DCHS Tiger Paw Prints

April 17, 2023 IT'S THE 4TH QUARTER!

SCHOOL THEME: Don't Just Fly,..SOAR!

SCHOOL MOTTO: 5G Ready: Goals, Grades, Grind, Growth & Graduation

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2023-2024 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

MRS. TERESA WELLLMAKER

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Congratulations to Mrs. Teresa Wellmaker for being chosen by her colleagues as DCHS Teacher of the Year for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Teresa Wellmaker graduated from Douglas County High in 1995. Mrs. Wellmaker has a Bachelor’s in chemistry and a Master’s in secondary education. Mrs. Wellmaker started teaching at Douglas County High School in 2005. She has been teaching for over 18 years at Douglas County High School. She is a proud member of the Science department. She enjoys science and the pursuit of knowledge. She is currently teaching Honors chemistry and PIB chemistry. She also serves as the sponsor of the Young Gardeners Club and encourages students to develop good mental health strategies.


She is passionate about her students and the entire faculty at Douglas County High School. She is invested in this community and she believes that it is a privilege to serve others. She supports all students and their abilities. She has a deep respect and admiration for the faculty and staff members at Douglas County High School. She is also the recipient of a Classroom Impact Grant for the 2022-2023 school year and a grant from the Douglas County Farmers Bureau 2021-2022.


Mrs. Wellmaker has been happily married for over 15 years and is the mother of two children who attend school in Douglas County. She is thankful for her family and the meaningful relationships that have developed over the years.

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Summer School 2023!

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2023 DCHS SUMMER SCHOOL E2020 CREDIT RECOVERY (VIRTUAL)


2023 DCHS Summer School E2020 Credit Recovery (Virtual ONLY)


To register, click here


To pay fees, click here


Cost: $200.00 for one credit hour; $100.00 for 1/5 credit hour

Students are only allowed to take up to two credits from courses previously failed.


Dates: June 1 - June 30 (Monday - Friday)

End-of-Course-Assessment: Will be held on July 12-14, 2023. The EOC counts towards 20% of your final grade.


Summer Graduation: July 14, 2023


REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!! DEADLINE TO REGISTER & PAY IS MAY 31, 2023.

NO LATE REGISTRATION OR PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE.

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DCHS is RAMP Certified

The Douglas County School System congratulates Douglas County High School, Lithia Springs High School, and Turner Middle School for earning the Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Programs.


This certification, known as a RAMP certification, recognizes schools committed to delivering comprehensive, data-informed school counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National Model framework.


The RAMP designation demonstrates to administrators, school boards, families and the community at large that the schools are committed to supporting the mission of the school and district. To date, approximately 1,200 schools have earned the RAMP designation. To receive this designation, schools must complete an application process that is the culmination of successfully implementing the ASCA National Model framework to show evidence of direct and indirect services to students, program planning and improved student outcomes in the school counseling program. Thank you to Mrs. Genobia Babalola for her hard work and dedication to ensuring DCHS met all requirements for earning this certification.

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Lunch and Learn

The dynamic staff Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership serves as the Single Point of Contact for Economic Development in Douglas County, representing both the Development Authority of Douglas County and the Development Authority of the City of Douglasville. Dr. Tawyna Bailey, the DCHS Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, orchestrated a Lunch and Learn with Breezy Straton, Vice President of Elevate Douglas, for our WBL students. Elevate Douglas sponsored a tour for DCSS students to manufacturing facilities such as Novolex and Denyse Signs. The goal of Elevate Douglas is to expose students who are undecided about their college or career plans after high school graduation to careers in various in manufacturing industries. Elevate Douglas sponsors Career Ready, a 9-day program that begins the day after Labor Day, where various manufacturing companies in Douglas County train students on the application process, interview and employability skills, and personal finance. Through this partnership, students can become OSHA-10 certified. On the last day of the program, students are able to interview with companies for full-time employment and benefits. The minimum pay offered is $15 an hour. See the pictures below for this year's participants.

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Pa-Rum Pum Pum Pum

DCHS Drum Majors

The Incomparable Marching Tiger Band of DCHS has selected its next Drum Majors for the 2023-24 Season. Beginning in May, Ariana Davis and Mason Mifflin will lead the Tiger Band as they take the field at football games and competitions.


