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September 2008 News Releases

September 29, 2008 (#2008-049)

Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips Now on HCPSS TV

HCPSS TV has signed on to carry the 2008-09 series of electronic field trips from Colonial Williamsburg with the launch of “The Will of the People” on October 16, a timely premiere during this year’s election season. The presidential election of 1800, one of the most bitter in U.S. history, is part of a surprising lesson for a 21st-century student. Thomas Jefferson explains how negative campaigning, partisan politics and contested elections have been part of our political system since the early days of the republic.

“The Will of the People” is the first of seven electronic field frips broadcast one Thursday each month from October through April at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Channels 95 (Comcast) and 42 (Verizon). Targeted to Grades 4-8, the distance learning programs span a broad range of historical subjects about people, issues and events from colonial times to the present day.

Each electronic field trip is supported with lesson plans, interactive student resources and other materials to help teachers make history exciting and relevant for their students. All materials have been developed by teachers, historians and museum educators and meet state standards for history, technology and literacy. Selected programs also correlate to state science and arts education standards.

Students in participating schools may phone in questions to costumed interpreters and historians during the broadcast on live television. Registered users also may view electronic field trips and use teacher and student resources via the Internet on demand any time. As the nation’s leading educational resource for early American history, Colonial Williamsburg uses the Internet and live interactive television broadcasts to bring American history to life for more than one million students and four million other viewers each year.

September 25, 2008 (#2008-048)

Reservoir High students make a difference as O Ambassadors;
Innovative program encourages youth to become active global citizens

Students at Reservoir High School are participating in the O Ambassadors program, a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Kids Can Free the Children Program. These students are working towards the UN Millennium Development Goals, learning about global issues and making a tangible difference in the lives of their peers in the developing world. They are part of a network of O Ambassadors clubs across North America that are working to find solutions to global challenges through active learning, idea-sharing and taking action. Through this program, youth in North America have the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills and become active and compassionate global citizens.

"None of us have to worry about getting food on our tables tonight. We do not have to worry about the clothes on our backs. We do not have to worry about the roofs over our heads. However, there are kids in West Africa that are drinking water from infected wells and lacking basic education. As a Reservoir leader, I am honored to make a difference in the lives of West Africans," stated Pratishtha Khana, a senior at Reservoir High School.

Throughout the year, the Reservoir High School's O Ambassadors Club will raise awareness about the importance of a holistic approach to development by focusing on the Millennium Development Goals. Every two months the club will focus on a different theme (poverty, education, health and sustainable development) in West Africa and organize fundraising and awareness-raising events for their school with the help of posters, how-to guides, regional guides and an Educator binder.

The funds raised by students at Reservoir High School will go towards holistic development projects in one of five regions: East Africa, West Africa, South Asia, East Asia or Latin America. Clubs have the opportunity to choose the world region they would like to research and support. These projects provide local children and their families with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty. All projects will be carried out in partnership with local communities.

O Ambassadors is a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Kids Can Free The Children. Kids Can Free The Children refers to two organizations: Kids Can Free The Children, a Canadian not for profit charitable organization and Kids Can Free The Children, a New York not for profit corporation. Both organizations are referred to collectively as Kids Can Free The Children or Free The Children. For more information, visit www.oambassadors.org.

September 25, 2008 (#2008-047)

NASA Educational Programming Comes to HCPSS TV

NASA’s award-winning science and math educational programming is now available on HCPSS TV! The addition of the NASA Education Channel is an exciting addition to the educational program offerings currently available to teachers and staff on HCPSS TV. Shows like Destination Tomorrow, NASA Connect, and SCIence Files are just a few of the high quality educational programs designed specifically for students and teachers.

The NASA Education Channel will be simulcast live on HCPSS TV utilizing new digital satellite technology. NASA’s programs can be seen at various times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays on Comcast Channel 95 and Verizon Channel 42. For specific broadcast dates and times of NASA programming, check the HCPSS TV cable guide available at your local school and library, or go to http://www.hcpss.org/, under “View All Schedules.”

