Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

Practice Drill This Week

In our efforts to keep you informed, I wanted you to be aware that Dodgen Middle School will be conducting emergency lockdown drills over the next week. These drills are part of our effort to ensure student safety in the event of an emergency.

           The “Code Red” drills will occur during the school day and will involve a predetermined emergency scenario. To best simulate the circumstances of a real emergency, the drills will not be announced beforehand. Classrooms will be locked down while administrators and school safety officials review and follow the same procedures that would be used in a real event. Other than remaining quiet in their classrooms, students will not participate in the drill, and at no time will students be in any danger.

With school incidents on the rise throughout the country, student safety is a prominent concern. These practice drills will help us ensure that we are prepared to handle any situation that may arise. In addition, they will show our school community that we take student safety seriously and that we have an effective plan in place to respond to an emergency.

Thank you for your support as we work to ensure that the safety of our students remains our highest priority.

Bell Schedule 1st and 2nd Quarters

Bell schedule link:  Download bellsched_1st_2nd_qtr_200607.DOC 

Dress Code Update

As a courtesy to parents and students we want to review our current dress code policies as they appear on page 9 of the handbook located in your child's agenda. 

All clothing must be appropriate for school and not be a distraction to learning.  Skirts/shorts/dresses must come close to the knee, regardless if you are wearing tights, stockings, or leggings.  No hats, caps, or bandanas may be worn during the school day.  Mid-drift shirts, blouses, strapless garments, or tank tops are not appropriate for school.  In addition, as we have stated in class assemblies, ripped or torn clothing is not appropriate for school.  Please review the current dress code policies with your child.  Thank you for your support.

School Council

We will be adding at least one parent member to our School Council this year.  Nominations will be accepted through August 3, 2007.  Voting will take place on August 10, 2007.  There have been a few changes to the  guidelines  for  councils, but the seven member minimum remains a constant.  Four of those members must be parents.  If you are interested in nominating someone who wants to WORK on Dodgen's School Council, you may download a form from the link in the "Special Announcements" posting above.  Nominations will close on August 3, 2007.  Anyone nominated after August 3 will be considered a write-in candidate.

Immunization Requirements

The requirements have changed a bit for rising 6th graders.  Check this link for complete information:  http://www.cobb.k12.ga.us/generalinfo/enrollment.htm

In our efforts to keep you informed, I wanted you to be aware that Dodgen Middle School will be conducting emergency lockdown drills over the next week. These drills are part of our effort to ensure student safety in the event of an emergency.

           The “Code Red” drills will occur during the school day and will involve a predetermined emergency scenario. To best simulate the circumstances of a real emergency, the drills will not be announced beforehand. Classrooms will be locked down while administrators and school safety officials review and follow the same procedures that would be used in a real event. Other than remaining quiet in their classrooms, students will not participate in the drill, and at no time will students be in any danger.

With school incidents on the rise throughout the country, student safety is a prominent concern. These practice drills will help us ensure that we are prepared to handle any situation that may arise. In addition, they will show our school community that we take student safety seriously and that we have an effective plan in place to respond to an emergency.

Thank you for your support as we work to ensure that the safety of our students remains our highest priority.

Online Assessment System

The Georgia State Department of Education has developed an online assessment system containing practice tests your child can take at home if he/she has access to the internet. There is no charge for the assessments and you can monitor your child’s progress easily. The practice tests are based on the skills and knowledge that will be tested in the spring and test items are presented in the same format that students will see on the actual test. Students may take the student tests as many times as they wish, whenever they wish.  Here is a link to the letter we will be sending home tomorrow: Download middle_school_letter_oas_2.13.07.doc 

By the way, progress reports also come home tomorrow...

8th Grade Dance

ATTENTION 8TH GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS:

It is only 105 days until the 8th grade dance!  But who is counting?  Seriously though, the time is going to fly past, and May 5th will be here before we know it.  As you (and your parents) plan for the dance you must remember a few very important points:

• This event is an 8th grade party or dance NOT a prom or formal
• The Cobb County Schools and Dodgen Middle School dress code applies (refer to your agenda).  No formals or tuxedos.  No thin strapped or strapless dresses.  Street/knee length dresses are suggested.  Tie optional for boys.  Church clothes are appropriate.
• Students should NOT leave early from school to prepare for the party.  Early dismissal for party preparation is not an excused absence.  Also remember that students who are absent from school on May 4, cannot attend the party.
• Families do NOT need to make large expenditures for preparation (hairstyling, nails, clothing, transportation, photos, etc). 
• Students and parents are responsible for ensuring appropriate attire.  It is important to remember that the dress code will be enforced in the same manner as during school hours.  Students who are dressed inappropriately will NOT be permitted into the party.

We (PTSA volunteers, teachers, administrators) look forward to this event.  Your cooperation will help to ensure that it is a special evening for the 8th grade class.

Communication

Parents,

More and more Dodgen teachers are utilizing on-line technology (web logs, SchoolNotes.com, etc.) to communicate from our place to yours.  Many teachers maintain the telephone based method commonly referred to as "homework hotline" as well.  I am hoping to move more toward on-line options, but do not want to exclude anyone.  Your child will bring home a questionnaire in the next few days.  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and have your child return it to his/her home room teacher.  If you prefer, you may print the survey from this link  Download parent_survey_communication_11.20.06.doc  and send it back early. 

Thank you,

Jim Snell

School Council Nominations

I am sure you are aware that the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000 established School Councils in Georgia.  Our School Council is comprised of two parents, two teachers, two business members, and the principal.  One of our parents will be rotating off of the Council this year so it will be necessary to elect a replacement.  Parents and guardians of children who are enrolled at Dodgen MS are invited to nominate a parent or guardian who would be interested in serving on our School Council.  Click this link Download school_council_nomination_form_2006.doc  to obtain a nomination form.  Nominations will be accepted until August 4, 2006.  The election ballot will be created on August 4, 2006, to include the names of nominees.  Any name submitted as a nominee after August 4, 2006, will have to be entered as a write-in candidate.  The School Council election will take place at the school on Thursday, August 10, 2006, from 9:00am-5:30pm.  In order to vote you must be the parent or guardian of a child who will be attending Dodgen MS during the 2006-2007 school year.