September/October Parent Newsletter
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A Message from the Principal
Dear families,
September was a great month at Dacula High! We had an exciting spirit week with tons of student and faculty participation. The Homecoming Dance was beautiful and the dance floor was full of energized students all night long. Best of all, we had our first whole-school pep rally since 2019; it was amazing!
Pep rallies are always a big undertaking, but this time we have 200 more kids than we did the last time we had one, our adults are out of practice with that large of a crowd, and the vast majority of our students have never even been to a school-wide pep rally. However, our faculty did an amazing job of planning and supervising and our students did a great job of following directions and bringing spirit and energy.
A high level of school pride and spirit have always been one of the things that make Dacula HIgh School special. I was so happy that we could bring this tradition back for the first time since the pandemic began and am looking forward to more fun activities this year that bring a sense of community!
Thank you for your support as we continue to grow our school culture!
Jeannie Hidalgo
Spirit Week - PJ Day
On Monday of Spirit Week, students and teachers wore their comfiest PJs.
Spirit Week - Adam Sandler Day
Students and teachers dressed up as Adam Sandler on Tuesday of Homecoming Spirit Week!
Spirit Week - First Letter of Your Name Day
On Wednesday, students got creative and dressed as something that starts with the first letter of their name.
Spirit Week - Fairy Tale Character Day
On Thursday, students dressed up as a character from a fairy tale!
Spirit Week - Spirit Day
Students wore their blue and gold on Friday to show their Dacula spirit!
Homecoming Pep Rally
Our students had a great time and showed a ton of school spirit at our Homecoming Pep Rally. We recognized fall sports, celebrated our homecoming court, and competed to see which class had the most school spirit. The freshman class won!!
Banner Parade WINNERS - Key Club
Congratulations to our Homecoming Banner Parade winners, Key Club!
Homecoming Dance
Students had a lot of fun at our SOLD OUT Homecoming Dance. The theme was Enchanted Forest. Student council did a wonderful job creating a fun event for students!
US History
US History students play a board game reviewing the major causes leading to the American Revolution.
Forensics
Check out forensics investigating a crime scene! They used evidence and interviews to build profiles and solve the mystery.
US History
US History classes play Jeopardy to review the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.
Draw Paint II/III
Spanish Club
Peer Leadership
AP Chem
Spanish Classes
Homecoming Pep Rally
Peer Leadership
Ms. Cooper's Peer Leaders have been working with Ms. Oglesby, one of our wonderful counselors, to complete Peer Mediation training. Students are now fully trained and ready to meet with students.
AP Human Geography
Students in AP Human Geography created a Refugee Informational Walk on the 3rd floor to educate and inform students about refugees as a part of their unit covering global migration pattersns.
AP Physics
Students in AP Physics used a rotational apparatus to investigate the relationship between torque and angular acceleration.
Sci-Fi Club
Sci-Fi Club had a guest speaker this month! Andrew Phillips is the owner of Level Up Games and is a Dacula Graduate. He talked about business in gaming and following your interests in life. He brought games to demo with students as well!
Senior Parent Night
Senior Parents attended Senior Parent Night on September 21. They received information on graduation, financial aid, and deadlines. If you missed it or want to access the information they shared, click HERE.
Check out this important information from our Counseling Department!
Counseling Updates
Senior Letter – The counselors met with all seniors during the week of 9/12/22. We completed their Application for Graduation (Senior Letter) as well as shared information about senior activities, planning, and post-secondary options. For any senior we missed during that week, your child’s counselor will be meeting with your senior very soon. The Senior Letter will be mailed home by late October.
Teen Lures – The counseling team met with 9th graders on 9/20/22 to present Teen Lures. Teen Lures is a 9th grade focused presentation stressing teen awareness and safety.
Common App and Naviance – watch and learn how Common App and Naviance will match to support your senior’s college application process.
SAT Dates Here- https://www.collegeboard.org/
ACT Dates Here- https://www.act.org/content/act/en.html
October College and Career Information
Fee waivers are available for students who meet eligibility requirements. Please see Mrs. Herzberg in the College and Career room for more information.
The FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FASFA) opens October 1, 2022! Click HERE for some helpful links.
- ASVAB October 20, 2022 8:00 am
- Registration Required: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSce2Nu8S2WFvqXsJB5ISSAa9OPCGpYafUou4rEM8q0kEiPwFg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) College Visit in the College and Career Office- Come in and chat with one of the reps during lunch/study skills on October 11
- Registration Sign-Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5PPdJlGN4zgQsnK5898GxTfofx6MnxFyPeZTlMnlrbnC8Og/viewform?usp=sf_link
- Helpful Links-
- College Visits Newsletter - https://www.smore.com/cpgtj
- Scholarships Newsletter - https://www.smore.com/q9wpf
Here's what's coming in the month of October...
NOW - AP Exam Registration Open
Registration for AP Exams began on September 30th. Three years ago, the College Board implemented changes based on research that showed students' early commitment resulted in greater student performance and success on their AP Exams. All AP exam registrations will take place in the Fall, except for second semester classes in AP Macroeconomics and AP American Government. The registration window will open in MyPaymentsPlus on September 30th and closes on November 4th at 11:59 pm for yearlong courses and first semester courses. Students enrolled in AP American Government and AP Macroeconomics for 2nd semester will have a different registration window (without a late fee) to order between January 9th and March 3rd for those two courses only.
When completing AP Exam registrations in MyPaymentsPlus, please have your student sit with you to ensure your student is registered for the correct exam(s).
Please review the 2022-23 AP Exam Registration information and post the deadline reminder at work or on your refrigerator. There is nothing to do currently except be aware of the upcoming registration window(s) and register your students for their AP Exams during the registration window. Please be on the lookout for future emails and feel free to reach out to Dr. Renales at bev.renales@gcpsk12.org should you have any questions.
October 3 - October 5 - Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week
Students are in encouraged to join in on celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in our Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week! Monday, October 3 is "Wear the Colors of Your Flag," Tuesday, October 4 is "Wear a Jersey from Your Favorite Team," and Wednesday, October 5 is "Wear Traditional Clothing/Accessories from Your Country."
October 3 @ 6PM - Marching Band Exhibition @ Mill Creek High School
Dacula High School's Marching Band will perform at the GCPS Marching Band Exhibition on Monday, October 3. Performances will begin at 6PM.
October 4 @ 6PM - Honor Society Induction Ceremony
DHS' Honor Society Induction ceremony will be held at Dacula High School in the commons area at 6pm.
October 6 - 10 - Fall Break, NO SCHOOL
Students will return to learning on Tuesday, October 11.
October 7 - PSAT Registration Deadline
We will administer the PSAT on Tuesday October 25th at 7:15 am at Dacula High. All first-time 10th graders will receive more information from our counselors along with a copy of the “Student Guide”. No action is needed for our first-time 10th graders. You will receive more information as the test day approaches with your assigned testing rooms and locations. All 9th and 11th graders interested in taking the PSAT must register on www.MyPaymentsPlus.com by October 7th. Registration opens on September 7th and closes on October 7th.
About the PSAT:
The Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It also gives students a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
Freshmen and Sophomores who take the test will gain a better understanding of how they might do on the SAT. Scores from the SAT help colleges/ universities evaluate how ready you are for college-level work.
Juniors who take the PSAT may qualify to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program and compete for scholarships.
Register:
By October 7th on www.MyPaymentsPlus.com (9th and 11th graders only)
All 9th and 11th graders planning to test will pay a $20.00 registration fee.
Any 11th grader with Free/Reduced Lunch status will show a zero balance (there is no cost) when they register.
October 10 - Last Day to Order a Purchase a Senior Ad
Click on the document below to access the information about purchasing senior ads!
October 13 - Soccer Conditioning Starts
The first session for soccer conditioning is October 13th 2:45-3:45. Location will be communicated soon! Soccer conditioning will be every Tuesday and Thursday until Christmas break.