September 25, 2008 (#2008-046)

Books Alive! Debuts This Month on HCPSS TV

Howard County parents and grandparents are invited to join host Barb Langridge for book recommendations and interviews with famous authors, illustrators and voices of our times on Books Alive!, a new series on HCPSS TV. Books Alive! is a reincarnation of Book Talk, a regular segment on the Parent-Teacher Connection program for several years.

“We felt given the name recognition of the authors and illustrators Barb is able to bring to the studio, it made sense to expand the program and give Books Alive! its own identity on the HCPSS TV channel,” says the show’s director Bruce Johnson. The show is very popular with the community. A growing interest from teachers and media specialists to use the program as a teaching tool has led to the show being included in the school system’s public access media catalog – a first for an original HCPSS TV series! Langridge was the catalyst for the series. Through her connections to the some of the country’s biggest publishing firms, she has arranged for guest appearances by a number of renowned authors.

“Books Alive! gives us the chance to share the best the children's publishing world has to offer, from the humor of Jon Scieszka, Gordon Korman, Dan Gutman to the brilliance of T.A.Barron, Lois Lowry, Katherine Paterson and Walter Dean Myers,” says Langridge. “We get the chance to visit with these really powerful authors and get some great insights into how they write for kids and what they think about the times we live in. They make us laugh, they make us think, and best of all they entertain us.” This year’s lineup of writers and illustrators appearing on Books Alive! is a veritable “Who’s Who” from the literary world. Names like Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted, a Newbery Honor Book and the basis for the popular movie starring Anne Hathaway; Lois Lowry, writer of the Anastasia Krupnick series; Joan Bauer, writer of Squashed, Hope was Here, and Peeled appear on the program this fall.

Keep an eye out later in the year when Langridge welcomes Marc Brown, creator of the famous children’s book and PBS TV series Arthur; Judy Sierra, Counting Crocodiles, There’s a Zoo in Room 22, Wild About Books; and Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia.

Books Alive! can be viewed on Comcast Channel 95 and Verizon Channel 42 on Sundays at 6 p.m.; Tuesdays at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m.; and Saturdays at 10 p.m.

September 23, 2008 (#2008-045)

Board of Education to Meet with PTA Presidents and Community Advisory Council

The Board of Education will meet with PTA presidents and the Community Advisory Council (CAC) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City. The meeting is an opportunity for members of the PTA and the CAC to discuss issues and concerns with Board members in an informal setting.

September 23, 2008 (#2008-044)

Board of Education to Meet with County Council

The Howard County Board of Education will hold their quarterly meeting with the County Council at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 23, 2008 (#2008-043)

Board of Education’s Legislative Committee to Meet

The Howard County Board of Education’s Legislative Committee will hold a meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008. The meeting will take place in Board Room A at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 23, 2008 (#2008-042)

Board of Education to Hold Retreat

The members of the Howard County Board of Education will meet to hold a retreat at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. The meeting will take place at The Gathering Place, 6120 Day Long Lane in Clarksville.

September 23, 2008 (#2008-041)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting, Public Work Session on FY 2010 Capital Budget and FY 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Program, and Public Hearings on Policies

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2008, 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 work session on, and approve the FY 2010 Capital Budget and FY 2011 -2015 Capital Improvement Program.

In addition, the Board will hold public hearings on Policy 6030, Procurement of Architectural and Engineering Services and on Policy 6040 Procurement of Construction Management Services.

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. Pre-registration will take place during business hours up to the close of business on the last working day before the hearings.

To sign up to testify at a hearing or 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 18, 2008 (#2008-040)

Ulman Signs Executive Order to Search for Efficiencies in County School System School Superintendent Cousin helps create the Work Group

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman announced today that he, along with Howard County School Superintendent Sydney Cousin, has established a Cooperation and Efficiency in Government Work Group to look for cost-saving measures within the County's public school system. The group will be responsible for collecting ideas and proposals from both agencies and the public in order to help avoid duplication of services, improve the delivery of those services, and ultimately save taxpayers money.

