DCSS Hosts Back to School Kickoff to Prepare for New Year

DCSS students and teachers eagerly returned to the classroom last Wednesday, August 2. Teachers lined the hallways at each school to welcome students back to the classroom before beginning a new year of instruction. 

To help these bright scholars kick-start the academic year on a high note, the Douglas County School System hosted a Back to School Kickoff event. The highly anticipated annual event took place July 22, offering students the support they need for their educational journey.  

In addition to gathering educational resources, students accessed valuable community resources. District departments and community agencies at the Kickoff shared various resources and services where over five thousand individuals gained access to educational tools, school resources, and critical community connections and relationships. 

Throughout the day’s activities, 2,280 students received free bags stuffed with school supplies. In addition to receiving these educational aids, families also connected with district departments. 

“This event was a tremendous celebration of academic achievement,” Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning Chelsie Goodman said. “It united every area of our community with one proud mission: to enrich and enlighten the lives of our students. The DCSS Kickoff has been a testament to our school system’s and community’s power to ensure students are ready for educational success.”

Not only did students attending receive a boost to their academic success, but they also received access to an abundance of community resources. Community partners such as West Georgia Technical College, the Douglasville Police Department, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office and the Douglas County Public Library shared information to support student health and wellbeing. The Georgia Department of Public Health further contributed by providing hearing, vision, nutritional, and dental screenings to help new families fulfill school enrollment requirements.

BUES Gets Landscaping Help from Local Partners in Education

First Methodist Church of Douglasville values its long relationship with Burnett Elementary School.

Recently, several church members braved the heat to refresh landscaping at the school. And the following day, the church hosted a “welcome back” breakfast for all staff. The church also decorated the faculty lounge and provided snacks.

But their help didn’t stop there. The following week, church members were also on hand to support Sneak-a-Peak and the first day of school!

DCSS is grateful for help from its Partners in Education like the First Methodist Church of Douglasville!

DCSS Students Get Air Time on 11Alive News

11Alive News is airing Back to School video messages and a few local schools are elated to represent The Douglas County School System! Mason Creek Middle, North Douglas Elementary, and Lithia Springs High will delight 11 Alive viewers with an energetic prerecorded message during the news station’s newest segment. “It’s a new opportunity where we are hoping to feature local schools and students,” says Liza Lucas of 11Alive News.  

The student segments will air over the next couple of weeks. The cheerleaders of Mason Creek Middle School aired twice on Thursday, August 10, while North Douglas Elementary is expected to air on Tuesday, August 15 between 5-7am. Please make sure to tune in to the DCSS young scholars in action!

DCSS' Kilgore Receives Distinguished Honor

One of Douglas County School System’s superstars has been recognized for her dedication to serving bilingual families and educators across the district. Over the past eight years, Lizzy Kilgore has served as the District Bilingual Liaison for DCSS. 

Because of Kilgore’s passion and commitment to creating cultural bridges among multicultural families, the National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Language Access (NAETISL) recently named her the Language Access Champion. This special honor acknowledges individuals who have worked diligently to ensure bilingual families and educators can effectively communicate.    

The extraordinary recognition is no surprise to Kilgore’s supervisor, Dr. Karen Stoutmire, Executive Director of Federal Programs. “It was extremely obvious a few years ago that Lizzy Kilgore was undeniably the best fit when we created the position and interviewed her for our very first District Bilingual Parent Liaison. We knew that her zeal and passion for families who spoke languages other than English would be a game changer for Douglas County Schools,” expressed Stoutmire. Stoutmire went on to explain Kilgore’s advocacy for bilingual families to “remove barriers and ensure proper communication across the district” demonstrates her true passion to serve in this area.   

Kilgore’s career with DCSS began as a paraprofessional at Mason Creek and Bright Star Elementary Schools. Additionally, she offered unwavering support to students as a tutoring assistant. Her contributions to the Douglas County School System have assisted in the growth of over 47 languages, including approximately 3,857 families.    

In addition to Kilgore’s support, additional resources for non-English speaking families are available. Resources are available on the DCSS district website. Individuals interested may attend meetings pertaining to topics such as attendance, life after high school and summer learning.

DCSS/UWG Partnership Takes DCSS Students to New Heights

High school students in Douglas County seeking first-hand experience in the professional film and television studio industry will now have the opportunity right at their fingertips. Thanks to an innovative partnership between the University of West Georgia and the Douglas County School System, hundreds of talented DCSS students will be positioned to excel in a professional film and television production learning environment.      

The opportunity is part of a joint Dual Enrollment venture with the University of West Georgia.  The groundbreaking partnership with Great Point Studios includes enhanced academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, experiential learning opportunities, and economic development.  Great Point Studios is constructing a 500,000-square-foot film and television complex on Fairburn Road in Douglas County. The full-service complex will include 12 large sound stages, office and support space, a back lot and parking for 400 cars and 100 trucks.

