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April 2009 News Releases

April 30, 2009 (#2008-174)

Howard County Green Schools Announced

The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education announced last week that seven Howard County elementary schools and one middle school have been awarded the association's Green School Certification. The certification recognizes schools for their environmental conservation initiatives.

Howard County's 2009 Green Schools are:

• Atholton Elementary School
• Centennial Lane Elementary School
• Dayton Oaks Elementary School
• Deep Run Elementary School
• Forest Ridge Elementary School
• Glenwood Middle School
• Hollifield Station Elementary School
• Longfellow Elementary School

Hammond Elementary received re-certification as a Green School this year.

April 30, 2009 (#2008-173)

Partnership Promotes Inter-Generational Collaboration

A partnership between the Howard County Office on Aging and Harper’s Choice Middle School provides an opportunity for seniors and children to discover areas of common ground and academic excellence, while celebrating the richness of each generation. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Monday, May 4.

The partnership gives seniors and students many opportunities to interact through a variety of partnership activities. Each week, seniors visit the school to mentor participating seventh- and eighth-grade students, helping them build reading and other academic skills. A “Senior and Students Together” project pairs sixth graders with seniors to create a mural of words and pictures to share the life experiences of each. Each year, students and school staff host a Senior Prom at Harper’s Choice Middle School, and serve the Howard County seniors at a Thanksgiving Celebration sponsored by the Office on Aging.

“The partnership provides a truly meaningful volunteer experience for seniors,” according to Judi Bard of the Howard County Office on Aging. “They have time to interact with and make a real difference for the kids. While working together, the students and seniors compare their life experiences and values,” and develop mutual understanding and appreciation during the process, she added.

At 8:30 a.m., Susan Rosenbaum, Director, Howard County Department of Citizen Services; Sue Vaeth, Administrator, and Judi Bard, Arts & Intergenerational Specialist, Howard County Office on Aging will join Lawrence H. Cohen, Member, and Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chairman, Howard County Board of Education; Stephen Wallis, Principal, Harper’s Choice Middle School; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

The Howard County Office on Aging (www.howardcountymd.gov/OA/CS_OfficeAging.htm), a division of the Howard County Department of Citizen Services, is the principal agency that plans, advocates, develops, and coordinates programs and services for seniors and their family members.

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.

April 27, 2009 (#2008-172)

Howard County Students Advance to National History Day Competition

Eleven Howard County students will advance to the National History Day Competition after winning first or second place at the Statewide Maryland History Day Competition on April 25, 2009. These students have already won competitions at the school and county level, and were competing against hundreds of students from school systems across the state. In addition to the students who are moving on the Nationals, five Howard County students won special awards, and teacher Terri O’Connell from Mayfield Woods Middle School is the Maryland History Day Teacher of the Year.

Students presented entries in five categories: exhibit, performance, multimedia documentary, research paper and website. A list of winners in all categories and those winning special prizes are attached. The National History Day Competition will be held at the University of Maryland, College Park from June 14-18, 2009.

The district coordinator for Howard County History Day is Dr. Mark Stout, Curriculum Coordinator for Secondary Social Studies, Howard County Public School System. To learn more about Howard County History Day, contact him at 410-313-6622. For more information on National History Day, contact Judy Dobbs at 410-685-4185 or visit the official National History Day web site at www.nationalhistoryday.org.

MARYLAND HISTORY DAY 2009 OFFICIAL WINNERS FROM HCPSS

STUDENTS ADVANCING TO THE NATIONAL HISTORY DAY CONTEST

JUNIOR PAPERS

Student: Rachel Knobel
Topic: Thomas Paine: The Lost Founder Lives On
School: Wilde Lake Middle School
County: Howard County
Teacher: Laura Attridge

JUNIOR INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITS

Student: Faith Chung
Topic: Gustave Eiffel: Magician of Iron
School: Patuxent Valley Middle School
County: Howard County
Teachers: Leila Mahlin

JUNIOR INDIVIDUAL DOCUMENTARIES

Student: Avait Chauhan
Topic: Nikola Tesla: The Father of the Modern World
School: Patuxent Valley Middle School
County: Howard County
Teacher: Leila Mahlin

JUNIOR GROUP DOCUMENTARIES

Students: David Hessler, Nicole Moy, Sydney Sanial
Topic: Rachel Carson: Mother of Environmentalism
School: Lime Kiln Middle School
County: Howard County
Teachers: Tracy Spillman

