One Dawson 2021 by The Times

Vol. 4, 2021

Excellence Together

STRESSED OUT? Let us work out muscle pain, fatigue, and stress with a

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE Special Pricing:

20 off your 1st visit

Regular Price starts at $85

DO YOU EXPERIENCE ALLERGIES, SINUS OR EAR INFECTIONS? TRY RELAXING

HALOTHERAPY - SALT THERAPY Long recognized in Europe, Halotherapy is a natural therapy using salt particles for improving breathing ailments, skin conditions, and promoting relaxation.

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

1st Treatment FREE!

($45 Value)

Helps with:

Asthma • Allergies • COPD • Cough • Snoring Depression • Acne • Stress • Fatigue Sinus Infections • Ear Infections • much more

Want that fresh dewy look again?

Try HydraFacial MD The signature HydraFacial is a 4 step process that detoxifies, rehydrates and protects skin. You will love how you look and feel!

Special Pricing: $ 20 off your first visit Regular Price starts at $169 BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

Mention code PROGRESS to receive Special Pricing

78 Dawson Village Way N, Suite 150 Dawsonville, GA 30534

678-835-SALT (7258) www.saltmedspa.com/Dawsonville

BREATHE WELL - LOOK WELL - FEEL WELL

Excellence Together.

Table of Contents 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 14 16 19 22 24 25

Message from the Superintendent Board of Education About the Cover Little Free Library Teacher Special Recognition School Principals Dawson Nutrition Program Region FBLA Winners School Highlights Teaching and Learning CTAE Education Pathway Connect Dawson Connect with DCS

About Dawson County Schools DCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or gender in employment decisions or educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. The accuracy of the content within this publication is subject to change prior to dissemination.

Creative Services Provided by Metro Market Media, parent company of Dawson County News. Chelsea Sunshine - Magazine Design/Ad Design April Seymour - Ad Design Claudette Keeley - Ad Design

Stay connected:

26 28 30 31 32 34 36 40 41 42 44 45 46

The 2021 OneDawson magazine is produced by Dawson County News with the help of Dawson County Schools. For information, contact (706) 265-3246.

Where Are They Now? Teachers of the Year Retirees Student Spotlight Exceptional Children Athletics & Clubs Student Support Services Mentor at Dawson Schools Online Learning & Technology Technology Department Health Services 1D Golden Pass 2021-2022 School Calendar

Dawson County Schools’ Central Office To contact a member of the leadership team, call (706) 265-3246 or email as listed below:

Vikki Brannon, vbrannon@dawson.k12.ga.us Director of Youth Health Services

Dr. Damon Gibbs, dgibbs@dawson.k12.ga.us Superintendent

Scott Richardson, scott.richardson@dawson.k12.ga.us Nutrition Coordinator

Nicole LeCave, nlecave@dawson.k12.ga.us Deputy Superintendent

Tracey Compton, tcompton@dawson.k12.ga.us Director of School Improvement & Accountability

Hershel Bennett, hbennett@dawson.k12.ga.us Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Operations

Dr. Nathan Hand, nathan.hand@dawson.k12.ga.us Director of Instructional Services, Secondary

Jamie Ulrich, julrich@dawson.k12.ga.us Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Todd Langley, todd.langley@dawson.k12.ga.us Director of Exceptional Children

Dr. Janice Darnell, jdarnell@dawson.k12.ga.us Executive Director of Instructional Support & Student Services

Scott Morgan, smorgan@dawson.k12.ga.us Director of Facilities

Roman Gaddis, rgaddis@dawson.k12.ga.us Executive Director of Technology

Jim Rich, jrich@dawson.k12.ga.us Director of Transportation

Mail: 28 Main Street, Dawsonville, Ga 30534

@DawsonCountySchoolSystemBoardofEducation

Telephone: (706) 265-3246 @DawsonSchools

dawsoncountyschools.org

Website: www.dawsoncountyschools.org Connect1Dawson

Excellence Together.

A Message From the Superintendent We are excited to partner with the Dawson County News to launch the fourth publication of the 1Dawson Magazine. While viewing this magazine, our goal is for you to find helpful information about the Dawson County School System. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us.

staff our top priority moving forward. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance. I look forward to a great school year!

We are “One Dawson!” Sincerely, A. Damon Gibbs, Ed.D., Superintendent Dawson County Schools

We begin 2021-22 with renewed enthusiasm and optimism for a great school year. We are committed to continually looking for innovative ways to expand educational opportunities for all Dawson County students. As always, we will keep the safety and security of our students and

Dawson County Schools One Dawson. Excellence Together.

Voted Dawson County’s

Best Family Restaurant

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Board of Education:

Doris Cook, District 1, 17 years

Elaine Wilson, District 2, 17 years

Dawson County Schools is proud to announce the achievement and status of the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2020 Exemplary School Board recognition. Dawson County has received this recognition for five years.

District representation Dawson County is divided into five districts for representation on the Board of Education. Members must live in the district they represent but are elected by the county at-large. Members serve four-year staggered terms with three members elected during one election and two during the next. Communities served by each district are as follows:

Karen Armstrong, District 3, 7 years

Nathan Ingram, at large, 2 years

Remembering Roger Slaton Mr. Slaton served on the Dawson County Board of Education for more than thirty years. He dedicated his life to advocating for public education and the teachers and students of Dawson County. He was a dear friend and mentor to so many. Mr. Slaton leaves a legacy of serving his community with a servant’s heart.

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Summer Soar An opportunity to meet new friends, to participate in themed dress days, and to work with high school mentors – although this sounds like a summer camp, in reality, this was the design of Summer Soar, Dawson County’s elementary summer school experience. Over 150 elementary students from all of Dawson County’s elementary schools were invited to participate in Summer Soar. This three-week, camp-like summer school started the week most students were enjoying their first week of summer. The success of Summer Soar depended on the devotion of our county’s teachers and administrators. Our teachers moved their instructional items to Riverview Elementary School, iPads were prepared and delivered with uniform programs, the transportation department mapped bus routes, and the nutrition department planned meal deliveries so classes could begin on June 1.

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together. As Summer Soar students arrived, it was like the first day of school all over again. Teachers and students quickly formed a community, not only within the walls of a classroom, but with the entire Summer Soar group. Each morning as students had breakfast together, a large group meeting occurred where students and teachers shared their success stories and provided feedback. Most students commented, “I just want to say how much I love my teacher.” This was a huge compliment, as all four elementary schools were combined for Summer Soar. Teachers also found an appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with other elementary school teachers from across the district. Achieving academic gains was our main priority with Summer Soar, and our data shows student growth in all grade levels! Having fun, so our students would want to return each day with a positive focus, was our second goal. Our daily attendance rates were amazing! The Summer Soar students wanted to return each day to participate in that day’s theme, some of which were wild hair day, hat day, dress like a pirate day, and many others. Students were also able to participate in fun activities like tie-dying shirts or learning about the Dawson County Sheriff ’s Department’s K-9 and Drone Units. In addition to all the fun and opportunities for enrichment, the success of Summer Soar was in closing gaps in learning for our students. The teachers who participated were most encouraged by our students’ commitment to success. Many of our students shared how their teachers had explained concepts in a way that finally made sense to them, and many showed growth, moving up several reading levels! According to perception data collected, students, families, and teachers all agree that the Summer Soar program was a huge success!

