Connected Communities Newswire - School Newswire

Statement on Montgomery County Council's Passage of FY 2014 Operating Budget

Howard Hartman — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:40:57 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 23, 2013*

Statement on Montgomery County Council's
Passage of FY 2014 Operating Budget

On Thursday (May 23, 2013), the Montgomery County Council approved an operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. The Council approved a $2.23 billion budget for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). This is an increase of about 2.6 percent over FY 2013 and the budget is funded at the minimum level required by state law. MCPS will use $27 million of its budget reserves to fund the FY 2014 budget. The Montgomery County Board of Education is scheduled to approve a final budget on Thursday, June 13.

Board of Education President Christopher S. Barclay released the following statement after the Council�s vote Thursday morning:

�I want to thank the Montgomery County Council for approving a Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget that will allow Montgomery County Public Schools to manage its continued growth, prepare our staff and students for the future, and re-energize our efforts to narrow the achievement gap. The Board of Education looks forward to working with our Council colleagues in the future to ensure that all Montgomery County students receive an education that provides them with the knowledge and skills they need for success in college and the work place.�

Montgomery County Council Press Release

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State Board Of Education Acts to Improve Concussion Safety

Howard Hartman — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:02:22 GMT


For Immediate Release	May 21, 2013

State Board Of Education Acts to Improve Concussion Safety

New Regulations Build on Emergency Rules Put in Place Last Summer

BALTIMORE (May 21, 2013) � The Maryland State Board of Education today approved new regulations designed to further improve safety for student-athletes. The regulations make permanent emergency rules put in place last summer aimed at strengthening concussion safety, while including some important new protections.

The regulations, approved unanimously by the State Board, include the following new requirements:

Coaches must complete biennial refresher concussion training.
Physical education teachers are required to complete concussion training.
Local school systems must implement policies for student athletes who have sustained a suspected concussion to ensure appropriate academic accommodations; documented notification to parents; and timely notification to athletic directors and school nurses.
School systems must identify health care providers authorized to return student-athletes to play after a suspected concussion has occurred.
MSDE, in collaboration with an appropriate medical, academic, and athletic advisory team, to identify collision, contact, and non-contact sports; and recommend limitations of contact athletic exposures to reduce concussion risk.

Emergency regulations approved last July by the State Board required training for coaches in the area of brain injuries, and put in place a process for returning injured athletes to competition. At the same time, the Board directed the Maryland State Department of Education to convene a task force to study concussion-related issues including prevention strategies. The work of that task force led to the new regulations approved today.

The regulations were published in the Maryland Register in March, with the comment period ending April 22. The regulations go into effect immediately.

Graduation Ceremonies Begin May 24

Howard Hartman — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:55:52 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 21, 2013*

Graduation Ceremonies Begin May 24

Speakers Include Political Leaders, Educators, and Athletes

Political and government leaders, professional athletes, and local media personalities highlight this year�s list of speakers at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) graduation ceremonies, which begin this Friday and continue through June 12.

Graduations for 21 MCPS high schools will be held at DAR Constitution Hall (DAR), in Washington D.C. These ceremonies will be streamed live on the DAR Constitution Hall�s website. The first graduation ceremonies are Friday, May 24, for the Alternative Programs and Monday, May 28, for Col. Zadok Magruder and Winston Churchill high schools.

Several political leaders will be speaking at MCPS graduations, including Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown on May 29 (Paint Branch High School); U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, of Maryland, on June 11 (Sherwood High School); and U.S. Representative John Delaney, from the state�s 6th District, on June 4 (Quince Orchard High School). County Executive Isiah Leggett will speak on May 30 to graduates from the RICA program and Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro will address graduates from Wheaton High School on June 5.

From the sports world, Bill Ripken, a former Major League Baseball player and current broadcaster, will speak at the Damascus High School graduation on May 30; Bill O�Brien, football coach from Penn State University, will speak to graduates from Walt Whitman High School on June 7; and former NFL player Shawn Springs, a graduate of Springbrook High School, will address his alma mater on June 10.

Several graduations will feature speakers who are teachers and leaders in MCPS, including 2013-2014 MCPS Teacher of the Year Cristina Ulrich, who will address graduates from Gaithersburg High School on May 31.

The date, location, and speaker at this year�s graduations are:
(school or program, graduation date, time, facility, speaker)

Alternative Programs, 5/24/2013, 10:30 a.m., F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville, Ms. Mary Bowman, Poet, Singer, Author
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 6/6/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Mr. Seth Goldman, president & �TeaEO� of Honest Tea
Montgomery Blair High School, 6/3/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Mr. Derek McGinty, anchor, WUSA-TV
James Hubert Blake High School, 5/30/2013, 10:00 a.m. DAR, Mr. Jim Vance, anchor, WRC-TV
Clarksburg High School, 5/30/2013, 10:00 a.m., Mount St. Mary's University, Mr. Jeff Sullivan, athletics specialist, Montgomery County Public Schools
Winston Churchill High School, 5/28/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Mrs. Rachael Goslins, executive director, Presidential Committee on Arts and Humanities
Damascus High School, 5/30/2013, 10:00 a.m., at the school, Mr. Bill Ripken, Major League Baseball studio analyst, former Major League Player
Albert Einstein High School, 5/29/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, senior speakers
Gaithersburg High School, 5/31/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Mrs. Cristina A. Ulrich, 2013-2014 MCPS Teacher of the Year
Gateway to College, 6/12/2013, 5:00 p.m., Montgomery College, student speakers
Walter Johnson High School, 5/31/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Ms. Eun Yang, anchor, WRC-TV
John F. Kennedy High School, 6/7/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Mr. Byron Stewart, motivational speaker
Stephen Knolls School, 6/5/2013, 1:00 p.m., at the school, Reverend Monsignor John J. Enzler, co-founder of Potomac Community Resources and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
Longview School, 6/12/2013, 10:00 a.m., Home, Mrs. Tara Johnson, senior class teacher and Mrs. Adriana Friedman, transition support teacher
Col. Zadok Magruder High School, 5/28/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Dr. David Steinberg, director, Division of Professional Growth Systems, MCPS (former Magruder principal)
Model Learning Center, 6/7/2013, 1:30 p.m., Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, president, Montgomery College
Richard Montgomery High School, 6/11/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Mr. Will Allen, farmer, founder & CEO Growing Power, Inc.
Northwest High School, 6/5/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Chaplain Barry C. Black, 62nd Chaplain of United States Senate
Northwood High School, 6/10/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Dr. Henry Johnson, assistant state superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education (former Northwood High School principal)
Paint Branch High School, 5/29/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
Poolesville High School, 5/31/2013, 10:00 a.m., Mount St. Mary�s University, Ms. Joyce Bailey, teacher, Global Ecology Head of House
Quince Orchard High School, 6/4/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, U.S. Representative John Delaney, Maryland 6th District
RICA, 5/30/2013, 10:00 a.m., at the school, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett
Rock Terrace School, 6/7/2013, 10:00 a.m., at the school, Mr. John Pereria, director of Learning Center at Central Intelligence Agency
Rockville High School, 6/4/2013, 7:30 p.m., Strathmore, Mrs. Carrie Vieira, teacher
Seneca Valley High School, 6/3/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Mrs. Judith P. Scott, assistant principal
Sherwood High School, 6/11/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Maryland
Springbrook High School, 6/10/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Mr. Shawn Springs, former NFL player (Springbrook alumnus)
Watkins Mill High School, 6/12/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Mr. Adam Schwartz, social studies resource teacher
Wheaton High School, 6/5/2013, 10:00 a.m., DAR, Ms. Nancy Navarro, president, Montgomery County Council, and Ms. Tamara Battle, English teacher
Walt Whitman High School, 6/7/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Mr. Bill O'Brien, head football coach, Pennsylvania State University
Thomas S. Wootton High School, 6/4/2013, 2:30 p.m., DAR, Mrs. Cecilia Munoz, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council

2013 Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Awards are Presented

Howard Hartman — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:09:28 GMT


For Immediate Release	May 17, 2013

Annette Dimaggio Named 2013 Statewide Winner
of Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award

Finalists Also Announced at Ceremony Honoring Parent
Volunteers for Positive Impact on Maryland Public Schools

BALTIMORE (May 17, 2013) � Annette DiMaggio of Queen Anne�s County has been named statewide winner of the sixth annual Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Awards program.

