2008-2009 E-News Archive

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Please visit the Events page for Dodgen's 2009-2010 calendar of events.

Panther Day will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2009 during the following times:

8th Grade 12:30-1:30
7th Grade 1:45-2:45
6th Grade 3:00-4:00

Parents will have the opportunity to meet their student’s homeroom teacher, find bus routes and schedules, pick up Pre-orders from the PTSA, purchase Dodgen spirit wear or school supplies from the book store, put money in their student’s lunch account, and sign up to be a PTSA volunteer at Dodgen. Yearbook pictures will also be taken.

Please note, you will need separate checks for each of the following: to purchase spirit wear and school supplies, put money in your child’s lunch account, purchase school pictures, and if you did not pre-order,  you will need a check to purchase your Vocabulary Workshop book, join the PTSA, purchase a directory and calendar, and to make a tax-deductible donation to the Dodge PTSA.

Pre-order forms can be found in the Dateline newsletter which will arrive in the mail soon.

Attention 8th Grade Parents: 
 
The Dodgen PTSA has recently been notified by the Language Arts department that students in the 8th grade will not need to purchase a Vocabulary book this year.  Students will be taught vocabulary skills using different materials.  If you are using the pre-order form and want to order via the bundle, you can either consider the $8.00 as part of your donation to the PTSA (which is tax deductible) or you can subtract $8.00 from the bundle cost (Package 1 = $62.00 or Package 2 = $92.00)

We look forward to seeing you at Panther Day in August!!

Middle School Tennis Opportunity for Students

Fall 2009, students at all Cobb County public middle schools will have the opportunity to play on privately-sponsored tennis teams and will compete against one another in the name of school spirit. Parent liaisons working with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and its Jr. Team Tennis program will form teams for all levels of players, from those who have never picked up a racquet to those who spend their weekends traveling to tournaments and everything in between. The teams will be no-cut, which means that everyone who wants to play will be welcome. The players will practice and compete at area parks and neighborhood tennis courts.

• For more information on how you and your child can be part of this new program, contact Lisa Carrodus - Parent Coordinator for Dodgen at 404-642-0333/carrodus5@comcast.net or Lisa Stone at 404-790-5134/lisa@fitfor2.com or visit the USTA website at: www.atakthenet.com/html/cobb_county.html

The USTA tennis program is not sponsored by Dodgen Middle School or Dodgen PTSA.

Pope H.S. Junior Volleyball summer camp/tryouts
July 27th-30th
Hightower Trail

• For registration information see the Pope Volleyball website, www.popevolleyball.net.
  

Wheeler H.S. Magnet Summer Science Camps

Wheeler Magnet offers two summer science camps. Science Spectrum is a science and engineering camp for 7th, 8th and 9th grade girls and boys, and G.A.M.E.S. is a science and engineering camp for 4th, 5th and 6th grade girls.

• Go to www.wheelermagnet.com for more information and applications.
  

Pope H.S. 2009 Summer Basketball Camps (Boys only)

DATES / TIMES / AGES
June 1-4 / 9:00 - Noon / 7-15
June 22- 25 / 9:00 - 4:00 / 8-15
July 20 - 23 / 9:00 - 4:00 / 8-15

• Call or E-mail Pope H.S. Basketball Coach Pat Abney for camp applications:
  Pope BB Office, 770-578-7920 or Patrick.Abney@cobbk12.org
  

Matt Harpring’s “Back to the Basics” Basketball Camp: www.mattharpring.com
7/6 - 7/10/08 (Ages 8-12 and 13-16)
7/13 - 7/17/08 (Ages 8-12 and 13 -16)
Walton High School

• Times and Ages : 2 Sessions
• 7/6 - 7/10/08 (Ages 8-12 and 13-16) and 7/13 - 7/17/08 (Ages 8-12 and 13 -16)
• Times/Schedule : Monday thru Friday -- 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
• It's a 5 day camp for each session. Please note that we are accepting all ages for both sessions.
• Walton High School has 2 separate gyms - each age bracket will have it's own gym. Matt will be involved with both gyms.
• Full Session Price : Full Session Price is $250 per child, $455 for 2 children from same family or for 1 child attending both sessions, and for families sending 3 children, the cost is $660.
• Registration : Registration form must be accompanied with a minimum $100.00 non-refundable deposit for each child/session.
• Both sessions are for both Boys and Girls.
• There will be a cut-off after we reach a Max number for each camp.
  

International Spanish Academy at Walton: The Ministry of Education of Spain has named Walton High School an International Spanish Academy beginning in August, 2009.

Students in the Academy will have the opportunity to earn a dual diploma from Walton and from the Ministry of Education of Spain.

• Please go to the Walton web page at www.waltonhigh.org to access the application for incoming freshmen and for more information.

Suzanne Schott
Area 3 Lead Teacher
770-578-3225 ext.225
suzanne.schott@cobbk12.org

Summer school options for 8th grade students

1. Middle School CRCT summer school will be offered at East Cobb Middle School
Classes are from June 2 to June 25 (no Friday classes). 8AM to 12 PM
No cost to eligible students, bus transportation provided. Parents have been notified if student needs to attend this summer school.

2. Middle School Tuition summer school will be offered at Daniell Middle School
Classes are primarily for promotion in reading, math, social studies or science.
Classes are from 8AM to 12:10 PM.
Must be registered by May 28th, contact Jane Burgess at 770-578-2726 x 230.
Cost: $225 per class, cash or money order only. No transportation provided.

3. Georgia Virtual Middle School program (GAVS)
Students need to be motivated, independent learners, and have good time management skills.skills. Start date June 8th or 15th. End date July 17th. Cost $150 per class. More information is available on the Georgia Virtual School website:
http://www.gavirtualschool.org.

• It is suggested that the middle school students complete the 'Online Course Self-Assessment Inventory' before enrolling in an online course. Contact Becky Nunnally at 678-581-6790, becky.nunnally@cobbk12.org or www.cobbvirtualacademy.org

Pope H.S. Lady Greyounds Lacrosse Summer Camp
June 2, 3 and 4, 2009, 9:00am – 12:00pm

• All girls, rising 1st through rising 9th grades come out, have fun and learn some lacrosse. $50 registration.
• For more information, www.popeladieslax.com.

Walton H.S. Robotics is offering a robotics summer camp!
July 13-16 (Mon-Thurs)
Walton High School

• Who - Rising 6-8th graders will be mentored by Walton Robotics team members
• What - Lego NXT robotics - learn to build and program
• For more information contact Brian Benton at brian.benton@cobbk12.org
  

Pope H.S. Junior Fast Pitch Softball Tryouts for rising 5th through 8th Graders
June 17th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Pope High School Softball Field

• For more information, contact: Contact: Mike Beall, 404-915-3134 or e-mail vcbeall@aol.com.
• For all rising 9th grade girls interested in playing Pope High School Fast Pitch Softball, JV and Varsity, try-outs will be August 1, 3,and 4.
• For try-out times you can contact Coach Turco at the following email address: Chris.Turco@cobbk12.org.
• We look forward to having you in our program.

The "Indiana Jones and the Last Party of the 8th" was a blast for 8th graders last Friday! Please note the following time sensitive information:

IF YOU ATTENDED THE PARTY, your Free 5x7 Photo Party Favor and other images from the party are now available to order! Go to www.artesmaphotography.com, click on Other Galleries, then Events, then Dodgen MS 8th Grade Party. This gallery requires a password, DODGENMS09. Be sure to note the file number of the image(s) you want. Your order for the free 5x7 and any extra prints you want will require an order form. The form is located on the PTSA website, which you can find here:http://dodgenptsa.org/forms/DodgenMS09PartyOrderForm.pdf
Forms are also available in the front office.

Return your form (and payment for extra images) to the front lobby no later than MONDAY 5/11 to ensure you get your photos before the end of the school year, delivered to the student at school. If you are ordering only the free 5x7, you may email the image no. with the student name and HR teacher to susanp@artesmaphotography.com. After this date, the images will still be available but you will need to order and pay for them directly off of the website.

