New Book Vending Machine Greets
Mason Creek Middle Students
Students earn books for good behavior and good grades
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A Mason Creek Middle School vending machine is now dispensing books instead of snacks to students. The Bookworm Vending Machine debuted at Mason Creek Middle School this month and is the first of its kind in the Atlanta area.
Students earn a trip to the book machine by earning good grades and reading books. When they receive their golden book token, students can choose from up to 300 different young adult books. Mason Creek Middle School Media Specialist Jennifer Baker says the shelves are stocked with young adult titles ready to impress even the most reluctant reader. “We are very excited about our new book vending machine. It puts a personal reward system at our fingertips,” she says. “This is more than a vending machine. It is a personal, creative tool to inspire and encourage young readers.”
Benton Washington and George Arslanian of The Vision Fund led the efforts to bring the book machine to the Douglas County School System. The Vision Fund’s mission is to help students achieve their dreams by providing vending machines for books. Washington, the group’s founder and executive director, says reading changed his life when he was 22 years old. “It gave me knowledge, a dream and strengthened my faith,” he explains. “The ambition, joy and education I gained from reading was not enough to keep to myself. I wanted to create ways to encourage and share what I gained with others.” Washington says the book vending machine equips schools with the tools for success through a reward system that encourages children to read.
Former Mason Creek Middle School student Isha Imran created the bold design printed on the book machine, which sits in the school atrium. Inventory for the book machine came through parent donations, Scholastic Dollars and a Literacy for Learning, Living and Leading in Georgia (L4GA) grant. The Douglas County School System is using the $1.6 million Georgia Department of Education grant to support student literacy learning initiatives to address the literacy needs of children in Douglas County from birth through grade 12. Several other community supporters contributed to the purchase of the machine as well.
The next book vending machine will be installed in South Douglas Elementary School, with plans to fund a third one at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta. The Vision Group board members hope to gain more community support to bring the Book Machine to as many schools as possible. For more information on The Vision Fund, visit, https://www.thevisionfund.org/.
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Marching to a Different Drum
Bands Carry on During the Pandemic
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In early summer, the band directors from all five high schools in Douglas County came together to plan how to continue marching band while keeping students and staff safe. All schools have maintained their program, with some seeing increases in participation. From mask mandates to temperature checks, all programs have adjusted to meet the requirements of our time.
“It’s a struggle to try and adjust to the safety guidelines while also keeping a sense of normalcy,” said Lithia Springs High School senior Sumer Dennis. “Many members were unable to come back due to the dangers of being in public. Overall, it’s been interesting.”
Many students would agree with Sumer’s assessment of band during 2020, but they would all agree that they are grateful for the chance to practice and perform, even under these unusual circumstances.
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Alexander High School
Band Directors Andy Daniel and David White said there are some positive changes that have occurred because of COVID-19 that will continue long after the pandemic is over. Online tools are particularly helpful. “We are utilizing cloud-based software that is allowing us to assess our students in new ways. We are able to hear individual students more often and identify their strengths and weaknesses,” said Mr. Daniel.
The band has adjusted the spacing between students for the halftime show as well as in the stands.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to continue with marching band because it is so important for our students,” said Mr. Daniel. “Music is something that can help with the stress and emotional issues that have come from the pandemic. It is giving our kids a much-needed outlet and the ability to have some social interaction.”
Mr. Daniel is proud of how his student have adjusted to the challenges. “They have been resilient and have rolled with all of the changes without complaint.”
Mr. Daniel is determined to continue offering music education throughout the year, even though it will look different. He is also determined to keep his students as safe as possible. “This is not how we envisioned the start to the year, but we are making the best of it and will continue to be as positive as we can be for our students because they need us.”
Pictured are AHS band members practicing at a distance in the stands.
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Chapel Hill High School
This is Alan Weathers’ first year as director of bands at Chapel Hill and his most challenging year ever as a director.
“The kids and families here have been phenomenal to work with. Everyone has adjusted to the ‘new normal’ exceptionally well,” said Mr. Weathers.