Ms. DiMaggio, an energetic volunteer and PTA president at Sudlersville Elementary, initiated a "Backpack Fridays" project to provide nourishment for at-risk students over the weekends when they are not offered the free meals at school. She collects funds from friends, community members, school staff, and local businesses. Ms. DiMaggio also purchases the food as recommended by the FDA, stores it in her commercial kitchen, and personally fills bags every Thursday to feed 34 students. Other outreach efforts include Community Cares, movie night at the school, and management of the school store. Ms. DiMaggio, who exemplifies the meaning of parent involvement throughout the community, also serves as the PTA president at Sudlersville Middle School where her son attends. Her numerous outreach activities have increased parent involvement at both schools.

Ms. DiMaggio was selected from five finalists also announced at the award ceremony. The finalists were narrowed down from a list of 24 semifinalists announced last month. In addition to Ms. DiMaggio, the finalists were:

Carol Streeter�Crofton Elementary School, Anne Arundel County
Jana Sheffer�Frederick High School, Frederick County
Tami McClatchey�Waterloo Elementary School, Howard County
Megan Cook�Easton Elementary School, Talbot County

�Annette DiMaggio saw a need at her school and in her community, and wouldn�t rest until the need was met. She is an outstanding representative for the thousands of parent and guardian volunteers at work in our schools,� said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. �Strong parental involvement elevates the activity taking place in our classrooms.�

Governor Martin O�Malley said that parents have been key to improving the State�s schools. �Maryland leads the nation in public education and our continued progress is due in large part to the tireless commitment of parents and guardians to their neighborhood schools,� he said. �Volunteers have helped improve student achievement, worked to strengthen school nutrition, and have partnered with us to improve school safety. Parent involvement is absolutely critical to building on our success and helping our children grow and compete in the future."

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) served as Maryland�s Parent Involvement Matters Awards� Platinum Sponsor of the event for the second straight year.

�At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,� said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. �That�s why we are proud to partner with the Maryland State Department of Education as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our guests and team members.�

In addition to the finalist and statewide winner announcements, Mary Kavanagh from Baltimore County was presented with the JoAnne L. Carter Memorial Award in recognition of her special work with Perry Hall High school. This award is given annually in honor of JoAnne L. Carter, Deputy State Superintendent for the Maryland State Department of Education, who lost her battle with cancer in 2009. A parent herself, Ms. Carter was a staunch advocate for parental involvement in education. The award, sponsored by her family, is given annually to a parent that exemplifies all that she held dear.

Ms. Kavanagh brought �Project Love� to Perry Hall in the wake of the cafeteria shooting that occurred at the start of the school year. Her goal was to replace the images of violence in the cafeteria with an image of love in the form of a special mural painting. The Project Love mural was created with the handprints of students and staff who were in the cafeteria at the time of the event � filling in the word �Love.� The shooting victim placed the final handprint on the mural.

The Parent Involvement Matters Awards is the nation�s first and only statewide award program of its kind. The Maryland State Department of Education�s program recognizes parents and guardians for their exceptional support of public education. Parents were nominated for demonstrating significant, positive impact in their communities across five areas of parental involvement: Communication, Volunteering, Learning, Decision Making and Community Collaboration.

In addition to Target, Inc., the Parent Involvement Matters Awards are supported by the Maryland PTA (Silver Sponsor), Harvest Enterprises, Inc.; Cullins Trucking, Inc; and The Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc.

In addition to Ms. DiMaggio and Ms. Kavanagh, the other semifinalists for the Parent Involvement Matters Award were:

Carla Eckard - Flintstone Elementary School
Allegany County Public Schools
Carla Eckard, a parent volunteer at Flintstone Elementary School, is the mother of two who works as an engineer and shares her knowledge of science during Integrated Science Days and Career Day. Ms. Eckard plans Science Days that include physics, chemistry, and life and earth science. The goal is to engage students in hands-on science activities that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to increase parent involvement. When not busy with Science Days, she is capturing school memories in her role as photographer and editor of Flintstone's yearbook.

Carol Streeter - Crofton Elementary School
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Carol Streeter facilitates a variety of programs at Crofton Elementary School, which include the annual Talent Show; E-cubed Program, which includes yoga, Lego building, sewing, cooking, scrapbooking, recycling and matchbox car racing; and publishing the school's directory. She also coordinates the NASA Best Club which allows students - regardless of their math and science abilities - to have an opportunity to participate in the twelve-week after school program that introduces them to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Ms. Streeter modified the curriculum so that all students have the opportunity to participate and has helped parents understand that STEM is not just for gifted students.

Vera Smith - Steuart Hill Academy
Baltimore City Public Schools
Vera Smith has a spirit of teamwork and works diligently to ensure parent and community members have a voice within Steuart Hill Academy � so much so that she canvasses the neighborhood informing parents of the great things happening at the school. Ms. Smith's demeanor is pleasant and she consistently demonstrates her ability to interact positively with students, staff members, and other parents. Serving on the School Family Council, she gives freely of her time in a variety of capacities, such as arriving early to serve breakfast, helping with lunch, and then staying late in the day assisting the afterschool program.

Julie Elbrecht - Sunderland Elementary School
Calvert County Public Schools
Julie Elbrecht serves as the foundation for the recruitment of school volunteers and the coordination of family fun and fundraising activities. She is also involved in the decisions to allocate Family and School Organization resources to support the students and school environment. Ms. Elbrecht�s efforts to recruit and train a cadre of assistant volunteers are rewarded by her strong organizational skills, her personal commitment to Sunderland Elementary School students, and her amazing ability to find a special way to make "her" volunteers feel appreciated.

Emily Phillips - Federalsburg Elementary School
Caroline County Public Schools
Knowing the importance of parent involvement in a child's education can have the greatest impact upon their lives, Emily Phillips has served as homeroom parent, member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and member of the Parent Advisory Committee at Federalsburg Elementary School. In addition, Ms. Phillips prepares students, in grades one through five, for a successful future through the Six Pillars of Character Program. Because of her volunteerism, children understand that citizenship includes civic virtues and duties that prescribe how we behave as part of a community. The Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you - nicely illustrates the Pillar of Respect for Ms. Phillips.

Joanie Mayle - Northwest Middle School
Carroll County Public Schools
Joanie Mayle is a parent, volunteer, Advisory Council representative, and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) president at Northwest Middle School. Ms. Mayle organizes all fundraisers, and social events, which include Arcs and Sparks from the Maryland Science Center; annual assemblies on the Civil War - part of the Social Studies curriculum, and Bullying; Diversity/Multicultural Day, and the annual Veterans Day Celebration. In addition, Ms. Mayle serves as president for the Band Booster Organization at Francis Scott Key High School where another one of her children attends. She is a great supporter of Northwest Middle School and Francis Scott Key High School in the Northwest Region of Carroll County.

Jennifer Guite - Conowingo Elementary School
Cecil County Public Schools
Working directly with students in the classroom brings Jennifer Guite her greatest joy. Ms. Guite works with small groups and individual students assisting with homework, learning basic math facts, practicing reading and writing skits to be performed school-wide. In addition, she demonstrates true leadership skills as the co-advisor of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Initiative - a school nutrition and physical activity program that emphasizes health and wellness. The Fuel Up to Play 60 Initiative has spawned the creation of interdisciplinary instructional units that are student-based and relative to the Common Core State Standards. Her efforts have resulted in a better educational experience for all students at Conowingo Elementary School, as well as helped to create a healthier and more educated community.

