Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

Welcome!

Robin Lattizori has been named principal to Dodgen Middle School for the 2009-2010 school year and I could not be more pleased!  She has served as pricipal to Mt. Bethel Elementary School for the past seven years.  I look forward to a smooth, seamless transition.

 

“In a completely rational society, the best of us would aspire to be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less.  Passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and highest responsibility anyone could have.”

                                                ---Lee Iacocca

For the past thirty years I have been blessed to serve in what I consider to be the greatest profession on earth, education.  I count among my blessings the privilege to have served for eight years as principal of Dodgen Middle School.  The pathway that led me to Dodgen has taken me through three districts and seven schools.  At each stop along the way, I have laughed a lot and cried some, too; made friends, and tried to find common ground with those who were not so friendly; and, of course, I learned more than I taught. 

Life itself is a journey; and a short one at that.  Most of you know by now that I plan to retire this June.  I will forever treasure the relationship I have with the Dodgen community, and cannot begin to express my appreciation for the trust you have placed in me over the years.  I look forward to Dodgen’s continued success for many years to come as a new administration works with the most outstanding teaching staff in the world. 

 

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist when you grow up.”   I am not a big fan of his art, but I can’t argue with his sentiment.  Looking at the world as if through the eyes of a child is the best perspective as far as I am concerned.  Don’t forget what it was like to be a kid.  I guess this explains why I started out as an art teacher thirty years ago, and plan to get back to art (pottery in particular) when I retire.  My goal is to create the perfect coffee cup, and then use it.  I am sure from time to time I will post updates on my new “career” on Facebook.  If you don’t know what Facebook is, ask your kid.  Old folks like me are taking it over and that’s something that really irritates the kids. 

I’ll see you around town.

January Dateline Letter

Dodgen Dateline Letter:  Download Ptsa 1.9.09

America's White Table

To honor the men and women who have served in America's Armed Forces, Dodgen MS set up what is referred to as "America's White Table."  Health teacher, Roberta Fletcher, came to me with this unique idea.  With my enthusiastic approval, she set a table in our school cafeteria.  This is the 2nd year that Ms. Fletcher has provided this wonderful display.  The little white table we have set for Veteran's Day at Dodgen MS is just like the ones that have stood in American dining halls of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.  A small table is used to show one soldier's lonely battle against many.  It is covered with a white cloth to honor a soldier's pure heart when they answer their country's call to duty.  A lemon slice and grains of salt are placed on a plate to show a captive soldier's bitter fate, and the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return.  An empty chair is pushed to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here.  A black napkin is placed on the table to reflect the sorrow of captivity.  A glass is turned over to symbolize the meal that will not be eaten.  A white candle is placed on the table to reflect peace.  A red rose is placed in a vase and tied with a red ribbon in the hope that all of our missing will return one day.  It is difficult for us to understand the suffering that adults sometimes must go through to protect their families and friends that make up our great country, America.  The little white table should serve as a meaningful reminder to all of us, young and old.

Test Scores Gain State Recognition

Congratulations to our students and staff!  Dodgen MS students earned recognition from State School Superintendent, Kathy Cox, as having achieved the greatest percentage of scores in the "Exceeds" range on the CRCT this past spring!  Dodgen students placed in the top ten statewide in several subjects and grades.  Of special note, our students achieved top ten status of schools achieving the greatest percentage in the exceeds category in all three grade levels in the subject of math!  Check out this link: http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/  and scroll to the press release section.  The story is dated September 9, 2008.  Way to go Dodgen students and staff!

Fish Tale

We had a great time on Friday.  I joined 7th grade life science teachers and students at our outdoor classroom by the pond.  We released about three dozen grass eating fish into the pond throughout the day.  If you have driven by the pond in the last few years, you have undoubtedly noticed the mil-foil weed that is taking over.  After some research, and discussions with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, I discovered the fish called White Amur.  The common name is Grass Carp.  Early Friday morning I drove up to Dahlonega, GA, to one of only two hatcheries in the state that raises White Amur, and brought back between 36 to 40 of the fish.  Even though the cab of my truck was somewhat crowded, I must say that the fish were not much for conversation.  I digress.  I arrived back on campus at about 10:00am and set up for the day.  My son Samuel, who is home (but leaving soon) from college, helped with set-up, built a screen for the drain (see photos) and stayed to assist throughout the day.  Studying the condition of our pond has been a life science project for several years.  Their research, in fact, has enabled me to report to interested community members that even though the pond looks unhealthy, it actually supports a vibrant healthy ecosystem.  The photos above show several classes just before releasing several fish.  You can also see a couple of the fish in the aquarium, as well as the plastic bins in the pond which allowed the fish to become acclimated before their release.