JUNIOR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

Student: Daniel Goldstein
Topic: Eva Peron: Hero to the Poor
School: Ellicott Mills Middle School
County: Howard County
Teacher: Cindy Waugh

JUNIOR GROUP PERFORMANCES

Students: Maria Ayoub, Shaelyn Cavanaugh
Topic: Sarah Osborne
School: Dunloggin Middle School
County: Howard County
Teachers: Pam Kidwell

SENIOR GROUP EXHIBITS

Students: Julia Singleton, Joe Wan
Topic: Rachel Carson: An Environmental Legacy
School: Wilde Lake High School
County: Howard County
Teacher: Katherine Volpe
OFFICIAL MARYLAND HISTORY DAY WINNERS SPECIAL PRIZES 2009

SPECIAL PRIZE IN CULTURAL HISTORY, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities:

Student: Andrew Wang
Topic: Robert Morrison and the Impact of Early Western Missionaries to China
Category: Research Paper
School: Ellicott Mills Middle School
County: Howard County
Teacher: Teacher: Cindy Waugh

SPECIAL PRIZE IN LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY, sponsored by Paul Mogin, Esquire, Williams and Connolly LLP, Washington, DC:

Student: Dillon Hagius
Topic: Ellery Schempp and School Prayer: Establishment v. Free Exercise
Category: Research Paper
School: Atholton High School
County: Howard County
Teacher: Natalie Kelly

SPECIAL PRIZE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION, sponsored by the Maryland Historical Trust:

Students: Melanie Berger, Elise Calanni, Rachel Calanni
Topic: James Rouse: The City Gardener
Category: Group Documentary
School: Lime Kiln Middle School
County: Howard County
Teacher: Tracy Spillman

TEACHER AWARDS

HISTORY DAY TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
Margaret “Terri” O’Connell, Mayfield Woods Middle School, Howard County

April 22, 2009 (#2008-171)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 2 p.m., on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

April 21, 2009 (#2008-170)

May is Women In Space Month on Books Alive!

Host Barb Langridge welcomes young adult writer Tanya Lee Stone, author of nearly 90 books about science, animals and famous people to HCPSS-TV's Books Alive! Jones discusses her craft and her latest book, Almost Astronauts, about 13 intrepid women who tried to become America's first female astronauts in the early 1960s.

Langridege also interviews Dr. Mary Cleave, retired NASA Astronaut, about the challenge of becoming one of the early pioneers in the NASA space program during the 1980s. The Women's Adventures in Science book series is highlighted and Dr. Cleave describes the view from the space shuttle as well as science experiments on crystals and lightning that she conducted during her space missions.

Books Alive! is broadcast on HCPSS TV Channel 95 (Comcast) and Channel 42 (Verizon) in Howard County on Sundays at 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m., and Saturdays at 10 p.m.

April 20, 2009 (#2008-169)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City. There will not be an evening session.

The meeting 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 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.

April 20, 2009 (#2008-168)

Something for Everyone at Bollman Bridge Elementary School Wellness Fair

Wellness is the focus of an event being held at Bollman Bridge Elementary School, 8200 Savage-Guilford Road in Jessup, on Saturday April 25. The Wellness Fair will feature a 5K run, information sessions, a Red Cross blood drive, numerous indoor and outdoor activities and a silent auction.

Registration for the Techno Trot 5K Walk/Run begins at 8am and the event itself starts at 9am. From 10am to 2pm, information sessions will be offered on back safety, Internet safety, avoiding bullying and healthy eating. Indoor and outdoor activities for all ages also begin at 10am. Participants can take part in dance, rock climbing, Tae Kwan Do, kickboxing, a baseball clinic and yoga.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10am to 2pm and the Bollman Bridge PTA will hold a silent auction from 11am to 1pm. The Kangaroo Kids will perform at 11am and the Cub Scouts will hold a Bike at noon. Fitness Testing will be conducted throughout the day.

The Wellness Fair culminates with a Family Kickball Game at 1pm.

"Wellness is an important part of a positive school climate. Our Wellness Fair supports our goal of creating a safe, nurturing environment and also provides a fun way to involve the entire community," says principal Monterey Morell.

April 16, 2009 (#2008-167)

M&T Bank Partnership to Help Middle Schoolers Build Financial Skills

A new partnership with M&T Bank, Clarksville Branch will help Clarksville Middle School students learn the importance of personal financial planning and help them become proficient in the mathematical and economics skills needed in daily life. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Monday, April 20.