Douglas County School System Superintendent Trent North expressed this new endeavor is a winning combination for local students and the county.  “Not only does this opportunity enhance our students’ skill sets, but it also taps into our local talent and cultivates economic growth in our community.”   

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Chelsie agrees that learning extends beyond the classroom.  “Douglas County has the potential to contribute rich local expertise and

innovative student talent to the film and television industry,” she adds. “This partnership invests in our district’s mission to create the next generation of thinkers, leaders and creators.”

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by both organizations began July 1,

2023. Both DCSS and UWG are committed to a long-term partnership to benefit

the community and local economy for years to come.

Classroom Corner

DCEF Names Classroom Impact Grant Recipients

The Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF) announced 42 Classroom Impact Grants to Douglas County School System (DCSS) teachers totaling $30,906.06 in July.

"On behalf of DCEF, we send a special thank you to every applicant that started and completed a Classroom Impact Grant application," said Angelia O'Neal, DCEF Executive Director. "We look forward to seeing the positive impact that these grants will have in each classroom."

The Grants are provided by the Foundation to promote creative and innovative ideas inside and outside the classroom that directly impact student learning. Grants often fund programs, projects, equipment and enrichment opportunities that would not be available through state funds alone.

To receive a Grant, teachers, media specialists, counselors, principals and assistant principals throughout the Douglas County School System submit applications, and Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the top applicants. 

Over the last 15 years, more than $217,000 have been awarded in Classroom Impact Grants to serve thousands of students at all grade levels throughout DCSS. 

Congratulations to this year's Classroom Impact Grant recipients, listed below.

Elementary School

• Erika Ruth - Arbor Station Elementary School
• Ione Stover - Arbor Station Elementary School
• Elizabeth Story - Beulah Elementary School
• Aletheia Leavitt - Bill Arp Elementary School
• Karen Gorzynski - Bill Arp Elementary School
• Elizabeth Shadix - Bright Star Elementary School
• Chevette Carter - Burnett Elementary School
• K'Asha Davis - Chapel Hill Elementary School
• Melissa Wages - Chapel Hill Elementary School
• Cameron Sheldon - Chapel Hill Elementary School
• Carollynn McMahan - Dorsett Shoals Elementary School
• Greta Shipman - Factory Shoals Elementary School
• Morgan Newson - Factory Shoals Elementary School
• Tina Birdsong - Holly Springs Elementary School
• Katie Winslett - Holly Springs Elementary School
• Janet Blair - Lithia Springs Elementary School
• Crystal Evans - Mason Creek Elementary School
• Mandi Slatton - Mason Creek Elementary School
• Ana Ingram - Mirror Lake Elementary School
• Shanta Williams - New Manchester Elementary School
• Nigil Smith - New Manchester Elementary School
• Erica Witherspoon - North Douglas Elementary School
• Thomas Bruno - South Douglas Elementary School
• Jenny Woods - South Douglas Elementary School
• Terezie Rice - South Douglas Elementary School
• Niamba Johnson - Sweetwater Elementary School
• Aubrey Lee - Winston Elementary School
• Amber Harrison - Winston Elementary School
• Jamie Boemer - Winston Elementary School

Middle School

• Alicia Boyard - Turner Middle School
• Kasey Haynes - Chapel Hill Middle School
• Kelli Crowe - Mason Creek Middle School
• Pamela Kingston - Mason Creek Middle School / LEAP
• Michelle Hester - Chestnut Log Middle School
• Sandy Richardson - Fairplay Middle School

High School

• Amanda Backus - Alexander High School
• David Brown - The Haven Academy at Alexander High School
• Kenya Taylor - Chapel Hill High School
• Rhiannon Sims - Chapel Hill High School
• Shelly Mitchell - Lithia Springs High School
• Teresa Wellmaker - Douglas County High School

Friday Night Football Schedule

Key Dates

• September 4: Labor Day (holiday for all)
• September 5: Teacher Work Day
• September 6: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
• September 15: Start of Hispanic Heritage Month
• October 6: Grading Period Ends
• October 9-13: Fall Break
• October 18: Progress Reports (high school)
• October 18: Report Cards (elementary & middle schools)
• November 7: Teacher Work Day
• November 15: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
• November 20-24: Thanksgiving Holidays
• December 15: End of First Semester

Family Resources

DCSS Family Health Center

School is back in session, and that means sports are just around the corner! Have you scheduled your student's annual physical to ensure they are ready to participate? If not, get ahead of the game by contacting the Family Health Center to schedule your student's physical for the new year!

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.

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.