Congratulations to the Dodgen Girls Equestrian Team, which took 1st place in the RIFNA National Championships this weekend! The team, which is not a school-sponsored team, is in their first year.

One last volunteer opportunity for the 2008-09 school year!
Coach Wilkes is needing some extra hands to change locker combinations.

Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 10:00-Noon (approximately... should only be a few hours)

Please email Toby Fagin (ttfagin@hotmail.com) if you (or your child... high-school age or older please) can help!

Broadcast times for the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Conference
Sponsored by Cobb County Courts, held and filmed at Dodgen on Friday, May 8.
All broadcasts are shown on TV23:

May 9, noon
May 10, noon,
May 11, 8 am and 7 pm
May 13, noon
May 14, 8 am
May 15, 8 am
May 16, noon
May 17, noon

2009 Pope Cross Country Information
There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 13 @ 7:30PM on the Track for all rising 9th grade students who are interested in joining the 2009 PHS Cross Country team. Please check our website for futher information. www.popetfxc.com

Pope Cheerleading Association 2009 May and August Mini-Camps

Pope High School Gym, May 26th – 29th, 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon and August 5th – 7th, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm ~ Parent’s Show 11:00 am , May 29th and 11:30 am , August 7th

This camp is available to rising Kindergarteners through 5th graders in the Fall of 2009. The activities will include the fundamentals of cheerleading suitable for each age group. The participants will learn a short dance, cheer, chant, simple stunting and various jumps. Tumbling coaches may be on hand one day for instruction appropriate to age and skill level. For more information please contact Sharon at 678-560-5603 or e-mail shadersh@aol.com. The registration form can be obtained from www.popehs.typepad.com/popecheer

Pope Junior Cheerleading Informational Meeting and Tryouts
There will be an Informational Meeting for Pope Junior Cheerleading on Thursday, April 16th at 6pm in the Pope High School Media Center. This meeting will be for all rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders residing in the Pope attendance zone interested in trying out for Pope Junior Cheerleading. The tryouts will be held Monday, May 4th - 7th in the Pope auxiliary gym from 5 – 6:30 pm each evening with grade level tryout times to be announced for Thursday, May 7th. For additional information and registration forms please visit our web-site at www.popejrcheer.com or e-mail us at popejrcheer@hotmail.com

Dodgen/Borders Book Fair, May 4 - 8, 2009
Please come support the Dodgen/Borders Bookfair, May 4th through May 8th. Monday-Thursday 8:15am-4:30pm, Friday 8:15am-11:30am -and- Monday Evening 5-9pm in the Professional Library/Workroom at the Dodgen Middle School Media Center.

SUMMER READING titles will be available for rising 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th graders.
VOLUNTEERS are still needed for most shifts - all week! Please contact Kent Shelby, kent.shelby@hp.com (M)770-335-2394 if you can help!

Thanks, Book Fair Co-chairs - Mitzi Underwood, Theresea Tipton and Kent Shelby.

Pope Jr. Volleyball Spring Clinic
May 4th, 5th, 6th from 4:30-6:00
Hightower Trail Middle School
More information: www.popevolleyball.net

DON’T FORGET “MUST” MONDAY MAY 4th
PTSA is once again collecting food to go towards stocking the food supply at MUST ministries. We ask for every student to bring in ONE can or box of dry food on Monday, May 4. Just one food item direct from your pantry; with EACH and EVERYONE'S efforts, we can truly help those in need and make a huge difference! Please grab ONE can or box of food, put it in your child’s book bag, and have them bring it to school on MONDAY, MAY 4. We call it “MUST” Monday and hope for 100% participation!!

GREASE – the Musical at POPE HIGH SCHOOL
April 30, May 1,2,7, 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pope High School Theater.

GREASE is the Word! And it’s coming to POPE High School. GREASE, an eye-popping, ear-charming, toe-tapping trip back to 1959 when rock and roll first took flight and changed America forever. POPE HIGH SCHOOL will perform this popular musical on Tickets available at the door. General seating $5.00. Reserved seating $10.00. Don’t miss the T-Birds, the Pink Ladies and of course the one-of-a kind Greased Lightnin’ car make an appearance on the Pope stage. For more information contact Ann Hancock at abh0703@mindspring.com.

Pope Freshman Orientation Informational Meeting
April 29th, 2009 at 7:00 PM at Pope High School

Parents will meet in the theater for an overview of the new fall schedule and to address questions and concerns regarding the transition to high school.

Students will meet in the cafeteria where they will have the opportunity to meet with Pope Ambassadors, tour the school, and sign up for clubs and organizations.

On August 4th we will continue our orientation during Fall Madness. Times will be A-L from 2:30 to 3:00 and M-Z from 3:00- 3:30 in their homerooms. Their assigned Ambassadors will help them with lockers, schedules, pictures and book purchases. Look on the Pope website http://www.cobbk12.org/~pope for more information.

Dodgen Olympics Coming Soon! The dates have been changed to:

April 30th - 6th graders
May 1st- 7th graders
May 4th - 8th graders
May 5th - Rain date

We need volunteers from 9:30-12:30. We will be passing out water to the students to keep them hydrated! Please contact: healthandyouthservices@dodgenptsa.org. Thank you.

“Walton 101” Classes Scheduled The Walton PTSA will be offering “Walton 101” classes to all incoming 9th grade freshman parents.
During these classes you will receive a Walton A to Z dictionary, map of the school, parking lot driving directions, summer reading list, current Walton parents will be on hand to inform you about Freshman Orientation, WEB days and what they are, procedure for signing out early or coming in late, grade incentives, drop add days, finals, socials, clubs, sports, PTSA opportunities and much more. Please make sure to rearrange your calendar so you can attend one of the following days.
All of these classes will be held at the Lower Roswell Rd. Government Building across the street from Mount Bethel church. Walton spirit wear will be available to purchase.

Tuesday, April 21 9:30 AM
Thursday, April 23 12:00 PM
Tuesday, April 28 6:30 PM

Any further questions please contact Pat Giuliani, jimpatgiul@aol.com or 404-409-9112. No RSVP is required but come with pen and paper to write down the information you will receive to help you and your teen adjust to High School.

Walton High School Color Guard Dance Company Informational Dessert Reception and Try Outs!
On Tuesday, April 21st the Walton High School Color Guard Dance Company will be holding an Informational Dessert Reception in the theatre at WHS at 7:30pm. On Monday May 4th and Tuesday May 5th the Walton Color Guard Dance Company will be holding try outs from 5pm-7pm in the small gym at Walton. Interested students must attend both days of the try outs. For more information please contact: cynthiajchurch@bellsouth.net

Beta Club--New Members
Invitations have been given out to students who have qualified to join the Beta Club for the 2009-2010 school year. Rising 7th and 8th grade students qualify based on grade point average; students must be on the honor roll for the entire school year. If a student is already in Beta Club, he or she will remain in the club. Students who received an invitation need to attend an informational meeting on Thursday morning, April 30 at 8:15 in Dodgen's theater. If a student would like to join but cannot attend the meeting, he or she may download the information about the club and the membership form at http://dodgenms.typepad.com/ms_drawdy/. Students who decide to join will need to turn in their membership form and $15 (local and national dues) by Friday, May 15. After May 15, students will not be allowed to join for the next school year. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Drawdy at latease.drawdy@cobbk12.org or Ms. Kellett at kim.kellett@cobbk12.org

Walton Junior Raider Football
Registration for rising sixth, seventh and eighth graders living in the Walton High School district will be held on Saturday April 18 9am-12noon and Saturday April 25 9am-12noon at the Dudley Fieldhouse on the Walton High School campus. Spring practice will be held April 27 - May 16. For more information email lee.r.laban@gmail.com .