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Little Free Library opened by students at Robinson Elementary School, Dawson County Woman’s Club By Erica Schmidt eschmidt@dawsonnews.com

On Monday, May 24, the Dawson County Woman’s Club and Dawson County Chamber of Commerce joined Robinson Elementary fifth graders to officially cut the ribbon on the 2021 fifth grade class project: the county’s newest Little Free Library. Construction of the library was a joint effort between the fifth grade class and the Dawson County Woman’s Club. According to Woman’s Club member MG Finch, the Woman’s Club joined members of the fifth grade class on May 13 to install several plants around the library as part of the school’s Wonder Day project. In a brief presentation before the ribbon cutting, Robinson Elementary Principal Page Arnette thanked the Woman’s Club and the students for their hard work on the project. According to Arnette, the elementary school’s new little free library is part of a greater effort which has seen the installation of hundreds of little free libraries across the country. “There are other ones like this already in our community, but as you travel and you go off to school and travel around the country be looking for these,” Arnette said. “Feel free to take a book from one and make sure you leave a book for someone else cause that’s what they’re all about.” Arnette told the fifth graders that even as they move on from the elementary school into middle school, the library will be a reminder of their time at Robinson Elementary School. “Our future students who are in student leadership here at Robinson will be the stewards of this little free library,” Arnette said. “They’ll make sure it’s stocked with books and make sure to keep it cleaned out, so the students in the future will continue to take care of it.” Following Arnette’s comments, members of the Woman’s Club joined members of the fifth grade class and members of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce to officially cut the ribbon on the project. To visit the new library, go by Robinson Elementary School at 1150 Perimeter Road in Dawsonville. 8

Photos by Erica Schmidt TOP: On May 24, members of the Dawson County Woman’s Club joined fifth grade classes and school administration from Robinson Elementary School to officially cut a ribbon on the county’s newest little free library. MIDDLE: The little free library was a joint project between Robinson Elementary fifth graders and members of the Dawson County Woman’s Club. BOTTOM: Robinson Elementary School Principal Page Arnette addresses fifth grade students during the ribbon cutting for the school’s new little free library on May 24.

OneDawson

2021-2022

Have A Great

21-22 School Year! Karmen Pharris,

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm

Associate Broker ABR, MRP, SRS Dawsonville Realtor

Main Office: 1162 Highway 53 East (P.O. Box 769) Dawsonville, GA 30534 Telephone: 706-216-8474 Fax: 706-216-6170 Emergency Only (After Hours): 706-265-3395

770-561-3593 or Office 404-876-4901 karmenpharris3@gmail.com www.karmenpharris.phprealtor.com

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Teacher Special Recognition Georgia 2021 Exemplary ESOL Teacher The Georgia Department of Education seeks to identify and recognize Georgia English Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) teachers for their excellence in achievement. The Dawson County School System is very pleased to announce that Natalie Flanagan of Dawson County Junior High School was selected as a 2021 Exemplary ESOL Teacher. This honor is given to teachers who work endlessly to find effective solutions and teaching practices to meet the needs of the students they serve. Mrs. Flanagan knows her learners. She creates conditions for language learning. She designs high-quality lessons for language development and monitors and assesses her students’ language development. Her support, engagement and collaboration with students, parents, and fellow teachers creates an exemplary model for achievement. Congratulations to Mrs. Natalie Flanagan!

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Finalist Congratulations to Mrs. Tracy Martin of Kilough Elementary School on her selection as a state-level finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)! Georgialevel finalists will be honored at state ceremonies this year. Amazing news!!! Please help us congratulate Mrs. Martin!

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

S c h ool P r i n c i pals : Dawson County Schools enroll more than 3,500 students across seven sites, consisting of four elementary schools, one middle school, one junior high school, one high school, with a non-traditional academy campus and our central office.

Black’s Mill Elementary School Cindy Kinney, Principal 1860 Dawson Forest Road E (706) 216-3300

With over 500 employees, we are the county’s largest employer.

Kilough Elementary School Teresa Conowal, Principal 1063 Kilough Church Road (706) 216-8595

Riverview Elementary School Adam Maroney, Principal 370 Dawson Forest Road E (706) 216-5812

Robinson Elementary School Page Arnette, Principal 1150 Perimeter Road (706) 265-6544

Dawson County Middle School Kim White, Principal 5126 Hwy. 9 S (706) 216-4849

Dawson County Junior High School Brody Hughes, Principal 109 Allen Street (706) 216-5801

Dawson County High School Michael Negley, Principal 1665 Perimeter Road (706) 265-6555

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Dawson County School

Nutrition Program Mission:

Did you know?

The mission of the Dawson County School Nutrition Program is to be a part of the education process by providing students with nutritious meals and nutrition education experiences that promote healthy children who are ready to learn.

The USDA has approved Covid-19 Nationwide Waiver #85. Through this waiver, all Dawson County students will be eligible for free breakfast and lunch meals until June 30, 2022. Though students will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2021-2022 school year, next year family applications for free and reduced meals will be required. These applications will be submitted online at MySchoolBucks (https://www.myschoolapps. com/). The link will be available on the district website, as well as on each school’s website.

Benefits: The Dawson County School Nutrition Program provides a nutrition breakfast and lunch for school children every day. Meal choices offered each day include protein rich entrees, plenty of fruit and vegetable selections, whole-grain breads and cereals, and calcium rich milk.

We are here to help you!

A-la-carte purchases

For questions or concerns, please contact:

Additional items from the daily menu, as well as selected other foods and beverages that comply with the USDA Healthy Snacks guidelines, may be purchased a la carte to compliment school meals or meals brought from home. All extra purchases require funds to be available (on meal account or in hand) at the time of purchase.

Get Started: 1 Go to myschoolbucks.com 2 Visit School Store & add items to your cart 3 Check out with your credit/debit card 12

OneDawson

2021-2022

Scott Richardson School Nutrition Coordinator 706-265-3246 ext 1008 scott.richardson@dawson.k12.ga.us Rita Gilleland Administrative Assistant (706) 265-3246, ext 1019 rgilleland@dawson.k12.ga.us

C&W Hardware

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Dawsonville True Value®

TO HAVE AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE OF

Ready to make learning how to help out around the house or garden fun for any age?

shooting sporting clays and upland hunting

We’re here to answer all your questions.

Etowah Valley is committed to the Perpetuation of the Family Shooting Sports with the Bonding and Values they instill.

619 Sporting Hill Dr Dawsonville, GA 30534

COME VISIT YOUR

HOMETOWN 16 Moonshiners Way • Dawsonville, GA 30534

706-525-5140

C&W Hardware Dawsonville Mon. - Fri.: 8 am - 7 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

GRAND OPENING facebook.com/cwhardware

EVENT

Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6

VISIT US DURING OUR GRAND OPENING AND GET IN ON ALL THE FUN!

Saturday, May 5 Only Get a FREE 5-Gallon Bucket and receive

25%

BUY 1 GALLON, GET 1 GALLON

FREE

OFF

all regular priced items you can fit inside!*

EasyCare® Ultra Premium interior or exterior Paint

Other exclusions may apply. See store for details. Buy 1 gallon, get the second gallon free. Price of the second gallon must be of equal or lesser value than the first gallon. Limit 5 gallons per coupon. One coupon per household. Not redeemable for cash. Not valid with any other offer or gift cards. Not refundable. Not transferable. Do not duplicate. Void where prohibited. Consumer responsible for all taxes and fees. Coupon valid at participating True Value® stores from 5/4/18 – 5/6/18.

*See store for details and restrictions. Excludes Weber® and YETI® products. Limit 1 bucket per customer per visit.