"Over 60% of our taxes go to education, so it is imperative that we closely scrutinize how government and the school system best consolidate their resources," said Ulman. "Now more than ever we must do all we can to maximize the use of tax dollars."

"We are always looking for ways to save money, and I know County Government does that too," said School Superintendent Cousin. "But this work group will review proposals and recommendations together, this way the right hand knows exactly what the left is doing. If there is duplication of services or opportunities to consolidate services ---well find them."

The work group has been instructed to present a report to the Executive and Superintendent by Dec. 31, 2008, that includes the following:

• A listing of all the proposals reviewed by the Group
• An evaluation of those proposals, including potential cost savings
• A recommendation on which proposals should be considered for implementation, and a suggested implementation plan
• Other findings or recommendations the Group deems appropriate.

County Council Chairperson and former Board of Education Chairperson Courtney Watson praised the move. "We must always be looking for greater efficiencies and savings," said Watson. "I think this joint work group is a wise approach, and I look forward to its recommendations."

The Work Group will be Co-Chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer of Howard County and the Chief Financial Officer of the Howard County Public School System. The other members of the Group include: the County's Director of Public Works, the Director of Technology and Communications, and the Budget Director. They will be joined by the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director of Facilities, and the Technology Officer for the school system.

The deadline for public comment is Nov. 1, 2008. Suggestions may be submitted electronically by logging onto the County's website at www.howardcountymd.gov and clicking on the "Requests/Feedback" button or by mail to Budget Administrator Ray Wacks, Howard County Government Budget Office, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

September 16, 2008 (#2008-039)

Elementary Schools Partner with Howard County Police

The Howard County Department of Police will partner with county elementary schools to build positive relationships between students and the police. The partnership will help children attain the knowledge and self-confidence needed to make the right choices in school and life. The partnership agreement will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Thursday, September 18.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the Howard County Police will initially establish a Bear Trax outreach program at Running Brook Elementary School, with programs to be established at additional schools as resources allow. Selected third, fourth, and fifth grade students from Running Brook Elementary school will benefit from extra support by participating in Bear Trax, which will meet monthly at the school for a variety of active, fun, and educational activities. Each participant also will be matched with a police officer mentor who will meet with the student for lunch or recess each week.

At 8:30 am, William J. McMahon, Chief, and Lisa Myers, Sergeant, of the Howard County Department of Police will join Lawrence H. Cohen and Ellen Flynn Giles, Members, Howard County Board of Education; Troy Todd, Principal, Running Brook Elementary School; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the HCPSS Partnerships Office to sign the official partnership agreement.

The Howard County Department of Police (www.howardcountymd.gov/Police) is dedicated to ensuring that Howard County remains a safe, prosperous place to live. Its Bear Trax outreach program helps children build relationships with police and other role models, learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, build self-confidence and develop both mentally and physically. Bear Trax teaches children that they have choices, and gives them support in making the right ones.

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 16, 2008 (#2008-038)

Horse Farm Experience to Bridge City-Country Gap for Students

Four students from Murray Hill Middle School in Laurel will become farm hands for a day at the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine on September 17. The visit is a new addition to the annual Farm-City Celebration, a series of fall events planned to promote mutual understanding and appreciation between urban citizens and agriculture in Howard County.

The students will start the day with a tour of the farm and an introduction to its horse rescue program. After a quick immersion in horse care basics, the students will take an active part in daily farm activities. Each will try their hand at feeding and watering, stall cleaning, grooming, and handling. In the process, they will learn how to care for horses responsibly, safely, and humanely.

