CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MAY STAFF MEMBERS OF THE MONTH!
Our very own Magnificent P.E. Teacher Clint Daniel, and Lead Facilities-Maintenance-Man, Harold Sanders, are recipients of May’s Outstanding Staff Member of the Month award. Our Staff Members of the Month do a wonderful job every day, and their contributions are being celebrated. If you happen to see them, take a moment to congratulate them. They work so hard to make a difference in our building.Several local businesses are supporting this program with a variety of donations. Mr. Clean Car Wash on Shallowford provides a Performance Wash, Trader Joe’s supplies gift bags for our recipients, and Zoes Kitchen furnishes gift cards for a wonderful meal. Next time you are in these establishments, let them know the Dodgen Family appreciates their support. In addition, both members of our Dodgen team have a reserved parking space for the month of May and their photographs hanging on the wall by the ‘Hey Board’ across from the Media Center.

DODGEN EARNS GREEN SCHOOL STATUS
A huge thank you to Dale Moeller, the Environmental Club, and the Dodgen Science teachers. The following Science teachers completed their 'Green' lesson plan logs to achieve the Dodgen Green School status: Ms. Barkley, Ms. Halverson, Ms. Amodeo, Ms. Tubbs, Ms. Stittleburg, and Ms. Sanford. Thank you all for your hard work in helping Dodgen achieve this title.

Important Dates

• 8TH GRADE DANCE
  Friday, May 17 from 7:00– 9:00pm
  
  
• 8TH GRADE PICNIC
  Tuesday, May 21
  
  
• HIGH SCHOOL EARLY RELEASE
  Wednesday, May 22 & Thursday, May 23 at 11:30am
  
  
• ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EARLY RELEASE
  Wednesday, May 22 & Thursday, May 23 at 12:30am
  
  
• MIDDLE SCHOOL EARLY RELEASE
  Wednesday, May 22 & Thursday, May 23 at 1:30am
  
  
• PANTHER DAY 2013/2014
  Tuesday, August 6
  6th Grade: 9:30-10:45am
  7th Grade: 11:30-12:30pm
  8th Grade: 2:00-3:00pm
  Yearbook Photos will be taken. Please follow the school dress code.

E-News

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE
A Pope High School student was approached while walking home from school Monday TWICE by an African American male with twists in his hair and a pony tail. He was driving a yellow van with red lettering on it. He attempted to get her into the van. This occurred on Hembree Road. She saw him again on Murdock Road near our school. A formal police report was filed with the Cobb county police department.

IGNORANCE IS NO DEFENSE, BY J. TOM MORGAN
Is this required reading for your rising 10th or 11th grader? If so, Dodgen School Store has copies for sale. $10.00 a copy.

8TH GRADE PARTY VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for volunteers to help on the decorations committee and food committee for the 8th grade party. If interested, please email toriapeterson@comcast.net

PARENTS NEEDED TO MAKE THE 8TH GRADE DANCE A SUCCESS!
Parents-looking for an easy way to help out with the 8th grade dance? Click here to see how you can help

TAKE THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP AT THE 8TH GRADE DANCE!
Friday, May 17 from 7:00-9:00pm
Tickets are $15 and include a tshirt, food, entertainment, a t-shirt and pictures in front of the green screen with your friends. Tickets will be sold through Friday morning in the 8th grade pod. They will NOT be sold at the door the night of the dance. They must be purchased during school hours. Students may not check out of school early the day of the dance.

Attire for the Dance:
Suggested attire for the dance is dressy casual. Boys can wear khakis and collared shirts and girls may wear dresses. Regular Dodgen dress code applies to dance attire. Please refer to the Dodgen dress code if you have any questions.

Dance Drop-off and Pick-up:
The dance will be held in the Dodgen cafeteria and drop and pick up will be at the back of the school. View traffic flow map for both drop-off and pick-up instructions. Thank you!