Under the terms of the partnership, M&T Bank representatives will speak to seventh grade math students on topics related to the annual classroom stock market project. Bank personnel will also speak to student groups during national Teach Children to Save Day, science and math fairs, Career Days, and other events, to help students learn important money management concepts such as the difference between income and expense and the importance of saving for the future.

At 8:30 a.m., Gregory Smith, Branch Manager, and Michael Minogue, Assistant Branch Manager, M&T Bank, Clarksville Branch will join Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chairman, Howard County Board of Education; JoAnn Hutchens, Principal, Clarksville Middle School; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

M&T Bank (www.mandtbank.com), founded more than 150 years ago, has a tradition of reliability, accuracy and responsiveness to the needs of its customers and believes strongly in taking an active role in its communities. With 700 branches located throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, M&T is among the largest commercial bank holding companies in the U.S.

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.

April 16, 2009 (#2008-166)

HCPSS-TV Features Update on Redistricting Plans

This month HCPSS-TV's Parent Teacher Connection includes a report on the Board of Education's decision to adopt a new formula for determining the capacity of county high schools and an interview with the school system's Manager of School Planning Joel Gallihue on the latest school redistricting plans. The program also includes highlights of last month's countywide Spelling Bee, an in-depth discussion of the PTA's Project Safe and after prom events planned for high school juniors and seniors this year.

Parent Teacher Connection is a locally-produced program, which is broadcast on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Sundays at noon and 5 p.m. on Comcast Channel 95 and Verizon Channel 42.

April 16, 2009 (#2008-165)

Volunteer Caryn Lasser Honored with Friends of Education Award

The Howard County Board of Education will recognize the volunteer contributions of Atholton High School PTSA President Caryn Lasser with its Friends of Education Award at the Board of Education meeting today. Following a reception at 3:30 PM, the Board will present the award to Ms. Lasser for taking parent involvement to a new level.

During her two years as PTSA President at Atholton High School and previously as a member of the PTA Executive Boards at Atholton, Clarksville Middle and Pointers Run Elementary, Caryn has been a champion for student achievement and safe, nurturing schools.

Caryn began her term as PTSA President at Atholton by facilitating a series of visioning activities with the Executive Board. As a direct result of her leadership, and as an outgrowth of the process, the PTSA began hosting a series of events for parents and students entitled Community Connections that included Pizza with the Principal and programs on topics such as the college application process, cyber safety, understanding algebra and High School Assessment preparation for families.

The visioning process also identified the need for more parent involvement in freshman orientation, so Caryn coordinated efforts to reinvent the school's annual New Student Orientation. Caryn worked throughout the spring and summer to put together a successful program that included a series of interactive, peer-led team-building activities for students and parents. The event included opportunities for parents who were new to high school to meet in small groups with veteran parents, ask questions and learn how to get connected at Atholton.

Caryn also put her leadership skills to good use as a member of the Atholton School Improvement Team. According to Principal Marcy Leonard, Caryn's vision and critical thinking helped move the team from simple analysis of data to synthesis and application of data. After reviewing the data last year, Caryn encouraged the SIT to focus on increasing participation of under-represented student groups in advanced-level classes. The Team implemented several targeted initiatives and, as a result, participation in AP courses increased by 2.9% among African American students and 6.1% among Hispanic students.

Two years ago Caryn coordinated Atholton's first After Prom Party and more recently she spearheaded a PTSA-sponsored SAT Prep class at a reduced price so all students could afford to participate. She has cultivated PTSA representation from all of Atholton's feeder schools, racial and ethnic groups and booster organizations, and encourages PTSA participation in school activities and student recognition ceremonies.

Caryn is admired for her remarkable patience and tact as well as for her vision, energy and commitment to the students and families of Atholton High School. She has a way of making exceptional things happen without calling attention to herself.

In support of Caryn's nomination, parent Debbie Meteyer wrote, "Throughout my seventeen years of working with parents involved in education, I can think of no one more deserving of the Friends of Education Award. Caryn Lasser's determined, yet humble, leadership is an inspiration to all."

Also recognized today will be nominees for the award:

• Ms. Sheila Bishoff - for her outstanding and commendable contributions to the Howard County Public School System, her dedication to students and staff at River Hill High School, and for enhancing communication between the school and the community.
• Mr. Joseph Herr - for his service to the school system in pioneering the concept of a Paramedic Pathways curriculum, which highlighted innovation, collaboration, academic achievement, and unprecedented opportunity for Howard County students.
• Mr. Mike Kerwin - for his tireless efforts, enthusiasm, and unselfish contributions to the Burleigh Manor Middle School Outdoor Education Program and for sharing his knowledge and love of bird watching for the past 16 years.
• Ms. Johnnie Nussmaum - for her dedication as a child and environmental advocate and her genuine support for every staff member, organization, student and parent of the Glenelg High School community.