8th Grade Party – Reserve Your Ticket!!!!
“Party in the Exotic Land of Indiana Jones!!”
May 1st – 7:00-9:00pm

Tickets can be reserved for the “not to be missed” 8th Grade Party, in the 8th grade pod on the following days March 30th – April 3rd (8:30-9:15am) & April 13th – 17th (8:30-9:15am.) Tickets cost $10.00.

Alternatively, you can follow the link and download an order form and submit it in an envelope with $10 cash or check. Place the envelope in the white PTSA box outside of the front office. (Tickets will be distributed to students prior to May 1st.)

http://dodgenptsa.org/forms/8thGradeDance.pdf

Eighth Grade Party Guidelines
Dress Code – Dressy/Casual
Parents of eighth graders, please remember that attire for the 8th Grade party must meet Cobb County School System / Dodgen MS dress code: (i.e. no strapless / halter neck or you must wear a jacket / cardigan at all times, straps must be 3" wide, no tank tops, skirt / dress length must be below fingertips, no foul language on shirts, etc.) Please refer to page 9 of your student's agenda for full details. Students who are not appropriately dressed will be sent home to change their clothes.

Jr. Greyhound Lacrosse Registration for Spring 2009
The program is open to all boys and girls ages 7-14. Please visit www.jrgreyhoundlax.com for more information.

Important Information about Bus Notes
If you are sending in a note to Dodgen to allow your student to ride home with another student on a bus, you MUST include the bus number. Some busses are full and cannot accommodate extra riders; in that case, you will be called by the Dodgen Front Office.

Dodgen Book Club Leader Wanted
Do you love books and love discussions about books? We are in need of a person or persons to facilitate the Dodgen Book Club, as our previous leader has moved. Last year, the club's kids met after school on Thursdays once a month in the media center. The kids voted on a book, within guidelines, and read it before the meeting -- then held a fun, informal discussion with snacks. The kids really enjoyed it.

If you are interested, you can choose the day, time and place to meet. One year the group met at Borders! Grab a friend and be co-leaders. For more information, contact nootanpradhan@yahoo.com or jacqiwilley@comcast.net.

On Saturday April 18 from 9:00 to 1:00 Dodgen's Environmental Club will be celebrating Earth Day! We will be planting shrubbery, flowers and ground cover around the back entrance to our school. We will weed existing flower and shrubbery bed. Trash will be picked up and pine straw/mulch will be put out. Please bring your gloves, and yard tools. We will have lunch provided when we are finished. For more information please contact Jill Crosby at jnlsbox@bellsouth.net. Thank you to all who can come out and support your school.

Sales end April 2 for the Top 10 Reasons to Be a Dodgen Student t-shirt.
Make sure to get your student one. Cost of the shirt is $10. All proceeds benefit Dodgen’s Relay for Life team. Order forms are available on the Dodgen web page http://www.cobbk12.org/schools/ms/schdodgen/information.html
You may also pick up an order form in the media center. Keep in mind that this would make a great gift for graduating 5th graders who will attend Dodgen next year.

Top Ten Reasons are:
10. Awesome Clubs
9. A Bully-free Environment
8. The Dodgen Pond
7. Dodgen Fun Nights
6. Friday Morning Chicken Biscuits & Smoothies
5. Supportive Classmates
4. Creative Ways to Learn
3. Dodgen Olympics
2. Amazing Teachers
1. A Lifetime of Friendships and Memories

17th Annual Walton Band Garage Sale
Saturday March 21 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Walton High School
250+ families. Two gymnasiums full of furniture, toys, electronics, garden tools, household items and clothes. All proceeds benefit the Walton Band program. Come by and find a bargain! Walton High School – 1590 Bill Murdock Road, Marietta. To donate items, call Brian Loomis at 404-783-0311 or email waltonbandgaragesale@comcast.net

Rally Foundation Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer: Yard sale, silent auction and bake sale
Saturday, March 21, 2009 from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
East Cobb Church of Christ (5420 Roswell Rd)
Please stop by and support local child, Hailey Trainer, who is fighting an aggressive brain tumor, with a fundraiser for Rally Foundation (started by our own Dodgen teacher, Nancy Olson).
For more information: www.caringbridge.org/visit/haileyanntrainer, www.rallyfoundation.org

Information Meeting for Parents of Rising Walton Ninth Graders
Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Walton High School gym
The program will provide information about learning opportunities, registration, the high school Advisory Program, and extracurricular activities. Department chairpersons, administrators, counselors, and some teachers will be available to answer questions pertaining to the high school program.

In early March, eighth grade students will receive registration information and a registration form. Please request that your student bring these materials home so that you can review them.

This meeting is for parents only. We welcome you to arrive on campus beginning at 6:45 p.m. to see the facility and/or view exhibits in the lobby of the gym and in hallways. The information meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. We are looking forward to your becoming a part of Walton High School and hope you will be able to attend this informative meeting.

NOTE: Attention Target Parents – There will be a special meeting for parents of students enrolled in the Target Program on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:15 p.m. in the Walton Theater. Teachers from the Accelerated Learning Program will advise parents on course selection and registration for gifted students.

Tech Night at Walton
Wednesday, March 25 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Walton Theater
Tech Night is a wonderful event to expose the local community to the opportunities available for students who are interested in exploring a career in a technology field. This is an evening where current students will be able to "show and tell" to parents, friends and others. College representatives, industry professionals and members of the our Advisory Boards will be invited to answer questions and provide information for various programs in the southeast. Come tour the labs and see students at work printing shirts, creating designs, mouse-pads, using video cameras, etc!

Everyone is invited, refreshments provided, along with some door prizes at
the end of the evening. Come and have a great time!

This event is sponsored by the Walton Skills USA Chapter. For more information,
call Mr. Campagna at 770-578-3225 ext. 290.

Pebblebrook Performing Arts Presents
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
March 27th-29th
Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Square in Marietta
A rainbow ride through Biblical Egypt on the wings of Andrew Lloyd Webber's uplifting music and the humor and poetry of lyricist Tim Rice. This irresistible musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son, paints a picture of betrayal and hardship, prophecy and forgiveness. Performed by the talented students of the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School, this Joseph cannot be missed!

Tickets ($14) are available now. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre's box office is open Monday through Friday from 10am until 4pm. For ticketing questions or to purchase tickets through the box office, please call (770) 293-0080. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.earlsmithstrand.org

We hope you can join us for one of the performances:

Friday, March 27 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, March 28 @ 3:00PM
Saturday, March 28 @ 8:00PM
Sunday, March 29 @ 3:00PM

The Andrew Oswald Memorial Fund, LTD Third annual AJO4LAX Fest
Saturday, March 28
Pope High School
The day-long event, hosting four GHSA sanctioned lacrosse games, is attracting six of Georgia ’s top ten ranked varsity teams:

10am - Lassiter vs. Pace Academy
12:30pm - Walton vs. St. Pius
3:00pm - Harrison vs. Roswell
5:30pm - Pope vs. Westminster

AJO4LAX Fest honors the memory of Andrew Oswald, a standout Pope varsity lacrosse player (and former Hightower student) who died from injuries received in an automobile accident in 2005. This year’s event will build on the success of the previous two years in which over $30,000 was raised for college scholarships, as well as supporting teen safe driving initiatives and community lacrosse programs. In particular, this year the Andrew Oswald Memorial Fund will sponsor up to 240 participants in the Safe Teen Georgia Driving Program at Atlanta Speedway on May 9th in support of one of the Foundation's objectives - to promote safe teen driving and help to minimize the risk of teens being involved in fatal accidents.

In addition to the lacrosse matches, there will be fun things for the kids to do, as well as many fabulous raffle items, including a framed original movie poster from the hit movie and book series "Twilight" signed by all major cast members! All raffle proceeds and donations will benefit The Andrew Oswald Memorial Fund, LTD, a Georgia 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Please come and support this wonderful event. If you have any questions, you can visit the Foundation's website at www.ajo4lax.com. Thanks.

