Read the Jan. 19 Rome News-Tribune story about Janice Cox's kindergarteners' Skype session with classmate Sinay Patel, who is more than 8,000 miles away in India.
Mrs. Cindy Stinson is taking a leave of absence to have surgery, so before she left the Cox Cubs and their moms threw her a party to wish her well and make her smile.
All eyes were on us Jan. 20 as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. This historical inauguration of our country’s first African-American president drew a crowd of more than 1 million people to Washington D.C.’s National Mall, and three Darlington students were there to see it firsthand.<br /><br />
Sophomore Charles King attended the event with his family. “It meant the world to me to be able to witness this historic event,” he said. “It showed me that I need to continue my education and stay on track so that one day I can stand at the Capitol and be sworn in as president. It truly opened my eyes to see what we as a people can achieve in life with hard work. President Obama is a blessing and a dream come true for so many African-American adults and kids today.”<br /><br />
Freshmen Marissa McKoy and Brody Gardner also made the trek to Washington. <br /><br />
"It was a frigid day, but people still came out in huge numbers to support our new president," McKoy said. "The most meaningful part of the ceremony was his speech. The crowd was very respectful and eagerly listened to every word. President Obama gave the world hope - hope to overcome setbacks and fears and to reach goals that many people thought we would never achieve."<br /><br />
And while everyone may not have been lucky enough to see it in person, Darlington certainly offered plenty of opportunities for students at all divisions to watch the inaugural events live via television and the internet.<br /><br />
At the Lower School, pre-first through fifth-grade classes had special lunches in their classrooms so they could watch the ceremony on their TVs and/or SMART Boards. They also participated in hands-on activities like making inaugural medallions, completing Barack Obama workbooks, and decorating Inauguration Day cookies with red, white and blue icing.<br /><br />
“We told our students to etch this important day in their minds and remember where they were, what they were doing and why this day was so special,” said third-grade teacher Alice Clements. “Afterward, we wrote a letter to President Obama to share with him the hopes and wishes we have for him as our new president and for the next four years.”<br /><br />
Fourth-grade teacher Cindy Stinson was thrilled for her students to witness history in the making. “This is one for the history books, and my students got to see it live right here in their classroom,” she said.<br /><br />
This fall, Stinson’s students have studied everything from the voting process to the White House – all leading up to this important day. They even wrote letters to the Obama daughters, Sasha and Malia, wishing them will in their transition to a new school and new home.<br /><br />
“We learned about the president and the inauguration, and Mrs. Stinson has talked to us about why this is a historic moment,” said fourth-grader Emmie Camp. “I was excited to watch it with my friends during our pizza party.”<br /><br />
She and classmate Farrin Mumpower were watching their first inauguration ceremony. <br /><br />
“I really liked hearing Mr. Obama’s speech and watching all the strings play,” Mumpower said.<br /><br />
Fourth-grader Garrett Miller said he liked the music, too. “It was much more exciting than I thought it would be!” he said.<br /><br />
Students in the Middle and Upper Schools had the opportunity to watch the ceremony during lunch on a big screen in Dodd Banquet Room. It was also showing on televisions in the Student Lounge, the McCallie-Kennedy Library, Thornwood House and in several classrooms across the campus. Additionally, in the spirit of the day, members of the Young Democrats sported Obama campaign buttons and the color blue.<br /><br />
“It was exciting to see students from grades 6-12 sitting together and taking in the information,” said Lisa Goldin, Middle School learning specialist. “To see students from other countries take notice of the event and activities was also an awesome experience. Our students clapped and joined in as if they were standing in the cold in Washington. While our students vary in political backgrounds, it was refreshing to see the respect that they all showed. I hope that respect for different opinions is something that we continue to convey to Darlington students and that they will carry with them long after they graduate.”<br /><br />
Sixth-grader Rachel Hudson said the most memorable part of the inauguration was when the camera panned to George W. Bush Jr. and the title underneath his name no longer read <i>president</i>, but instead said <i>former president</i>. “At that moment I thought to myself, ‘Wow, we have really lived out Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. We really have an African American for president – not presidential candidate, not president-elect, but president.”<br /><br />
Freshman Annelise Gilmer said it gave her a rush to witness the swearing in of President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. “It was so cool to be a part of history in the making,” she said. “If I could talk to the president right now, I would commend him and his efforts to help America in this time of need. I hope he can help us out of our economic depression.”<br /><br />
Senior Isabel Bonnyman said she remains inspired by the new president and hopes that others will provide the support he needs to be successful in his efforts. “The inauguration was such a precious, incredible moment. I am so grateful that I am old enough to fully appreciate everything,” she said. “I hope that the American people, myself included, will give President Obama a chance. We have been so energized by his doctrine of hope and change, and I worry that we will be too impatient to see policies implemented. We must give Barack Obama a chance to prove his mettle, not getting disheartened if he shows himself human in misstep. We cannot resent him for the natural wait we must face. Barack Obama has inspired me, but nothing will happen overnight. If we expect otherwise, we are only hurting ourselves, our new president and the potential good his policies can have for our country.”
