

April/May Parent Newsletter

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A Message from the Principal
Dear Falcon Families,
This is it! We are in home stretch of the 2023-24 school year. If you follow us on social media, you know we had an exciting month of April filled with activities and celebrations. We have a few more to come in May as well as the big moment our seniors have been waiting for, graduation!
These last few weeks will be filled with review of skills and content as well as final exams. Please help your student make healthy choices about sleeping and eating to ensure they are at their best for this busy and sometimes stressful time.
Thank you for all you have done to collaborate with us this year. Your support of teachers and students makes our students’ success possible. Let’s keep working together as we finish the year.
In partnership with you,
Jeannie Hidalgo
Proud Principal
Dacula High School
Chorus & Orchestra
DHS Chorus & Orchestra visited Disney World over Spring Break and participated in their Orchestra and Choral workshops!
French & Spanish
DHS French & Spanish students had a great trip to Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain over Spring Break!
Biology
Ms. Jacobson's students created planter representations of Primary Succession & Secondary Succession, the recovery process after land is disturbed. Some were afraid of dirt, others thrived. She provided them with potting soil & a variety of greenery to represent stages of plant re-growth.
Advanced Drama
April 18th, 19th, 21st, the Advanced Drama Class put on Qui Nguyen's award winning play, "She Kills Monsters" in the theater.
Solar Eclipse
Our students had a great time viewing the Solar Eclipse on April 8!
9th LA
9th Lith & Comp students are in the midst of a mystery short-story unit. To start this unit off, they solved a fictional murder mystery case and had to use critical thinking skills and citing evidence skills to justify their reasoning for who did it!
Diversity Day
Many of our DHS organizations joined together to put on Diversity Day, primarily organized by Ms. Grajales and Mr. Reid.
Diversity Day
Complete with a flag parade, performances of many culturally significant songs and dances, and cultural clothing, Diversity Day was a huge success!
Diversity Day
We are so proud of the wide variety of cultures present at DHS in addition to how proud our students are of their cultures.
Multicultural Lit
Students in Multicultural Literature started their poetry unit with a Blackout Poetry activity!
Teacher Appreciation
Our monthly Appreciation Station was a Trail Mix bar where faculty & staff had the opportunity to build their own custom trail mix!
Falcon 30
Ms. Craig’s Falcon 30 had a paper airplane competition! Using a paper airplane launcher designed and 3D printed by Mr. Cummings’ Falcon 30 and paper airplanes they hand crafted themselves, students competed against one another in the categories of distance and accuracy!
Professional Development
As a form of Professional Development during the month of April, teachers had the opportunity to observe each other teaching and executing the DHS Vision. It was beneficial to both the observers and those being observed as they were encouaged by the positive feedback!
ACSA Field Trip
ACSA visited the Clark Atlanta Art Museum to learn about African artists and then enjoyed lunch at Peri Peri, a restaurant with Halal Portuguese/South African cuisine!
BAE Field Trip
BAE visited the MLK Center in Atlanta followed by lunch at the Black-owned restaurant, Edgewood Pizzeria
Art from the month of April
Art from the month of April
Art from the month of April
Solar Eclipse Art!
Big Board Event
We had a great time at our Big Board celebration in April! We had a big soccer tournament. Congratulations to the Teal team for winning the whole thing!
Class of 2018 Senior Prank
We recently had some maintenance done on a water fountain, and when we removed it from the wall, look what we found! We are still discovering remnants of the Class of 2018’s senior prank around Dacula High School, even six years later. The senior class of 2018 printed 10,000 business cards that said, "This is 1 of 10,000. Good luck getting rid of us." They cleverly hid these cards all over the school, ensuring that their legacy would endure far beyond their physical presence at DHS. This harmless yet impactful senior prank serves as an positive example for future senior pranks.
Check out this important information from our Counseling Department!
Meeting Important Needs
If you or someone you know needs help with basic needs (including food, personal care items, clothing, shelter, utilities, etc.), there are resources available. Please click on the link below to find out more information. https://gwinnettcares.org/need-help/individual/housing/
Also, if you or a family that you know of is in need of a warming station, please visit https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/communityservices/healthhumanservices/warmingstations for more information. The warming stations are for residents to receive temporary, overnight relief. Residents who visit the sites will be able to warm up, eat a meal, and get some rest. The warming stations will be available from 6:00 pm until 7:00 am at the locations listed on the website.
