Welcome Back!

The start of a new academic year is just around the corner! I hope you are excited for another year of learning, growth, and new opportunities that await. Here are a few important updates and reminders:

1. First Day of School: August 2, 2023. Start and end time for high school will be 8:20 A.M. - 3:10 P.M. Parents, please ensure that your child arrives punctually, well-rested, and prepared for the school day.

2. Communication Channels: Open and transparent communication between school and home is crucial. We encourage you to stay connected with your child's teachers and the school administration. Our primary communication channels include our website, email, phone, Google Classroom and The Lion's Roar newsletter (emailed every Friday). Please make sure your contact information is up to date, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

3. Curriculum and Extracurricular: Our dedicated team of educators have been working diligently to plan lessons and activities that foster academic excellence, critical thinking, and personal growth. We are elated to offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that will allow your child to explore their interests and develop new skills. Details regarding specific programs and schedules will be shared during Fall Bash on July 28, 2023. Juniors & Seniors 11:30-1:30 and Freshman & Sophomores 2:00-4:00. Hope to see you all there!

4. Parent-Teacher Meetings: We value partnership between parents and teachers in supporting your child's education. Should you need to speak with your child's teacher, please call him/her or send an email. To set up an appointment with your child's teacher(s), please contact their counselor. Counselor information is listed below under Counselor's Corner.

We strive to make the registration process as easy as possible for all families in Douglas County. No matter if your student is new to the Douglas County School System of if they have attended a DCSS school before, you can use this site to find information about enrolling your student into one of our schools.

For all new students, DCSS is currently using an online registration process. Click here to access the online registration portal, or visit the DCSS Enrollment Process page to learn more about the enrollment process.

If online registration is not possible, contact DCSS' Registration Department at 770-651-2083 to schedule for an appointment.

Use our attendance zone maps or web address search tool to know which DCSS school your student will attend. Both tools show which school or schools your address is zoned for in this school year.

Click here and enter your address to access the online web address search tool.

To view the district's attendance zone maps, click the appropriate level listed below.

Elementary School Attendance Zone Map
Middle School Attendance Zone Map
High School Attendance Zone Map

Students at two Douglas County high schools will soon have the opportunity to further enhance their education by learning about cyber security thanks to the CyberStart America program. The organization recently announced Douglas County High School as a Cyber Expansion School and Lithia Springs High School as a Cyber Opportunity School in the county. It also awarded the district a District of Distinction Award in January for having one of the highest amounts of students registered with the program in the state.

For being named schools of distinction, both DCHS and LSHS will receive $2,500 prizes to continue investing in their students’ cybersecurity educations.

The program, which is sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation (NCSF) and the SANS Institute, features a series of online challenges that allow students to act as cyber protection agents. In the game, students will solve cybersecurity-related puzzles while exploring topics such as code-breaking, programming, networking, and digital forensics. And the best part is that no prior knowledge of computer science is required by students or teachers to begin the program.

While playing, students are also able to compete in the game with other students from across the state to win scholarships, prizes, and recognition for themselves and their schools. Currently, over 50 students in Douglas County have been participating in the program through their cybersecurity courses, and many hope to see that number increase as the game gains popularity.

Along with helping students learn about cybersecurity, makers of the game also hope that it can begin helping address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in today’s world. Currently, there are tens of thousands of cybersecurity professionals are needed, as threats from around the world are a critical issue for the state and country. The hope is that this game can begin creating a robust pipeline of students who eventually enter the workforce as cybersecurity professionals in various organizations.

The state of Georgia has already seen the importance of creating this pipeline. Last year, the University of North Georgia, the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University, Georgia Tech Research Institute, and the Georgia Department of Education all came together to create “CyberStart in Georgia” to promote the program in schools and give $100,000 in cash and prizes to Georgia’s students, teachers, and schools.

After Lithia Springs High School was named Cyber Opportunity School by the CyberStart America Program, two students have made groundbreaking individual achievements in Georgia’s CyberStart program as well.

LSHS’ Kingston Vastine has become the first-ever student in the district to attain gold status as well as the first to earn the prestigious National Cyber Scholar designation. To earn the recognition, Vastine was among the 1,000 highest-scoring students, and he has earned a free invitation to the Cyber Foundations Immersion Academy.

The multi-week program is centered around the nationally recognized SANS Cyber Foundations online training course and certification. Students who participate also get to hear from America’s top cybersecurity experts about current issues and trends within the field.

Along with Vastine, LSHS’ Marshawn Judge was also named a National Cyber Scholar for his work in the CyberStart program. Judge was also awarded silver status, thereby making him the first and only student in the district to reach this remarkable milestone. He has also earned an invitation to the Cyber Foundations Immersion Academy this summer.

