Academic Advisory Committees

Academic Advisory Committees offer opportunities for involvement and are comprised of parents, community members, students and staff with a desire to work collaboratively to improve education in Howard County.

Career Academies Advisory Committees

Each of the Career Academies offered by the Howard County Public School System has an advisory committee composed of representatives from the school system, students, local businesses and industry, and the community at large. The role of Career Academies advisory committees is to review curriculum, discuss any industry trends and technology that should be included in curriculum, and offer suggestions and support for additional opportunities such as field trips, scholarships, competitions, guest speaking, etc.

The career areas currently include: Arts, Media, and Communication; Business, Management and Finance; Construction and Development; Consumer Services, Hospitality, and Tourism; Health and Biosciences; Human Resource Services; Information Technology; Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology; Transportation Technologies; and Career Research and Development.

Most advisory committees meet at least twice annually and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining one of the advisory committees or would like additional information, contact the Office of Career and Technology Education.

Contact and Membership Information:

Office of Career and Technology Education
410-313-6629

Elementary Curriculuar Advisory Committee (ECAC)

Purpose:

• Establish and maintain positive partnerships among families, community and HCPSS with focus on the Elementary Programs and initiatives.
• Establish two-way communication among families, community and HCPSS related to the Elementary Programs and initiatives.
• Advise the Elementary Office by recommending ways to help provide continuous improvement as reflected by achievement and performance data to ensure that all students are on or above grade level in reading and mathematics.

Contact and Membership Information:

Nancy Dickson
Elementary Curricular Programs Office
410-313-1538

Mathematics Advisory Committee (MAC)

Contact and Membership Information:

Jean Thiebaux, Chairperson
jthiebaux@yahoo.com

School Health Council

The School Health Council serves as an advisory to the Superintendent of Howard County Public Schools and the Health Officer of the Howard County Health Department on coordinated school health programs to include a healthful school environment, health and safety instruction, and school health services.

The School Health Council is mandated by Maryland State Education Regulations. Its members are drawn from a broad segment of the community, including health, business, clergy, voluntary organizations, social services, parents as well as members from the School System and the Health Department.

Purpose:

• Provide leadership and support to relevant school health programs.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of new coordinated school health programs.
• Recognize, respect, and include the policies and objectives of various disciplines, groups, and agencies concerned with school health and work toward the coordination of their efforts.

Contact and Membership Information:

Linda Rangos
Coordinator of Health and Physical Education
410-313-6752
linda_rangos@hcpss.org

Donna Heller
Coordinator of Health Services
410-313-6637
donna_heller@hcpss.org

Science Advisory Committee (SAC)

Contact and Membership Information:

Cynthia Skoglund, Secretary
Lee Summerville, Vice-chairperson
Russ Poch, Chairperson (rpoch@howardcc.edu)

Secondary Language Arts Advisory Committee

This committee consists of Secondary Language Arts teachers, administrators, students, parents, and other interested community members who meet to advise, support, and advocate for the continuous improvement of educational programs in order to ensure that all Howard County students are college and career-ready.

The Secondary Language Arts Advisory Committee meets four times during the school year.

Upcoming Meetings:

• February 24, 2011
• April 28, 2011
  

Contact and Membership Information:

Elaine Zavaleta, Administrative Secretary
Secondary Language Arts
410-313-6620
elaine_zavaleta@hcpss.org

Social Studies Advisory Committee

The mission of the Social Studies Advisory Committee is to offer staff advice from multiple perspectives on social studies decisions and future directions aligned with the Bridge to Excellence Master Plan. Committee members will review curriculum and new textbooks, participate in long-range planning and goal setting, provide support for the social studies budget, and receive updates on professional development and student programs.

The Social Studies Advisory Committee meets three times during the school year.

Purpose:

• Serve as a community sounding board for issues related to Social Studies education in Howard County.
• Serve as an advisory group for the adoption of new Social Studies textbooks and curricula.
• Advocate for the Social Studies program in a wide range of arenas, both public and private.

Contact and Membership Information:

Mark Stout
Coordinator of Secondary Social Studies
410-313-6622
mark_stout@hcpss.org

Kim Loisel
Coordinator of Elementary Social Studies
410-313-5693
kim_loisel@hcpss.org

Special Education Community Advisory Committee (SECAC)

SECAC and HCPSS encourage and welcome parent involvement in every phase of a child's educational journey. In the area of special education, parent involvement is crucial.

SECAC is dedicated to educating parents, educators and the community in matters unique to the needs of children and young adults with disabilities. By identifying unmet needs of students, parents, and the many professionals who work with them, the committee advocates for constructive change and the supports that are necessary to provide quality educational opportunities for all students. SECAC is committed to the principle that all students can learn and that they will contribute something unique and invaluable to our community. To that end, SECAC seeks to create acceptance and respect for persons with special needs within our schools and society. SECAC strives to work in a mutually respectful and collaborative manner with educators because it recognizes the vital importance of the home-school relationship for successful outcomes.

Contact and Membership Information:

Kelly Meissner
443-310-0112 (cell)
kcmeissner@yahoo.com
www.howardsecac.org

World Language Advisory Committee (WLAC)

The mission of the World Language Advisory Committee is to advise, support and advocate for the continuous improvement of world language educational programs. Their efforts will ensure that all students meet established performance standards and that the partnership between the Office of World Languages and the community grows stronger.

Purpose:

• Become knowledgeable in the goals, methods, and materials of world language acquisition instruction in the HCPSS.
• Give input and advice to assist in the development of world language programs and resources at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
• Provide public support and advocacy for world language programs and initiatives in a variety of forums.
• Explore with staff ways to identify and utilize available community resources to enrich world language acquisition experiences for all students.
  

Contact and Membership Information:

Deborah Espitia
Coordinator, World Languages
410-313-7845
despitia@hcpss.org