Dodgen Eat Out Night is Wednesday, Mar 4, at Moe’s Southwest Grill located at 688 Johnson Ferry Road in the Parkaire Shopping Center. On the first Wednesday of the month, Moe’s will donate 10% of your bill to Dodgen PTSA. Simply write “Dodgen” on the back of your receipt and place it in the bowl near the register. Thank you for supporting Moe’s Southwest Grill and your Dodgen PTSA!

Relay For Life Picnic
Friday, April 17 (rain date Friday, April 24)
Dedication: 6:00 - 7:00 pm; Picnic: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Murdock Elementary
Featuring the dedication ceremony of the Karen Petka Pavilion and Luminary Ceremonies.

PTSA General Session:
Thursday, April 23 at 6:30p.m.
Band Ensemble Recital
(Elect officers)
» Review 2009 Bylaw Amendment Proposals

8th Grade Party – Reserve Your Ticket!!!! , “Party in the Exotic Land of Indiana Jones!!” May 1st – 7:00-9:00pm
Tickets can be reserved for the “not to be missed” 8th Grade Party, in the 8th grade pod on the following days March 30th – April 3rd (8:30-9:15am) & April 13th – 17th (8:30-9:15am.) Tickets cost $10.00.
Alternatively, you can follow the link and download an order form and submit it in an envelope with $10 cash or check. Place the envelope in the white PTSA box outside of the front office. (Tickets will be distributed to students prior to May 1st.)

http://dodgenptsa.org/forms/8thGradeDance.pdf

Notes from Walton Parent Meeting:

• In her welcome to the parents, Walton Principal Judy McNeill emphasized parents are always welcome at Walton.
• Please consider signing up to volunteer with PTSA.
• "Walton 101" classes for parents of incoming 9th graders will be offered through the PTSA on:
• Tuesday, April 21--9:30 AM
• Thursday, April 23--12:00 PM
• Tuesday, April 28--6:30 P.M.
• Classes will be held at the Lower Roswell Rd. Government Building.
• Questions? Please contact: jimpatgiul@aol.com
• On the Walton website, there is a sign up for eblasts that are specific to the Class of 2013.
• If your student starts to struggle academically, please contact your counselor as soon as possible.
• Homerooms are created through alphabetical order.
• Summer reading list will be on the website soon.
• Thursday August 6th is day where freshman can come in and familiarize themselves with the layout of Walton.
• Physicals will be offered at Walton on May 16, 2009 from 8AM to 12 noon.
• Walton offers many opportunities for both parents and students!

The Environmental Club will be meeting at 8:15a.m. in Mr Schnitger’s classroom (7th Grade Science) on Tuesday, Mar 31. The group discusses ways to help Dodgen “go green” and make a difference to the environment; including recycling and cleaning up the school grounds. Please encourage your students to attend this meeting and join this worthwhile club; Help Dodgen Go Green!
If you have any questions, please contact Jill Crosby @ jnlsbox@bellsouth.net or Chara Bohan @ mstchb@langate.gsu.edu

Dodgen PTSA Bylaw Amendments
At the Dodgen PTSA General Session meeting on April 23, 2009 at 6:30PM in the Dodgen MS theatre, a vote will be taken on (3) amendments to the Dodgen PTSA bylaws. These amendments are posted at the Dodgen front office and can also be viewed by clicking on the PTSA website below.

Please copy and paste the entire link into your browser.
http://dodgenptsa.org/documents/AmendmentProposals2009.doc

March 23-27 is National Youth Violence Prevention Week.
Click on the links to learn more information:
www.nationalsave.org or www.violencepreventionweek.org

THE TOP 10 REASONS TO BE A STUDENT AT DODGEN T-shirt by the Beta Club
Shirts will go on sale March 18.
Sales will end on Thursday, April 2.
The front “pocket” area of the shirt will have the school name and the back will have the top ten reasons. The shirt will be navy blue with light blue writing (Dodgen colors). The cost is $10.00. All proceeds will benefit Dodgen’s Relay for Life team. An order form is available on the school web page http://www.cobbk12.org/schools/ms/schdodgen/information.html
You may also stop by the media center to pick up one. If you have questions, see Mrs. Drawdy or Ms. Kellett. Thanks for your support. Let’s help to find a cure for cancer.

Dodgen Performing Arts presents Just Another High School Play
Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, showtime at 7:30pm
Come and see what happens when the school's theatre teacher runs off to Mexico to become a Salsa Dancer and leaves the cast hanging to put on the play without her.  You don't want to miss this hilarious and wacky production.  Come early to get great seats and purchase fan-o-grams for your favorite performers!
 
Tickets are on sale in the pods each morning this week for $7 each.
 
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Sally Goldberg, rbgsgg@bellsouth.net or 770-650-9287.

March 16-20th is National Inhalants and Poisons Week. Click on this link to learn more information: www.inhalants.org

Musical Theatre Workshop & East Side Foundation presents…
Dear Edwina Jr., March 14-15
Dickerson MS Theater
Dear Edwina Jr., presented by East Side 3rd-5th graders, is the musical about a group of funny and fun students in Paw Paw Michigan who attempt to get on a television show for the Kalamazoo Advice A Palooza. (Say THAT 3 times!) It contains a wide variety of memorable characters and songs that have a terrific message for today’s youth! Bring the entire family to this fantastic show! Tickets $5 at the door.

For more information about the Musical Theatre Workshop 2009 summer camps, sponsored by Dodgen PTSA for the Dodgen MS Drama Program, applications will be available in the front hall rack soon!

Dodgen Olympic T-shirt Sales
Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 13
The Dodgen Olympics Are Coming! Olympic Teams are posted in each commons area. You have two weeks to buy your t-shirts. No sales after that date will be allowed!!!! T-shirts are $5.00. Please note all T-shirts are ADULT sizes. Sizes available are Small, Medium, Large, X-Large (XX-Large available for $7.00) Samples of T-shirt colors and sizes are on display in the Media Center.

How to Order T-shirts: The student must fill out an order form for the T-shirt and include the order form in a payment envelope. Students must put the exact amount in the payment envelope as no change will be given. Checks are to be made out to Dodgen Middle School. We will not accept money without an order form. Order forms need to include their registered name as it appears in school records.

Order Form and Payment Envelope can obtained from your home room teacher or from the Dodgen PTSA website:

http://dodgenptsa.org/documents/OlympicTDonationOrderForm2009.doc

Walton Jr Raider Cheerleading
Thursday, March 12 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Walton Commons/Cafeteria
Mandatory meeting for parents and rising 7th and 8th grade students interested in trying out for Walton Jr Raider Cheerleading for the 2009-2010 season. For any questions, email Cathy Long at CJOLong@aol.com or Suzy Goldman at sgoldman@pubman.net.

Parent Seminar on Cyberbullying
Thursday, March 12 at 9:30 am
Dodgen Middle School Theater
The seminar will be led by Dr. Patti Agatston, Counselor/Consultant, Cobb County Schools Prevention/Intervention Center and will cover cyberbullying and cybersafety. A question and answer session will follow.

Tritt Elem School Lunch and Learn Seminar: Bringing the Writing Home Without Tears
Wednesday Mar 11 from 11:00am – 12:30pm
Tritt Media Center
Please rsvp to Sharon Jessop: sharon.jessop@comcast.net

Challenges our Children Face Program for Parents
Tuesday, March 10 at 7 pm
Simpson Middle School
The Simpson PTSA in conjunction with the Simpson Professional School Counseling Office invites you to a program where we will consider together what challenges our children face as they think about who they are and who they want to be. This is especially critical during these formative middle school years.

Warm weather is just around the corner.The ads are full of sales on sports gear, specials on gym memberships and suggestions for how to get ready for that perfect "beach body". In addition, the media is more than ready to tell us what we ought to look like - everything from what we should wear to what shape our bodies ought to take. This is as true for our kids as it is for adults.

