Weekly News For Parents
Our Weekly News e- newsletter (generated through HCPSSNews) contains system-wide news briefs and activities. Our current newsletter is below.
May 20, 2013
Middle School Redistricting Information Session
Wed., May 22, 7-8:30 p.m. — Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Rd, Columbia
In August 2014, the HCPSS will open its 20th middle school in Hanover, Md. Attendance and boundary lines must be adjusted in preparation for opening this new school. The HCPSS invites parents and community members to learn about the new middle school and the redistricting that will be required.
Go online to register or provide input.
Visit www.hcpss.org/schoolplanning for more information about HCPSS redistricting.
G/T After School and Saturday Program
Deadline May 28
Students currently in Grades 4-10 can apply for the 2013-14 Gifted and Talented After School/Saturday Art Program. All students may apply but are encouraged to discuss it with their teachers to ensure they meet the requirements. Information on the program and submission requirements are available online.
Blended Summer Course Options
The Comprehensive Summer School program is expanding the number of blended course offerings this summer. The blended courses combine self-paced, anytime/anywhere instruction with required face-to-face classroom instruction held 2-3 afternoons per week.
The courses available this year include English 9, Foundations of Technology, G/T Earth and Space Science, G/T Physics, and U.S. History. Both course descriptions and a registration form are available online.
The combination of in-person and online coursework gives students the dual advantage of individualized interaction with the teacher and the flexibility to progress at an individual pace. With this option, students can participate in an additional summer school course during the day and/or take part in work or other activities.
These online classes are the forerunner of a comprehensive HCPSS initiative to expand digital education options for all HCPSS students. These programs provide flexibility, accommodate different learning styles, and allow much broader access to specialized course material. Over the coming years, additional online and blended course options will greatly enrich the educational experience for students.
For more information about the blended online courses, contact the Digital Education program at 410-313-5334. For more information about Comprehensive Summer School, contact the Summer School Office at 410-313-6627 or summer_school@hcpss.org.
 Howard County Family Wellness Day
Sun., June 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Centennial Park South, Rt. 108 Entrance
The HCPSS once again will partner with We Promote Health for Howard County Family Wellness Day on June 2. This free event will provide students and their families with an opportunity to join with the entire community and enjoy a day of healthy outside physical activity, health education and important health screenings.
Don't miss the fourth annual School Mascot Challenge, and see school wellness initiatives on display. Learn a new hands-only CPR technique at the Pump-A-Thon. Other highlights include a Healthy Kid Zone filled with activities and interactive booths, healthy food tastings, health screenings and much more.
Event Reminders:
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PTA Listen & Learn with the Superintendent
Tues., May 21, 7-8:30 p.m. — Marriotts Ridge High School, 12100 Woodford Dr., Marriottsville
 Superintendent Foose will meet with members of school PTAs to talk about what matters most regarding their children's education.
CAC Meeting to Focus on Summer School Programs
Tues., May 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Dept. of Education, 10910 Clarksville Pk., Ellicott City
Director of Student, Family and Community Services Diane Martin will discuss summer school programs at this last Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting of the school year.
For more information, contact Joanne Jackson at 443-288-6053 or joannejackson@verizon.net.
HCASC Appointed Positions Now Open
Applications due June 4; Interviews June 7-11
The Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) is looking for committed, hard-working high school students who are passionate about student leadership to apply for the following appointed officer positions for the 2013-14 term: parliamentarian, second vice president, chief of staff, health and social issues coordinator, state legislative affairs coordinator, environmental affairs coordinator, public relations manager, and special elections administrator.
Click here for application information, or contact Mrs. Ronnie Bohn at ronnie_bohn@hcpss.org.
News:
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 Reservoir High School STEM Speaker Series
Reservoir High School held its STEM Speaker Series again this year. The program brings STEM based professionals into classrooms to engage students through hands-on experiences that connect to curricula. Throughout the past two years, more than 100 professionals participated, visiting more than 200 classes and engaging almost every student at Reservoir. More than 300 students have indicated a desire to change career and/or educational aspirations as result of their experiences with the STEM Speaker Series.
 C-SPAN StudentCam Award Winners
Four Hammond High School students are Honorable Mention Winners in C-SPAN's national StudentCam 2013 documentary competition, in which middle and high school students created a 5-8 minute video on the most important issue the president should address in 2013.
The winners, MonYi Lwin for "It's Time" and Eric Smith, Tim Baker and Bryce Rosenberg for "Set the Standard for Safe Fracking" were chosen out of a record-setting 1,893 entries from students in 44 states.
Peer Leadership Conference
Approximately 500 fourth and fifth grade students from around the county attended the HCPSS 10th Annual Peer Leadership Conference on May 14. School counselors sponsor the event, which is designed to help potential leaders understand the positive influence they can have on classmates and within their school community.
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