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"

Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. It is a national celebration to honor the history, culture and influence of past generations who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to a month-long celebration 20 years later. The start of the festive month on September 15 marks the Independence Day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Then on September 16, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day, followed by Chile on September 18 and Belize on September 21. In the latter half of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mexicans observe the Día de la Raza (Race Day) on October 12, which was previously known as Columbus Day. Día de la Raza (Race Day) recognizes "the mixed indigenous and European heritage of Mexico." What’s more, the end of the celebration (October 15) is only two weeks away from Mexico’s Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1 and November 2.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a continuum of awareness, exploration, preparation, and training activities, including developing employability and technical skills that support success in careers and postsecondary education. Douglas County School System (DCSS) students that are in the 11th and 12th grade, who are on track for graduation, are a minimum of 16 years of age, and meet the program requirements may enroll in the program.

The program is an education option that prepares students for the world of work through a combination of academic and workplace learning. WBL is based on the belief that our youth must be better prepared for the future if they are to be successful in a competitive, global economy.

During the eighth, ninth and 10th grade, students begin exploring their career interests. In 9th and 10th grade students should begin taking courses in the academic and technical areas that help to lay the foundation for their future careers. Additionally, as students continue to take coursework related to his/her career interest, they also begin paid, on-the-job training or a non-paid internship through a structured workplace learning program.

This combination of structured learning and authentic work experiences are implemented through an education and industry partnership. Students have the opportunity to connect what they learn in school with worksite applications, enabling a smooth transition into the workforce and education beyond high school.

Caliber Car Wash was on-site at DCHS on Wednesday recruiting potential employees. Pictured above is 11th grade student, Bianca Cain speaking with Devon Parks. Bianca is a part of our WBL program, who is always seeking employment opportunities that will enhance her knowledge of the workforce.

Work-Based Learning activities culminate in an assessment and recognition of acquired knowledge and skills, at the end of the school year.

Exciting news! All 9th grade students will be taking the YouScience assessment on October 25th. We believe YouScience is a great way for students to learn more about themselves, explore high-demand careers that are a good fit for them, and gain a better understanding of how their unique talents are needed in the economy. Click the link below to learn more about YouScience and what it means for your student.

https://www.youscience.com

The ASVAB test will be administered at DCHS on November 10, 2022 from 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. for Juniors and Seniors only. This is an excellent aptitude and interest test that will help students identify possible career areas even if they have no plans of entering the military. If interested, students MUST SIGN UP ahead of time in order to take the ASVAB. Sign-up will be announced in late October on Google Classroom, morning announcements and with JROTC instructors. They will not want to miss this opportunity!

Pictured below from left to right: DCHS Counselor Genobia Babalola, SGG Norris & SFC Lehnhardt of the United States Army. The Army recruiters were on hand Wednesday to help all interested students understand all aspects of the Army in hopes of helping them make informed decisions regarding a career in the Army.