This dance would not be made possible without the generous donations from local businesses. Please support them in a show of thanks from Dodgen!
JET'S PIZZA - Corner of Shallowford and Johnson Ferry Road
GC BBQ - Corner of Shallowford and Johnson Ferry Road

Thank you to the following businesses who have donated prizes to give out at the dance: PINKBERRY, CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, COOKIES BY DESIGN, ZOE'S KITCHEN, CHICK-FIL-A, CARIBOU COFFEE, FAB'RIK, GIGI'S CUPCAKES, SKYZONE, MENCHIE'S, YOGLI-MOGLI, MERCHANT'S WALK CINEMA, CHILI'S, WILLY'S, PRIVATE GALLERY, SALON ELEGANZA, SUBWAY

POPE COLOR GUARD AUDITIONS
May 13 & 16 from 6:00-8:00pm in the Pope High School Band Room
Come out and meet new friends and be a part of one of the best color guards in the country! We compete with the marching band during the fall and have winter guard competitions during the winter months. If you love to perform and dance in front of thousands of people, travel around the country, and want to learn how to toss a flag, rifle, or sabre up into the air... the Pope Color Guard is for you! No experience is necessary! If you have any questions, you can send an email to BriannaBanana@comcast.net

POPE SOFTBALL BOOSTER CLUB MEETING FOR FALL 2013-2014 SEASON
Thursday, May 16 at 7:00pm in the Pope Media Center
All aspects regarding the upcoming season and summer workouts will be discussed as well as general booster club items of business. If your athlete wishes to tryout for the Pope 2013-2014 fastpitch team (JV or Varsity), please make plans to attend. If you are unable to attend, please fill out the prospective player sheet on our pre-season link contact Coach Turco at chris.turco@cobbk12.org. Or see the Pope High School softball website for more information at popefastpitch.net

DODGEN FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES (FCA)*
Thursday, May 16 at 8:15am in the chorus room
Join us for fun, food and fellowship. We hope to see you there.
*FCA is a non-school sponsored event.

8TH GRADE DANCE
Friday, May 17 from 7:00 – 9:00pm
$15/Ticket; Sales begin on Monday, May 6 in the 8th grade pod from 8:15-9:00am. No extra money is needed at the dance.
All 8th graders are invited. Get ready for a party like no other! Food from around the country, a photo op in Hollywood, and great music will make this night unforgettable. Included in the ticket price is all food and beverages, a t-shirt, music and entertainment, and pictures with your friends in front of the green screen. Take this last “Ultimate Road Trip” with your friends as you say good-bye to middle school and welcome your high school years. You won’t want to miss it!
PLEASE NOTE: To attend the dance, eighth grade students must be present at school that day, and we encourage them to stay the entire day. If a student does check out before 12:30, he/she will not be permitted to attend the dance. Everyone knows this is not the high school prom, but it is a time for students to dress nicely and enjoy the evening. Students are expected to follow Dodgen’s dress code. For example, strapless dresses should be worn with an appropriate jacket or sweater and low cut dresses or tops, which are revealing, may not be worn. We are confident that our students will make good decisions on their attire. Also, in an effort to ensure appropriate behavior at the dance and the picnic, students who have behavioral referrals resulting in any “Out of School Suspension” (OSS) or three or more days of “In-School Suspension” (ISS) from April 15 – May 17 will not be permitted to attend the events. Parents, please discuss with your child the appropriate behavior expectations for this memorable evening. Thank you in advance for your support as we work together to make these last nine weeks of school a success for all.

BETA CLUB MEMBERSHIPS DUE
Friday, May 17
On Monday, April 29, 2013, students in 6th and 7th grades, who have qualified, received invitations to join Dodgen’s Junior Beta Club. To qualify for the club, students must have maintained honor roll status, whether all A or A/B honor roll, for this school year. Please visit Mrs. Drawdy’s blog to obtain more information on how to join. Please note: 7th grade students who are already members of the club will not receive a new invitation. Email LaTease Drawdy or Kim Kellett with questions.

