Not Guilty!

Not Guilty! That was the decision by the jurors in moot court held Monday in Judge Stedham’s courtroom. I watched with pride as the students in Mr. Ford’s senior history class played out a true murder case. Each student had a part either as witness, defendant, attorney, prosecutor, or juror. I was impressed with the preparation that went into staging this event. Some students came dressed in their part, complete with accent; Rod embellished his role as witness by including a heavy, southern drawl with a unique twang. His testimony was worth the trip to court that day as he sauntered to the witness stand wearing a “wife beater" t-shirt. Also, Emily who acted as prosecutor was so commanding in her performance that I actually thought I was watching an attorney analytically dissecting her prey.

Unfortunately, the jurors’ decision of not guilty proved to be the wrong decision. In fact, the defendant was guilty and had indeed killed his wife for the insurance money that would buy him a brand new motorcycle. Jake, the defendant, delighted in announcing to the jurors of his dirty deed after moot court had ended, and defense attorney Kate Stedham beamed at winning her first case.

This was more enjoyable than watching Court TV.

IT'S CONTAGIOUS

H1N1 and other communicable diseases pale in comparison to the dreaded “senioritis.” Senioritis is commonly known as an illness that strikes in high percentages among high school seniors causing decreased motivation and chronic procrastination. One of the most notable symptoms of senioritis is that all attempts by teachers to curb this illness tends to actually increase the symptoms. High school administrators and teachers all across the country are beginning to prepare for the spread of this unavoidable illness. It usually becomes evident in the early spring around the time of spring break and peaks in late May some time immediately following graduation ceremonies. It is highly contagious and has even been reported to spread among educators and school officials. All steps will be taken to quarantine those infected and protect those left to complete the school year.

Smelling the Roses

We all know the adage, “Take time to smell the roses,” but how many of us actually follow that advice? I seldom do, but last week something caught my eye as I was quickly passing through the lower school. Just inside the front door was an attractive, colorful display. At first glance, I thought it must be an art project, abstract, of course. Upon closer inspection and with a little explanation from Mrs. Plunkett, I realized I was observing various DNA models constructed by her science students. Each work of art was unique, just as our students are unique. The models showed creativity and detail as each one curled and swirled upward as if they were animate objects about to leap off the table. I’m so glad I took the time to stop and enjoy the unusual beauty of kinesthetic learning. I know these students will always remember their reconstruction of DNA, and I won’t soon forget my moment of “smelling the roses.”



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Proud To Be An American

Is it just me or was this Veterans Day more poignant than in years past? It all started on Tuesday when The Donoho School recognized veterans with a touching ceremony that began with the posting of the flags by the Jacksonville State University ROTC and followed with the singing of patriotic songs from our choir. Former teacher and retired Colonel Pete Eschrig framed the heart of the program by asking us to listen to the words of the song being sung. I had never taken the time to really digest the meaning of the words, “land of the free and home of the brave.” When asked to internalize those words, I felt a chord being plucked deep inside me.

Our guest speaker, Captain Kuszniaj, was graduated from high school the same year as my son, so I could only imagine how his parents must have felt when he left home to go to Afghanistan with only the hope that one day he would return safely. His speech was meaningful, but more striking was his self-confident stature and unassuming pride of being an American serving and defending those who may never understand that their protected lives are safeguarded by his willingness to put his life on the line for the preservation of their “freedom.” As I looked around the room, many of our students were crying as were many adults in the room including myself. One cannot stage these teaching moments, they just happen.

I experienced another poignant moment Wednesday when I traveled with the choir to watch their performance at Autumn Cove, an assisted living facility here in Anniston. Since it was Veterans Day, the students sang patriotic songs and presented flags representing the divisions of service to those veterans who had served in past wars. I noticed several of my students crying as they sang. I learned from a student after their performance that they were brought to tears by watching the veterans sitting before them, singing, crying, and proudly waving their flags. One student remarked, “Geez, I’m a guy and I still cried.”

I am so proud to be an American. I am equally proud to work with these students at The Donoho School.

Retired Teachers Make a Visit

It was a happy day last week when almost two dozen retired teachers and administrators returned to Donoho for a mini-reunion. They were greeted with student representatives serving as school ambassadors for the event. I was amused when I had trouble getting everyone seated because they were chatting and moving busily from one group to another reminiscing the “good ole days.” I felt, at one point, it was like herding cats.

Our kindergarten students started the event with a blessing of the food. While enjoying a meal prepared by the Porterhouse Cafe, our guests were treated to a performance by the Donoho School Show Choir. The visit was not complete until our veteran teachers made a visit to the classrooms to witness the latest technology in action, our new SmartBoards.

I give thanks to each and every teacher and administrator who came back to Donoho last week. Were it not for their efforts those many years ago, Donoho would not be the premier school that it is today. Thank you, teachers of the Anniston Academy, now The Donoho School for your diligence in helping to develop that foundation of excellence that Donoho stands on today.

Giant Killers

Never underestimate the heart and spirit of a Donoho volleyball player. Our 2009 version of the junior high Lady Falcons have taken their place in the long tradition of our winning volleyball program. Coach Lyndsey Mullins and the Lady Falcons capped off a 31-2 season with a championship victory in the Calhoun County Volleyball Tournament last Saturday over 6A Oxford High School. Leading the way were MVP Corey Phillis and All-Tournament selections Kendra Crawford and Courtney Bolton. Let’s not forget the outstanding contributions that freshmen Adele Fink and Ana Turner are making to the varsity team, as well. The second half of the varsity season is underway as they prepare for county, area, regional, and hopefully state tournament competition. Good luck to all coaches and players.

Go Lady Falcons!

I NEED MORE COWBELL!!!

I need more cowbell!!! You may recognize that phrase from the Saturday Night Live skit starring Christopher Walken, Will Farrell and the Blue Oyster Cult. Well, I need more cowbell. I was intrigued last year when our pep band played at the football games under the direction of Mr. Dave Swinney, and band member, Chip Senkbeil, played the cowbell. I even took a picture of Chip playing the cowbell and his loving the moment. It made me realize that we sometimes forget that the band is an integral part of the mood and spirit of pep rallies, football games and various assemblies. I am always amazed at the sound quality that comes from our band. Our band is small in numbers, but they out perform all other bands of their size and larger.

As a band member myself in high school, I understand the blood, sweat, and hard work that goes into a synchronized performance. You may not know that one hundred percent of our band members returned this year and were joined by more than half of the seventh grade class to continue their crescendo of success.

I am very pleased that they have received outside recognition from Channel 24 as the “Band of the Week” for the week of September 4.

So, Elizabeth Smith, remember, I NEED MORE COWBELL!!!