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August 2008 News Releases

August 28, 2008 (#2008-029)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 3 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

August 28, 2008 (#2008-028)

Community Advisory Council to Hold Meeting and New Member Orientation

The Community Advisory Council to the Board of Education will hold their new member orientation and regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682, or Chris Wertman, Chairman of the Community Advisory Council at cwertman@aol.com.

August 27, 2008 (#2008-026)

Board of Education Meeting and Presentation of Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2010 Capital Budget and FY 2011 - 2015 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

During the evening session, which convenes at 7:30 p.m., Superintendent Sydney Cousin will present his Proposed FY 2010 Capital Budget and FY 2011 - 2015 Capital Improvement Program.

Both the afternoon and the evening session 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.

August 26, 2008 (#2008-025)

Howard County SAT Scores Continue to Rise; Writing Score up 7 Points

Students in Howard County's Class of 2008 significantly outperformed their counterparts in Maryland and across the nation, according to SAT data released today by the College Board. The average scores for Howard County's 2008 graduates increased in all tested areas, while state and national scores showed very little change from 2007.

Howard's average score in Critical Reading increased three points from 537 to 540. In mathematics, the increase was one point, from 556 to 557. The highest jump was in writing, where Howard's average score increased by 7 points, from 537 to 544.

"We have become accustomed to our students scoring above state and national levels, but that does not mean we become complacent," says Superintendent Sydney Cousin. "Even though our scores are 38 to 50 points higher than the national scores, what is most impressive is we continue to see our scores increase. That is remarkable."

The scores reported today are generated by the College Board and are based on self-report data from students participating in the SAT program, according the Theresa Alban, the school system's Chief Operating Officer. Any errors in the self-report data are difficult for the College Board to recognize or correct. However, when the school system receives the data file from the College Board, staff is able to confirm that the students are actually enrolled in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), to eliminate duplicate records, and to correct errors in demographic information or school of attendance.

"We are more confident in presenting data, particularly trend data and student group analyses, on the SAT using our own files," said Alban. A more complete analysis of the SAT data, including school-by-school results, will be presented to the Board of Education and the community at the Board meeting scheduled for Sept. 18, 2008.

August 20, 2008 (#2008-024)

Howard High "Drums Up" Enthusiasm for the School Year

Howard High School students are in for a surprise when they return to school on August 25. When the buses begin to arrive at 7 a.m., the school's 125 staff members will welcome the students by playing a variety of percussion instruments and forming Drum Rhythm Circles.

According to assistant principal Stephen Levy, it's a Howard tradition for the staff to welcome students to a new school year in unique and interesting ways. "Our intention is to generate excitement for the school year by building a sense of community and belonging."

Back in June, Howard's school leadership group invited John Murray, the founder of Fun Drum Rhythm Circles, to lead them through leadership building exercises that involved the use of rhythm circles.

According to the organization's website, drum circles are used as tools for teaching communication and cooperation by involving participants in spontaneous musical creation. When participants are encouraged to express their spirit through playing percussion instruments within a group setting. A sense of teamwork and community emerges when the group learns to listen to each other in order to produce harmonious rhythms. "Nothing celebrates community like a drum circle. It is a fun, colorful, musical expression of collective joy."

Murray will be back at Howard High on August 22 to work with the complete faculty in creating rhythm circles, building leadership and camaraderie among the staff, and helping the teachers prepare to greet students the following Monday.

August 19, 2008 (#2008-023)

Thunder Hill Elementary Partners with Health Department to Enhance Health and Wellness

A new partnership with the Howard County Health Department will promote health and wellness among Thunder Hill Elementary School students, staff, and families. The partnership was formalized with an official signing on Tuesday, August 19, during a school meeting at the Phillip Merrill Environmental Center in Annapolis.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the Health Department will participate in wellness events at the school, and will provide information on its Healthy Howard Initiative for use in class activities and for distribution to families. The department and school will co-sponsor poster and essay contests to promote the visibility of the Healthy Howard Initiative and its mascot. Thunder Hill Elementary will serve as a pilot test site for the launch of the Healthy Homes Campaign, and will encourage students to complete activities to certify their home as a Healthy Howard Home.

Samantha O’Neil, Healthy Howard Coordinator at the Howard County Health Department joined Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chairman, Howard County Board of Education; John Birus, Principal, Thunder Hill Elementary School; and Joan Fox of the HCPSS Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

The Howard County Health Department (www.howardcountymd.gov) promotes, preserves, and protects the health of all Howard County residents. Its Healthy Howard Initiative, launched in 2007, encourages individuals, restaurants, schools, workplaces, and recreation programs to incorporate healthy activities and healthy products into the lives of County residents.