· What images are our children are seeing in the media and how do they communicate/influence what is important about who we are?
· What do parents communicate (intentionally or not) about what we value - how our children look, what is "beauty", what defines us, etc.?
· How can we help our children process the various inputs they receive and navigate the way to a healthy self-image?

Alison Cross, (LPC and Co-Founder of Project Authentic Beauty) with extensive experience in both residential and personal counseling, will present our program with an opportunity for discussion following. This program will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is for adults only. We encourage all parents/guardians to attend.

Joy A. Chanin, M.S. Ed., Ed.S.
Professional School Counselor
Simpson Middle School
3340 Trickum Road
Marietta, GA 30066

Pope High School counselors at Dodgen
Wednesday, March 4 from 8am to 2:30pm
If a parent of a rising ninth grader would like an appointment, please email Pamela.depetro@cobbk12.org to schedule a time.

• Pope High School registration forms are due back to the homeroom teachers by Friday, March 6, 2009.
• Walton High School registration forms will be sent home with students on March 17, 2009.
  Thank you.
  
  Pamela P. DePetro, Ed.S.
  770-578-2726 x232
  8th Grade Counselor
  Dodgen Middle School

Pope Jr Cheerleading Clinic
February 23-26 from 4:30-6:00 pm
Hightower Trails MS Gym
Cost is $20 before 2/17; after, $25 - If you want to be a cheerleader, or just have fun learning cheers, then this clinic is for you! Open to all current 4th through 7th grade students residing in the Pope attendance zone. We highly highly encourage anyone intending to try out for Pope Jr Cheer to attend the clinic, since this is the only time prior to tryout week to learn the required skills. Pick up registration forms from the kiosk outside the front office. For more information, visit www.popejrcheer.com and email your questions to popejrcheer@hotmail.com.

Pope Lacrosse Winter Fun Run & Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, February 21 from 8am - 10:30am
Pope High School
Join us for the 1st annual Shake, Rattle & Run 5K and Jr. Jog sponsored by Pope Lacrosse. Registration forms can be found online at www.popelacrosse.com. Sign-in begins at 7:30AM; runs begin at 8AM. The one-mile Jr. Jog is for kids 10 and under. Registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for Jr. Jog and includes a T-shirt and Pancake Breakfast afterward. Not a runner or jogger? Support Pope Lacrosse by attending the Pancake Breakfast from 8AM – 10:30AM. Hot, delicious pancakes, coffee and juice for only $5! Tickets for the breakfast may be purchased at the door or from any Pope Men’s Lacrosse player. For more information, contact Robin Ammons at rkammons@bellsouth.net or 770-645-1401

Dodgen's first Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team has made it to the Divisional Semi-finals
Saturday, February 21 from 10:00 am to about 1:00 pm
Luella Elementary School in Locust Grove, GA
We are in need of (1) volunteer to be there at 9:00AM for training as either a timekeeper, scorekeeper, or moderator (reads the questions). This person will not be involved in any of the Dodgen rounds, so there will be no conflict of interest. If you can help us, please e-mail Sue Klodnicki at susan.klodnicki@cobbk12.org We really need your help since everyone involved currently is either a coach or a parent of a team member, and we need to stay with the team.

Candygrams are on sale for $1 at several locations in the Dodgen school building. Proceeds benefit Relay For Life and are sponsored by the Beta Club. Buy them by Monday and they will be delivered on Friday, Feb. 13.

Quest East College Fair
Wednesday, February 11 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Wheeler High School (375 Holt Rd, Marietta 30068)
Quest College Fair is sponsored by Wheeler, Lassiter, Sprayberry, Pope and Kell High Schools. All are welcome. In addition to representatives from over 100 colleges and universities (Auburn, Clemson, Cornell, Davidson, Ga Tech, Harvard, Yale to name a few), there will be information sessions on college applications, financial aid and NCAA eligibility.For more information, go to: http://www.cobbk12.org/~wheeler/documents/quest_2009.pdf

Growing Together & Girl Talk: communication series for mothers and daughters & student to student

6th Grade Mother/Daughter Program: “Growing Together”
Your daughter is learning about human growth and development in health class, but is she talking to you? Don't miss this unique chance to open the lines of communication with her about sensitive subjects in a special workshop series, Growing Together, conducted by the well-respected, national non-profit Girls Inc. For more information on Girls Inc., please go to www.girlsincatl.org
Sponsored by PTSA & Girl’s, Inc. Community Outreach Program
DATES: 5 consecutive Wednesday evenings from February 4-March 4, 2009.
TIME: 6:30-8:00 pm
LOCATION: Dodgen Middle School
COST: $40 for each mother/daughter pair, $10/additional daughter; Check payable to Girls, Inc.

7th – 8th Grade Student to Student Program: “Girl Talk”
Girl Talk is a student to student mentoring program for middle school girls, led by high school girls. Girl Talk’s mission is to help young teenage girls:
*Build self-esteem
*Develop key leadership skills
*Recognize the value of community service
Sponsored by Dodgen & Walton Counseling Departments
DATES: Mondays, beginning February 2 – March 30, 2009
TIME: 4:15-5:25 pm
LOCATION: Dodgen Middle School
COST: Free

Space is limited in both programs, and is first come, first served. For more information and registration/permission slips for both of these programs, please follow this link:
>>Download Registration Form/Permission Slips
Please register by January 23rd. For more info, please contact Karen.Schwartz@cobbk12.org

“MUST” Monday February 2nd!
PTSA is once again collecting food to go towards stocking the food supply at MUST ministries. We ask for every student to bring in ONE can or box of dry food on Monday, Feb 2. Just one food item direct from your pantry; with EACH and EVERYONE'S efforts, we can truly help those in need and make a huge difference! Please grab ONE can or box of food, put it in your child’s book bag, and have them bring it to school on MONDAY, FEB 2. We call it “MUST” Monday and hope for 100% participation!!

Dodgen Mom's Breakfast
January 21st at 9:00
IHOP on Johnson Ferry.
The cost is $5 which includes breakfast and tip. No agenda, no committees and no speaker to listen to, just lively conversation - all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Reservations are requested (email chunglo1@aol.com) but not required. This is our first breakfast together - come join us!!

Panther Fun Night (Students Only)
Friday, Jan 23 from 7-9 pm, $5
Students are invited to come back to Dodgen Friday night for a fun-filled, kids-only evening with dinner from Moe’s, Laughing Matters Improv and a DJ in the cafeteria. Tickets will be sold in the pods Tues-Thurs, Jan 20 – 22. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door.
*Parent Volunteers needed: please contact Margie Powell 678-613-6134 or bmjgpow@aol.com

Soccer Camp, Sat, Jan 24, Walton
A one-day soccer camp will be offered by the Walton Coaching staff at Walton High School. This will be held in the morning at Raider Valley Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 24,2009, from 9:30- 12:00 noon. This camp will offer participants a chance to work with the Walton Varsity and JV coaches. It is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys and girls. Cost is $25 and includes a t-shirt. Please contact Mike Fuller at mfullers@bellsouth.net for an application.

“MUST” Monday, Jan 12
PTSA is once again collecting food to go towards stocking the food supply at MUST ministries. We ask for every student to bring in ONE can or box of dry food on Monday, Jan 12. Just one food item direct from your pantry; with EACH and EVERYONE'S efforts, we can truly help those in need and make a huge difference! Please grab ONE can or box of food, put it in your child’s book bag, and have them bring it to school on MONDAY, JAN 12. We call it “MUST” Monday and hope for 100% participation!!

Chess Club Instructional Program Registration
Dodgen's Spring Instructional Chess program is starting January 7th, and will run through May 20th. It should be an exciting semester, with the chess team traveling to four tournaments.
Download brochure and registration form [PDF]
Contact: Craig Thompson, Team Coordinator 404.783.1417

SMART Fair
Friday, December 19th
Some of our newer programs include a glass harp, a bee keeper, a cartoonist, Max Defense, and new developments in engineering. Some of our veteran programs include mock court, improvisation, KidChess, birds of prey, and so much more. We’ll also enjoy a one woman show featuring Mary Todd Lincoln since February 12th marks Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. See you at the SMART Fair!