WALTON FOOTBALL SPRING GAME & EXTRAVAGANZA
Friday, May 17
Gates open at 5:30pm. Free admision.
6:00pm  7th Grade Scrimmage
6:30pm  8th & 9th Grade Scrimmages
7:00pm  1st Annual Walton Punt, Pass & Kick Contest
AGE GROUPS: K-1st Grades, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Awards will be presented at half-time of the varsity Blue & White game
7:30 pm  Varsity Blue & White Game
Presented by Walton Youth Football. Register the same day as event, no pre-registration needed. Jumpys, face painting; Concessions will be open.

DODGEN SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
Saturday, May 18 in Dayton, Ohio
Dodgen Science Olympiad students will be heading to the National Science Olympiad tournament this week with Head Coaches, Debbie Amodeo and Jeff Miller. Students will compete against 60 other schools.

WALTON VOLLEYBALL CAMPS
Elementary & Middle School: These camps are for rising 2nd-8th grade students.
Camp I: May 18 (9am-4pm) - $60
Camp II: May 25 (9am-4pm) - $60
Camp III: June 15 (9am-2pm) & 16 (2-8pm) - $90
Elite Middle School: This camp is for rising 6th-8th grade players that have already had some playing experience and are searching for an opportunity to further develop their skills.
MS Elite Camp: July 22-26 (9am-1pm) - $175
Elite High School: Open to rising 9th-12th graders. It is designed for the advanced volleyball player searching for the opportunity to fine tune skills in preparation for tryouts.
HS Elite Camp: July 22-26 (4-9pm) - $200
Camp Registration will be available online at the team website and opened during the week of April 29.
Participants that are new to the game will be introduced to strong and reliable fundamentals. Those with some limited experience will have the opportunity to build on those fundamentals. All attendees will enjoy improving their skills while nurturing a love and respect for the game. www.waltonvolleyball.org

BLAKE COOPER PRODUCTIONS SUMMER CAMPS AND SUMMER STOCK
May 28-June 9: Godspell Jr. (Middle/High School)
June 17-20: Elementary Drama Day Camp
June 24-27: Elementary Drama Day Camp
July 8-11: Elementary Drama Day Camp
July 15-28: Willy Wonka KIDS (Elementary/Middle School)
Mark your calendars for a fun summer of drama! Brought to you by Blake Cooper Productions. Camps are held 9am-3pm at Dodgen Middle School. For more information, visit www.bcprod.org

WALTON ROBOTICS CAMP
June 3-6 for rising 6th-8th graders
Hosted by the Walton High School F. I.R. S.T. Robotics Team. Cost will be $200. Including a camp T-shirt and snacks throughout the week Spaces limited. Students will be accepted on level of interest basis. Visit WaltonRobotics.org for more information.

POPE FENCING SUMMER CAMPS
June 3-June 6 (M-Th) 9:00am-12:00pm
Limited to rising 4th to rising 9th grade students (however we recommend that students who will be attending Pope in the next couple of years go to the July camp if they only go to one). Instruction and games with a little fencing at the end of the week.
July 15-July 18 (M-Th) 9:00am-3:00pm
Limited to rising 6th to rising 12th grade students including current Pope fencers. Instruction and games from 9-noon, Lunch 12-1 (bring your own). Open fencing 1-3; is an extra event offered to the Pope Team at no additional charge.
Following our 2012-13 Championship season, the Pope Greyhound Fencing Club is once again holding summer camps. The camps are open to students of any school. No experience is necessary, and equipment will be provided for new fencers. Experienced fencers are also welcome. Cost: $200. The camps will be organized by David Eichler and Dr. Kathy Vail, head coach at Dunwoody Fencing Club (the top épée fencing club in Georgia). David Eichler is the head coach of the Pope Fencing Club and an assistant coach at Dunwoody Fencing Club. He is also a 4th grade teacher at Tritt Elementary School. For more information; See the Pope Fencing website www.popefencing.org/camp or e-mail webmaster@popefencing.org