REMEMBER 9/11

Each person reading this message is aware of the significance of this date in history.  I believe that it is extremely important for each of us to reflect on the events from seven years ago.  An attack on America that ended so many lives, and changed so many others.  I would like to share with you the letter that I wrote seven years ago.  This letter was included in the October 2001 edition of the Dodgen Dateline.  The letter:

Dear Parents,

At the beginning of this school year I wrote a message to you that spoke of all of us taking a journey together.  The message included such pleasant thoughts as children waving and cattle grazing.  You were encouraged to eat more ice cream, climb more mountaintops, and swim more rivers.  Unfortunately we live in a world where reality sometimes is not pretty and peaceful.  The national events of the recent past have thrown us all into a world of disbelief and horror.  It is certain that these events will forever change our lives, but it is up to us as individuals to determine exactly how we will be changed.  As a parent, I will be sure that my son knows how proud I am to live in America.  I will be sure to tell him at least twice each day, once in the morning and once at night, how much I love him.  I will try with great care to teach him that freedom is a right that comes at a heavy and sometimes painful price.  I will, with more determination than ever, teach him that faith is something that he has that no one can take from him and that his God will provide comfort for him if nothing or no one else can.  Our children need reassurance from us that they are secure, and that we will be there for them when the world around us is in chaos.  Call me a dreamer; call me an old man who has lost touch with reality, but I believe that everything will be all right.  The faith of community, guidance from parents, and support from the school, will provide the cushion of security for our students that will lift them above the cruel acts of a few today; and will enable them to effect the change needed for the future.  God Bless America!

Jim Snell, Principal

NEVER FORGET!

ITBS

Parents of 8th grade students; please open the following link for information regarding the upcoming Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS):  Download itbs_parent_letter.doc 

Reminder From the Clinic

When it is necessary to bring medication to the school, please remember:

• Adults need to bring the medication
• Proper authorization forms need to be completed and on file
• Medication needs to be in its own container
• Prescription medication should be in its own container and include child's name, dose, and time

The Nurse, Ms. Ortland, is unable to administer medication unless the above items have been completed.  If you have questions please contact Ms. Ortland in the clinic at 770/578-2739, or visit her web log at  http://dodgenms.typepad.com/dodgen_ms_clinic/

We are well into the new school year and I am happy to report another great beginning.  I feel fortunate to work with such an outstanding group of educators!  Our office staff has done an incredible job of placing scedules in the hands of students on day one.  Teachers and support staff have created a nuturing learning atmosphere that is complete with appropriate academic rigor.  And our maintenance team has provided an environment that is clean and healthy. 

Here are a few random facts that might that might be of interest to you as we begin the year:

• Student enrollment continues an upward trend.  As of the first week of school our population was at 1,120. 
• Some exceptional staff members have joined us in the past couple of months.
• Fall technology literacy pre-test results for 8th grade students from 2007-2008 indicate that 89% (highest in the county) were proficient; post-test results from the spring indicate that 96% of our 8th grade students were proficient! I've not heard how this compares to other schools.  There are nine areas throughout the building designated as technology/computer labs that are available for teachers to utilize with their students.  This does not include the the two labs that are part of the Connections curriculum.
• There are almost thirty clubs and activities available for students.  Check out pages 11 and 12 in your child's agenda/planner.

And a few reminders:

• Car riders should load and unload from the sidewalk at the front entrance area.  Vehicles should pull as far forward toward the gate as possible before loading or unloading students.  Students should enter and exit vehicles from the passenger door/side so that they do not step in front of another vehicle. 
• Please do not drop students off at school before 8:15am unless prior arrangements have been made with a specific teacher/staff member.  We have made arrangements to supervise students from 8:15-8:45am; but the actual school day does not begin until 8:45. 
• Communication is a key to success for your child.  Check your child's agenda/planner daily.  Check teacher web logs often.  They should be updated at least weekly.  Call, email, or write a note if you have questions.

Now - let's go have a GREAT year!