Environmental Club meeting in Mr Schnitger’s classroom (7th Grade Science)
Thursday, Dec 18 at 8:15am
The group discusses ways to help Dodgen “go green” and make a difference to the environment; including recycling and cleaning up the school grounds. Please encourage your students to attend this meeting and join this worthwhile club; Help Dodgen Go Green!

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Crosby @ jnlsbox@bellsouth.net or Chara Bohan @ mstchb@langate.gsu.edu

Environmental Club meeting in Mr Schnitger’s classroom (7th Grade Science)
Thursday, Nov 20 at 8:15am
The group discusses ways to help Dodgen “go green” and make a difference to the environment; including recycling and cleaning up the school grounds. Please encourage your students to attend this meeting and join this worthwhile club; Help Dodgen Go Green!

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Crosby @ jnlsbox@bellsouth.net or Chara Bohan @ mstchb@langate.gsu.edu

Thanks for Giving 2008

As families prepare for a holiday with loved ones surrounding a Thanksgiving feast, many of our Cobb neighbors must stretch their budgets, making it difficult to afford a Thanksgiving meal for their families. Please bring in one or more of the following items to make a complete Thanksgiving basket.

Dressing mix
Cranberry sauce
Canned or instant potatoes (sweet or white)
Canned green vegetables
Canned yellow vegetables
Non-refrigerated pie shell and pumpkin pie mix
Dried or canned milk
Roasting Pan
$15 gift certificate from a local grocer for a turkey
(Please give gift certificate to your homeroom teacher)

In addition to these items, we also welcome the following items:

Dried beans Peanut butter
Canned meat, tuna, or ham Soup
Rice or pasta Bread or rolls
Canned Fruit Cereal

Boston Market Special Event Benefiting Shop With a Greyhound
Pope High School
Thursday, November 20th
15% of all proceeds between 4pm until close at Boston Market on Shallowford and Sandy Plains will be given back to Pope for Shop With a Greyhound. Thank you to Boston Market and please come have dinner out to benefit SWAG!!!

Shop With a Greyhound is a Pope community outreach program in which Pope students are adopting underprivileged children at Brumby Elementary and cancer patients from Curing Kids’ Cancer. Pope students plan to adopt 100 kids total! Their goal is to raise $10,000. Pope has partnered with The Avenue of East Cobb to provide the adopted children an opportunity to shop at their establishments.

Yearbook News for Eighth Grade Parents: Eighth grade advertisement forms went home with students today. If you would like to place a personalized ad in the 2009 yearbook for your eighth grader, please follow the directions on the form. If you do not have a form, you can go to JostensAdService.com, and the site will walk you through creating the perfect ad for your child. The deadline is December 22, 2008. All ads contain an area for copy and place for a picture. Cost is $30. Please contact Kari Viland with any questions: kari.viland@cobbk12.org

Parents: Note there will be no access to i-Parent and Pinnacle from Nov 21 – 30.

Due to a major electrical upgrade at the Kennesaw Warehouse, scheduled for November 21st through November 30th, all IT services provided for the District will be unavailable during that same period of time.

At approximately 5:00pm on November 21st, access to all IT services will be disabled at the Data Center. This includes, but is not limited to:

· Internet / Intranet
· District Web Services
· Remote Access Services; VPN, Citrix
· Email services, including Blackberry support
· Edulink ACS
· SchoolMAX, including GoalView Interface
· SchoolMAX iQue (Teachers)
· SchoolMAX iParent (Parents)
· Pinnacle Gradebook (Teachers)
· Pinnacle Internet Viewer - PIV (Parents)
· Pinnacle Administrative Portal
· Meal Pay Plus (Parents)
· Picasso
· Destiny & CVL
· Purchasing
· Star (Human Resources On-Line Recruiting)
· WebConnect (SubFinder)
· "Bridge" Applications
· Financial Portal
· Advantage Financials
· After School Program
· Professional Learning Portal (Staff Development Registration)

From State PTA: VOTE. Be Counted. Statewide runoff on December 2

The runoff election will be held Dec. 2 for any voter who was registered for the Nov.4 general election. One does not have to have voted in the November election to be able to vote on Dec. 2. The sample ballot contains the runoff for U.S. Senator, GA Public Service Commissioner, and Appeals Court judge. There may also be local races on the ballot.

Sample ballots are available on county web sites under 'Elections' or 'Registration and Elections', or contact the county elections superintendent, phone number in blue pages of the phone book.

Early voting and advanced voting will be available for this runoff starting the week of Nov. 17. Check with the county elections superintendent to find out if it starts on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. All counties will take off for Thanksgiving Day and many of them will also take off Friday after as well. There will be no advanced voting on Monday, Dec. 1. Schools will not be closed for voting on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Absentee by mail ballot applications are being taken now by fax, mail, or hand delivered. Sooner is better. One must return the voted ballot to a permanent voter registrar location by 7 p.m. on election day by mail or hand delivered.

VOTE - Be Counted, Your Vote makes a difference

Monday, November 17th, 6:30PM, Dodgen Middle School
Cobb Chapter of the Georgia Association for Gifted Children Workshop
MATHEMATICS: "Challenging Students at a New Level"

Come join a panel of Cobb County Educators to learn more about the GA math curriculum and options for advanced or gifted students. This learning opportunity for parents is provided by the Cobb Chapter of the Georgia Association for Gifted Children and by the Cobb County School District. www.cobbchapter-gagc.org

“MUST” MONDAY
PTSA is once again collecting food to go towards stocking the food supply at MUST ministries.
We ask for every student to bring in ONE can or box of dry food on Monday, Nov 3. Just one food item direct from your pantry; with EACH and EVERYONE'S efforts, we can truly help those in need and make a huge difference! Please grab ONE can or box of food, put it in your child’s book bag, and have them bring it to school on MONDAY, NOV 3. We call it “MUST” Monday, let's have 100% participation!!

Dodgen Middle School Blood Drive, Tuesday, November 4, 2008, in memory of Joel Newcomer, 2:00 – 7:00 pm, Dodgen Gym. Vote, then donate!

The PTA sponsored Blood Drive is in desperate need of volunteers for Tuesday, November 4th. We need adults for two shifts: 2-4:30 and 4:30-7pm.

There will be 3 stations: Registration, Concession and a Kid's Corner.

For more information, contact Donna Outwater at doutwater@bellsouth.net or call Donna at 770-977-2057.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE.LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org. You may also sign up on-line at www.givelife.org using the password "dodgen". Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are appreciated.

Remember...One pint can help save three lives!

Dodgen “Eat out Night”
Wednesday, November 5
Moe’s Southwest Grill located at 688 Johnson Ferry Road in the Parkaire Shopping Center. On the first Wednesday of the month, Moe’s will donate 10% of your bill to Dodgen PTSA. Simply write “Dodgen” on the back of your receipt and place it in the bowl near the register. Thank you for supporting Moe’s Southwest Grill and your Dodgen PTSA!

Pope High School Band End-of-Season Exhibition
Thursday November 6th
Pope High School Marching Band band is proud to present its Third Annual "End of Season Exhibition Performance" at 7:00pm on Thursday November 6th. The event will start with a full performance of the "In-Genius" show, followed by "The Making of In-Genius" comments by Director of Bands Mr. Gary Gribble and Associate Director of Bands Mr. Josh Rudolph. Come learn how a high school marching band performance is put together. Following these comments you'll have one more chance to see the full show, with the additional insight of the Band Directors' remarks.

Admission to this event is $5 (for all adults and high-schoolers) and free to middle schoolers and younger.

SPECIAL "THREE FOR FREE" BONUS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND STUDENTS: you get in for free and you can bring two family members for free. Just tell us at the gate you're thinking about joining the Pope Marching Band and we'll let three of your party in for free!