Victoria Kelly - Mary H. Matula Elementary School
Charles County Public Schools
Wanting to create the best environment possible for her children, and realizing the importance of parent involvement, Victoria Kelly serves as the PTO president at Mary H. Matula Elementary School. From organizing Meet & Greet Socials to hosting "Donuts with Dad" and "Muffins with Mom" events to make parents feel welcome and to create a sense of community, Ms. Kelly not only keeps parents crossing the threshold, but also keeps them in the loop by maintaining the school�s Facebook page and publishing the monthly newsletter. She keeps the entire community informed by submitting photographs and articles to the local newspaper about the great things happening at school.

Diana Creighton - Warwick Elementary School
Dorchester County Public Schools
Diana Creighton has played a significant role in the revitalization and rejuvenation of the parent organization, recently named P.A.W.S - Parents Assisting Warwick Students. In addition to raising more than $8,000 in just four short months, additional fundraisers are providing field trips, classroom materials, pizza parties, festivals, and assemblies to students at Warwick Elementary School. Because of her enthusiasm and leadership, more parents want to be involved and are taking an active role in the school and in their children's lives. Ms. Creighton serves as the driving force of new traditions that are beginning, as well as the cultural change taking place in the community.

Jana Sheffer - Frederick High School
Frederick County Public Schools
Known as the mastermind of communication and consensus-building, Jana Sheffer has been PTA President for multiple years at three schools. Ms. Sheffer not only championed the two-year $91.9 million Frederick High School Renovation/ Modernization Project, she also helped manage and market the Care For Kids Campaign. The campaign was launched in 2010 by a small group of parents who recognized the economic disparity of the student population, and provided gift cards, toiletries, and donations to underprivileged students. Ms. Sheffer spearheaded spreading the word through the community to help the kids in need. She is ever present in communicating the need, volunteering, and collaborating with the community to provide student resources that benefit Frederick High and the county at large.

Jeanine Sisler - Broad Ford Elementary School
Garrett County Public Schools
Jeanine Sisler is the epitome of a caring and involved parent and a real asset at Broad Ford Elementary School. As the PTO president, Ms. Sisler has made great strides to improve the school's PTO budget, as well as the life of students. From working with a local dentist to offer dental services to students of families with limited resources to orchestrating a Gold Fundraiser to assist with the health costs for a student with a serious medical condition - Ms. Sisler wears a smile every day, shows that she has a heart of gold, and gives without an expectation of receiving.

Carol Vach - Ring Factory Elementary School
Harford County Public Schools
As the Vice President of Ring Factory Elementary School�s PTA, Carol Vach is hailed as a "jack of all trades," and has been the backbone of all school activities for five consecutive years. Her events help provide a wholesome family evening and make the school a home away from home. Ms. Vach not only spends countless hours soliciting donations from local businesses to support school activities, and organizing the annual Fall Festival; Spring Fling; Laps for Learning; Teacher Appreciation Week; Winter Wonderland; and Parents Night Out events, but she also promotes goodwill and a feeling of unity in others through her parent involvement.

Tami McClatchey - Waterloo Elementary School
Howard County Public Schools
Tami McClatchey knows the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and she shares it with others as Chair of the Wellness Committee at Waterloo Elementary School. Ms. McClatchey recognized the importance of getting young children started early in making good choices regarding nutrition and physical activity. With her leadership, procedures for indoor recess were adjusted; a movement room for exercise and dance videos is available for students; balls and jump ropes were purchased for outdoor recess activity; and the Wellness Committee organized its first Family 5K Walk/Run with proceeds being donated to two charities that benefit cancer treatment.

Dennis Walters - Galena Elementary School
Kent County Public Schools
As the PTA President, Junior Achievement Coach, and a Character Counts! Coach, Dennis Walters has made a huge impact on the students, families, staff, and community of Galena Elementary School. Not only did he promote physical activity and healthy behaviors in and out of the school by leading the charge for the NFL Play 60 Program and Kent County Public Schools Wellness Council, but he also found many ways to bring the school and community together. And his dedication did not end there; he has served on several school board committees keeping in the forefront the best interests of the most important stakeholders...the students.

Marilyn Whitted - Wheaton High School
Montgomery County Public Schools
Known to many simply as "Taylor's Mom," Marilyn Whitted wears many hats--from chauffeur to cheerleader to advocate at Wheaton High School. In addition, she has served as NAACP liaison, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) board member, and is currently Chair of the Post-Prom Committee. Ms. Whitted's participation in a six-week Study Circles Program, designed to engage diverse staff, parents, and students in discussion and problem-solving, has been instrumental in developing outreach approaches and encouraging relationships, awareness, and strategies needed to address racial and ethnic barriers to student achievement, as well as parent involvement.

Kimberly Hall - John Hanson French Immersion School
Prince George's County Public Schools
Kimberly Hall, a dedicated parent of three children at John Hanson French Immersion School, served as PTSA President, School Board Liaison, and currently is the PTSA Program Chair and Room Mother in two classrooms. Ms. Hall has introduced several enrichment programs in grades K-5, including the Mad Science of Washington, D.C. Program - students learn about science through experimentation. She initiated afterschool dance programs where students learn jazz and modern dance, as well as a language program where students learn Mandarin. Ms. Hall recognized the need for students to understand the importance of Black History by directing the Black History program, and involved all grade levels in the production. Her efforts in building "the whole child" have contributed to a better awareness of the school's staff, which represents 17 different countries.

Norma Sydnor - Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
St. Mary's County Public Schools
Arriving at school before most staff members, and although her grandchildren and great grandchildren have moved on to middle school and beyond, Norma Sydnor is still very much committed to student success at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School. Her dedication to helping has not waned-- her three-day per week volunteerism and her level of energy to get things done is remarkable. Whether it is copying, filing, sorting, binding, laminating or classroom preparation, teachers are able to deliver quality instruction because Ms. Sydnor is ready, willing, and able to assist wherever needed.

Aurelia Martinez - Woodson Elementary School
Somerset County Public Schools
Aurelia Martinez was not assigned to the Latino Parent Outreach Project - she was born to it, serving as a role model, motivated liaison, and advocate for the Latino community and the school system. Ms. Martinez makes phone calls to Latino parents encouraging them to attend school functions - often providing personal transportation. She also acts as interpreter for families and shares resources, which has translated into better prepared Latino students. Her volunteerism spans throughout the community - she transports Latino families to Bible study, opens her home by serving authentic Mexican food, and is collaborating with her employer on a major community project to clean-up and reopen the local beach. Latino parents trust Ms. Martinez and her outreach has increased Latino parent involvement at Woodson Elementary School.

Megan Cook - Easton Elementary School
Talbot County Public Schools
CarePacks is a program whose mission is to end weekend hunger among Easton Elementary School's most economically vulnerable students. Thanks to Megan Cook, CarePacks now serves 180 students in all five elementary schools in Talbot County. The program provides two breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and fruit items to eligible students every Friday afternoon. Ms. Cook began the program's fundraising efforts, researching grants, and talking to business owners, personal contacts and community groups about the program. Almost immediately, she was able to secure close to $3,000 in funding through contacts with individuals, churches and service organizations.

Tara Ensor - Bester Elementary School
Washington County Public Schools
Tara Ensor is being described as a beacon of the "Making a Difference Every Day" parent project at Bester Elementary School. Even though she is a single parent of two children, Ms. Ensor has spent countless hours in assembling informational packets and cataloging items for the parent resource center, so that the families of the community are able to get information on a variety of topics. In addition, Ms. Ensor has run the weekly "Kindergarten Cash Cart" reward program independently and efficiently for the last two years, working in the classroom with students on reading, mathematics, and science activities. She is a role model of strength for other parents, staff and students.

Lisa Mertensotto - Salisbury Middle School
Wicomico County Public Schools
Lisa Mertensotto is known as the quintessential volunteer for mobilizing parents, as well as securing community and civic resources to ensure students receive the very best that Salisbury Middle School has to offer. She orchestrated the Alzheimer's' Walk, dances, talent shows, basket bingo, lunch on the lawn, community yard sales to meet the needs of lower income families, the eighth-grade formal, and the positive behavior incentive carnival. She also provides valuable input on school safety. One of four founding members of "Parents in Action," Ms. Mertensotto's 'can do' attitude and volunteer spirit leads the way, as she advocates for the students at Salisbury Middle School.

