🌱 New Boys Basketball Coach + Angry Teacher at Dacula Middle School

Good morning, Dacula! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 54 Low: 28.
• Tuesday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 61 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories today in Dacula:

1. Around the corner in Duluth, a 24-year-old driver had an interesting alibi when he was caught speeding. When the driver was pulled over, he told officers that he was driving fast so that his check engine light wouldn't come on since he was "trying to pass emissions." Officials claim the driver was recorded going over 90 miles per hour on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
2. School administrators announced that Derrick Herbert, two-time state champion at Norcross, will be the new head boys basketball coach at Dacula High School. Herbert won the state championship as Norcross' starting point guard in 2011 and spend the past two seasons as an assistant to longtime Norcross head coach Jesse McMillan. The Blue Devils made the Final Four this past season after their 2022 state title run. (Gwinnettdailypost.com)
3. On Friday, Mar. 17, a video of a Dacula Middle School teacher going off on her students in class made its rounds on social media. In the video, which was shared on Fox 5 Atlanta, the teacher can be told telling students "Y'all act weird. Joking and laughing, and it's all funny. But y'all keep that same energy and see me on the street. Keep that same energy. Cause y'all all tough." Some parents have expressed outrage at the comments, while others are calling for the teacher's firing. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Today and tomorrow in Dacula:

Monday, March 20

• Spanish Lessons at Gwinnett County Public Library, Hamilton Mill Branch (6:30 PM)

Tuesday, March 21

• Tennis Match Vs. Mill Creek at Dacula High School (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to February's Athletes and Coaches of the Month at Dacula High School. These athletes and coaches put many rigorous hours of hard work into being successful both in the school building and in their sports. If you see any of these falcons, let them know how great they are. (Dacula High School via Facebook)
• Are your kids in love with everything Disney? If your children read five books at the Gwinnett County Public Library, they can earn a FREE ticket to Disney on Ice's "Find Your Hero" performance. For more information, visit here. (Gwinnett County Public Library via Instagram)
• If you're looking for some extra giggles, Actin A Fool's Open Mic event is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center for ages 16 and older. Whether you have jokes, songs, poems, or other talents to share, register to perform and spread the laughter, or save your spot in the audience here. (Gwinnett Parks and Recreation)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right! I'll see you around.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.