Congratulations Kingston and Marshawn on your outstanding achievements! Your LSHS Family is extremely proud of you both for all of the hard work and efforts that you have poured into receiving these groundbreaking achievements. Keep up the good work!

Thank you to Pastor Randy Coggins and the Serve Team of Seven Springs Church for the beautiful and thoughtful decorations they added to the Teacher's Lounge on Saturday, July 15th during their Day of Service. Your generous effort has truly transformed the space into a warm and inviting haven for us educators. Thank you again for your act of kindness that has made our lounge visually appealing. I am sure the LSHS faculty and staff will find this as a place of solace and rejuvenation!

Purpose of the JROTC - Instill a value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. The program produces successful students and productive adults, while fostering in each school a more constructive and disciplined learning environment. This program makes substantial contributions to many communities and ultimately to the nation's future. It is NOT a recruitment tool for military service, nor does involvement in the MCJROTC program imply any future commitment to the US Marine Corps or any other branch of service.

LSHS MCJROTC Website

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Paul Robinson served in the United States Marine Corps for 30 years. He joined the Marine Corps June 1983 and completed his initial training in March 1984. He was assigned to various combat units during his service. He was involved in operations throughout the world, serving in billets from platoon commander, adjutant, personnel officer, information systems officer and personnel director. He participated in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Southwest Asia 1991. He also was involved in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2003 and 2004. He retired from the Marine Corps in May 2013. During his service, he received numerous awards. His awards included; the Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Chief Warrant Officer Robinson started his second career teaching JROTC in 2013 at Olive Branch High School, Mississippi where he was instrumental in starting a new JROTC program involving aspects of Leadership, Citizenship, Military Studies, and Career Exploration. In 2014, he accepted his current position teaching MCJROTC, at Lithia Springs High School, Lithia Springs Georgia. During his first two years at Lithia Springs, he focused his efforts on creating a culture of independent learners, commitment, and organizational theory to ensure that all students achieve the highest success rate of completion. These initiatives proved to be successful. The program increase in membership and graduation rate by 15 percent each year thereafter. We are proud to have Chief Warrant Officer 5 Paul Robinson as a member of Lion Nation!

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. Mitzi Blackstone, Jonathan Reeves, Angel Richmond, Berenice Flores (former LSHS counselor), and Lauren Fleming (former LSHS counselor) for all of their hard work and dedication to ensuring LSHS met all requirements needed to earn this certification.

July 28: Fall Bash @ LSHS

August 2: First Day of School

August 3: Lady Lions Softball Game vs. New Manchester @ 5:30

To access your student's progress report, report cards, attendance, and grades, click the "Infinite Campus Parent Portal Set Up" link above for directions on registering for a Parent Portal account. All progress reports and reports cards will only be accessible via the Parent Portal. Paper copies will not be sent home.

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

Click link below for Instrucciones del Portal Para Padres de Infinite Campus (Espanol)

News from the Counseling Dept!

Are you wondering who your school counselor will be? Well wonder no more! Below is a breakdown by alphabet that will help you in identifying your school counselor:

Lead Counselor: Mitzi Blackstone; mitzi.blackstone@dcssga.org; 770-651-6807

• Off-Campus Programs
• 12th ACTIVITIES

Last Names A, D-J: Shimirrah Rembert; shimirrah.rembert@dcssga.org; 770-651-6774

Last Names B, K-Q: Jonathan Reeves; jonathan.reeves@dcssga.org; 770-651-6862

Last Names C, R-Z: Angel Richmond; angel.richmond@dcssga.org; 770-651-6714

If you need to meet with your counselor, please make an appointment with him or her directly by scanning the QR code that will be posted throughout the school building.

DCSS has a clear bag policy at all sporting events. The policy is 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. "By allowing only clear bags, we can monitor what's coming into our stadiums and gyms and keep everyone safer with only 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"

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/

Available to parents of students who are enrolled in the Douglas County School System

• 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

See Ms. Bobbie Johnson in the main office.

Bring your driver's license and a copy of your insurance and registration.

Cost is $50 payable online (RevTrak) or by 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.

Dear Parents:

As a school we want to get better at improving our school culture and get a pulse on the issues that matter to you. We've signed up for a service that will send you regular, short, anonymous surveys making it quick and easy to get your voice heard. The first survey will be sent around August 17th.

Please click on this link to sign up https://app.satchelpulse.com/parents?country=us

Please use the school ID 229155 when prompted to join the school.

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.

https://www.smore.com/46hz5j