🌱 Teacher Of The Year Semifinalists + Speak Up For Safety Program

Morning, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Douglasville Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town today, including:

• Six Douglas County School System teachers are Teacher of the Year semifinalists
• Fourth annual Peace Officers Rally for Justice and Accountability event
• Community Yard Sale on Sep. 16

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 93 Low: 72.

Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. Six exceptional teachers from the Douglas County School System (DCSS) were recognized as semifinalists for the DCSS Teacher of the Year (TOTY) award, selected through an application and scoring process involving community leaders and former educators. These teachers were surprised with the honor in their classrooms by district administrators, and they will now undergo classroom observations and interviews before three finalists and the district-wide TOTY are named at a celebration on Sep. 28. The system-wide TOTY will also compete in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition. Click here to see who's in the running. (Douglas County Georgia Schools via Facebook)
2. The fourth annual Peace Officers Rally for Justice and Accountability event will be held on Sep. 2 at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Douglasville Police Department. This event offers an opportunity to hear from Chief Gary Sparks, law enforcement representatives, and community leaders as they discuss their dedication to justice and accountability in the law enforcement field. For more information, contact Sgt. Shannon Dean at (678) 293-1621 or deans@douglasvillega.gov. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
3. Mark your calendars for the Community Yard Sale happening on Sep. 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Douglasville Police Department's front lawn. Rain or shine, this event invites residents to find new treasures among repurposed items and various goods. For inquiries and participation, contact Sgt. Shannon Dean at (678) 293-1621 or deans@douglasvillega.gov before Sep. 5. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
4. The Douglas County School System has launched the Speak Up for Safety program, allowing students to anonymously report concerns about school safety via text, email, or phone. Chief of Police Tracey Whaley highlighted the program's ease of reporting and the confidentiality it offers, aiming to empower students to report safety issues without fear. The program includes a digital tip line for reporting various concerns like bullying, self-harm, substance abuse, and violence, with trained safety team members ensuring prompt response and action. (Newsbreak)
5. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport in nearby Atlanta launched an on-site triage center on Tuesday in partnership with Atlanta Fire Rescue, providing minor medical assistance to passengers. This triage center, the first of its kind to be run by a fire department in the country, will cater to passengers requiring non-acute medical aid. The airport has organized a ribbon-cutting event to introduce this new facility. (11 Alive)

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Today in and around Douglasville:

Wednesday, August 23

• Wine Down Wednesdays At Allure Lounge (5:00 PM)
• Tyson Halford At Ponce City Market, Atlanta (6:00 PM)
• Teen Talk Group Therapy At Starting Point Development Center (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the Douglasville Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office for the Hollis Street Jamboree on Aug. 26, from 1:00-6:00 p.m., at the Hollis Street Community House. The event promises a range of activities including city and county resource information, kids' activities, balloon animals, food, music, and more, all accessible from the Simpson & Daughters Mortuary parking lot at 6787 James D. Simpson Ave. (Douglasville)
• The Douglas County Parks and Recreation is hosting Conceptual Plan Meetings for Deer Lick Park and Winston Park today, Aug. 23 at 6:00 p.m., offering the opportunity to meet the design team and contribute to community input regarding park needs. Visit the link for more information. (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)
• The Aqua Fest at Boundary Waters Aquatic Center is on Aug. 26, a full day of free fun featuring food trucks, music, water slides, inflatable obstacle courses, swimming, games, prizes, and more! Make sure to bring your bathing suit and towel, and reach out to (770) 489-2175 with any questions. (Douglas County Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

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• Wednesday Wind Down In the Point (August 23)
• Free Home Seller Seminar (August 26)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.