Jeanne Zender - Showell Elementary School
Worcester County Public Schools
Child advocacy is Jeanne Zender's mantra. Understanding that parent involvement is more than just fundraising at Showell Elementary School, Ms. Zender is also a positive role model and ensures that the school is a special place for students and parents alike. She brings her love of Fine Arts to the school by hosting the annual Showell Elementary Talent Show - giving students an opportunity to display their talents in various ways that are not found in the curriculum. She cares for all students and wants them to have experiences that can make a difference in their lives, such as the Arts. In addition, Ms. Zender helped to bring to fruition the "Moms Helping Moms" program which provides meals and resources to three needy families at the school.

Dr. Starr Releases Statement, Data on Final Exam Performance and Course Completion

Howard Hartman — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:00:46 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 17, 2013*

Superintendent Releases Statement, Data on
Final Exam Performance and Course Completion

A Statement from Superintendent Joshua P. Starr on High School Mathematics Final Exams and Course Completion:

Over the past few weeks, there has been much discussion about final exam results, specifically high failure rates on high school final exams in mathematics. Since I arrived at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in July 2011�and for years before that�our schools have been focused on course completion in mathematics, not on the specific elements that make up the final grades. While that will continue to be the case, it is clear from a review of historical data that failure rates on some high school mathematics final exams are unacceptably high and have been so for a number of years. This requires us to look at various aspects of our mathematics program, including policy, curriculum alignment, professional development, and instructional effectiveness.

The district has received several requests for data about final exams and course completion and we are releasing some of that information today. However, this data cannot be looked at in isolation. The data should help us ask better questions and should also be used to identify and address the individual needs of each student.

The final exam data does not tell the whole story of how our students are performing in mathematics. For instance, while 39 percent of our high school students earned a passing grade (A, B, C, or D) on the Algebra 1 final exam in January 2013, 81 percent earned a passing grade in the class for the first semester. So failure on the final exam does not mean failure in the class. Also, student performance on the mathematics portion of the SAT has improved the past five years, rising from 549 (out of 800) in 2008 to 561 in 2012.

However, that does not mean we can simply accept high failure rates on the final exams, nor can we accept the variability in performance among schools and among different subgroups of students. This is something that must be addressed and, I promise, will be addressed.

Some of the systemic solutions are underway. The Mathematics Work Group, established in 2009 and comprised of teachers, administrators, parents and other stakeholders, spent two years reviewing the MCPS mathematics program and made several recommendations that are being implemented. For instance, MCPS is in the process of implementing Curriculum 2.0�which includes the new Common Core State Standards in mathematics�that will allow students to go deeper in math and better prepare them for high school classes and beyond. We are investing significant resources to support this implementation, including professional development for teachers, an implementation team that will provide direct support to schools, and 30 Focus teachers to provide additional mathematics and literacy instruction in specific schools.

I believe the steps we are taking will strengthen our mathematics program in the future and better prepare our students for postsecondary education and the workplace. However, we cannot stand by and let current students in our schools go through middle and high school with gaps in their mathematics knowledge and understanding. We must serve and support those students now.

To assess our current and future needs in mathematics, I am establishing two groups. The first will be a committee of administrators and teachers who will address some of the immediate issues surrounding mathematics instruction, including how to quickly offer support to students who are performing poorly. I�ve asked Dr. Christopher Garran and Dr. Darryl Williams�both community superintendents who are former high school principals�to lead this group, which will come up with recommendations that can be implemented at the beginning of next school year.

The second group will be an ongoing committee of parents, administrators and teachers who will provide ongoing oversight and feedback on the MCPS mathematics program. This group will include some members of the Mathematics Work Group, as well as other staff and community members, who will regularly review the impact that our policies, budgetary decisions, and instructional practices are having on student achievement and success.

There is more than one reason that some of our students are performing poorly on mathematics exams and, subsequently, there is more than one solution. But I know that, working together, we can find those solutions and provide our students the knowledge and skills they need for success.

High School Exam Grade and Course Grade Distribution (Districtwide, 2012-2013)

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Districtwide Mathematics Final Exam Performance 2009-2013

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Mathematics Exam Performance and Course Grade (School-by-school 2012-2013)

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Note: To comply with Federal privacy laws, categories with fewer than 5 students are notes as '<5'

Board of Education Discusses Environmental Sustainability

Howard Hartman — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:35:01 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 17, 2013*

Board of Education Discusses Environmental
Sustainability; Receives Update on Innovation Schools

The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Among other items, the Board discussed MCPS� environmental sustainability efforts, received an update on the launch of the Innovation Schools initiative, and held a discussion on changes in COMAR requirements related to curriculum advisory committees. The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board of Education website. You can also watch video of the meeting by clicking here.

Environmental Sustainability
The Board of Education received an update and held a discussion on MCPS� environmental sustainability practices. MCPS has become a recognized leader in several areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. On April 22, 2013, the U.S. Department of Education recognized Cedar Grove and Summit Hall elementary schools with National Green Ribbon School Awards and recognized MCPS with the National Green Ribbon District Sustainability Award. MCPS has many programs and initiatives in place, including:

Education and Awareness, including outdoor education, school gardens, environmental literacy, and the School Energy and Recycling Team (SERT) program;
Resource Conservation/Utilities, including conservation efforts, use of energy-saving products, and growing use of alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind;
Solid Waste and Recycling, including policies and practices that have doubled the district�s recycling rate in just five years and the use of office supplies made of post-consumer waste materials;
Construction and Land Use, including a commitment to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) practices and the use of green construction materials;
Transportation, including a yearly review of bus routes to reduce the number of buses needed and the installation of sustainable equipment;
Technology, including the use of more energy efficient computer equipment and scheduled shutdowns of computers to save energy.

MCPS is now in the process of developing an environmental sustainability management plan that will serve as a roadmap for managing future sustainability efforts and programs. This plan also will provide MCPS with a formal framework to coordinate efforts, track progress, and explore innovations for the future while balancing a record that measures the financial, social, and environmental performance of MCPS.

Read the Board Memo

Innovation Schools
The Board of Education received an update from Superintendent Joshua Starr and held a discussion on the schools that will participate in MCPS� new initiative to improve student performance and narrow achievement gaps. The district�s first 10 Innovation Schools will receive intense support in designing and implementing innovative school improvement strategies and professional learning plans. MCPS� Chief School Improvement Officer will serve as the case manager for each school and make sure the strategies and plans are implemented and supported by central office.

The Innovation Schools are Clopper Mill, Strathmore, and Watkins Mill elementary schools; Argyle, A. Mario Loiederman, and Montgomery Village middle schools; John F. Kennedy, Springbrook, and Watkins Mill high schools; and the alternative programs.

Innovation Schools were first identified through an examination of a variety of student outcome data, spanning all grade levels. Other factors were then considered, including the status of current school improvement efforts and leadership. The Chief School Improvement Officer will work with each school to conduct a needs assessment that will allow for the development of an improvement plan customized to the need of each school. The improvement work in each school will be led by the principal and his or her leadership team.

Learn more about Innovation Schools

Changes in State Requirements for Curriculum Advisories
The Board held a discussion on changes to the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) requirements for curriculum advisories. Revisions to COMAR �13A.04.18 changed state mandates for health education and COMAR no longer requires local board oversight of health education beyond local policies and regulations for curriculum development and instructional materials evaluation and selection. In light of these changes, the Board voted to dissolve the Citizens Advisory Committee on Family Life and Human Development (CACFLHD) as a Board-appointed committee and to align procedures for reviewing Comprehensive Health Education curriculum and materials with the procedures of all other content areas in MCPS. The Board also voted to have Montgomery County Public Schools review its current health education curriculum, in particular the lessons related to respect in grades 8 and 10.

