Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

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!

It's That Time!!!

"Oh no!  Summer break is gone!  I gotta go back to school!"  Sound familiar?  I hope not, but I suspect so.  Since I know that your child does not read the principal's web log, I will have to depend on you to relay my message of good cheer:

Dear Dodgen Student,

Your teachers and I look forward to welcoming you on Monday morning.  I suppose that some of you are sad, some are happy, and all are anxious.  I have been at this as a teacher/administrator for 30 years (yes I am older than most of your parents), yet I always think of how I felt as a kid.  Just know that regardless of how you feel, we are glad you are coming to Dodgen Middle School!  We will have a great year!