OUR

WIN REGISTER TO

SERVICES

FANTASTIC PRIZES!

SPIN TOWIN!

ALL WEEKEND

• Weber Gas Grill • Gas Pressure Washer • 22-In. Self-Propelled Mower

MAY 4 — MAY 6 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

• FREE Food Cooked on Big Green Egg • Giveaways • Door Prizes No purchase necessary. See store for details.

C&W Hardware Dawsonville True Value®

16 Moonshiners Way • Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-525-5140 Mon. – Fri.: 7 – 7; Sat.: 7 – 6; Sun.: 10 – 5 facebook.com/cwhardware

706-265-6543 706-265-1611 WWW.ETOWAHVALLEYSPORTINGCLAYS.COM WWW.ETOWAHVALLEYGAMEPRESERVE.COM

Excellence Together.

Congratulations to our

Region FBLA Winners!

We had 22 students compete and all of them placed in the top 10 in one or more of their categories. Overall as a chapter, we placed 2nd in Region. Placing 1st in Region were: Megan Wright in Economics, Magnus Hodgson in Business Calculations, Ethan Erb in Public Service Announcement, Brayden Creel and Freddie Jenkins in Sales Presentation and the Parliamentary Procedure team of Annsley Anglin, Kailee Lebel, Magnus Hodgson, Annie Gloeckner and Lane McCarthy. Second place finishers included: Megan Wright in Business Calculations, Yared Duncan in Intro to Information Technology, Chandler Kunkel and

Anthony Plott in Publication Design, Ayla Millar and Zachary Zukanovic in Website Design, and Connor Woody in Word Processing. Third Place finishers were: Annsley Anglin in Economics, Luke Hamby and Emma Pelfrey in Marketing, and Joseph Ulery in Personal Finance. Other awards included: Caleb Roberson placed 4th in Accounting I and 5th in Business Calculations. Ethan Smith placed 4th in Personal Finance. Luke Hamby placed 4th in Economics. Joseph Ulery placed 7th in Economics. Yared Duncan placed 10th in Intro to Financial Math. Emma Pelfrey placed 11th in Business Calculations.

OneDawson

2021-2022

We are proud and honored to serve the Dawson County community. It is the mission of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office to protect the lives and property of our people through professional, progressive, and proactive service. We shall serve with compassion and respect while seeking solutions to improve quality of life, liberty, and safety for all.

We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve you!

Sheriff Jeff Johnson

Visit us on Facebook @ Dawson County Sheriff’s Office Dawsonville, Ga www.dawsoncountysheriff.org Non-Emergency 706-344-3636 Tip Line- 706-265-4744

WE OFFER DISCOUNT TO ALL FFA MEMBERS. Must Show Membership ID For Discount

Puppy Shots • Yearly dog vaccines • Cat & Dog De-wormer • Pine straw • Wheat straw • Mulches • Grass seed • Fertilizers • Lime • Variety of Hay • Wire • Gates •Wild Bird Feed • Feeders 706-344-1431 • 647 Hwy 136 East, Dawsonville, GA Hours: M-F 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-3pm • Closed Sunday

Dr. Joseph Merritt - Dr. Brian Carpenter - Dr. Ryan Driesse

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

BMES Bear Den Media Center The mission of the BMES Media Center is to serve as a collaborative instructional partner with classroom teachers while providing an engaging and stimulating learning environment for students through the use of literacy and digital resources, promoting a lifelong love of learning and reading. The BMES Media Center Program accomplishes this mission in several ways. First, the BMES Media Center acts as an extension of the classroom by serving all students kindergarten through fifth grade with literacy-themed lessons. The Media Center Program is also responsible for producing the morning news broadcast program, WBME News, which is shown school-wide daily. Next, the Media Center Program also sponsors the BMES Reading Club, led collaboratively by Mrs. Lundy and two other school staff members. To aid our younger students, the Media Center Program provides time with individual first grade readers to practice their reading skills. Finally, the Media Center Program responsibility that Mrs. Lundy holds as most important and near and dear to her heart is simply to provide engagement and promote a love of reading for all BMES students.

Kilough elementary School’s

Chorus

KES Chorus sings the National Anthem at the Braves’ game

OneDawson

Riverview SpaRK At Riverview Elementary we often talk about our SPARK. SPARK is our positive behavior intervention support acronym and stands for Service, Pride, Attitude, Respect, and Kindness. It is the way our students and staff conduct themselves in our building, classrooms, hallways, on the bus which sets the general atmosphere of our school. Given the year we experienced, the qualities of SPARK have never been more important and our students wanted to share their SPARK outside the four walls of Riverview which is how they came to partner with North Georgia Assisted Living.

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Robinson’s

“Wonder Day” The Robinson Elementary 5th grade students and teachers have started a yearly tradition called “Wonder Day.” After reading the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio, they go out and serve our community in a variety of service projects. This year, the students partnered with the city of Dawsonville to plant flowers at the new Main Street Park, participating in the food drive, visiting residents of North Georgia Assisted Living, upkeep the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Garden and working to install a Little Free Library.

“When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” - R.J. Palacio, Wonder

DCMS “Roll Out” Imagine coming to school and finding yourself transported to a time period that you have only read about. Halls are decorated, teachers are dressed up and the time in class seems to fly by! This experiential learning activity is what we like to call a “Roll Out.” Roll Outs are simulations that allow students to immerse themselves in history and apply what they have learned, in all content areas, to real world situations. Our 6th grade team has fully embraced the idea of roll outs and has successfully

executed two roll outs this school year. The first roll out of the year centered around World War II and The Great Depression. Students built Hoovervilles and engaged in financial simulations that forced them to make similar choices to families that lived during this era. The second roll out was based upon Hidden Figures, a novel that all sixth grade students read in the Spring. We anticipate adding to our experiences next year and cannot wait to roll out the fun!

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

DCJH Career Pathway Course For the first year ever, Dawson County Junior High offered a Career Pathway Course for eighth grade students. This course was designed with the purpose of career readiness allowing students to explore all the career, technical, agricultural and engineering pathway courses offered by Dawson County Schools. Students spend an entire semester identifying their strengths and learning how they can apply these strengths to a profession. Each pathway is introduced with two weeks of handson activities within each specialty. These include things like coding, entrepreneurship, computerassisted design and 3D printing, hands-only CPR, cooking techniques, horticulture and farm animals, learning with the K-9 dog and Officer Cofield, and learning how to march and fold the flag. Teachers also work to invite experts from each field of study as guest speakers.

DCHS Steel Magnolias Steel Magnolias, the school’s first production under the direction of our new theater teacher, Hannah Skelton. During COVID-19 and quarantine, the cast pulled off an incredible production. We had to maintain social distancing and limit ticket sales, but we pulled it off. Great feedback and press from the community. A true drama production that made you laugh, cry, and feel like you were right in the middle of each scene with the cast.