October 15, 12-6PM - Dacula Cluster Carnival
October 15 9AM-1PM @ Discovery High School - CTE Explore Your Future
Discovery High School will be hosting Explore Your Future with Career and Technical Education. They will have opportunities to check out robotics, AI, drones, and coding. Students will have a chance to learn CPR and first aid steps and discover the world of pharmacy and emergency services. They can practice being interview ready and interact with departments of the Gwinnett County Government. This day will be all about learning about CTE in GCPS. See the flyer below for more information.
October 18 @ 6PM - Soccer Parent Meeting in the Transformational Room
This meeting is for both boys and girls who are interested in trying out for soccer. One parent must attend.
October 18 - Underclassmen Picture Make Up Day
If your student did not have their photo taken on picture day in September, they can have their photo taken on October 18.
October 19 @ 7PM - DHS Fall Orchestra Concert
The Fall Orchestra Concert will be held at 7pm at Dacula High School in the Theater.
October 20 @ 7PM - DHS Fall Chorus Concert
The Fall Chorus Concert will be held at 7pm at Dacula High School in the Theater.
October 25 - PSAT Administered
October 25 @ 7PM - DHS Fall Band Concert
The Fall Band Concert will be held at 7pm at Dacula High School in the Theater. After the concert, Tri M will be hosting a Trunk or Treat for the community!
October 27 @ 7PM - Advanced Drama Presents Anon(ymous)
The Advanced Drama class will be presenting their Region 8-7A One Act competition piece on Thursday October 27th at 7pm in the theater at DHS. Admission will be $5. Here's a summary of Anon(ymous):
Separated from his mother, a young refugee named Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people -- some kind, some dangerous and cruel -- as he searches for his family. Anon must navigate through a chaotic, ever-changing landscape in this entrancing adaptation of Homer's Odyssey by Naomi Iizuka.
Important School Day Updates
- Lunchtime interventions will begin after Fall Break. Students will be assigned to lunchtime interventions to meet their academic needs and are expected to take full advantage of the opportunity to get the extra help to be successful in their classes.
- Dacula High School will begin using an Advisement bell schedule every Monday and Wednesday starting on Monday, October 3. Advisement will now take place during its own block after 2nd period.
Falcon Food Nest
The Falcon Food Nest is open for requests! Our school food pantry is currently filling weekly requests from students. Requests are filled to send a weekend's worth of food home to help our Dacula families. The link to the anonymous request form is located on the eClass landing page.
Our pantry offers a variety of non-perishable foods: breakfast items, pasta meals, soups, vegetables, fruits and snacks. We also have personal care items. Please read all of the information carefully in the first sections as they help us best serve you. If you do not want items from a particular section, don't answer that section. Orders will be filled by availability and family size. You will get at least one item per section you request. This form must be submitted by Wednesday afternoon for pick-up from the counseling office on Friday. Specific information about the pick up process is included on the request form.
We always gratefully accept donations. The Student Council student leaders who lead the school pantry are Jocelyn May and Avery Weaver. If you have any questions about the pantry, you can ask these students or reach out to our Student Council Sponsors Kelly Cooper and Katie Elder.
Driver's Education
Major Quincy Hudson will be leading Driver's Education beginning on October 17th and going through October 28th. The class will begin at 3pm and finish up at 5:30pm. The cost to enroll is $345 and can be payed via My Payments Plus, Cash, or Check. The deadline to register is October 14. Spaces are limited and students must have a learner's permit to participate. Complete the registration form and drop it off at the Community School Office.
Congratulations to these Orchestra Students!
Please congratulate Jasmin Imsir, viola, for auditioning and making it into Gwinnett County Youth Symphony! Also, congratulations to bassist Dallen Rawson, violinist Makayla Thompson, and violist Paige Mona for being selected for District 13 Honor Orchestra! These student musicians are great representatives for the Dacula Orchestra program!
School Plus/Credit Recovery - Registration Closes September 30
Dacula High School will be offering multiple opportunities for students who are in need of credit to get on track to graduate. Please read this document determine which opportunity fits your needs. If you have questions, please discuss with your counselor.
