📅❤️💛 Dooly K-8 families, check out our Week at a Glance for October 19–23! Don’t miss this week’s district meetings, Write Score assessment for grades 2–8 on Thursday, and Fancy Friday! See the newsletter for details.
Thank you for partnering with us to help our Bobcats succeed! 🐾
Dooly County Schools proudly celebrates Dr. Hollie Walters, principal of Dooly K–8 Academy, on her selection for the inaugural cohort of the National Rural Principal Fellowship Network through the National Rural Education Association!
Through this year-long fellowship, Dr. Walters will collaborate with rural principals from across the nation, strengthen her leadership, and explore innovative practices that support school improvement and student success.
“We are proud of Dr. Walters. Investing in our leaders is an investment in our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Sherrod D. Willaford.
Join us in celebrating this national recognition as we continue Moving Forward the
Dooly Way!
#MovingForwardtheDoolyWay #DoolyCountySchools #RuralEducation #PrincipalLeadership
🏆❤️💛 Let’s celebrate our scholars! Dooly K-8 Academy’s 1st Nine Weeks Honors Day ceremonies will be held at 1:30 PM on:
📅 October 27: Grades K–2
📅 October 28: Grades 3–5
📅 October 30: Grades 6–8
A letter will be sent home if your child is receiving honors. We’re proud of our Bobcats! 🐾
Save the Date!
Dooly County K-8 Academy invites families to our Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon! Join us for a delicious meal and time together.
Tuesday, November 10: Pre-K through 4th grade
Wednesday, November 11: 5th through 8th grade
The menu includes turkey, dressing, green beans, yams, a roll, dessert, tea, and lemonade.
Parent lunch is $8 — cash only. A letter will be sent home next week with details for parents to RSVP.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Show off your creativity, Bobcats! Dooly County K-8 Academy students are invited to enter our Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Bring your decorated, uncarved pumpkin to school for judging on October 30. One prize will be awarded per grade level! See Ms. Gaffney, DCES STEM teacher, for details.
📣 Bobcat families, report cards went home TODAY at Dooly K-8 Academy! ❤️💛
Please review your child’s grades with them, celebrate their progress, and set goals together for a strong next quarter! 🐾📚
#BuildingAFoundationOfExcellence #BobcatPride #TogetherWeAchieve #MakingAnImpact #LeavingALegacy
Dear Dooly County Bobcat Families,
As we prepare for Fall Break, we recognize that our community continues to navigate the emotional impact of the recent tragedy. During this difficult time, please know that the Dooly County School System remains committed to the safety, well-being, and emotional health of our students, families, and staff.
While our schools will be closed for Fall Break, our commitment to supporting our students and families does not take a break.
We understand that following a traumatic event, children and adults may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, fear, or uncertainty about returning to their normal routines. These can be natural responses to difficult circumstances, and no family should feel that they must navigate these challenges alone.
Through our partnership with Cartwheel, a mental health support provider, Dooly County families have access to additional professional resources, including:
· Licensed mental health therapists with no waitlist.
· Flexible appointment times Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
· Parent guidance sessions to help caregivers understand and support their children's emotional needs.
· Multilingual services, including support in English and Spanish.
How to Access Support
Families interested in receiving support may complete the Cartwheel Family Interest Form.
The form takes approximately seven minutes to complete. A member of the Cartwheel Care Team will contact you within 24 hours by phone, text, or email to discuss available services and next steps.
As a school system, we believe that caring for our students extends beyond the classroom. Our mission to empower every student to reach their highest aspirations and thrive in an ever-changing world includes ensuring that they have access to the emotional and mental health support necessary to succeed.
To our families, please continue to check in with your children, listen with compassion, and remind them that they are loved, valued, and supported. Whether your child needs someone to talk to, additional reassurance, or professional assistance, resources are available.
We are grateful for the strength, compassion, and unity demonstrated throughout our Bobcat community. Together, we will continue supporting one another as we move forward.
On behalf of the Dooly County School System, I wish each of you a safe, peaceful, and restorative Fall Break.
Remember, we are stronger together, and no Bobcat stands alone.
Respectfully,
Sherrod D. Willaford, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dooly County Schools
The Dooly County Schools take the safety of our students and staff seriously. The district will resume school operations on Thursday, October 8, with extra precautions, including limiting student transitions throughout the day. The district made this decision in consultation with local law enforcement, who will also provide additional personnel on our campus tomorrow.
Today's alert reminds us that we are safer when we work together. The district encourages students, employees and families to report any suspicious behavior to our local law enforcement.
Respectfully,
Dr. Sherrod Willaford
Superintendent
Dooly County Schools
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
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
Show your Bobcat Pride next week.