OneDawson

2020-2021 2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Teaching & Learning in Dawson County Schools The Dawson County School District believes students deserve a well-rounded education that includes academic and non-academic skills. The district strives to graduate college and career ready students who excel in both. The district takes great care to provide a secure, supportive learning environment, highquality, engaging learning experiences that are rigorous and relevant, and current and emerging technologies to support 21st-century learning. All curriculum and instruction in Dawson County are based on the foundation of the Georgia Standards of Excellence. For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website. Dawson County Schools offers a wide range of learning opportunities including special assistance in remediation and enrichment of basic skills, classes for gifted and talented, advanced placement courses for college credit, dual enrollment opportunities, and professional technical courses for career pathways. Assessments and data help teachers determine how to fulfill the individual needs of every child. Tutorials, interventions, and other district-wide programs allow staff to provide better quality, personalized instruction that meets the unique needs of every child. In addition to classroom instruction, extracurricular programs at all levels offer enrichment in academics, the arts, athletics, and areas of special interest to students. Media services and technology are provided at each school to support student learning. The school district is dedicated to helping all children learn and believes that every child can be successful in school and beyond. Dawson County School District’s Teaching and Learning Department is committed to providing highly engaging learning experiences that are rigorous and relevant. We believe that purposeful planning, quality teaching, balanced assessment, and collaboration with colleagues and students is the key to improving student achievement. We aim to provide exemplary support to our teachers and staff members, equipping them with the tools, skills, and resources to pursue excellence for every student! Social Media

Want to see the great things happening in our classrooms? Follow the teaching cial Media and learning department on Follow us on Facebook: Search: Dawson County School System Board of Education

s on Facebook: Search: County School ard of Education

@DCS_TEACH Follow us on Twitter: Search: @DawsonSchools

@ Dawson County School System Board of Education.

Mrs. Nicole LeCave Deputy Superintendent nlecave@dawson.k12.ga.us Mrs. Tracey Compton Director of School Improvement & Accountability tcompton@dawson.k12.ga.us

Dr. Nathan Hand, Director of Instructional Services, Secondary nathan.hand@dawson.k12.ga.us Dr. Janice Darnell Executive Director of Instructional Support & Student Services

jdarnell@dawson.k12.ga.us dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

CTAE Education Pathway Education students at DCHS have had a very productive and busy year! From baking championships, to community service, to competitive events, they have made their mark in Georgia. In fall 2020, Megan Dixon, Breeze Motte, and Madison Middleton took on the challenge of participating in the Virtual Georgia State FCCLA Baking and Pastry competition given only a two day notice. They created 1st place winning cream puffs and submitted their video to be chosen to represent the state of Georgia as they advanced to the National FCCLA Baking and Pastry competition. Their second virtual video submission which included cream puffs, cookies, pretzels, and muffins earned them a fourth place prize for the nation! Meanwhile, we had another group of FCCLA students participate in a community service project where they challenged DCHS students and their community to help collect hygiene products for needy families. After noticing that hygiene items go overlooked when communities collect food, toys, and clothing, Blake Smith, Lily, McCracken, and Kathryn Menoche set out to fill one hundred gallon size ziplock bags full of items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, razors,

Breeze Motte, Megan Dixon, and Madison Middleton with their award winning cream puffs!

soap, and lip balm to be given to families in our community who are identified as in need by school social workers. They surpassed their one hundred bag goal as hygiene items continued to pour in from students, staff, and community members even after the due date. They presented their service project at the Georgia FCCLA Region STAR Events Competition and scored well enough to advance to the state competition. At the state competition, they earned second place securing their spot in the National FCCLA STAR Events Competition in June 2021. As the Virtual Georgia State FCCLA Leadership Conference neared, a request was sent out for students to sing the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies. DCHS students Mackenzie Juliette, Blake Smith, Lily McCracken, and Sadie Pruitt took on the challenge by submitting their own student led acapella quartet version of the National Anthem and their video was chosen over other submissions across the state to be showcased at the Virtual Georgia State FCCLA Leadership Conference! Needless to say, DCHS FCCLA has represented Dawson County in a big way in the state of Georgia for the 2020-2021 school year!

Blake Smith, Lily McCracken, and Kathryn Menoche sorted through the thousands of hygiene items donated by DCHS students, staff, and community members!

In May of 2021 Dawson County College and Career Academy held its annual awards ceremony. During this ceremony we recognize Senior Pathway Completers, Senior’s that pass their End of Pathway Assessments, students that participated in CTSO (Career Tech Student Organizations) competitions, CTSO Officers and WBL Completers. 22

OneDawson

2021-2022

Blake Smith, Sadie Pruitt, Mackenzie Juliette, and Lily McCracken took advantage of the amazing acoustics in the Dawson County Performing Arts Center for their National Anthem performance!

Excellence Together.

In Ag Mechanics courses students learn a variety of mechanical skills such as tractor driving and mechanics, and welding skills.

Mr. Perry’s Criminal Investigations students are using a Cyanosafe to develop fingerprints on objects such as a coke can.

Culinary Arts students learn a variety of skills such as baking and how to make homemade pasta.

Engineering students in Engineering Concepts designed and built a variety of yard games that will be used at DCHS. Time playing these games will be used as PBIS rewards.

Mrs. Dyer’s Patient Tech students planned and implemented a Grey’s Day Trauma simulation. This was a cross curricular project that included students from theatre, JROTC, Criminal Investigations and Healthcare Science. dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Connect 1Dawson is an authentic campaign to “Tell Our Story” using current Connect 1Dawson is an authentic campaign to “Tell Our Story” using current media media trends. We will create and distribute a steady stream of short video stories trends. We will create and distribute a steady stream of short video stories to inform a to inform a receptive audience about what’s going on in Dawson County Schools. receptive audience about what’s going on in Dawson County Schools.

Visit www.connect1dawson.org to view the videos!

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Get Connected! Dr. Gibbs would like you to join DawsonSchools!

Stay in touch with Dawson County Schools by downloading our new mobile app! Download on your mobile device today and select yes to receive push notifications with the latest news and updates from the District.

To receive messages via text, text @dc-schools to 81010. You can opt-out of messages at anytime by like you to join replying, ‘unsubscribe @dc-schools’.

d ike s! you to join

To: @dc-schools to Trouble using 81010? Try texting To receive messages via text, text (706) 256-8294 instead. @dc-schools to 81010. You can

81010

Enter this number

opt-out of messages at anytime by

Key Features notifications  Push Select yes when you download the app

Enter this number

Events  Calendar Add events to the calendar on your

replying, 'unsubscribe @dc-schools'.

personal mobile device directly from the calendar section on the app.

Message: Trouble using 81010? Try texting To: to (706) 256-8294 @dc-schools instead.

To: 81010 Text this message

@dc-schools

Enter this number

Text this message

ls'.

81010

Message:

@dc-schools

Message:

Or to receive messages via email, send

@dc-schools

an email to dc-

*Standard text message rates apply.

Enter this number *Standard text message rates apply.

 News Check out the latest district wide and school news all in one place!

Download Today!

Text this message New message

Text this message dc-schools@mail.remind.com

schools@mail.remind.com. To

unsubscribe, reply with 'unsubscribe' in

Recipients Subject

(You can leave the subject blank)

Social Media

the subject line. *Standard text message rates apply.

Or to receive messages via email, send an email to New message send dc-schools@mail.remind.com. To unsubscribe, reply ) dc-schools@mail.remind.com with Recipients ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

be' in

to receive the latest push notifications from the district and your school.

Subject

(You can leave the subject blank)

New message

Recipients dc-schools@mail.remind.com WHAT IS REMIND AND WHY IS IT SAFE? Subjectis a(You leave subject blank) tool that helps teachers share important updates and reminders Remind free,can safe, and the simple messaging with students & parents. Subscribe by text, email or using the Remind app. All personal information is kept private. Teachers will never see your phone number, nor will you see theirs.

Visit remind.com to learn more.

