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September 2007 News Releases

September 26, 2007 (#2007-040)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 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.

To sign up to speak at Public Forum, contact the Board’s office 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.

September 26, 2007 (#2007-039)

Board of Education to Meet with County Council

The Board of Education will hold their quarterly meeting with the County Council at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007. The meeting will take place at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City.

September 26, 2007 (#2007-038)

Board of Education to Hold Public Work Session and Approve the FY 2009 Capital Budget and FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a public work session on, and approve the FY 2009 Capital Budget and the FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program. The work session will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 26, 2007 (#2007-037)

School System Recruits New Members for HCPSS Technology Advisory Committee

The Howard County Public School System’s Department of Instruction and Business Technology and the Office of Media and Educational Technologies invite students, parents, and community members to join the HCPSS Technology Advisory Committee (TAC). The committee provides advice and expertise to HCPSS staff on technology issues facing the system.

New TAC members will meet Oct. 17, 2007, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Susquehanna Room at the Faulkner Ridge Center, 10598 Marble Faun Court in Columbia. The new members will join current members starting at 7:30 p.m. that same evening for the first meeting of the year.

Interested citizens can register to attend by calling 410-313-5697 or sending an email to virginia_parrish@hcpss.org.

September 26, 2007 (#2007-036)

Burmese Families New to the County Receive Services in Their Native Language

The Howard County Public School System, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee and Grace Community Church, is planning an outreach event for newly arrived Burmese refugees in the county. The purpose of the event is to provide information about the community and school resources to the Burmese families.

An estimated number of over 17 Burmese families recently enrolled children in the Howard County Public School System. These families and other Burmese refugees without school-age children living in the county are invited to attend the event, which is scheduled for Friday, September 28, 1-4:30 p.m., at Bollman Bridge Elementary School and Patuxent Valley Middle School. Sponsors estimate that 40-50 Burmese will be in attendance.

During the 1-3 p.m. general session, services provided by the school system’s pupil personnel workers (PPWs), and the school nurses will be shared. The staff from the Foreign-born International Referral Network (FIRN) and the Multiservice Center in Laurel/Savage area will also share resources that are available to the families. After the session, from 3:30-4:30 p.m., there will be free winter clothing give away at Bollman Bridge Elementary School. The staff from the clothing ministry of Grace Community Church in Fulton will give away winter clothing and outerwear such as gloves, hats and boots.

The Howard County Public School System is known for its effective outreach to immigrant families. This event is one of many outreach initiatives that are planned by the school system’s International Student and Family Services to support thousands of immigrant families who reside in the county.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC)’s Baltimore office was established in July 1999 and has resettled over 2000 refugees since then. The IRC’s mission is to help newly arrived refugees become independent and self-sufficient by assisting them with services such as temporary financial assistance, job placement, cultural and community orientation, and referrals for English language study, health, education and social services. This community forum is one of many advocacy events that we have planned for refugees, to assist them with resettlement in the United States.

September 21, 2007 (#2007-035)

Office of Special Education to Hold Transition Fair

The Office of Special Education of the Howard County Public School System will hold a Transition Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, from 6-8 p.m. at Homewood Center, 10914 Route 108 in Ellicott City. The event will provide information about options that may be available to young adults receiving special education services as they attend or upon graduating/exiting school. Families are encouraged to attend if the child is 14 years of age or older.

Information in the following areas will be available:

• Adult Agencies
• Day programs
• Self/Supported Employment
• Funding Sources
• HCPSS Special Education (Employment) Programs
• Leisure and Recreation Opportunities
• Postsecondary Options
• Residential
• Social Security
• Transportation

The transition process may require collaborating with more than one agency or program. Transitioning from entitlement to eligibility programs necessitates planning and making informed decisions in a timely manner. Through advance preparation, knowledge of what choices may be available, and being an active participant in the process, parent/caregiver and child can implement a transition plan that optimizes potential and promotes success.

For further information, call Dawson Robertson at 410-313-5640.

September 20, 2007 (#2007-034)

School Board Offers Coffee and Conversation to Community

The Board of Education of Howard County regularly holds “Coffee & Conversation” sessions at schools throughout the county. These meetings provide citizens with an opportunity to share a cup of coffee and chat informally with Board members. The meetings are held in various regions of the county but interested persons from throughout the county are invited to attend any or all of the meetings. The next “Coffee & Conversation” session with the Board of Education will be held:

Saturday, October 13, 2007
9:30 - 11 a.m.
Media Center at Howard High School
8700 Old Annapolis Road in Ellicott City

September 18, 2007 (#2007-033)

Board of Education Audit Committee to Hold Quarterly Meeting

The Audit Committee of the Board of Education will hold its quarterly meeting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007, in Board Room A at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 18, 2007 (#2007-032)

Middle School Students Motivated to Live Their Dreams

Wilde Lake Middle School will host motivational speaker, Aric Bostick on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Assemblies will be held at 8:10 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. for all students, and Aric will be conducting a workshop with a group of selected students at 11:10 a.m.

