The media center at Mason Creek Middle School is a popular place during lunch.

Media specialist Jennifer Baker began offering the "Lunch Bunch Book Club" last year with the book "Wonder" in anticipation of the release of the movie version of the story. The book club proved so popular that Ms. Baker made it a regular activity.

The Lunch Bunch Book Club is limited to the first 15 students in each grade level who sign up when Ms. Baker announces the new book. Students meet every Tuesday and Thursday during lunch for three or four weeks for discussion. Sixth grade students are currently reading "The Homework Machine" by Dan Gutman. On Tuesday, they discussed what they would invent if they could invent anything. One student suggested a microwave that would freeze instead of heating up. Ms. Baker led the discussion, asking about good and bad decisions made by some of the characters.

Seventh and 8th graders are currently reading "A Bridge to Terabithia."

One of Ms. Baker's favorite books from book club is "The Bully." "Students learned what it must feel like to be the new kid in school and be bullied," said Ms. Baker. "Reading novels like this can help develop empathy in students."

Although most students in the Lunch Bunch Book Club are eager readers, others are just learning to enjoy books. "I want any student who is interested to sign up for book club," said Ms. Baker. "We read a wide variety, and I don't want anyone to feel intimidated."

In addition to holding book club meetings during lunch, the school organizes "Mason Creek Movie Meet Up" times for any student to meet and enjoy a movie together. So far they have seen "Wonder" and "A Wrinkle in Time."

Why do students choose to spend their lunch time in the media center? "I like coming to book club to read books that have adventure," according to 6th grader Kailah Weaver.

The Douglas County School Nutrition Department knows what it's like to win awards, and it has happened again! The department was awarded the silver level for the Golden Radish Award for 2018 after winning bronze last year.

"We are always happy to be awarded silver, but we are moving the pendulum to gold," said Assistant Director Francetta Muhammad, who leads the department in its farm to school projects.

Georgia Organics awards districts that have excelled in the farm to school program. Douglas County won based on their documented farm to school activities, including student taste testing of locally grown food items, field trips to local farms, farm to school promotions, teacher integrated curriculum, edible gardens, hands-on cooking projects, and parent/community involvement in farm to school programs.

"We are committed to having a school-based garden at every school in Douglas County by the end of this school year," said Executive Director Danielle Freeman. "Our goal is to start small with the UGA Extension to create a small garden project in every school to grow and share produce within their school community."

Currently, 14 schools in Douglas County have gardens that students, teachers, and volunteers maintain. Pictured are students and staff working in the garden at one of the elementary schools.

Join us on November 3 for a fun evening of fellowship and an opportunity to assist students with special needs!

The inaugural Superintendent's Gala will take place at the Douglasville Conference Center and promises an evening of fun with music, dinner, dancing, and a Great Gatsby theme.

All proceeds will benefit our students with special needs by funding community-based programs and activities that are not fully covered by local, state or federal funds. Job skills, leisure activities, enhancement of Special Olympics, and celebrations of achievement are just a few of the ways your attendance and your dollars will help our students.

To purchase tickets ($100 per ticket or $1,000 for a table of ten), please visit the following locations in Douglasville which will have tickets available beginning September 14: Douglas County Board of Education Central Office, 9030 Hwy. 5; Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, 6658 Church Street; Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, 2866 A Chapel Hill Road; or RA-LIN and Associates, 101 Parkwood Circle in Carrollton.

For additional information about the Superintendent's Gala and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karen Stroud, 770-651-2035.

September 11: Progress Reports

September 27: Teacher of the Year Reception, Central Baptist Church, 4:30pm

October 2: FTE Count (Important Day for Attendance!)

October 5: Grading Period Ends

October 8, 9: Student/Staff Holidays (Except 240 Day Employees)

October 12: Report Cards for Elementary and Middle; Progress Reports for High School

Check out the opportunities that are listed on our Community Bulletin Board.