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October 2009 News Releases
October 29, 2009 (#2009-047)
Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting
The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.
October 28, 2009 (#2009-046)
Wellness Evolution Partnership Helps Lime Kiln Middle School Students Embrace Lifelong Fitness and Healthy Habits
A new partnership with Wellness Evolution will encourage Lime Kiln Middle School students to incorporate fitness and other healthy habits into daily life. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the school, 11650 Scaggsville Road in Fulton, on Thursday, October 29.
Under the terms of the partnership, Wellness Evolution will work with physical education staff to offer a “Recess...On the Move” fitness series for interested seventh- and eighth-grade girls, introducing participants to a variety of movement, stretching, and strength activities and nutritional information. Fitness specialists from the organization will also demonstrate proper use of strength and cardiovascular equipment during physical education classes, and will share information with students about careers in fitness and nutrition.
At 1:15 p.m., Lisa Martin, Owner of Wellness Evolution will join Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chairman of the Howard County Board of Education; Scott Conroy, Principal, and Debra Lange, Physical Educator, Lime Kiln Middle School; and Joan Fox of the HCPSS Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.
Wellness Evolution (www.wellnessevolutionstudio.com) helps individuals improve their health and quality of life with personalized health and fitness programs offered in a fun, positive environment. Owner Lisa Martin has more than ten years of experience in the fitness industry and is certified in dietetics, personal training, and youth and senior fitness.
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.
October 28, 2009 (#2009-045)
Reservoir High School Recognized for Promising Practices in Character Education
Reservoir High School, 11550 Scaggsville Road in Fulton, has been recognized for "Promising Practices" in character education by the Character Education Partnership (CEP). Reservoir received the award for its Project CommUNITY, an annual student retreat that focuses on building a positive school culture through open dialogue about stereotyping, expectations, communication, leadership skills and asset building in an effort to promote a more supportive school community, and build strong, positive relationships.
CEP announced that 200 Promising Practices Awards would be given to 170 schools and school districts from across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Winning practices include creative ways to help students give back to their schools and communities, raise academic expectations and achievement, decrease bullying, increase tolerance, and solve conflicts peacefully.
When Reservoir High School opened its doors in 2002, students representing diverse socioeconomic groups arrived from six different middle and high schools. They were resistant to change and tensions grew. Project CommUNITY was developed to support the school's character education initiative and to help build a school culture where students cared about each other. Students from different grade levels, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, cultures, and cliques were invited to attend along with members of the staff and administration.
Facilitators for the annual retreat design activities to promote a more supportive school community, build strong positive relationships, and help members of the school community intentionally nurture 40 Developmental Assets, a research-based set of character traits, skills, experiences, and opportunities that youngsters need to grow into healthy, capable, and caring adults. Each retreat includes 30-40 students, 10-12 staff members and several community members including, special speakers and sponsors.
The retreat helps students find common ground and the students return to classes with the intent to work toward the common good of the entire school. "These days have made me realize that one person can make a huge difference," remarked one attendee.
The Character Education Partnership established the annual awards to recognize unique and specific exemplary practices that encourage the ethical, social, and academic growth of K-12 students through character education. By publicizing these awards, CEP hopes to recognize educators for their efforts and to encourage others to learn from and even replicate these successful initiatives.
October 22, 2009 (#2009-044)
Supreme Cuts - Oakland Mills High Partnership Fosters Students’ Success and Community Service
A new partnership with Supreme Cuts will encourage Oakland Mills High School students to reach positive goals and to discover the rewards of community service. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel on Monday, October 26.
The partners will work together on programs to encourage students’ efforts on behalf of the community, such as charity fundraisers and other events. Supreme Cuts representatives will share their expertise with students in operating a business and other career related topics, and will donate goods and services for use by school administrators as student incentives for meeting academic goals. The company will also offer a college textbook scholarship for an OMHS student who exemplifies community service.
At 8:30 a.m., Alansan Sesay, CEO of Supreme Cuts will join Larry Cohen, Howard County Board of Education Member; Frank Eastham, Oakland Mills High School Principal; and Joan Fox of the HCPSS Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.
Supreme Cuts, located in the Meadowridge Landing Shopping Center in Elkridge, is a full service unisex salon specializing in friendly, affordable service. The locally-owned company is committed to its community and has been a dedicated Oakland Mills High School supporter for several years.
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.
October 22, 2009 (#2009-043)
Attendance Area Adjustments, and Public Hearing on Policy 2010, Student Representation
The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 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 work session on the 2010 Attendance Area Adjustments. In addition, the Board will hold a public hearing on revisions to Policy 2010, Student Representation.
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 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.
October 15, 2009 (#2009-042)
Nominations Being Accepted for Middle School GT Testing
Howard County Public Schools are accepting nominations for testing fifth grade students for possible inclusion in the middle school G/T content classes (English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies) during the next school year.
