November 2011 News Releases

November 23, 2011 (#2011-67)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4:00pm on Thursday, December 8, 2011 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 7:30pm, 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.

During the evening session, which convenes at 7:30 p.m., the Board will hold a public hearing on Policy 2020 Policy Development and Adoption, Proposed 2012-2013 Academic Calendar, and FY2012 State Budget Supplementary Appropriation.

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

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.

November 22, 2011 (#2011-66)

Partnership Brings Voices for Change to Schools and Beyond

A collaboration between the Howard County Department of Citizen Services/Office of Children's Services and the Howard County Public School System created Voices for Change, a coalition of community stakeholders for making positive changes in Howard County. The relationship will be formalized as a partnership at an official signing on Tuesday, November 29 at the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, 7120 Oakland MillsRoad, Columbia.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the Office of Children's Services will continue to lead the Voices of Change coalition, a group of youth and adults representing diverse community organizations. Participation in the coalition gives students in grades 8-12 an opportunity to develop leadership skills and awareness of the issues and opportunities within the county.

Voices for Change will implement the recommendations of the 2009 Howard County Youth Task Force, including development of HCYouth.org, an information clearinghouse and calendar of activities for young people. It will also sponsor the annual student-run Youth Summit to expose students to service opportunities with different community organizations. Students participating in the coalition will serve as a resource to county decision makers and community groups for advice on youth issues, help with projects and membership on boards.

Voices for Change partners include the Domestic Violence Center, Glenelg Country School, HC DrugFree, Howard County Council, Howard County Health Department, Howard County NAACP, and Leadership Howard County. Sponsoring organizations include the Columbia Association, Horizon Foundation, Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks, Howard County Library, and the HCPSS.

At 5:00 p.m., Lois Mikkila, Director, Department of Citizen Services; Keri Hyde, Administrator, Office of Children's Services; and Meg Mekelburg, Youth Outreach Specialist, Office of Children's Services will join Ellen Flynn Giles, Member, Howard County Board of Education; Susan Mascaro, Chief of Staff and Ronnie Bohn, School Administration for the Howard County Public School System to sign the formal partnership agreement.

The Howard County Department of Citizen Services enhances the quality of life for all residents by ensuring that the county has a comprehensive system of human services that is accessible, responsive, and effective. Its Office of Children's Services works in concert with the community to coordinate, develop, expand,and enhance children's services in Howard County.

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.

November 17, 2011 (#2011-65)

New Partnership Builds Financial Literacy for Hammond High Students

Hammond High School is joining with the HCTA Federal Credit Union to help students develop the personal finance skills that they will need to prosper throughout life. The official signing will be on Tuesday, November 22 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant, 10207 Wincopin Circle in Columbia.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the HCTA Federal Credit Union will join school faculty to offer an after-school Millionaire's Club for Hammond High students. Student members will enhance their financial skills and success strategies by participating in practical hands-on sessions, a personal finance challenge, a stock market game, and regional and national financial competitions, with help from Credit Union representatives and guest speakers.

The credit union will also provide club resources including study guides, personal financial software, club literature and seed funding.

At 8:30 a.m., Janet Oursler, CEO, HCTA Federal Credit Union will join Sandra French, Vice Chairman, and Ellen Flynn Giles, Member of theHoward County Board of Education; Sue Mascaro, Chief of Staff, Howard County Public School System; and Marcy Leonard, Principal, Hammond High School to sign the formal partnership agreement.

The HCTA Federal Credit Union (www.hctafcu.org), a member-owned financial institution, serves employees and immediate family members of theHoward County Department of Education, Maryland Department of Education and Howard County Head Start.

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.

November 16, 2011 (#2011-64)

US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Visits Wilde Lake High

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to visit Wilde Lake High School in Columbia on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. Accompanying Secretary Duncan will be Alexa Posny, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

The Secretary and Assistant Secretary will visit inclusive classes and classes focusing on college and career readiness between 10:00 a.m. and10:20 a.m. Following the classroom visits, the Secretary and Assistant Secretary will participate in a moderated round table discussion about inclusive practices and the school system's success in increasing the performance of students with disabilities in reading and mathematics.

"We are very honored to have this opportunity to showcase our special education program," says Patricia Daley, Howard County's Director of Special Education. "Inherent in our approach is a focus on broad access to programs and services that prepare students for college and careers, as well as the belief that access to rigorous courses is a must for all, not just for some. As a result, Howard County is becoming a national model for best practices in special education."

The Howard County Public School System has made significant progress in closing the achievement gap between general education and special education students. Between 2003 and 2010, the percentage of students with disabilities scoring at proficient and above on the Maryland School Assessments increased from 35 to 64 percent in mathematics and from 45 to 64 percent in reading.

