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May 2008 News Releases

May 28, 2008 (#2007-179)

Gailes’ Violin Shop Partnership to Offer Instruments, Support to Young Musicians

Aspiring strings players at Jeffers Hill and Swansfield elementary schools will get a boost in their music education, thanks to a new partnership with Gailes’ Violin Shop, Inc.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Gailes’ Violin Shop has agreed to donate stringed instruments, supplies, repair services, and music books to both schools’ music departments. As available and appropriate, the shop will also loan stringed instruments for use at no cost by students who may not otherwise be able to participate in strings education.

Gailes’ Violin Shop will also donate items for the schools’ Silent Auctions, and will provide information for parents and students about proper instrument use and care.

The formal partnership agreement will be signed by William Gailes, President, Gailes’ Violin Shop, Inc.; Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chairman, Howard County Board of Education; Pamela Butler and Jonathan Davis, Principals, Jeffers Hill and Swansfield Elementary Schools, respectively; Patricia Wyatt, Strings Teacher; and Joan Fox of the HCPSS Partnerships Office.

Gailes’ Violin Shop (www.gailesviolin.com) offers a full range of quality stringed instruments for every musician, from beginner to professional. The shop also offers a wide selection of music and accessories, as well as expert on-site repair and restoration services.

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.

May 28, 2008 (#2007-178)

TV News Reporter Inspires Students at Middle School Achievement Expo

Ms. Jackie Congedo, a reporter for NewsChannel 8 and ABC-7 News in Washington D.C., will be the keynote speaker for the sixth annual Middle School Achievement Expo on Friday, May 30, 2008, from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Gifted and Talented Education Program of the Howard County Public School System, will be held at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Kossiakoff Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road in Laurel.

Ms. Congedo began to develop her talent in television production while working with the GT Resource Teacher and Media Specialist at Glenwood Middle School and was a regular on their televised morning news program. Her presentation will underscore how G/T Instructional Seminars, such as television production, offer students the opportunity to develop their talents in an area of interest, perhaps leading to a future career in that field.

Each year, under the direction of the Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher, middle school students have the opportunity to develop their talents and interests as participants in G/T Instructional Seminars and Research Investigations. The Middle School Expo spotlights the achievements of these students, while offering approximately 400 student ambassadors the opportunity to be inspired to use their voice for change and pursue these opportunities in the upcoming school year.

During the afternoon portion of the Expo, students will attend sessions presented by adult professionals who will share their research methodologies to inspire the students’ intellectual curiosity. Among the adult presenters will be County Executive Ken Ulman.

May 28, 2008 (#2007-177)

Preschoolers with Special Needs "Cook Up" $1,000 for Local Charity

Making or baking anything with seven preschoolers is a challenge. Add autism and other special needs to the mix, and it could be a real test of patience!

Not so for special education teacher Jane Berman at Pointers Run Elementary. Jane Berman and her preschool class baked delicious treats throughout the year and turned their classroom activity into a surprising cookbook fundraiser for the Howard County Autism Society.

On Wednesday, June 11, Berman's special education class will present a check in the amount of $1000 to the Howard County Autism Society. The class sold over 200 copies of its recipe collection.

"So many people asked for recipes," says Berman. "We thought why not make a cookbook? It was only natural to want to donate the money to the Howard County Autism Society, as autism is clearly near and dear to our class."

Her class is the Multiple Intense Needs Class -- Early Learners (MINC-EL), which specializes in educating children with autism and related disabilities in an intensive educational setting using the Applied Verbal Behavior method. The children all have significant delays in cognition, functional communication, behavior, and social interaction. There are four children with special needs in this particular Pointers Run preschool class (ages three to six), and three peers.

"We cooked once a week," says Berman. "It was a great way to facilitate communication, turn taking, following directions, and teamwork."