The CHHS Band has been fielding a halftime show for football games, and Mr. Weathers has been utilizing online teaching methods to keep students engaged with scales and musical literature. The band meets for in-person rehearsals about twice a week. The vast majority of rehearsals take place outside.
Students maintain social distancing and wear masks whenever they are not playing instruments.
Mr. Weathers is working on a way for the concert groups to perform. “We will likely use some sort of livestream for concerts as we transition from marching to concert season.”
CHHS band members are pictured during the CHHS vs. AHS game earlier this season.
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Douglas County High School |
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For DCHS Band Director Torre Goodson, it was never a question of whether or not marching band would happen; the challenge was “how.”
Goodson borrows a motto from Clark Atlanta University to describe how the band made up for missing practice from March through June: Find a way, or make one. “Our color guard instructor held weekly Zoom meetings for guard members to learn choreography and flag/weapons skills,” said Goodson. “The band student leadership held bi-weekly show planning meetings over the summer and made plans to move forward as soon as we were allowed.”
The band spends around 85% of rehearsal time outside, and masks are mandated for all members. Only wind players may pull down their masks when they play. When they must rehearse inside due to the weather, they space out in the cafeteria, theater and multipurpose room by splitting the band into sections (woodwinds, brass, percussion, color guard).
To protect students and fans, the band now sits on the track instead of the stands at home football games, but this change hasn’t affected the energy, pageantry and focus of the Marching Tigers.
While some regular competitions have been canceled, DCHS is taking the opportunity to compete with a different group of bands. In October, they will compete in the Wolverine Classic at West Forsyth High School and the Strong Rock Classic at Strong Rock Christian School. They will play at the Superbowl of Sound at Central High School in Carroll County in November.
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Lithia Springs High School
While making plans for the 2020-2021 school year, Band Director Damien Gaiters, along with leadership at his school, determined to take things very slowly and carefully to ensure the safety of the LSHS Marching Band.
“We decided to forego the grandeur of a traditional LSHS halftime production and simply do a show that allows us to safely distance and engage the crowd,” said Gaiters.
Student leaders and instructional staff attended required training on how to implement the new COVID-19 regulations. “We also discussed how we could maintain these guidelines and still have a sense of normalcy,” said Gaiters. “It was very important to the student leadership that we continue to work hard and still keep things ‘fun’ for our first-year members.”
One of the activities the student leaders were adamant about keeping was the theme days activity, which reinforces collaboration and helps kids step out of their comfort zone. Pictured is Band Captain Graylen Smith in the morning yoga block on Disney theme day.
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New Manchester High School
Band Director Marcus Chester believes that the NMHS Mighty Marching Jaguars can have a successful season with a strong dedication to the craft by the students; prompt direction and steadfast leadership from the director; and local support from administrators and parents.
Although students had a choice to opt out of marching band for the season, the band has still experienced an amazing 100% increase in its roster.
“The students are cooperating with our COVID guidelines and working as hard as they can during the hybrid schedule,” said Chester. “It is a task, but they are on PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect and Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication & Discipline, and Excellence in all we do) and living up to our motto: By any means necessary.”
Mr. Chester has two goals for this year:
- To provide the students, school, community and fans with the same energizing performances that they are known for, while keeping band members, parents, students, director and staff safe
- To provide some sense of normalcy for students
“My expectations stay high. Masks up and horns up,” said Chester. “Safety guidelines are in place to allow us to continue working and being the best that we can be.”
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Meet Our SRO: Kristen Reese,
New Manchester Elementary
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A native of Atlanta and a graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, Officer Reese has been around educators her entire life. After studying criminal justice at Fort Valley State University, Officer Reese joined the Atlanta Police Department with hopes of making a difference in her community.
"Throughout my career, I have tried to always make a positive impression in the lives that I have come across, whether the person was young or old."
In 2012, Officer Reese was promoted to detective. The most important unit assignment over her career was the Special Victim's Unit. "My victims came from various walks of life and various ages," said Officer Reese. "It was very important to me to make sure the perpetrator was brought to justice. At that point, my victims were able to begin their healing process."
When she retired from APD after 20 plus years, Officer Reese wanted to continue protecting, helping and guiding children. "I decided to become an SRO with Douglas County. Of course there was some hesitation with all that is going on in the world today, but with the direction of God and my family, I knew I was making the right decision."