Ariana is a rising Senior. She has been a bass drum and tenor drum player on the Blue Steel drumline since her Freshman year, serving as section leader for the 2022 season. This past year, she represented DCHS as a percussionist in the DCSS Honor Band. She credits her outgoing personality for her successes on and off the field through her experiences with the band. Ariana cites the hardest part of being Drum Major so far is understanding that her voice means more -- her leadership no longer just affects the drumline -- It also affects the rest of the band as well. Outside of the band, Ariana plays on the Flag Football Team, Track Team, and a member of the DCHS award winning JROTC program.


Mason is a rising junior in the IB program. He plays both the bass and soprano clarinets, and his musical ability has allowed him to represent DCHS at both the DCSS Honor Band and the District VII Honor Bands for two years in a row. He hopes to represent DCHS and the Tiger Band by working consistently throughout the entire season, making sure that all the hard work pays off at the competitions and other band events we attend. Mason wholeheartedly enjoys participating in band activities, but his main goal in anything is improvement - not just for himself, but for the people around him. Outside of his heavy band schedule, Mason is a member of the DCHS Winter Guard, French National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, and Scholar Bowl and has advanced to represent the school and district in the prestigious Governor's Honors Program this summer in the field of Spanish.


You can catch the Tiger Drum Majors this coming Fall at all of DCHS Football games and several Marching Competitions throughout the season. Come check out the band under the direction of the incomparable great band director, Mr. Torre Goodson! Hope to see you there!

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CHARLOTTE HUNTER 2023 GEORGIA SCHOLAR

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CONGRATULATIONS CHARLOTTE!!

Three DCSS Students Named 2023 Georgia Scholars


Three DCSS students were among 154 graduating seniors across the state who were recognized as 2023 Georgia Scholars, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced on March 27.


Margaret Padgett (Alexander High School), Jordan Arfanakis (Chapel Hill High School), and Charlotte Hunter (Douglas County High School) were recognized as Georgia Scholars from Douglas County for excellence and high achievement in both their school and community life through the Georgia Scholar Program.


To qualify as a Georgia Scholar, students must carry exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, excel in all courses, participate in interscholastic events at their schools and communities, and assume leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools.


“I extend my sincerest congratulations to the 2023 Georgia Scholars," Superintendent Woods said. “These 154 Class of 2023 seniors worked hard, became leaders in their schools and communities, and took advantage of the opportunities offered in Georgia public schools. I wish them continued success as they embark on their futures, including plans for after high school and beyond. I know they'll continue to make us all proud."


Congratulations, Charlotte on your accomplishment. Your DCHS Tiger Family is so proud of you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you!


The Georgia Scholars program is coordinated by the GaDOE in partnership with local school districts and schools. Visit the GaDOE website for a full list of award recipients.

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DCHS' NATHAN ZHU GRADUATES FROM MARC!!

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DCHS' Zhu Graduates from Leadership Program

DCHS' Nathan Zhu recently graduated from the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC)youth leadership program along with 49 other high school students from across the area.


Nathan completed the six-month program that allows students to explore real-world issues such as housing affordability, responsible water usage, and the impact of limited transportation options. They spoke with local changemakers about equity and resilience and offered their own reflections on ways the region can better serve its diverse population.


“This year’s MARC students demonstrated tremendous leadership as they explored the key issues facing our region – challenges that are sure to shape their own futures,” said ARC Board Chairman Kerry Armstrong. “This dynamic and diverse group of young people got to know Atlanta from a regional perspective and had the opportunity to network with peers from across the metro area. That’s what makes the MARC program special.”


Since 1998, MARC’s youth leadership program has engaged hundreds of 10th and 11th grade students from Atlanta’s 11 metro counties in experiential learning about their region. Students go beyond the classroom to learn about the planning and development of a large metro region, while also developing their leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Nathan, your DCHS Tiger Family could not be more proud of your accomplishment. We cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you!!


MARC is now accepting applications for next school year’s class through May 19. Visit atlantaregional.org/marc for more information about the program.

