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May 3, 2024

NMHS Student Embarks on Weather Channel Adventure

A passion for meteorology recently transformed into an experience of a lifetime for 10th grader Darwin Martinez. Last fall, the New Manchester High School student expressed interest in meteorology/weather while discussing his transition plans after high school, and one of his teachers, Trina Lomax, immediately sprung into action.      


“When I heard this news in the meeting, I told the team how my husband, David, is a former employee of The Weather Channel (TWC), but still contracts/fills in on the weekends as an Electronics Graphics Operator (EGO). I asked Darwin if I were able to get him a tour would he be interested. Darwin shook his head yes, and I started the plan of action that day!” 

After a few months of back and forth maneuvering the holidays, storms and schedules, tour dates were finalized with Productions Operations Manager, Tim Williams. The highly anticipated visit finally arrived on April 14.


Williams graciously greeted Darwin and his sisters, who are DCSS alumnae, with a Swag Bag of The Weather Channel goodies. Additionally, he shared the TWC history and provided them with a first-class tour, showcasing all the studios including behind the scenes while many were live on air. 


Darwin had the opportunity to meet Weekend Recharge anchors Molly McCollum, Lynette Charles and Paul Goodloe along with TWC En Espanol's Angel Martinez. The weather enthusiast was also able to explore equipment in the control room and studio where he used the crane camera to control the graphics on the fascinating green screen.  


"Darwin learned a great deal about what it takes to work in TV production. He fit in nicely with everyone and may possibly be able to go back for a future visit with the TWC En Espanol crew," said Lomax. 

  School Library Month Ignites Innovative Literary Adventure at Chapel Hill Elementary 

During school library month, Chapel Hill Elementary students took part in a story walk, where they explored the world of literature with an interactive flare. Led by their teachers and media specialist, the young scholars were delighted to read Heather Henson’s ‘That Book Woman’ presented page-by-page along an adventurous walking trail.  


As students strolled through the story walk, they were captivated by the inspiring tale with each new page and scene, drawing them deeper into the narrative and sparking their imagination.


CHES Media Specialist Cameron Sheldon emphasized the significance of the literacy program. 



“Initiatives like the story walk featuring ‘That Book Woman’ exemplify the innovative spirit of school librarians and their dedication to fostering a lifelong love of learning and reading among students. It's an initiative that not only celebrates School Library Month but also leaves a lasting impression on young minds, inspiring them to discover the magic of books and storytelling.”


Overall, the literary adventure offers a refreshing break from traditional classroom settings, encouraging students to engage in a compelling story while connecting with nature. 


“Beyond reading, the story walk provides a multi-sensory experience that appeals to different learning styles. Students can see the illustrations, hear the sounds of nature and imagine characters' voices in their minds, feel the texture of the outdoors as they walk, and even smell the fresh air. This holistic approach to storytelling makes the experience even more memorable and impactful,” said Sheldon.

Dorsett Shoals Elementary Students Participate in a National Book Project

Students at Dorsett Shoals Elementary read 500 new picture books this school year as part of a national program organized by the Children’s Book Council. Dorsett Shoals was selected as one of 17 locations in the United States to participate in the Children’s Book Council K-2nd Favorites category, where students, teachers, and school library media specialists voted on picture books published in 2023. 


Library media specialists from across the Douglas County School System participated and voted for their favorite picture books at one of their professional learning meetings in the fall. The Children’s Book Council collected and tallied votes from around the country and released the list of top favorites from students, teachers, and librarians on April 16, 2024.  


By successfully completing this program, the DSES Media Center is adding 500 new picture books valued at approximately $10,000 to their library collection. DSES Media Specialist Tracy Scaglione says, “To see some of the books our students and teachers voted on make it to the top of the national favorites lists shows that our students' voices and choices count. It’s a bonus to have hundreds of new and diverse fiction and nonfiction picture books available for checkout in our library media center.”


