
🚌✨ What an amazing day in Vienna! The STEM Bus rolled into town today and we loved seeing all the excited faces exploring hands-on activities and having fun! A special shoutout to the Dooly County Library for being such wonderful partners - thank you so much for letting us be apart of your summer reading program! 🙌 And thank you to all the families who joined us for the STEM Bus before heading into the animal show. Your enthusiasm and curiosity made the day absolutely perfect! #STEMEducation #CommunityPartnership #LearningIsFun #FamilyFun










🚌📚 Summer learning never stops! Our STEM Bus is rolling into Vienna today at 10 AM, making a special stop at the Dooly County Library!
Join us for some hands-onfun. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the amazing Summer Reading Program too!
Perfect combo: STEM exploration + great books = an awesome summer day! See you there!
#STEMBus #SummerLearning #DoolyCountyLibrary #Vienna #SummerReading #HandsOnLearning #CommunityEducation


🌟 Proud to share that our own Mrs. Holly Black, Chief Academic Officer for Dooly County Schools, is making waves at the Federal Programs Conference!
Today, Mrs. Black served on a panel for “GaLEADS: Elevating Teachers and Accelerating Leader Success” where she shared valuable insights from our experience as a pilot coordinator district. Her expertise and leadership continue to shine as she represents Dooly County Schools on this important platform.
Tomorrow, she’ll be presenting on coaching leaders and leveraging GaLEADS competencies - topics that are close to our hearts as we work to develop exceptional educational leaders who will shape the future of our students.
We’re incredibly grateful for Mrs. Black’s dedication to advancing educational leadership not just in our district, but across Georgia. Her commitment to excellence in education continues to elevate our entire school community!
#DoolyCountySchools #DoolyUnited







🎓✨ Dooly County Schools is proud to be at the Federal Programs and MathCon Conference in Duluth, GA!
Our dedicated team is here learning the latest strategies, connecting with fellow educators, and discovering new ways to better serve our students and community.
From innovative program implementations to best practices in student support - we’re soaking up every opportunity to grow and lead! 💪
#DoolyCountySchools #FederalPrograms #LearningAndLeading #EducationExcellence #ProudEducators #StudentSuccess




🌟 What an incredible summer it’s been with our 21st Century Summer Program and Pre-K Transition Program!
Our amazing students have been on quite the adventure this summer! From exploring the wonders of nature at the Botanical Gardens to discovering their rhythm during drumming sessions right here at school, every day has been filled with learning, laughter, and new discoveries.
🌱 Botanical Gardens & Georgia Aquarium Field Trips - Our students got hands-on with nature, learning about plants, ecosystems, and the world around them while soaking up the sunshine!
🥁 Drumming Sessions - The beat goes on! Our young musicians have been finding their rhythm and expressing themselves through music, building confidence and coordination.
🚒 Fire & Police Department Visits - Safety first! Our students learned valuable lessons from our local heroes and got an up-close look at fire trucks and equipment.
📚 Library Adventures - Nothing beats the magic of books! Our library visits have sparked imagination and fostered a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
Every single day, we see our students engaged, excited, and eager to learn. These experiences aren’t just fun – they’re building the foundation for academic success in the upcoming school year. Our Pre-K students are getting the perfect transition into their educational journey, while our summer program participants are staying sharp and ready for what’s ahead.
We’re so proud of all our students and grateful for the community partnerships that make these enriching experiences possible!
#DoolyCountySchools #21stCenturySummerProgram #PreKTransition #CommunityLearning #SummerLearning #EngagedStudents #AcademicPreparation










The Dooly County Schools 21st CCLC and Pre-K Summer Enrichment would like to thank Michael Hardrick and Johnny Hardrick for the donation of Watermelons, Peaches and Plums to our students.