Barack Obama and John McCain weren’t the only ones campaigning aggressively this fall. Students in Cindy Stinson’s fourth-grade Social Studies classes had an <a href="https://www.darlingtonschool.org/2414666">election</a> of their own.<br /><br />
“We learned about the origination of the Republican and Democratic parties, how they got their names, the purpose of the Electoral College, and many other facts about the voting process. Then, we held a mock election in which students ran for the position of junior director,” Stinson explained.<br /><br />
Students were split into groups of three or four, and each team was responsible for coming up with their own party name, slogan, campaign symbol, brochure, poster and platform. One member of each group presented a speech outlining the five planks of their party’s platform, and the entire class voted on which candidate should be the winner. In their speeches, candidates made promises such as less homework, more field trips, different uniform options, a greater number of ice cream days, longer breaks and more Tiger Days.<br /><br />
“The students listened to all the candidates and what they had to offer, and then decided who they wanted to vote for, just like in the real election,” Stinson said. “To make it fair, they couldn’t vote for someone in their own group.”<br /><br />
A winner was chosen in each of Stinson’s three Social Studies classes. These students were Anna Kate Cagle from the Together We Stand Party, Grayson Moss from the Terrific Tiger Party and Gianna Pieroni from The Smarties Party.<br /><br />
Along the same lines, the fourth grade also presented a play titled <a href="https://www.darlingtonschool.org/gallery/galleryView.asp?galleryID=2412262&ID=">“Vicki Gets the Vote”</a> on Oct. 28. The play told the story of a fourth-grade class campaigning for a fellow student and the importance of taking your voting privileges seriously.
Cindy Stinson’s fourth-grade class will appear on John Pruitt’s annual “Small Miracles” edition of Action News Primetime Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. on WSB-TV. The story will feature fourth-grade student Savanah Ajaeb’s grandmother, Patsy Tripodo, who has miraculously overcome a rare brain illness (which you can read about on www.jesushealedmywife.com). Patsy visited Mrs. Stinson’s class this morning to answer questions about her experience, and a WSB-TV reporter was there to capture the event on film. Prior to this visit, Mrs. Stinson's class studied parts of the brain in science class. <a href="https://www.darlingtonschool.org/2383570">Click here</a> to see photos of Mrs. Tripodo's visit to the Lower School.
Lower School focuses on technology in the classroom
October 4, 2007
Ten years ago, Darlington kindergarteners were excited to be called on to write the letter of the day on the chalkboard. Today, they are enthusiastically writing words and symbols using SMART Board technology, which has the ability to save or print the child’s handwriting or convert it to a keyboarding font.