POPE GREYHOUND BASEBALL CAMPS
June 3-6
Fundamentals camp (for ages(6-11) 9:30am-12:00pm ($100)
This four day camp will focus on all aspects of the game (hitting/bunting, infield defense, outfield defense, base running, catching, and pitching) and will have an emphasis on teaching proper mechanics while at the same time creating a fun, player friendly, safe environment.
Skills Camps (for ages 12-15) 1:00pm-3:00pm ($50 each)
Skills Camp #1 will be held Monday and Tuesday and will be a defensive camp focusing on all aspects of infield and outfield play. Emphasis in this camp will be on mechanics and situational defense.
Skills Camp #2 will be held on Wednesday and Thursday and will be an all hitting camp. Emphasis of our hitting camp will be on mechanics and situational hitting.
Coach Jeff Rowland and the Pope Greyhound baseball staff would like to invite you to attend the 9th annual Pope Greyhound baseball camp on the campus of Alan C. Pope High school at the beautiful state of Georgia 2005 and 2012 baseball “Field of the Year”! All facilities of our baseball field (field, indoor/outdoor batting cages, bullpens, and all softball facilities will be used as well as both school gyms). Please mail player information form and check to: Pope High School ATTN: Jeff Rowland 3001 Hembree Rd. Marietta, GA. 30062
Make all checks payable to Pope Baseball Booster Club *ALL CHECKS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE*
Equipment needed: Cleats, Tennis shoes (in case of rain and for indoor hitting), Gloves, Bats, and Catchers gear (if applicable), Batting gloves, Baseball pants and hats. (With many anticipated campers, it is always best to have athletes name on all gear)

POPE HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL CAMP
June 10-13 from 9:00am-12:00pm at the Pope High Softball field.
Open to girls ages 6 – 12 (1st – 6th grade)
If you have any questions, please email Coach Turco at Chris.Turco@cobbk12.org or visit the Pope High School softball website for more information at popefastpitch.net

POPE LADIES LACROSSE CAMP
June 10-13 from 9:00-11:30am
The camp is open to rising 2nd grade thru rising 9th grade girls. Please go to www.popeladieslacrosse.com for more information and registration form.

POPE GIRLS LACROSSE SPEEDLAX! SPEED & AGILITY CLINICS
June 17-19
July 8-10
July 15-17
July 29-31
Held at Hightower Middle School fields.
Pope Jr. Girls Lax Coach & Agility Specialist Tracy Handzel is holding several clinics this summer in June and July. Morning (1 hr) clinic times for boys and girls available—Ages 7+ (kids will be grouped by age). $55/session ($50/session for early registration by 5/20/13!) Contact Tracy for more info at sierraplum44@gmail.com

POPE MIDDLE SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM TRYOUTS
Pope Middle School softball team tryout information will be posted on popefastpitch.net in the month of May. Tryout dates are scheduled in June and July please see the website and click on the “Looking Forward – Jr Program” link for details and updates as they are made available. The Middle School softball season begins in early August and runs through early October.

POPE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER BOYS BASKETBALL CAMPS (AGES 8-15)
3 Possible Weeks to choose from again this year! Contact Pope's Coach Abney for the camp brochure via Patrick.Abney@cobbk12.org or 770-578-7920.

WALTON BASKETBALL CAMP
Daily 6 hour camp from 9:00am-3:00pm
Limit on the amount of participants. If interested, please contact Coach Goydish at Walton High School.

