Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

Chess Tournament - We Need You

Do you know how to play chess?  Are you interested in competing in a school chess tournament?  We are forming a tournament team and need you to join.  We will play in our first match on February 9.  The tournament will take place at Webb Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta.  There is a $15 entry fee.  Parents should plan to provide transportation for their child to and from the event.  Craig Thompson (parent volunteer) will be serving as coach.  If you have questions about the competition please email Mr. Thompson at craigkthompson@gmail.com , or you can call the school.

For more information about the tournament you may click on the following link: http://georgiachess.org/downloads/GCA2008WestFlyer.pdf 

Going Green

I am excited to announce that very soon Dodgen MS students and staff will participate in another venture that will benefit our environment.  We have entered into an agreement with the Cobb school system to pilot a program that is desgined to recycle the Styrofoam lunch trays used each day by 1,250 students and staff.  This is something that our Enviromental Club has been interested in pursuing for some time.  Maybe the program will soon grow to include other schools.  Our staff and students are already very conscious of protecting the environment.  Joyce Kemper is pictured with two full bags of aluminum cans.  She collects cans at the school on a regular basis to take to the Good Mews animal shelter to help both the enviroment and animals.  Also pictured are Mary Barkley and Kyle Schnitger.  Notice the mound of pizza boxes behind them from a recent school event.  They arranged to have all of the boxes recycled rather than simply throw them out to take up space in a landfill.

New Year's Resolution?

The term "resolution" has several definitions.  When used in conjunction with the prospect of a new year, one dictionary has defined the word resolution as "something determined or decided upon, as a course of action."  This is the time of year when many individuals contemplate the feasibility of establishing their own resolutions.  Rather than offering a new beginning, may I simply suggest to students that you be resolute each day as you continue your quest to develop good character.  To be resolute means to be determined.  It often takes resolute courage to do what you know is right.  True friends will appreciate your actions and follow your good example.  Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."  Further, I contend that no one can take away your resolve to do the right thing without your consent.  It is your job as students to make good choices.  It is our responsibility as educators to assist in your quest to keep your resolution of establishing greatness of character, as well as achieving academic success.  I am thankful that we have so many outstanding young ladies and young gentlemen who attend Dodgen Middle School.  I look forward to being there for you in 2008.