Need academic help for your student?
Please encourage your student to use tutor.com to access virtual tutors and virtual study skills coaching. If you want to know more about tutor.com, you can visit the following website. https://www.gcpsk12.org/students/tutorcom
Registered for ParentVue?
If you have not already done so, please register for ParentVue to check grades and attendance along with registering for Parent Square to communicate with teachers. If you want to know more about ParentVue and Parent Square, you can visit the following website.
Below you will find the Counseling Breakdown, which will help you know which counselor serves your student.
- 1st time 9th graders- Ms. Wise
- A - Ec- Ms. Grimes
- Ed - Le- Ms. Rieken
- Lf - Rn- Ms. Watson
- Ro - Z- Ms. Oglesby
Family Bucket List
Sit together as a family and see if you can brainstorm a list of 25 things you want to do together this year! Get creative and collaborative. Be sure the items range from totally doable in a day to something that may seem silly or impossible. Place it somewhere everyone can see it!
Here's what's coming in the month of May...
Please be sure that your student brings their fully charged GCPS chromebook and charger to school every day! This is imperative for testing and end of the year assignments!
AP Exam Dates
- May 6- US Government & Politics and Chemistry
- May 7- Human Geography and Statistics
- May 8- English Literature and Composition and Computer Science A
- May 9- Environmental Science, Chinese Language and Culture, and Psychology
- May 10- US History and Macroeconomics
- May 13- Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Precalculus
- May 14- English Language and Composition
- May 15- World History: Modern and Computer Science Principles
- May 16- Spanish Language & Culture and Biology
- May 17- Physics 1: Algebra-Based
May 2 - Senior Breakfast @ 6:30am in the DHS Commons
Senior Breakfast will take place on May 2 in the commons! Seniors will recieve their senior letters on this date!
May 2 - Guitar Concert @ 7PM in the DHS Theater
DHS Guitar will host their Spring Concert in the DHS Theatre at 7PM for free!
May 3 - Senior Picnic
The Class of 2024 Senior Picnic will take place during 6th and 7th periods on Friday, May 3.
May 3 - DHS Cheerleading Mini Cheer Camp
Join Dacula HS Cheerleading on May 3 from 4:30-7:30pm as they host a one day camp for students in grades K-7 and spend a fun afternoon with DHS Cheerleaders learning some cheer basics and a short routine. Snacks and water will be provided. It's $25 to register (cash or check made out to DHS Falcon Cheer) will be accepted the day of the camp.
May 4 - DHS Athletics Appreciation Day @ 5PM
Dacula High School Athletics will be hosting an Athletics Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 4 and we would love to invite our community members to join! Current and past athletes, students, coaches, friends, family, Dacula sports fans, and community members are encouraged to visit. The event will begin with our Hall of Fame induction at 5pm in the theater followed by an opportunity for visitors to tour our facilities, participate in a silent auction, meet our current coaches, enjoy some family fun, purchase food, and view a fireworks show on the field at sundown! Donations via GoFan ticket purchase are greatly appreciated. All profits will benefit our DHS Athletics programs. We hope to see you there! Click here for more info.
May 4- GCPS Book Mobile 5K
The GCPS Book Mobile is hosting a 5K fundraiser on May 4, 2024. In the "May the Fourth" spirit, the theme is Star Wars and costumes are encouraged. There will also be visits from some of your favorite Star Wars characters. The race begins at 8 AM at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center. Runners 18 and under get a free book!!
May 5 - Baccalaureate @ 4PM @ Dacula Methodist Church
Baccalaureate for DHS seniors will take place on May 5, 2024 at Dacula Methodist Church at 4PM. This event is put on by DHS community partners! If you are interested, email Giselle Frey at harbins2305@yahoo.com.
May 7 - Orchestra Concert @ 7PM in the DHS Theater
May 8 - Senior Awards Night @ 6PM in the Main Gym
Senior Awards Night will take place in the Main Gym starting a 6pm on May 8!
