Chapel Hill Elementary School Program Promotes Patience and Perseverance 

In a heartwarming initiative to promote reverse inclusion, fourth-grade students at Chapel Hill Elementary recently participated in a delightful pizza party hosted in Ms. Doty's profound and intellectually disabled class. Breaking down barriers and fostering understanding, this event showcased the power of inclusivity and the abilities of all students.

Under the guidance of Ms. Doty, students immersed themselves in the world of literature, exploring the pages of "Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party." With excitement filling the air, they embarked on a culinary adventure, experimenting with a range of unconventional toppings, including papaya, pretzels, and even pickles, echoing the playful spirit of the story.

The festivities didn't stop there. Drawing inspiration from the book, students engaged in lively activities, such as a spirited game of "pin the horn on the unicorn," mirroring the whimsical adventures they had just read. Through these interactive experiences, they not only celebrated friendship and creativity but also learned valuable lessons about acceptance and inclusion.

"This pizza party was more than just a fun event; it was a powerful demonstration of the capabilities of all students," remarked Ms. Doty, the class teacher. "Seeing my students actively participating alongside their peers was incredibly rewarding. It highlighted the importance of creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and empowered." 

Principal K’Asha Davis echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the school's commitment to inclusivity. "Events like these exemplify our school's dedication to fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding," said Principal Davis. "By embracing diversity and celebrating the unique strengths of each student, we are cultivating a community where everyone can thrive." From special area classes to extracurricular events, every effort is made to ensure that all students feel valued, respected, and included.

Students at Bright Star Elementary are exploring pet adoption as a non-traditional approach to immerse themselves in reading. Hundreds of kindergarten, first- and second-grade students recently took part in the annual Reading Pet Adoption Program, where students adopted a soft furry friend to use as a reading buddy, both in school and at home.         

For the past several years, Bright Star has experienced this program with second graders; however, they decided to expand it to kindergarten and first graders this year. 

“The expression and excitement of the younger grades made our decision worth it,” said Media Specialist Elizabeth Shadix. “We saw almost 300 students excited to adopt a reading buddy and choose a book to read,” she added.  

Teachers encouraged students to have their reading companion join them at school each day during reading times. In fact, several parents graciously reached out to teachers commending them for the program and sharing stories about students reading at home and taking their fluffy friends along for car rides. 

"My reading buddy makes reading more fun because I have my plushie to read to before I fall asleep at night," said second grader Raylei Mays. Each student named their pet and received an adoption certificate.    

Although stuffed animals primarily serve as toys for kids, research suggests they also provide children with a sense of comfort and security, confidence to express complex emotions, lower stress levels, creativity, advanced cognitive development and improved social skills. 

Overall, reading to stuffed animals can foster children's imagination, excitement for reading, language and vocabulary development and literary skills.

Chapel Hill High School Students Shine at 2024 GMEA All State Chorus

The weekend of February 15th-17th, four students from Chapel Hill High School attended the GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association) 2024 All-State Chorus in Athens, Georgia. Each student underwent a rigorous two-step audition that showcased their skills to be selected from other top-choir students in the state. 

Starting on that Thursday, students practiced all day with amazing conductors and students to prepare for their concert on that Saturday. Two students performed in the 9th and 10th Grade Mixed Choir and the other two in the Senior Mixed Choir. Earning this distinction reflects the immense dedication and hard work of our students. The Douglas County School System congratulates students on this achievement and thanks them for representing Douglas County.

SDES Students Design Snowflake with Google Drawings

Students in Natalie Benton’s STEM class at South Douglas Elementary School recently learned about a new application, Google Drawings.

Benton’s third- and fourth-grade students learned about several new tools they can use in Google Drawings, applying their knowledge of symmetry and color values in designing a snowflake.

Some of the tools they used were drawing with the polyline tool, applying gradient color, flipping, grouping and ordering shapes, duplicating and rotating to create a six-spire snowflake. 

Students then added a background to finish their project, ranging anywhere from solid color to gradient to a radial design. 

"I even learned how to use new tools,” Benton said. “Students were so excited to see their finished designs and all the many tools they used in their creativity!"

