DCHS Tiger Paw Prints
May 14, 2024
SCHOOL MOTTO: 5G Ready: Goals, Grades, Grind, Growth & Graduation
School Theme:
DREAM bigBELIEVE in Yourself
ACHIEVE the (im)possible
Teacher of the Year 2024-2025: Andrew Adams
Mr. Andrew Adams is a veteran science teacher of 11 years, having spent all 11 years here at DCHS. During his time at DCHS, Mr. Adams has taught a range of science classes from physical science to AP Physics and IB Chemistry and Biology. His journey into science education began at a young age with a fascination for all things science but eventually he gravitated towards chemistry after taking AP Chemistry in high school. Mr. Adams received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Georgia Tech, after which he spent a brief time as an ORISE Fellow at the Center for Disease Control before deciding to pursue teaching as a career. This decision was in part motivated by his mother - who had recently returned to school to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching following a career as a stay-at-home mother. Following in her footsteps, Mr. Adams attended Kennesaw State University where he earned a MAT degree with a focus on Secondary Science Education. Since joining the DCHS family in 2013, Mr. Adams has been involved in a myriad of extracurricular activities including Model UN, FTC Robotics, and most recently Flag Football. Outside of school life, Mr. Adams enjoys reading , spending time with family, and the occasional tennis match.
DCHS Congratulates You!
Gates Millenium Scholar
Jonathan Essien has been awarded the national Gates Millennium Scholarship, a scholarship founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for high achieving underrepresented students in the fields of computer science, math, engineering, library science, education, public heath and science. This award is a testament to Jonathan's outstanding academic achievements and commitment to service. With a thirst for knowledge and a heart for his community, Jonathan has consistently demonstrated excellence in his studies while actively engaging in volunteer work to uplift those around him. This scholarship not only recognizes his talents, but also provides him with the opportunity to pursue his dreams of higher education without financial burden. Jonathan's future is bright, and with the support of the Gates Millennium Scholarship, he joins a cadre of future leaders poised to make a lasting impact on the world. Jonathan participated in National Decision Day where he declared that his next steps will venture to the Gates Scholarship Institute in Arizona this summer, and in the fall, he will continue his studies on the expansive campus of The University of Georgia - Go DAWGS!
DCHS Scholar Allison Martinez named ISDS STAR Student by the GA State Dept
Allison is pictured with State Superintendent Woods
The International Skills Diploma Seal is an award established through the collaboration of the Governor, Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and the Department of Education to recognize student’s international competence. Allison's exceptional dedication to fostering international understanding has earned her the distinguished title of ISDS Star student for DCHS. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to global competence. Through her academic endeavors, Allison has completed eight courses with a strong international focus, including three years of foreign language study in high school. Furthermore, she has devoted 20 hours to service with an international perspective and actively participated in four activities emphasizing global awareness. Allison's crowning achievement lies in her captivating Capstone presentation, where she eloquently summarized the profound impact of her international experiences. Her exemplary efforts exemplify a true global citizen, embodying the values of cultural understanding and empathy.
Allison, we are proud to salute you as the ISDS STAR student for DCHS!
Band students from three Douglas County high schools will face off May 14 in a battle of the bands at the Douglas County Jamboree.
The Jamboree will be held at Douglas County High School in the new gym at 7 p.m. and will feature New Manchester High School ’s Mighty Marching Jaguars, the DCHS Incomparable Tiger Band and the Lithia Springs High School Lions Pride of DC.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and proceeds will help all participating bands.
“This is the first time we've done a spring Jamboree-style band event in Douglas County,” NMHS Director of Bands Marcus Chester and DCHS Director of Bands Torre Goodson said in a joint statement about the event. “It's a tremendous opportunity for all the students involved as well as the community and the school system to see and support the many different facets of bands in our county, and an exciting way to end the school year!”
DCHS is proud to announce that nine of our amazing English learners were deemed to be English proficient and exited from the English language instruction program based on their outstanding scores on the 2024 ACCESS for ELLs assessment. We were able to exit more students than any other high school in Douglas County. Sixty-three percent of our students showed progress compared to their 2023 ACCESS scores.
Congratulations to Mrs. Moses and Dr. Ingram for your leadership and support of our students and Kudos to the students for their achievement, work ethic and commitment.
Dear Parents and Guardians of Rising Juniors, or Students 16 years of age:
Effective July 1, 2021 children 16 years of age and older who are entering the 11th grade (including new entrants) must have received one booster of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), unless their initial dose was administered on or after their 16th birthday.
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that affects the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can cause shock, coma and death within hours of the first symptoms.
**Please share the attached information with the parents. If their teen has not been vaccinated against meningococcal disease, they need to get their 11th grader, age 16 years or older vaccinated before starting the 2024-2025 school year. Getting MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) not only helps protect your child against the ongoing threat of meningitis, it will also meet the new school entry requirement.