May 9 - Chorus Concert @ 7PM in the DHS Theater
The DHS Chorus will host their Spring Choral Showcase in the DHS Theatre at 7PM for free!
May 10 - Deadline for Ordering Graduation Signs
See the "Senior Information" section of the newsletter below for more information about graduation banners and signs!
May 14 - Band Concert @ 7PM in the DHS Theater
The DHS Band will host their Spring Concert in the DHS Theatre at 7PM for free!
May 15 - Dacula Falcon Theatre Spring Showcase & Awards Night @ 7PM in the DHS Theater
Dacula Falcon Theatre will have their Spring Showcase and Awards Night at 7PM on May 15. This will include performances, spotlight awards, thespian induction, class of 2024 recognition, and 2024-2025 season announcements.
May 15 - Senior Art Show @ 6PM
May 16 - SENIORS ONLY - 6th period Final Exams
Seniors will take their Final Exams on a different schedule than the rest of the school. On May 16, they will take 6th period's Final Exam. All students will follow this bell schedule on May 16:
1st period: 7:15-8:16
2nd period: 8:23-9:24
NO FALCON 30
4th period: 9:31-10:33
5th period: 10:40-12:03
- A: 10:40-11:00
- B: 11:00-11:22
- C: 11:22-11:43
- D: 11:43-12:03
6th period: 12:10-2:10
May 17 - SENIORS ONLY - 7th period Final Exams
Seniors will take their Final Exams on a different schedule than the rest of the school. On May 17, they will take 7th period's Final Exam. All students will follow this bell schedule on May 17:
1st period: 7:15-8:16
2nd period: 8:23-9:24
NO FALCON 30
4th period: 9:31-10:33
5th period: 10:40-12:03
- A: 10:40-11:00
- B: 11:00-11:22
- C: 11:22-11:43
- D: 11:43-12:03
NO 6TH PERIOD.
7th period: 12:10-2:10
May 20 - EARLY RELEASE - 1st and 2nd period Final Exams
ALL STUDENTS (including seniors) will report to their 1st period at the beginning of the day and take their 1st period final exam. They will transition to their 2nd period and take that final exam. The following bell schedule will be used:
1st period: 7:15am - 9:30am
2nd period: 9:40am - 11:45am
May 21 - EARLY RELEASE - 4th and 5th period Final Exams
ALL STUDENTS (including seniors) will report to their 4th period at the beginning of the day and take their 4th period final exam. They will transition to their 5th period and take that final exam. The following bell schedule will be used:
4th period: 7:15am - 9:30am
5th period: 9:40am - 11:45am
May 22- EARLY RELEASE - 6th and 7th period Final Exams
All 9th-11th graders will report to their 6th period at the beginning of the day and take their 6th period final exam. They will transition to their 7th period and take that final exam. The following bell schedule will be used:
6th period: 7:15am - 9:30am
7th period: 9:40am - 11:45am
May 22 - Deadline for Picking Up Medication from the Clinic
Please pick up any/all medication on file for your student in the DHS clinic before May 22. After May 22, all remaining medication will be disposed of.
May 23- Graduation Practice @ 7:30am in the DHS Commons
Seniors must attend Graduation Practice to participate in Graduation!
May 26 - Graduation @ 8:30am @ Gas South Arena
Graduation for our class of 2024 will be at 8:30am at Gas South Arena!
May 27 - Memorial Day Parade
The band (and many other DHS programs) will be participating in the City of Dacula Memorial Day Parade on May 27. Come out and support!
May 31 - Deadline to Register for Summer Driver's Education
Driver's Education will take place online June 3 - June 14 from 2-5pm. The cost is $450 and can be paid via MyPaymentsPlus, cash, or check. The deadline to register is May 31. Students must have their learner's permit to take the class. Registration forms (on the DHS website) should be turned in to Ms. Deb Walker in the front office.
