Hello Berkeley County!
December is one of my favorite times of year. The true meaning of the holidays is alive and well in Berkeley County. I have been very busy this month and I have had the time of my life! It is a time of faith, love, charity, family and friends!
I attended the County Social Studies Fair and was given the honor of announcing all of the fair winners. The projects were amazing. I would like to thank the students, parents, judges, administrators, and teachers for a job well done!
I hosted the third annual Blood Drive at my school. With the hard work of the Red Cross coordinator, Julie Shiben, and her volunteers and nurses, we were able to exceed our goal this year. I would like to thank the students who recruited donors, my family, colleagues, friends, and parents who truly did give the gift of life.
With my church group and 4 H group, we rang the bell to collect money for the Salvation Army. We also sang carols to the area nursing homes. I was blessed with the gift of music by attending band concerts,choir concerts, and dance performances. Our youth are entertaining and talented. Lastly, my spirit was touched as I watched the church pageant celebrating the birth of Christ.
Finally...Go Bulldogs! I congratulate the Martinsburg Football team for their state championship. I am very proud of you.
As the year comes to an end, may we continue to cherish our family, our friends, and our lives. " And May God Bless Us Every One!"
Happy New Year Berkeley County!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Community Pride
Hello Berkeley County! It is a beautiful Fall day and we are blessed with the glorious views of the mountains. As I look out my window, I am in awe of the brilliance of the colorful leaves. I see the red, green, brown, and yellow leaves all carelessly scattered around the Earth. Even in such disarray, the scenery is breathtaking.
Then I think of my classroom. I see the diversity of my students. Every day they scatter about our classroom. Like those Fall leaves, they represent a wide variety of colors. They are from many backgrounds with many different abilities, talents, and beliefs. As I look at my students, I am still in awe. They are beautiful. We celebrate and share our differences. We share our unique talents. Working together, we too are breathtaking.
As teachers, we have the responsibility to allow opportunities for our students to share their unique gifts. We also must promote an atmosphere of community pride. I believe through community service projects we can teach children to care for one another while developing a sense of self worth. A wise man once said: "Every society is judged by how it treats its less fortunate amongst them."
What can we do? We need to network ideas and become inspired by the many caring volunteers in our community. One thing my fifth grade students like to do is to create quilts and deliver them to veterans in the hospital. The veterans are thankful for the thoughtfulness and my students are proud to show that they care. Let's not just honor our veterans on Veteran's Day, but every day. Each day, we must strive to do something kind for someone else.
The other day I attended a Martinsburg football game. The students and fans were having a Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness. There were many opportunities to donate, with all proceeds goings to Relay For Life. It was an inspiration to look out into the stands, and even on the field, to see all of the pink. I think we all learned a great lesson that day. It feels good to provide support. Our students really do care and they really want to help. Let's continue to celebrate our community pride and show our love for one another. Together, we are beautiful.
Then I think of my classroom. I see the diversity of my students. Every day they scatter about our classroom. Like those Fall leaves, they represent a wide variety of colors. They are from many backgrounds with many different abilities, talents, and beliefs. As I look at my students, I am still in awe. They are beautiful. We celebrate and share our differences. We share our unique talents. Working together, we too are breathtaking.
As teachers, we have the responsibility to allow opportunities for our students to share their unique gifts. We also must promote an atmosphere of community pride. I believe through community service projects we can teach children to care for one another while developing a sense of self worth. A wise man once said: "Every society is judged by how it treats its less fortunate amongst them."
What can we do? We need to network ideas and become inspired by the many caring volunteers in our community. One thing my fifth grade students like to do is to create quilts and deliver them to veterans in the hospital. The veterans are thankful for the thoughtfulness and my students are proud to show that they care. Let's not just honor our veterans on Veteran's Day, but every day. Each day, we must strive to do something kind for someone else.