The easy-to-make treats - most only having three to five ingredients - were shared with the administration and staff, and enjoyed by the preschoolers themselves. Berman's idea to compile the recipes and print them in a cookbook for the students turned into something much larger and far beyond what she had ever imagined.

"The community rallied behind this and has been extremely generous," said Berman. "It has been such a great experience. I am so proud of our kids!"

In addition to the recipes, artwork by the students is sprinkled throughout the cookbook, which is printed on cardstock and stapled. The school paid all printing expenses, enabling 100% of the proceeds to go to the autism society.

Kim Manning, executive director of the Howard County Autism Society, was pleasantly surprised when she received the news of the donation from Shannon Barrett, autism specialist with the Howard County Public School System.

"We are so proud of these children for their hard work, and truly honored to receive this donation from them," says Manning.

The Howard County Autism Society collaborated with the public school system on the development of the MINC-EL program over the course of several years. In 2005, the program was added to the continuum of services for young children with autism. The MINC-EL is individualized to suit the needs of each child, and includes a combination of teaching methods, with the overarching teaching method being Applied Verbal Behavior.

The June 11 presentation of the donation will take place at 10am at Pointers Run Elementary School, 6600 S. Trotter Road in Clarksville.

May 21, 2008 (#2007-176)

Sandy Spring Bank - Bonnie Branch Middle School Partnership to Build Financial Literacy and Promote Positive Behavior

Students at Bonnie Branch Middle School will learn the value of savings while receiving support and encouragement for responsible behavior, thanks to a new partnership between the school and Sandy Spring Bank. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Thursday, May 29, 2008.

Bonnie Branch will become the sixth Howard County school to establish a partnership with Sandy Spring Bank, a reflection of the company’s strong commitment to supporting its local communities. The bank has already established partnerships with Dayton Oaks, Fulton, Lisbon, Longfellow, and Phelps Luck elementary schools.

The new partnership will focus on promoting personal responsibility, in both citizenship and financial planning, by recognizing and rewarding students’ positive behaviors. Sandy Spring Bank has agreed to develop an in-school “bank,” using the school’s “Scholar Dollars” as currency. Scholar Dollars are incentive coupons distributed to Bonnie Branch students as incentives for meeting behavioral goals. Students can accumulate their earnings in the school bank, and withdraw them in exchange for rewards and prizes. As a result, students should gain valuable skills in handling finances while understanding the importance and rewards of positive behavior.

Sandy Spring Bank representatives will also participate in other school programs such as national “Teach Children to Save Day,” career days, and math and science fairs, and will offer seminars on personal finance, basic economics, and related topics for teachers and school staff.

At 8:30 a.m., John Lee Smithson, IV, Mortgage Banker, Sandy Spring Bank will join Carolyn Jameson, Principal, and Deborah Waeger, Social Studies Teacher, Bonnie Branch Middle School, and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the official partnership agreement.

Sandy Spring Bank (www.sandyspringbank.com) is an active and enthusiastic supporter of its local communities. Beyond sponsoring in-school banking programs, the company also coordinates community celebrations, rebuilds low income homes, and supports a variety of other programs in its mission to make each community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

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.

May 20, 2008 (#2007-175)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Board of Education will meet in closed session at approximately 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

May 19, 2008 (#2007-174)

New Laurel Woods Elementary School Partnerships to Support Students’ Conservation Efforts and Positive Behavior

Budding conservationists at Laurel Woods Elementary will learn practical skills for sustaining the environment thanks to a new partnership with the University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center. Students will also receive extra encouragement for making responsible choices and rewards for positive behavior, through support provided by Dollar Plus, a second new partner.

Both partnerships will be formalized with an official signing at the Kings Contrivance restaurant in Columbia, today at 12 p.m.

Under the terms of its partnership agreement, the Home and Garden Information Center plans to work with school staff to develop projects and instruction on horticulture, ecology, the watershed, and other topics important to sustaining a healthy environment.