AP Exam Registration is OPEN
Registration for AP Exams will begin on September 30th. Three years ago, the College Board implemented changes based on research that showed students' early commitment resulted in greater student performance and success on their AP Exams. All AP exam registrations will take place in the Fall, except for second semester classes in AP Macroeconomics and AP American Government. The registration window will open in MyPaymentsPlus on September 30th and closes on November 4th at 11:59 pm for yearlong courses and first semester courses. Students enrolled in AP American Government and AP Macroeconomics for 2nd semester will have a different registration window (without a late fee) to order between January 9th and March 3rd for those two courses only.
When completing AP Exam registrations in MyPaymentsPlus, please have your student sit with you to ensure your student is registered for the correct exam(s).
Please review the 2022-23 AP Exam Registration information and post the deadline reminder at work or on your refrigerator. There is nothing to do currently except be aware of the upcoming registration window(s) and register your students for their AP Exams during the registration window. Please be on the lookout for future emails and feel free to reach out to Dr. Renales at bev.renales@gcpsk12.org should you have any questions.
Senior Dues
Parents can begin paying for senior dues at https://www.scholasticimages.com/. Senior dues will be $160.
Travel and Learn!
Would your student like to go to Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland this June? Go to explorica.com/marchese-5072 to find more information!
Yearbook
The yearbook price is currently $80! Next semester, the price will increase to $85. Order your yearbook today at https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/jobSearch/displayHome with the code 25024.
School Pictures Are Ready to Order!
Your School Pictures are now available to view and order through CADY!
If you bought a picture package before or on picture day, your package will be mailed directly to your home. If you did not purchase a package on or prior to underclass picture day, you can log in at http://cady.com/orderphotos to view and order your 2022-2023 school pictures today!
Free and Reduced Lunch
Throughout the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allowed school systems across the country to provide breakfast and lunch to all students at no charge to families. However, the USDA waivers expired during the summer, and students are required to pay for meals based on their individual eligibility.
In order to receive free or reduced-price meal benefits, families must complete the Free and Reduced-price Meal Application and meet eligibility requirements. Click here to learn more: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/29759
Apply today! Applications must be submitted every year (even if you filled one out in the spring, you need to fill out a new one for this school year). Applications can be submitted throughout the year if your family status changes. Note that those eligible for free and reduced priced meals may be able to access other types of assistance including College Board fees waived for AP Exams and PSAT.
- Online application (Private, Fast, & Available 24/7) http://gwinnett.schoollunchapp.com
- Application Check Status http://gwinnett.schoollunchstatus.com
- For questions, the help line is 678-301-6307
New Clubs
Dacula High School has many clubs to offer for a variety of student interests. This month, three new clubs have been added to our list.
Click HERE to see a full list of all of the clubs Dacula High School has to offer.
GCPL Dacula Branch October Events
Click on the image to read about all of the events and programs the Dacula Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library is hosting!
Dacula Branch Bilingual Storytime
Beginning October 10, the Dacula Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library will offer a bilingual storytime the 2nd Monday of every month for young children. They will begin at 5:30! Click the flyer below to read more about this!
TEACHER OF THE YEAR - Congratulations, Michael Peterson!
A huge congratulations to Michael Peterson, Dacula High School’s 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year! A phenomenal AP Psychology and AP Human Geography teacher, Sci-Fi club sponsor, AP Club sponsor, and esports coach, Mr. Peterson has been a part of the Dacula family for 21 years! We are honored to have him represent us as Teacher of the Year!
Teacher of the Month for August - Kelsey Loudermilk
Ms. Loudermilk is our ESOL Department Head and teaches both ESOL and 9th Grade Sheltered ELA. Thank you for all of your hard work, Ms. Loudermilk.
Employees of the Month for August - The Registration Team
Ms. Boswell, Ms. Payne, and Ms. Wilson make sure that all students new to Dacula High School are set up for success. Thank you for all of your hard work, registration team!
Female Athlete of the Month for August - Olivia Howard
Olivia is a member of our Varsity Softball team! Congratulations, Olivia!
Male Athlete of the Month for August - Simeon Boulware
Simeon is a member of our Varsity Football team! Congratulations, Simeon!
Head Coach of the Month for August - Bobby Burford
Coach Burford coaches Softball! Congratulations, coach!
Assistant Coach of the Month for August - Paul Carter
Coach Carter coaches Football! Congratulations, coach!