Aric has been nicknamed “Mr. Enthusiasm!” He is known throughout the country for his energy and ability to fire up and inspire any audience. Aric is dedicated to one thing, helping people find that passion within so they can start living their dreams today!

This program has been planned as part of Bridges Over Wilde Lake, a 21st Century Community Learning Centers' program, funded by the Maryland State Department of Education. Students participating in the Bridges after-school program at Wilde Lake Middle School this year will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop with Aric on Thursday as well as an ongoing club after school that will help students apply Aric's principles of success to their own lives.

For more information about this event, please contact Sandy Bresnick at (410) 313-6957 or Marty Cifrese at (410) 313-7185. For more information about Aric Bostick, please visit www.aricbostick.com.

September 14, 2007 (#2007-031)

Board of Education to Hold Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet to continue discussion of agenda items from its retreat (held on Friday, Sept. 7, 2007). The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, in the Board Room, prior to its regular business meeting at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 10, 2007 (#2007-030)

Board of Education to Hold Public Work Session on FY 2009 Capital Budget and FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a public work session on the FY 2009 Capital Budget and the FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program. The work session will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 10, 2007 (#2007-029)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Work Session on FY 2009 Capital Budget and FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, 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 a public hearing and a public work session on the FY 2009 Capital Budget and the FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program. Individuals who wish to testify at the 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 the 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.

September 10, 2007 (#2007-028)

Board of Education to Host Breakfast Meeting with Howard County Delegation

The Howard County Board of Education will host a breakfast meeting for members of the Howard County Delegation on Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at 8:30 a.m. in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 10, 2007 (#2007-027)

New Spirit Community Church to “Adopt” the Homewood Center

A new partnership between New Spirit Community Church and the Homewood Center will offer extra support for Homewood students and their families. The Homewood Center is a special school designed to meet the needs of students who have difficulty functioning in traditional classroom settings. The partnership agreement will be formalized on Friday, September 14, with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel.

Under the terms of the partnership, New Spirit and the Homewood Center will sponsor activities such as food and clothing drives, holiday assistance, and a transportation fund. The church will also donate gift cards to be awarded to students as an incentive for positive behavior.

At 8:30 am, Ed Simpson, Pastor for Students at New Spirit Community Church will join Homewood Center Principal Tina Maddox and Partnerships Manager Mary Schiller to sign the formal partnership agreement.

September 6, 2007 (#2007-026)

Glenelg High Turns 50; Rededication Ceremony Planned

The administration of Glenelg High School, 10425 Burntwoods Road in Glenelg, will hold a rededication ceremony in honor of the school’s 50th Anniversary. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in the Glenelg High auditorium. The ceremony is just one of a number of activities scheduled over the next several weeks to mark the golden anniversary of the school.

September 4, 2007 (#2007-025)

Coho Grill to Partner with Folly Quarter Middle School

A new partnership between the Coho Grill and Folly Quarter Middle School seeks to help students bridge the gap between the worlds of school and work, to support professional development for teachers, and to reward outstanding school staff. The partnership agreement will be formalized on Friday, September 7, with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel.

Under the terms of the partnership, the Coho Grill will participate in career education during mock interviews and career information sessions. The restaurant will also provide meeting places for school staff during professional development and social gatherings, and will sponsor staff appreciation events.

Folly Quarter Middle School has agreed to offer computer tips to Coho Grill staff and will provide proofreading assistance for Coho Grill publications.

At 8:30 am, Ellie Ennis, Managing Partner of the Coho Grill will join Howard County School Board Member Sandra H. French, Folly Quarter Middle School Principal Carl Perkins, and Partnerships Manager Mary Schiller to sign the formal partnership agreement.

The Coho Grill (www.thecohogrill.com) serves fresh, satisfying contemporary cuisine in a lovely setting overlooking the Hobbits Glen Golf Course. The restaurant also offers catering and is a popular site for special events.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office (www.hcpss.org/aboutus/partnership) 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.

September 4, 2007 (#2007-024)

Board of Education to Hold Retreat

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a retreat at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, in the Chesapeake Room at Faulkner Ridge Center, 10598 Marble Faun Court in Columbia.

September 4, 2007 (#2007-023)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a closed meeting at 3 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.