Ms Doss

Summer 2009!

On Friday, May 22nd, was the last day of the 2008-2009 school year.   Students received their 2009 Yearbooks commemorating a great year at Durham.  (Special thanks to Ms. Kim Derrick and her yearbook staff for putting together this wonderful book of memories for our school!)  The students enjoyed the opportunity to sign each others yearbooks during the day; however, dismissal released mixed emotions for our students.  Many were excited to begin summer, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their life, yet sad to say "Goodbye" to special friends and teachers.  As the staff waved to each bus, you could hear "Have a great summer!"  "Thank you!"  "I will miss you!" being yelled between the students and teachers.  The buses delivered the students home to enjoy a summer vacation beginning today!  Take the time to kick back, relax, and have fun as you prepare for the 2009-2010 school year!  Always remember you are a "Wildcat" focused on doing your best and treating others the way you would like to be treated!  GO WILDCATS!!

Wildcat WOW! Celebrations!

We have had a great time celebrating our student's success this week. 

On Tuesday, 8th grade students were honored at a special luncheon earning All A's and Perfect Attendance ALL 3 YEARS.

On Wedesday approximately 600 students were honored at an Honor Picnic (with DJ and cake) for All A's and All A's & B's ALL YEAR.  Later that afternoon, we had our Wildcat WOW! Party in the cafeteria.  Students earning All A's and All A's & B's, Perfect Attendance, and Most Improved for the 4th 9 week grading period enjoyed dancing (DJ provided), shopping with PAW Bucks, candy treats, and hanging out with friends. 

On Thursday, over 700 students participated in CAT Chow Picnic recognizing excellent behavior choices with successful CAT Cards in the 4th 9 week grading period.  PTSA provided a candy treat for each student with a picnic then students played with hoops, jump ropes, basketball, softball, blew bubbles, wrote with chalk, and enjoyed being outside with our friends on the Bus Port.

On Thursday evening we had our first annual "Honor's Night" for our 8th grade students earning ALL 3 YEARS ALL A's, ALL 3 YEARS A's & B's, and ALL 3 YEARS PERFECT ATTENDANCE!

 WOW!!  We are proud of our students!  We hope they will continue to make school achievement a priority in their lives!  Special thanks to our AWESOME PTSA for sponsoring, supporting, and helping to supervise these events this week.  Also, special thanks to Kris Freshour and Sandy Cox for compiling academic data and processing awards!  GO TEAM!!

BRAVO! BRAVO!

Students participated in special assemblies with spectacular performances of "Guys & Dolls" by the Durham Players under the leadership of Ms. Jodi Bitler and Mr. David Hirschorn!  The Frey 5th Graders were our guest Wednesday morning for the very first live audience performance.  The Durham 6th Graders had the privilege of attending the play on Thursday morning.  The Acworth community was invited to attend performances Wednesday and Thursday evenings.  Thank you cast, crew, and directors for bringing this special production to the Durham Theater!  BRAVO!  GREAT SHOW!

Wonderful "Hollywood Night!"

Wow!  What a wonderful "Hollywood Night" our 8th grade students experienced on Friday night!  Our AWESOME PTSA out did themselves with fancy decorations, eloquent desserts including chocolate dipped strawberries and cheesecake.  A Disc Jockey provided entertainment with popular music, live student videos, and a cool light show.  This was definitely a Kodak moment!  Lifetouch Portraits offered the opportunity for students to purchase a professional portraits made of this event, as well as, our AWESOME PTSA gave each student a complimentary picture in an engraved Hollywood Night picture card.   All I can say is that our students and 8th grade teachers clean up really well!  Everyone looked like a star on the red carpet!!  A great time was had by all creating special memories for a lifetime! 

Encore Wildcat Tutoring Session!

Great News!  Teachers will continue to provide additional academic assistance for all students in the "Encore Session of the Wildcat Tutoring Team Program."  This session began May 4th and will continue until May 15th.  Students are pick-up by the certified teacher from the cafeteria each morning at 7:50 to participate in an hour of tutoring supporting the school day instruction.  Each subject will have an assigned day for tutoring:  Monday-Math, Tuesday-Science, Wednesday-Language Arts, Thursday-Social Studies, and Friday-Reading, Seminar, or Spanish.  We are very fortunate this program is supported by a state of Georgia grant, free to all students! 

2008-2009 CRCT

We began the 2008-2009 CRCT Tuesday morning.  Testing will continue until next Monday.  Students are encouraged to be here each day by 9:05 for this very important test.  We are looking forward to receiving these test results in early May indicating that ALL of our students are equipped with the basic skill to help them be successful in the next grade level!  Remember to get a good night sleep, eat a good breakfast, and come to school thinking positive!  Read each question and do your BEST on the TEST!!

"BE-AT Your Best for the CRCT Test"

Durham was rocking on Friday, April 17!  Mr. Mark Seymour, from Birmingham, AL, provided an inspiring, motivational, and entertaining pep rally for our students getting them excited and focused on being successful on the 2009 CRCT!  Mr. Seymor played over 70 percussion instruments, sang, and encouraged audience participation as he communicated the importance of a good attitude, being prepared, and doing your best on the CRCT Test beginning April 26th.  Our students and teachers are fired up and ready to do their best on this test.  The hard part is having to wait until next Tuesday to get the opportunity!

(This event was sponsored by the 2008-2009 Cobb County Performing Arts Donations.  Thanks for your contributions allowing this special presentation for our students in the Durham Theater.)

6th & 7th Grade Dance

The 6th and 7th grade students enjoyed a dance Thursday afternoon.  Music, pizza, popcorn, cookies, and drinks were provided by our AWESOME PTSA .  Students had a great time hanging out with their friends, dancing, and eating.  We appreciate our PTSA and teachers making this special activity possible for our students!

Welcome Back!

Students and teachers returned to school today looking rested and tanned!  I hope everyone enjoyed the break and you are ready for a fast 30 days of school!  This week will hit the road running with several special events.  We will welcome our uprising 5th grade parents at an Open House on Thursday evening afterthe 6th & 7th grade students enjoy a dance.  On Friday,we will have a special performing arts presentation "Be-At Your Best!" to get everyone pepped up for the 2009 CRCT.  On Saturday, students are invited to participate in an extension of the Wildcat Tutoring Team's "CRCT Saturday" providing CRCT review for reading, math, and science skills from 9-11.   The Durham Relay for Life Team will sponsor a Hot Dog Cook-Out, Yard Sale, and The Durham Dog Show from 11-2:30.  Wow!  It is great to be back at school with fun activities going on and fantastic student, teacher, and community support!

2009 Olympics a GREAT SUCCESS!

Wow!  What a week at Durham!  Students and teachers competed in a variety of games, attitude, and sportsmanship.  Hundreds of ribbons were distributed to individuals for their contribution to their team, beautiful trophies were rewarded to teams.  The goal to "As One We Unite and Together We Will Fight" was accomplished.  The 2009 Durham Olympic games may be closed, but the wonderful memories will last a life time.  We had so much fun, we will take the next week off to celebrate our success!  Be safe and enjoy your Spring Break!  I look forward to seeing you Monday, April 13th for more Durham World fun!!