The Dooly County School System is deeply saddened by the overnight shooting in Vienna. Our hearts are with the families grieving the loss of loved ones, those who were injured, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are grateful for the compassion and support being demonstrated throughout our community, and those affected remain in our thoughts and prayers.
While the gathering where the incident occurred was not a school-sponsored event, we recognize that its impact may reach many of our students, families, and staff. Student and staff safety remain our highest priority. We have taken additional proactive safety measures, and our schools are prepared to welcome students and staff on Monday. Recognizing the emotional impact of this tragedy, we have activated our crisis support teams to assist. Families seeking support for their children are encouraged to contact their school’s administration.
As details continue to be confirmed, we ask everyone to respect the privacy of affected families and refrain from sharing unverified names, information, or graphic images. Please rely on investigating law enforcement agencies for updates about the incident and official district communication channels for information about school operations and support services.
We also encourage our community to check in with students, staff, parents, and neighbors throughout the coming week. A caring conversation, a listening ear, and continued support can make a meaningful difference.
We extend our sincere condolences to those grieving and our heartfelt concern to everyone recovering from injuries. Thank you for supporting Dooly County Schools and our community as we move forward together.
Respectfully,
Sherrod D. Willaford, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dooly County School System
What a week to be a Bobcat! 🐾Homecoming in Dooly County was one for the books.
Our students kicked things off with a week of spirit dress-up days, then brought that energy to the streets for Thursday's Homecoming Parade. The celebration carried onto the field as our Bobcats earned a big win over Wilcox County!
We were proud to recognize our 2026 Homecoming Court and crown our Homecoming King, Charles Nance, and Queen, Cherish Sutton. 👑
A special thank you to all of our alumni who came home to tailgate and cheer on the Bobcats. You reminded us that once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!
#DoolyUnited #BobcatPride #DoolyHomecoming
🎓 Dooly Legacy Initiative - Week 28 🎓
They walked our halls as students. Now they're shaping the future for the next generation.
This week's Dooly Legacy is Ms. Valencia Robinson, 3rd grade teacher at Dooly County K8 Academy!
Ms. Robinson is a proud Dooly County graduate who came back home to invest in the next generation of learners right where her own journey began. In her 3rd grade classroom, she is shaping students at one of the most critical stages of their academic development — the point where young readers become confident learners and the foundation for future success is truly set.
She knows the heart of this community because it is her heart too. Ms. Robinson brings that deep connection and genuine love for Dooly County into her teaching every single day — reminding her students through her very presence that where you come from is something to be proud of and that coming home to serve is one of the highest callings there is.
Thank you, Ms. Robinson, for pouring your heart into our 3rd graders and choosing to come back home! 💛
#DoolyLegacy #HomegrownLeaders #DoolyUnited
They walked our halls as students. Now they're shaping the future for the next generation.
This week's Dooly Legacy is Ms. Valencia Robinson, 3rd grade teacher at Dooly County K8 Academy!
Ms. Robinson is a proud Dooly County graduate who came back home to invest in the next generation of learners right where her own journey began. In her 3rd grade classroom, she is shaping students at one of the most critical stages of their academic development — the point where young readers become confident learners and the foundation for future success is truly set.
She knows the heart of this community because it is her heart too. Ms. Robinson brings that deep connection and genuine love for Dooly County into her teaching every single day — reminding her students through her very presence that where you come from is something to be proud of and that coming home to serve is one of the highest callings there is.
Thank you, Ms. Robinson, for pouring your heart into our 3rd graders and choosing to come back home! 💛
#DoolyLegacy #HomegrownLeaders #DoolyUnited
Happy School Custodian Appreciation Day! 🧹✨
Every morning, before the first bell rings, our custodians are already at work making sure our classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias are clean, safe, and ready for learning. They fix what's broken, clean up what's spilled, and handle a thousand little things most of us never even notice. Their care shows up in every corner of our schools, and it makes a real difference for our students and staff.
