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September 2009 News Releases

September 30, 2009 (#2009-036)

View School Board Meetings Live on Internet

The Howard County Public School System's television station, HCPSS TV, has expanded its reach with a new online presence that allows for web broadcast of school board meetings and on-demand viewing of board meetings and other HCPSS TV programming. The site, which can be accessed from the school system's homepage at www.hcpss.org, grew out of the work of a Task Force on Television Services convened two years ago.

The HCPSS TV web presence is hosted by Granicus Incorporated and is robust enough to archive HCPSS TV's five original cable television series, as well as instructional and educational videos, media for teachers and staff, and special seasonal presentations such as the Howard County Spelling Bee and high school graduations.

The first live broadcast of a Board of Education meeting via the Internet will take place on October 8 beginning at 4:00pm. In addition to real-time streaming of all Board of Education meetings on the Web, all future meetings will be available on demand to the public. The technology provided by Granicus allows the public to easily select and view a segment of any meeting at anytime by simply typing in a keyword or clicking on a particular agenda item.

Other information, such as the monthly HCPSS TV program guide, upcoming television events, and press releases are also available on the site.

September 30, 2009 (#2009-035)

Annual Celebration Honors Educational Partners

The 23rd annual Howard County Public School System Partnership Celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel (10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia), starting at 5:00 pm.

More than 250 Howard County business, organizational, government, and educational leaders are expected to attend the event, including the superintendent, Board of Education members, and elected county officials. The Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel is the event sponsor. A highlight of the program will be the release of the new HCPSS Partnerships Annual Report, published by Patuxent Publishing Company, a valued school system partner.

"The Howard County Public School System values the support of hundreds of businesses and other community organizations," stated Mary Schiller, manager of the HCPSS Partnerships Office. "Our partners devote countless hours, priceless talents, and innumerable other resources to help provide the highest caliber education for Howard County students."

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.

September 29, 2009 (#2009-034)

Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 3 p.m.* on Thursday, October 8, 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 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.

*Note: The start time of the meeting has been changed from 4 p.m. to 3 p.m.

September 29, 2009 (#2009-033)

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, October 7, 2009, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 23, 2009 (#2009-032)

School System's Office of School Planning to Hold 2010 Attendance Area Adjustment Regional Meetings

Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide input on the preliminary plans for the 2010 attendance area adjustments at two regional meetings:

Regional Meeting I
Tuesday, September 29, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Hammond High School
8800 Guilford Road in Columbia

Regional Meeting II
Wednesday, September 30, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Centennial High School
4300 Centennial Lane in Ellicott City

Specific areas under consideration include the Greenbridge area and the Woodmark Triangle area at the high school level. The meeting will begin with a short summary and then there will be opportunity for questions and comment.

September 21, 2009 (#2009-031)

All Howard High Schools Make AYP; 99.8% Met HSA Requirement

Superintendent Sydney Cousin announced today that based on the results of the Algebra and English High School Assessments (HSA), all 12 Howard County high schools met Adequate Yearly Progress for 2009. The HSA results reflect the performance of students who were in Grade 12 at the end of the 2008-2009 school year.

The Class of 2009 was the first that needed to meet the HSA requirement to graduate. Howard County's overall pass rates for the Class of 2009 are as follows:
Algebra 98.8%
Biology 96.3%
English 95.5%
Government 98.5%

Across Howard County high schools, 99.8% of students met the HSA requirement as follows:
Passed 4 HSAs 90.0%
Combined score 8.4%
Bridge Plan 1.4%

One student received a waiver.

No Howard County student failed to graduate solely as a result of not fulfilling the HSA requirement. Five students did not meet the HSA requirement, however they also failed to fulfill other graduation requirements. Howard County reached its highest graduation rate ever at 94.87% and maintains one of the lowest dropout rates in the state at 1.4%.