DODGEN PTSA NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Dodgen Middle School PTSA Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for the 2013-2014 Dodgen PTSA Executive Committee. If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate someone, please contact Julie McCarren at jmccarren.dodgen@yahoo.com

DODGEN PTSA NEEDS YOU
Dodgen Middle School PTSA uses parent volunteers throughout the year, but we are in need of people in the beginning of the school year in these three areas:
School Directory: This is a short-term commitment in the fall. Collect, enter, and verify family contact information for publication; and distribute the directory.
Panther Day Data Entry: Enter PTA membership information on Panther Day and for a short time following Open House in August.
School Store: This is a year round service to the school. We need a chairperson who will manage the inventory and coordinate the volunteers’ schedule. The school store is open daily form 8:40-9:10am
Other Committees: Arts in Education (Reflections); Book Fair; Dances; Environmental Education; Exceptional Children; Family Engagement; Pope Liaison; Hospitality; Legislation & Advocacy; Panther Preview Night; Retail Rewards; Student Health (Red Ribbon Week); Website. For more information about these additional volunteer opportunities please check out the Dodgen PTSA website. If you are interested in any of the committees listed, please contact co-president@dodgenptsa.org

DODGEN PTSA TREASURER NEEDED
Dodgen Middle School PTSA Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for Treasurer for the 2013-2014 Dodgen PTSA Executive Committee. If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate someone, please contact Julie McCarren at jmccarren.dodgen@yahoo.com

COBB VITUAL ACADEMY INFORMATION
www.cobbvirtualacademy.org/about/advmath.html
Math opportunities for rising 9th graders. Students are considered 9th graders after the last day of their 8th grade school year and may take online courses beginning the summer prior to entering high school.
Cobb Virtual Academy (CVA) is the online program of the Cobb County School District offering online core courses to high school students. CVA has served over 14,000 students in the last 12 years.
Summer 2013 Math Course Offerings for Rising 9th Graders
CCGPS Analytic Geometry A (.5 unit course)
Students who complete CCGPS Coordinate Algebra Y (1.0 unit course) in the 8th grade with a grade of 85 or above may take CCGPS Analytic Geometry A. This course completes the CCGPS Accelerated Coordinate Algebra / Analytic Geometry requirement so students may be eligible to take CCGPS Accelerated Analytic Geometry/Advanced Algebra in the 9th grade. This half unit course will require about 20 hours of work per week during the compressed five week summer term. The cost of the .5 unit course is $275.
CCGPS Analytic Geometry B (.5 unit course)
Students who complete CCGPS Accelerated Coordinate Algebra /Analytic Geometry A) in the 8th grade may take CCGPS Analytic Geometry B. This course completes the CCGPS Analytic Geometry requirement so students may be eligible to take CCGPS Advanced Algebra in the 9th grade if it is offered at their high school. This half unit course will require about 20 hours of work per week during the compressed five week summer term and concludes with a mandatory face to face EOCT. The cost of the .5 unit course is $275.
CCGPS Coordinate Algebra (1.0 unit course)
Students who complete Math 8 in the 8th grade with a grade of 85 or above may take the CCGPS Coordinate Algebra. Students may be eligible to take CCGPS Analytic Geometry in the 9th grade. This full unit course will require between 40 hours of work per week during the compressed five week summer term and concludes with a mandatory face to face EOCT. The cost of the 1.0 unit course is $550.
CCGPS Accelerated Coordinate Algebra / Analytic Geometry (1.0 unit course)
Students who complete Math 8 in the 8th grade with a grade of 90 or above may take the CCGPS Accelerated Coordinate Algebra / Analytic Geometry. This course completes the CCGPS Accelerated Coordinate Algebra / Analytic Geometry requirement so students may be eligible to take CCGPS Accelerated Analytic Geometry/Advanced Algebra in the 9th grade. This full unit course, which is comprised of the entire CCGPS Coordinate Algebra curriculum and the first half of the CCGPS Analytic Geometry curriculum, will require between 50 - 60 hours of work per week during the compressed five week summer term. The course concludes with a mandatory face to face EOCT. The cost of the 1.0 unit course is $550.
General Information about CVA:
For general information about CVA including summer term registration opening/closing dates, mandatory final exam/EOCT dates and CVA Learning Center hours, please visit the CVA website at www.cobbvirtualacademy.org.