To our incredible custodial team: we'd be a mess without you! Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the pride you take in keeping Dooly County Schools shining. We see you, and we appreciate you. 💙
#DoolyUnited #CustodianAppreciation #ThankYouCustodians
Every morning, before the first bell rings, our custodians are already at work making sure our classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias are clean, safe, and ready for learning. They fix what's broken, clean up what's spilled, and handle a thousand little things most of us never even notice. Their care shows up in every corner of our schools, and it makes a real difference for our students and staff.
To our incredible custodial team: we'd be a mess without you! Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the pride you take in keeping Dooly County Schools shining. We see you, and we appreciate you. 💙
#DoolyUnited #CustodianAppreciation #ThankYouCustodians
Happy Birthday, Dr. Willaford! 🎉
Thank you for all you do for the students of Dooly County. We appreciate your dedication and leadership, and we hope and pray you have a wonderful day filled with joy and celebration! 🎂🎈
Happy National Principals Month! 🍎
Today kicks off a month dedicated to honoring the leaders who set the tone, carry the vision, and show up every single day for our students, staff, and families.
In Dooly County, we're proud to celebrate Dr. Hollie Walters, principal of Dooly County K-8 Academy, and Mr. Alvin Williams, principal of Dooly County High School. Thank you both for leading with heart and purpose! Drop a note of appreciation for them in the comments.
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #ThankAPrincipal #DoolyUnited
Congratulations to our 2026 REACH Scholar recipients!
✨ Ester Bautista-Lucas
✨ Brittney Argueta-Ceren
✨ Sa’Niyah Daniels
✨ Landen Holton
We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students and their bright futures. A formal ceremony and private reception for recipients and their family members will be held on November 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the middle school gym.
Please join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement! 💙💚🧡💛
#DCK8 #REACHGeorgia #ScholarRecipients #Bob
We had a great kickoff to our New Teacher Induction Program! Our growing educators came together for an afternoon of collaboration, connection, and professional learning focused on building strong classroom foundations.
We’re excited to support our teachers throughout this yearlong journey as we continue to learn, lead, and grow together!
People. Purpose. Progress.
#ThinkLikeABobcat #NewTeacherInduction #DoolyCountySchools #GrowingEducators #DoolyUnited
The Dooly County K-8 Academy is celebrating Georgia Pre-K Week 2026 on Thursday, October 8th, at 9:30 a.m. with a "Class Parade" on the Elementary Bus Ramp (outside the Multipurpose Room) with music provided by "The Golden Sounds of the South" band directed by Mr. Muhammad. Please come out and celebrate our Pre-K classes!
📣 Attention, Bobcat Families!
To accommodate Homecoming activities and Parent-Teacher Conferences, and to support a safe, orderly dismissal, Dooly County Schools will release students early on the following days:
🏈 Thursday, October 1 (Homecoming): Dismissal at 2:00 p.m.
🍎 Friday, October 2 (Parent-Teacher Conferences):
Dooly County K-8 Academy: Dismissal at 11:45 a.m.
Dooly County High School: Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.
Please plan transportation and after-school arrangements accordingly. We look forward to celebrating Homecoming together and partnering with our families during conferences. Thank you for your continued support!
#DoolyUnited #Homecoming #Bobcats #Parent-TeacherConference
To accommodate Homecoming activities and Parent-Teacher Conferences, and to support a safe, orderly dismissal, Dooly County Schools will release students early on the following days:
🏈 Thursday, October 1 (Homecoming): Dismissal at 2:00 p.m.
🍎 Friday, October 2 (Parent-Teacher Conferences):
Dooly County K-8 Academy: Dismissal at 11:45 a.m.
Dooly County High School: Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.
Please plan transportation and after-school arrangements accordingly. We look forward to celebrating Homecoming together and partnering with our families during conferences. Thank you for your continued support!
#DoolyUnited #Homecoming #Bobcats #Parent-TeacherConference
Our 2026 Graduation Rate is in and Dooly County High School has exceeded the Statewide Average coming in at 88.8%
We are proud of our students and grateful for the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff who help make it happen!