The other day I attended a Martinsburg football game. The students and fans were having a Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness. There were many opportunities to donate, with all proceeds goings to Relay For Life. It was an inspiration to look out into the stands, and even on the field, to see all of the pink. I think we all learned a great lesson that day. It feels good to provide support. Our students really do care and they really want to help. Let's continue to celebrate our community pride and show our love for one another. Together, we are beautiful.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What a Blessing!
Hello, Berkeley County!
A friend of mine sent me a card over the summer. It contained a very inspirational quote that stated: " What matters most is not what lies before us....
What matters most is not what lies ahead....
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IS WHAT LIES WITHIN US!"
I know what lies within Berkeley County and it is BEAUTIFUL!
We are truly blessed by a wonderful, caring community.
I would like to thank Mr. Feddon of Domino's Pizza. He sent me a coupon for a family meal. I love pizza, and his generosity is greatly appreciated. His continued support of our schools is very thoughtful. Each year many of our students receive pizza coupons.
I would also like to thank CNB Bank, my school's business partner. They surprised me with a lovely planter. I am really thrilled by their thoughtfulness. Business partners are a true asset to our schools.
Lastly I would like to thank social worker Bob and his friendly nursing staff. Today they delivered a whole classroom full of needed supplies. We now have an abundance of paper, pencils, markers, colored pencils, crayons, glue, rulers, wipes, erasers... everything I needed. I hope my students are learning the value of a caring community.
WHAT A BLESSING!
THANK YOU!
DOTTIE
A friend of mine sent me a card over the summer. It contained a very inspirational quote that stated: " What matters most is not what lies before us....
What matters most is not what lies ahead....
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IS WHAT LIES WITHIN US!"
I know what lies within Berkeley County and it is BEAUTIFUL!
We are truly blessed by a wonderful, caring community.
I would like to thank Mr. Feddon of Domino's Pizza. He sent me a coupon for a family meal. I love pizza, and his generosity is greatly appreciated. His continued support of our schools is very thoughtful. Each year many of our students receive pizza coupons.
I would also like to thank CNB Bank, my school's business partner. They surprised me with a lovely planter. I am really thrilled by their thoughtfulness. Business partners are a true asset to our schools.
Lastly I would like to thank social worker Bob and his friendly nursing staff. Today they delivered a whole classroom full of needed supplies. We now have an abundance of paper, pencils, markers, colored pencils, crayons, glue, rulers, wipes, erasers... everything I needed. I hope my students are learning the value of a caring community.
WHAT A BLESSING!
THANK YOU!
DOTTIE
Monday, September 20, 2010
It's Great To Be Back!
Hello Berkeley County! On Friday, I travelled to Morgantown for yet another doctor's appointment. This one went very well! I am now free of all of my braces and I am gaining more mobility with each visit. I am now able to return to work and to drive myself! I have permission to drive; however I am not able to raise my arm to wave to my friends on the road. Sorry, please do not think I am being snobby.
Saturday I attended the Martinsburg Band Spectacular. The talents of these young performers never cease to amaze me. The music, the flags, the sheer entertainment was very enjoyable to watch. It always brings back fond memories of my days as the young flute player in Hedgesville's band. Besides, that is when I met my wonderful husband Don, one of Hedgesville's finest drummers! (Ha!) It was also nice to sit by my dear friend Shannon Catlett and her family. Shannon's enthusiasm for teaching always makes me smile.
Today was my first day back to work. My substitute, Beth Shaffer, did an amazing job. My classroom was very well organized and the students were prepared for my return. Of course, my amazing co-teacher, Sharon Collins, was such a wonderful help as well. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a fine educator.
This week I am fortunate enough to take my students to the Air National Guard for Starbase. My students are experiencing the marvels of science through amazing hands on curriculum. Each year, I am in awe of the activities. The instructors are so knowledgeable and inspiring. Although it was a long day for me, it truly feels great to be back!
Remember to count your blessings! God bless you all!
