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February 2009 News Releases

February 25, 2009 (#2008-115)

Gifted and Talented Testing

Gifted and Talented testing will be held at Faulkner Ridge Center, 10598 Marble Faun Court in Columbia, on Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for non-public school students (grades 5-7) who plan to enter Howard County Middle schools in August 2009. Registration materials can be obtained from middle school guidance offices, or parents may call the Gifted and Talented office at 410-313-6800. Deadline for registration is April 24, 2009.

February 20, 2009 (#2008-114)

Rosnik Receives TEAM High School Teacher Excellence Award

The Technology Education Association of Maryland (TEAM) announced today that Howard County high school teacher Roy Rosnik has been selected to receive the association's High School Teacher Excellence Award for 2009.

The award recognizes a high school teacher in the State of Maryland who best demonstrates excellence in technology education.

Rosnik, a technology education teacher at Marriotts Ridge High School, is an experienced, innovative educator who introduced Project Lead The Way in Howard County. He has helped develop and implement county curricula for technology education and computer science.

Rosnik is a two-term past president of TEAM and a strong collaborator and proponent of best educational practices. While serving as the association's Professional Development Chair, he helped many colleagues create cross-curricular lessons and helped prepare business education teachers to teach technology education courses.

Rosnik will be recognized at the TEAM Donald Maley Awards reception on Wednesday Feb. 18, 2009, at the Carroll County Career and Technology Center in Westminster, Maryland. As the Maryland award winner, he will represent the state at the 2009 International Technology Education Association Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on March 27.

February 19, 2009 (#2008-113)

Ellicott City Fitness and Karate Partners with Worthington Elementary to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

A new partnership between Worthington Elementary School and Ellicott City Fitness and Karate will promote wellness and healthy lifestyles among students, staff, and the school community. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at Eggspectation restaurant in Ellicott City on Friday, Feb. 20, 2009.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, representatives from Ellicott City Fitness and Karate will work with school staff to offer team building, self-awareness, and exercise activities for school field days and staff wellness programs, and will provide incentives to encourage student participation in reading and math activities. The organization will also display student work and projects at its dojo, and will participate on the Worthington Elementary School Improvement School Improvement Team.

At 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 20, Stanley Crump, Owner, Ellicott City Fitness and Karate, will join Sandra French, Member, Howard County Board of Education; Katherine Orlando, Principal, and Charles K. West, Assistant Principal, Worthington Elementary School; and Joan Fox of the HCPSS Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

Ellicott City Fitness and Karate (fitnessandkarate.com) offers a variety of programs to help people at every age and fitness level develop “life skills to live fit and live longer.”

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.

February 17, 2009 (#2008-112)

Schools’ Partnership Promotes Global Awareness and Cultural Appreciation

A new partnership between Worthington Elementary School and Glenelg Country School seeks to foster students’ understanding of the cultures of many different countries and their responsibilities as civic-minded citizens. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at Eggspectation restaurant in Ellicott City on Friday, Feb. 20, 2009.

Through the partnership, the two schools facilitate a joint World Cultures Global Diversity program, in which Glenelg Country School tenth grade students mentor Worthington Elementary third graders throughout a nine-week investigation of the geography, language, and culture of other countries. Interviews with Long Reach High School students who emigrated from the selected countries serve as primary research sources. The program culminates in an evening showcase presentation for parents and friends.

"This World Cultures project honors diversity and prepares the third grade students and their tenth grade mentors~to be global citizens by personally identifying with the cultures of the countries being studied," according to David Weeks, who directs the Civic Leadership Program at Glenelg Country School. Worthington Elementary teacher Clara Pottle added, “The third graders find it so exciting to work with high school students. They learn a lot about how to make a good presentation using different kinds of media, and how to prepare an effective interview.” Gaining first hand knowledge about other countries from the Long Reach students who had lived there adds an invaluable dimension to the students’ experience, she noted.

This year’s evening showcase, “Exploring Our Community and the World,” was presented at Worthington Elementary on February 11. Small groups of Worthington students and their Glenelg mentors demonstrated an impressive command of information about the history, political system, food, customs, geography, language, and unique cultural contributions of 27 different nations, with presentations enhanced by video, costume, dance, and puppetry.

At 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 20, Dr. Raymond Broderick, Head of Upper School, and David Weeks, Civic Leadership Program Director, Glenelg Country School, will join Sandra French, Member, Howard County Board of Education; Katherine Orlando, Principal, and Charles K. West, Assistant Principal, Worthington Elementary School; and Joan Fox of the HCPSS Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

Founded in 1954, Glenelg Country School (www.glenelg.org) is a coeducational, college-preparatory, non-sectarian, independent day school for grades pre-K through 12.