September 21, 2009 (#2009-030)

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, October 10, 2009, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Media Center at Bellows Spring Elementary School
8125 Old Stockbridge Drive in Elicott City

September 18, 2009 (#2009-029)

Board of Education's Legislative Committee to Meet

The Howard County Board of Education's Legislative Committee will meet at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. The meeting will take place in the Board Planning Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 16, 2009 (#2009-028)

Program Shares HCPSS Preparation for Flu

The award-winning Parent Teacher Connection begins its eighth season on HCPSS TV this month with a segment on the efforts of school and county health officials to prevent outbreaks of seasonal and H1N1 flu in our schools. Producer-host Bruce Johnson and returning parent hosts Deborah Wessner and Jennifer Johnson also share information on free professional tutors, who provide homework help to students via the county library's WEB site. Viewers will also learn about the school system's new employee dress guidelines, including a style show of workplace do's and don'ts.

Parent Teacher Connection recently garnered an Aegis Video Finalist Award for educational programming. Watch the Parent Teacher Connection on HCPSS TV (Comcast channel 95 and Verizon channel 42), Wednesday nights at 7 pm and 10 pm, Saturday at 3 pm, and Sunday at noon and 5 pm.

September 16, 2009 (#2009-027)

Books Alive! Features Authors Margaret Peterson Haddix, Sharon Draper

Margaret Peterson Haddix, best-selling author of books for children and teens, chats with host Barb Langridge about her writing career, past works and upcoming projects on the next edition of Books Alive! Haddix's books for young readers include The Missing Series, Claim to Fame, Among the Hidden, Because of Anya, and The Girl with 500 Middle Names. Her work has been honored with the International Reading Association Children's Book Award, American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers citations, and several state Readers' Choice Awards.

Langridge also interviews Sharon M. Draper, a professional educator and accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award, and is a New York Times bestselling author. Her literary recognition began when, as a challenge from one of her students, she entered and won first prize in a literary contest for her short story, "One Small Torch." She has published numerous poems, articles, and short stories in a variety of literary journals. She is the published author of Copper Sun, November Blues, Fire from Rock, the Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs series, and many other publications.

Books Alive! is broadcast on HCPSS TV on Sundays at 6:00 pm, Tuesdays at 11:00 am, 2:00, 7:00, and 10:00 pm, and Saturdays at 10:00 pm.

September 15, 2009 (#2009-026)

Hammond Middle School Named National Blue Ribbon School

Hammond Middle School, 8110 Aladdin Drive in Laurel, is one of 314 schools to be named 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools, according to information released today by the United States Department of Education today. Hammond was named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School in December 2008.

Principal Kerry McGowan, who received the word yesterday, could hardly contain herself until the release time today. "I am so excited! This is such an honor."

Hammond is one of Howard County's top performing middle schools. Ninety-five percent of Hammond students scored at proficient or advanced in reading on the 2009 Maryland School Assessments (MSA). Of those, 63 percent scored at the advanced level. In mathematics, 93 percent of Hammond students scored at proficient or advanced. Forty-eight percent of those students scored at the advanced level.

Hammond is realizing success across student groups. A total of 94 percent of the school's Hispanic students scored at proficient or advanced in reading and 89 percent in math. The school's African American students are performing at a high level as well; 83 percent scored at proficient or advanced in reading and 77 in mathematics.

Hammond has distinguished itself in other arenas as well. The school has been designated a Healthy Howard School by the Howard County Health Department, has received Green School Certification from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education each year since 2001, and was recognized as a PBIS Gold Award School for its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) Program.

September 15, 2009 (#2009-025)

Students to Sample the Rigors, Rewards of Farm Life

Four students from Murray Hill Middle School in Laurel will become farm hands for a day at the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine on September 16. The visit is an annual highlight of the Farm-City Celebration, a series of fall events planned to promote mutual understanding and appreciation between urban citizens and agriculture in Howard County.

The students will start the day with a tour of the farm and an introduction to its horse rescue program. After a quick immersion into the basics of understanding and caring for horses, the students will take an active part in daily farm activities. Each will try their hand at feeding and watering, stall cleaning, grooming, and handling. In the process, they will learn how to care for horses responsibly, safely, and humanely.