Dottie
Saturday I attended the Martinsburg Band Spectacular. The talents of these young performers never cease to amaze me. The music, the flags, the sheer entertainment was very enjoyable to watch. It always brings back fond memories of my days as the young flute player in Hedgesville's band. Besides, that is when I met my wonderful husband Don, one of Hedgesville's finest drummers! (Ha!) It was also nice to sit by my dear friend Shannon Catlett and her family. Shannon's enthusiasm for teaching always makes me smile.
Today was my first day back to work. My substitute, Beth Shaffer, did an amazing job. My classroom was very well organized and the students were prepared for my return. Of course, my amazing co-teacher, Sharon Collins, was such a wonderful help as well. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a fine educator.
This week I am fortunate enough to take my students to the Air National Guard for Starbase. My students are experiencing the marvels of science through amazing hands on curriculum. Each year, I am in awe of the activities. The instructors are so knowledgeable and inspiring. Although it was a long day for me, it truly feels great to be back!
Remember to count your blessings! God bless you all!
Dottie
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
And the Winner Is.....
Hello everybody! I have just returned from the State Teacher of the Year ceremony. The food was delicious. It was inspiring and uplifting to listen to the guest speakers. Ernie and Bev are amazing! I have come to the conclusion that Bev knows everybody! I was introduced to many wonderful people throughout the evening. The five finalists were as follows: Edward Zawatski from Hancock County; Michelle Cox from Jackson County; Aleta Jo Crotty from Mercer County; Tammy DeWitt from Marshall County and Joseph Kincaid from Putnam County. Drema McNeal from Raleigh County is our new teacher of the year. She is a middle school language arts teacher. She has published children's books. She is a very humble and passionate educator who will represent our state well. I congratulate her and I thank Berkeley County for the opportunity to attend this year's ceremony.
God Bless!
Dottie
God Bless!
Dottie
I'm Here Safely!
Hello everybody! Don and I packed the rental car and began our journey to Charleston. We passed my accident scene in Weston, but we could not find the exact spot of the accident. Needless to say , we did not stop to take pictures. It's all good.
We are staying at the beautiful Embassy Suites. Our room is very spacious. After settling in, we decided to stop at the Charleston Mall. Tony, a wonderful hairstylist from Regis, styled my hair for tonight. Since I am still wearing the shoulder brace, hair has been an issue.
Beginning at 6:00 we will attend a reception. The awards ceremony begins at 7:00. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the WV Teacher of the Year!
It's time to get ready! Stay positive!
Dottie
We are staying at the beautiful Embassy Suites. Our room is very spacious. After settling in, we decided to stop at the Charleston Mall. Tony, a wonderful hairstylist from Regis, styled my hair for tonight. Since I am still wearing the shoulder brace, hair has been an issue.
Beginning at 6:00 we will attend a reception. The awards ceremony begins at 7:00. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the WV Teacher of the Year!
It's time to get ready! Stay positive!
Dottie
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Charleston, Here I Come !
Hello, Berkeley County! I am Dottie Pownall and I am honored to be your Teacher of the Year! As your Teacher of the Year I have been invited to attend an awards banquet tomorrow in Charleston. I am very excited. I cannot believe I will be dining with many of West Virginia's finest educators. My husband Don, Ernie Dotson, and Beverly Hoffmaster will be joining me in the celebration. Tonight I am packing my bags and choosing the perfect outfit. Hopefully, the journey to Charleston will be uneventful. As many of you know I am recovering from injuries resulting from a car accident. I am still wearing the stylish shoulder brace, but I still have room for my special angel wings. We will be travelling past the accident scene, so we are planning to face my fears and stop for a photo. After all, I am fine! I have been truly blessed by such a loving community!
I am getting ready to attend a 4H meeting with my daughter.I will continue to post tomorrow's events. So I will say goodbye for now. Remember to always acknowledge the positives! You are appreciated!
Love you all!
Dottie Pownall
I am getting ready to attend a 4H meeting with my daughter.I will continue to post tomorrow's events. So I will say goodbye for now. Remember to always acknowledge the positives! You are appreciated!
Love you all!
Dottie Pownall
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