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.

February 13, 2009 (#2008-111)

Registration for New Students and Students Entering Kindergarten

Registration for new students or students entering public school kindergarten in August 2009, will be held in all Howard County public elementary schools Monday through Friday, March 2-6, 2009, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and other times as determined by individual schools.

Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland. State law requires that children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2009 must be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2009. Children entering first grade in the fall of 2009 must be six (6) years old on or before Sept. 1, 2009. Parents or legal guardians are to register students at the school currently serving the address at which the child’s parent or guardian resides. Parents of children born outside of the US, and/or for whom English is not the primary language spoken in the home, should contact the Office of International Student Services at 410-313-7101 for registration. Parents may call the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682, or they may check the “School Locator” via the school system website, www.hcpss.org, for more information on which school serves their residence.

The parent or guardian must present the following information at the time of registration:

• the child’s birth certificate
• an authorized record of immunizations
• proof of residency in the form of a lease, a deed, or house contract and a
  utility bill
• photo ID of the parent/guardian
• proof of custody

Driver’s licenses and voter registration cards will not be accepted as proof of residence. State law prohibits a child from attending school for even one day unless proof of immunization has been provided. Immunization and health forms will be available at each elementary school at the time of registration.

February 11, 2009 (#2008-110)

Black Saga Competition Winners

The Offices of Elementary and Secondary Social Studies proudly hosted the fourth annual Black Saga countywide competition on Feb. 7, 2009, at Patapsco Middle School. Sixty students representing fifteen schools came together to prove their knowledge of American history and geography.

At the elementary level, it was Hammond taking first place followed by Talbott Springs, in second, & Ilchester, in third place. Our middle school division was won by Patuxent Valley. Bonnie Branch took second and Oakland Mills took third. At both the elementary and middle school level, the team taking first place earned a perfect score in the competition!

All these students will now move on to the state level Black Saga Competition in March. Congratulations and thanks to all our students and advisors who participated!

Hats off to these Howard County students that proved they know the most about the African American experience and now stand as our Black Saga County Champions:

Elementary Champs

• 1st Place -- Hammond
  - Irene Lu, grade 5
  - Xiaolu Guo, grade 5
  - Mathias Richardson, grade 5
  - Pavan Vemulakonda, grade 5
  Advisors: Alicia Marner & Nicola Walker
  
  
• 2nd Place -- Talbott Springs
  - Hope Arnold, grade 5
  - Sonakshi Gupta, grade 4
  - Amarachi Ude, grade 5
  - Kayla Burch-Strong, grade 4
  Advisors: Vincente DíAntuono & Marijane Monck
  
  
• 3rd Place -- Ilchester
  - Korliss Britt, grade 5
  - Victoria Fabode, grade 5
  - Naomi Lilly, grade 5
  - Comfort Fabode, grade 4
  Advisors: Sally Yoshioka & Cherryl White
  

Middle School Champs

• 1st Place -- Patuxent Valley
  - Zaid Khalid, grade 7
  - Kevin Kawasaki, grade 8
  - Keshav Dixit, grade 8
  - Arnett Dorsey, grade 8
  Advisor: Monica Bickerton
  
  
• 2nd Place -- Bonnie Branch
  - Jordan Griffin, grade 6
  - Samuel Paul, grade 6
  - James Griffin, grade 6
  - Joelle Armstrong, grade 6
  Advisors: Elizabeth Moseley & Dawn Wrenn
  
  
• 3rd Place -- Oakland Mills
  - Robert Parrish, grade 7
  - Daniel Welch, grade 8
  - Thomas Clyde, grade 7
  - Keshawn Lawson, grade 7
  Advisors: Karen Saunderson & Philip Wright

February 9, 2009 (#2008-109)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting and Public Hearing on High School Capacity

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, 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 on High School Capacity.

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. Pre-registration will take place during business hours during the three weeks prior to the hearing, up to the close of business on the last working day before the hearing.

To sign up to testify at the 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.

February 9, 2009 (#2008-108)

Board of Education Meets to Adopt Budgets

The Howard County Board of Education will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, to adopt the FY 2010 Operating and Capital Budgets and the FY 2011 – 2015 Capital Improvement Program. The meeting will take place in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

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.

February 9, 2009 (#2008-107)

Board of Education to Hold Public Work Session IV on Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2010 Operating Budget

The Howard County Board of Education will hold Public Work Session IV on the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2010 Operating Budget in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City. The work session will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009.

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.

February 9, 2009 (#2008-106)

Board of Education’s Legislative Committee to Meet

The Howard County Board of Education’s Legislative Committee will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at 3 p.m. in conference room ML-2, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

February 9, 2009 (#2008-105)

Board of Education to Hold Public Work Session III on Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2010 Operating Budget

The Howard County Board of Education will hold Public Work Session III on the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2010 Operating Budget in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City. The work session will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009.