WHAT IS REMIND AND WHY IS IT SAFE? Remind is a free, safe, and simple messaging tool IT SAFE? that teachers share important and e messaging toolhelps that helps teachers share important updates andupdates reminders be by text, email or using the Remind app. All personal information is kept reminders with students & parents. Subscribe by ant and nor reminders your updates phone number, will you see theirs. onal information is kept text, email or using the Remind app. All personal information is kept private. Teachers will never SAFE? seethat your norupdates will you theirs. essaging tool helpsphone teachersnumber, share important and see reminders y text, email or using Visit the Remind app. All personal information is kept remind.com to learn more.

phone number, nor will you see theirs.

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Where Are They Now? D a ws o n c o u n t y h i g h sch o o l

Alumni

Dawson County Schools is proud of our DCHS alumni! We wanted to highlight a few alumni that are now in extraordinary roles in their professional life... Ross Walters and Riley Westbrook Ross Walters and Riley Westbrook are graduates of the DCHS class of 2015. Directly out of high school, the two attended UNG while also working together at a coffee shop in neighboring city Gainesville. Out of this grew a passion for coffee, but more importantly, a passion for service. The two formed a company vision: start a company that matches the top 1% of quality with the top 1% of customer service. Riley and Ross ran a Kickstarter for $10,000 to crowdfund startup money, put another $10,000 on a 0% interest credit card, put their college plans on hold, and dedicated their time to starting a mobile coffee cart business, Valor Coffee, with the end goal of earning enough capital to open a coffee shop. Valor catered its first event in October 2016. In 2019 they officially opened their retail cafe and in 2020 they opened their coffee roasting headquarters in Roswell. 26

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Drew Henderson

Katelyn (Westbrook) Goodwin

After graduating Dawson County High School in 1994, Dr. Drew Henderson attended Gainesville College and North Georgia College and State University (UNG) where he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

After graduating from DCHS as Salutatorian in 2008, Katelyn (Westbrook) Goodwin attended Brenau University. She received her Bachelor of Science and Nursing and started her career as a registered nurse at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in 2012. She spent most of her time there in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit caring for the most vulnerable of patients. Her time in the NICU taught her how to care for not only infants, but their whole families as well. This led Katelyn to apply for the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Brenau University. She graduated from Brenau University once again in 2019 with her Master of Science and Nursing. She accepted a position as a Nurse Practitioner at Northeast Georgia Physician’s Group Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Dawsonville in November 2019. Katelyn has grown her practice in Dawsonville and continues developing trusting and caring relationships with patients of all ages.

Soon after graduating at NGCSU, he was accepted at Life University in Marietta, GA to their Doctor of Chiropractic program. After graduating in 2006, he went to Murrayville, GA to open his own private practice. In less than 8 years after graduating, Dr. Drew was bestowed the Georgia “Chiropractor of the Year” by his colleagues.

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

2021-22

DCHS: Derek Waters

Teachers of the Year

DCJH: Erin Wade

Kilough: Amy Tankersley

DCMS: Karen Westbrook

Riverview: Carson Johnson

BMES: Stephanie Danuser

Robinson: Meghan Cantrell

The System-wide Teacher of the Year selection will be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting. Due to Covid-19, all 2019-2020 teachers served as the school’s Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year. They were recognized by the Chamber of Commerce in April 2021.

2020-2021 Teachers of the Year: DCHS: Keith Pankey DCJH: Charles Beusse DCMS/System: Renee Rogers RES: Rebecca Madsen RvES: Jill Fisher KES: Sarah Stewart BMES: Julia Morang 28

OneDawson

2021-2022

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE ALL YOUR FAMILIES AUTOMOTVE NEEDS

SUMMER is grilling season!

• BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

HOURS Sunday .................. Closed Monday-Friday ... 8AM–5PM Saturday ............... Appt. Only

• BEST TIRE STORE • BEST SMALL ENGINE REPAIR • AND CHRIS McBRAYER BEST AUTO MECHANIC

Locally Owned & Operated

6546 GA-9 Dawsonville, GA 30534

770-887-7625

383 Hwy. 53 West Dawsonville, GA 706-344-1GAS

Serving your families needs Winning 4 Consecutive Years Best Insurance Company and Best Agent

Auto - Home - Condo - Renters - Umbrella - Life - Annuity - Boat Classic Car - Motorcycle - RV - Rentals - Business - Church

131 Prominence Ct Ste 110 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-429-0172 | www.vankeith.com

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

DCS 2021 Retirement Thank you and best wishes to our 2021 retirees

Black’s Mill Elementary Denise Ledford

Kilough Elementary Cynthia Burks

Riverview Elementary Jeff Dixon

Riverview Elementary Tracy Todd

Robinson Elementary Laurie Anderson

Robinson Elementary Laura Parker

Dawson County Middle Barbara Anderson

Dawson County Middle Dale Auten

Dawson County Middle Dr. Randi Sagona

Dawson County Jr. High Tina Brown

Dawson County Jr. High Stephen Stubbs

Dawson County High Laura Hendrix

Dawson County High Betty Hopkins

Dawson County High Jimmy Pruett

Dawson County High Deneen Trammell

System Linda Byrd

System Sabrina Graves 30

OneDawson

Transportation Dianne Dinsmore 2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Student

Spotlight

Congratulations to DCHS student, Megan Wright! Megan scored a perfect score on the ACT earlier this spring. We are so proud of you!

PARENTS OF Parents PRESCHOOLERS: PARENTS OFof preschoolers PARENTS OF PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS: PRESCHOOLERS: PRESCHOOLERS:

Contact Director of Exceptional Children, Dr. Todd Langley, for more information: todd.langley@dawson.k12.ga.us

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

CBI Staff & Exceptional Children’s Department The CBI classes did not let the COVID slow them down this year! Even though classes were not able to do job training out in the community, there were many accomplishments this year! Because Coffee our community partner has developed the “Tiger Blend” coffee and partnered with us for the huge “Birthaversary” Celebration. Mr. Doug Cole does so much for our students and our programs in Dawson County! The “Common Grounds Cafe” at the high school continued sales in the mornings to staff and students. The Common Grounds Cafe serves and promotes our own Because Coffee “Tiger Blend”. When a business or individual buys bags of the Because Coffee “Tiger Blend”. a percentage of sales goes back to the programs in Dawson County. This money this year went toward our Music Therapy programs, and Community Learning Experiences. Thank you to Doug Cole for making this possible for our programs in Dawson County.

such fun and a success this year; that Ms. Charnley partnered with a business to get a grant for towers to be placed at Blacks Mill, Dawson Middle, and Dawson Junior High. We can’t wait to see what all they grow! The CBI students had a business of making birthday, get well, and thank you cards for sale to staff and the public. Student’s researched patterns for the art work and had to duplicate onto each card. Each card is individually made and this makes each one unique! This is an in school job that will continue next year! The students also came up with the “Tiger Barkery”, students researched recipes for all natural ingredients for dog treats. The students made sample batches, these were handed out to staff to take home and try with their fur babies. The treats and dog were tested and approved! The students took orders and made the treats fresh to order. This was a hit!

We also had a huge success with Modern Woodman with Mrs. Alexandria Williams, who got our classes signed up with the Financial Literacy Program to help students understand money and their earnings on a job. Mrs. Williams also partnered with Because Coffee to match proceeds made during Because Coffee’s “Birthaversary” celebration. Thank you Mrs. Alexandria Williams!

Vocational Rehabilitation worked with our teachers to get the CBI students enrolled in the Tommy Nobis Center where students took classes weekly to help with essential employment skills. In the months of April and May, Vocational Rehabilitation worked with teachers to get the students into a Career Assessment Training Program at the local Goodwill.

