Congratulations to Dooly County’s very own Ms. Kamilya Henderson, who has been named Chattahoochee-Flint RESA’s 2026 Literacy Teacher of the Year! During a special surprise celebration, Ms. Henderson was presented with a $1,500 award and an assortment of gifts recognizing her dedication to literacy and student success. The recognition also includes $500 for classroom supplies. She also received gifts Amplify learning, Curriculum Associates, Amira, and others. She was celebrated at a small, intimate reception with special guests, including her family.
Among her gifts was the book Because I Had a Teacher, a beautiful reminder that a teacher’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom. We hope her students will one day look back and proudly say, “Because I had a teacher, I believed I could.”
And the celebration continues! Ms. Henderson will advance to the state competition for Georgia’s Literacy Teacher of the Year, representing Chattahoochee-Flint RESA. The statewide winner will receive an all-expense-paid opportunity to attend an approved literacy-focused instructional conference.
Ms. Henderson, thank you for the heart, purpose, and passion you bring to your classroom each day. You are making a lasting impact, one reader at a time. Your Dooly K–8 family and Chattahoochee-Flint RESA family are cheering you on every step of the way!
Congratulations to Superintendent Dr. Sherrod D. Willaford!
Dooly County Schools proudly announces that Superintendent Dr. Sherrod D. Willaford has been selected to participate in Cohort 5 of the Georgia School Superintendents Association's (GSSA) Senior Executive Leadership Program (SELP)!
Dr. Willaford joins 21 fellow superintendents from across Georgia in this prestigious, yearlong professional learning experience designed to strengthen executive leadership, collaboration, and advocacy for public education.
The cohort recently began its work with a session on The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership®, focusing on strategic leadership, navigating complex challenges, turning vision into action, and empowering others to achieve at high levels.
Throughout the program, participants will explore organizational leadership, values-driven cultures, legislative advocacy, building trust, and effective school board governance.
Dr. Willaford's selection reflects his continued commitment to professional growth, educational excellence, and leadership that positively impacts students, staff, and communities.
👏 Congratulations, Dr. Willaford, on this well-deserved recognition and opportunity to represent Dooly County Schools among educational leaders across Georgia!
Together, we continue Moving Forward the Dooly Way! ❤️💛
#MovingForwardtheDoolyWay #DoolyCountySchools #LeadershipMatters #GSSA
#SELP #PublicEducation
DCK8’s Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive is November 4–17! Every class can donate, and the grade levels bringing in the most food will win a pizza and wings party on November 18. Donations will support local food banks and families in need. Let’s fill the shelves with hope!
Dooly K-8 families, we’re kicking off November with books, basketball, and more! Check out our newsletter for this week’s activities and important upcoming dates.
Dooly K-8 Academy proudly honors our veterans! Join us on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM as we recognize their service and sacrifice.
All veterans are welcome to attend! Thank you for serving our country.
Dooly K-8 Academy proudly honors our veterans! Join us on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM as we recognize their service and sacrifice.
All veterans are welcome to attend! Thank you for serving our country.
The field trip originally scheduled for October 23 has been rescheduled to **October 30**. A new field trip request will be sent home to families tomorrow.
Thank you for your understanding!
Honoring Those Who Served
The Dooly County JROTC invites our community to join us for a Veterans Day Program and Breakfast on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in the Dooly County High School Cafeteria.
🍳 Breakfast begins at 8:00 AM
🎖️ Program begins at 9:00 AM
We are proud to recognize the veterans in our community and thank them for their service and sacrifice. Veterans, families, and community members are all welcome.
📩 Please RSVP to CW3 Troy Hope by Monday, November 2nd. We hope to see you there!
#DoolyUnited #VeteransDay #JROTC #ThankYouVeterans
📅❤️💛 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