Darlington School announces the following faculty and staff changes and additions for the 2007-08 school year:<br /><br />
<b>Margaret Alexander</b> will teach Middle School Spanish. She holds a Bachelor of Science from George Mason University (Va.) and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instructional Systems Design from the University of Northern Colorado. She also completed additional studies at the University of Virginia and George Washington University. Alexander has experience in school administration, special education K-12, vocational adaptations and human relations. For the past six years, she has served as a tutor and long-term substitute for Spanish at Darlington.<br /><br />
<b>Julie Allen</b> will serve as a teacher’s aide for pre-kindergarten. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Carson-Newman College. Allen has been a member of Darlington’s house duty staff since August of 2006. Most recently, she taught at Rome First School and served as director of childcare for Celebrate Recovery, the recovery program of Rome First United Methodist Church.<br /><br />
<b>Jennifer Amobi</b> will teach Lower School Spanish. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Auburn University. Most recently, she coached volleyball, junior varsity basketball, and track and field at Lee Scott Academy in Auburn, where she also taught fitness and P.E. <br /><br />
<b>Rex Bowman</b> has been named assistant director of Darlington School Soccer Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Berry College and is a USSF "B" Soccer Coach License holder. Most recently, Bowman taught science at Donelson Christian Academy, where he also coached soccer and wrestling. He served as assistant men's soccer coach at Berry College, has coached and directed several soccer camps, and continues to work with the Tennessee Olympic Development Program. In 2006, Bowman was named Tennessee Coach of the Year, NSCAA Div. II.<br /><br />
<b>Ivy Brewer</b> will serve as associate dean of college guidance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is currently pursuing a Graduation Certificate in College Counseling from University of California Extension, Los Angeles. Brewer is a member of both the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling. Previously, she served as assistant college counselor and special events coordinator at Seacrest Country Day School in Naples, Fla.<br /><br />
<b>Jennifer Butler</b> will teach Middle School math. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Shorter College and worked previously as a seventh-grade math teacher at Cedartown Middle School. <br /><br />
<b>Shari Cannon</b> will serve as teacher’s aide for second grade. She holds an associate’s degree from Coosa Valley Technical College and has been employed at Darlington for nine years. Most recently, she was a teacher’s aide for pre-kindergarten. She is also the director of Camp Darlington.<br /><br />
<b>Lenore Cooke</b> will teach Upper School Spanish. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of the South, Sewanee, and has studied abroad in Madrid, Spain.<br /><br />
<b>Bethany Creswell</b> will teach Upper School English. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Davidson College and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Previously, she taught junior and senior English, was a freshman adviser, and served as yearbook adviser at Lakeview Academy in Gainesville, Ga. She also works as a freelance writer and graphic designer.<br /><br />
<b>Robert Hall</b> will serve as a reading specialist in the Learning Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Jacksonville State University, a Master of Science in Education from Berry College, and Reading Endorsement Trainer Certification. He is currently working on a Doctor of Philosophy from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn. Previously, Hall taught at Model High School, Northwest Georgia RESA and Coosa Middle School.<br /><br />
<b>Doug Hamil</b> will serve as director of graphic design. He holds an associates degree in visual communication from the Art Institute of Atlanta, and has over 20 years of professional experience in nearly all aspects of graphic arts including advertising, collateral, logos, publications, Internet and multimedia design. He is also an accomplished illustrator. For the past 10 years, Hamil has owned and operated Doug Hamil Advertising Inc. in Rome.<br /><br />
<b>Kent Harrison (’01)</b> will serve as assistant director of admission. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the State University of West Georgia. Most recently, Harrison was a member of Darlington’s house duty staff and taught math at Rockmart Middle School. He has held coaching positions in Polk County, Heard County and Paulding County and has served as a counselor at Camp Darlington.<br /><br />
<b>Jennifer Helbing (’98)</b> will teach pre-K. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master of Education from Georgia State University, where she focused on students with multiple and severe disabilities. Previously, she taught special needs kindergarten at Timber Ridge Elementary School in Marietta, Ga.<br /><br />