DeEtte Gorrie, Days End Farm Horse Rescue Volunteer Coordinator, will host the students for the day. Kathy Zimmerman, Agricultural Specialist for the Howard County Economic Development Authority; Kevin Lee, Murray Hill Middle School Counselor; and Mary Schiller, Manager, HCPSS Partnerships Office will also participate.

On September 29, the students will share highlights of their day on the farm with guests at a Farm City Luncheon at the Circle D Farm in Glenwood.

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.

September 14, 2009 (#2009-024)

Board of Education's Legislative Committee to Meet

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2009, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

September 14, 2009 (#2009-023)

The Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, Public Work Session and Approve FY 2011 Capital Budget and FY 2012 - 2016 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 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 a public hearing, work session, and approve the FY 2011 Capital Budget and FY 2012 - 2016 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. Pre-registration will take place during business hours up to the close of business on the last working day before the hearing.

To sign up to testify at the 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.

September 11, 2009 (#2009-022)

Board of Education to Hold Legislative Breakfast

The Howard County Board of Education is sponsoring a breakfast for the County Council, the County Executive and State Legislators to discuss legislative issues. The breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, in the Board Room at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108, in Ellicott City.

September 9, 2009 (#2009-021)

Long Reach High and Select Energy Solutions Partnership Promotes Energy Conservation

A new partnership with Select Energy Solutions, Inc. will empower Long Reach High School students, staff, and the school community with knowledge and actionable plans for understanding and improving the environment.
The partnership will be formalized with an official signing at the Waterside Restaurant in the Sheraton Columbia Hotel on Tuesday, September 8.

The new partners have agreed to collaborate in providing hands-on projects and other opportunities for students to learn about energy technologies, environmental trends, and careers in the power industries. Select Energy Solutions representatives will lead students and staff in energy use audits for Long Reach High School and work with them to develop and implement effective conservation plans. Company representatives will also collaborate with the school to offer a "Green Community Initiatives" workshop for students, families, and the community.

"The energy conservation industry is exploding," noted Sam Karas, President of Select Energy Solutions. "Students will be able to learn first hand how to evaluate, plan, and experience the outcome of a real energy efficiency project."

He added that students will be the greatest beneficiaries of the relationship. "They'll be preparing for 'green collar' job opportunities. This is a specialty that touches every industry, home, and business; right now, there are not enough experienced people to fill the growing demand. It's important that we educate everyone now, starting with our younger generation."

Long Reach Principal Edmund Evans is equally excited about the partnership. "The kids will be able to learn about renewable energies and emerging technologies in a real life application. By getting them involved in energy audits and developing needs assessments and plans, we'll be able to include many different classes in the energy conservation curriculum  environmental science, math, physics, finance, GT; even English and social studies."

Both students and staff will learn how to take action to conserve energy, he added, noting that "Focusing on doing some little things can add up to a big difference throughout the school."

At 8:30 a.m., Sam Karas, President, and Tim Kolp, Vice President of Business Development for Select Energy Solutions, Inc. will join Howard County Board of Education members Ellen Flynn Giles and Patricia Gordon; Ken Roey, Executive Director, HCPSS Office of Operations; Edmund Evans, Principal, and Clovis Thomas, Assistant Principal, Long Reach High School; and Mary Schiller, Manager of the Partnerships Office to sign the formal partnership agreement.

Select Energy Solutions, Inc. (www.select-energy.com) develops custom electric, natural gas or water conservation systems to meet each customer's unique needs and goals. The company applies multiple technologies and specialized equipment to identify solutions for energy problems that maximize efficiency, reduce operating costs, and minimize environmental impact.

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.

September 2, 2009 (#2009-020)

Board of Education Meeting and Presentation of Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2011 Capital Budget and FY 2012– 2016 Capital Improvement Program

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 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 2011 Capital Budget and FY 2012-2016 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 testify 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.