**Parents can make appointments with their primary physicians, the local health department at: cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org. Parents can also call the Student Based Health Center to make an appointment. The Student Based Health Center phone number is: 770-651-2273.
Thank you.
Sean Roach
Zoooom Zoooom Zooooooom Get ready for the Senior Lock-in at Andretti's
DCHS Celebrates National Decision Day
NEWS YOU CAN USE
PSST!!...Parents and Students, do you want to know EVERYTHING happening in and around DCHS? Then click on this NEWS YOU CAN USE link for all announcements. Everything from fundraisers to tryouts to how to sign up for various sports and clubs! All the happenings can be found here!
Signed: Khalid Racine is headed to East Georgia State College!
Senior Brunch: An All White Affair
Caps & Gowns are Here!
Herf Jones will deliver Cap & Gowns to students from 11:30 to 1:30pm during their lunch periods. If you are not present, your items will be available for pick up in the Steele Office with Mrs. Caldwell. We will not release your package to a friend.
Read Below for Graduation Information
The Legacy Arena will host a flower vendor on graduation day. This convenience will allow friends and family to purchase roses, teddy bears and graduation necklaces in advance. Gifts will be available for pickup or purchase on graduation day.
Here is the link to pre-order:
Please read through all of the FAQs below.
If you have further questions, please contact Michelle Hanna via email at Michelle.Hanna@dcssga.org
When is the 2024 DCHS graduation ceremony?
Thursday, May 23, 2024 6:30 pm
Legacy Arena, 9030 Highway 5, Douglasville 30134
Students will arrive at DCHS at 3:30 pm and will be transported to Legacy Arena. The Douglas County School System requires all graduates be transported to the Legacy Arena via school system transportation. This is mandatory; no exceptions.
How do I purchase my cap/gown, announcements and senior memorabilia?
Regalia ordered now will be shipped to your home address
Do I have to purchase a whole senior package?
NO, you are welcome to purchase packages, but do NOT have to
To order JUST the cap/gown/tassel use this link: https://atlgrad.com/product/cap-gown-tassel-unit/
For school, be sure to select “Douglas County High School”
Can I use a cap/gown/tassel from a previous year?
The ONLY cap/gown/tassel that can be used is the class of 2023. The design and color changed and any other year will NOT work.
A 2024 tassel will need to be purchasedWhen and where are the two mandatory Graduation Practices?
May 20th. DCHS Gym. Students must be seated by 8:30 am
May 21st. DCHS Theater. Students must be seated by 3:00 pm. Students will then be transported to the Legacy Arena.
Campus cleanup must be served if the graduate is late, leaves early, or no-shows
How many graduation tickets does each graduate receive?
Graduates will receive twelve (12) tickets to graduation.
Tickets will be distributed during the May 21st Graduation Practice
Do babies and toddlers need a ticket?
Yes, everyone attending the ceremony must have a ticket regardless of age.
Will extra tickets be sold?
No, extra tickets will not be sold.
If you are in need of additional tickets, they will be given out at a time & place to be determined. These will be available free of charge and on a first come, first served basis.
Will graduation be live-streamed?
Live-streaming will be available by the district office. The live-stream link will be provided as soon as we receive it from the district.
How do I know if I am receiving a cord?
CTAE cords - see Dr. Bailey
Clubs - see your club sponsor
Academic Cords - see your counselor
Foreign Language - see your teacher
Cords will be given at Senior Awards Night (all except CTAE)
What are the attire requirements for graduates?
Option 1:
Sanctioned Cap/Gown/Tassel
Caps CANNOT be altered/decorated in any way
Sanctioned crest/stole
White dress shirt
No golf shirts or collarless t-shirts
No shirt colors other than white
Tie
No bow ties
Dark solid dress slacks
NO jeans
NO shorts
Navy, black, or dark brown solid-color dress shoes only.
Flip-flops, slides, and backless sandals are NOT acceptable
Option 2:
Sanctioned Cap/Gown/Tassel
Caps CANNOT be altered/decorated in any way
Sanctioned crest/stole
Solid dress that DOES NOT HANG BELOW THE GOWN
Navy, black, or dark brown solid-color dress shoes only
Please practice walking in your shoes; you will be walking up stairs and across a stage.
Flip-flops, slides, and backless sandals are NOT acceptable.
Chloe Blacknall, a senior in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, has
been awarded the prestigious Women’s Western Golf Scholarship worth $20,000 ($5,000
per year). This scholarship is highly competitive, with Chloe standing out among over
200 applicants due to her exceptional essays, outstanding academic record, and
unwavering passion for golf. Chloe plans to attend Vanderbilt University and major in Environmental Science and International Affairs.
The Foundation is a National Organization formed in 1971. It is committed to
increasing participation of women in golf and dedicated to raising funds to provide
academic scholarships to worthy and deserving undergraduate women and assisting
inadequately funded college women’s golf programs.
TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Find out why TCSG may be the right choice for your higher education by clicking this link.
West Georgia Technical College offers many options for dual enrollment and options beyond high school.