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Meet Isabella Simon - DCSS Student Spotlight

Isabella Simon is a top student in Douglas County High School’s IB Program. Principal Parks says Isabella embodies the IB Learner Profile traits and strives to improve herself and her community through her scholarship. Bella regularly helps her classmates by asking challenging questions in class and tutoring anyone who needs help. On top of all this, Bella provides positive energy for the classroom and is always smiling throughout her studies. Bella has maintained a 4.0 grade point average for four years.


In addition, Bella is a kind, caring, and compassionate student who wants the best for herself and her classmates. Her teachers note she understands that her friends and classmates can help her succeed, and so she pushes them to be the best they can be.

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DCHS SOCCER VICTORIES

Congratulations to our girls and boys soccer teams who brought home a victory March 30th against Langston Hughes HS!

Girl's Leading Scorer:

Honesty Sandell-Carter, 4 goals

Madyson James, 3 goals

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Tennis Community Event!

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APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

What is National Poetry Month?

National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and—of course—poets marking poetry’s important place in our culture and our lives every April.


Goals of National Poetry Month are to:

  • highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets
  • encourage the reading of poems
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Meet our Washington Youth Tour Delegates

Chloe Blacknall and Isabel Yang have been chosen as 2023 Washington Youth Tour delegates!

WASHINGTON YOUTH TOUR

Once a year, two local high school students are selected by Central Georgia EMC to represent their cooperative and state as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour. This leadership experience and tour of Washington, D.C. is an unparalleled opportunity that includes meetings with state and national leaders as well as visits to all the major sites. The delegates will join over 100 other delegates from Georgia and over 1,500 students from around the nation - all expenses paid- for one incredible week in our nation's capital!

Additionally, alumni from the tour are eligible to apply for the prestigious Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation scholarship opportunity which awards one $10,000 scholarship and four $1,000 scholarships annually.

Congratulations to Chloe Blacknall and Isabel Yang on being selected as delegates!! Your DCHS Family is so incredibly proud and happy for you both!! We know you will represent us and your families well while networking and having fun!

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CELEBRATING TEACHERS

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STUDENTS! ARE YOU A SWIMMER? DO YOU NEED A SUMMER JOB?

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SENIOR CLASS OF 2023

Are you thinking about your future?

Think about and discuss with your parents, school counselor and/or recruiter, any college or work setting visits as well as military decisions that may be valuable for your career decisions after high school graduation.

Use these links to research information:


CLASS OF 2023

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12 May

2023 Douglas County Track Season

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Remind Link: Enter the number 81010 and Text Message @cb3dh3


Uniform Order information:

If you need a uniform, we will have order forms available for you to fill out. All that will be required is the actual top and bottom. However, coaches recommend that you purchase the sweat-suit at the very least.


Coaches’ Numbers

Coach White 770-598-0028

Coach Forsh 770-630-5169

Coach Quinn 404-867-3275


Track Dues: $100.00 Payments can be made in two installments of $50.00


Dues cover the following: Snacks and water during meets, Costs of meets, and Medical equipment needed during the season. IF YOU HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS, PLEASE SEE THE COACHES!

CLEAR BAG POLICY AT ALL ATHLETIC EVENTS


DCSS has a clear bag policy at all sporting events. The policy will be similar to policies in place at college and professional stadiums and coliseums.


"The clear bag policy will help us keep dangerous or illegal items, including weapons, out of our venues," said Superintendent Trent North. "Just this month, someone entered a football game in a neighboring county with a semi-automatic firearm. By allowing only clear bags, we can monitor what's coming into our stadiums and gyms and keep everyone safer with only a minor inconvenience to those in attendance."


The following types of bags will be permitted inside DCSS sporting events:


  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12"x6"x12"
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
  • Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5"x6.5"
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STUDENT OF THE MONTH

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Saniya Wilson

Saniya is an excellent student and classmate who is diligent and a great team player! She is well-liked by her peers and has garnered their respect and admiration for her skills and talent. She personifies academic excellence while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average while balancing her extra-curricular activities. She is a member of the DCHS Dance Team, President of FCCLA, and runs her own business. She does all of this with a smile! Saniya, your DCHS Family is proud of you!