We are proud of our students and grateful for the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff who help make it happen!
🎓 Dooly Legacy Initiative - Week 27 🎓
They walked our halls as students. Now they're shaping the future for the next generation.
This week's Dooly Legacy is Mrs. Alvita Lewis, 8th grade Georgia Studies teacher at Dooly County K8 Academy!
Mrs. Lewis is a proud Dooly County graduate who came back home to teach our students about the very soil they stand on. In her Georgia Studies classroom, she brings history, geography, government, and culture to life — helping our 8th graders understand where they come from, how their state was shaped, and why their community's story matters.
There is something powerful about a Dooly County native teaching Georgia Studies right here in the heart of Middle Georgia. Mrs. Lewis doesn't just teach this content , she connects our students to a legacy of history and place that is deeply personal, making the subject come alive in a way that only someone with deep roots here truly can.
Thank you, Mrs. Lewis, for grounding our students in history and bringing your passion back home! 💛
#DoolyLegacy #HomegrownLeaders #DoolyUnited
They walked our halls as students. Now they're shaping the future for the next generation.
This week's Dooly Legacy is Mrs. Alvita Lewis, 8th grade Georgia Studies teacher at Dooly County K8 Academy!
Mrs. Lewis is a proud Dooly County graduate who came back home to teach our students about the very soil they stand on. In her Georgia Studies classroom, she brings history, geography, government, and culture to life — helping our 8th graders understand where they come from, how their state was shaped, and why their community's story matters.
There is something powerful about a Dooly County native teaching Georgia Studies right here in the heart of Middle Georgia. Mrs. Lewis doesn't just teach this content , she connects our students to a legacy of history and place that is deeply personal, making the subject come alive in a way that only someone with deep roots here truly can.
Thank you, Mrs. Lewis, for grounding our students in history and bringing your passion back home! 💛
#DoolyLegacy #HomegrownLeaders #DoolyUnited
Homecoming is almost here! 🎉
This year's theme is "The Wizard of Oz," and we'd love for you to be part of our Homecoming Parade on October 1st! Whether you're a family, classroom, organization, or community partner, we hope you'll join us in making this a memorable celebration.
📝 Click the link below to complete your parade registration form:
https://forms.gle/Qm6FPciHkxF1gCky5
⏰ Please return your form no later than 3:30 PM on Friday, September 25, 2026.
🍬 PLEASE NOTE: For safety reasons, THROWING LOOSE CANDY FROM MOVING VEHICLES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Young children often run into the street to chase scattered candy, creating a serious safety hazard. Please make sure your parade candy is either securely bagged and tied or handed out by walkers alongside your vehicle. Thank you for helping us keep our parade watchers safe!
Having trouble accessing the form? Contact Mrs. Willie Mae Chaney at 229-268-8181, ext. 3251.
We appreciate your prompt response and can't wait to see your creativity shine as we follow the yellow brick road together! 🌈👠
NOTICE OF BOARD CALLED MEETING
The Dooly County Board of Education will have a called board meeting on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in room 101 of the Central Office located at 202 E. Cotton, Street, Vienna, GA 31092.
The primary purpose is the millage rate adoption.
The Dooly County Board of Education will have a called board meeting on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in room 101 of the Central Office located at 202 E. Cotton, Street, Vienna, GA 31092.
The primary purpose is the millage rate adoption.
🎒✨ Pre-K at Dooly County—Where Little Learners Dream BIG! ✨🎒
Only 7 Pre-K slots are available! Give your child a bright start in a caring community where children play, learn, grow, and belong! ❤️💛
For more information, contact Mrs. Mathis, Registrar, or Mrs. Mahone, Pre-K Director/K–5 Assistant Principal.
📚 Small learners. Big possibilities.
🐾 Future Bobcats start here!
#DoolyCountySchools #DoolyPreK #FutureBobcats #BrightStart #ChampionsForEveryChild
🎓 Dooly Legacy Initiative - Week 26 🎓
They walked our halls as students. Now they're shaping the future for the next generation.
