Dougherty County School System Notebook – Nov. 27, 2014

Focus on attendance report

International Studies Elementary Charter School led the October attendance challenge with a 98.74 percent attendance rate among professional staff. Jackson Heights Elementary School had the greatest number of staff members with perfect attendance for the month with 78 percent of professional staff. Superintendent David Mosely has challenged each school to strive for improved attendance as one of the four goals for the 2014-15 school year. The school with the best attendance record will be rewarded.

Monroe pays tribute to veterans

Monroe Comprehensive High School’s Air Force JROTC cadets put for an outstanding performance at a Veterans Day ceremony and drill competition. Guest speaker for the event was Second Lt. Victor Singleton, a U. S. Army veteran and former staff member at Monroe. The ceremony paid tribute to all veterans with special recognition to veterans associated with the Monroe Tornadoes.

Family members, faculty and students witnessed the Pass and Review of 145 cadets and the drill competition which followed. After fierce competition, Monroe’s D Flight took top honors. Cadets Princess Hall, Keith Hayes and Melteasha Quimby also won individual awards. Maj. Patrick Bass and Master Sgt. Uysel Inman were pleased to see so many veterans and family members watch their cadets in action.

Albany Middle danceline places in competition

Earlier this month, the Albany Middle School Emerald Dazzlers danceline won first place in the small group division of the 2014 Junior Division at the Atlanta Battle of the Dancelines, beating seven other national teams. The competition was held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The group performed a jazz routine choreographed by their coach, Iija Sheffield-Sibley. The dancers included Tyera Thomas, Kanaya Goodson, Ke’Nasia Ware, Jazmine Calloway, Na’Tyanna Pratt, Epicourioua Frazier, and Nakiyah Nix. The students received personalized first-place trophies, and their photo will be placed in the Battle of the Dancelines Hall of Fame.

Mayor proclaims Parent Engagement Month in Albany

Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard announced her support for Parent Engagement Month in the city of Albany by signing a proclamation on Nov. 7. DCSS parent engagement specialist Valerie Overstreet-Thomas and Monroe Comprehensive High School parent facilitator Andrew Caldwell were present to receive the proclamation. This is just one of many activities taking place throughout the district to encourage parents to participate in the “I CAN Play a Role” campaign to promote academic success.

Albany Middle receives donation from Pic-n-Sav

Thanks to a donation from community partner Pic-N-Sav, Albany Middle School’s parent facilitator Lakeshia Covin will be able to serve refreshments at parent meetings. Lee Johnson, Pic-N-Sav’s store manager, donated bottled water and snacks to be used in the school’s parent resource center, which hosts several meetings each year to keep parents and stakeholders informed of school news and activities.

Lincoln Elementary chorus performs at Exchange Club Fair

The Lincoln Elementary Magnet School Chorus was invited to perform at the annual Albany Exchange Club Fair earlier this month. The performers, under the direction of Samuel McPhee Jr., included members of the 4th- and 5th-grade Honor Chorus and the Lincoln Lions Chorus. They performed five selections: “It Starts with Me,” “Sing for the World Needs a Song,” “You are Our Heroes” (featuring soloists Skye Johnson and Ella Okoro), “Cross the Wide Missouri” and “Peace Be With You.”