On the first day students reported to New Manchester Elementary School, Officer Reese was there to greet the teachers, bus drivers, students and parents. "These are my kids," said Officer Reese.
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Building Birdhouses, Building Relationships |
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Officer Reese initiated a birdhouse building project with one of the classes at New Manchester. She ordered the birdhouse kits and smocks and led the class in building and decorating the birdhouses. "I did not know how therapeutic it was going to be for the kids as well as for myself," said Officer Reese. She sent each child home with a bag of birdseed and instructions to go with their house.
"It just warms my heart to hear the voices of the children at New Manchester call my name," said Officer Reese. "In addition to protecting the children from any outside and in-house incidents, I want to continue leaving lasting, positive impressions with the students. They are our future!"
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Are You Ready for Some Football?
Spotlight on: Douglas County High School
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From Douglas County High School Head Football Coach Johnny White:
"Like everyone else this year, our season has become one of learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations," said Coach White. "Our young men have done a great job of doing all the things correctly to try their best to stay safe and healthy. With that being said, we are very optimistic about having a good year."
DCHS is currently 3-0, and the team starts region play tonight against East Paulding. "Several young men on our team have not only played well, but have stepped up in their leadership roles for our underclassmen," said Coach White. "Jae Arnold, Jaylan Love, Julian Jackson, Justin Franklin, Jonathan Jefferson and Joshua Robinson are all young men who have been in our program for four years, and we are hoping that their hard work on and off of the field will lead us to the playoffs this season."
Pictured left to right are seniors: Julian Dailey, offensive line; Cameron Brown, wide receiver; Coach Johnny White; Jaylan Love, defensive back; Jonathan Jefferson, defensive line
For a varsity football schedule for all high schools in Douglas County, please click here.
For the electronic Athletic Calendar, which features all fall sports, please click here.
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Listen Up! Podcasts Available for Each High School Magnet Program |
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ATTENTION 8th GRADERS AND PARENTS:
Information sessions about the amazing magnet programs in all five high schools plus the CCI will take place in October and November. The link to the online application will be available by October 6. The deadline to apply is Monday, December 14.
Please click the link below for a timeline and contact information for each school.
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Podcasts about each program are available now! You will find them on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. They are also available on the YouTube links below.
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Hashim Basharat is described by teachers and administrators at Mirror Lake Elementary School (MLES) as a very respectful, well-spoken young man. They say he is responsible, very motivated and a joy to have as a student at MLES. Hashim is a member of Beta Club and is a role model for his peers. Congratulations, Hashim! |
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Because of the Fall Break Holiday, curbside meals will not be served the week of October 12. Curbside meal service will resume the following week. |
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Register for Free Christmas Gifts! |
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Children enrolled in school in Douglas County and their younger siblings may once again receive a free Christmas gift through the generosity of the folks at Operation Christmas Douglas County.
To qualify, children must reside in Douglas County, be age 16 or younger, 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 one of the links below. The deadline to register is November 6.
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October 5: BOE Work Session
October 6: FTE Count (Important Day for Attendance)
October 7: Grading Period Ends
October 12-13: Holidays (Except 240 Employees)
October 14: Report Cards for Elementary and Middle
October 14: Progress Reports for High School
October 19: BOE Meeting
November 2: BOE Work Session/Meeting
November 3: Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday/Election Day
November 18: Progress Reports for Elementary and Middle
November 23-24: Holidays (Except 240 Employees)
November 25-27: Holidays for All
December 16-17: Half Days for High School
December 18: Semester Ends
December 21: Holidays (Except 240 Employees)
December 22-31: Holidays for All
January 1: Holiday for All
January 4-5: Teacher Work Days
January 6: Students Return
January 6: Report Cards, All Levels
January 18: Holiday for All
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2020 Virtual Probe Tour
High school students: The PROBE College Fair has gone virtual! Sign up for the college fair at this link. Parents may sign up for registration announcements and information updates here.
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Check out opportunities that are available in our area by clicking the Community Bulletin Board below! |
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