🎉 CONGRATULATIONS TO DCK8 EDUCATOR! 🎉
We are thrilled to announce that Tawanda Ellis, our outstanding DCMS Business Education teacher, received the prestigious GACTE Carl Perkins Community Service Award in Athens, Georgia on July 17th! 🏆✨
The Georgia Association for Career & Technical Education (GACTE) Carl Perkins Community Service Award recognizes exceptional educators who have used Career and Technical Education to make a significant impact on their community. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Ms. Ellis has consistently gone above and beyond in her role as our Business Education teacher, not only preparing students for successful careers but also inspiring them to become active, engaged members of their community. Her dedication to connecting classroom learning with real-world community impact exemplifies the very best of Career and Technical Education.This award is a testament to Ms. Ellis’s unwavering commitment to her students and her community. She has shown that education extends far beyond the classroom walls, and her leadership has created lasting positive change.
Congratulations, Ms. Ellis – you truly make a difference every day!
#DoolyK8 #TeacherExcellence #CommunityService #BusinessEducation #GACTE #ProudMoment #DCMS #EducationMatters #LeadershipInAction


🎓 Dr. Willaford briefly spoke today at the joint Chamber of Commerce and Family Connection meeting! He shared exciting updates on summer student programs, district strategic planning, and the Dooly County College and Career Project. Thank you to all our community and business partners who continue to support our students and schools. Together, we’re building a stronger future for Dooly County! 🤝
#DoolyCounty #Education #CommunityPartnership #StudentSuccess #ChamberOfCommerce #FamilyConnection


Professional Development in Action! 🌟 Our amazing K-2 teachers, literacy coach, and instructional specialist are making the most of their time at the 2025 Lit Link Conference in Duluth, Georgia! 📚✨ Here’s what our dedicated educators are bringing back to benefit our entire K-8 Academy: 🎯 Evidence-Based Reading Strategies - New approaches to phonics instruction and guided reading that will strengthen our foundation skills program 📖 Differentiated Literacy Instruction - Fresh techniques for meeting every student where they are and helping them grow at their own pace 🧠 Comprehension & Critical Thinking Tools - Innovative methods to deepen student understanding and build analytical skills across all subjects 📊 Assessment & Progress Monitoring - Data-driven approaches to track student growth and adjust instruction effectively #LiteracyEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #K8Academy #TeacherLeadership #StudentSuccess #EducationExcellence



NOTICE OF MEETING DATE CHANGE
Please be advised that the regular meeting of the Dooly County Board of Education scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. has been rescheduled.
New Meeting Details:
· Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
· Time: 6:00 p.m.
· Location: Dooly County High School Media Center, 715 N 3rd Street, Vienna, GA 31092
The public may view the meeting via Facebook Live on the Dooly County School System Facebook page.

Congratulations to Dr. Willaford on completing the Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) Superintendent Professional Development Program (SPDP), Cohort #16! This is truly an outstanding achievement and a testament to your dedication to educational leadership excellence.
Dr. Willaford’s completion of this premier superintendent preparation program in Georgia represents a significant milestone in professional development. Having served as our superintendent for the past two years while simultaneously participating in this rigorous program demonstrates exceptional commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Through this prestigious program, Dr. Willaford engaged with fellow current and aspiring superintendents from across Georgia, diving deep into the 8 Professional Standards for the Superintendency. The focus on strategic leadership, school governance, community relations, and organizational management has undoubtedly strengthened your already impressive leadership capabilities.
As an alum of GSSA’s distinguished SPDP, Dr. Willaford is now even better equipped to lead the Dooly County School System with the purpose, conviction, and clarity that your community deserves.
Congratulations again on this remarkable accomplishment, Dr. Willaford. Your commitment to excellence in educational leadership continues to inspire, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of your enhanced expertise on the students and families of Dooly County. #GSSA #ThisisDooly #leadershipmatters




Happy Father's Day to our amazing Dooly County Schools dads and fathers everywhere! Your love and dedication make all the difference in your children's lives. We're honored to partner with you in their educational journey. Today, we celebrate YOU! Wishing you a day filled with joy and appreciation.
#DoolyCountySchools


🎉 CONGRATULATIONS Ms. Starks! 🎉 We are beyond proud to celebrate Ms. Starks, our dedicated Special Education teacher at Dooly County Elementary School, for completing her GA TAPP program this year! Not only did she obtain full certification in Special Education, but she also earned her certification in Elementary Education as well! 📚✨ Ms. Starks exemplifies what it means to be an educator who truly cares. Her dedication to our students and staff shines through every day, and she’s always willing to go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Thank you, Ms. Starks, for your hard work, commitment, and the love you bring to our school community every single day! 💙 #DoolyCountyElementary #ProudEducator #GATAPP #SpecialEducation #ElementaryEducation #DedicatedTeacher #CelebrationPost