Students were able to start and continue our Music Therapy with the George Center, and plan on writing and trying for grants to continue this on a bi- weekly basis for our students in the county. Thank you Ms. Lydia Baker and the staff in helping us get music therapy for our Dawson County Students.

Other accomplishments were students getting their driver’s permits and license to continue growing at their jobs off campus; as well as their State ID cards needed to apply for jobs. Students worked on filling out their own forms, and applications, and even updating resumes. The students for in school jobs also loved helping the Dawson County PBIS committee with different tasks throughout the year, and the Dawson County Football Team with their uniforms.

The high school CBI classes put together their Tower Garden. A community lesson and trip was taken by SweetWater Urban Farms to select our plants to grow, and see how this process worked. Students enjoyed planting, checking PH, measuring nutrients, and making smoothies, and other items to eat from their Tower. This was

We can’t wait to see what the next upcoming year has to offer our Dawson County Tigers! We thank everyone this year for the love and support of our students and our program! Go Tigers!

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

"BRIDGING THE GAP"

Wil ly par ou t wit ner hu s?

OUR DAWSON COUNTY PARTNERS:

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Athletics & Clubs

Several extracurricular options are available at each school. Visit your school’s website or see your child’s school or teacher for more information. 34

OneDawson

2021-2022

off

REGISTRATION (Discounted Registration Cost is $100) Expires 8.31.21. Not Valid With Any Other Discounts or Special Offers.

Mathnasium will give your child an edge in math, and that leads to improved confidence overall. We give students the personalized instruction they need to accelerate their math skills and have a successful school year. Our expert instructors don’t just teach students to memorize or calculate; they teach them to truly understand the way math works. Which is why Mathnasium students make huge strides in the classroom and become more motivated and self-assured overall. Join over a million parents who have trusted Mathnasium to build their children’s confidence and transform their math skills. Our live, face-to-face instruction is offered both in-center and online.

Contact us today for a free assessment. Mathnasium of Coal Mountain 2667 Freedom Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 470-567-MATH (6284) • mathnasium.com/coalmountain

Excellence Together.

STUDENT SUPPORT Services Title I Title I, Part A provides federal funds through the Georgia Department of Education to local educational agencies (LEAs) and public schools with high percentages of economically disadvantaged children to help ensure that all children meet challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards. Black’s Mill Elementary, Kilough Elementary, Riverview Elementary, and Robinson Elementary all receive funding as a Title I Schoolwide School. For the 3nd year in a row, Riverview Elementary was named as a Highest-Performing Reward School. HighestPerforming Reward Schools are among the highest 5% of all Title I schools in the state. Each Title I school works to actively engage parents as partners in the educational program. The schools have parent compact agreements that outline the ways the school, parents, and students will commit to working together for a great school year. The schools also create plans to involve parents in all aspects of their student’s educational experience. Parents have the opportunity to learn about ways to support their child’s learning by attending special events throughout the year. Each Title I school also has a parent resource room filled with games, resources, activities, and computer access to assist parents with helping their child to be successful.

Title III/ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) ESOL is a state-funded instructional program for eligible English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12. The program emphasizes academic and social language development and its coursework is based on the WIDA Consortium English Language Development (ELD) standards. Classroom teachers integrate the ELD standards with the Georgia content standards to enable ELs to 36

communicate in English and demonstrate their academic, social, and cultural proficiency. Title III is a federally funded program that provides supplemental funds to support ESOL services that are already in place. Dawson County Schools provides language support services to EL students in multiple formats. Schools utilize push-in and pull-out support from a certified ESOL teacher, scheduled ESOL courses, and online supplemental computer assisted instruction. Once an EL student meets language proficiency requirements, the student is exited from supplemental language services.

Early Intervention Program Children start school at a designated chronological age, but differ greatly in their individual development and experience base. The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to serve students who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining academic grade level. The purpose of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help students who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance in the shortest possible time. The Early Intervention Program Placement and Exit Criteria are based on documented student performance in ELA/reading and mathematics and is a part of the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework for providing support to students. The EIP provides a structure for additional instruction to ensure students meet grade level expectations at the elementary level.

Remedial Education Program The Remedial Education Program (REP) is an instructional program designed for students in grades 6-12 who have identified deficiencies in reading, writing, or math. This program provides basic skills instruction

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

as mandated by Georgia Law in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. The instruction may be provided as a scheduled class with push-in support, a smaller class size, or pull-out support. The REP is a part of the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework for providing support to students. The REP Program provides a structure for additional instruction to ensure students meet grade level expectations at the middle, junior, and high school level.

REACH Scholarship Program In 2021, Dawson County will announce its 7th cohort of REACH Georgia Scholars. REACH stands for Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH). REACH is a needs-based scholarship designed to promote academic success and expand access to higher education. The program requires students to sign contracts to maintain a certain grade point average, good behavior & attendance, and remain crime & drug free. The scholars also commit to meet with a volunteer mentor and academic coach until they graduate from high school. Additionally, the student’s parents or guardians sign contracts to support their student through their education. When these scholars graduate from high school, they will receive up to a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 each year for up to four years) to be used at a HOPE eligible Georgia two or four-year college. Many colleges will match this scholarship and some will double match the scholarship, providing scholars additional resources for their college education. Dawson County is one of 154 school systems out of 180 that participate in the REACH Georgia scholarship program.

Gifted Education The vision of the Dawson County Gifted Program is to be an exemplary program as we advocate for and meet the needs of each gifted child. Dawson County Schools provide services to those students who meet the local and state criteria for gifted eligibility utilizing one or more of the following models of service: cluster grouping within

a traditional classroom, advanced & accelerated content courses, enrichment & resource support courses, and internships. Gifted students must meet and maintain high performance in both gifted and non-gifted courses to continue services in the program.

Counselors & Support Each school in the district has a full-time counselor who works to provide students with academic guidance and social-emotional support. The counselors work with teachers and administrators in monitoring and assessing student academic progress. They help to provide scheduling of appropriate interventions that may be needed to help struggling students, as well as, high performing students. Counselors provide career cluster and guidance lessons to students as they work toward becoming college and career ready.

Social-Emotional Learning School counselors work with the teachers as advisors to implement character education and social-emotional learning programs. Second Step: At the elementary level, schools utilize the 2nd Step curriculum. Through the use of weekly lessons, students are taught techniques to gain confidence, set goals, make better decisions, collaborate with others in work and play, and navigate the world more effectively. The lessons include ageappropriate lessons in skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, and problem solving. 7 Mindsets: At the middle and junior high levels, schools utilize the 7 Mindsets curriculum. The 7 Mindsets are designed to promote self-awareness, selfmanagement, social awareness, positive relationship skills, and responsible decision making. These skills are not only important as a young adult, but throughout life as well. Renaissance, The Harbor: At the high school level, the school utilizes The Harbor curriculum. This video series facilitates the teaching of character development by showcasing tangible life lessons such as having a positive attitude, how to get unstuck,

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

counselors, support staff, and school nurses across the district. This training provides instruction on how to help adolescents (age 12-18) who are experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or are in crisis.

time management, self-reflection, self-worth, and communication. The lessons are facilitated weekly by the student’s TAA (teacher as advisor).

