Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

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