The latest news for you

March 15, 2019

Roller Skating Fun at Chapel Hill Elementary

At the invitation of PE classes at Chapel Hill Elementary, Superintendent Trent North took on the roller skating challenge! He had a blast skating with these students in Mrs. Reese's kindergarten class.

Roller skating makes for a fun way to exercise and stay fit during days of inclement weather.

Out of this World: Star Wars STEM Night at Sweetwater

A galactic theme made for lots of creativity and fun for students and parents at Sweetwater Elementary's recent Star Wars STEM Night.

"The event provided students with the opportunity to innovate and develop critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills while exploring content connected to the standards," said ESOL Teacher and Parent Resource Facilitator Amanda Kirk. "Based upon the smiles and incredible creations, I would say that the force was strong at the interstellar Star Wars STEM event!"

Activities included building a galaxy using code, making Yoda from colors and shapes, building a death star from marshmallows and spaghetti, and creating a light saber using circuits and batteries.

DCSS Adds Enhanced Campus Security Measures

Schools in Douglas County will soon have electronic technology designed to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. The new technology will allow schools to manage campus access and to enable educators to connect immediately with first responders in an emergency.

In February, New Manchester High School served as the first school to launch a new card access system. This technology now allows students and teachers to use their new identification badges to gain access to specified areas of campus. Students and staff now tap their identification card to a building access sensor, which grants them secure access to a campus door.

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Kwame Carr says the new access control system allows the administrators to control who can enter campus and the hours they have access to campus. “The Douglas County School System is eager to provide our students and educators with an extra layer of security during the school day,” Carr says. “Our goal is to have each of our high schools equipped with the same identification card technology that will enable us to maintain a secure and locked campus throughout the school day.”

Carr says New Manchester High School served as a pilot school for the program. The program has been successful and positively received by students, staff, and parents. “The system looks promising for our district, particularly at the high school level,” Carr adds.

In addition, the Douglas County School System has purchased new technology to keep students safe inside their individual classrooms. Atlanta based tech company Centegix is installing Crisis Alert technology with plans to have all schools outfitted and tested by the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

Centegix’s Crisis Alert system equips every staff member in a school with a device that can trigger a school-wide alert instantly. The device allows a teacher to signal for administrative help in case of a classroom medical or disciplinary emergency. It can also trigger a school-wide lock down with visual and audio notifications, notifying law enforcement immediately.

Superintendent Trent North hopes the new technology will reassure students, teachers, and parents. “Our community trusts us to keep over 25,000 students safe every day,” Superintendent Trent North says. “We are proud to partner with companies committed to keeping our students and staff safe. By having these systems in place, it will allow us to remain focused on providing a safe, secure learning environment for all.”

Student Artwork Provides Feast for the Eyes

Youth Art Month Celebrated in March

The community is invited to view student artwork that is on display for the month of March at the Douglas County Courthouse, Cultural Arts Center, and Board of Education Central Office. The exhibits celebrate Youth Art Month in Douglas County, with the goal of directing attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking and increasing community, business, and governmental support for art education.

Titled "Van Gogh Recreation," the painting on the left is the work of Ethan Gonzalez, Grade 12, Alexander High School. The teacher is Coach Cochran.

Cathy Bi, 10th grader at Chapel Hill High School, created "Asian Persuasion. Art teacher is Ms. Adams.

The artist for "Caged" is Antony Portillo, 11th grade student at New Manchester High School. Art teacher is Ms. Houlihan.

CHHS Students Win Awards, Scholarships, and a State Office at DECA Competition

Congratulations to DECA at Chapel Hill High School! The chapter was named 9th largest in Georgia, and was recognized as a top performing club with activities related to membership recruitment and community service for Bert's Big Adventure. Several individual members and teams placed in various competitions.

Jayden Braxton and Emmanuel Lawrence were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Georgia DECA Foundation.

Jordan Washington was elected the new State VP of Hospitality.

DC Education Foundation Presents Kaleidoscope!

Community is invited to this spectacular performing arts event.

Vocal, dance, and dramatic performances by talented high school students in the Douglas County School System will delight audience members on April 16, 6:30 pm, at Douglas County High School's Mashburn Theater. In one show, the community will have the opportunity to see performances from all five high schools. Vocal talent will include an a cappella performance, show choirs, and special selections from musicals. This year, a visual arts display has been added to feature art by high school students.

Several college and university recruiters will be available starting at 5:00 pm to talk with students and parents about their fine arts programs and admissions process.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and may be purchased at the door or at ShowTix4U.com. The second annual Kaleidoscope is sponsored by the Douglas County Education Foundation. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation and the fine arts programs at the high schools. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact lynn.murray@dcssga.org.