Mrs. Catoe’s Chronicles

Wow!  Sometimes I wonder how we get it all done…then I look around and realize that we truly have a professional learning community at Doby’s Mill Elementary School.  We work together to maintain our focus and high expectations for our students and for ourselves.  Just this past week, on Friday, I enjoyed a wonderful recognition breakfast in honor of our 2007 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Todd.  The event, held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, was a great way for the two of us to jumpstart the day!  Mrs. Todd is truly a high caliber and enthusiastic teacher who expects nothing but the best from her children. Day in and day out, she shines as one of DME’s brightest stars.  She is a leader among our faculty and staff, serving as the team leader for second grade. So, I enjoyed treating her to the great breakfast as we listened to several wonderful speakers and were treated to a beautiful chorale by the Benedict College Gospel Choir.  

After breakfast, Mrs. Todd and I traveled to Orangeburg Technical College to support our Robotic Team as they competed in the First Lego League tournament.  Boy, did they shine!  I was beaming with pride as I listened to them speak to the judges, explaining the process by which they chose their design and project idea.  Then, I had a front row seat for their skit.  I could tell right away that the judges were impressed….it’s that uncanny sense that we teachers have.  You could see the “lightbulb clicking away” in the judges’ heads as they smiled, questioned, nodded, and clapped for the students who really hit a homerun with their presentation.  In fact, one of the judges said, “Man, I am impressed.”  Well, I could have told him that!  I have the opportunity to witness these children and teachers in action each and every day!  I promise you - that trip and competition will be one that those students will remember forever!  Kudos to Mrs. Boland and Mr. Lee for helping to maintain our winning tradition here at DME!  On to Clemson for our next round of competition…..

Finally, tonight is the Super Bowl.  I hope that I make it (awake) to see the halftime show.  I am so excited that we finished our Science Fair project, so we will actually get to watch the football game!