POPE PTSA NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Pope High School PTSA is recruiting candidates for their 2013-2014 executive board. Please contact Shelly Hill from the Nominating Committee via e-mail at shellywhill@comcast.net. Please include the following information: name, phone number, position you are interested in and previous experience. We will follow up with a phone interview. You can access the Pope High School PTSA at popeptsa.org

WALTON HIGH SCHOOL PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Come join the fun at WHS! If you are interested in volunteering in the Walton High School Front Office for the 2013/2014 school year, please contact Sheila Middendorf at sheilamiddendorf@comcast.net. The commitment for the school year would be either 2 or 3 days per month which will consist of either 2 or 2 1/2 hr shifts or you could just be a sub and fill in when needed. Training will be provided prior to school starting.

HONORING OUR HEROES ESSAY WINNERS
Congratulations to the following students for being selected as the winners for their grade in the ECCC PTA Honoring Our Heroes Essay Contest. 6th Grade, Amanda Banh; 7th Grade, Jason Yi; and 8th Grade, Riley Ewing.

GIMME 5 CAMPAIGN
Help support our schools & students with the Gimme 5 for Education program. Cobb Schools Foundation is the only non-profit organization that supports all schools, staff & students in the Cobb County School District. In 2012, Dodgen finished 2nd in the county among middle schools. Let’s try to finish 1st in 2013! Please make a $5 tax-deductible contribution securely online at www.cobbschoolsfoundation.org Donations are tax-deductible. Cobb Schools Foundation Tax ID #58-2487501.

• What does the Cobb Schools Foundation do? The Foundation:
  • provides grants to our teachers.
  • sponsors the Classified Employees of the Year Luncheon.
  • sponsors the Volunteer of the Year Luncheon.
  • sponsors college scholarships for our High Schools.
  • So much more!
• Will any money I donate stay at Dodgen Middle School?
  • If our school reaches $250 of donations, 20% will be given directly back for instructional purposes.
  • If our school reaches $750 in donations, 50% will be given directly back for instructional purposes.

» Recent E-News

Ongoing

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Your 6th, 7th, or 8th grader attended a presentation in school on Nutrition. Please don’t be alarmed if they are not interested in eating at McDonalds in the near future. They were shown a 7 year old Happy Meal that still looks like it did 7 years ago! Hopefully they will be interested in eating less sugar and more fruits and vegetables in the future. In summary, they were taught the “5 Habits of Health”:
1. Fruits and Vegetables
2. Water
3. Exercise
4. Sleep
5. Minimize Stress
The presenter, Nancy Arnold, is a “Mom on a Mission” working to empower kids and their families to make healthier choices, and was assisted by Dodgen parent, Christine Barber. Nancy and Christine are members of the Juice Plus+ Children’s Health Foundation. If you would like to see the presentation or if you have any questions, please call Christine at 404-200-3616.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Parents - We have been having some issues with determining whether a student has on leggings or yoga pants. Therefore, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• As always, if you have on leggings, they must be covered by a skirt or dress that is no more than 2 inches above the knee.
• If you have on yoga pants (typically thicker than leggings and possibly “flared” at the bottom), your shirt must cover your bottom.
  And…as we move into the spring,
• Shorts and skirts cannot be shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
• If a blouse is sheer, the shirt underneath should “cover” and straps should be at least a two finger width.
• No rips in jeans above the knee.
• When in doubt, please refer to the Dodgen dress code.

PTA NEWS FROM THE GEORGIA CAPITOL
At the Capitol, both the Georgia House and Senate are scheduled to continue budget hearings next week on the proposed 2014 budget. According to the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, the Quality Basic Education (QBE) program, the primary mechanism for distributing state money to local school districts, is underfunded by $1 billion in the governor’s budget for the 2014 fiscal year. While the proposed budget would increase total funding over last year, the extra money primarily covers the added cost of more school children and a salary adjustment for teachers’ training and experience. Contact your legislator to express your concern about this PTA legislative priority - "Support public K-12 schools with adequate state funding, reflective of the actual costs of providing the state-defined services."