Visit the Children's Book Council for the list of 2024 Favorites

Happy Nurses Week and School Nurse Day

Happy National Nurses Week and School Nurse Day to all the amazing school nurses across our school system! We appreciate your work to keep our schools healthy and safe. 


Thank you, school nurses, for all your service and contributions to our school community!

DCSS Celebrates Principals on May 1st

May 1st was National Principals Day and schools across Douglas County celebrated their school leaders.


Thank you to all the incredible principals in the Douglas County School System!


Your leadership, dedication, and hard work create a positive learning environment for all students. We appreciate you! 

DCSS Kicks Off Georgia Milestones Testing with Style 

Thanks to Douglas County school leaders, Georgia Milestones began this week with lots of well-wishes and inspiration! Several Douglas County Schools kicked off the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) testing period with a pep rally, goodie bags covered with affirmations, and a wave of positive vibes. 


The New Manchester High School Jaguar Cheerleaders welcomed Chestnut Log Middle School students to campus with enthusiasm and a smile, while the Yeager Middle School Mustangs got fired up with a GMAS trivia contest and student versus faculty dance battle. Factory Shoals Middle School showed GMAS spirit throughout the week, designating each day with a catchy dress theme.     


CLMS Principal Angela Holley emphasized the importance of getting students GMAS ready.  


"How students choose to approach GMAS testing can play a significant role in their overall performance. Administration and teachers planned to ensure our students were motivated, enthusiastic and prepared to complete the GMAS with confidence and pride. It was a way to remind them that they are ready and we believe in them.”  


Best of luck to all of our dedicated scholars during the testing period!

Classroom Corner

Building a community of lifelong learners every day

Chapel Hill High School Student Judges Hackathon, Promotes STEAM Education 

Chapel Hill High School junior Corynn Nurse recently served as a judge for the 2024 Nation Builders Hackathon, held at Microsoft's Atlanta Headquarters on April 12, 2024. The event, sponsored by Microsoft, TAG-Ed, and Women of AT&T, brought together teams of high school students from across the state and around the world to create products or tech-enabled devices that address community issues.


Nurse, the reigning 2024 Miss Carroll County's Teen, is involved in the Hackathon. This aligns with her community social impact initiative, Too Cool for School. The initiative aims to educate youngsters about science, technology, and mathematics while also inspiring a lifelong passion for learning. Nurse's participation in the Hackathon is aimed at encouraging other Douglas County students to compete in future hackathons.


Nurse continues to inspire her peers and the next generation of innovators through her dedication to STEAM education and involvement in events like the Nation Builders Hackathon.

FSMS, SWES Host Cultural Exchange Events

Factory Shoals Middle and Sweetwater Elementary schools recently hosted special cultural exchange events with food samplings and other festivities.


At Factory Shoals, Intalage teachers from India including Damodar Thonupunoori, Ramakrishna Peelapati, Rekha Rani Kattuboyina, Gladys Sailaja Merugumalla and Balasubramanyam Rudraboyina organized the cultural exchange event, which was aimed at promoting cultural diversity and understanding among students and staff, according to Media Specialist Katrina Barnett.


Teachers got to enjoy a variety of native foods from different cultures, including dishes such as Chicken 65, lemon rice and onion pakoda.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures represented within our school and to provide our students and staff with valuable opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engagement,” Barnett said.


At Sweetwater, Program for Exceptional Children teacher Rahmath Sultana recently observed Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting for 30 days with reflection, prayer and self-discipline. 


To mark the end of the month, Sultana invited teachers and staff to a celebration that included a sampling of symbolic dishes that are traditionally enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr, the festival that follows Ramadan. The dishes included Chicken Biryani, Prawn Biryani, and Sheer Khurma, each carrying its own significance and flavor.


“Everyone enjoyed learning about this celebration and the tasty food that accompanied it!” said Angela Shepard, health monitor at Sweetwater.


Student Spotlight

Turner Middle School proudly recognizes Jordan Batts in the student spotlight. As an active member of the Beta Club, Peer Ambassadors, band, soccer team and morning news crew, the eighth grader carries the banner of excellence at Turner in every pursuit. 


