Golden Opportunities
Our Golden Opportunities newsletter (an electronic newsletter for Senior Citizens) contains: announcements of school performances and school system news, opportunities to volunteer or advocate, and other features of particular interest to the Howard County senior community.  Please take a look at our latest newsletter below.
Additional Information
March 2013
In this issue:
Free Senior Pass Grants Access to School Events Back to Top
The HCPSS Senior Pass program is free and available
to residents 65 years or older. Senior Pass holders enjoy free admission
to high-school home athletic contests and music and dance performances,
and half-price tickets to theater productions.
To request a free Senior Pass, call the Public
Information Office at 410-313-6682. Application forms and more
information are available above.
High School Performances Back to Top
To view all of our upcoming 2013 theater, band, music and dance performances at our high schools, click here.
Volunteer Opportunities Back to Top
Simulated Congressional Hearings
Volunteer judges are needed for Simulated Congressional Hearings
to be held in May and June at 33 elementary schools throughout the
county. Fifth grade students present oral statements to demonstrate
their understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Judges listen, ask questions, and provide feedback. In addition to
judges, schools also need volunteers to help prepare students for their
hearings.
Sign up and find full details at http://sch.hcpss.org/judges or email sch@hcpss.org for more information.
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Would you like to spark a career interest in the next generation? Clemens Crossing Elementary School is seeking interested volunteers to talk about their job or career at
its Career Day on April 26. If you are interested, or would like more
information, email Ann Rogers at ann_rogers@hcpss.org.
Patapsco Middle School
Patapsco Middle School is looking for volunteers for
its Notebook Doctor program. Volunteers assist students in organizing
their binders, folders, and notebooks. Notebook Doctor is held every
other Wednesday from 7:45-8:13 a.m. The next event will take place on
April 10. Contact Kim Hopkins at 410-313-2848 or kim_hopkins@hcpss.org.
Wilde Lake High School
If you would like to share about your career with students, Wilde Lake High School is looking for volunteers to participate in Career Day on Wed., April 17. Email Ms. Fran Dummett at fdummett@hcpss.org.
Howard County Conservancy
The Howard County Conservancy seeks volunteer nature
hike leaders for Grades PreK-12 field trips. Training is provided.
Office volunteers and "drop-in" gardening opportunities are available as
well. For more information, email hcconservancy@hcconservancy.org.
Upcoming Events & Advocacy Opportunities Back to Top
Money Matters Fair
Sat., April 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - East Columbia Branch Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Have fun learning smart ways to manage your finances at the annual Money Matters Fair, with free activities, classes and resources for all ages. For more information, visit www.hclibrary.org/moneymatters.
Cosponsored by Howard Community College, Howard County Public School System, makingCHANGE: A Financial Wellness Center, and Friends of Howard County Library.
Education Budget Process
The Howard County budget process runs during April and May, and includes public hearings on each department's capital and operating budgets. Anyone may testify in person at a public hearing, submit written testimony, or email or fax testimony to the County Council at any time during the budget process.
The budget process schedule, as it pertains to the education budget, is as follows:
- County Council Public Hearing - April 29 at 7:30 p.m.
- County Council Public Work Session - May 14 at 9 a.m.
- Board of Education Public Hearing - May 9 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.
- Board of Education Work Session on Changes to the Budget (if required) - May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Board of Education Adopts Final Budget - May 28 at 9 a.m.
County Council meetings are held at the George Howard Building Banneker Room, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City. Board of Education meetings are held at the Dept. of Education, 10910 Clarksville Pk., Ellicott City.
Find more information on the budget process and how you can participate online.
Joint Task Force Recommends School Safety Improvements
Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Renee A. Foose, and Police Chief William McMahon on March 18 released the findings of the Joint Task Force on School Safety.
Ulman and Foose commissioned the task force following the recent school tragedy in Newtown, Conn. Participants included representatives from county government, public safety, public health, parents, students, and school system staff.
A number of specific recommendations will be adopted immediately and implemented by the end of the year, including buzzers, cameras and a badging system in every elementary and middle school, police camera streams at the 911 center, and improved training and drills in all school facilities including private schools and day care centers.
For more information, see the HCPSS press release. The final report can be viewed online.
 USDA Official Presents HealthierUS Award to Howard County Schools
All 73 HCPSS schools attained the U.S. Department of Agriculture HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze level of distinction, which recognizes outstanding practices in school nutrition programs, physical education and physical activity. The HCPSS is the only system in Maryland to achieve the award for all of its schools.
Dr. Janey Thornton (pictured 2nd from left), USDA Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, presented the award at the Feb. 28 Board of Education meeting. Also pictured (l-r) are Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hence, HCPSS Director of Food and Nutrition Service Mary Klatko, HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Renee Foose and HCPSS Board Chairman Frank Aquino.
African-American Community Roundtable
 The Howard County African-American Community Roundtable—comprising representatives from 25 organizations, churches and government departments in the county—held its first-ever joint education forum on March 14 to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 800 people.
The forum featured Maryland Superintendent Dr. Lillian Lowery, HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Renee Foose, and Executive Director of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University Jon Fullerton. Discussions centered on state and local reforms and research underway to benefit HCPSS students.
HCPSS Awarded for Transparency on Website
The HCPSS was honored with the Sunshine Review's Sunny Award for transparency in regard to its website. The HCPSS received an A+ rating and is one of only two Maryland school systems to receive the award this year.
Watch highlights as elementary and middle school students from throughout the county spell off at the 2013 Howard County Library Spelling Bee.
Sunshine Review is a non-profit organization that collects and shares information about state and local government. For more information, see the HCPSS press release.
HCPSS TV is your video source for all Board of Education meetings, educational programs, Parent Teacher Connection, and special HCPSS programming. New programs in March and April include the 2013 Howard County Spelling Bee and a Books Alive! interview with Michael Buckley, author of the Sisters Grimm and NERDS series for children and more.
See the Bee on HCPSS-TV
Comcast 95/Verizon 42 - Fridays, March 22 and 29, 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays, March 24 and 31, 8 p.m.; On-demand at HCPSSTV.com
Share in the excitement and watch highlights as elementary and middle school students from throughout the county spell off at the 2013 Howard County Library Spelling Bee.
Teachers of the Year Video Now Online
A new online video highlights the 2012-13 Teachers of the Year, elected by members of each high school's Senior Class. Watch as the recipients discuss why they became teachers, their impact on students, what makes a good teacher and more.
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