Notes From Mr. Snell's Office

New Program

   

I am proud to announce that there will be an Intro To Technology lab in full operation at Dodgen MS this fall.  This will be an outstanding addition to our Connections curriculum.  There are 16 computer work stations designed to support a variety of student interests.  Mechanical Systems, Research and Design, and Flight Transportation stations are pictured above.  We are fortunate to have an experienced teacher of technology, Mr. David Nadelhoffer, join our staff to supervise the lab.  Mr. Nadelhoffer comes highly recommended.  He ran the new lab at Cooper MS in the Cobb County School System before moving to New Orleans.  We are happy that he chose to come back home to Cobb County.

Music Classrooms

Our new music instructional areas are state of the art.  Pictured at left is one of the hallways that leads to the chorus, band, and orchestra classrooms. 

PE Facility Upgrades

The extensive SPLOST II facility expansion project at Dodgen also included many upgrades to the existing structure.  For example, our physical education department benefited as it received a new hardwood floor surface in the main gym, as well as new carpeting in the covered play area.  Air conditioning was installed in the main gym.  Lastly, our own custodial staff added a coat of paint in the main gym.

Computer Labs

Pictured at left are two of Dodgen's newest computer labs.  These classrooms were added as a result of the recent construction project.  The Apple Mac lab is shown with the white computers and the Dell PC lab pictured with the black machines.  The Dell lab is currently being used for business instruction.  The Mac lab will also be used to deliver instruction in the connections/exploratory program.  It is a great advantage to have both technology platforms in the same facility.

Grade Level Tech Labs

The massive construction project is nearing completion.  Students will be able to occupy the 7th grade wing after Christmas!  One of the many benefits of the facility expansion has been the added space that is available for unique school-wide initiatives.  The spaces that were formerly known as the commons areas in each grade, for example, have now been enclosed to create large rooms.  Architectural drawings had specified these areas to be offices for teachers.  Teachers have instead decided to create technology labs for students that will house the school's mobile laptop carts.  The 6th grade lab is pictured here.