The Friends of Education Award was established by the Board to recognize and show appreciation to those who have made exemplary volunteer contributions in support of the school system's mission of excellence in teaching and learning. The award also serves to increase awareness of how community involvement enhances student achievement. Any member of the Howard County community or any group, organization, or business located in or serving Howard County may be nominated for the award.

April 15, 2009 (#2008-164)

Student Board Member Selected as One of Bentley University's Tomorrow25 in International Leadership Competition

Adejire Bademosi, a Marriotts Ridge High School junior and current Student Member to the Howard County Board of Education, was named by Bentley University as one of 25 outstanding high school juniors selected as the 2009 Bentley Tomorrow25. Chosen from hundreds of nominations from around the world, the 25 winners will receive national recognition and interact with high-profile leaders on April 16 at the fifth annual Bentley Leadership Forum, in cooperation with TIME Magazine. Tomorrow25 students will also appear in a national ad in TIME as part of Bentley's national campaign.

The Bentley Leadership Forum, in cooperation with TIME magazine, will be held on the Bentley University campus in Waltham, Mass. This year's theme is "The Business of Healing Our World: Leveraging Innovation, Social Enterprise and Service." The dynamic half-day symposium will feature progressive leaders who are making a difference in environmental change, fair trade, healthcare and charitable giving. Keynote speakers include Van Jones, Founder of Green For All, and Ophelia Dahl, Executive Director of Partners in Health.

The featured panelists will share how they and their organizations have taken action to impact global challenges such as improving public health and quality of life in the developing world, establishing global fair trade practices, and using social media tools to raise nonprofit funds. Panelists include:

• Priya Haji, CEO of World of Good
• Leigh Blake, Co-founder of Keep A Child Alive
• Joe Marchese, Founder of Socialvibe.com

Following Van Jones' keynote speech, Richard Stengel, managing editor of Time Magazine, will engage Jones in an on-stage follow up interview. Tony Buono will moderate the panel discussion.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the international competition launched by Bentley in 2004 to identify exemplary leaders of tomorrow. The Tomorrow25 winners were chosen through an international nomination process and selected by an International Advisory Board established by Bentley University. Board members include Tony Buono, professor of management and coordinator of the Alliance for Ethics and Social Responsibility at Bentley; Joann McKenna, vice president for enrollment management at Bentley; Alfonso de Orleans-Borbon, president of Racing Engineering; and Chris Salamone, executive director of Lead America. Nominations were accepted from business and community leaders, teachers, school administrators, and guidance counselors.

April 9, 2009 (#2008-163)

Rotaries Partnership Gives Dictionaries to Third Graders

Each third grade student in schools throughout the county receives a dictionary of his or her own, thanks to a partnership with the Rotary clubs in Howard County. The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Wednesday, April 15.

Under the terms of the partnership, the Rotary clubs purchase and distribute copies of A Student’s Dictionary & Gazetteer to third grade classrooms each year. Club members visit the classroom to introduce the dictionary to its new owners and point out some of its most popular features, such as the longest word in the English language. In addition to the traditional dictionary entries and maps, the volume also includes a rich variety of useful content such as mathematical equations, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, presidential biographies, and planet descriptions.

The dictionary project reflects the international service organization’s strong commitment to literacy. All of the Rotary chapters in Howard County participate: Rotary Clubs of Clarksville, Columbia, Columbia-Patuxent, Columbia Town Center, Elkridge, Ellicott City, and Ellicott City Sunrise.

At 8:30 a.m., Nancy M. Szlasa, Assistant Governor, Howard County Rotary Clubs, District 7620 Rotary International, will join Sandra French, Member of the Howard County Board of Education, and several Howard County Public School System representatives to sign the formal partnership agreement.

Rotary International (www.rotary.org) is the world's first service club organization. Its more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. Club, vocational, community, and international service form the foundation of club activity.

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.

April 8, 2009 (#2008-162)

School Board Offers Coffee and Conversation to Community

The Board of Education of Howard County regularly holds “Coffee & Conversation” sessions at schools throughout the county. These meetings provide citizens with an opportunity to share a cup of coffee and chat informally with Board members. The meetings are held in various regions of the county but interested persons from throughout the county are invited to attend any or all of the meetings. The next “Coffee & Conversation” session with the Board of Education will be held:

• Saturday, April 18, 2009, 9:30 a.m.
  Media Center at Manor Woods Elementary School
  11575 Frederick Road in Ellicott City

April 8, 2009 (#2008-161)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting and Public Hearings

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 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 public hearings on Policy 6060, Improvements to School Sites or Schools and Policy 6070, Closing of Schools.

