed with her legacy of excellence. Little girls will look back and remember the day  the ‘girl’ mayor came to their school and immersed them in wisdom, knowledge, and inspiration. It was nothing short of magic.”

Bright Star Elementary Comets Outshine Competitors During March Madness Tournament

The Bright Star Elementary School Comets are the champions of the 2023 Elementary Intramural Sports March Madness Basketball Tournament.  Lead by Coach Cleon Kennedy, the Comets came away with the win in a nail-biting game against Sweetwater Elementary School on March 30 in the Douglas County High School gym. In celebration of the students’ accomplishments both in the classroom and on the court, the Bright Star athletes were recognized by the school with a Chick-Fil-a breakfast and an additional championship trophy. Team members also took part in a parade around the school.



“I’m so incredibly proud of our athletes! They work hard on and off of the court,” said Principal Heather Fields. “Intramural sports continue to be such an awesome part of Bright Star! Thank you to our students, parents and coaches for your time and hard work,” she added.

Five elementary schools participated in the basketball program this year. In addition to Bright Star, North Douglas, Beulah, Sweetwater, and Arbor Station took part. Douglas County High School served as host site for the program. Coach Gary Tucker from Seven Springs Church sponsored the championship trophy and a skate night at Sparkles for all intramural league student athletes and coaches.

“All coaches and students maintained excellent sportsmanship and parents filled the bleachers to cheer for their student athletes, said Bright Star Teacher Nicole Hall. “This was such an amazing season, and we are thankful for all of the support we received from administrators, teachers, coaches, parents and community members.”

Congratulations Comets!

Annette Winn Elementary School recently spread inspiration and literacy across the community through its 6th annual Literature Loving Ladies event. The event saw the participation of thirty readers who joined in person, through Google Meet, or by sharing video recordings.



A diverse group of readers participated including Douglas County Solicitor General Sonya Compton, District Attorney Dalia Racine, Superior Court Judge Deah Warren and other county employees. Former teachers Clydie Jones and Linda Rogers Marlow also shared their passion for reading with students, while Lithia Children's Librarian Duffy Yarbrough, a favorite among students, recommended her favorite book. 

Employees of the Douglas County School System and Annette Winn's own staff, including ESOL teachers Yolanda Brooks and Julie King, Counselor Michela Link, and Office Manager Jennifer Houston, also participated.



Dr. Sherritta Abell, the school's principal, read her favorite book, "I am Enough," to the Wildcat students, who thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the readers and the books they shared.

The Literature Loving Ladies event is part of Annette Winn Elementary School's ongoing commitment to promoting literacy and a love of reading among its students. The school eagerly anticipates hosting the event again next year and continuing to inspire young minds through the transformative power of books.

Mt. Carmel Student Honored for Outstanding Writing

Mt. Carmel kindergarten student, Amelia Sunu, had a special surprise this week as she and her classmates found out that she was the Metro RESA winner for her Young Georgia Authors writing submission. Amelia's piece entitled '”The Lemon" deserved a sweet (not sour) treat from Crumbl Cookies and balloons fit for the skilled writer that she is. Next, Sunu will compete at the state level of the competition. 

Superintendent North shared, "We are incredibly grateful to Amelia and our other Young Georgia Author competition winners, who bravely put their dreams, thoughts, and ideas into words. Their work fills us with joy and pride. We are proud to be a part of their journey as they develop their writing skills and share their stories of the world around them."

Not only will Amelia be recognized for her achievements at next Monday's Board meeting, but all of the district's YGA winners will be honored. We wish Amelia good luck with the state-level of the competition, and once again, congratulations to Mt. Carmel and her teacher, Ms. Talps.

Classroom Corner

Bill Arp Elementary Hosts High-Flying Spring Break Kickoff

Bill Arp Elementary School kicked off Spring Break for its students with a pep rally featuring the Air Elite Dunk Team. The team showed off its athleticism by performing several high-flying tricks for students, and they were also entertained by the school's own Boss Squad Cheerleading team.

Along wtih the entertainment, students also got to hear messages about self confidence and self esteem from presenters during the pep rally as well.