Classroom Corner

Mt. Carmel Celebrates HBCU and Divine Nine

In a celebration of educational excellence and history, Mt. Carmel Elementary School recently honored Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Divine Nine Greek organizations. 

The school hosted the event as part of the AVID program to increase college and career readiness. HBCU Day and Divine Nine Day also spotlighted the role of the schools and organizations in shaping leaders.

Mt. Carmel students and staff participated by wearing apparel and accessories celebrating various HBCUs and Divine Nine organizations. From chucks and pearls to crimson and cream, students represented the legacy and contributions that these colleges, fraternities, and sororities have made to our society. 

Principal Dr. Tenia Boone says it is important to celebrate these educational experiences, especially in an elementary setting. "This knowledge not only enriches their understanding of Black history but also inspires them to dream big and aim high."

DCSS Celebrates Youth Art Month

March is National Youth Art Month, and Douglas County is celebrating its student artists and art educators. The theme for Youth Art Month in 2024 is “Dream in Art.”

As part of the celebration, opening receptions were held over the past week for student art exhibits at the Douglas County School System Central Office, the Douglas County Courthouse and the Douglasville/Douglas County Cultural Arts Center.

Art teachers at each school chose work for the exhibits with a focus on having a good representation of all techniques and mediums and showcasing work that “highlights their art programs,” said DCSS Art Specialist Tammy Morris.

“Celebrating YAM gives art educators an opportunity to showcase and highlight our art programs by sharing the amazing things students have been working on all year,” Morris said. “Administrators, school board members, district leaders, community members and most importantly parents are invited to attend the celebration. It's essential for stakeholders and voters in our community to realize the incredible benefits art education provides and promotes. Art nurtures students' creativity, fosters critical thinking and promotes cultural awareness and understanding. Art education has many unique qualities. Skills developed in art also help students find success in many other areas in life.”

Student artwork will be on display at all three locations through March 27.

Student Spotlight

Max Rutledge is a shining star at Mirror Lake Elementary School who consistently 

exceeds expectations. The fifth-grader is enthusiastic, courageous and passionate about his academic success.  

With his natural ability to lead, Max serves as the school's safety patrol captain and thrives as a member of the Junior Beta Club and math competition team. Additionally, he is an outstanding student known by his teachers and peers for his positive attitude, cheerful demeanor and willingness to help others. 

Max is a true asset to the Mirror Lake Elementary School community.

Weekly Athletics Schedule

Ms. Lateisha Mason is making an incredible impact in her first year of teaching second grade at Chapel Hill Elementary. As a brand new teacher, she has approached her work with boundless energy and an inspiring enthusiasm that propels her students' growth and success.

Her second grade class has shown astonishing academic progress so far this school year according to recent STAR assessment data. In fact, Ms. Mason's students had the highest growth rates among all second grade classes. This stellar achievement earned her special recognition from the school administration.  

"Helping my students make strides academically and grow as individuals is my true calling," said Ms. Mason. "Seeing their hard work pay off and their confidence bloom is immensely rewarding."

Ms. Mason's passion, creativity and consistency in the classroom have not gone unnoticed by her colleagues and school leaders. Principal K'Asha Davis praised her, stating, "Ms. Mason is a shining example of our core values. Her dedication to nurturing the whole child and unlocking every student's potential is inspirational."

Chapel Hill Elementary takes pride in fostering an environment of excellence. With educators like Ms. Lateisha Mason helping shape young minds, the school's bright future is assured. Congratulations to this remarkable first-year teacher!

March Parent Post

Families, please be sure to read this recent edition of the Parent Post newsletter.

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Key Dates

• March 11: Teacher Work Day
• March 20: Report Cards (elementary & middle schools)
• March 20: Progress Reports (high school)
• April 1-5: Spring Break
• April 24: Progress Reports (elementary & middle schools)
• May 22: Report Cards (elementary schools

Family Resources

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 Family Health Center

DCSS' Family Health Center is a resource for families and staff within the school system. The center is located on the lower level of Burnett Elementary School and offers several services. Click here to learn more.