September/October Parent Newsletter
Advanced Draw Paint I
Students in Advanced Draw Paint I have completed an asymmetrical balanced composition of one still life object. Students shaded all values using graphite or charcoal.
Visual Art Comp II
After much learning & planning, students created a metal relief sculpture using the technique of Repousse. Students created a whimsical landscape filled with patterns, rhythms, & textures then transferring onto the metal. Students “pushed” their drawing into the back of the metal in order to create the depth for the relief sculpture on the front.
Students then used India Ink to show more depth & patina to their design.
Repousse is a French term meaning “to push”
or “push out”.
Physics
Students in physics are learning about acceleration and completed a lab where they calculate the height of the bleachers based on how long it takes for a tennis ball to fall to the ground. They also dropped a watermelon in order to demonstrate that no matter the weight of the object, all objects fall at the same rate.
PE
Our PE classes did a stadium workout on September 11 in honor of Patriot Day and the first responders who climbed countless stairs and gave their lives to save others. On Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor those lost on September 11, 2001
Book Tasting
Ms. Brabender hosted 9th grade media center orientation in the Media Center complete with a Book Tasting where students got to sample many different genres of books.
On a Roll
Freshmen teachers nominated a few of their students who were "On a Roll." We celebrated 35 amazing freshmen whose teachers nominated them for working hard, being leaders, and making wise choices. We took a day to celebrate them by letting them fill a goodie bag with yummy snacks and treats! Congratulations to these awesome freshmen students!
AP Human Geography
As part of their research on current refugee and migration trends happening in the word, AP Human Geography students created a “Refugee Walk” on the 3rd floor! Their goal was to bring awareness to these situations by creating brochures and putting them on display. There was also a vote for the winning displays and these are the winners! The Colombia display took first place and Ethiopia came in 2nd.
AP Spanish
A few of the countries represented in AP Human Geography’s “Refugee Walk” were Hispanic, so Mr. McIntyre’s AP Spanish students went to take notes on the various situations. Previously, his students had been studying the concept of refugees and displaced peoples. The day before they went on the refugee walk, they had been exploring articles from the United Nations website en Español. Given that many of the pamphlets explored the reasons that the people were seeking refuge abroad, it was a great activity to wrap up the mini unit before writing a persuasive essay on the question, "Will the world always have refugees?"
Spanish I
Students in Ms. Matos and Mr. McIntyre’s classes use their weekly Spanish ‘password’ to enter class. This interaction not only provides students with daily speaking practice with important words and phrases, but also helps build relationships and classroom culture as each student is able to express their opinions and learn about their teachers!
Algebra I
Algebra I students completed an "Around the World" practice activity to get up and moving while also reviewing for their current unit!
American Lit
Mulberry ES
Student athlete representatives participated in Mulberry Elementary's Falcon Dash pep rally!
National Art Honor Society
National Art Honor Society represented Dacula well by helping clean up the Norcross mural, which had been tagged by spray paint. They worked so hard that they had the whole mural cleaned up in an hour and a half and the other shifts of workers didn’t need to come in! Pictured in the photo is Norcross’ mayor, who expressed his gratitude to our students for serving his community.
AP World History
AP World History had a "Mystery Dinner at the Palace of Versailles." As students taught and learned about different historical figures from 1450-1750 that they may encounter on their AP test, they had to solve a class mystery based on clues and knowledge of these people before time ran out.
Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week
Our Hispanic Mentors Club prepared a Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week to celebrate our Hispanic students, families, and staff members. The participation was great and it was a true picture of #OneFamilyOneDacula.
PBIS Serve
Students in Dacula Way learned about the Big Board and the three areas that we focus on in our PBIS program- Focus, Engage, and Serve.
Thank You Notes
In Dacula Way, we taught our freshmen about PBIS and ways to Focus, Engage, and Serve. As part of the Serve category, we challenged them to write a thank you note to someone in the school (teacher, coach, cafeteria staff, clinic, etc) to show their gratitude. We had over 600 notes written to over 80 faculty & staff members.
Want to become a mentor and make a difference in your community?
How to Become a Mentor:
- Click here to complete the online application.
- Complete an interview.
- Attend training and complete a GCPS background check.
- Make a one-year committment to changing lives.
Family CharacterDare
Each Family CharacterDare offers families the opportunity to engage in challenges designed to increase connection and conversation at home. These CharacterDare challenges also provide students with more opportunities to practice habits discussed in class.
The Family CharacterDare will help with the following:
Conversation Starters: Ways to practice positive communication for the whole family.
Acts of Kindness: Simple ideas to support each other at home and in the community.
Recreation and Rest: Fun and relaxing ways to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
Expressions of Love: A variety of invitations family members can use to give & receive love.
Ths Family CharacterDare this month is "No Tech Table Time"- Have no technology during dinner tonight. Have everyone store phones and other distractions away, and enjoy a meal or a snack together.
October 12 & 13 - Dacula Falcon Theatre presents "Lost Girl" @ 7PM in the DHS Theater
Dacula Falcon Theatre Presents our Fall One Act Competition Piece
"Lost Girl" by Kimberly Belflower
Long after returning from Neverland, Wendy decides that she must find Peter in order to reclaim her kiss and move on with her life. Along the way, she meets other girls who went to Neverland and learns she is not alone. A coming-of-age exploration of first love and lasting loss, Lost Girl continues the story of J.M. Barrie’s beloved character – the girl who had to grow up.