Students who are already participating in above grade level mathematics or language arts classes and students who performed at the advanced level in mathematics or reading on the Maryland School Assessments have already been nominated for testing.
If you wish to nominate your grade 5 child for middle school G/T testing, submit your nomination request in writing to the G/T Resource Teacher at your child's elementary school by Wednesday, October 28, 2009
For further information, contact your school's G/T Resource Teacher.
October 15, 2009 (#2009-041)
Hammond Staff, Students and Parents Share Their Blue Ribbon Experience on HCPSS TV
On this month's Parent Teacher Connection, producer-host Bruce Johnson travels to Hammond Middle School to check out that school's formula for success. Hammond's parents, teachers and students talk about why the school has accomplished so much under the leadership of Principal Kerry McGowan, including the school's recent recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Also this month, parent host Jennifer Johnson begins a series of reports on how Howard County students are being prepared to transition from elementary to middle school and beyond. In her first report, Johnson visits Lisbon Elementary School to see how teachers are integrating life skills, such as organization and time management, into instruction.
Parents who are having trouble resolving concerns at the local school level will want to watch parent host Deborah Wessner's interview with Rose Dennison, the school system's ombudsman.
Parent Teacher Connection is broadcast on Wednesday nights at 7pm and 10pm, Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at noon and 5pm on Comcast (Channel 95) and Verizon (Channel 42).
The award-winning Parent Teacher Connection is broadcast Wednesday nights at 7pm and 10pm, Saturday at 3pm, and Sunday at noon and 5pm on HCPSS TV, Comcast (Channel 95) and Verizon (Channel 42).
October 15, 2009 (#2009-040)
Board of Education to Meet with Student Leaders and Hold Regular Meeting
The Howard County Board of Education will hold a luncheon meeting with student leaders at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2009, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.
The Board will also hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. at the same location. 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.
Long-Range Attendance Area Plans will be presented during the evening session.
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.
October 12, 2009 (#2009-039)
R:evolution Rhythm Partnership to Promote Positive Work Environment for Homewood Center Staff
A new partnership with R:evolution Rhythm will enhance the wellness of Homewood Center staff through group drumming experiences. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing on Thursday, October 15 during a staff meeting at the school.
Under the terms of the partnership, R:evolution Rhythm will guide teachers and other school staff in group drumming activities during professional development seminars once each quarter. The sessions are intended to enhance staff wellness and promote a nurturing environment for staff of the Homewood Center, a special school for students who had difficulty functioning in traditional classroom settings. Drum therapy practitioners cite many benefits associated with group drumming, including reduced tension and stress, as well as improved problem solving, memory, patience, coordination, and communication skills.
At 1:30 p.m., Jason Baker, Owner of R:evolution Rhythm, will join Sandra French and other Howard County Board of Education members; Sydney Cousin, Superintendent; Tina Maddox, Principal, and Richard Baker, Mental Health Specialist, Homewood Center; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.
R:evolution Rhythm (www.revolutionrhythm.com) offers facilitated drum circles that are unique, enjoyable, hands-on experiences for team building, staff development, school groups, and therapeutic settings. Drumming is an engaging, empowering experience that promotes communication skills while enhancing relaxation, relieving stress, and improving mental focus and creativity.
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.
October 7, 2009 (#2009-038)
Conexiones Partnership Promotes Achievement and Opportunities for Hispanic Students
An educational partnership between Conexiones and the Howard County Public School System fosters academic excellence and leadership development among Hispanic students. The partnership will be renewed with an official signing at 8:00 pm on Friday, October 16 during ¡Café, Cultura, y mucho Azúcar! (Coffee, Culture, and Sweets), a Conexiones event to be held at Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Lane in Columbia.
The partners have agreed to cosponsor after-school Hispanic Youth Clubs at Atholton, Glenelg, Howard, Long Reach, Mt. Hebron, Oakland Mills, Reservoir, and Wilde Lake High Schools and Oakland Mills Middle School. Conexiones will also sponsor an annual awards convocation for Hispanic seniors and support other programs to inspire and recognize Hispanic students’ academic and personal achievements. The organization will continue to serve as a resource for the school system for information about issues affecting Hispanic students and families.
Feli Sola-Carter, President of Conexiones, will join Frank Aquino, Chairman, and other members of the Howard County Board of Education; Sydney Cousin, Superintendent; and Diane Martin, Director of Student, Family and Community Services to sign the formal partnership agreement.
Conexiones (www.conexioneshc.org) was established in 2000 to advance the leadership capabilities and educational achievement of Howard County Hispanic youth. The organization received a 2009 Governor’s Hispanic Heritage Award by the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
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.
October 2, 2009 (#2009-037)
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 at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2009 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.
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