North Douglas Elementary School Celebrates Year Of New Beginnings

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA — North Douglas Elementary School already has a lot to celebrate this school year. Under the new leadership of Principal Karna Kelly, many exciting changes have taken place at North Douglas. North Douglas’ faculty and administration are confident and encouraged by the academic progress, empowering school culture and climate, and their unwavering commitment to community outreach.

Each school day begins with the sound of Principal Kelly shouting “Stingray” followed by the students resounding echo of “Strong.” Principal Kelly rises to enthusiastically greet everyone, encouraging them all to be their best. She reminds them of any special school-wide events and, when necessary, addresses concerns. The meeting always concludes with the students and staff reciting the Stingray Pledge that ends with our motto, “Stingray Strong, in the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.” The daily morning meeting of Principal Kelly, NDES scholars, and teachers excitedly sets the tone for every school day.

Under Principal Kelly’s leadership, many groundbreaking initiatives have already taken place at NDES. Before leaving for summer break, all students received a pack of books to take home for the summer (and keep!). They were encouraged to meet the Principal’s 30-Book Challenge for 2018-19 early by reading over the summer. Several students spent their summer curled up with a book and met this challenge!

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In October, teachers and staff participated in NDES University, earning valuable professional learning in the area of literacy. While there, the instructional team hatched plans for a nonfiction leveled bookroom for teachers.

In November, the Student Council and Safety Patrol sponsored a canned food drive that supported the SHARE House, a family violence crisis center. Later that month, the NDES family also had its first ever Unity Week Cinema, an anti-bullying initiative geared towards embracing a healthy school climate. Thanks to proceeds from the Unity Week Cinema along with the generous help of teachers and staff; the Kiwanis Club; Mr. Eugene Jones of Omega Psi Phi; and Invesco Capital Management in Atlanta, the school provided holiday gifts and other needed items to some Stingray families.

Finally, in December, the NDES family kicked off a “One school, One Book” initiative with the novel, “The Lemonade Wars” by byJacqueline Davies. After a celebration during morning meeting, every student and every staff member received a copy of the book to read over the winter break.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the innovative educators at North Douglas Elementary School, the 2018-19 school year has gotten off to a tremendous start,” Principal Kelly says. With the support of parents and the community, she believes these students will continue growing Stingray “Stronger” each day in their relentless pursuit of excellence!

Photo courtesy Douglas County School System