Read the Board Memo

Mathematics Final Exam Performance
The Board received an update from Dr. Starr and engaged in a discussion on how the district will look into high final exam failure rates in high school, especially in mathematics. Dr. Starr emphasized that final exam performance is only one data point and must be considered in context. Overall, he said, students in MCPS perform well in mathematics, but it is important to address concerns about exams and offer support to students who have gaps in their mathematics knowledge. A group of MCPS administrators and teachers will convene to determine how the district can best support students who are not doing well on the exams. The work of this group should be completed before the beginning of next school year. Dr. Starr will also bring together a multi-stakeholder group, including parents and students, to provide ongoing feedback and input on systemic issues in mathematics education in MCPS.

Administrative Appointments
The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:

Andrew M. Zuckerman, currently associate superintendent, Area 1, Prince George�s County Public Schools as chief of staff, Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Niki T. Hazel, currently supervisor, Elementary Integrated Curriculum Team, as director, Elementary Integrated Curriculum Team
June L. Zillich, currently student services specialist, as supervisor, Linkages to Learning and School-based Health Services, Office of the Chief Engagement and Partnership Officer
Yolanda R. Allen, currently principal intern, Gaithersburg Elementary School, as principal, Goshen Elementary School
Wanda L. Means Harris, currently assistant principal, Sequoyah Elementary School, as principal, Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School
Shoua F. Moua, currently principal, Bruce F. Vento Elementary School, Saint Paul Public School District, Saint Paul, MN, as principal, Woodlin Elementary School

Other Action: The Board also took action on several items, including:

-Approved the preliminary plans for the Arcola Elementary School addition project

-Approved the preliminary plans for the Rosemary Hills Elementary School addition project

Resolutions: The Board unanimously approved the following:

- A resolution recognizing May 5 through May 11, 2013 as Pupil Personnel Worker Week

- A resolution recognizing the 2013 NAACP Scholarship Recipients

- A resolution recognizing May 6 through May 10, 2013 as the 28th annual School Nutrition Employee Week

Junior Achievement Greater Washington Futures -May 2013

Howard Hartman — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:23:24 GMT

Financial Literacy | Work Readiness | Entrepreneurship

Greater Washington
Futures

May 2013

DONATE | VOLUNTEER | myJA.org

Ed Grenier

President and CEO
Junior Achievement of
Greater Washington

Our nation recently celebrated Volunteer and Teacher Appreciation Weeks. Both are especially meaningful to Junior Achievement.

It is through our 4,000 volunteers and 1,500 teachers that we empower 52,000 local young people each year to navigate their way to success in the modern economy.

These 5,500 people selflessly give their time and energy to help our students.

From all of us at Junior Achievement, thank you.

Empowering young people to own their economic success

Washington Business Hall of Fame
Announces Laureates

William Couper
Retired President, Mid-Atlantic Region
Bank of America

Linda P. Hudson
President & CEO
BAE Systems, Inc.

Bobbie Greene Kilberg
President & CEO
Northern Virginia Technology Council

Mark Ordan
Chief Executive Officer
Sunrise Senior Living

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 3, 2013, to celebrate the Laureates' impact on Greater Washington. Proceeds support Junior Achievement's efforts to prepare the region's young people to succeed in the global economy. To reserve your table, please visit www.WashingtonBusinessHallofFame.org.

Prince George�s County Students
Participate in Finance Park Pilot

In the pilot�s third year, over 700 Prince George�s County middle and high school students recently visited Junior Achievement Finance Park, Greater Washington�s first hands-on, financial education learning center based in Fairfax, VA.

Junior Achievement is building a second Finance Park facility in Landover, MD, with plans to begin serving students from the county in fall 2014. Partner Capital One is underwriting the construction.

To learn more about Finance Park, please visit www.JuniorAchievementFinancePark.org.

National Credit Union Administration
Officials Tour Finance Park

Senior officials from the National Credit Union Administration toured Junior Achievement Finance Park during National Financial Literacy Month in April.

They discussed Junior Achievement�s leadership role in the financial literacy movement, offered ideas for partnership, and specifically noted the impact Finance Park has on students.

To learn more, please click here.

Montgomery County Councilmember
Addresses JA Supporters

Junior Achievement recently hosted a breakfast attended by business, education, and government leaders, with Valerie Ervin of the Montgomery County Council as keynote speaker.

Councilmember Ervin discussed the county�s student achievement gap, and highlighted Junior Achievement as a unique way to teach youth valuable life-skills and connect them with mentors.

To learn more about JA in Montgomery County, please visit www.myJA.org/montgomery/.

High School Student
Golfs for JA

Tyler Dunmyer, a junior at Quince Orchard High School, is raising funds for Junior Achievement by playing at 50 golf courses in 50 days.

He is selling tickets to the Mid-Atlantic Championship on May 29, which will be his 50th course. All of the proceeds will support Junior Achievement programs in local schools.

To learn more and support Tyler and JA, please visit www.myJA.org/montgomery/about/
supporters/dunmyer.html.

Innovation Schools Will Receive Focused Support to Raise Student Performance

Howard Hartman — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:11:17 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 14, 2013*

Innovation Schools Will Receive Focused Support to
Raise Student Performance, Narrow Achievement Gaps

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Joshua P. Starr announced the names of 10 schools that will participate in a new initiative to improve student performance and narrow achievement gaps. Dr. Starr made the announcement during the Montgomery County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday (May 14, 2013).

The district�s first 10 Innovation Schools will receive intense support in designing and implementing innovative school improvement strategies and professional learning plans, beginning in 2013-2014. The district�s Chief School Improvement Officer will serve as the case manager for each school and make sure the strategies and plans are implemented and supported by central office.

The Innovation Schools are Clopper Mill, Strathmore, and Watkins Mill elementary schools; Argyle, A. Mario Loiederman, and Montgomery Village middle schools; John F. Kennedy, Springbrook, and Watkins Mill high schools; and the alternative programs.

�The 10 Innovation Schools have already shown a commitment to school improvement and have the staff and leadership in place to accelerate that progress,� Dr. Starr said. �These schools will serve as a model for how collaborative work, with one other and with central office, can lead to great outcomes for our students.�

Innovation Schools were first identified through an examination of a variety of student outcome data, spanning all grade levels. Other factors were then considered, including the status of current school improvement efforts and leadership. Community superintendents and other staff in the Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI) developed the final list of Innovation Schools.

The Chief School Improvement Officer will work with each school to conduct a needs assessment that will allow for the development of an improvement plan customized to the needs of each school. The improvement work in each school will be led by the principal and his or her leadership team. Among the supports that will be provided to the Innovation Schools are:

- Regular coaching and support to the principal, leadership team, and student support team to implement improvement strategies across the school;
- Assistance in the design of school-based professional learning sessions;
- Use of progress monitoring systems to track improvements;
- Monthly collaborative learning sessions for principals in the Innovation Schools Network.

�We chose the term Innovation Schools because these schools will use creative strategies and ideas to improve student achievement and then share what they have learned with other schools throughout the district,� said Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, deputy superintendent of school support and improvement.

Board of Education Memo on Innovation Schools

Download This Document

Board of Education to Meet on Thursday, May 14

Howard Hartman — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:38:52 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 10, 2013*

Board of Education to Meet on Thursday, May 14

The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., with public agenda items beginning at 10 a.m. The public portion of the meeting will be broadcast live on the MCPS website and on MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34).

The agenda for the meeting is below.

View Larger Map

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Board of Education Honors Individuals, Organizations for Distinguished Service

Howard Hartman — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:24:53 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 9, 2013*

Board of Education Honors Individuals,
Organizations for Distinguished Service

The Montgomery County Board of Education honored 15 individuals and organizations during its annual Distinguished Service Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 8. The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

The Board established the awards to recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) by members of the community, business, MCPS staff and school volunteers.