Monday, September 28: Tacky Day (Dress in your most tacky outfit.)
Tuesday, September 29: Follow the Yellow Brick Road (Wizard of Oz Character Day)
Wednesday, September 30: Western Day (Boots, hats & western gear)
Thursday, October 1: Nerd Day
Friday, October 2: Over the Rainbow (Each class wears different colors.)
🐾❤️💛 Bobcat Families, here’s your Week at a Glance!
Check out what’s happening at Dooly K-8 Academy September 21–25 and mark your calendars for our upcoming events! 📅
🍎 Remember: Attendance Matters! Be present. Be on time. Be ready to learn!
❤️💛 Making an Impact, Leaving a Legacy!
One Team. One Den. Endless Possibilities. 🐾
#DCK8Bobcats #BobcatPride #AttendanceMatters
Check out what’s happening at Dooly K-8 Academy September 21–25 and mark your calendars for our upcoming events! 📅
🍎 Remember: Attendance Matters! Be present. Be on time. Be ready to learn!
❤️💛 Making an Impact, Leaving a Legacy!
One Team. One Den. Endless Possibilities. 🐾
#DCK8Bobcats #BobcatPride #AttendanceMatters
Bobcat Families, here’s what’s happening this week at Dooly County K–8 Academy
Dooly County K–8 Academy invites our wonderful grandparents and grandfriends to join us for a special celebration filled with stories, smiles, and lasting memories!
📅 Tuesday, September 15
• 8:15–9:15 a.m. — Pre-K through 1st Grade
• 9:30–10:30 a.m. — 2nd and 3rd Grade
📅 Wednesday, September 16
• 8:15–9:15 a.m. — 4th and 5th Grade
• 9:30–10:30 a.m. — 6th through 8th Grade
Come read together, take photos, and make sweet memories with your favorite Bobcat! We can’t wait to see you! ❤️💛🐾
A letter and paper copy will be sent home today with students to RSVP.
🐾❤️💛 Bobcat Families — Here’s What’s Happening This Week!
We have an exciting week ahead at Dooly County K-8 Academy! From PBIS Kickoff Week and our Southeastern Fundraiser to Bobcat Football, Career Day, Tacky Thursday, PJ Day, and more—there’s plenty happening in the Den! 🎉🏈📚
📅 Check out our Week at a Glance for September 7–11 and stay connected!
Building a Foundation of Excellence...Making an Impact, Leaving a Legacy! 🐾❤️💛
#DoolyK8 #BobcatPride #PBIS #MakingAnImpact #LeavingALegacy
PBIS KICKOFF WEEK IS HERE!
Get ready for a fun-filled week celebrating positive behavior at Dooly County K-8 Academy!
Monday, September 7 — No School: Labor Day
Tuesday, September 8 — Twins Day
Wednesday, September 9 — Career Day
Thursday, September 10 — Tacky Thursday
Friday, September 11 — Pajama Day
We’ll conclude the week with a schoolwide PBIS Assembly featuring teacher challenges, relay races, Minute to Win It games, information about PBIS badges and more!
Remember, Bobcats: Show up, stand out and do what’s right!
R — Respectful
O — On Task
A — Accountable
R — Responsible
One Team. One Den. Endless Possibilities.
Attendance Awareness Month Kickoff!
Dooly County K-8 Academy is celebrating Attendance Awareness Month with a week of fun activities!
Monday, August 31: We will recognize students who achieved perfect attendance during August.
Tuesday, September 1: Your Presence Matters Day—music, signs, and a spirited welcome!
Wednesday, September 2: Bobcat Spirit Day—wear cardinal, gold, or your favorite Bobcat gear!
Thursday, September 3: Show Up & Shine Day—wear bright colors!
Friday, September 4: Every Day Counts Celebration—karaoke during lunch!
Let’s make every school day count! Attend today. Achieve tomorrow. Your presence matters!
Our latest DCK8 Weekly Parent & Family Newsletter is ready! 📬
Take a few minutes to read this week’s newsletter for important information about:
📅 This week’s events and activities
📚 Student learning and assessments
🏠 Friday’s Independent Learning Day
📌 Important upcoming dates
🏈 School events and activities
⏰ Attendance reminders
🍝 Curriculum Night & Annual Title I Night
👉 Please read the newsletter and stay up to date on everything happening at Dooly K-8 Academy!
Thank you for staying informed, involved, and connected! ❤️💛
🐾 Building A Foundation of Excellence. One Team. One Den. Endless Possibilities.
#DCK8 #BobcatFamilies #StayConnected #DoolyCountySchools #BobcatPride
