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Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting and Public Hearings on Revisions to Policies

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

Both the afternoon and the evening session, which convenes at 7:30 p.m., will begin with a “Public Forum,” when members of the public may address the Board on any topic other than those for which a formal public hearing process exists. Advanced sign up is preferred.

During the evening session, the Board will hold public hearings on revisions to the following policies:

• Policy 1211, Citizens Advisory Committees to the Board of Education and the School System
• Policy 1221, Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the Board of Education
• Policy 11200, Public Hearings

Individuals who wish to testify at a hearing are asked to limit their presentation to three minutes and to provide 15 written copies of their testimony at the time of the hearing.

To sign up to testify at a hearing or to speak at Public Forum, contact the Executive Assistant to the Board at 410-313-7194.

Individuals who would like to request a sign language interpreter for any meeting of the Board of Education may contact Colleen Rice, Interpreter Scheduler, at 410-313-7046. A two week advanced notice is preferred.

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, at 2 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

Presentation of the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2008 Operating Budget
 

Superintendent Sydney Cousin will present his Proposed FY 2008 Operating Budget at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

SCORE! Educational Center to Partner with Burleigh Manor Middle School

A new school-business partnership will help students gain a sharper edge in math, reading, and other essential skills. SCORE! Educational Center, Ellicott City has agreed to partner with Burleigh Manor Middle School to enhance educational opportunities for students, parents and teachers. The partnership agreement will be formalized tomorrow with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel.

Under the terms of the partnership, SCORE! Educational Center will offer three six-month scholarships to Burleigh Manor students for the SCORE! after-school skills enrichment program. SCORE! will also offer discounts on registration and membership fees to all Burleigh Manor students and family members. The company plans to provide free academic achievement workshops for students, parents and school staff, and will provide refreshments for teachers during American Education Week. Additional partnership opportunities will be identified throughout the school year.

At 8:30 a.m., SCORE! Educational Center, Ellicott City Director Andrea Dierna, Howard County School Board Member Larry Cohen, Burleigh Manor Middle School Principal Stephen Gibson, and Partnerships Specialist Joan Fox will sign the formal partnership agreement.

SCORE! Educational Centers, Inc. (www.escore.com) is a division of Kaplan, a leading provider of after-school learning programs. With the goal of helping children reach their academic potential in math, reading, spelling and writing, the SCORE! program includes personal coaching, positive reinforcement, and a customized curriculum adapted to each child's learning needs.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses, and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

Display of Proposed Instructional Materials

All textbooks and textbook-related materials recommended for the first time for use in the Howard County public schools will be on display in the lobby at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City. The materials will be on display Monday, Dec. 18, 2006, through Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, excluding Dec. 25 and 26, 2006, and
Jan. 1 and 15, 2007. Monday through Friday viewing times are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

All citizens may review displayed materials. Appropriate forms will be available to use for expressions of approval or requests for reevaluation of any of the proposed instructional materials.

Burleigh Manor, River Hill Named State Blue Ribbon Schools

Burleigh Manor Middle School and River Hill High School are among six schools statewide to be selected as 2007 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick announced today that the names of the six schools have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education and will represent Maryland in the National Blue Ribbon Schools Competition.

“We are extremely proud to have two of our schools selected this year, says Howard County’s Superintendent of Schools Sydney L. Cousin. “This is a real tribute to the hard work of many people and especially to the students at both schools.” Dr. Cousin attended the Blue Ribbon announcement ceremonies at the Maryland State Department of Education today.

Burleigh Manor and River Hill are in the top 10 percent of state schools as measured by the Maryland School Assessments. Burleigh Manor has an exceptional record of student achievement with 95.8 percent of its students reading at proficient or above and 93.4 percent at proficient or above in mathematics. The school also has won grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and has an award-winning band, choir and orchestra. Its student council has won leadership and service awards.

Student performance at River Hill is at record highs, with 93 percent of its students passing the English Assessment and 98 percent passing in mathematics. Newsweek Magazine named River Hill one of the top AP schools in the country. Students are also achieving as finalists in the Intel Talent Search. Algebra students were ranked #l in Maryland for their performance on the High School Assessments. The school had six National Merit Semifinalists and 11 Advanced Placement national Scholars named this past year.

Urban Policy Expert, Students Discuss Columbia’s Future

What do high school students think about the planned development of downtown Columbia and how do they see affordable housing fitting into those plans? That is what professor and urban policy researcher Robert Burchell will be asking American Government students at Oakland Mills High on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006.