ATTENTION PARENTS: REGARDING CONTACT INFORMATION
If you missed Panther Day or if you attended Panther Day but didn't get a chance to use one of the computers to fill in your contact information, then you can enter the information at home using this link. http://www.cobbk12.org/dodgen/parentresources.aspx
Please click on the "Student Information Link" for your child's grade level and complete the form. The information that you enter is requested by the teachers, and the Dodgen PTSA will also be using some of the information for the student directory (with your permission). Please contact Ann at directory@dodgenptsa.org with any questions.

Quick Links

» Dodgen Middle School Website
» 2013-2014 CCSD Calendar (.pdf)
» Pinnacle Internet Viewer
   Student Attendance & Grades

» 2013-14 Supply List (6th, 7th, 8th) (.pdf)
» Summer Reading Lists (6th, 7th, 8th) (.pdf)

» PTSA Membership Benefits
» Parent to Parent Program (.doc)
» School Council Nomination Form
(.doc)

Panther Day Info

» PTSA Order Form 2012-2013 (.pdf)
» Spiritwear Order Form (.pdf)
» Top 11 Things Every Student Should Know (.pdf)
» School Procedues You Should Know (.pdf)
» Helpful Links (.pdf)

Ongoing

CONGRATULATIONS TO DODGEN'S
TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
Kari Viland
STAFF EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:
Amy Fricks
COBB COUNTY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
Linda Caballero

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Please clean our your drawers and bring in your box tops before the end of the year! Boxtops can be brought in anytime you or your student passes by the front ofice. Please place them in the container on the table in the front hall. No need to count them or anything, just put them in the container. All BOXTOPS FOR EDUCATION gathered at Dodgen benefit our PTA's support of appropriations for teachers. These little BOXTOPS can really add up to make a difference in our school. You can find box tops on Avery office supplies (collect them at your office too!), Chex Mix, General Mills cereals, Cottonelle products and much, much more. For a full list and to print coupons for boxtop items, please visit www.boxtops4education.com You can also support our school by shopping through their online market with major retailers that you might shop with anyway. Remember, if you are going to drop by the school to pick up your child, or attend one of the many Spring perfomances, grab your BOXTOPS!

ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
The school doors are not unlocked until 8:15am. PLEASE do not drop your students off at school prior to 8:15. Recently we have had well over 100 students waiting outside before this time, and they are unsupervised before 8:15. Also, please refrain from letting your student get out of the car until you have pulled around to the sidewalk in the front of the building. As I see people trying to cut corners, drop students off in other places to cross the parking lot, etc., the potential for a horrible accident increases. We realize the traffic in our area is difficult from 8:10-8:30, please plan accordingly and err on the side of safety. Thank you.

EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURE
If your student is needing to check out early, to help minimize class disruption please:

1. Send a note with your student with their name, homeroom teacher, time to be dismissed, and reason for dismissal.
2. First thing in the morning, after student checks in at homeroom, have them bring the note to the Front Office to receive a dismissal pass for the assigned time. Student will show this pass to the teacher at beginning of class, or at written dismissal time.
3. In the event a note was forgotten, or an appointment was made for the same day, please call the Dodgen Front Office (770-578-2726) with the information and a dismissal pass will be issued at the earliest class break. This will allow the Front Office Volunteers to find your student in a timely manner.

FROM DODGEN’S ATTENDANCE CLERK
Wonder why you get a phone call saying your student was absent when you know you checked them in at 10:30am or later? These corrections will be changed in the computer the next morning and it takes the computer time to read changes and input the corrections. Just have some patience and check Pinnacle later for the changes. Another interesting fact to know is when your student has a doctor, dentist, orthodontist, or even a hospital visit, please being to the front office an office note from the appointment stating your name, time, and date of the visit so it can be entered into the computer as an excused absence. If your student has been out of school for two or more days and you have checked teachers’ blog sites but need more homework, please call the front office (770-578-2726) by 9:15am so we may ask teachers to get handouts or other assignments together for you to pick up by 3:30pm.