Individuals who wish to testify at a 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 hearings, up to the close of business on the last working day before the hearings.

To sign up to testify at a 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.

April 8, 2009 (#2008-160)

Board of Education to Hold Closed Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will meet in closed session at 1 p.m., on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

April 7, 2009 (#2008-159)

Howard County Debaters Join Elite Ranks

As in other competitive arenas, high school debate is traditionally dominated by a few “elite” teams, with the names of the same schools appearing over and over among the leaders in national competition. But some “new kids on the block” are beginning to attract notice, as Howard County debaters have begun climbing to the upper rungs of this most intellectual of high school competitions.

Eight teams from seven Howard County high schools participated in the National Debate Championships for first and second year debaters, held at the Woodward Academy in Atlanta. This elite tournament is debate's version of March madness, with only the 72 top private and public schools in the nation represented. For the first time in history, Howard County debaters broke into the elite ranks of the “sweet sixteen” when two Centennial teams reached the semifinals. Though eliminated in the octofinals, Dan Li and Jonathan Kowarski finished the tournament ranked as 10th nationally, while Lan Mei and Abhik Pramanik were ranked 15th. Dan Li was awarded 9th overall speaker in the nation.

The other Howard County teams, representing Howard, Glenelg, Mt. Hebron, River Hill, Centennial and Oakland Mills High Schools, also delivered strong performances, finishing 3-3 in the tournament.

This year is already proving to be an exciting one for HCPSS debaters. In February, Elisabeth McClure and Daniel Zhao of Glenelg finished 8th in the National Catholic Forensics League regional qualifying tournament, earning a place at the National Championship in Albany on Memorial Day weekend. And with sixteen talented middle school debaters preparing to compete in national championships in San Antonio later this year, HCPSS is poised to capture more glory on the national debate arena as the months and years progress.

Competitive debate teams are a relatively recent introduction at Howard County high schools, where most teams have been in place for just a year or two. Their rapid advancement can be credited in large part to coaching and other assistance provided by Capitol Debate, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and sustaining academic debate programs. Capitol Debate has been an HCPSS partner since 2007. Ron Bratt, its founder and CEO, is a 25-year veteran in the world of competitive debate and established an award-winning debate program at Catholic University.

April 6, 2009 (#2008-158)

Hammond High holds 2nd Annual Culture Fest

The members of the Hammond High School International Club are sponsoring the second annual Hammond Culture Fest on Friday, April 17 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the school's cafeteria. Culture Fest is designed to showcase the diversity of the student population at Hammond High School and participants take great pride in sharing their various heritages. The school currently enrolls students representing almost 40 different countries and/or cultures.

April 6, 2009 (#2008-157)

River Hill Future Business Leaders Win FBLA Award

The River Hill High School Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) took home its sixth consecutive, for a total of eight, Louis T. Kaminski Conference Champion Award from the Maryland FBLA State Leadership Conference. The conference was held this past weekend at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn, where 81 chapter members from across Maryland competed in the nearly sixty events they have been preparing for all year.

The March of Dimes fundraiser at River Hill High School, christened Butterflies for Babies, generated over 150 decorated butterflies and $1000 in contributions to help babies born with birth defects. This greatly surpassed results from all the other chapters.

In addition to competing in events, conference participants had the opportunity to hear from speakers representing a number of companies, who shared information on business law, how to start one's own business, ways to save money on insurance, and more.

Those who placed in the top two, and sometimes three, of their respective events, will have the opportunity to attend the upcoming FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California from June 25 to 28, 2009.

For more information about Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc., visit www.fbla-pbl.org .

April 6, 2009 (#2008-156)

Check Out Seniors' Picks for Teachers of the Year

Each year the senior class at each Howard County high school selects their Teacher of the Year from their school's faculty. This year HCPSS-TV tagged along with senior class representatives as they surprised their school's winner. On March 12, the teachers were honored by the Howard County Association of Student Councils at their annual spring luncheon with the Board of Education and top school officials. During the luncheon, each teacher relived that surprise moment as the video was shown to those in attendance.