Burchell will meet with approximately 50 tenth graders to discuss such topics as development, urban sprawl, and housing beginning at 8:20 a.m. in the Oakland Mills media center. The session will begin with a brief PowerPoint presentation and then students will have the opportunity to ask questions and give opinions. Also in attendance will be County Executive Ken Ulman and members of the County Council and the Board of Education.

Robert Burchell is a professor at Rutgers University and co-director of the Center for Urban Policy Research. He is the author of thirty books and more than fifty articles on fiscal impact analysis, land use development and housing policy. Dr. Burchell has worked extensively with various governmental agencies studying regional mobility, housing policy and mortgage lending practices.

Dr. Burchell, the third speaker in the Voices of Vision lecture series presented by General Growth Properties and Howard Community College, will speak on Thursday evening at Smith Theatre on the Howard Community College campus.

Operating Budget Review Committee Meeting Rescheduled

The previously announced meeting of the Operating Budget Review Committee, which is advisory to the Board of Education, has been rescheduled from Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, to Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, at 7:30 a.m. The meeting will take place in Board Room B at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

Board of Education to Meet in Closed Session

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

Super Suppers to Partner with Centennial High School

A new school-business partnership will develop students’ culinary skills while promoting the health and wellness of students, school staff, and parents in the community. A partnership agreement between Super Suppers North Howard County and Centennial High School will be formalized today with an official signing at Super Suppers North Howard County.

Under the terms of the partnership, Super Suppers will assist with the school’s culinary science program and offer work study placements, mentoring, and other support to Centennial students seeking career exposure in the fields of food science and service. Super Suppers will also offer a scholarship to a Centennial senior, with selection criteria to be jointly established by both partners. The store will host a special event each year to recognize school staff. Additional partnership opportunities will be identified throughout the year.

At 4 p.m., Super Suppers North Howard County Owner Brenda Bloom, Centennial High School Principal R. Scott Pfeifer, Howard County School Board Member Patricia Gordon, and Partnerships Manager Mary Schiller will sign the formal partnership agreement.

Super Suppers (www.supersuppers.com) offers pre-prepped or pre-made healthy dishes for busy parents who wish to plan quality times around family meals, but lack the time to prepare them.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses, and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

Time Change for December 15 Board of Education Closed Meeting

The time for the previously announced closed meeting of the Board of Education, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, has been changed from 10:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

Board of Education Closed Meeting Scheduled for December 12 Canceled

The previously announced closed meeting of the Board of Education, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006 has been canceled.

Chick-fil-A Forms Partnership with Folly Quarter Middle School

A new school-business partnership will offer students tangible, “tasty” rewards for practicing positive behaviors. The Chick-fil-A restaurant-Columbia Mall location has agreed to form a partnership with Folly Quarter Middle School in support of the school’s RESPECT program (Responsibility, Effort, Speak and dress appropriately, Punctuality, Expectations, Character, Teamwork). Through the use of positive incentives, RESPECT encourages students to value the rights and feelings of others and to make smart decisions. The official partnership signing took place today at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel.

Under the terms of the partnership, Chick-fil-A will provide free “Kid’s Meals” and letters of congratulations to students for outstanding behaviors. In addition, restaurant management will offer positive role models for students through Career Day presentations and mock interviews. Chick-fil-A will also recognize teachers and staff with breakfast several times during the school year. Additional partnership opportunities will be identified throughout the year.

At 8:30 a.m., Restaurant Owner/Operator Thomas F. McAuliffe, Folly Quarter Middle School Principal Dr. Carl Perkins, and Partnerships Manager Mary Schiller signed the formal partnership agreement.

Chick-Fil-A (www.mdcfa.com) is committed to serving as a positive influence on all who come in contact with its restaurants and personnel. The company invests in scholarships, character-building programs for children, foster homes, and other community services.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses, and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

School System In Search of Custodians

The Howard County Public School System will hold a Job Fair for persons who are interested in applying for custodial positions with the system. The event is scheduled for Monday, December 4, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Homewood School, 10914 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

Interested persons are asked to bring a resume that includes a complete work history and current references, if available. Proof of high school attendance is also required in the form of a diploma, GED or transcript.

Applications will be available and interview opportunities will be available to qualified candidates. For additional information call the HCPSS Human Resources Office at 410-313-6697.

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting December 15