DCSS Fosters Compassion and Harmony with Great Kindness Challenge | |
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Beulah and Bill Arp elementary students recently embraced the spirit of kindness by participating in The Great Kindness Challenge. The inspiring week kicked off January 22 with students and staff devoting themselves to promoting a wave of positivity throughout their schools.
“The Great Kindness Challenge is a proactive and positive Social-emotional learning-focused bullying prevention program that improves school climate and increases student engagement,” said Bill Arp Elementary School Counselor Tracy Small. “Counselors also provide curriculum and instruction to support this initiative,” she added.
Some Great Kindness Challenge themes Bill Arp welcomed for the week included "Peace, Love, & Kindness," “Take Pride in Yourself” and “Walk Together with Kindness.” Using the provided kindness checklist, students accepted the challenge and showed the world that kindness matters.
“We are so proud of all the students who participated and accepted the challenge to complete as many acts of kindness as possible throughout the school this week,” expressed Bill Arp Principal Christy Shackelford. As a result of their goodwill, Bill Arp was honored with the Kindness Certified School Certificate for completing 1,818 Acts of Kindness January 22 through 26.
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Beulah Elementary scholars also shared in spreading joy by designing special kindness stickers and distributing them to Beulah’s staff and local coffee shops.
“Beulah’s Beta Club has taken the kindness challenge very seriously,” said Media Specialist Lori Blevins.
Students decorated candy jars for staff members and donated volunteer hours after school to assist teachers with completing various tasks, Blevins explained.
“We are so glad we have students who know how to be kind,” she said.
Overall, the Great Kindness Challenge, presented by the nonprofit organization Kids for Peace, encourages students to spread joy throughout their schools and communities.
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According to the official website, the heart of the foundation is the belief that kindness is strength.
A high school honor student and mother who was a former elementary school teacher initiated Kids for Peace to foster positive change worldwide.
With a mission to help create a more positive, unified and respectful school environment, the organization designed The Great Kindness Challenge.
The innovative approach has ignited the kindness movement across the globe where collectively the world is proving kindness matters.
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DCHS Rotary Interact Club Beautifying Winston Campus | |
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Members of Douglas County High School’s Rotary Interact Club were eager to find ways to support the community last fall.
They decided on the Adopt-a-Spot program through Keep Douglas County Beautiful and chose Winston Elementary School as their spot. The group completed its first “cleanup” at Winston in November, according to DCHS Rotary Interact Club Sponsor Drenay Everett.
They’re currently working to get their official sign on the Winston campus. Everett said future plans include a garden in the rear of the school.
Imáge Stewart, External Affairs Coordinator for the Douglas County government, oversees the program.
Stewart praised the group’s efforts at Winston and said they have been “keeping the school campus beautiful.”
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MCMS Students Write Encouraging Letters to Alumnus Serving in Air Force | |
Approximately 200 students from Mason Creek Middle School recently wrote encouraging letters to a Wolf alumnus serving in the United States Air Force.
Airman 1st Class Dion Orellana attended Mason Creek Middle School from 2014-2017 and is stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Assistant Principal Kim Daniel said the letter-writing project was organized by community member Al Dobbs.
“He has been a mentor to Dion since he was a young child,” Daniel said. “Mr. Dobbs is a veteran who served his country and takes great pride in supporting and providing emotional support to young adults who join the military to protect and serve our country.”
Dobbs reached out to Daniel, who said she took the idea to the entire “Wolfden to have students write and express their gratitude and support to one of our own.”
Many of the letters included pictures the students drew of the American Flag. One of the students wrote, in part, “We appreciate the risk you take for not only people in Georgia but people all over the country.” Another student wrote, “Thank you for your service and what you are doing for the country and schools. You make the world change in what you do.”
In addition to the letters, the school also sent Orellana some Mason Creek Middle School spirit wear as part of the care package.
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SDES Fifth Graders Get A Charge Out of
Learning About Electricity
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South Douglas Elementary School fifth graders are busy learning about electricity.
Students have enjoyed multiple labs and hands-on learning activities while exploring the differences in static electricity and human harnessed electricity.
Students created static electricity with friction by rubbing balloons in their hair and with wool. After seeing the static electricity in their hair and learning that it was like charges repelling each other, students then tested pepper, salt, paper, and Styrofoam to see if a charged balloon would pick up those items.
"I love providing my students with exciting learning experiences that get them asking questions, collaborating together, and learning, all while having fun,” said fifth grade teacher Jennifer Gillespie. “This truly is one of those days you are so thankful to be a part of seeing student engagement and high quality learning.”
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Building a community of lifelong learners every day | |
YMS Students Using Hands-On Learning to Enhance Studies | |
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At Yeager Middle School, students are using hands-on learning to enhance their studies.
In Revathi Kollavajjala’s math class, classes are integrating science and math by building three-dimensional, solid shapes.
While these students explore shapes, eighth-grade students in Levitticus Smith’s Georgia Studies class are conducting a student-led center.
Students there enjoyed the interactive lesson because it allowed them to describe and define the New South Era to their peers. Hearing the different perspectives from their peers ignited a group discussion and encouraged further discussion.
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Urwa Khan is a remarkable fifth-grade student at Holly Springs Elementary who embodies the spirit of academic excellence and community involvement. As an active member of the Beta Club and the TOME Book Club, Urwa consistently demonstrates her dedication to learning and collaboration.
Her recent achievement of securing first place in a science project highlights her commitment to academic success, and she will proudly represent Holly Springs in the upcoming district science fair. Urwa's outstanding conduct and unwavering dedication set a high standard for her peers, making her a true role model within the school community.
Urwa's influence extends beyond academics. Her passion for an active lifestyle, love for reading, and creative endeavors serve as an inspiration to her peers, encouraging them to embrace healthy habits and pursue their interests. Her kind and compassionate nature solidifies her position as a beloved friend and a supportive presence within the school.
Urwa's exceptional leadership qualities and positive influence make her an indispensable part of Holly Springs Elementary. Her warmth, empathy, and dedication to excellence exemplify the best qualities of a student, setting a shining example for her fellow classmates.
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Ashleigh Keen is a first-year teacher at Dorsett Shoals Elementary. This is her second career, but Principal Kelly Brown says it is clear she was born for the job. Ms. Keen serves Dorsett Shoals with excellence as a fourth grade ELA teacher, and makes a daily impact on her students through her wonderful ability to establish relationships with students, as well as her instructional knowledge and skill set. Ms. Keen is such a positive influence on both students and staff at DSES, and her school family is so proud that she is a Panther! | |
Douglas County High School Girls’ Golf Team Earns Prestigious Grant | |
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The Girls’ Golf Team at Douglas County High School has recently attracted statewide attention by being one of only 43 schools in Georgia awarded a prestigious grant. This achievement highlights the team’s commitment to excellence in high school athletics.
“I am elated that our girls’ golf team has been awarded this grant. This support will help us advance our goals one swing at a time as we actively promote, celebrate, and recognize girls’ sports at DCHS,” says Principal Kenja Parks.
Parks explains that high school girls’ sports teams are more than just competitions on a field or court; they are platforms for empowerment, resilience, and camaraderie. She says, “These teams foster physical strength and the development of leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of identity.”
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Weekly Athletics Schedule | |
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- 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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DCSS Honor Band Concert
What: DCSS Honor Band Concert
When: February 3 at 3 p.m.
Where: Alexander High School Performing Arts Center.
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Apply to CCI Night
What: Douglas County College and Career Institute Apply to CCI Night
When: February 6, from 5-7 p.m.
Where: CCI, 4600 Timber Ridge Dr., Building D, Douglasville, GA 30135.
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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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