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.

August 18, 2008 (#2008-022)

Road Runner Sports Partnership to Enhance Cross-Country Competitions

A new partnership with Road Runner Sports will offer Howard County student runners encouragement and helpful feedback to enhance their competitive performance. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Friday, August 22.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Road Runner Sports will provide race numbers for students participating in county cross-country competitions, and will offer gait analysis for student runners through use of a treadmill-camera. The school system will provide an area for a Road Runner Sports booth at invitational meet and county championship meets.

At 8:30 a.m., Doug Mock, Manager, Road Runner Sports Retail Inc. will join Sandra H. French, Member, Howard County Board of Education and HCPSS representatives Michael Williams, Coordinator of Athletics; Norman Belden, Track, Field & Cross-Country Commissioner; and Mary Schiller of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

Road Runner Sports (www.roadrunnersports.com), the “world’s largest running store,” offers footwear, apparel, and accessories for runners of all types and skill levels.

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.

August 14, 2008 (#2008-021)

Howard Superintendent Announces AYP Status of Schools

Superintendent Sydney Cousin announced today that 53 of 58 elementary and middle schools in Howard County met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Two elementary and three middle schools in Howard did not make AYP despite appeals filed with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) by the school system. High School AYP designations will not be available until later in the fall after High School Assessment scores are released by MSDE.

Superintendent Cousin stressed the importance of not attaching labels to schools that have not met AYP. "All of these schools have successfully met our local standard of having 70 percent or more of their students scoring at proficient or above in both reading and mathematics. In most cases, these schools missed AYP by only a few students."

In order to achieve AYP, the total population and every identified student group with five or more students must reach the Annual Measurable Objective (AMO). These student groups include African American, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, White, English Language Learners (ELL), students receiving Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMS), and students receiving special education services. In addition to meeting the reading and mathematics AMOs, elementary and middle schools are also required to meet a school attendance target to achieve AYP.

The schools with "local attention" status are identified as schools that the local school system needs to monitor to support improvement efforts. In Howard, these schools include Bollman Bridge Elementary School, Stevens Forest Elementary School, Harpers Choice Middle School, and Patuxent Valley Middle School. If these schools do not make AYP in the same content area next year, then they will move into the state's improvement status. School officials in curriculum and school administration have examined the AYP data and are planning differentiated support for these schools throughout the school year.

Oakland Mills Middle School did not make AYP and continues to be listed as "Focus Developing." During the coming school year, the school will be closely monitored by the school system and its school improvement plan may be monitored by MSDE. Plans were already underway to provide differentiated staffing and support to Oakland Mills Middle in support of the school's local improvement efforts.

Murray Hill Middle School met AYP in 2008, but will continue to have "Focus Developing" status until the school makes AYP for two consecutive years. Supports put in place for Murray Hill will continue for the coming school year.

August 14, 2008 (#2008-020)

Community Advisory Council Seeks At-large Members

The Community Advisory Council (CAC) to the Board of Education is seeking at-large members for the 2008-2009 school year. The CAC is a group of citizens and representatives from local PTA’s that serves in an advisory capacity to the elected school board. The CAC sponsors educational programming for members and provides them with the opportunity to study and have input into curriculum, education policy, redistricting, and budget. The committee generally meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month in the Board Room at the Department of Education in Ellicott City. At-large members serve a two-year term. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682.

August 11, 2008 (#2008-019)

Marriotts Ridge High School Partnership to Enhance IT Skills

A new partnership with Sofiac, Inc. will help Marriotts Ridge High School students and staff to develop leading edge knowledge and skills in computer science and information technology. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Friday, August 15.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Sofiac will collaborate with school faculty to develop computer and information technology class projects that are relevant to current, real world applications. The company will also share information on a variety of information technology and business topics through presentations to students and school staff.

At 8:30 a.m., Brian Walsh, President and Owner of Sofiac, will join Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chairman, Howard County Board of Education; Patrick Saunderson, Principal, and Reginald Hahne, CTE Team Leader, Marriotts Ridge High School; and Joan Fox of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

Sofiac (www.sofiac.com) is primarily focused on custom software development. The Columbia-based company also offers educational services and staff augmentation, and participates in graphical design, testing, and upgrades, and system integration and enhancement.

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.

August 7, 2008 (#2008-018)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

August 7, 2008 (#2008-017)

Parent May Restrict the Release of Student Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act authorizes local school systems to disclose certain information from the education records of a student. This information is designated as directory information and includes basic biographical information only. It does not include student grades, test results, or any part of academic or discipline records. Parents who wish to restrict the release of one or more of these categories of information related to their child(ren), must complete and sign the Annual Parental Option Form that each child will bring home during the first week of school.