October 12th and 13th - 7pm
Tickets HERE
Follow our Instagram @daculafalcontheatre
October 13 - BAE hosts Halloween Movie Night @ 6PM @ DHS Football Field
October 16 - Senior Ads for the Yearbook Due
DHS Senior Ads can be purchased for the 2023-2024 yearbook and should be purchased by the deadline of October 16. Senior ads can be purchased at YearbookOrderCenter.com using the school code of 25024.
October 22 - Deadline for Feedback on GCPS Proposed Calendars @ 11:59pm
Calendar options for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years are available on the GCPS website. Please review the available information on the calendar options using this link and vote via the email sent to parents and staff from Gwinnett County Public Schools with the subject line "GCPS Proposed 2024-2026 School Calendars." The deadline to submit your preferences is October 22 at 11:59pm.
October 24 - Fall Orchestra Concert & Trunk or Treat @ 6:30pm
Come out and support the DHS Orchestra as they perform in their Fall Orchestra Concert followed by their Trunk or Treat. The Trunk or Treat is a fun annual tradition that will occur in the faculty parking lot near the practice field after the orchestra concert. All middle school and younger children are welcome to attend. The Trunk or Treat should start around 8:00 pm. The orchestra concert is Halloween themed and will feature some spooky seasonal music! Admission is free!
Athletic Events Policy
Here is reminder about the Local School Facilities Policies which were put into effect October 2022.
In order to promote and maintain a positive and safe environment for all families, the following policies are in place:
- Any student not of high school age must enter with a parent and must sit with that parent for the entirety of the game.
- All high school aged students not accompanied by a parent may be asked to show a current school ID upon entry. Students who cannot provide an ID will need to enter with a parent.
Clear Bag Policy:
- Approved Bags-
- Clear bags no larger than 12"x6"x12"
- Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5"x6.5"
- Clear plactic storage bag- one gallon resealable
- Seat cushion- 18"x18"
*an exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate by respective gate supervisor
One Family Book Drive
Our community's unity is unmatched, and I'm excited to invite you to embrace our "One Family, One Dacula" spirit through an initiative led by the National Honor Society students. Together, we're teaming up with Alcova Elementary School's principal and kindergarten teachers to make an impact.
Our mission is to gift each of the 201 kindergarten students at Alcova a brand-new book before their Winter Break. By doing so, we aim not only to ignite a passion for reading in these young falcons but also to convey our support and "One Family, One Dacula" culture to them.
The teachers have expressed their love for Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie books, and that's what we're seeking. You can conveniently contribute through our Amazon wish list linked below:
Yearbooks
To order a yearbook for the 2023-2024 school year, visit YearbookOrderCenter.com and enter the school code 25024.
AP Exam Registration
Registration for AP Exams is now open. Three years ago, the College Board implemented changes based on research that showed students' early commitment resulted in greater student performance and success on their AP Exams. All AP exam registrations will take place during this window, except for second semester classes in AP Macroeconomics and AP American Government. Register on MyPaymentsPlus between Friday September 29th and November 10h at 11:59 pm for yearlong courses and first semester courses. Students enrolled in AP American Government and AP Macroeconomics for 2nd semester will have a different registration window (without a late fee) to order between Monday January 8th and Sunday March 10th for those two courses only.
Please review the 2023-24 AP Exam Registration information and post the deadline reminder at work or on your refrigerator. Please be on the lookout for future emails and feel free to reach out to Dr. Renales at bev.renales@gcpsk12.org or Dr. Stacey Schepens at Stacey.schepens@gcpsk12.org should you have any questions.
Help Dacula HS Athletics & Extracurriculars earn up to $50,000!
You can help Dacula High School athletics & extracurriculars earn up to $50,000 by shopping at Lidl grocery stores between September 13 and November 7, 2023. When you shop at Lidl between these dates, each dollar you spend earns points for your school. The more points you earn, the higher the tier DHS reaches and the more money our school receives for athletic programs and extracurricular activities.
- step 1- Download the myLidl app and register for an account at lidl.com/register
- step 2- Link your myLidl account to Dacula High School at hallo.lidl.com/give-back
- step 3- Shop at your local Lidl from September 13 to November 7, 2023. Scan your myLidl account at the register and you’ll earn points!
- step 4- Your school starts earning!
Senior Ads
DHS Senior Ads can be purchased for the 2023-2024 yearbook and should be purchased by the deadline of October 16. Senior ads can be purchased at YearbookOrderCenter.com using the school code of 25024.
Senior Portraits
Senior Portraits must be taken through CADY Studios before the deadline of December 1 in order for them to make it into the yearbook. Schedule senior portraits here.
Flag Football Touchdown Club
Janaya Garfio, Breana Miller, Sarah Nambooze and Adriana Ndoumna represented Dacula and Dacula Flag Football at the inaugural Touchdown Club of Gwinnett media day. Flag Football is one of the fastest growing high school sports in Georgia and the Country. It was great for the Touchdown Club of Gwinnett to recognize this sport and the student athletes who are playing. This past Monday, Janaya Garfio, received an offer to play college flag football at Point University. This is the first flag football college offer for Dacula High School.
On a Roll Freshmen!
Freshmen teachers nominated a few of their students who were "On a Roll." We celebrated 35 amazing freshmen whose teachers nominated them for working hard, being leaders, and making wise choices. We took a day to celebrate them by letting them fill a goodie bag with yummy snacks and treats! Congratulations to these awesome freshmen students!
