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
📚🏠 Reminder, Bobcat Families!
Friday, August 28 is a Student Independent Work Day at Home. Students will receive learning activities from their teachers to complete at home.
🏫 Students return to school on Monday, August 31, 2026.
❤️💛 One Team. One Den. Endless Possibilities! 🐾
Dooly K-8 Families—Join Us!
Come out for our Curriculum/Title I Night on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6:00–7:15 PM! Learn what your scholar will be learning this year, explore our curriculum, and enjoy a FREE spaghetti dinner! Information will be sent home next week to RSVP.
Dooly K-8 Families — Here’s What’s Happening This Week!
We have another busy week of learning, growth, and Bobcat pride ahead! Please check out our Family Weekly Update for August 17–21 for important assessments, activities, and events.
Anti-Bullying Tour
i-Ready & Amira Assessments
DCMS Bobcats vs. Wilcox County — Wednesday at 5:00 PM | HOME
School Fire Drill
Summer Bridge Celebration
Dollar Days
Thank you, families, for your continued partnership and support!
📣 Bobcat Families, here’s what’s happening this week! ❤️💛
We’re ready for another focused and productive week at Dooly K-8 Academy! From i-Ready diagnostics and Picture Day to Freeze & Focus Friday, our Bobcats have a great week ahead! 🐾📚🎯
Please review our Family Newsletter for important dates and reminders.
One Team. One Den. Endless Possibilities! ❤️💛
#DoolyK8Academy #BobcatPride #FamilyNewsletter #MakingAnImpact #LeavingALegacy
Dooly County students are making meaningful academic progress, and mathematics is leading the way! 📈
The 2026 Georgia Milestones results show improvement across our district. Of the 12 End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments currently available, seven improved at Developing Learner or above, and eight improved at Proficient Learner or above.
Our strongest gains came in mathematics. We also saw positive momentum in Biology, Algebra, fifth-grade science, and eighth-grade Social Studies.
These gains reflect the hard work of our students and the dedication of our teachers, school leaders, instructional support staff, families, community partners, and Board of Education. We are proud of this progress, but our work continues. During the 2026-2027 school year, we will build on this momentum while providing targeted support in third-grade mathematics, eighth-grade science, and U.S. History.
Every percentage represents students who are growing, gaining skills, and moving closer to proficiency. Let’s celebrate their progress and continue working together to ensure every student reaches their highest aspirations.
Strong Growth. Forward Momentum. Moving “the Dooly Way” Forward! ❤️💛
DCK-8 Parent Weekly News Update
Week of August 3–7, 2026
Dear Bobcat Families,
We are excited to welcome our students back for an amazing school year! We can’t wait to see everyone on the first day of school. Please review the important events and reminders for this week.
Monday, August 3
First Day of School!
* School begins! We are excited to welcome all Bobcats back.
* Families are encouraged to arrive early if possible to help reduce traffic and ensure a smooth arrival.
Tuesday, August 4
School-Wide Student Assemblies
Students will participate in grade-level assemblies focused on building a positive school culture, reviewing school expectations, celebrating what it means to be a Bobcat, and kicking off a successful year.
School-Wide Fire Drill
Students and staff will participate in our first required safety drill of the school year.
Thursday, August 6
6th Grade Parent Night
5:00 p.m.
DCK-8 Cafeteria
Parents of 6th grade students are encouraged to attend to learn about middle school expectations, academic programs, and ways to support student success.
School Supply Update
Our book bags are in, but we are currently waiting for our all of our school supplies to be delivered. We anticipate they will arrive by Wednesday. In the meantime, please do not worry—every student will be provided with everything they need for a successful start to the school year while we await the shipment.
Reminders
* School begins each morning promptly. Please help your child arrive on time each day.
* Be sure your child comes to school dressed according to the school dress code and ready to learn.
* Stay connected by following Dooly County K-8 Academy on social media and checking Parent Portal for updates throughout the year. Thrill share text messages will be sent out as well.
Together, we are Building a Foundation of Excellence, Making an Impact and Leaving a Legacy!
Have a wonderful first week, Bobcat families!
Parent Portal Update
Parents, please note that Parent Portal will open on Monday, August 3, 2026.
If you have already registered for Parent Portal, you will be able to log in and view your child’s class schedule and other student information once the portal becomes available.
If you have not yet signed up for Parent Portal, we encourage you to do so to stay connected with your child’s academic information throughout the school year.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming our Bobcats back to school!
Dooly K-8 Academy invites you to participate in the School Council Election during Open House! There will be two business/community partners selected.
📅 Thursday, July 30, 2026
🕒 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Elementary Cafeteria
Your vote helps shape the future of Dooly K-8 Academy. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue Making an Impact, Leaving a Legacy! ❤️💛
