Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

6th Grade Dodgen Student Awarded A Scholarship

Briana, a sixth grade student at Dodgen MS, learned recently that she was selected to receive a scholarship in the amount of $500.  She applied for the scholarship via the Education GO Get It program.  Briana is the only middle school student in Cobb County to receive such an award.  You may recall that Dodgen MS was the first middle school in Georgia to house a GO Center.  The GO Center was initiated by our PTSA under the leadership of President, Mary Winther.  It is located in our media center.  Ms. Winther sought a mini-grant offered by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia which ultimately provided the resources for our GO Center at Dodgen MS.  The ribbon cutting for our center took place on October 12, 2005.  GO Centers were originated with the goal of improving Georgia's high school graduation rate.  Congratulations to Briana for being one of the first middle school students in Georgia to have already earned a scholarship for college.  Briana is pictured at left with one of her teachers, Mr. Vanden Bergh.  He provided the application for his students.

Anniversary Announcement

Dodgen Middle School is thirty years old!  We are planning a reunion for Sunday, April 30, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. to celebrate our anniversary.  Spread the word! 

Did you attend Dodgen MS years ago?  Have you ever worked at Dodgen?  Do you know someone else who did?  Perhaps you have some interesting fond memories to share?  Click on the "Comments" link below this post to share your memorable reflections.  FYI: As author of this web log I will reserve the right to edit and/or not post entries.

Teacher Spotlight

It is very satisfying to serve as principal in a building that is brimming with talented teachers who care about their students.  Parents often share stories with me about the positive influence teachers have had on their children.  It occured to me that this web log would be an excellent platform from which to share some of those accolades.  This week alone I received notes about sixth grade science teacher, Ms. Fitzgerald, and seventh grade math teacher, Mr. Veeder.  One parent copied me on a note she wrote to Ms. Fitzgerald:

"I wanted to write you a note thanking you for all of the support you have given (my child) this year. (My child) was so excited when you chose (my child) as "Student of the Month". (My child) read me what you had written about (my child) and was so proud! (My child) said, "Mom, Mrs. Fitzgerald really likes me and wants me to do well in her class."  You have made a tremendous difference in my child's life, and I want you to know how much I appreciate all that you do for (my child) and the kids in your class...they constantly told me how much you cared about them. (My child) does well in your class because (my child) knows you care, you want (my child) to learn and be successful, and you don't look for (my child's) faults."

I enjoyed reading the following note about Mr. Veeder from a different  parent:

"As a parent, I would like to say what an outstanding teacher Mr. Veeder is.  His bulletin board that honors his highest average students in Math, is a great idea.  My child was very excited about it.  Thank-you very much for all of your hard work and dedication Mr Veeder!"

Thank you Ms. Fitzgerald and Mr. Veeder!

Computer Labs

Pictured at left are two of Dodgen's newest computer labs.  These classrooms were added as a result of the recent construction project.  The Apple Mac lab is shown with the white computers and the Dell PC lab pictured with the black machines.  The Dell lab is currently being used for business instruction.  The Mac lab will also be used to deliver instruction in the connections/exploratory program.  It is a great advantage to have both technology platforms in the same facility.

Academic Bowl Team Competes in Macon

I traveled to Macon, GA today to watch our outstanding Academic Bowl Team compete in the state semi-final match.  The Dodgen team earned the right to appear in Macon because of their stellar performance at the regional meet on January 7.  The team did very well.  They won their first four matches and advanced to the 2nd round in the afternoon before being eliminated.  I am so proud of our students.  I also appreciate teachers Ms. Stevens, Ms. Barzegar, and Ms. Sturtevant accompanying the team today.  I enjoyed being with the team, teachers, and parents.

Governor Perdue's Visit (Continued)

You will have to indulge me today.  The visit to Dodgen yesterday by Georgia's Governor, Mr. Sonny Perdue, is an occasion worthy of more than one day on the web log.  Please be sure to also read the entry from January 19.  It will provide for you the account of a personal "observation" of a gesture made by the Governor that I consider to be of great significance.

Okay, so where do I begin?  I should certainly tell everyone how appreciative I am that so many wonderful individuals visited our campus in order to attend or participate in the event.  I was honored to have Superintendent Fred Sanderson and Senator Judson Hill join me on the stage.  Others who took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate our students included Cobb County Board of Education members Kathie Johnstone, Johnny Johnson, Laura Searcy, and Lindsey Tippins.  Also in attendance was state Representative Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta) and state Senator Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock).  And of course many parents joined us as well including Dodgen MS PTSA President Mary Winther and ECCC Co-President Karen Hallacy.