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.

February 6, 2009 (#2008-104)

KidzArt Partnership to Unleash Creativity Among Homewood Staff

A new partnership with KidzArt, a company offering mobile arts enrichment programs for all ages, will provide professional development activities to help staff at the Homewood Center enhance their creativity and problem solving skills. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the school on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, in conjunction with Employee Appreciation Week.

Under the terms of the partnership, KidzArt will guide teachers and other school staff in creating an original art project during a professional development session. In the process, staff will learn how to tap their innate creativity to develop innovative solutions for problems and complex challenges.

The partnership was inspired by a KidzArt program for Homewood middle school students held at the school over eight weeks last fall, according to school social worker Richard Baker. “The leaders captured the students’ attention by demonstrating that everyone can create art. Participating in the group enhanced the students’ self esteem, and their relationships improved with other students and staff members.” KidzArt suggested that a single, similar session would benefit staff.

At 12:45 p.m., Tracy Feld, KidzArt Owner and Instructor, and Vicki Harvey, Program Director, will join Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chairman, Howard County Board of Education; Dr. Sydney Cousin, Superintendent, Howard County Public School System; Tina Maddox, Principal, Homewood Center; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

KidzArt (www.kidzartmd.com) offers unique art enrichment programs designed to help students of all ages enhance artistic skills and knowledge, build self confidence, and grow as creative thinkers and problem solvers.

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.

February 5, 2009 (#2008-103)

Howard County Public School System to Sponsor 2009 Mathematics, Science, and Technology Fair

Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane in Ellicott City, will serve as the site for the 2009 Howard County Mathematics, Science, and Technology Fair (MST) on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21. The fair is an opportunity for students who have been chosen by their teachers to represent the school and compete for awards in many categories of Science, Math and Technology. The MST Fair also showcases the talents of the school system’s Gifted and Talented Research Program’s mentored students.

Judging for the middle school projects will occur on Friday, February 20, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Judging for the high school projects will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. A public Open House is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, from 3 - 4:15 p.m. and will be followed by an Awards Ceremony from 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the Centennial High School auditorium.

In the event of a cancellation due to inclement weather, the fair will be held the following weekend, Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28.

February 2, 2009 (#2008-102)

Washington Mystics Boosts Howard County Girls’ Basketball Teams

A new partnership with the Washington Mystics professional basketball team offers girls’ basketball players at five Howard County high schools the opportunity to improve their game with help from professional athletes and coaches, and a chance for advanced competition and recognition at the regional level.

Under the terms of the partnership, each participating school will be named a Washington Mystics High School “Team of the Week” for one game each season. A Mystics front office member, coach, or player will attend the game and give a pre-game “chalk talk” to the team members. Highlights and photos from the game will be featured on the Mystics’ website. In addition, an outstanding player from each team will be invited to participate in an annual all-star game at the Verizon Center, coached by Mystic players.

The Mystics were on hand January 24 when “Team of the Week” Centennial played River Hill. “The Mystics did a great job interacting with the players, and with all the kids who came out to the game,” noted Jean Vanderpool, who manages Centennial’s athletics department. “Their pre-game presentation was excellent. And the team gives the girls a great goal to aspire to, to see that there is a future in professional women’s basketball where they could continue beyond high school or college.”

Next up, Mt. Hebron will be “Team of the Week” when it meets Atholton on Wednesday, February 4. Other featured teams and games for the 2008-09 season include River Hill against Howard High on February 10 and the Howard County Championship scheduled for February 24.

The Washington Mystics organization is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment, serving as an impactful community partner and maintaining accessibility to positive female role models. Supported by passionate fans, the Mystics are elite, hardworking athletes continually striving to win a Championship.

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.

February 2, 2009 (#2008-101)

Students Test their Knowledge of African American History at Howard County Black Saga Competition

The Fourth Annual Howard County Black Saga Competition will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at Patapsco Middle School, 8885 Old Frederick Road in Ellicott City. Black Saga is an academic challenge on African American history that will involve students from participating elementary and middle schools in Howard County. The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and the competition will conclude with an awards ceremony at 11 a.m.

After working to enhance their knowledge of the African American experience for many months, the teams will compete against each other in a contest of their skills. All of these teams will then move forward to the state competition in March, where they will compete against students from other school systems. The Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Offices will host the local event.

The district coordinators for the Black Saga Competition are Mark Stout, Curriculum Coordinator for Secondary Social Studies, and Kim Loisel, Curriculum Coordinator for Elementary Social Studies, Howard County Public School System.