📣✨ New Manchester Hosting 2nd Annual Junior Jag Youth Cheer Camp
New Manchester High School is hosting its 2nd Annual Junior Jag Youth Cheer Camp June 16-18 in the school's gymnasium. The camp is for ages 7-14 and will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Cost is $100 per athlete and includes a daily meal, T-shirt, cheerleading clinics and tumbling clinics.
Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5oJK9-X8RGLsa5rkIc78rSDLsQWMgPyC8575__TQC0JsWrQ/viewform
Contact Katrina Nelson at katrina.nelson@dcssg.org for more information.

Come "Unearth A Story" by participating in the West Georgia Regional Library System's 2026 Summer Reading Program. The program runs May 18 through July 31 at all library branches, including the Douglas County Public Library, Lithia Springs Public Library and Dog River Public Library.
Register online at https://bit.ly/3Qh2RYu
WGRLS is a proud partner with DCSS in our annual Summer Reading Challenge.
#DCSSProud #GreatnessGrowsHere #WGRLS

🌟 DCSS Principals, Staff Earn Top Honors From PAGE
Several Douglas County schools were recently recognized with awards from the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE).
Dr. Bob Heaberlin, District 6 Membership Services Representative for PAGE, presented the PAGE Meritorious Award — given to individuals who have shown exemplary leadership in their positions at their schools — to the following principals for the 2025-2026 school year:
• Lora McAdams, Alexander High School
• Minda Trexler, Annette Winn Elementary
• Christy Shackelford, Bill Arp Elementary
• Heather Fields, Bright Star Elementary
• Anitra Paige, Eastside Elementary
• Catherine Westbrook, Chapel Hill Middle
• Daryl Holman, Chestnut Log Middle
• LaVar Hickerson, Factory Shoals Middle
• Fhonda Strong, Fairplay Middle
• Tonia Small, Lithia Springs Elementary
• Kristin Martin, Mason Creek Elementary (also pictured: MAES Teacher of the Year Ryan Marshman)
• Dr. Tiffany Weaver, Mason Creek Middle
• Dr. Ikyra Robinson, Turner Middle
• Heather George, Winston Elementary
Heaberline also recognized Alexander’s Rob Alford for being named the 2026 GHSA Region 5-AAAAA Athletic Director of the Year, and Bright Star’s Elizabeth Shadix for being named the DCSS and West Georgia Regional Media Specialist of the Year.
Congratulations to all of these well-deserving award recipients!

✨ Our Next Pre-K Parent Night is June 9✨
We are excited to announce our next Pre-K Parent Night as we end the 2025-2026 school year! Please join us for an evening of learning and community as we discuss how to best support our youngest learners.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, June 9
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: DCSS Central Office (Address included on the attached flyer)
What to Expect:
✏️ Interactive Learning: Fun, hands-on activities for parents and students.
🏠 Home Resources: Take-home materials to keep the momentum going at home.
🍽️ Dinner: A light meal will be provided for all attendees.
Attached is the event flyer in English, Spanish, Russian, and Haitian Creole. To ensure all families feel welcome, we will have interpreters available on-site for the meeting.
Please help us spread the word to your Pre-K families! We truly appreciate your partnership in making these events a success. 🎒🍎
#GreatnessGrowsHere #DCSSProud #PreKParentNight #ParentEngagement




Chapel Hill High School Hosting Youth Cheer Camp June 16-18
Calling all rising kindergarten through 8th-grade students!
Chapel Hill Cheer is excited to invite you to its Youth Cheer Camp! Join the school for three fun-filled days of learning cheers, building skills, making new friends, and showing your Panther spirit.
• Camp Dates: June 16–18
• Time: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
• The $85 registration fee includes a camp T-shirt, cheer bow and snacks.
• Registration deadline: June 5
Register today at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfl5OC_9jJIY9dlMwYYEMobqhhEG4-IGpl4EWFUSSQA1GfsbQ/viewform

Streetz 94.5, Grateful Hands Inc. and Fit For The Future are teaming up for the Hoops for Inclusion Fundraiser Celebrity Basketball Game on Saturday, June 6, at Stewart Middle School's Lovejoy Gymnasium. Proceeds benefit scholarships and inclusive programming that help build more accessible, supportive environments in our community.
Pre-party kicks off at 1 p.m., with tip-off at 3 p.m. Admission is just a $5 donation — first come, first served.

This summer, students and families in Douglas County Schools can still access:
🧠 Licensed therapists and psychiatric providers with no waitlists
💻 Virtual appointments with afternoon, evening, and weekend availability
👨👩👧 Parent guidance sessions with practical support for parents and caregivers for everyday challenges
🗣️ Care available in English, Spanish, and other languages
✅ Free for families with Medicaid; in-network with most insurance
Summer is a great time to get connected to care and help students be ready for fall. Learn more and get started: cartwheelcare.org/families


In partnership with the Douglas County Education Foundation, the MWI Workforce Institute presents "After the Tassel" — a training program for graduating high school men within the Douglas County School System. The program is open to men ages 17-19 who are graduating in 2026 from DCSS schools. The application deadline is May 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Visit bit.ly/MWI_AfterTheTassel2026 to apply.

2026 DCSS Scholastic Chess Championship Set for May 2
The 2026 DCSS Scholastic Chess Championship will take place on May 2 at 10 a.m. at Brighten Academy. All K-12 students are welcome to participate.
Registration is $15 and the deadline to enter is April 30.
Visit https://turnerms.revtrak.net/Student-Fees/#/v/Chess-Tournament to register.
Contact James Lynn at james.lynn@dcssga.org for more information.

FAME Star Summer Visual and Performing Arts Camp Registration
Registration is open for New Manchester High School's FAME Star Summer Visual and Performing Arts Camp. Choose the Performing Arts Pathway or the Visual Arts Pathway. Each session this year will be a one-week session where children ages 6-18 can create, produce, and perform their very own musical right on the Main Stage. Or choose the Visual Arts Pathway for ages 11-15, where you will learn skills in painting, drawing, digital art and mixed media.
To learn more, visit https://nmhs.dcssga.org/o/nmhs/page/star-summer-conservatory

The DCSS Program for Exceptional Children Department invites Douglas County parents of public, private and homeschool students to Autism Acceptance Night on Tuesday, April 21 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Mason Creek Elementary School, 3400 Johnston Rd., Winston.
Presenters will share information and resources on autism acceptance, and age-appropriate activity rooms will be available for school-age children. Registration is required.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuD6IduBZSr7jSZLcl6Y4rjiuS4hSTCP3k0ppK1dGjMCHIgw/viewform

Douglas County Schools will be closed April 6-10. Classes resume Monday, April 13. Enjoy the break, everyone! 📚
#DCSSProud #GreatnessGrowsHere #SpringBreak

Chapel Hill High Presents Between The Lines
Chapel Hill High School presents "Between The Lines" April 2-3.
For tickets, visit https://chapelhillhs.revtrak.net/clubs-and-activities/#/list

Celebrating School-Based SLP Week
Governor Brian Kemp has proclaimed March 16-22 as School-based SLP Week in Georgia. DCSS joins in honoring our dedicated team of speech-language pathologists who make a difference every day in the lives of students with communication needs.

Alexander FFA Hosting 11th Annual Spring Plant Sale April 2-4
The 11th Annual Alexander FFA Spring Plant Sale runs April 2-4 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the AHS greenhouse. Great plants at low prices, all grown by your local FFA members at Alexander High School. Visit the AHS FFA Facebook page or email ryan.bragg@dcssga.org for more information.

Important Upcoming Events
Is your child making the move from elementary to middle school next year? Douglas County School System has an event designed to make that transition smoother for the whole family.
🏫 5th to 6th Grade Orientation 📅 May 12 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Save the date and refer to your child's school for more details and upcoming information. Visit www.dcssga.org to stay connected.

Alexander High Presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Alexander High School presents "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" March 13-15 and March 20-22.
For tickets, visit https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/ahspab/charlie

Douglas County High Presents Puffs (Two-Act for Young Wizards)
The Douglas County High School Department of Theatre proudly presents Puffs (Two-Act for Young Wizards) March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. DCSS employees receive one complimentary ticket with their system ID badge.
Purchase tickets at: https://douglascountyhs.revtrak.net/special-events/#/v/one-act-play-school-musical-

🏅 Mark your calendars! The Douglas County Special Olympics is coming up April 1 at New Manchester High School! 🎉
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an opening ceremony planned for 10:30 a.m. Rain date is April 2.
👕 Want to order a T-shirt? Head to the link below!
🔗 https://dcssspecialolympics.revtrak.net/
#DCSSProud #GreatnessGrowsHere

DCSS Celebrates National Social Work Week
This week, we celebrate National School Social Work Week. This week is a time to recognize and appreciate the profound impact our school social workers have on our school community. Our school social workers tirelessly provide emotional support, guidance and resources that enhance our students’ academic and personal growth by developing strategies for overall student well-being.