I had the pleasure of introducing Senator Judson Hill who in turn introduced Governor Perdue.  Senator Hill was kind enough to present to me State Senate Resolution 211 after the program had concluded.  This official Senate Resolution was authored for the purpose of "commending the academic achievements of Dodgen Middle School."  Resolution 211 goes on to spell out some of the accomplishments earned by students and staff at Dodgen.  I appreciate Senator Hill's efforts on behalf of our students and staff.

I appreciate the media coverage of the event.  Television Channels 2 and 11 were here.  The Atlanta Journal was represented and wrote a nice article.  AJC Staff Writer Diane Stepp spent a lot of time talking with teachers.   The students and staff at Dodgen MS especially appreciate the huge front page coverage today by the Marietta Daily Journal.  The MDJ and Staff Writer John Gillooly are to be commended for dedicating prime space to cover a positive story.  Mr. Gillooly wrote a comprehensive and thoughtful account of the event.

Of course I saved the best for last.  I was so proud of our students.  It was their reputation that brought Governor Perdue to Dodgen.  Dodgen's Cello Choir, under the direction of Ms. Ashley Culley, played for the audience as they anticipated the Governor's arrival.  Our eighth grade students stood and applauded as the Governor entered the theatre. They continued showing their appreciation until he stepped onto the stage.  Sixth and seventh grade students watched the program in their classrooms via closed circuit broadcast.  Truly an event to remember! 

Governor Perdue is pictured at left with students Kyla, Amanda, and Neelam.  More photos will appear soon in the "Governor Perdue Visit" photo album link in the left column.

Governor Perdue Visits Dodgen Middle School!

I am posting a brief message on our web log today.  Check back tomorrow for many more details of the visit to Dodgen Middle School by Georgia's Governor, Mr. Sonny Perdue!  The students, staff, and parents from the Dodgen Community would like to say a great big THANK YOU to Governor Perdue for taking the time to come and speak to our students.  Before signing off today I want to share one observation with you regarding Governor Perdue's time with us.  I was most impressed when our Governor made an "executive decision" toward the end of the program.  I knew that he had another meeting to attend at noon.  I had seen his schedule before he arrived to our school.  The program at Dodgen had run a little longer than planned.  Governor Perdue had completed his remarks and was taking questions from several of our eighth grade students.  At 11:25AM I was concerned that we needed to get him on his way because I figured he would already be late to his next appointment.  I made the announcement to the audience and in essence gave him "permission" to leave.  Governor Perdue promptly took the microphone from me and walked over to the remaining two students who had prepared questions for him and allowed them their time.  Class act...

I also want to thank Senator Judson Hill who spoke to our students.  Many other officials were in attendance as well.  Again, please check back tomorrow for further details and more photos of this wonderful event.  For now, enjoy these pictures of our Governor arriving on our campus.

Dodgen Wins $2,500 Grant

Several teachers at Dodgen collaborated to apply for a grant sponsored by Best Buy.  We learned recently that Dodgen MS was indeed selected to receive one of the $2,500 grants.  These dollars will be spent to support the use of technology at Dodgen MS.  Special thanks to Ms. Cochran, Ms. Cox, Ms. Hurley, Ms. Klodnicki, Ms. Meagh, Ms. Russo, and Ms. Wiles for pulling it all together.

Governor Perdue To Visit Dodgen

Governor Perdue will visit Dodgen Middle School tomorrow morning!  He and Senator Judson Hill are planning to speak to our eighth grade students.  I will tell you all about the visit right here on my web log.  Be sure to check back tomorrow afternoon for all of the details!

Appreciation

Dodgen's School Council recognized Cobb County Board of Education member, Kathie Johnstone, at it's January meeting this morning.  Ms. Johnstone represents Post 6 which includes Dodgen Middle School.  Linda Kimbrough and Cathy Stamm, parent representatives on the Council, came up with the idea and made all of the arrangements.  I enthusiastically endorsed the agenda item.  Thank you Kathie, for the countless hours of dedicated service.  You are an outstanding advocate for students.  Enjoy some pictures of the event posted below.