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

Pictures from Charleston!

Hello everyone! I thought you would be interested in being able to come
along with me on my adventure to Charleston. It was a very nice ceremony and I
hope you enjoy!

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

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

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