Crisis Prevention

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA): 10th graders will receive training about common mental health challenges, what they can do to support their own mental health, and how to help a friend who may be struggling. The tMHFA helps to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to foster their own wellness and to support each other

If you or your child are in crisis, please call toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline* 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Georgia Crisis & Access Line* | 1-800-715-4225 Crisis Text Line* | Text “HOME” to 741741 *All calls are confidential and answered 24/7. Each school counselor works to support the district-wide initiative to partner with families and the community in addressing issues and concerns related to suicide, substance abuse, and mental health. Schools will implement the following programs: Riding the Waves: 5th graders will learn about healthy emotional development, depression, and anxiety. Through a series of 12 lessons throughout the year, the students will learn ways to make healthy decisions, strategies for coping with difficult situations, and how/ who/when to ask for help. Signs of Suicide: 6th - 12thgraders will be provided with age-appropriate lessons that raise awareness about suicide and depression. Students are taught how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) if they encounter a situation that requires help from a trusted adult. Sources of Strength: Dawson County students in grades 6 – 12 will participate in Sources of Strength training and implementation. This is a prevention program for suicide, violence, bullying, and substance abuse. Peer leaders and caring adults will be trained and supported in the importance and implementation of connection, hope, help, and strength with fellow students. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA): YMHFA training has been provided to administrators, school

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) All Dawson County Schools utilize the PBIS as a framework to prevention and intervention to support academic, social, emotional, and behavioral learning for all students. Through this framework, each school develops positive, predictable, and safe environments that foster the creation of strong interpersonal relationships through teaching, modeling, and providing encouragement. Students are taught social skills and appropriate social behavior expectations. Through this teaching, combined with acknowledgement and feedback, there is an increase in positive behaviors, which promotes a greater climate of productivity, safety, and learning.

School Social Worker & McKinney-Vento Liaison The district social worker and McKinney-Vento liaison continually works with the local law enforcement, judicial system, and health care professionals to address the needs of students and their families. They work to address problems students and families face when enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. The district will continue its partnership with AVITA to provide professional mental health counseling services at the middle, junior, and senior high schools.

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Attention Parents!

Your child can Earn College Credit in High School!

Dual Enrollment Program for Georgia High School Students *Schedule an appointment with your child’s counselor to learn more. dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

How can I make a difference? If this is a question you have pondered, now may be the time for you to join those who...

Dawson County Schools

How do I begin? • Contact the school district to express your interest. • Complete required backgroud check. • Attend required training session. • Attend MENTOR support meetings. 40

Visit DCS website for info http://dawsoncountyschools.org/ departments/student_services/ m_e_n_t_o_r_dawson

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

Online Learning Plan for School Closures Dawson County Schools will recover instructional time lost due to school closures by utilizing online learning using Schoology, the district’s online learning management system. We understand and realize that during a weather emergency that there could be sporadic power outages, internet unavailability, etc. That is why our lesson plans have some

For 2021-22 School Year

*Refer to individual school and/or website for details.

Middle, Junior High, and High

• Teachers will post all assignments by 9 a.m. in Schoology on the first O-Learning day. • Assignments will be limited to no more than 20 min/ subject. This includes any assigned reading, multimedia and/or videos. • Students should begin working on their lessons on the day missed when possible. Student work is due five school days after returning to school. • Student attendance is not connected to the completion of work.

2021-22 Class Schedule When school is closed, elementary (Grades K-5) will follow an A or B schedule to balance the student workload. Elementary “A” Day

activities available online and some that your child can complete at home without the use of technology. Upon return to school, students will be given five days to complete any work assigned that may have not been completed.

Grades 6th-12th will follow their normal schedule for that day, and students will complete lessons for classes they would have attended that day (For example, on Monday, Tuesday and Friday a school may have a seven-period day, while Wednesday and Thursday they may be a block day).

Teacher Communication Prior to school closings, teachers will communicate with parents and students how students can find assignments in Schoology and the mode of communication to use to contact teachers. Additionally, teachers will have digital office hours on the days that school is closed. • Elementary: 9-10 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. • Middle and High: 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.

Elementary “B” Day

English/Language Arts Math Social Studies or Science*

Science or Social Studies*

Art (K-2) Music and PE (K-2) Music and PE (3-5) Art (3-5)

*Refer to individual school for details. Please note that elementary schools may have additional specials. Please refer to the individual school for details. dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Technology Department The purpose of the Dawson County School System is to be an exemplary district, with outstanding staff, that prepares students to compete globally. We believe we can prepare students to compete globally by offering opportunities for personalized learning. DawsonLEAD represents Learning & Engagement Achieved Digitally, and encompasses all instructional technology initiatives. DawsonLEAD includes the one to one mobile device initiative, the district wide learning management system (Schoology LMS), Google Apps for Education, and preparing all of our students to become college and career ready.

Teachers

Will use technology to support more effective and efficient instruction in the following ways: • Use resource tools to access information that supports their instructional efforts. • Teach lessons using technology resources that provide for diverse student populations. • Use software that supports their administrative tasks. • Use adaptive/assistive devices for special needs students. • Model responsible, ethical, and legal uses of technology.

Students

Will use technology to facilitate learning and improve achievement in the following ways: • Use resource tools to access information that supports their learning efforts. • Use software that supports their learning tasks. • Use technology resources to help support student achievement. • Demonstrate computer literacy skills. • Demonstrate responsible, ethical and legal uses of technology.

OneDawson

2021-2022

Excellence Together.

PowerSchool Schoology Schoology is Dawson County’s Learning Management System. This is the teacher’s online classroom for content delivery to our students. This is also the platform for online learning.

PowerSchool is Dawson County’s Student Information System. This is where attendance and grades are recorded.

Classlink Classlink is Dawson County’s Single Sign On platform. Here, students can login one time and have access to all DCS’s online educational resources.

Everything you need to know About Dawson County Technology

ipads

Digital Citizenship

All students grade K-12 will be issued an iPad. The DCS technology committee selected these devices because it was the most flexible device for assessment and instruction.

Dawson County Schools is working to ensure a positive school culture and climate that supports safe and reasonable technology use. All students go through an age appropriate digital citizenship curriculum.

Network Security Dawson County Schools takes content filtering seriously. DCS deploys the latest in firewall & network security to help keep your children safe online. dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

Health Services

School Nurses

in Dawson County Schools Dawson County Health Service’s team believes that a life lived with optimal health directly affect academic success of a child. We are proud to be a part of a team that supports the whole student, mentally and physically, throughout their educational years. The goal for our students is that “every child that comes to school is healthy, safe, and ready to learn.” To ensure that our goal is met, our clinical staff members abide by the National Association of School Nurses Framework for the 21st Century School Nursing Practice. This framework includes using evidence based standards in everyday clinical practice, being a medical liaison for healthcare coordination throughout our community, advocating for each and every child, continually monitoring and improving the care that is given, and remaining culturally competent and aware of the social determinants of health that affect our students, teachers, and staff. Our school nurses are a primary resource for the management of acute and chronic medical conditions, health related issues, as well as health education and promotion throughout the school year. We are devoted to providing a high level of quality care to each student we serve and dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community.

Mrs. Vikki Brannon BSN, RN, MSN NBCSN Director of Youth Health Services vbrannon@dawson.k12.ga.us

Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy

Stop Germs! Wash Your Hands.

Handwashing is an easy, cheap, and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep kids and adults healthy. When your family is healthy, you don’t have to worry about missing school, work, or other activities.