DODGEN PTSA MEMBER BENEFITS
Don't forget to bookmark your PTA member benefits page so that you always have access to our latest offerings and best deals. Please view the Membership Benefits page for Local, State & National benefits.

OFFICE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
8:30-11:00 am, 11:00am-1:30pm and 1:30-4:15pm
We are looking for energetic and enthusiastic parent volunteers to staff the Dodgen Middle School front office. You can maintain a regular schedule which generally occurs twice/month (every other week). We also accept substitute positions for last minute fill-ins. Full training is provided. If you are interested in filling one of these sought after positions, please contact Lorra Holman at lorralamar@mindspring.com for more information. When replying, please advise preferred time of day, day of week you are interested in and make sure to include your phone number.

MEDIA CENTER POSITIONS
Hours are 11:00am - 1:30pm. Choose your day!
Due to recent CCSD cutbacks, the media parapro position in middle school is now only 60%. That leaves a void for covering book checkouts, especially during reading classes. Parents, here is the perfect opportunity to get involved in your middle school! We are looking for volunteers to help in the media center. Please contact the PTSA media center volunteer coordinator, Cindy Deady, at thedeadys@yahoo.com

DFCS MANDATED REPORTING INFO
As of July 1, 2012, Georgia law requires school volunteers to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
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PUBLIX SHOPPING CARDS
Available in the front lobby. Just add them to your keychain, use them at any Publix store and the PTSA will earn credit.

SCHOOL STORE
The store is open every morning before school starts, 8:40am-9:10am. It is located near the cafeteria. Vocabulary books, PTSA calendars, spiritwear, magnets and a wide variety of school supplies may be purchased. Questions? Please contact Laura Borel at schoolstore@dodgenptsa.org

DODGEN ART PROGRAM DONATIONS NEEDED
Mechanical items - which can be disassembled and then re-assembled into 3-D art sculptures by the students. Examples would be any discarded items with preferably moving parts such as a toaster, or mantle clock, items with gears always make great sculptures. Magazines / Old Calendars - We need drawing reference photos!!! Our supply has diminished over the last year and we are in need of travel magazines, cosmetic magazines having model head shots and sports or animal magazines. Calendars make great landscape or animal photo references! National Geographic is our favorite!

GEORGIA NATURAL GAS
TRUE BLUE PROGRAM
TrueBlue Schools® is a fast and easy way to help our school school raise money just by using Georgia Natural Gas® (GNG). Are you an existing GNG customer, then sign up at trueblueschools.com and select Dodgen Middle School as your school. GNG will then donate $5 every month to Dodgen just for paying your gas bill on time. Not a GNG customer, you can save up to 15 cents a therm if you use the promo code TrueBlue. See the GNG TrueBlue website for additional details trueblueschools.com. Just think, if 20 existing or new GNG families sign up, that would be $1200 a year donated to Dodgen to help our children and our school!

CCSD TRANSPORTATION JOB OPENINGS
Cobb County School District Transportation Department has School Bus Driver vacancies. For more information, please visit the CCSD website and apply on-line.

GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2013 SESSION
The Georgia General Assembly convened on January 14. Remain informed by signing up for Capitol Watch. This is one of your Georgia PTA membership benefits and includes timely information on legislation and hot issues impacting education, children & youth and the state budget. Join now!

DID YOU KNOW?
The Social Work Department also has a database with over 1000 community resources to help assist families, faculty and staff to search for various areas of support? Please feel free to check it out and see how wonderful and supportive our community is - we have so much right in our backyard! The website is www.cobbk12.org/familyresources

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Please visit www.k12specialmarkets.com to enroll. For information on plans available click Coverage Details. To enroll click Enroll Now. Contact information is available on the website to answer your questions.

Dodgen Dateline

» JUNE 2012 DODGEN DATELINE(.pdf)