�Educating our children is a collaborative effort that involves all parts of our community,� said Christopher S. Barclay, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education. �The Distinguished Service Awards honor those who have given selflessly of their time, their resources, and their talents to make sure our students receive a high-quality education.�

The Distinguished Service Award winners are:

Community Individual
Richard Edelman has served Montgomery County�s educational community as a PTA leader for more than two decades. He established relationships with key leaders of the governing bodies and the school system in order to create the appropriate forums for discussion and to ensure parents� messages were heard.

Larry Edmonds has served as PTSA president at Banneker Middle School, Paint Branch cluster coordinator, and is currently vice president of Legislation for MCCPTA. He has also been a member of the Parents Advisory Council and one of the creative forces involved in the 7 Keys to College Readiness initiative.

Antonio Hernandez-Cardoso has helped motivate Latino parents to be more actively engaged in their children�s academic interests. He has parlayed his experiences into helping immigrant parents adjust to living in the U.S. and supporting their children in the classroom. Currently, he is serving as member of the executive Board of the PTA and the Leadership Team at Brookhaven Elementary School.

Katya Partan has volunteered at multiple schools in the Montgomery Blair cluster. She has volunteered weekly in the Piney Branch Elementary School science lab for 10 years. She has dedicated hours to helping students succeed in the Knowledge Masters Open, a worldwide academic competition.

Business
Savers, Inc. distributes gift cards to disadvantaged adults, children and families, which are then redeemed by participants at local Unique Thrift and Value Village stores. Each school and organization identifies families and distributes the gift cards, which can be used to purchase a variety of school supplies, backpacks, clothes and household goods at a discounted price.

Leo Schwartz, a well-respected home builder and community leader who serves on the Board of Directors for the Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit foundation that promotes career education related to the construction industry. He has also been involved with the advisory committee focused on the modernization of Thomas Edison High School of Technology.

MCPS Staff
Michael Calvert is a science teacher who has taught at Herbert Hoover Middle School for 10 years. He is in charge of the after-school Ecology Club and the Stream Clean Team. He is excellent at explaining the details of science to students and finds fun ways to make instructional lessons exciting.

Dr. James A. Distler, currently a K�12 counselor specialist, was instrumental in developing courses in Engineering, Robotics and Technology Education. He helped develop the Technology Education curriculum and programs of study that provide middle school students with the application of science and mathematics principles in practical problem-solving situations.

Ronald Frezzo has served as a choral music teacher at Richard Montgomery High School for more than 28 years. He implemented a lunch choir for students who desire to sing, but are unable to enroll in a chorus ensemble. He has led 35 workshops in the U.S., Canada and Europe and has provided curriculum training to more than 600 teachers since 1988.

School Service Volunteer
Kevin Ambrose has volunteered for 12 years in first grade classes at Somerset Elementary School. He began in the fall of 2001 as a writer's workshop volunteer. He now comes to the school every day, and his work helping students with writing and reading has been folded into the teaching program.

Victoria Couch served as president of the Wheaton Woods Elementary School PTA. She had a leadership role in three book fairs as well as spring and fall fundraisers. She helped sponsor ice cream socials as a reward for students' positive behavior in the cafeteria, the Linkages to Learning Holiday Bazaar, and Family Dine-out nights at local restaurants.

Kelly and Thomas Giblin have donated thousands of hours to schools in the Einstein cluster. They have led PTAs and been a guiding force in the Einstein Booster Club. They have stocked and worked the concessions at sporting events to raise funds for the teams; organized, cooked and cleaned up at every sports banquet; staffed the spirit wear booth; and participated in the annual fall and spring spruce-up-the-school-grounds events.

Individual Pioneer
Irene Coleman and Siham Eldadah designed and launched an art program for middle school students. My Proud Culture encouraged students to learn about and depict some aspect of their culture of which they were especially proud through art. The program has become a part of the MCPS curriculum, and the school system now offers a program through which middle school students can become published authors.

2013 National Merit� $2500 Scholarship Winners Named

Howard Hartman — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:23:50 GMT

2013 National Merit� $2500 Scholarship Winners Named

Thirty-two Montgomery County Students Among the Winners

Montgomery County Winners

(Evanston, Illinois) Today, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced this year�s National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.

National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state�s percentage of the nation�s graduating high school seniors.

These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

NMSC finances most of these single-payment National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC also help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

2013 National Merit Scholarship Competition

This year�s competition for National Merit Scholarships began in October 2011 when approximately 1.5 million juniors in some 22,000 high schools took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT�), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, the highest-scoring participants in each state, representing less than one percent of the nation�s high school seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state representational basis. Only these 16,000 Semifinalists had an opportunity to continue in the competition.

From the Semifinalist group, 15,000 students met the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of the 2013 program, about 8,000 Finalists will have earned the �Merit Scholar� title and received a total of over $35 million in college scholarships.

NMSC, a not-for-profi t corporation that operates without government assistance, was founded in 1955 specifi cally to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority of scholarships offered each year are underwritten by approximately 440 independent corporate and college sponsors that share NMSC�s goals of honoring scholastically talented youth and encouraging academic excellence at all levels of education.

Montgomery County Winners

Public Schools

Montgomery Blair High School

Tatyana A. Gubin, Gaithersburg
Probable career field: Surgical Medicine
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

William Cai, Potomac
Probable career field: Undecided
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Myles N. Wagner, Potomac
Probable career field: Natural Science
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Audrey Shi, Rockville
Probable career field: Undecided
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Jason C. Hyun, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Chemical Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Emily M. Lathrop, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Electrical Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Jinhie L. Skarda, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Electrical Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Richard Montgomery High School

David Zhang, Boyds
Probable career field: Electrical Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Jonathan P. Marx, Chevy Chase
Probable career field: Undecided
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Megan C. Yan, Derwood
Probable career field: Law
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Sofia Helena Xue Hu, Germantown
Probable career field: Biomedicine
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Emily K. Jiang, North Potomac
Probable career field: Marketing
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Matthew M. Benjamin, Potomac
Probable career field: Environmental Science
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Marni L. Morse, Potomac
Probable career field: Law
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Kathleen Yu, Potomac
Probable career field: Medicine
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Sun Min Hong, Rockville
Probable career field: Medicine
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Joseph Wu, Rockville
Probable career field: Mechanical Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITTEN BY THE XEROX FOUNDATION

Poolesville High School

Anyuan Chu, Gaithersburg
Probable career field: Computer Science
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Joy S. Zeng, Gaithersburg
Probable career field: Biochemical Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Thomas S. Wootton High School

Michelle A. He, Rockville
Probable career field: Business
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Walt Whitman High School

Pia Kochar, Bethesda
Probable career field: Mathematics
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Jacob M. Rosenblum, Bethesda
Probable career field: Business Management
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITTEN BY THE UPS FOUNDATION

Winston Churchill High School

Colin J. Kincaid, Potomac
Probable career field: Computer Programming
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Jessica C. Lee, Potomac
Probable career field: Communications
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Private Schools

Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC

Marcus S. Boorstin, Bethesda
Probable career field: Computer Programming
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

William B. Cox, Chevy Chase
Probable career field: Computer Science
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Washington, DC

Sarah L. Wyckoff, Bethesda
Probable career field: Chemistry
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, Rockville, MD

Isaac B. Fink, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Economics
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

National Cathedral School, Washington, DC

Elizabeth Keto, Chevy Chase
Probable career field: Art History
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Potomac School, McLean, VA

Caroline J. Resor, Bethesda
Probable career field: Green Technology
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC

Grant A. Mulitz-Schimel, Kensington
Probable career field: Science/Research
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Molly E. Reiner, Potomac
Probable career field: International Relations
NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

About the scholarships:

NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP
This award is supported by National Merit Scholarship Corporation's own funds.

NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITTEN BY THE UPS FOUNDATION
This award is part of the UPS Foundation's program of aid to education, through which it has also made direct grants and endowments to a wide variety of educational institutions throughout the U.S.

NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP UNDERWRITTEN BY THE XEROX FOUNDATION
Merit Scholarship awards are but one phase of Xerox's educational aid program which endeavors to recognize and support people, programs, and institutions that are committed in a variety of ways to quality education.