Middle School Basketball Champions Honored

At the March 20 Board of Education meeting, DCSS recognized its middle school basketball champions.

Chapel Hill Middle School celebrated three champions on the night, as their 7th grade boys team, 7th grade girls team, and 8th grade boys teams were all recognized as county tournament champions. Factory Shoals Middle School's 8th grade girls team was also recognized for their county championship.

The 7th Grade Boys (below) team includes William Pass, Amir Jackson, Travis Scott, Elijah Jasmin, Andrew Lattimore, Mason Turner, Jabari Walthour, Ares Cosey, Caleb Julien, Grayson Barnett, Kenneth Reed, Tyson Blair, Terrence Brandon, and Head Coach Adrian Marcus.

The 8th Grade Boys team (below) includes Tyanthony Blair, Milton Henry, Tyson Jenkins, Alex Knighton, Chase Lumpkin, Amare McKinley, Elijah Redmond, Jason Smith, Josiah Thames, Marley Thomas, Chase Whitehead, and Head Coach Patrick Brennan.

The 7th Grade Girls team (below) includes Kendall Copeland, Madison Gibson, Mikayla Gibson, K'maria Hill, Serenity Jennings, Kimberly Matthews, London McClure, Jaida Stamper, Emoni Turkvant, Paris Wilson, Aaliyah Young, and Head Coach Alexandria Fore.

The Board of Education also recognized the 8th Grade Girls Basketball team from Factory Shoals Middle School for their tournament win. The 8th Grade Girls team includes Brianna Battle, Jae’lah Whyte, Devin Furgess, Katelyn Cherry, Yasira Cooper, Myra Wilson, A’mya Evans, Emory Pitts, Armoni Butler, Khayla Butcher, JaStarri Morris, and Gabrielle Adams, Head Coach: Reginald Pearson, Assistant Coach Carl Moore, Assistant Coach Waqueisha Tenny, and Manager Jaylen Pittman.

Student Spotlight

Bridget Sanches is a Brilliant Eastside Bear because of her exceptional work ethic, leadership, selflessness, and perseverance. Bridget is a fourth grader who has maintained all A's and B's. Principal Timothy  Jenkins, Sr. says Bridget has supported her peers in school and at home by updating them on assignments they may have missed while they were out. In her free time she enjoys reading the Wings of Fire and Warriors graphic novel series and she doesn't mind reading them over and over again. In the future, Bridget plans to make her mark as a farmer, an author, serving in the military, or becoming a veterinarian.  Congratulations, Bridget! 

Key Dates

• April 17: Board of Education Meeting
• May 1: Board of Education Work Session
• May 15: Board of Education Meeting
• May 23, 24: Half Days for All Students
• May 24: Final Day of Spring Semester
• May 25: AHS & LSHS Graduations
• May 26: NMHS & DCHS Graduations
• May 27: CHHS Graduation
• May 29: Memorial Day Holiday for All
• May 30-31: Teacher Professional Learning Days
• June 19: Juneteenth Holiday for All
• July 3, 5-7:
• July 4: Holiday for All
• July 22: DCSS Back-to-School Kickoff
• July 25-31: Preplanning
• July 28: High School Back-to-School Bash
• July 31: Elementary and Middle School Sneak-a-Peak

Family Resources

School Choice Window Open Through April 27

The Douglas County School System will begin accepting applications for school choice transfers April 12 through April 27, 2023. Parents may request to transfer their child to another public school in the district for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year if the school has available space after its assigned students have been enrolled.

Visit the link above for more information about school choice for the 2023-2024 school year.

KinderCamp for Rising Kindergarten Students

DCSS is hosting KinderCamp July 17-20 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m to help rising kindergarten students learn what to expect in the new school year.

Students must be fully registered for kindergarten by July 7 to attend KinderCamp at their zoned school.

Click the link above for a flyer with more information.

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 Autism Awareness Night

April is Autism Awareness Month, and DCSS will be holding an Autism Awareness Night on April 11 at Chapel Hill Elementary School from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to help foster a more inclusive community for individuals with autism.

Age-level activities will be provided for students during the informational portion for parents. Be sure to register your student if planning to attend.

Click the link above to register your student or for more information about the event.

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.