AHS Freshman Fundraises to Cover Lunch Debt

Alexander High School Freshman Dominique Green became aware of a problem and made the decision to do something about it. He observed that some students in his school lunch period could not pay for their meals. Instead of looking the other way to avoid a complex and sensitive issue, Dominique took action. He donated money of his own and reached out to the community and local business leaders to raise funds. As of mid-April, his efforts had raised enough money to sponsor breakfast and lunch for 20 students through the end of the school year.  

“We as staff, administration, and, for the most part, the student body are aware that some students struggle financially to cover their meals. The difference is Dominique decided to try and fill the need,” said AHS Nutrition Manager David Seagle. “School Nutrition Programs across the country are finding themselves in a place of need, just like many other organizations. Covid-19, USDA changes, and supply chain problems are just a few of the opportunities that have taught us to pivot and make it work for our own local community,” he added.

According to Seagle, many school nutrition programs across the country have found themselves in significant debt this school year. Two years of federally-funded meal programs ended and schools were required to return to paid meals. “This is an issue,” he said. “Behind the debt there is a child that must face the embarrassment of walking up to get lunch and not having funds to pay for it. As school nutrition professionals, we cannot forget the child.”

Inspired by Green’s actions and the impact he made, Seagle shared his story and summed it up by posing a question. “What will you do today, tomorrow, and every day to ensure that you are not only aware of a need, but working to fill it?”

Eight Douglas County Students Selected for Governor's Honors Program

Eight students from Douglas County will head to Georgia Southern University for four weeks this summer to follow their passion for academics and the arts. They will attend the Governor's Honors Program residential summer program for talented sophomores and juniors. As part of their Governor’s Office of Student Achievement experience, they will each receive academic, cultural, and social instruction to help them become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

Over 4,100 students from across the state applied for the prestigious program. Seven hundred were chosen as finalists. During the summer all-expense paid experience, GHP students attend classes in their specific areas of study. In the evenings, they will take part in a wide variety of social and instructional opportunities. While GHP students are in Statesboro, they will live in Georgia Southern residence halls, eat in the dining facilities and learn in college classrooms, labs, studios, and performance venues.

The students representing Douglas County are Lokesh Pampatti, Chapel Hill High School; Taylor Stewart, New Manchester High School; Nathan Zhu, Douglas County High School; Brittany Brown, Douglas County High School; Caylie Brennan, Alexander High School; Chloe Blacknall, Douglas County High School; Rezi Oziwo, Douglas County High School; and Mason Mifflin, Douglas County High School. Douglas County High School’s Hiba Ghaffar has been selected as an alternate.

“We are extremely proud as a district to have so many GHP Finalists,” said Mitch Springer, Executive Director of 6 -12 Curriculum. “It shows the hard work of our students and GHP Lead Teachers at each high school who have worked extremely hard to ensure that our students were ready for this highly competitive process.”

For over a half-century, the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) has offered this educational immersive summer experience to gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and seniors.   

Areas of GHP study include Engineering, Music, Science, and World Languages. The Governor’s Honor Program is part of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. For more information, visit www.gosa.georgia.gov.

Over $45,000 Awarded by School System Foundation in Locally-Funded Scholarships

The Douglas County Education Foundation awarded $45,000 in scholarships to students of the Class of 2023. The scholarship winners represent all five high schools and the College & Career Institute. Many students was afforded the opportunity to meet their donors and say “thank you” during the scholarship reception held at the Board of education on April 12.

"The foundation is pleased to administer $45,000 in locally-funded scholarships,” said Angelia O’Neal, foundation executive director. “These are scholarships funded by people and businesses in Douglas County for the students of Douglas County. We congratulate each of the students who received a foundation scholarship. We are extremely grateful for the support we get from the Douglas County community. Our scholarship recipients are examples of the wonderful things taking place in the school system.”

If you are interested in establishing a scholarship to support the students of the Douglas County School System, in honor of your business, family, or personally, please contact Angelia O’Neal at angelia.oneal@dcssga.org.