For further information, please contact Michael or Felicia Andrew at (770) 578 6235.

Pope’s annual MIDNIGHT MADNESS BASKETBALL KICK OFF
Monday, November 10 at 7pm
Pope Gymnasium
Come for an energizing evening of fun and meet Pope’s 2008-2009 basketball teams, the basketball cheerleaders, and the junior program’s basketball players and cheerleaders. Cash Door Prizes will be given away at the end of the evening! Everyone is invited so please come and show your support!7th Annual

Candy for Cancer
Your leftover Halloween Candy can go to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, which takes from 1 to 7 hours, and leaves an awful taste in their mouths. This is a win-win situation. You get the calories and temptation out of your house, and the chemo patients get this “sweet treat”, which they greatly appreciate!

This community outreach effort originated at Pope High School with Jackie Biga, a Pope teacher and a 13+ year cancer survivor. In 2007 it was expanded, with great success, to include the 35 schools in the Eastern Cobb County Council PTA. We would like to encourage your school and your community to send unwanted Halloween candy our way. We will deliver the candy to local cancer centers for those who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

CANDY DELIVERY
Where: Pope High School / 3001 Hembree Road, Marietta (enter campus at light, turn left, use main entrance near flag pole)
When: Monday November 3rd through Friday November 14th between 9AM and 3PM to avoid student traffic
How: Park at the curb or in the Visitors’ spots – deliver candy in bins/boxes located inside main doors

Thank you!
Jackie Biga/ nancy.biga@cobbk12.org Marlene Henderson/ Marlene.Henderson@cobbk12.org

Environmental Committee Fall Clean Up Day
Saturday, November 1 from 9am to 1 pm
We will be working on the back entrance to Dodgen by weeding, planting and putting out mulch. Pizza and beverages will be provided when we finish. It is a great opportunity for Community Service hours and extra credit from some of the Science teachers. It is a great opportunity for Community Service hours and extra credit from some of the Science teachers.

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Crosby/ jnlsbox@bellsouth.net or Chara Bohan/ mstchb@langate.gsu.edu

Dodgen Middle School Blood Drive
Tuesday, November 4 from 2pm – 7pm
Dodgen Gym
In Memory of Joel Newcomer

Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment to donate. You may also sign up on-line at www.givelife.org using the password “dodgen”. Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are encouraged!

Each student who has someone donate on their behalf will receive a Buddy Blood Drop beanie baby and all donors will be entered in a regional promotion to win one of three $1000 gift cards!

Remember… One pint can help save THREE lives!
YOU can make a difference!

If you have any questions, please contact Donna Outwater/ communityoutreach@dodgenptsa.org

Monday, November 10 at 7pm in the Pope Gymnasium
Midnight Madness Basketball Kick Off
Come for an energizing evening of fun and meet Pope’s 2008-2009 basketball teams, the basketball cheerleaders, and the junior program’s basketball players and cheerleaders. Cash Door Prizes will be given away at the end of the evening! Everyone is invited so please come and show your support!

Tuesday, October 28 at 8:15am in Mr Schnitger’s classroom (7th Grade Science)
The Environmental Club
The group discusses ways to help Dodgen “go green” and make a difference to the environment; including recycling and cleaning up the school grounds. Please encourage your students to attend this meeting and join this worthwhile club; Help Dodgen Go Green!

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Crosby/ jnlsbox@bellsouth.net or Chara Bohan/ mstchb@langate.gsu.edu

Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Volunteers Organizational Meeting
Wednesday, November 5 from 4:30 to 5 pm
Media Center
Would you like a chance to help out with your Middle School student, but don’t have a lot of time to volunteer? Do you like to read? Would you like to help out from the comfort of your own home? Then we’ve got just the job for YOU!

Ms. Klodnicki, media specialist, is looking for help with a new competitive team at Dodgen. We will be participating in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl this year. The actual competition is held in January. Until then, students will be busy reading the Georgia Book Award nominees and answering questions about them. Ultimately ten of them will be participating in a buzzer-type competition about the books.

Help is needed in reading the 20 books and composing questions based on the books.
Please review the website for more information: http://www.cobbk12.org/~belmonthills/hrrb/index.html

Students will be hearing about this and will bring home a form for your signature to be a potential part of this.

Contact Sue Klodnicki/ susan.klodnicki@cobbk12.org

Important Information from the Dodgen Health Committee
Speak out about the foods served to our children by the National School Lunch Program. An amazing opportunity is currently being offered to every American by the USDA (who is in charge of the National School Lunch Program) to provide public comments about the foods currently being served in our schools. Every single comment received by the USDA on this topic will be read and considered. You have until October 15, 2008 to send in your comments via e-mail or post:

Online: www.regulations.gov and type FNS-2008-0011 in search window
Mail: Mr. Robert M. Eadie
Chief, Policy and Program Development Branch
Child Nutrition Division, Food and Nutrition Services
Department of Agriculture
3101 Park Center Drive
Room 640
Alexandria, VA 22302-1594

Pope Orchestra Fall Festival
Sunday, October 26th from 1 - 4 pm
Pope gym
Come have some spooky fun and hear some fabulous music at the annual Pope Orchestra Fall Festival. There will be games, crafts, food and fun for all ages. Dodgen's Chamber Orchestra will be one of the featured performers; if they survive the HAUNTED HOUSE!

Red Ribbon Week
October 20 - 24, 2008
Dodgen students will join millions of people throughout America as they SAY “NO TO DRUGS!” We have some fun "dress up" days planned for the week:

• Monday- "Give drugs the slip" (wear your coolest slippers)
• Tuesday- "Lei off drugs" (wear Hawaiian clothing)
• Wednesday-"Drugs turn you inside out" (wear clothing inside out)
• Thursday- "Hooked on books" (students are asked to donate a new or "gently used" book which will be donated to charity - please drop it in the box in library)
• Friday- "Stay in the game; be drug free!" (wear favorite team shirt or jersey)

Remember that all clothing needs to adhere to the Cobb County Dress Code.

One of the best things we can do is to talk with our children about our values. But when it comes to teenage drug and alcohol use, often parents don’t know where to start. Red Ribbon Week offers a chance to talk with our teens about this subject. The following online resources will help.

Keep the conversations going even after Red Ribbon Week by subscribing to one of them and they will send you emails about timely topics you can share with each other.
www.theantidrug.com (Click on resources- "Conversations: What to say")
www.MediaCampaign.org The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.

Dodgen/Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, October 20th – Friday, October 24th
Dodgen Media Center
Please support Dodgen! Daily Hours - 8:15AM to 4:30PM(Mon-Fri) & 6:00PM-9:00PM(Mon-Wed). Contact Kent Shelby, (C)770-335-2394, if you have questions. One evening volunteer is still needed.

Community Candidate Forums
In preparation for the November 4th General Election Pope High School and schools of the Walton & Wheeler Cluster PTSA’s along with Eastern Cobb County Council PTA are hosting two informational Candidate Forums. Meet the candidates who are running to represent you.

Thursday, October 16th
Pope High School Theater
3001 Hembree Road, Marietta, 30062
School Board Post 5 Forum
With Candidates:
David Banks and Linda Schwartz

Tuesday, October 21st
Wheeler High School Theatre
375 Holt Road, Marietta, 30068
Cobb County Commissioner District 2
With Candidates:
Bob Ott and James Royal
&
House Representative District 45
With Candidates:
Matt Dollar and RuthE Levy

Doors open at 6:30pm with Forums beginning at 7pm

Weekly E-News – September 7th – 13th

Tuesday, September 9th – ECCC PTA General Meeting & Priority Committee Training
Piedmont Baptist Church: 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.

Wednesday, September 10th – End of grading 4 ½ weeks.

Friday, September 12th – PTSA Board Meeting @ 9:15a.m.

Friday, September 12th – Awareness Club Meeting in the Art Room @ 8:15a.m. – 8:45a.m.