Based on categories designated by the federal government, the Howard County Public School System defines the following student data as directory information:

1. Student Name
2. Address
3. Telephone Number
4. Date of Birth
5. Major Field of Study
6. Participation in School Activities
7. Weight and/or Height of Athletes
8. Dates of School Attendance
9. Degrees/Awards
10.Previous Education Institutions Attended

In accordance with state law, the Howard County Public School System WILL NOT release a student’s HOME ADDRESS or PHONE NUMBER to any person or organization other than the following:

1. An organization of parents, teachers, students, or former students, or any combination of those groups, of the school (i.e.: PTA/PTSA, booster club, class reunion committee, etc.);
2. An organization or force of the military (i.e. military recruiters, etc.);
3. A representative of a community college in the state; or
4. A representative of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Questions or requests for additional information should be directed to the HCPSS Public Information Office at 410-313-6682.

August 7, 2008 (#2008-016)

HCPSS TV Moves to Comcast Cable Channel 95

Effective Saturday, August 23, channel designations on Comcast Cable will be reset. As a result, the Howard County Public School System's educational access channel will move from Channel 72 to Channel 95.

The channel will continue to be part of Comcast's limited basic service and available with subscription to the Family Tier Service. For additional information about the channel changes, contact Comcast at 1-888-COMCAST or www.comcast.net.

Verizon FIOS customers can view the school system's TV programming on Verizon Channel 42.

August 7, 2008 (#2008-015)

Board of Education to Hold Retreat

The members of the Howard County Board of Education will meet to hold a retreat on Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at 1 p.m., in the Potomac Room at Faulkner Ridge Center, 10598 Marble Faun Court in Columbia.

August 6, 2008 (#2008-014)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Pre-Development Work Session on FY 2010 Capital Budget and FY 2011–2015 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2008 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 and a pre-development work session on the FY 2010 Capital Budget and the FY 2011 – 2015 Capital Improvement Program. 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.

To sign up to testify at the hearing or to speak at Public Forum, contact the Executive Assistant to the Board 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.

August 6, 2008 (#2008-013)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

August 5, 2008 (#2008-012)

Orientation Program Gives New Teachers a Warm Welcome
Keynote speaker Harry Wong helps educators prepare for first day

Each year the Howard County Public School System welcomes new teachers to the county with an orientation program designed to acquaint them with the services and supports available to them as Howard County educators. This year, approximately 300 educators will attend the New Teacher Orientation at Reservoir High and Fulton Elementary schools in Fulton, August 12 through August 14.

On Tuesday, new teachers will hear a keynote presentation by Harry K. Wong, one of the most sought after speakers in education today. Harry Wong is a former middle school and high school science teacher. He has been called
"Mr. Practicality" for his common sense, user-friendly, no-cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success. He has been awarded the Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award, the Science Teacher Achievement Recognition Award, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award, and the Valley Forge Teacher's Medal. Readers of Instructor magazine recently selected him as one of the most admired people in the world of education.

A variety of curriculum and classroom management sessions begin at 10:45 am on Tuesday and continue through Thursday morning. Wednesday afternoon the teachers will attend a mandatory session on the prevention of child abuse, neglect, bullying and harassment, which begins at 1:30 pm.

At noon on Thursday, the new teachers will be served lunch by Superintendent Sydney Cousin and other system leaders. At 1:30 pm, they will attend a Cultural Proficiency Orientation. The new teachers will spend Friday in their schools in preparation for the August 25 arrival of students.

Howard County anticipates hiring nearly 370 teachers to fill new and vacated teaching positions for the 2008-2009 school year.

August 4, 2008 (#2008-011)

New Partnership to Offer Mentoring, Support for Phelps Luck Students and Families

A new partnership between Phelps Luck Elementary School and Our Shepherd Lutheran Church will offer mentoring and other support to students, their families, and school staff.

The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Tuesday, August 5.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, members of the church agree to provide at least ten hours of volunteer time each week to mentor students. Volunteers will also help at school events such as field days, talent shows, and other programs. The church has pledged to help meet the needs of students and their families through support of programs such as food, clothing, and school supply drives; holiday assistance; and a transportation fund. The church will also offer space when available for school meetings, and will provide refreshments for staff appreciation events.

At 8:30 a.m., Pastor George Lippitt and Richard Dopp of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church will join Patricia S. Gordon and Sandra H. French, Howard County Board of Education Members; Pamela Akers, Principal, Phelps Luck Elementary School; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church (oslc-md.org.snapshotweb.org), located in Columbia, has a mission of providing holistic care, encouragement, and support to its community.

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.