<b>Josh Hembree</b> will teach Upper School math and coach girls' varsity basketball. He holds a bachelor’s degree in math and a master’s in secondary education from Berry College, where he played varsity basketball as an undergraduate. He has five years of experience as an assistant coach at Berry College and Model High School, and has been an instructor at numerous basketball camps in Georgia and Alabama. Hembree has taught math at Berry College Middle School and Model High School, and is certified to teach AP courses. He is currently working on an Ed.D. in Leadership from Walden University. <br /><br />
<b>Lauren Hunt</b> will teach Upper School English. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Duke University. At Duke, she served as president of the Project Child Executive Board, learning assistant for Residential Life and Housing Services, and Academic Affairs Committee chairperson for the Black Student Alliance.<br /><br />
<b>Stormy Johnson</b> will serve as director of admission. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University and has served Darlington since 2005 as associate director of admission for boarding. Previously, Johnson served as associate director of admission at Oglethorpe University and assistant director of admission and coordinator of multicultural recruitment at both Agnes Scott College and Vanderbilt University. <br /><br />
<b>Mitchell Maddox</b> will teach Upper School English. He is certified to teach high school English in the state of Georgia and holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. Previously, he taught junior and senior English at Hidden Lake Academy in Dahlonega, Ga. He also works as a freelance writer.<br /><br />
<b>Wendy Payne</b> will serve as library assistant at the Upper School. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Shorter College. Payne has worked at Darlington since September 2001, most recently as a pre-K teacher's assistant.<br /><br />
<b>Andrea Puckett</b> will teach Lower and Middle School French. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of West Georgia and is currently seeking an M.A.T. in French from Middle Tennessee State University. <br /><br />
<b>Keith Raker</b> will serve as director of facilities services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Most recently, Raker was director of buildings and grounds for Clark County Schools in Winchester, Ky., through Sodexho Marriott's Education Group Services division.<br /><br />
<b>Mary Hight Sawhill (’96)</b> will serve as planned gifts officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and has seven years of experience in fundraising and development. Most recently, Sawhill served as planned gifts associate for the Shepherd Center Foundation in Atlanta. She is a member of the Georgia Planned Giving Council and Washington and Lee University’s Atlanta Alumni Board.<br /><br />
<b>Cindy Stinson</b> will teach fourth grade. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a teaching certificate from Berry College, and two master’s degrees from the University of West Georgia. Stinson has taught school for a total of 14 years, 12 of which were spent in the Floyd County School System. Most recently, she has served as second-grade aide since July 2005. <br /><br />
<b>Pamela Sullins</b> will serve as Middle School administrative assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and has 14 years of teaching experience in marketing and cooperative education. For the past several years, she has been an active volunteer at St. Mary’s School in Rome.<br /><br />
<b>Jennifer Talley</b> will serve as kindergarten teacher’s aide. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University, and served most recently as library aide at Darlington’s Upper School. Talley has also worked as a substitute teacher at St. Mary's School in Rome and a pre-K teacher at Rome First School. <br /><br />
<b>Tami Wilcox</b> will teach second. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Shorter College and has taught pre-K at the Lower School since 2004.<br /><br />
<b>Carrie Wilson</b> will teach Middle School Spanish. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Shorter College and is currently seeking her master's from the same institution. Most recently, Wilson was an annuity customer service representative at Legacy Marketing Group. She also served as an ESOL intern at West End Elementary School in 2005.<br /><br />
<b>Jennifer Zickafoose</b> has been named human resources manager. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the State University of West Georgia and has over 14 years of experience in human resources, staffing, employee relations and customer service.<br /><br />
<b>Casey Zimmer</b> will teach Upper School English and serve as director of financial aid. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Education from Berry College. Zimmer has held a variety of leadership positions since his arrival at Darlington in 1997, including head of house and director of admission.<br /><br />
Darlington School is currently accepting applications for the following positions: associate librarian, capital gifts officer, executive assistant to the chief advancement officer, and Student Health Center nurse. For information, <a href="/employment">click here</a>. New faculty/staff bios will be posted on the Web site as they are hired.<br /><br />