This week's Dooly Legacy is Coach Rody Velasquez, elementary Physical Education teacher at Dooly County K8 Academy!
Coach Velasquez is a proud Dooly County graduate who came back home to get our youngest learners moving, thriving, and discovering the joy of an active life. In the gym and on the field, he is teaching our elementary students far more than physical fitness — he is building teamwork, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and the confidence that comes from pushing yourself a little further every day.
He knows what it means to grow up in Dooly County, and he brings that hometown pride into everything he does. Coach Velasquez shows our students every day that taking care of your body and showing up for your team are lessons that extend well beyond the gymnasium walls.
Thank you, Coach Velasquez, for keeping our Bobcats active, energized, and inspired! 💛
#DoolyLegacy #HomegrownLeaders #DoolyUnited
They walked our halls as students. Now they're shaping the future for the next generation.
This week's Dooly Legacy is Coach Rody Velasquez, elementary Physical Education teacher at Dooly County K8 Academy!
Coach Velasquez is a proud Dooly County graduate who came back home to get our youngest learners moving, thriving, and discovering the joy of an active life. In the gym and on the field, he is teaching our elementary students far more than physical fitness — he is building teamwork, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and the confidence that comes from pushing yourself a little further every day.
He knows what it means to grow up in Dooly County, and he brings that hometown pride into everything he does. Coach Velasquez shows our students every day that taking care of your body and showing up for your team are lessons that extend well beyond the gymnasium walls.
Thank you, Coach Velasquez, for keeping our Bobcats active, energized, and inspired! 💛
#DoolyLegacy #HomegrownLeaders #DoolyUnited
Tonight's Dooly County Board of Education meeting opened with a special moment! First grade student Selena Velasquez-Gonzalez from Mrs. Waters' class at Dooly County K-8 Academy had the honor of the call to order, gaveling the meeting into session. What a proud moment for our youngest Bobcat! 🐾
#DoolyUnited #DoolyCountySchools #StudentLeaders
🌱 Happy National Teach Ag Day! 🌱
Today we celebrate our agriculture education teachers, who cultivate more than crops — they grow curiosity, leadership, and real-world skills in our students. From hands-on labs to FFA opportunities, our Ag teachers are shaping the next generation of farmers, scientists, and community leaders right here in Dooly County.
Thank you for planting the seeds of success! 🚜📚
#TeachAgDay #DoolyCountySchools #AgEd
Today we celebrate our agriculture education teachers, who cultivate more than crops — they grow curiosity, leadership, and real-world skills in our students. From hands-on labs to FFA opportunities, our Ag teachers are shaping the next generation of farmers, scientists, and community leaders right here in Dooly County.
Thank you for planting the seeds of success! 🚜📚
#TeachAgDay #DoolyCountySchools #AgEd
🍎 Growing Leaders, Building Excellence! 🍎
Ms. Carla Mahone, Ms. Kristen Anderson, and Dr. Chiquita Granville attended the first session of the Aspiring Principal Academy offered through GAEL.
Superintendent Dr. Sherrod Willaford also participated as a panelist, sharing valuable leadership insights and experiences.
We are excited about their continued professional growth and all they will learn throughout this leadership journey! ❤️💛
#LeadershipDevelopment #PrincipalAcademy #GrowingLeaders #DoolyCountySchools #MakingAnImpact #LeavingALegacy
**Happy IT Professionals Day! 💻**
Today we celebrate the behind-the-scenes team that keeps Dooly County Schools running smoothly. A special shoutout to **Ms. Leeza Streetman** and **Mrs. Ginny Jackson**, whose hard work keeps our networks secure, our Chromebooks running, and our classrooms connected — even when Wi-Fi decides to act up in the middle of testing week!
From setting up new devices to solving problems most of us never even see, our IT professionals are essential to teaching and learning every single day. Thank you both for your patience, your expertise, and your dedication to our #DoolyUnited family!