Dollar Plus has agreed to provide a variety of incentives to reward students for positive behavior, and will participate in career days and other events at the school.

Gary Singh, Owner of Dollar Plus, will join Lawrence H. Cohen, Howard County Board of Education Member, Margaret Dumler, Principal, Laurel Woods Elementary School, and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreements.

The Home and Garden Information Center (www.hgic.umd.edu), a division of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, offers a toll-free expert help line for plant and pest questions, and provides a wealth of information about plant care, gardening, insect pests, environmental conservation, Bay preservation, and other topics.

Dollar Plus is located at 9105 All Saints Road in Laurel.

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.

May 13, 2008 (#2007-173)

Board Members to Meet with School System Staff to Discuss Policy 8020, Grading and Reporting: High School

Board members Sandra French, Ellen Flynn Giles and Patricia Gordon will meet with school system staff from 9 - 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008, to discuss Policy 8020, Grading and Reporting: High School. The meeting will take place in the Board planning room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

May 12, 2008 (#2007-172)

Elementary Students Start Early to Learn About Leadership

The fifth Annual Peer Leadership Conference, sponsored and coordinated by the Howard County elementary school counselors, will convene on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Approximately 400 students from 29 elementary schools throughout the county will be attending with their counselors. Students invited to attend represent various groups, including Student Leaders for Safe Schools, safety patrols, peer mentors, and student government.

The keynote speaker this year is Ms. Tricia McCarthy, Assistant Principal (AP) at Bollman Bridge Elementary School. Ms. McCarthy came to Howard County from southern California where she was a physical education teacher. Since moving to Howard County, she has been a school counselor and is presently AP at Bollman Bridge Elementary. Ms. McCarthy will emphasize her belief that each individual has the potential to be a hero, to make a difference in someone's life, which aligns with the conference theme, "Everyday Heroes."

The event supports the school system's goal to provide students with a safe and nurturing environment that values diversity and commonality. It also focuses on the powerful role student leaders can have in ensuring that schools are positive environments for all students.

The breakout sessions, presented by school system staff, address different character education topics, such as conflict resolution and resistance skills. The objective is for students to leave the conference with a better understanding of the importance of their individual roles within their schools and the impact that they, as individuals, can have on the student body. Students will enjoy all the benefits of a professional conference -- receive conference packets, hear a keynote speaker, attend breakout sessions, have a lunch break, and participate in a closing activity. At the closing, every school's leadership group will be highlighted.

May 6, 2008 (#2007-171)

Board of Education Meets to Adopt Budgets and Hold Regular Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, to adopt its FY 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets and the FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program. The meeting will take place 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. 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.

May 6, 2008 (#2007-170)

Board of Education to Hold Public Hearing and Work Session on FY 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets and FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a public hearing and if necessary, a work session on the FY 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets and the FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 15, 2008. The hearing will take place in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

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, 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.

May 5, 2008 (#2007-169)

Academy of Finance Senior Wins $20,000 Scholarship

Howard County Career Academy Senior Leo Carelle Garcia is one of only 20 students nationwide to receive the prestigious 2008 Citigroup Academy of Finance Scholarship of $20,000. In addition to the scholarship, Leo Carelle will be paired with a Citigroup mentor and will be provided with a summer internship at one of the Citigroup subsidiaries worldwide. As a student in the Academy of Finance, Leo Carelle has served as the State President of DECA. He will attend Johnson and Wales University this fall as an accounting major.

With this award, Leo Carelle joins an elite group of outstanding Cititgroup scholarship winners from Howard County:

• Vivian Si (2002) MIT alumnus
• Neikelle Moore (2003) UPenn Wharton Business School alumnus
• Christopher Mak (2004) who is graduating from University of Maryland Robert Smith Business School
• Aditya Yerramilli (2005) who is attending University of Maryland Robert Smith Business School
• Sagar Gupta (2006) attending University of California at Berkeley Haas Business School