November 15, 2011 (#2011-63)

Board of Education to Hold Special Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet regarding the Superintendent Search at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

November 11, 2011 (#2011-62)

Board of Education to Hold Community Meeting with Conexiones and the Council of Elders

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011, the Board of Education will hold a community meeting with Conexiones, an advocate group for Hispanic students, at 7:00pm in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

On the same evening at 8:00pm, the Board of Education will hold a community meeting with the Council of Elders, an organization of older adults that advances the collective well being of African Americans and other peoples of African lineage of Howard County.

November 11, 2011 (#2011-61)

Program Explains the Move to Maryland's Common Core State Curriculum

Teachers want fewer objectives to teach and parents want their children prepared for college and the world of work. In an interview on HCPSS TV's November Parent Teacher Connection, HCPSS Chief Academic Officer Linda Wise says Maryland's Common Core State Curriculum addresses both interests. This month's program spotlights the school system's transition to the Maryland Common Core State Curriculum. In addition, Wise explains plans to replace the Maryland State Assessments and High School Assessments with new tests that align with the national Common Core Standards.

Also on this month's show, Alternative Education Coordinator Craig Cummings tells host Jennifer Johnson about the rapidly growing population of county homeless students and the school system's policy that ensures homeless students receive the services and supports they need.  Pupil Personnel Worker Jeanine Smith joins the conversation with information on the school system's Home and Hospital program for students with extended illness or serious injury.

Host Bruce Johnson presents feature stories this month on two county police programs: Collision Avoidance Training for teenage drivers and the new speed camera vans used in school zones.

Parent Teacher Connection is broadcast on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m.; and Sundays at noon and 5 p.m. on Comcast cable channel 95 and Verizon channel 42.  The program can also be viewed online.

November 4, 2011 (#2011-60)

Partnership Brings Days of Taste to Elementary Schools

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is joining with the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) to encourage students to appreciate the taste of fresh, local food and to develop an understanding of different foods and basic nutrition principles. The organizations are formalizing the partnership after successfully piloting the program last school year. The official signing will be on Wednesday, November 9 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant at 10207 Wincopin Circle in Columbia.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, AIWF will collaborate with HCPSS curriculum staff to offer the Days of Taste at seven elementary schools each year. Days of Taste is an activity-based, interactive program that brings together chefs, farmers and community volunteers to help students discover the benefits and pleasures of fresh food. Over three days, students evaluate diverse foods to learn the elements of taste and nutrition, visit a farm to discover how food is grown and how it travels to the table, and practice balancing fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits into a salad under the guidance of a professional chef.

The partners will work with the Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition of Howard County to promote community support for Days of Taste with a focus on local volunteers as well as financial and in-kind contributions.
 
At 8:30 a.m., Riva Eichner Kahn, Days of Taste Chair, American Institute of Wine & Food, Baltimore Chapter and Barbara Wasserman,Chair, Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition of Howard County will join Sandra French, vice chairman, and Ellen Flynn Giles, member of the Howard County Board of Education; and Karen Learmouth, Coordinator of Elementary Science for the Howard County Public School System to sign the formal partnership agreement.

The American Institute of Wine & Food (www.aiwf.org) is a non-profit organization founded by Julia Child, Robert Mondavi, Richard  Graff and others in 1981 to advance the understanding, appreciation and qualityof food and drink.

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.

November 1, 2011 (#2011-59)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 3, 2011, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

November 1, 2011 (#2011-58)

Maryland Legislators Go Back to School with the Arts

Howard County legislators will celebrate American Education Week by rolling up their sleeves and joining teachers and students at Thunder Hill Elementary School in Columbia in some hands-on, integrated arts lessons. The event, scheduled for Monday, November 14, will give elected officials an opportunity to experience the joy of the creative process with students and gain increased understanding about the role of arts education.

 The event also provides an opportunity for parents, educators, students and lawmakers to discuss their personal experiences with the arts and the impact those experiences had on their lives. The morning activities will include:

• 8:45 - Light Breakfast, Meet and Greet
• 9:15 - Introductory Remarks and Welcome Performance by THES Students
• 9:45 - Classroom Visits and Hands-on Arts Activities
• 10:15 - Video Presentation and Closing Discussion
• 11:00 - Adjournment

MD Legislators Go Back to School with the Arts, a campaign of the Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance (AEMS), is designed to promote the accomplishments of arts education in Maryland schools and to strengthen support for teaching in and through the arts for every child. AEMS is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of, and access to, arts education for all Maryland public school students by supporting arts education policy and advocacy efforts, partnering with schools and school systems, disseminating information, convening the fields of arts and education, organizing focused task forces, offering professional development for teachers and artists, providing technical assistance through research and evaluation tools, and hosting recognition programs.