In addition to her many extracurricular activities, Jordan represents TMS as one of the school’s delegates, maintaining an A average in all of her classes. John Chandler, Principal of Turner Middle School, is proud to call her a member of the TMS Indian family. 


"Jordan is a once-in-a-generation student. She models excellence inside and outside of the classroom and is a true ambassador for not only our school but also the school district.”


Jordan plans to attend the International Baccalaureate Magnet at Douglas County High School next year. In fact, she is eager to hit the ground running as a high school freshman so she can set a high standard for herself and her peers.  


“Since my arrival here, Jordan has made it known that no task is beneath her, especially if it helps to make the school better. I am proud to have served her these last two years. Turner will miss Jordan at the end of the year, but we will always cheer for her success from afar,” said Chandler.  

Aubrey Blanchard, a fifth-grade student at Lithia Springs Elementary School, consistently earns A/B honor roll because of her commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, the young scholar is passionate about assisting her peers. 


Aubrey serves as Student Council President, and has previously served as a school ambassador. She is a proud member of the school choir, an active member of Girls on the Run, and is involved in all the athletic clubs Lithia Elementary has to offer.


Outside of school, Aubrey enjoys competitive cheering, softball, basketball and

flag football. She loves cooking, traveling with her family, reading mysteries

and listening to music. 


“Aubrey has a phenomenal personality! She is an outstanding example to her peers for always showing PRIDE,” said Principal Tonia Small. 


Keep up the great work, Aubrey!

Sports

Chapel Hill Dominates at Region Track Meet

Chapel Hill’s boys track and field team dominated at the Region 5-5A Track and Field Championships in Atlanta last week to capture their third-straight region title.


The Panthers will send 26 athletes in 13 events to the sectionals later this month with an eye on capturing a state title.


Chapel Hill’s girls, who are coached by Jasmin Ellis, will also have plenty of representation at the sectionals, with 15 athletes qualifying in seven events as part of the Lady Panthers’ fourth-place finish in the region.


Chapel Hill’s boys team finished third at the state meet last year. Boys Head Coach Chris Wilson said that while he’s happy about winning the region again, he is already focused on sectionals and state.


“The seniors who made it through Region know that this is our best chance in their high school career to move to the top of the podium at the State Championships,” Wilson said. “Seniors Vaughn Dickenson, Finn and Will Herlihy, Solomon Johnson, Jayden Nugent, Brandon Soleyn, Alex Teal, and Isaiah Williams will all be battling at Sectionals to close out their final year on a high note.”


View full results from the region meet here.

Key Dates

  • May 22: Report Cards (elementary schools)

DCSS Testing Dates

Family Resources

2024 Kindergarten Registration


Kindergarten registration is now open. Click here to Register Online.

AVID Awards 2024

What: Advanced Via Individual Determination (AVID) Awards

When: May 7 — Doors open at 5:30, Ceremony starts at 6 p.m.

Where: NMHS Theater, 4925 Hwy. 92, Douglasville, GA 30135

More information: Tahira Chandler, 770-651-2732 or tahira.chandler@dcssga.org

AHS Night of the Arts

What: Alexander High School Night of the Arts

When: Thursday, May 9th — Visual Arts Spring Exhibition 6-7 p.m., Band/Chorus Performance 7-8 p.m.

Where: AHS Performing Arts Center

S.T.E.M. Night at LSHS

What: LSHS Presents S.T.E.M. Night.

When: May 8, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Lithia Springs High School, 2520 E. County Line Rd., Lithia Springs, GA 30122.

Join Partners In Education and Take a Tour of a DCSS School


What: Take a tour of Turner Middle School with Douglas County Partners In Education.

When: May 14, 2024, from 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Turner Middle School, 7101 Turner Dr., Lithia Springs, GA 30122.

Visit www.PIEDC.org to learn more about PIE and RSVP to attend this event.

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.

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