Faculty & Staff Recognition

Top Cat of the Month

Mrs. Tashira Meade - Mrs. Meade loves DCHS and it shows in her teaching and mentorship of the new teachers. She provides rigorous instruction for her students and she is always encouraging them to think more deeply and do their own personal best. She is constantly encouraging and guiding the first year teachers on her team and provides advice that is both productive and in the best interest of the teachers, students, and school as a whole. Her bubbly personality and safe classroom environment encourage students to engage in rich conversations and express their ideas and thoughts without criticism. Mrs. Meade is a Top Cat Teacher because she embodies everything that a teacher should be.

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Rookie Teacher of the Month

Mrs. Nana Pearson - Mrs. Pearson rocks! She is always there for her students in their time of need. She coaches volleyball, and is always willing to lend a helping hand in other areas of sports. You can always find her working the clock at all DCHS basketball games. In addition, Mrs. Pearson has been known to give up her planning time to help struggling students complete assignments or study for tests.

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Staff of the Month

Mr. Claude Dully - Mr. Dully goes above and beyond for all students and is a joy to work with. He is a military veteran and a retiree from a law enforcement agency. He knows what it takes to help our students stay on the right path. Thank you, Mr. Dully, for always having the student's best interest at heart. You are appreciated!

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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!

IMPORTANT DATES

April 3-7: National Assistant Principals Week

April 12: Summer School Registration opens (See Flyer above)

April 17: Professional Learning during planning periods for all teachers

April 18: Underclassman Awards Night 6:30pm

April 19: High School Student Advisory Meeting at 11:30am with Superintendent North

April 20: Exceptional Children's Night at Chapel Hill High School

April 23-29: National Administrative Professionals Week

April 25: DCHS Faculty Meeting 3:45pm

April 26: Parks at Curriculum Meeting

April 27: Parks at District Meeting

May 1-5: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 5: Senior Career Fair (See Flyer above)

May 11 - 12: Senior Exams

May 12: Last Day of School for SENIORS

May 20: 13.5 weeks progress reports published; access through Parent Portal

May 23 & 24: Half Days for All Students; Schools dismiss at 12:30; Buses arrive at 12 noon

May 24: Final Day of Spring Semester

May 25: AHS Graduation at Univ. West GA 10:00am

May 25: LSHS Graduation at Univ. West GA 2:00pm

May 26: DCHS Graduation at Univ. West GA 2:00pm

May 26: NMHS Graduation at Univ. West GA 9:30am

May 27: CHHS Graduation at Univ. West GA 10:00am

May 30: Professional Learning Day for all

May 31: Professional Learning Day for all

May 31: Last Day to Register and Pay for Summer School

June 1-30: Summer School (Virtual only - See above flyer for information)

June 2: Report Cards mailed

July 3 - 7: Douglas County School District is closed

July 22: Douglas County School System hosts Back to School Kick-off 10am - 1pm

July 28: DCHS Fall Bash/Blitz (Open House)

SAFETY AND SECURITY...A MESSAGE FROM MRS. PARKS


To maintain the safety of our school community, the Douglas County School System Police Department will continue to implement the use of trained canines from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. These skilled dogs will be accompanied by DCSS administrators, and will sniff items in and around our campus. Administrators will take every effort to minimize disruption to the learning process during these searches. Thankfully, the police department has not found any evidence of any violations during our previous searches.

The Douglas County School System will initiate the random unannounced searches in response to our commitment to protect our school community’s health, safety, and welfare. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to partner with us in our proactive efforts to maintain a safe environment for our school community. We sincerely desire that nothing illegal or against district policy be recovered during these searches. However, we must remain vigilant to maintain a positive and secure learning environment for Douglas County students. Thank you for supporting us in our efforts to keep our campus safe.

To further aid us in our mission to keep our campus safe, we will institute "Dads on Duty" to help be a beacon of hope for our youth through their presence and mentorship. To further support our children who benefit from additional mentorship, guidance and support we will continue to meet every Thursday morning in our Tiger Focus Group. This group is designed to help children address their social and emotional needs, while aiming to improve student attendance, behavior and academics.