Counselors have an instagram page to keep you up to date
Click below to visit the Counseling Instagram page
Order Your Yard Signs
Important message for parents and caregivers:
The designated area for morning carpool and afternoon pick up is located in front of the Steele Building accessible by Selman Ave. Parents should not drop off and pick up students in the stadium lot, the Cloer Building, nor the bus lane. There are two student parking lots available only to those students who have paid for their assigned spot: Stadium lot and Front Parking lot.
Thank you for your adherence to our campus safety measures as your cooperation helps to keep our novice drivers and pedestrians safe.
Transportation
Available to parents of the Douglas County School System students
• View the real-time location of your child’s bus
• Access the app from your smartphone, tablet or computer
• Receive push notifications or email alerts
• Send your child to the bus stop at just the right time
How to Get Started
1. Download the Here Comes the Bus app or visit herecomesthebus.com
2. Click the sign-up button
3. Enter school code 79003 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
4. Complete the “User Profile” box
5. Under “My Student” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name & student ID#
6. Once you confirm your information, you are ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!
Do you need a parking pass?
NEED A PARKING PASS?
See Mrs. Flanagan in the main office.
Students can complete the Student Parking Application prior to visiting Mrs. Flanagan.
Bring your driver's license and a copy of your insurance and registration.
The cost is $50 and it is payable by cash, check or money order.
Students may only park in their assigned parking spaces. There are two campus parking locations for students: in front of the school across from the bus lane and at the lower level in the stadium lot. Students must display their parking decal on their vehicles. All other parking spaces are reserved for faculty and visitors.
Click here for the Student Parking Application and Vehicle Registration Form.
When students are present daily, their grades and reading skills often improve—even among those students who are struggling in school. Students who frequently attend school feel more connected to their community and develop strong social skills and friendships, which are important skills for life. Please help get your scholars to school by 8:20. The teachers and staff have planned engaging lessons to help your child acquire the skills and knowledge they need to excel.
High School hours are 8:20-3:10.
Daily punctual attendance is strongly encouraged.
Mr. Goodson - 5/3
Mr. Stanley - 5/4
Mrs. Burross - 5/4
Mr. D. Shipp - 5/4
Ms. Mathess - 5/4
Lt. Col. Lark - 5/5
Ms. St. John - 5/9
Ms. R. Shephard - 5/20
Ms. Annette Mason - 5/21
Mrs. Moses - 5/25
Mrs. Kasprowicz - 5/26
Mrs. Warren - 5/27
Ms. Frazier - 5/27
Mrs. Upton - 5/28
Mrs. Buckley - 5/31
Assessment Dates
Senior Parade May 17th - Decorate your car and join the parade
Seniors must sign up using the google form
Assessment Season begins and are designated as critical work days for staff
International Baccalaureate Testing
Advanced Placement Testing
Underclassmen exams (grade levels 9th, 10th, 11th)
May 21 - 1st & 3rd period exams and half day; school ends at 12:30
May 22 - 2nd & 4th period exams and half day; school ends at 12:30
May 22 is the last day of school
Senior Events:
May 14 - Band Jamboree (see flyer)
May 14 - Senior Exams 1st & 3rd
May 15 - Senior Exams 2nd & 4th
May 15 - Last Day for Seniors
May 16 - Powder Puff Game/Tailgate - Cost for event is $3 per person
Tailgate free for students who paid dues
May 17 - DCHS will host Stewart Middle School's 8th grade graduation in the new gym 9-10:30am
May 17 - Seniors take Senior Walk through the halls of the DCSS Elementary Schools that they attended from 8:30am-10am. Seniors wear their caps and gowns and trek down memory lane. (Please note, this elementary walk through is open to all DCSS graduating seniors who wish to participate - this is a district initiative)
May 17 - Senior Parade: DCHS Seniors decorate their vehicles in upper parking lot while DJ spins on the one's and two's; seniors drive the parade route through downtown Douglasville 1:00PM; Food Trucks on campus from 1-4pm - Seniors may purchase their food at the food trucks
May 17 - Senior Lock-in at Andretti's (overnight) see flyer
May 20 - Graduation Practice #1: Seniors report to the new gym at 8:30am; Field Day after practice
May 21 - Graduation Practice #2: Seniors report to DCHS Theatre 3:00pm and will be transported to the Legacy Arena; after practice students will be transported back to DCHS
May 21 - Senior Sunset Event
May 23 - DCHS Graduation 6:30pm
May 28 & 29 - Professional Learning Days (critical work days)
High School Credit Recovery Summer School
Credit Recovery - all high schools VIRTUAL
May 30 - June 28
$200 per full credit / $100 for ½ credit
Summer High School Graduation will take place at Chapel Hill High School 6/28 at 6:00pm
July 20, 2024 DCSS Back to School Kick-off 10am to 1pm at 11490 Veterans Memorial Hwy
July 26, 2024 DCHS Back to School Bash