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!!!

Thank you, parents

Hey, parents: nineteen days down and only 166 days to go. Now you may be thinking that I am counting down the days until school is out. Quite the contrary. For 185 days your children are my children. I love them, correct them when they make mistakes, laugh with them (and sometimes at them), watch them learn, and measure their growth (both physically and academically). What better job could anyone hope to have. I spend my days with children who, I’m convinced, will be the most incredible leaders of tomorrow. Thank you, parents!

Donoho Football: Competitiveness vs. Size

Congratulations to the Donoho football and cheerleading teams for a monumental effort during the competition in White Plains on Friday night. Once again your sons and daughters inspired me with their drive, determination and spirit at the White Plains stadium. Not only were the Falcons smaller in numbers, but almost to the player, they were smaller in size than their opponents. Although the scoreboard presented the score on the field, it did not reflect the score in efforts of our young men. Drive after drive they showed the brilliance of successful young adults working together to finish ahead of their adversaries.

The cheerleading squad never sat down or quit, either. Ladies, you performed your duties, cheering and directing our Donoho contingency, superbly. From the visitor's side of the field, it appeared to me that we had at least as many fans in the stands as did the home team.

Parents, I imagine some, or all of you, like me, have spoken with White Plains administrators and parents who had complimentary comments of our players' abilities and drive. That match will go into the record books under the "L" column, but in life's lessons it is a "W". Be proud Donoho. You finished ahead of most, on Friday night, so keep your chins up and chests proud.

Adam Ledford was injured on a touchdown attempt and had to watch the balance of the game from the sidelines. After the game he told me he had reinjured an old injury, and would return for the game this Friday.

Please remember in your hearts and minds the family of Coach Keith Howard, Lincoln High School, who died on the side lines, while coaching this past Friday night.

Someone Stole the Gingerbread Man!

The lower school was abuzz this morning. Our kindergarten students were stunned to learn that their gingerbread man had been stolen from the oven when they went to retrieve him. I watched anxiously as they searched everywhere. They searched in the library, the classrooms, and finally found him tucked safely away behind the principal's desk. I remember hearing Mrs. Phillips tell the students first thing this morning that she loved gingerbread. Hmmm...was that a clue?

I spent many years teaching at the elementary level; five of those years were with first graders. You never get it out of your system. Their innocence and excitement are secret ingredients to the fountain of youth. That's why elementary teachers seem to live forever. Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

Preparing for H1N1

Now that we are back in school, the threat of spreading the H1N1 virus becomes a greater concern for parents and teachers. Our teachers at Donoho have shared with the students ways to prevent the spread of the virus. I would like the parents to remind students daily about these easy tips that will help us get through the flu season.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hand.

Wash your hands immediately after coughs or sneezes using running water and soap, or alcohol-based hand cleaner composed of at least 60% alcohol.

Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. These are easy entry points for germs.

If you are running a fever of at least 100 degrees, stay at home. Remain at home until you are fever-free for 24 hours, this is without taking fever medications.

The first day of school was wonderful. I have worked in many school settings, but none can compare to Donoho. In most schools, you can expect the first day to be filled with chaotic schedule changes, lost students, inquisitive parents, and exhausted teachers. Our opening day at Donoho was just the opposite. When the first bell rang, the hallways cleared and all was quiet. Everywhere I went, students and teachers were smiling while constructive learning was taking place. Somehow the word "wonderful" doesn’t adequately describe the Donoho atmosphere and other intangibles that go into producing the final product—a college-bound student.

Opening day is almost here with only three days remaining before the start of another fantastic school year at Donoho. The office staff commented to me on Friday that this year's student registration went smoothly, due in part to the school's decision to "go green" by placing the registration materials online. Parents even commented on how nice it was to complete the registration form on their home computer prior to bringing it to the school. We now anxiously await the arrival of approximately 400 students.

Donoho Blog

Hello everyone! I hope you will take the opportunity to check in from time to time as I chronicle day-to-day events at The Donoho School. As the year progresses, I will ask your input on activities and topics of interest.

The school is preparing for a great year at Donoho.

See you soon.