Important Information
Rising Juniors:
ALL Rising Juniors will need proof of receiving meningitis booster shot on or after 16th Birthday
All 11th grade students must provide an updated Georgia 3231 Immunization Form for the 24-25 school year, showing they've received a meningitis booster after their 16th birthday. The updated GA 3231 Form can be obtained from your student's physician or the local health department. Note that this booster is administered after their 16th birthday and the previous form expires at their 16th birthday. Meningitis is a serious bacterial illness that affects the brain and spinal cord. Georgia law requires students to be vaccinated against this disease unless they have a documented exemption. Please forward your student's updated GA 3231 Immunization form to the Registrar's office, or via e-mail to tammi.boswell@gcpsk12.org.
Residency:
ALL families that enrolled with a Residency Affidavit on file MUST renew prior to the 24-25 school year. The parent/guardian and person that the family lives with MUST visit the school in person with their photo IDs and the 2 required pieces of Proof of Residency docs. A new Residency Affidavit will be completed and signed in front of a notary. This is a requirement for your student(s) to continue attending Dacula High School in the 24-25 school year:
Residency Affidavit Notary Event:
Residency affidavits can be notarized on Wednesday, May 8 between 3pm-6pm at Dacula High School. The parent and the person they reside with MUST be present with their photo IDs and BOTH residency documents (1 item from column A & 1 item from column B):
Non-contingent sales contract; current lease/rental agreement; current property tax statement or bill; current warranty or quit claim deed; home purchase agreement; current homeowner's insurance policy
Current water bill; current electricity bill
Remember: This must be accomplished In-Person, at Dacula High School. If you and the homeowner cannot attend the May 8 event, we'll have notary services available at DHS during the summer months during select, regular business hours.
Graduating Seniors:
Graduating seniors that plan to attend a Postsecondary Institution will need to request a FINAL, official transcript to the college they are attending.
Final transcripts can be ordered now through MyPaymentsPlus and will be available after June 3. If you order through GA Futures, final transcripts will be available after June 3. Student athletes will also need to request a final, official transcript to the NCAA or NCIA-email the request to tammi.boswell@gcpsk12.org. Please see the green flyer, that you'll receive with your grad tickets after practice, for ordering details.
Enrollment:
If your student won't be attending Dacula High School in the 24-25 school year, the enrolling parent must come into the Registrar's office to sign a withdrawal form. Your student needs to return their Chromebook and charger after their last final exam. The Registrar's office will hold the withdrawal forms and postdate them to the last day of school, May 22.
Driver's Education - June Session
Driver's Education will take place online June 3 - June 14 from 2-5pm. The cost is $450 and can be paid via MyPaymentsPlus, cash, or check. The deadline to register is May 31. Students must have their learner's permit to take the class. Registration forms (on the DHS website) should be turned in to Ms. Deb Walker in the front office.
Yearbooks
To order a yearbook for the 2023-2024 school year, visit YearbookOrderCenter.com and enter the school code 25024.
Volleyball Summer Skills Clinic
Ages: 5-10 years old
Dates: June 3 - June 6, 9:00am-11:30am
Location: Main Gym @ DHS
Cost: $100
Upcoming SAT Dates (hosted at DHS)
Dacula High School will host the SAT on May 4 and June 1. Juniors should be sure to sign up for these test dates by April 19 (for the May 4 test) and May 16 (for the June 1 test).
Save these dates for upcoming testing!
EOC Schedule - April 22 through May 2
- 4/22/24 - American Literature Section 1
- 4/23/24 - American Literature Section 2 & 3
- 4/29/24 - Biology Sections 1 & 2
- 4/30/24 - US History Sections 1 & 2
- 5/2/24 - Algebra 1 Sections 1 & 2
AP Testing - May 6 through May 17
- May 6, 2024
- Morning- US Government & Politics
- Afternoon- Chemistry
- May 7, 2024
- Morning- Human Geography
- Afternoon- Statistics
- May 8, 2024
- Morning- English Literature and Composition
- Afternoon- Comparative Government & Politics and Computer Science A
- May 9, 2024
- Morning- Environmental Science
- Morning- Chinese Language and Culture
- Afternoon- Psychology
- May 10, 2024
- Morning- US History
- Afternoon- Macroeconomics
- May 13, 2024
- Morning- Calculus AB and Calculus BC
- Afternoon- Precalculus
- May 14, 2024
- Morning- English Language and Composition
- May 15, 2024
- Morning- World History: Modern
- Afternoon- Computer Science Principles
- May 16, 2024
- Morning- Spanish Language & Culture
- Afternoon- Biology
- May 17, 2024
- Morning- Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Special Education Information
Special Education Administrator: Megan Callihan
Special Education Department Chair: Aubree’ Parent-Graupner
Please visit the DHS Special Education Website to complete the Parent Survey and for additional special education information: https://schools.gcpsk12.org/Domain/15603
Georgia Department of Education Parent Trainings
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month and in response to a growing need, the GaDOE has partnered with Emory Autism to provide two parent training sessions.
When And Where: See dates listed below and utilize the hyperlinked title to join the zoom session
Maintaining Structure and Routines April 29, 2024, 6:00 - 7:00 PM.
May 2, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM.
GWINNETT COUNTY PARENT MENTORS PRESENT: “Self-Determination – What is it and How can I Support my Child?”
GWINNETT COUNTY PARENT MENTORS PRESENT
For All Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services in Gwinnett County Public Schools
Topic: “Self-Determination – What is it and How can I Support my Child?”
This session is highly recommended for parents of students at all levels (elementary, middle, and high school). Self-Determination is the belief that all individuals, with and without disabilities, have the right to direct their own lives. Self-determination skills include self-advocacy, self-awareness, goal setting, choice making, and striving for independence. In this session, participants will learn how to help their children develop self-determination skills at home and at school in order to maximize their growth and potential as they transition to adulthood.
Presented by:
Lisa Divers – Instructional Coach
GCPS Special Education Department
Thursday, May 9, 2024
10:00am – 11:30am Session - In Person
J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, Suwanee, GA 30024, Building
200, Central Gwinnett Room 2.111
Registration link for 10:00am session:
https://forms.gle/3yAFkMAGFXxsiKCD9
OR
6:00pm – 7:30pm Session – Zoom
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Registration link for 6:00pm session:
https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrdOqorzgoHNckarVi5hR7bjcRUvHNW9fH
If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Albanese:
dawn.albanese@gcpsk12.org , (678) 301-7212
Annual Parent Involvement Survey
The 2024 Annual Parent Involvement Survey for Georgia Families with Special Education Students is a part of Georgia's State Performance Plan. It aims to understand how well schools are engaging parents in their child's special education. The survey is important for gauging parent involvement and improving family-school partnerships, influencing local and state educational strategies. It's an online survey, available in English and Spanish from Jan 16 to May 31, 2024, and is anonymous and confidential. The survey includes questions about partnership with educators, understanding of rights, communication effectiveness, respect for cultural heritage, and support in education, with response options ranging from "Very Strongly Disagree" to "Very Strongly Agree". Parents are asked to distribute survey info through various school channels. For more details, please visit the provided link. Contact Dawn Albanese at dawn.albanese@gcpsk12.org or 678-301-7212 for any questions.
Please use this link to access the survey.
Important Dates for Seniors
Visit the Senior Page of the DHS Website for more information on each of these items!
May 2 - 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM - Senior Breakfast here at DHS
- May 3 - 6th and 7th Periods - Senior Picnic
- May 5- 4 PM -Baccalaureate @ Dacula Methodist Church
- May 8- 6 PM - Senior Awards Night in the Main Gym
- May 23- 7:30 AM - Graduation Practice in the DHS Commons
- May 26 - 8:30 AM - Graduation at Gas South Arena
GRADUATION DATE - MAY 26
Seniors- your graduation date is here! We are excited to celebrate you on Sunday, May 26 at 8:30am!
Graduation Signs & Banners
It's graduation season! The school will be selling graduation signs again this year. Please complete the order form found on the senior page on the DHS website, in the front office, and attached to the MyPayments Plus link when you pay online. Payment will be accepted through MyPayments Plus and Check only, no cash will be accepted. The sooner your order is received the quicker it will be processed. Please ensure that the form is completed and the photo of your sign design is emailed to Chris.Autrey@gcpsk12.org. The deadline for orders is May 10, 2024.
Baccalaureate - May 5, 2025
Baccalaureate for DHS seniors will take place on May 5, 2024 at Dacula Methodist Church at 4PM. This event is put on by DHS community partners! If you are interested, email Giselle Frey at harbins2305@yahoo.com.
Senior Chromebook Collection
You will recieve an email soon with more information about Chromebook collection for SENIORS ONLY. Seniors will need their Chromebooks to take their Final Exams, so they can expect to return their Chromebook after they've submitted their last Final Exam. Seniors and students not returning to DHS will be the only students turning in Chromebooks.
Graduation Announcements
It's time for Graduation Announcements, class of 2024! See the message below from Herff Jones regarding ordering your graduation announcements.
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CONGRATULATIONS DACULA CLASS OF 2024! Before you know it, you will be walking across the stage at graduation! Make sure everyone knows how hard you have worked to achieve one of the best moments of your life and announce your graduation with class.
Not only will your announcements have your official school crest, but they will also be personalized with your name in the text just like collegiate announcements. We created packages to make ordering even easier, but you can always add more to them, so no one is left out! Orders will ship directly to your house and you will receive tracking information once the order ships out. See the images in the post for an idea of what your announcements will look like. Click here to order. We are so proud of you and honored to celebrate this milestone with you! Congratulations, Class of 2024 Graduate!
Graduation Announcement QR Code
Graduation Announcement Packages
Scholastic Images
Scholastic Images will be at DHS during all lunches once a month to take cash and check orders for senior dues. The cost of cap and gown is included in senior dues. Dues may also be paid online on www.scholasticimagesinc.com. Senior dues are required to participate in all senior events, including the graduation ceremony.
Visit the DHS Senior Page on our school website for more information.
Final Transcripts for Graduating Seniors
Graduating seniors that plan to attend a Postsecondary Institution will need to request a FINAL, official transcript to the college they are attending. Student athletes will also need to request a Final, official transcript to the NCAA or NCIA. You'll see further information about this soon.
Teacher of the Month- Amy Rawlins, Theater
Employee of the Month- Dr. Bev Renales, Admin
Congratulations, Payal Patel, our Valedictorian!
Payal Patel, our distinguished 2024 valedictorian, is set to join the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. A recipient of the full-tuition Zell Miller Scholarship, Payal's academic journey is marked by an impressive array of honors, including the Principal's Honor Roll and the Harvard Book Award. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond academics, as evidenced by her leadership roles in the Gwinnett County Student Leadership Team and her active participation in Cross Country and Track and Field. Payal's dedication to community service shines through her volunteer work at the VA and Northeast Georgia Hospitals, and her martial arts expertise as a 1st and 2nd Degree Black Belt Karate Instructor. With aspirations to further her education with a Master’s Degree, Medical School, and a goal to become an Anesthesiologist, Payal embodies the spirit of ambition and service.
Congratulations, Mimi Oshigbo, our Salutatorian!
Mimi Oshigbo's salutatorian achievement is just the beginning of her illustrious academic journey. As she prepares to attend Brown University, she carries the distinction of being a Questbridge National Merit Scholar, an honor that provides a full ride and underscores her exceptional intellect and dedication. Majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mimi's career aspirations are firmly rooted in the medical field, where she aims to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her academic accolades are numerous, including AP Scholar awards and the Georgia Certificate of Merit, which highlight her scholarly excellence from 9th grade through to her senior year. Mimi's leadership skills are equally impressive, demonstrated by her co-presidency in both the National Spanish Honor Society and the Chess Club, and her active participation in the Beta Club, Dacula Leadership Team, and Student Council. These roles not only reflect her ability to lead but also her commitment to service and community involvement. With such a robust foundation of academic honors, leadership experience, and a clear vision for her future, Mimi Oshigbo is set to make a significant impact in the field of medicine and beyond.
Join us in celebrating that Dacula High School was named a 2023 AP Honor School! On February 27, 2024, State School Superintendent Richard Woods named the Georgia Advanced Placement (AP) Honor schools from school districts across the state. The 2023 AP Honor Schools are named in eight categories based on the results of 2022 AP courses and exams. Dacula High School is proud to have been named an honor school in 5 of the 8 categories!
What's going on in CTAE?
Student Spotlights
As the mechanical lead of the FIRST Robotics team, student Jaylen O'Brien stands out as a shining example of creativity and leadership at Dacula High School. Jaylen has skillfully designed the 2024 FIRST competition robot, Frank, using Computer-Aided Design (CAD), from its elegant exterior to its complex internal systems. Frank's innovative approach and unwavering commitment launched him to the forefront of robotics, delivering optimized capabilities, versatility, and agility. Frank would not have been possible without Jaylen's meticulous CAD design work, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics at Dacula High School. Jaylen's journey illustrates the profound effect of hard work and dedication, motivating his peers and displaying the students at Dacula High School's infinite potential.
ROBOTICS CLUB
The Dacula High School Robotics Club recently showcased their outstanding talent and dedication at the FIRST Robotics Competition in Carrollton, achieving an impressive win alongside their alliance partners from Walton High School. This accomplishment is a result of the students' extraordinary talent, commitment, and teamwork ethic which they demonstrated during the competition season under the guidance of Justin Harris, their mentor. They have proven remarkable ability and perseverance throughout numerous hours of challenging work, creative design, and calculated planning, earning well-deserved recognition for their achievements. We extend our congratulations to the Dacula High School Robotics Club for their outstanding victory, and for continuing to raise the bar for excellence in robotics contests and STEM education.
GIRLS WHO CODE
The Girls Who Code Club at Dacula High School continues to make advancements in the field of technology and creativity. Members recently toured Georgia State University as part of a college visit. This excursion provided invaluable insights into higher education pathways and career opportunities in the field of computer science. Girls Who Code also participated in AI 4 Financial Good Challenge, against other clubs all over the world. The club demonstrated their outstanding skills and originality as they entered two submissions for ideas for apps to use AI to track spending based off of emotions.
Student Spotlight
In recognition of unparalleled dedication, leadership, and academic excellence, we proudly nominate Christian Ramirez for the Student Achievement Award. Christian's journey at Dacula High school has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by outstanding contributions in various domains.
Christian's prowess in robotics is exemplary, spanning three years of active participation and culminating in his role as Robotics President. His commitment and vision have not only propelled the robotics team to new heights but also garnered three prestigious awards, underscoring his exceptional leadership and technical acumen.
Beyond robotics, Christian has distinguished himself as a versatile talent. His completion of the Engineering Pathway showcases his commitment to academic rigor and his passion for technological innovation. Remarkably, Christian's journey into the world of engineering began at the tender age of 12, where his fascination with electrical and mechanical systems first took root.
Christian's academic achievements, reflected in his commendable GPA of 3.2, are complemented by his hands-on experience and ingenuity. His involvement in school projects, from designing and constructing library amenities to crafting props for prom, highlights his practical skills and creative flair. Moreover, his initiative in enhancing the school environment through projects like the Math Department tables and hallway decorations exemplifies his dedication to community betterment.
His family hails from New York, Christian's ambitions extend far beyond the confines of our institution. His tenure as a race team mechanic for Baby Bull Racing and Goldcrest Motor Sports underscores his passion for automotive engineering and his ability to thrive in demanding environments. Furthermore, the opportunity to work abroad at Neilson Racing speaks volumes about his global perspective and willingness to embrace new challenges.
In summary, Christian Ramirez embodies the epitome of student achievement. His multifaceted talents, unwavering determination, and tireless commitment to excellence make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award. We wholeheartedly endorse Christian's nomination and eagerly anticipate witnessing his future successes in academia and beyond.
CyberStart Award Winners
Dacula High School Computer Science students competed in a National Cybersecurity competition with Cyberstart. Our school and district are being recognized as a District of Distinction for the 2023-2024 CyberStart America program! The CyberStart America in Georgia Taskforce invited me and the below students to the 2024 Award Ceremony on Saturday May 11th at the University of North Georgia to receive awards.
Your district will be recognized at the ceremony, and the following students will be receiving an award:
- Denise Zhao, Dacula High School
- Chetas Batra, Dacula High School
- Maame Opoku, Dacula High School
- Malaki Jefferson, Dacula High School
- Lyn Park, Dacula High School