The Teachers of the Year as selected by the Class of 2009 are Barry Beerman of Glenelg HS; Linda Blakeslee of Centennial HS; Mary Curtin of Reservoir HS; Jack Dibler of River Hill HS; Shanae Fant of Wilde Lake HS; Rick Gardner of Howard HS; Ben Grabenstein of Hammond HS; Dale Harriman of Atholton HS; Laura Herbers of Homewood (Gateway); Paula Mee, Homewood (Bridges); Renard Parson of Marriott's Ridge HS; Eric Sandersen of Long Reach HS; Tom Sankey of Mount Hebron HS; and Donald Shea of Oakland Mills HS.

The 2009 Teacher of the Year video can be seen during the "School Notes" block on HCPSS-TV on Sundays at 3 p.m., Mondays through Wednesdays at
6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Fridays at 6 p.m., and Saturdays at 11 p.m.

April 2, 2009 (#2008-155)

Outstanding Howard County Teacher and Educational Leader Awards Announced

Two exceptional Howard County educators will be honored with awards by The Washington Post. Tracy Ganey Spillman, a gifted and talented resource teacher at Lime Kiln Middle School in Fulton, has been named the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award winner for the Howard County Public School System. Cynthia Hankin, Principal of Deep Run Elementary School in Elkridge, is the county winner of the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.

Both awards are sponsored by The Washington Post. Winners for each county school system in the Washington, D.C. region are selected through internal competitions for entry into the regional award program. A regional winner for each award will be announced during ceremonies at The Washington Post, to be held on April 29 for the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award and on May 12 for the Agnes Meyer award.

Spillman and Hankin, along with the recipients of several other staff awards, will also be honored at the annual HCPSS “In Honor of Excellence” celebration on May 19.

Both honorees inspired enthusiastic endorsement from school staff, students, and parents, as highlighted by supporting materials included in each candidate’s nominations. Tracy Spillman has “the innate sense to find a student’s strength, to nurture it, and to help that student take new steps toward building confidence and self-esteem,” according to one coworker. A former student declared “A great teacher is someone who inspires you to do more, to question why, to push, to find answers, and to achieve. This is the very definition of my middle school teacher Mrs. Spillman.”

Cynthia Hankin’s nomination reveals a visionary leader who has established a culture of creativity, organization, and continuous improvement at Deep Run, where she has been principal since 2006. As one Deep Run teacher expressed, “She embodies an exceptional degree of insight, knowledge, concern for the entire school community, drive toward excellence and overall passion for educating children.” Another colleague stated “Cynthia consistently demonstrates an ability to rise to any challenge… She has incredible creative energies and a refreshing idealism, tempered only enough to accomplish what needs to be done.”

April 2, 2009 (#2008-154)

Dance Solutions Youth Outreach Comes to Homewood

The Howard County School System’s Homewood Center is proud to announce a pilot program with Dance Solutions Youth Outreach, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing an all inclusive, quality artistic program to adolescents.

Twelve students will receive instruction from Nysia D. Wilhite on April 15, April 22, May 6, and May 13 during the school day. Ms. Wilhite will teach various styles of dance, combining poetry and singing. In addition to exposing students to the arts, the program offers therapeutic benefits, such as stress relief, a healthy outlet for anger and frustration, and an opportunity to enhance self-esteem through artistic expression. A celebratory performance for the school will cap off the program on May 13.

April 1, 2009 (#2008-153)

School System Announces Commencement Schedule for Class of 2009

The Howard County Public School System has announced the commencement schedule for the class of 2009. Graduations will take placeon the following dates:

Tuesday, May 26

12:00 p.m. noon Atholton High(close at 10:45 a.m.)
04:00 p.m. Mt. Hebron High School
08:00 p.m. Centennial High School

Wednesday, May 27

12:00 p.m. noon Oakland Mills High School (close at 10:45 a.m.)
04:00 p.m. Wilde Lake High School
08:00 p.m. Howard High School

Thursday, May 28

12:00 p.m. noon Hammond High School (close at 10:45 a.m.)
04:00 p.m. Glenelg High School
08:00 p.m. Reservoir High School

Friday, May 29

08:00 a.m. River Hill High School (open at 10:30 a.m.)
11:30 a.m. Marriotts Ridge High School (close at 10:45 a.m.)
04:00 p.m. Long Reach High School

Cedar Lane School is not yet scheduled.

All high school ceremonies will be held at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

April 1, 2009 (#2008-152)

Board of Education to Meet with County Council

The Howard County Board of Education will hold their quarterly meeting with the County Council at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at 8930 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia.