School Closure

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Welcome to the information page for school closures and digital learning. We will update information on this page throughout our time of working and learning from home. Please check back often.
In an effort to curtail spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), all schools and offices in the Douglas County School System were CLOSED beginning March 16, 2020. Students and staff members are working from home through online platforms. We hope that the information below will answer most of your questions. Please reach out to your teacher or principal if you need additional information. While nothing can replace face-to-face instruction in the classroom, we hope this time of working and learning from home will be productive for everyone.

Reopening of School for 2020-2021

On June 4, the following message was sent to all parents regarding the timeline for announcing plans for the 2020-2021 school year. For a list of the committees and committee members mentioned in the message, please click here. The current Parent Advisory Committee is composed of parents from all schools and has been meeting since August of 2019. The committee's last meeting was on June 2 when Superintendent North sought parent input regarding the reopening of school.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope you are enjoying your summer. Under normal circumstances, you would be relaxing during June and buying school supplies and clothes in July in preparation for the first day of school in August. You would have the school calendar on your refrigerator and know what to expect.

I realize that this summer is different. You are wondering what the 2020-2021 school year will look like in Douglas County. You may need to make child care plans, and you want to know how your child will be learning and what plans will be in place to keep your child healthy and safe.

Please be assured that the Douglas County School System is hard at work this summer making plans for the 2020-2021 school year. Several committees covering many areas are working diligently on recommendations for how to reopen school in August. We appreciated the guidance provided by the Georgia Department of Education on June 1, and we will incorporate many of these protocols into our plan.

We are also seeking input from parents. On June 2, I met with approximately 50 parents and community members to learn about their experience with digital learning this spring and to hear their opinions on returning to school in August. In addition, we will send a survey to all parents during the week of June 8 to gauge if parents will be comfortable sending their children back to school or if they would prefer a digital option. The parent input will be one of several factors that will guide our plans for 2020-2021, and I encourage you to make your voice heard through the survey.

We expect to present a plan to the Board of Education on June 15. Before the end of June, we will share with our parents our plan for the upcoming school year. Because everyone’s situation and comfort level with COVID-19 is different, you can expect options that haven’t been available before.

While school may look different next year, our priority is to continue providing instruction at the highest level while maintaining close relationships between our schools, students and families. As always, we will strive for excellence in 2020-2021. I appreciate your patience and your support as we work through these unusual times.

Sincerely,

Trent North, Superintendent

Parent Survey: Reopening of Schools for 2020-2021

For results from the survey of parents conducted the week of June 8, 2020, please click here.

Athletic Conditioning

Athletic conditioning will begin on June 15. Coaches will follow strict protocols to maintain the health and safety of students and staff.

Wi-Fi Access Available in All Five High School Parking Lots

The Douglas County School System is partnering with Google to provide internet access on some of our buses.  Beginning May 18, DCSS students and family members may drive to any of our high schools and log into a filtered internet connection from the parking lot. The Wi-Fi buses will remain in place throughout the summer. We anticipate adding additional locations at a future date.

To access the internet, students will select the DCSSBUS network in their wireless connections and type the password dcsswifi.  The password is all lower case.  The internet access should be used only by students and their families, so we ask that you not share the password on social media platforms. If you have any problems with logging in, please call the main phone number for your school and report the problem.

We hope the internet access will help our students and families with academic pursuits, college applications and job searches over the next few months. We wish everyone a safe and productive summer break. 

Tenemos algunas noticias emocionantes para compartir. El Sistema Escolar del Condado de Douglas se ha asociado con Google para proporcionar acceso a Internet en algunos de nuestros autobuses. Los estudiantes y familiares de DCSS pueden conducir a cualquiera de nuestras escuelas secundarias e iniciar sesión en una conexión a Internet filtrada desde el estacionamiento. Los autobuses con Wi-Fi permanecerán en su lugar durante todo el verano. Anticipamos agregar ubicaciones adicionales en una fecha futura.

Para acceder a Internet, los estudiantes seleccionarán la red DCSSBUS en sus conexiones inalámbricas y escribirán la contraseña dcsswifi. La contraseña es minúscula. El acceso a Internet solo debe ser utilizado por los estudiantes y sus familias, por lo que le pedimos que no comparta la contraseña en las plataformas de redes sociales. Si tiene algún problema para iniciar sesión, llame al número de teléfono principal de su escuela e informe el problema.

Esperamos que el acceso a Internet ayude a nuestros estudiantes y familias con actividades académicas, solicitudes de ingreso a la universidad y búsquedas de trabajo en los próximos meses. Les deseamos a todos unas vacaciones de verano seguras y productivas.


Graduation Ceremonies -- Letter from the Superintendent May 5, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians of Seniors,

Based on the continued recommendations for social distancing, the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 will take place on our alternate dates, July 21 and 22. While we hope to follow the schedule listed below for each school, we may have to make changes based on the location for the ceremonies. The location will be announced closer to the date of the ceremonies.

July 21: Chapel Hill High School, 2:30 pm

              Alexander High School, 7:00 pm

July 22: Lithia Springs High School, 10:00 am

              New Manchester High School, 2:30 pm

              Douglas County High School, 7:00 pm

All seniors who plan to participate in graduation will be expected to attend graduation practice. Your school will be in touch with you about the date and time for practice.

We do realize that some of our seniors will have a conflict with the dates in July. If your child cannot participate in graduation in July due to military obligations or for any other reason, we welcome your student to participate in the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021 on May 27 or 28, 2021. We will make it special for anyone in the Class of 2020 who needs this option. We want ALL of our students to have the opportunity to walk across the stage.

As with most plans that are made during this unpredictable time, the July dates are tentative. We will follow guidelines established by our public health agencies and will amend our plans if necessary.

I look forward to celebrating with our seniors, families, teachers and Board of Education members. I believe the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 will be the most memorable and special of my career.

Thank you for your continued support of the Douglas County School System.


Kindergarten Registration

Welcome to kindergarten in the Douglas County School System! We are thrilled to have the Class of 2033 join us for an exciting journey! Kindergarten is a time of personal adjustment and a stepping out beyond the family to the wider world.

Beginning Friday, May 1, parents may register their children for kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. Please click here for additional information.


2020 End-of-Year Procedures

Following guidance from health departments and government agencies, the Douglas County School System closed all school buildings beginning March 16 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Douglas County School System immediately moved to online learning through its Digital Learning Days (DLD) plan. On April 1, Governor Kemp ordered all public schools closed for the remainder of the school year. Douglas County implemented Digital Learning Days Phase II on April 13, with more structure and accountability for teachers, parents and students. The change to DLD has made it necessary to set new dates and grading practices for the end of the 2020 school year.

With the exception of seniors, students in the Douglas County School System will continue with DLD through May 15. Students will have the opportunity May 18-22 to complete and turn in missing assignments. Teachers will be available to assist students.

Seniors will end DLD on May 1. Teachers will assign final averages based upon grades assigned prior to March 11 in addition to the assignments completed during digital learning. If the grade is 70% or greater, this grade will be the final grade and the end of the school year. Seniors wishing to improve their final grade may continue to complete assignments through May 20.

During DLD, teachers, counselors and media specialists are available for "office hours" via email to field questions on assignments, assist with technology problems and participate in parent or staff meetings. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for elementary and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for middle and high school.

For DLD, teachers are using Google Classroom to receive completed assignments or administer class assessments. Students also may take a picture of their work and email it to their teachers. Teachers are employing video conferencing via Google Hangouts/Meet for lectures and classroom discussion. Video conferencing sessions are recorded for students to access at a later time.

A non-digital component also is available for students who either do not have home internet or whose access is intermittent. In these cases, curriculum materials are shared through printed packets that students can complete at home. Schools have set up procedures for accessing printed materials and turning in completed work to be graded.

Elementary schools will not send progress reports on April 27, 2020 as previously scheduled. Students in kindergarten - 5th grades will be graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory scale based on student progress as of March 11, 2020. DLD assignments will be factored into the overall final average but will not negatively impact students’ final grades.

Middle schools will not send progress reports on April 27, 2020 as previously scheduled. Students in grades 6-8 will receive numerical grades. Grades will be based upon student progress in the first three quarters as well as digital learning. 

Students in grades 9-12 will receive numerical grades. On May 15 (May 1 for seniors), teachers will assign final averages based upon grades assigned prior to March 11 in addition to the assignments completed during digital learning. The week of May 18 will be used for students to complete and turn in assignments. No new digital learning activities will be conducted. Teachers will be available as needed to assist students with assignments.

Report cards will be mailed to elementary, middle and high school parents and guardians on June 1.

The school system remains hopeful that graduations will be held as scheduled on May 21 and 22. If social distancing guidelines prevent graduations from taking place in May, the backup dates will be July 21 and 22. A decision will be announced by May 5.


Important Information for Seniors

Seniors and Parents, please click the link below for your school to find a document of Frequently Asked Questions regarding end-of-year activities and procedures. 

Alexander High School

Chapel Hill High School

CCI Academy

Douglas County High School

Lithia Springs High School

New Manchester High School

Success Center


IMPORTANT NOTICE: Digital Learning to Continue for Remainder of the School Year; Spring Break Will Be Observed (April 1 Update)

On April 1, Governor Kemp announced an executive order that schools in Georgia will stay closed for in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Students in the Douglas County School System will continue with digital learning. Plans are already in place for Digital Learning Phase II beginning April 13. The new guidelines will provide more structure, accountability and consistency for teachers, students and parents.

Digital learning and meal distribution will not take place during spring break, April 6-10. Beginning April 15, meal distribution will resume.

“While we were hopeful that our students would be able to spend the last few weeks of the school year in the classroom with their teachers, we acknowledge that the health and safety of our students and staff is the top priority,” said Douglas County Superintendent Trent North. “I support the decision of the governor and the recommendations of the public health agencies in our state.

“My heart goes out to all of our students, families and staff members who are very disappointed with this announcement,” Superintendent North continued. “I especially feel for our seniors and their parents who are facing an end to their high school years under very unusual circumstances. We will find an appropriate way to honor our seniors.”

Final Report Cards 

Report cards for all students will be mailed the week of June 1.


Permissive Transfers and School Choice (4/21/20 Update)

Permissive Transfers
The Douglas County School System is not accepting Permissive Transfers at this time. Permissive Transfers for the 2020-2021 school year will be accepted online beginning July 6, 2020. 


School Choice

School Choice applications were accepted online April 27, 2020, through May 8, 2020. The window for applying has now closed. 

Registration for Elective Classes for Rising 9th Grade Students (Update 3/20/20)

Rising 9th grade students (current 8th graders), please visit the website for the high school you will attend  to find information on how to request your elective classes for the 2020-2021 school year.  This includes students who will attend one of the five traditional high schools in Douglas County as well as the CCI Academy. These electives are typically selected at Freshman Expo, which was canceled. 

Requests for your core classes (English, Math, Science and Social Studies) have already been sent to your high school from your middle school.  Please check your high school website for deadlines to complete the forms. Please go to www.dcssga.org and use the “Select a School” drop down menu to go to your high school’s website. 

Please contact the assistant principals listed in the next section by email if you have any questions. 


Options for World Language for Rising 9th Grade Students (4/1/20 Update)

The Douglas County School System awards one high school credit for successful completion of the middle school two-year sequential World Language course. A student must have an 80 or above in their 8th grade World Language course to receive the high school credit. The final 8th grade average will be the grade used on the high school transcript. 

The current learning environment and circumstances have created academic challenges. For the 2020-2021 school year only, the district will allow parents/guardians the following options for receiving credit for World Language:

  • Student will receive high school credit for Spanish I or French I and will be enrolled in the corresponding course of Spanish II or French II. 

         OR

  • Student will not receive high school credit for World Language and will be enrolled in either Spanish I or French I. 

Please contact the assistant principal for your high school by email (listed below) to confirm your choice. The deadline for this request is April 17, 2020.

AHS:  [email protected]

CCI:  [email protected]

CHHS:  [email protected]

DCHS:  [email protected]

LSHS:  [email protected]

NMHS:  [email protected]


Meal Distribution

Summer meal distribution will begin on Wednesday, June 3, and will continue every Wednesday through July 15. Meals for children ages 0-18 will be available from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the following locations:

Alexander High School
Douglas County High School
Lithia Springs High School
New Manchester High School
North Douglas Elementary School
Turner Middle School
Winston Elementary School



For a map with addresses of the schools, please click here. These locations will provide a Wednesday drive-up service from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Douglas County School Nutrition will distribute a supply of breakfast and lunch for five days for children every Wednesday through July 15.

Children must be present in the car to receive the meals. Parents and children should drive to the front of the school (back of school in cafeteria area for New Manchester). Nutrition workers will deliver the meals to the car. Parents or guardians may take the children to any of the locations. We will provide meals for any child who shows up at any location as long as supplies last.


Letters from the Superintendent

Please click below for recent communication to parents from Superintendent Trent North regarding COVID-19.

Thursday, March 12, 2020 -- Letter Announcing Closure of School District

Monday, March 9, 2020 -- Coronavirus Update from the Superintendent

Friday, March 6, 2020 -- Coronavirus Update from the Superintendent

Monday, March 2, 2020 -- Letter Regarding Coronavirus

Digital Learning (Update for April 13)

At this time, there are no plans to make up the time that schools will be closed. Students and teachers will be working from home on their lessons.   

Our students, teachers and parents have been involved with digital learning since the closure of school buildings on March 16. Now that our time away from school has been extended through the end of the school year, we are adding structure and expectations to provide consistency between teachers and schools for digital learning. Beginning April 13, parents will see the implementation of Digital Learning Days Phase II. 

Prior to spring break, principals and teachers reached out to parents and students with new guidelines outlining which days specific subjects will be taught and the amount of time students and parents should expect for virtual instruction and assignments. An important part of the new expectations is the delivery of instruction via Google Meet or an instructional video. All Google Meet sessions will be recorded in case a student cannot participate at the time of live instruction. Principals and teachers will also outline grading policies for digital work beginning April 13. 

As always, parents and students should reach out to their teachers with questions or concerns about instruction. We understand the stress that our parents are feeling with the added responsibility of working with their children at home. We appreciate the considerable efforts of our parents and value their partnership as we navigate this new way of delivering instruction. 

For access to digital learning resources and assignments provided by Douglas County teachers, visit the DCSS portal.

Several schools have reported that Google Classroom works on PS4 and Xbox One browsers. If you do not have a computer but you do have one of these game systems, this may be an option for your student to have access to assignments.

In order to use the learning programs, it is recommended that student devices have 4GBs of RAM with Windows 10.  Current stable versions of the Chrome OS are also supported. 


Chromebook Return

If you checked out a Chromebook for your child during our time of digital learning, please contact your principal to set up a time to return the Chromebook to the school. 

Opportunities for Free or Low Cost Internet Access (3/31/20 Update)

We have seen offers from Spectrum Internet, Xfinity and Comcast offering free internet access for a limited time during this time of digital learning across the country. Parents may want to look into these opportunities. Please read all the terms and conditions before signing up.

3/25/20 Update: Please see this website for current offers by zip code from a variety of providers. Offers depend upon the financial need of the family.