Two MCPS Students Named Presidential Scholars

Howard Hartman — Mon, 06 May 2013 23:39:00 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 6, 2013*

Two MCPS Students Named Presidential Scholars

Two Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students have been named 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community.

The two students, the only Maryland public school students to receive the award, are among 141 students nationwide to be named Presidential Scholar winners and will be honored during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 16.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement and was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events.

The two MCPS Presidential Scholars and their most influential teacher are:

Bayard R. Miller, of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Most influential teacher: Mr. Timothy Gilmore, Social Studies

Marni L. Morse, of Richard Montgomery High School
Most influential teacher: Ms. Nancy Shay, English

The 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad. Additionally, 15 students are chosen as at-large winners and 20 recipients are named Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

Read the U.S. Department of Education Press Release

See the list of the 2013 Presidential Scholars

Newsweek/The Daily Beast: MCPS has 17 of America's Best High Schools

Howard Hartman — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:07:22 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 6, 2013*

Newsweek/The Daily Beast:
MCPS has 17 of America's Best High Schools

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) placed 17 high schools on the annual list of America�s Best High Schools, published by Newsweek/The Daily Beast. Two MCPS high schools made the top 100 nationally, and the district has the top six schools in the state of Maryland.

Three years ago, Newsweek and The Daily Beast website began ranking schools, using a formula that determines how successfully schools are preparing students for college. The list only includes the top 2,000 high schools�less than 10 percent of all the high schools in United States.

The 17 MCPS high schools on the America�s Best High Schools list are Poolesville (96), Winston Churchill (97), Walt Whitman (137), Walter Johnson (148), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (178), Thomas S. Wootton (209), Richard Montgomery (914), Sherwood (1140), Quince Orchard (1350), Damascus (1454), Northwest (1541), James Hubert Blake (1663), Montgomery Blair (1672), Col. Zadok Magruder (1752), Paint Branch (1847), Rockville (1850), and Clarksburg (1,986).

�The Newsweek rankings, and other such lists, demonstrate that our high schools are national leaders in preparing students for college and the workplace,� said Superintendent Joshua P. Starr. �While there is still work left to be done, our staff and community should be proud of how well we are serving our students.�

The America�s Best High Schools list determines its rankings using a formula that includes graduation rate (25 percent); college acceptance rate (25 percent); Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and other college-level tests taken per student (25 percent); average SAT/ACT scores (10 percent); average AP, IB and other college-level test scores (10 percent); and percent of students enrolled in at least one AP, IB or other college-level course (5 percent).

High schools in MCPS also performed extremely well on two other national rankings, which were released in April and use different formulas to create their lists.

MCPS placed four schools in the top 100 of The Washington Post High School Challenge and all of the district�s high schools made the list, which only includes the top 9 percent of high schools in the nation. MCPS had eight of the top 10 schools in Maryland.

Also, MCPS placed eight schools on the U.S. News & World Report 2013 Best High Schools list. Seven MCPS high schools received a gold medal for being among the top 500 schools in the nation, and one MCPS high school received a silver medal. MCPS had the top six schools in the state of the Maryland.

2013 America's Best High Schools report (Newsweek/The Daily Beast)

Go to this site

Board of Education Seeks Applicant to Fill Position on Ethics Panel

Howard Hartman — Fri, 03 May 2013 23:37:20 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 3, 2013*

Board of Education Seeks Applicant to Fill Position on Ethics Panel

The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking to fill one vacancy on its five-member Ethics Panel. The vacancy is for a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2013. Applicants must be Montgomery County residents. Members serve without compensation.

Among the Panel�s responsibilities are: (1) interpreting the Board of Education�s Ethics Policy and issuing advisory opinions concerning its application; (2) conducting hearings on complaints filed regarding an alleged violation; and (3) approving financial disclosure forms.

Panel members may not be incumbent members of the Board of Education, school officials, employees, or persons employed by a business entity subject to the authority of the Board of Education, or spouses of such persons. The Panel meets once a year to review financial disclosure forms and as needed to review complaints and requests for advisory opinions.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest along with a resum� or other documentation to support the application by close of business on Friday, May 31, 2013, for the appointment to be made at the Board meeting on June 13, 2013. (Applicants are not required to attend this meeting.) Please send a letter of interest and resum� to Ms. Suzann King, Montgomery County Board of Education, 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 123, Rockville, Maryland 20850, or Suzann_M_King@mcpsmd.org. For further information, please call 301-279-3617.

Ethics Panel

Go to this site

Comment Sought on Special Education Disputes Policy

Howard Hartman — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:48:01 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*May 3, 2013*

Comment Sought on Special Education Disputes Policy

The Montgomery County Board of Education is requesting community input on revisions to Policy BLC, Procedures for Review and Resolution of Special Education Disputes. This policy establishes and recognizes review and resolution options that permit cooperative problem solving of disputes regarding the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or provision of a free and appropriate public education for a student with a disability or suspected of having a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Copies of the draft policy are available through the Department of Public Information and Web Services by calling 301-279-3391. You also can access the policy on the MCPS website.

Individuals who wish to provide comments should respond in writing by July 19, 2013. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 122, Rockville, Maryland 20850 or sent by email to the Board of Education at boe@mcpsmd.org. All responses will be shared with the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools.

Policy BLC, Procedures for Review and Resolution of Special Education Disputes

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Association, MSDE Honor the School Lunch �Superheroes� Serving Healthy Meals

Howard Hartman — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:43:28 GMT


For Immediate Release	May 1, 2013

Association, MSDE Honor the School
Lunch �Superheroes� Serving Healthy Meals

School Lunch Superhero Day is May 3

School Nutrition Employee Week is May 6-10

BALTIMORE (May 1, 2013) � Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Maryland�s school nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, the School Nutrition Association (SNA) organizes School Nutrition Employee Week, May 6-10, 2013.

To kick off the celebration, SNA has partnered with Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the �Lunch Lady� graphic novel series and Random House Children�s Books, to create School Lunch Superhero Day, May 3. The day and the week are an opportunity for parents, students, school staff, and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to 32 million of America�s students each school day.

School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, State, and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. In fact, federal nutrition standards ensure that every school lunch offers students a well-balanced meal of low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.

The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. Maryland schools operating the National School Lunch Program serve meals to approximately 400,000 students each day. In addition, over 200 Maryland schools have been awarded recognition in the HealthierUS Schools Challenge, a voluntary certification initiative recognizing schools that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity.

Get the details about School Lunch Superhero Day at www.schoollunchsuperheroday.com and to learn more about school nutrition programs in Maryland, visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org.

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. To find out more about today�s school meals, visit www.TrayTalk.org.

Two MCPS Students Awarded Gates Millennium Scholarships

Howard Hartman — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:27:07 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 29, 2013*

Two MCPS Students Awarded Gates Millennium Scholarships

Two MCPS high school students have been named recipients of the Gates Millennium Scholarship. These good-through-graduation scholarships can be used at any accredited college or university in the United States.

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the amount of the scholarship is based on the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses for the 2013–2014 academic year, as well as the availability of grants and other scholarships.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program was established in 1999 to provide outstanding low-income students who are African American, American Indian/Alaska native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate education in any discipline they choose.

The 2013 MCPS Gates Millennium Scholarship recipients from MCPS are:

Nusrat Molla, Poolesville High School
Bolanle Aroyewun, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Nationwide, 1,000 students were selected as Class of 2013 Gates Millennium Scholars.

To learn more about the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program

Go to this site

Brookhaven Elementary School Educator Named 2013-2014 MCPS Teacher of the Year

Howard Hartman — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:04:15 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 25, 2013*

Brookhaven Elementary School Educator
Named 2013-2014 MCPS Teacher of the Year

A kindergarten teacher at Brookhaven Elementary School is the 2013-2014 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher of the Year and will now compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year.

The selection of Cristina Ulrich as teacher of the year was announced Thursday (April 25) during the 11th annual Champions for Children Awards Celebration at MedImmune headquarters in Gaithersburg.

