Reading Under the Stars at BUES

October 7, 2022

It’s October and Burnett Elementary School (BUES) is all about embracing the love of reading!

To kick off the month BUES held its annual Reading Under the Stars. Reading Under the Stars is a parent student reading event that encourages reading along with your children. Reading with children promotes imagination, develops language and strengthens relationships.

Dressed in pajamas or their most comfortable clothes, students filled the classrooms eager to select books to enjoy. Teachers decorated hallways and classrooms to mimic being under the stars. The use of flashlights and string lights illuminated the classrooms, as students, parents and teachers enjoyed reading together.

Reading to students aloud has always been important to build understanding and skills that are essential to reading success. Doing so around a thematic event like Reading Under the Stars makes it more engaging and fun. Hopefully these BUES students will carry these memories and a developed love for reading with them all throughout their lives.

“Normalizing reading books along with fun activities makes our students better readers,” said Marketa Croom, the principal at BUES.

DCHS Football Team Brings Happiness to League of Stars Baseball Team

Douglas County High School Football players are using their athletic skills to inspire smiles from students with special needs.

The football team volunteered Saturday through the League of Stars Adaptive Baseball Program through the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department. For children with mental or physical challenges, the program helps their baseball dreams come true.

Baseball team members first partnered with DCHS players to review the game's fundamentals. Then, their assigned football buddy ran the bases with them during game time. When they were not at bat, they played defense together.

DCHS Coach Johnny White says volunteering at the baseball game was an exciting and rewarding way for DCHS players to impact young people in their community. "Our players were excited to come out and meet the baseball players. Not only did the football team come out and have a good time, but they helped each baseball player know they have community supporters along every step of their journey," Coach White says.

League of Stars players perform each game at Hunter Park on a specially designed rubber adaptive baseball field. For more information on the program, contact the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department at (678) 449-3172.

Collins Spotlights Extracurricular and Athletic Activities

At a recent meeting, Rotarians enjoyed hearing from Eric Collins, Director of Facilities and Athletics for the Douglas County School System. Mr. Collins touted the importance of extracurricular and athletic activities for students, including developing a stronger mind, gaining professional skills, developing a wider social circle, gaining time management skills, and exploring interests.

One of the athletic accomplishments for 2021-2022 spotlighted by Mr. Collins included the success of the Lithia Springs High School flag football team. The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) added flag football for girls three years ago, and three high schools in Douglas County field teams. Last December, the LSHS flag football team advanced to the Region 5 AAAAAA state finals, but lost in overtime. Coach Kendra Pleasants and several members of the team were on hand at the meeting to answer questions. We wish them luck as they plan to win it all this year!

National School Lunch Week

National School Lunch Week (NSLW) is October 10-14 and the theme this year is "Peace, Love, School Lunch"

Cafeterias at all Douglas County Schools have posted banners and flyers honoring NSLW. On Thursday, October 13 we will give everyone who eats a meal provided by our cafeterias a free cookie!

So spread the word, students, parents, and staff are invited to celebrate with us.

Attention 8th graders: It's time to apply for magnet programs for 2023-2024

Eighth graders and parents:

It's time to learn about the magnet programs at all five high schools in Douglas County and determine the best fit for you!

Each high school plus the CCI will host one or more information sessions in October and November. Mark your calendar now. You will find the dates and times at the link below.

Magnet Application Link

Magnet Timeline

You will also find the contact information for the coordinator at each school in the timeline.

The deadline to apply is Monday, December 12, 2022.

You may apply to more than one magnet program, so feel free to attend as many information sessions as you wish.

Jesus Boyzo is a brilliant seventh grader at Stewart Middle School. He epitomizes what it means to have a "can do" spirit, and his work ethic is impressive. Principal Dr. Kevin Jefferson says he is very conscientious about his work and strives to get good grades in all subjects. Stewart Middle School teachers say his contagious smile, energetic spirit, and enthusiastic attitude make working with him a true pleasure. Jesus is a positive role model for his peers and consistently demonstrates what it means to be kind and respectful. Jesus has a bright future ahead of him, and his peers are proud to call him a Stewart Middle School Eagle. Congratulations, Jesus!