SAFETY UPDATE: Safety APP See it, Say it, Send it

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"See it, Say It, Send It" App Launch Allows Students to Anonymously Report Potential Threats



With the addition of a student app, Douglas County students are bringing safety to their fingertips. The added layer of school safety is called See It, Say it, Send It.


Sending a message through the anonymous app is quick and easy. First, students download the See It, Say it, Send It app. From there, students send a video, audio or text message. In their message, they can include anonymous information about potential school violence, drug use or bullying. When students use the app, sharing information with administrators is easier.


The app gives students a voice. Students can share information through the app, and parents can also use the phone or website to submit information. This accessibility allows pertinent information to be shared with those who need to know.


Director of School Discipline and Safety Management James Strong says this technology empowers students.


“See It, Say it, Send it not only empowers our students, but acts as an early warning system,” Strong says. “It facilitates reporting potentially dangerous situations and allows administrators to continue providing the best learning environment. This technology allows us to be more proactive in resolving matters before they ever become an issue.”


The student communications tool reflects the district’s efforts to improve safety in the school community.


“Meeting students where they are is critical,” Superintendent Trent North says. “Board members believe we must offer students a mobile way to interact with our district. Our students live in a digital generation and are redefining how we communicate. This app allows them to share critical information through text, picture messages, or video any time of day.”


Superintendent North encourages students to download the app. Along with school administrators, he sees the app as an additional way for students to share safety concerns.

Students can download the free app from Android, Apple, or Classlink. From there, they can submit a quick or detailed tip and follow the tip’s progress.

Parent Portal Login

To access your students progress reports, report cards, attendance, and grades, click the "Infinite Campus Parent Portal Set Up" link above for directions on registering for a Parent Portal account.


If you need help with Parent Portal, contact the Douglas County Help Desk at parent@dcssga.org or (770) 651-2330.


Click the link below for Instrucciones del portal para padres de Infinite Campus (Espanol)

Counselor's Corner


News from the Counseling Department!


Do you know your counselor? Your counselor is based upon your last name. The alphabet breakdown is as follows:


Last Names A-D: Shay Barnby; shay.barnby1@dcssga.org

Last Name E-K: Jari Christmas; jari.christmas@dcssga.org

Last Name L-R: Christopher Mason; christopher.mason@dcssga.org

Last Name S-Z: Genobia Babalola; genobia.babalola@dcssga.org


International Baccalaureate Academic Advisor: Suzanne Helms; suzanne.helms@dcssga.org


If you need to meet with your counselor, please schedule an appointment with him/her directly. Signs are posted throughout the school building with the QR code you can scan in order to make an appointment.


Google Class Codes:


Class of 2023 (Seniors): 24efsuw

Class of 2024 (Juniors): xsjkje7

Class of 2025 (Sophomores): 3gfsjgk

Class of 2026 (Freshman): pijk6rs


Parent-Teacher Conferences


Parents, if you would like to meet with your child's teacher, a parent-teacher conference may be scheduled through your child's counselor. Appointment times will be before or after school and may be virtual or in-person.

TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

Did you know there are 22 technical colleges in the state of Georgia? The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) offers technical education, custom business and industry training, and adult education programs. Chattahoochee Technical College is the largest technical college in Georgia with an enrollment that exceeded 14,000 students in the past academic year.


Find out why TCSG may be the right choice for your higher education by clicking this link.

CLASS OF 2023



Seniors, stay abreast of all the news in the Senior Newsletter. The countdown is on!!

DCHS April 2023 Scholarship Newsletter

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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Attendance

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 life skills.

High School hours are 8:20-3:25.

Daily attendance is strongly encouraged.

Transportation

Students must be at their designated bus stop 5 minutes before their scheduled pick-up time. Bus routes are located at https://edulog.dcssga.org/livewebquery/webquery/


Late Bus Information: https://www.dcssga.org/departments/transportation/late_bus_information

HERE COMES THE BUS!

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!


Email questions, concerns or comments to: herecomesthebus@dcssga.org

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.

Cost is $50 and it is payable by cash, check or money order.


Parents, if your child drives to school, then they must have a parking pass.

Click here for the Student Parking Application and Vehicle Registration Form.