DeEtte Gorrie, Days End Farm Horse Rescue Volunteer Coordinator, will host the students for the day. Kathy Zimmerman, Agricultural Specialist for the Howard County Economic Development Authority; Kevin Lee, Murray Hill Middle School Counselor; and Mary Schiller, Manager, HCPSS Partnerships Office will also participate.

On September 23, the students will share highlights of their day on the farm with guests at a Farm City Luncheon at the Circle D Farm in Glenwood.

September 15, 2008 (#2008-037)

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, Oct. 11, 2008
  9:30 - 11 a.m.
  Information Center at River Hill High School
  12101 Route 108 in Clarksville

September 10, 2008 (#2008-036)

Thunder Hill Elementary Students to Build Savings, Math Skills through Partnership with The Columbia Bank

Students at Thunder Hill Elementary School will soon be able to apply math skills learned in the classroom to practical, personal advantage. A new partnership between the school and the Oakland Mills branch of The Columbia Bank will teach students the importance of personal financial planning while helping them gain an appreciation for how mathematics are used in daily life. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the school on Tuesday, September 16.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the bank will create a school-based, deposit-only bank for Thunder Hill students. Bank representatives will train fifth grade students as tellers and will assist with a biweekly banking day. Student tellers will also tour the bank to learn how a real bank operates.

Bank representatives will also offer to work with school staff to introduce students to money management concepts, such as the difference between income and expense and the importance of saving for the future, during national Teach Children to Save Day, science/math fairs, career days, and at other venues as appropriate.

At 6:30 pm, Timothy Kelley, Oakland Mills Branch Manager, The Columbia Bank, will join John Birus, Principal, Thunder Hill Elementary School, and Joan Fox of the Partnerships Office to sign the official partnership agreement.

The Columbia Bank (www.thecolumbiabank.com) has been a part of the community since 1988, providing retail and business customers with banking services and products, investment management and trust services to help them reach their financial goals. Through an affiliation with Fulton Financial Corporation, The Columbia Bank offers an array of financial services typically provided by larger banks, while maintaining personalized community-oriented banking relationships.

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 8, 2008 (#2008-035)

Board of Education’s Legislative Committee to Meet

The Howard County Board of Education’s Legislative Committee will hold a meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008. The meeting will take place in the Board Planning Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 4, 2008 (#2008-033)

New Partnership to Offer Mentoring and Support for Teen Parents and Families

A new partnership with Chapelgate Presbyterian Church will match volunteer mentors with participants in the Howard County Public School System Teen Parenting and Outreach Program, to help the students develop academic and life skills.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Chapelgate Presbyterian Church agrees to provide four workshops each year to help students learn skills such as household budgeting. Church members will also offer tutoring assistance and provide a breakfast each month for students in the program. As resources allow, the church may also contribute financial assistance and supplies to meet the needs of the students and their families.

The formal partnership agreement was signed by Christa Marsico, Chapelgate Presbyterian Church; Frank Aquino, Chairman, Howard County Board of Education; and HCPSS representatives Gerry Maxwell-Jones, Teen Parenting and Outreach Program Facilitator; Craig Cummings, Alternative Education Programs Coordinator; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office.

Chapelgate Presbyterian Church (www.chapelgate.com), established in 1894, is located in Marriottsville, Maryland.

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 3, 2008 (#2008-032)

Board of Education to Hold Legislative Breakfast

The Howard County Board of Education is sponsoring a breakfast for the County Council, the County Executive and State Legislators to discuss legislative issues. The breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, in room B37 at the ARL, 10920 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 2, 2008 (#2008-031)

Board of Education Policy Committee to Hold Meeting

The Policy Committee of the Board of Education will hold a 10 a.m. meeting on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, in the Board Planning Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 2, 2008 (#2008-030)

Board of Education Audit Committee to Hold Quarterly Meeting and Closed Meeting

The Audit Committee of the Board of Education will hold its quarterly meeting at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

The committee will also hold a closed meeting at 12 p.m. noon.