Classroom Corner

ASES' Hosts Donuts with Dad

Arbor Station Elementary School recently hosted their yearly Donuts with Dad event. The event brings dads into the school and allows them to enjoy donuts with their students. Students and their fathers also heard from a guest speaker during the event.

This year's event produced a great turnout and numerous smiles from the fathers and their students.

AHS Basketball Team, Young Georgia Authors Winners Honored at Board of Education Meeting

At the April 17 Board of Education meeting, DCSS recognized two special groups.

Alexander High School's boys basketball team was recognized for winning the Class 6A state championship in March. The Cougars took down Lee County in the championship game to win the title.

Along with AHS basketball team, the Board also recognized the system's Young Georgia Authors winners (below). Young Georgia Authors is a writing competition designed to encourage students to develop an enthusiasm and expertise in their writing. The competition has been around for more than two decades and is open to all students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Student Spotlight

Om Patel is a Biomedical Science STEM Magnet program senior at Lithia Springs High School. Mr. Patel is president of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) organization and a nationally registered Emergency Medical Responder who recently placed 2nd in the national EMT competition. Through membership in the National Beta Club, the National French Honor Society, a STEM Ambassador, and the Principal’s Advisory Council, he accumulated 152 community service hours through peer tutoring as a STEM mentor, beach clean-ups, blood drives, and volunteering virtually to help students through the COVID-19 era. Most importantly, Mr. Patel has a big heart for caring for students and teachers. His classmates brag about him being the first senior during COVID to perform “check-ins” with his peers, leading to lasting friendships. Lithia Springs High School Principal Travis Joshua says Mr. Patel is an excellent example of students fulfilling the DCSS mission of productive citizenship and the vision of self-awareness. Congratulations, Om!

Key Dates

• April 24-April 28: Elementary School GMAS Testing Window
• April 24-May 2: Middle School GMAS Testing Window
• May 1-May 8: High School GMAS Testing Window
• May 1: Board of Education Work Session
• May 9-12: High School AP Testing Window
• May 15: Board of Education Meeting
• May 23, 24: Half Days for All Students
• May 24: Final Day of Spring Semester
• May 25: AHS & LSHS Graduations
• May 26: NMHS & DCHS Graduations
• May 27: CHHS Graduation
• May 29: Memorial Day Holiday for All
• May 30-31: Teacher Professional Learning Days
• June 19: Juneteenth Holiday for All
• July 3, 5-7: Holidays for All (exc. 246)
• July 4: Holiday for All
• July 22: DCSS Back-to-School Kickoff
• July 25-31: Preplanning
• July 28: High School Back-to-School Bash
• July 31: Elementary and Middle School Sneak-a-Peak

Family Resources

Kindergarten Registration Opens May 1

Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year will open officially on Monday, May 1.

To prepare for registration, visit the link above to view documents to ensure that you have all the necessary information to register your student.

Visit DCSS' Registration website for more information about the registration process.

School Choice Window Open Through April 27

The Douglas County School System will begin accepting applications for school choice transfers April 12 through April 27, 2023. Parents may request to transfer their child to another public school in the district for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year if the school has available space after its assigned students have been enrolled.

Visit the link above for more information about school choice for the 2023-2024 school year.

LSHS Theatre Presenting Aladdin April 27-29

The Lithia Springs High School Theatre Company will be presenting Disney's Aladdin on April 27-29 in the LSHS Theater.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on the school's website at lshs.dcssga.org. See the flyer above for more information.

KinderCamp for Rising Kindergarten Students

DCSS is hosting KinderCamp July 17-20 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m to help rising kindergarten students learn what to expect in the new school year.

Students must be fully registered for kindergarten by July 7 to attend KinderCamp at their zoned school.

Click the link above for a flyer with more information.

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.

DCSS Autism Awareness Night

April is Autism Awareness Month, and DCSS will be holding an Autism Awareness Night on April 11 at Chapel Hill Elementary School from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to help foster a more inclusive community for individuals with autism.

Age-level activities will be provided for students during the informational portion for parents. Be sure to register your student if planning to attend.

Click the link above to register your student or for more information about the event.

DCSS Family Health Center

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.