When? • After using the bathroom • Before, during, and after preparing food • Before eating food

Help your child develop handwashing skills

• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Handwashing can become a lifelong healthy habit if you start teaching it at an early age. Teach kids the five easy steps for handwashing—wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry—and the key times to wash hands, such as after using the bathroom or before eating. You can find ways to make it fun, like making up your own handwashing song or turning it into a game.

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste • After handling pet food or pet treats • After touching garbage

How?

Lead by example Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse hands well under clean, running water.

Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy.

www.cdc.gov/handwashing

www.cdc.gov/handwashing This material was developed by CDC. The Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign is made possible by a partnership between the CDC Foundation, GOJO, and Staples. HHS/CDC does not endorse commercial products, services, or companies.

Young children learn by imitating the behaviors of adults in their lives. When you make handwashing part of your routine, you’re setting an example for your children to follow.

This material was developed by CDC. The Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign is made possible by a partnership between the CDC Foundation, GOJO, and Staples. HHS/CDC does not endorse commercial products, services, or companies. CS310027-A

OneDawson

2021-2022

CS310275-A

Excellence Together.

Help a child smile

Information: If you are a Dawson resident who will be 65+ during the 2021-2022 school year, or if you are a Dawson County Schools (DCS) retiree, you are eligible to receive an annual 1D Golden Pass.

The 1D Golden Pass entitles you to the following special privilege: • Admission to DCS home high school athletic events. (Free admission does not extend to away games, play-off games, graduation or PTO/A sponsored events.)

Help a Child Smile will be visiting our schools in the fall and again in the spring to provide students with their 6-month checkup opportunities. To find more information and register, visit www.myschooldentist.com.

• Golden Passes are issued at Dawson County High School front office, 1665 Perimeter Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, Monday Friday of regular school days, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please present a valid Driver’s License or I.D. • $20 card processing fee

Operation Christmas Child FBLA, FCCLA and HOSA teamed up to host an Operation Christmas Child packing party. Students brought in donations and were able to pack 55 boxes that were donated to Operation Christmas Child.

dawsoncountyschools.org

Excellence Together.

DAWSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

2021-2022 STUDENT CALENDAR July

August 2-5 6

Pre Planning First Day of School

September

October

6 23-27

Labor Day (No School) Fall Break

Early Release/ Parent Conference Prof. Dev. (Student Holiday)

November

December

22-26

Early Release/ Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Holiday

22-31

Early Release / Last day of 1st Semester Holiday Break

JULY 2021 S

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

SEPTEMBER 2021 S

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

NOVEMBER 2021 S

7 14 21 28 January

February

3 4 17

17 18-21

Prof. Dev. (Student Holiday) Students Return MLK Day (No School)

Prof. Dev. (Student Holiday) Student/Staff Holiday

March

April 4-8

Early Release/Parent Conference Prof. Dev. (Student Holiday)

May 25 26-27

June

Begin 8:10 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 7:40 a.m. 7:40 a.m.

End 3:05 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

W 3 10 17 24

F 2 9 16 23 30

TH 2 9 16 23 30

F 3 10 17 24

TH 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

2 9 16

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

T 1 8 15 22 29

S 1 8 15 22 29

M 2 9 16 23 30

Early Release 12:30 p.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.

2021-2022 CALENDAR REVISED – APPROVED 3/9/2021 OneDawson

T 3 10 17 24 31

S 6 13 20 27

19 Days

S 4 11 18 25

17 Days

S 3 10 17 24 31

18 Days

MAY 2022 TOTAL DAYS 180 - Students 190 - Staff

Elementary Middle Junior High High

T 2 9 16 23 30

MARCH 2022

Spring Break

Early Release / Last day of 2nd Semester Post Planning

School Hours

M 1 8 15 22 29

JANUARY 2022

23 30 10

W 1 8 15 22 29

TH 1 8 15 22 29

S 1 8 15 22 29

22 Days

W 2 9 16 23 30

TH 3 10 17 24 31

F 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

18 Days

W 4 11 18 25

TH 5 12 19 26

F 6 13 20 27

S 7 14 21 28

AUGUST 2021 S 1 8 15 22 29

M 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

18 Days

W 4 11 18 25

TH 5 12 19 26

4 11 18 24/31 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

3 10 17

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

W 1 8 15 22 29

FEBRUARY 2022 S

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

T 1 8 15 22

APRIL 2022

W 2 9 16 23

TH 2 9 16 23 30

TH 3 10 17 24

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

W 1 8 15 22 29

TH 2 9 16 23 30

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

F 3 10 17 24 31

F 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

F 1 8 15 22 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

F 3 10 17 24

S 4 11 18 25

Early Release

Pre/Post Planning/Prof. Dev.

First/Last Day of Semester

Student/Staff Holiday

2021-2022

S 4 11 18 25

16 Days

S 2 9 16 23 30

17 Days

JUNE 2022

F 1 8 15 22 29

15 Days

DECEMBER 2021 S

S 7 14 21 28

20 Days

OCTOBER 2021 S

F 6 13 20 27

Have a Question about an Accounting or Tax Issue?

Ask an Expert.

Christine Hinton CPA Owner

C: 706-522-3025 F: 678-550-7765 Christine@ChristineHintonCPA.com ChristineHintonCPA.com We are known for the quality of our service and the high standards we set for ourselves. Our primary goal is to help our clients make informed financial decisions.” - Christine Hinton

TAX PLANNING BOOKKEEPING CFO SERVICES

The Tax Accounting Firm Of Christine Hinton CPA serves Dawsonville, Georgia, and all surrounding areas. Member of the Georgia Society of CPA’s (GSCPA), We are a full-service Tax Accounting & Business Consulting Firm. We know our clients need solid financial and business guidance to both save on taxes and run their business in a more efficient and profitable way. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) it is our job to help our clients minimize taxes and maximize profits. We provide a wide variety of accounting, tax and financial management services tailored to meet the needs of our business clients. We encourage our clients to keep us informed when they are going through changes in life like getting married, divorced, having children or purchasing a new house. At the same time, we will keep you informed of the tax law changes throughout the year to ensure that you are taking advantage of All tax incentives. To better meet the needs of our accounting and tax clients throughout the Dawsonville Area, we also have individualized custom services for small businesses that include Financial Services, Payroll Services, as well as Accounting and Bookkeeping services. We look forward to being our clients part-time CFO, and advising them and working with them to relieve some of the pressures of building and running a small business. Our accounting firm is known for the quality of its service. Our firm’s reputation reflects the high standards we demand of ourselves. Our primary goal as a trusted advisor is to be available to provide insightful advice to enable our clients to make informed financial decisions.

You got this Because you have us

They depend on you, you can depend on us Life insurance is the foundation of a secure financial future, and we have a plan for every budget. Discover the peace of mind that comes from working with a local financial representative. And enjoy the sense of purpose that comes from giving back to the community.

We can help you plan for life. Call today.

Ask me about MoneyMasters! • Free financial literacy program for K-12 students. • Free personal finance workshops for adults.

Alexandria Williams, FIC 685 Couch Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 404-372-0980 alexandria.williams@ mwarep.org

Heather Failla, FIC 135 Prominence Ct. Suite 140 Dawsonville, GA 30534 770-545-4310 heather.a.failla@mwarep.org

Life insurance | Retirement planning | Financial services | Member benefits dawsoncountyschools.org

Lead where it counts.

Nationally recognized for academic excellence, student achievement and affordability, UNG is one of the country’s best values in public universities.

go.ung.edu/1dawson

Blue Ridge • Cumming • Dahlonega • Gainesville • Oconee • Online UNG is designated as a State Leadership Institution and as The Military College of Georgia®.