3/31/20 Update: 
The GA Department of Community Affairs has compiled a listing of public Wifi hotspots available throughout the state. The link also provides a listing of service providers that are offering free or reduced internet access for a limited time. 

https://broadband.georgia.gov/georgia-internet-access-covid-19-update


State Mandated Testing (3/28/20 Update)

State School Superintendent announced on March 16 the suspension of state mandated testing, including Georgia Milestones EOGs and EOCs, the Georgia Alternate Assessment/GAA 2.0 and all other required testing. Also suspended are teacher and leader evaluations (TKES/LKES) requirements and reporting. State-level attendance-related consequences (including CCRPI, TKES/LKES, School Climate Star Rating and make-up day requirements) are also suspended. For the press release, please click here.

Update March 28

On March 26, the State Board of Education formally approved three test-related waivers, including:

* Promotion and Retention: O.C.G.A. §§ 20-2-283, 20-2-284; SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.11 Flexibility will allow districts to waive, modify, or set promotion/retention criteria, as well as protocols for making placement decisions in a timely manner.

* Statewide Passing Score: SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.13(2)(d) and (f) Flexibility waives the requirement that the Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) assessment shall be used as the final exam in the courses assessed by a Georgia Milestones EOC and waives the requirement that the numeric score on the Georgia Milestones EOC shall count for 20% of the student’s final numeric grade in the course assessed by the Georgia Milestones EOC.

* Student Assessments: O.C.G.A. §20-2-281; SBOE Rule 160-3-1-.07 Flexibility will waive the administration of, and related requirements for, state assessments scheduled for late Spring 2020 administration. 

For a flyer from the Georgia Department of Education with frequently asked questions regarding state testing, please click here.


AP Testing (3/22/20 Update)

The following information regarding AP testing was released on the College Board website on March 20. For additional information please go to the College Board website. You will also want to reach out to your AP teacher.

  • Traditional face-to-face exam administrations will not take place. Students will take a 45-minute online free-response exam at home. 
  • Some students may want to take the exam sooner rather than later, while the content is still fresh. Other students may want more time to practice. For each AP subject, there will be 2 different testing dates.

Event Cancellations and Student Travel

We know that students, parents and staff members are disappointed in the large number of event cancellations taking place in the school district and throughout the world. Time, money and hard work have gone into preparing for the events. However, beginning at midnight on Sunday, March 15, all extracurricular activities are suspended until further notice. School sponsored travel, including both in-state and out-of-state field trips, is also suspended until further notice.

Among the events that are canceled at this time are:

Douglas County Education Fun Run at NMHS
Freshman Expo

Transportation Committee Meeting
Elementary, Middle and HS Student Forums with the Superintendent
Teacher 4 A Day
TomeCon
Special Olympics
Exceptional Awards Night
A Night of Inspiration at McEachern High School
Red Cross Blood Drive at the Central Office
Disability Awareness Night at Dorsett Shoals Elementary
March Fun Runs at Dorsett Shoals, Holly Springs and Arbor Station Elementary Schools

Please refer to the FAQ sheet for your school for information about prom. You will find links to the sheets near the top of this page.

SAT and ACT

College Board has canceled the SAT scheduled for May 2, 2020. Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled for March 28) are also canceled. For more information, click here.

ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. Learn more.

Because of the cancellations of SAT and ACT test dates, the University System of Georgia will be waiving SAT/ACT entrance requirements for admissions to public state universities.


Special Education

Provisions for special education services are in place. Please contact your child's case manager if you have any questions.

Maintenance of Buildings and Buses

During the school closure, custodial staff will clean all classrooms, office areas, gym areas, corridor walls and restrooms with a hospital grade disinfect called Halt. Buses will be completely wiped down by employees in the transportation department. They will use a disinfectant called Betco.


Dual Enrollment for Students Enrolled Spring, 2020

Douglas County students in dual enrollment for spring of 2020 should continue classes following the schedule and guidance of the post-secondary institution. 

Dual Enrollment Registration for Spring and Fall (3/18/20 Update)

For information on summer and fall dual enrollment registration, please go to the following college websites or reach out to the college via the email addresses below.

If you need assistance from your high school, please reach out to your counselor by email. They are all available to help you during our time of digital learning.