🌟 CALLING ALL FUTURE LEADERS! 🌟
Ready to step up and make a difference? Join us for FFA Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) at DCMS on July 17 and July 18!
What you'll learn:
🎯 Officer roles & responsibilities/Parliamentary procedure
🎤 Public speaking skills
👥 Leadership development
📅 Event planning
🥅 Goal setting strategies
Whether you're thinking about running for chapter office or just want to build your leadership skills, this
training is for YOU! No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to grow! 🚀
Open to ALL students in grades 6-8 - Don't miss this amazing opportunity to develop skills that will serve you for life!
👉 Sign up now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0oVx48cetLq4SnNcnZyG7k0MhI64tvhQIxeAxmgodm8LrIA/viewform
Questions? Drop them in the comments below!
#FFALeadership #COLT #FutureLeaders #DCMS #LeadershipTraining #FFA


🎓✨ Exciting News! 🎓✨ Dooly K-8 Academy and Dooly County High School recently spent two incredible days at the University of Georgia working with the GASSP association at their School Improvement Plan Writing Camp! During this intensive training, our educators participated in valuable team-building activities that strengthened trust and collaboration among each other. Most importantly, we worked together to develop a comprehensive school improvement plan focused on enhancing student outcomes and driving overall school abd district success. We're excited to implement these new strategies and continue our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students! 📚💪 #DoolyCountyK8Academy #DoolyCountyHigh #SIP #UniversityOfGeorgia #GASSP #StudentSuccess #EducationExcellence #TeamBuilding #ProudEducators



🚌✨ What an amazing day in Unadilla! The STEM Bus rolled into town today and we loved seeing all the excited faces exploring hands-on activities and having fun!
A special shoutout to the Elizabeth Harris Library for being such wonderful partners - thank you so much for letting us be apart of your summer reading program! 🙌
And thank you to all the families who joined us for the STEM Bus before heading into the animal show. Your enthusiasm and curiosity made the day absolutely perfect!
#STEMEducation #CommunityPartnership #Unadilla #LearningIsFun #FamilyFun








🚌✨ The STEM Bus is rolling into Unadilla tomorrow afternoon! ✨🚌
Join us at the library from 3-5 PM for hands-on STEM fun and discovery! While you're there, don't forget to check out all the exciting activities happening with the summer reading program.
Perfect way to combine learning, exploring, and reading all in one amazing afternoon! See you there! 📚🔬
#STEMBus #UnadillaLibrary #SummerReading #HandsOnLearning #CommunityEvent #STEMEducation #SummerFun #Library


🍦 STEM Bus Ice Cream Day was a sweet success! 🍦
Our PreK students had a blast exploring science through their favorite frozen treat! They enjoyed a fun read-aloud of "Ice Cream Face," designed their own colorful ice cream cone creations, and got hands-on making delicious coffee creamer ice cream.
Nothing beats learning through play - and when it involves ice cream, the excitement is off the charts! Our little scholars discovered how ingredients transform through mixing and freezing while having the time of their lives.
#STEMEducation #PreKFun #HandsOnLearning #IceCreamScience #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LearningThroughPlay #STEMBus #SweetScience #PreKLife











Dooly County School System Instructional Specialists Shine at RESA Conference
At the recent Middle Georgia RESA Instructional Coaches’ Conference, two Dooly County School System (DCSS) instructional specialists—Danette Perry and Melissa Tumblin—captivated educators with an interactive presentation on the power of Read Alouds across all grade bands and subjects.
Drawing from best practices and their classroom coaching experiences, Perry and Tumblin underscored that Read Alouds are far more than story time—they're dynamic, strategic tools to bolster literacy, build content knowledge, and foster deeper student engagement. They shared tangible strategies for weaving read-alouds into instruction in math, science, social studies, and language arts.
Conference attendees were not passive observers. Perry and Tumblin led hands-on activities simulating classroom use, encouraging coaches to model thoughtful questioning, encourage student discourse, and choose diverse texts aligned to academic standards. The specialists also provided a wealth of resources—lists of high-interest picture books and practical ways to build engaging lesson around them.
By empowering instructional coaches across the region with fresh tools and meaningful engagement ideas, Danette Perry and Melissa Tumblin have strengthened the toolbox for implementing high-impact literacy practices throughout the state of Georgia.






Just a reminder....summer meal pick up is available at the high school THIS MORNING starting at 10:30. Parents and guardians please make plans to take advantage of this free program to keep our students fed this summer!