8th Grade Students!! Interested in Walton Color Guard next year?!
Please join the Walton Marching Raider Band at Friday night’s football game against Campbell High School in Raider Valley for 8th Grade Night. The game is on Friday, September 12th. Students will meet in the theater at 5:45pm. Kickoff is at 7:30pm. To participate, contact Alison Pilchard at pilchards@bellsouth.net or 770-361-4989.

Monday, September 15th from 7:00 – 8:30p.m. - Ignorance is NO Defense – A Teenagers Guide to Georgia Law; free presentation by J. Tom Morgan in the Walton Theater

Tuesday, September 16th - SPLOST Voting

Reminders:
Application forms for the “Reflections” contest will be available in the front office on Monday, September 8th, and are available on the website for download. Visit the Programs page.

Order forms for school picture retakes will be sent home with your students on Friday, September 12th. Please note that this is the picture that will be included in the 2008/2009 Yearbook.

Student Directory -Last Chance-- If you haven't provided your information for the Dodgen Directory, please email your details to directory@dodgenptsa.org by September 15th. Haven't ordered yet? Drop an envelope marked Directory with your $5 check made payable to Dodgen PTSA in the white PTSA mailbox outside the front office by September 15th.

Parent & Student volunteers needed to work shifts at the October Book Fair. Please call or email Kent Shelby if you can help: kent.shelby@hp.com or 770-335-2304.

Information for Dodgen Families

Walton Jr. Lacrosse – Parent information meeting on Wednesday, September 3 @ 7:30 – 9:00p.m. in the Walton Theater. Contact for information – Treacy Gledhill at 404-403-5026 or www.waltonjrlax.com

Free Study Skills Workshop on Thursday September 4 @ 7:00 – 8:30p.m. in the Walton Media Center.

Ignorance is NO Defense – A Teenagers Guide to Georgia Law; free presentation by J. Tom Morgan on Monday, September 15 @ 7:00 – 8:30p.m. in the Walton Theater.

Weekly E-News – August 24th – September 6th 
   
Tuesday, August 26th – The Environmental Club has their first meeting to discuss future events for the year in Mrs. Barkley’s Science classroom @ 8:15a.m.
 
Tuesday, August 26th – 6th Grade Open House & PTSA General Meeting @ 6:30p.m.
 
Thursday, August 28th – 7th & 8th Grade Open House & PTSA General Meeting @ 6:30p.m.
 
Monday, September 1st – Labor Day Holiday – No School!
 
Monday, September 1st – Dateline Deadline for the October/November 2008 edition.  Please submit articles to newsletter@dodgenptsa.org
 
Friday, September 5th – PTSA Executive Board Meeting @ 9:00a.m.
 
Mark your calendar:  Pictures retakes will be Thursday, Sept 18, 2008.  Order forms will be sent home on September 12. 

Weekly E–News – August 17th – 23rd

Monday, August 18th – Registration opens for Girls on the Run. *
 
Tuesday, August 19th – Beta Club Induction in the theatre @ 8:00a.m.
 
Wednesday, August 20th – 9th Annual European Comparative Culture Tour Informational Meeting in the Media Center @ 6:00p.m. *
 
Thursday, August 21st – “A List of Strategies for Helping your Child Succeed in School.”  ADHD free lecture to be held in Dunwoody United Methodist Church @ 6:45p.m. – 8:30p.m. *
 
Tuesday, August 26th – 6th Grade Open House & PTSA General Meeting @ 6:30p.m.
 
Thursday, August 28th – 7th & 8th Grade Open House & PTSA General Meeting @ 6:30p.m.  

Girls on the Run Registration
Registration opens on August 18th and is limited to the first 15 registrants!! 
For more information, email erica.watford@cobbk12.org
Girls on the Run mission: 

• To educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.  Learn, dream, live, run!
• Professionally designed, award-winning program exclusively for girls in grades 6-8.
• Running workouts and games that teach specific life skills such as how to make healthy decisions resolve conflict and get along in a group.
• After-school program that meets for 12 weeks, once a week for 1.5 hours
• Challenging, encouraging and fun.

Download Registration Form (Word .doc)

9th Annual European Comparative Cultures Tour (Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, & Austria) Informational Meeting
Wednesday, August 20th at 6pm
Media Center
Are you interested in traveling to Central Europe next summer with classmates?  Well, here’s your big chance!  Next summer, Ms. Gonyea will be taking a group of students on a 14 day tour to places like Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, Munich, Dachau, and Heidelberg.
This trip is open to all Dodgen students, past and present, who will be at least 12 years old by May, 2009. Siblings and friends from other schools are also invited. Parents are also now invited to travel (1 parent per child). Prices WILL increase on September 1st so don’t let this opportunity pass you by! 
An informational meeting will be held in the Dodgen Media Center on Wednesday, August 20th at 6pm. If you have questions before the meeting or are unable to attend but want more information, please contact Ms. Gonyea at 678.521.3354 or email her at mademoisellegonyea@hotmail.com.  
If you have already attended a meeting and/or would like to sign up immediately, please contact Ms. Gonyea and she would be happy to get you registered.

August 5: IMPORTANT PTSA/SCHOOL INFORMATION

• Please note that pictures will be taken on Panther Day, August 7th in the Theatre and Chorus Room.  This is the photo that will be used in the School Yearbook 2008/2009.  There will be another opportunity for pictures to be taken at retakes; date to be confirmed.  Yearbooks will not be sold on Panther Day.  Please look out for that information in the near future.
• Please bring multiple checks or cash for purchasing all your supplies on Panther Day.  PTSA Supplies, School Pictures, Spirit Wear, School Store and Pre-paid Lunches will all need to be paid for separately. 
• All student volunteers for First Day Folders and Panther Day are eligible to claim volunteer hours for Beta Club.  Forms will be available.
• We apologize to subscribers who may have tried to unsubscribe unsuccessfully.  We have had some technical difficulties as we transition to a new service.  We hope to have this resolved in the next week.  Thank you for your patience.
• If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sue Rogers at 
  co-president@dodgenptsa.org

August 1: VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED
PTSA urgently needs parent and student volunteers to help fill “First Day Folders” in the Dodgen Cafeteria on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 starting at 9:00am. It should take about 2 hours if we have enough volunteers. If you are able to assist, please contact Lynne Murphy at co-president@dodgenptsa.org as soon as possible. We thank you in advance for your support.

July 30: School Council Nominations - Message from the Principal, Mr. Snell

I am sure you are aware that the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000 established School Councils in Georgia.  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.  Nominations will be accepted until August 5, 2008. 

The election ballot will be created on August 6, 2008, to include the names of nominees.  Any name submitted as a nominee after August 5, 2008, will have to be entered as a write-in candidate.  The School Council election will take place at the school on Thursday, August 7, 2008, from 9:00am-4:00pm.  In order to vote you must be the parent or guardian of a child who will be attending Dodgen MS during the 2008-2009 school year.
Download a nomination form   

July 22: Dodgen’s Panther Day is Thursday, August 7th

8th grade: 12:30-1:30
7th grade: 1:45-2:45
6th grade: 3:00-4:00

Panther Day is Dodgen's big day to meet teachers, greet friends, buy school necessities, and take care of Dodgen business!

Panther Day can't happen without your help!  We stilll need lots of volunteers on August 7 to be Cashiers, distribute Pre-orders, and sell Spirit Wear and School Store items, and many other jobs.  Please commit now to work one or more of the time slots shown above.  

To volunteer send an email to Toby Fagin with your preferred timeslot.

Please take the opportunity to fill out the form you received in the summer newsletter and return the completed form and check made out to Dodgen PTSA,  to Dodgen MS by August 1st.  Your supplies will be available for you to pick up on Panther Day. Please also note that on the day everything else has to be paid for separately and we can only accept checks or cash.  See you on August 7th!!

Be sure to sign up online for your Volunteer Interest categories.

Please visit the Events page for Dodgen's 2008-2009 calendar of events.