Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

Social Studies Standards

Follow this link to the curriculum standards for social studies:  http://picasso.cobbk12.org/cobbcurriculum/curriculum/ParSocStudiesINDEX.HTM

Science Standards

Follow this link to the standards for science:  http://picasso.cobbk12.org/cobbcurriculum/curriculum/ParSciINDEX.HTM

Language Arts Standards

Follow this link to the curriculum standards for language arts:  http://picasso.cobbk12.org/cobbcurriculum/curriculum/ParLaINDEX.HTM

Math Standards

Follow this link to the curriculum standards for math:  http://picasso.cobbk12.org/cobbcurriculum/curriculum/ParMathINDEX.HTM

Theatre/Speech/Drama Class Added

I am proud to announce that there will be an exciting addition to the connections program at Dodgen when school begins this fall.  The theatre/drama/speech curriculum will be available for students in all grades during the school day.  Maria Karres-Williams has accepted the challenge of teaching in this newly created position, as well as coordinating/directing the great tradition at Dodgen known as the Spring Production.  Maria brings with her several successful years of middle school theatre teaching experience.  She moved to Georgia from North Carolina with her husband two years ago. 

CRCT Test Results

The results are in.  Our students did very well.  Congratulations also to our teachers who work so hard to help our students succeed.  Percentage of students who met or exceeded standards in reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies: 

6th grade-R98% M91% LA98% SC86% SS97%

7th grade-R95% M93% LA96% SC94% SS97%

8th grade-R98% M94% LA98% SC94% SS97%

Science Classes Highlighted

Soon you will see one aspect of our 8th grade science curriculum highlighted on COBB edTV.  You can visit the Cobb County BOE web site to find out additional information about the TV station, as well as program listings.  COBB edTV visited Dodgen last Thursday to do a story on what I believe to be the most unique outdoor classroom in the United States.  Our pond!  8th grade science students reap the greatest benefit from this special learning environment.  Some of our award winning (see February 23, 2007 post) students are shown at left as they are filmed for the program, and as they meet with their teacher, Judy Cox this past Thursday.

Olympics Come To An End

   The Olympics have come to a close.  Here are a few pictures from the week. 

Regional Science Olympiad

Student members of the Dodgen Science Olympiad (pictured at left) accompanied by their coach Deborah Amodeo, and a host of parent volunteers, traveled to Georgia State University last week to participate in the regional competition.  Dodgen MS fielded two teams for the event.  I am proud to announce that our students placed 2nd and 5th in the region!  The top six teams advance to the state competition to be held in Augusta, GA, at the end of March.  Although both of our teams placed well enough to advance, the guidelines only permit one team from each school to be represented.  Way to go ladies and gentlemen!

Dodgen Pond Project

Twenty students in Judy Cox's 8th grade science class traveled to Zoo Atlanta this morning to present their research project to a panel of judges.  Earlier this month they were selected as the 2006 Outstanding Outreach Award Winner from Georgia Adopt-A-Stream.  Ms. Cox's students have been utilizing the pond on Dodgen's campus as their very own outdoor classroom/research lab for years.  Their outstanding presentation today was the culmination of hours of hands-on research and experimentation as they monitor life on the pond.  Dodgen is one of only nine other schools in the state of Georgia selected to be honored as finalists.  On March 26, these exceptional young ladies and gentlemen will officially be presented with an award from the State Coordinator of the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.  I will be sure to post a group picture of Ms. Cox and her students at that time.  Great job!