How to Receive Communication from the District

The school district uses several platforms to disseminate information to stakeholders. Parents and community members may follow the Douglas County Georgia Schools Facebook page where district information is shared. They may also sign up for the weekly electronic newsletter, DCSS Digest, which is emailed every Friday.

Parents, guardians and employees will receive automated messages via email, phone, text and app posting. The phone numbers and email addresses are pulled through Infinite Campus, our student information system. If you are not receiving messages, please reach out to the registration clerk at your school to check your information in Infinite Campus. You may also reach out to [email protected].

To receive text messages, parents must opt in. Text 67587 and type Yes to begin receiving messages.

Anyone may sign up for the school system app. Search in your phone's app store for "Douglas County Schools" and look for the familiar blue and yellow five-star logo. (There is more than one Douglas County Schools app, so look for the logo.) After downloading the app, you will have the option to choose the schools from which you would like to receive alerts.

Contact List for Principals

For a list of schools and principals, please click here. To email principals, use this format: [email protected] .

Parent Portal

For parents who need to set up Parent Portal, please follow the directions available here.

Questions?

If you have questions or concerns you would like to share with the Douglas County School System, please click the link below. Answers to frequently asked questions will appear on this page. You may also request to be contacted individually.

Ask Questions Here 

Voting

The presidential primary and ESPLOST vote that was scheduled for March 24 has been postponed. The new date is June 9. All of Georgia's 6.9 million active voters will be mailed absentee ballot request forms for the presidential primary and ESPLOST. You will need to return the request form in order to receive an absentee ballot. We encourage our community to vote in this and all elections.


Employee Rights Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Please click here for a PDF with details.

Resources

Emotional Resources
For a flyer with contact information for emotional support during the COVID-19 pandemic, please click here or see the flyer below.
emotional resources flyer



































Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is an unprecedented community health concern. The Douglas County School System is following guidance from local and state health agencies and the Office of the Governor.

You may now make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test, whether or not you are showing symptoms. Please click here for a flyer with details or see below.
free testing flyer












































testing flyer Spanish

































For more information about the disease, please consult the resources below.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Cobb & Douglas Public Health
Georgia Department of Education
Office of the Governor
Social Distance Guide for Youth PDF
Talking With Children About Coronavirus Disease 2019
Checklist for Teachers and Parents
Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips for Parents While School’s Out

Governor's Office Update on COVID-19 (Slide Presentation)
COVID-19 Update from Governor's Office, GA Dept. of Public Health, GA Dept of Education (Slide Presentation)

Medical

To meet the health needs of our students during this time, we are proud to say that  Family Health Centers of Georgia has established a TeleHealth line. The Family Health Centers of Georgia currently serves as our medical provider for the School Based Health Center located on the campus of Burnett Elementary School. Services are provided to all students of the Douglas County School System and their siblings from three to 18 years of age.  Parents/guardians can call 770-651-2273 and leave a message regarding the health services needed. Someone from the Family Health Centers of Georgia be in contact to setup TeleHealth services. TeleHealth does not include vaccines; however, parents/guardians may schedule appointments at the main site for vaccines.  Most insurances are accepted.  Should you have additional questions, please call 770-651-2273. 

Community Services and Business Resources

Report Child Abuse and Neglect 24/7: 1-855-GA CHILD (1-855-422-4453)
Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline Available 24/7: 1-800-334-2836

List of Food Resources in Our Area
Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Page

Food Finder (A Safe Way to Find Food Assistance Near You)
GPB Resources & Schedule for Instructional TV Programming
Douglas-County-To-Go Facebook Page from Douglas County Chamber of Commerce with Updates on Local Business Hours, Etc.
Food Stamp and Medicaid Assistance
Division of Family & Children Services
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
Those without internet access can contact the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746 for additional information or to request a paper application. 

School Social Workers

If you need assistance locating resources, you may reach out to the school social worker assigned to your child's school. For a list of school social workers and their contact information, please click below.

School Social Workers Contact Information and School Assignment












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