�Congratulations to Cristina Ulrich on being named MCPS Teacher of the Year,� said Christopher S. Barclay, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education. �Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students is inspiring and is leading to great outcomes for our children.�

Ms. Ulrich was one of three finalists for Teacher of the Year. The other finalists were Steven Katz, a math teacher at Westland Middle School, and Dawn Charles, an English teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.

�Cristina Ulrich, and all the finalists, are representative of the high-quality educators we have in all of our schools,� said Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr. �They have an unwavering commitment to meeting the individual needs of our students and preparing them for their future.�

The Champions for Children celebration is hosted by the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education (MCBRE) and is made possible through generous donations from sponsors. MCBRE is a nonprofit comprising senior business leaders who share their expertise with MCPS leadership and sponsor programs that connect what students are learning in the classroom to the real world.

�The whole community benefits from strong schools and MCBRE is proud to serve and support the students and staff of Montgomery County Public Schools,� said Bill Kevit, president of MCBRE. �It is important that we take the time to recognize and reward the outstanding employees of MCPS, as well as the volunteers and businesses that work with our schools. They are the people that make MCPS one of the nation�s best school districts.�

Ms. Ulrich has been a teacher at Brookhaven since 2006 and was chosen for her leadership, enthusiasm, and outstanding teaching skills. Brookhaven Principal Robert Grundy said Ms. Ulrich is thoroughly prepared each day and uses multiple strategies to engage her students and individualize instruction.

The results for her students are outstanding. By the end of the 2011-2012 school year, all of her students were reading at or above grade level in a class where more than 75 percent of the students were English Language Learners. Her classroom is a must-see for other teachers who try to emulate her teaching practices. She is among the youngest teachers in the school, but is already the leader of the kindergarten team.

Ms. Ulrich also goes above and beyond in supporting her students and school community. She is a native Spanish speaker and frequently assists Spanish-speaking parents by answering questions and helping to solve problems. She also volunteers with the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, teaching English to adults. Each holiday season, she and her husband work to provide Christmas presents to school families that cannot afford gifts for their children.

�Every teacher cares deeply about his or her students, but I have never encountered a teacher who expresses that caring in such a profound way,� Principal Grundy wrote in a letter of support. He called hiring Ms. Ulrich �one of the best decisions I have ever made in my 17 years as a principal.�

Ms. Ulrich was chosen from among three finalists, all of whom were winners of the Marian Greenblatt Education Fund Veteran Teacher Award. The other finalists were Steven Katz, a math teacher at Westland Middle School, and Dawn Charles, an English teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.

The MCPS Teacher of the Year finalists received $1,000 from the Marian Greenblatt Education Fund. They will also receive an additional $2,000 from MCBRE and the event sponsors, with $1,000 going to the school. As MCPS Teacher of the Year, Ms. Ulrich also receives the use of a car for one year from Fitzgerald Auto Malls.

Several other employees and community members received awards at the Champions for Children event on Thursday evening. The Champions for Children celebration is made possible by generous donations from more than 40 sponsors. All of the winners receive monetary awards and other prizes donated by sponsors. Among the sponsors are:

- MedImmune, which sponsors the Rising Star Teacher of the Year award;
- UnitedHealthcare, which sponsors the Teacher of the Year award;
- Adventist Healthcare, which sponsors the Supporting Services Employee of the Year award;
- Kaiser Permanente, which sponsors the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision;
- Lockheed Martin, which sponsors the Volunteer Champion for Children Award;
- The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the Business Champion for Children Award

The other winners recognized on Thursday were:

Rising Star Teacher of the Year: Adam Stephens, music teacher, Montgomery Blair High School
Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision: Eugenia Dawson, principal, Earle B. Wood Middle School
Supporting Services Employee of the Year: William Cook, operations supervisor, Department of Materials Management
Business Champion for Children: Hess Construction + Engineering Services
Volunteer Champion for Children: Susan Burkinshaw, Montgomery County Council of PTAs

Also honored were the winners of the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award and Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, both sponsored by The Washington Post. This year, the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award winner is Carol Goddard, principal at Gaithersburg Middle School. The Agnes Meyer winner is Jacqueline Fludd Peng, social studies resource teacher at Paint Branch High School.

Poolesville High School Junior Elected Next Student Member of the Board

Howard Hartman — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:09:54 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 24, 2013*

Poolesville High School Junior Elected
Next Student Member of the Board

Justin C. Kim, a junior at Poolesville High School, has been selected by his peers as the next Student Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education (SMOB). His term begins on July 1.

All secondary school students were eligible to vote in the SMOB election and more than 85 percent cast ballots. Mr. Kim received 65 percent of the vote, while his opponent, Andrew Zhang, a junior at Richard Montgomery High School, received 34 percent.

Mr. Kim has been active in student government at the school, district, and statewide level. He currently serves as an executive board member for the Maryland Youth Advisory Council, deputy chief of staff for the Montgomery County Region of the Maryland Association of Student Councils, and the student government association vice president at Poolesville High School. He previously served as Poolesville High�s class president during his freshman and sophomore years.

The SMOB is a voting member of the Board of Education, and can cast votes on all items, with the exception of boundary changes, the capital and operating budgets, collective bargaining, negative personnel matters, and school closings. The SMOB receives a $5,000 college scholarship, student service learning hours, and one honors-level social studies credit.

Mr. Kim will succeed the current SMOB, John Mannes, a senior at Northwest High School.

For more information on the SMOB

Go to this site

MCPS Staff, Community Members to be Honored at Champions for Children Celebration

Howard Hartman — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:56:04 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 24, 2013*

MCPS Staff, Community Members to be
Honored at Champions for Children Celebration

Teacher of the Year to be named at April 25 event

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) teachers, staff and community members will be honored at the 11th annual Champions for Children Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 25. The 2013-2014 MCPS Teacher of the Year will also be announced during the celebration, which will be held at MedImmune headquarters in Gaithersburg, Md., 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education (MCBRE) and will feature remarks from local leaders in education, politics, and business.

The honorees are:

Marian Greenblatt Fund Winner/MCPS Teacher of the Year Finalist: Dawn Charles, English teacher, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Marian Greenblatt Fund Winner/MCPS Teacher of the Year Finalist: Steve Katz, math teacher, Westland Middle School
Marian Greenblatt Fund Winner/MCPS Teacher of the Year Finalist: Cristina Ulrich, kindergarten teacher, Brookhaven Elementary School
Rising Star Teacher of the Year: Adam Stephens, music teacher, Montgomery Blair High School
Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Education Administration and Supervision: Eugenia Dawson, principal, Earle B. Wood Middle School
Supporting Services Employee of the Year: Bill Cook, operations supervisor, Department of Materials Management
Business Champion for Children: Hess Construction + Engineering Services
Volunteer Champion for Children: Susan Burkinshaw, Montgomery County Council of PTAs

In addition, The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award and Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award will also be honored at the April 25 celebration. This year, the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award goes to Carol Goddard, principal at Gaithersburg Middle School. The Agnes Meyer winner is Jacqueline Fludd, social studies resource teacher at Paint Branch High School.

For more information on the event

Go to this site

Board of Education Approves Guiding Tenets

Howard Hartman — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:41:36 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 24, 2013*

Board of Education Approves Guiding Tenets;
Discusses Long-range Planning, School Support

The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Among other items, the Board approved its strategic plan guiding tenets, received an update on the reorientation of the Office of School Support and Improvement, tentatively approved changes to Policy BLC and had a discussion on the facilities planning process. The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board of Education website.

Strategic Plan Guiding Tenets
The Board of Education approved revisions to the district�s strategic plan guiding tenets. The guiding tenets include the Board�s core values, core purpose, vision, and mission statement. Over the past year, the Board and the Superintendent of Schools have been engaging in a process to revise the strategic plan, Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence, which has guided school improvement efforts for more than a decade. Currently, network teams of staff and community representatives are developing a draft of the strategic plan, which will be shared for public comment before being approved.

View the Revised Strategic Plan Guiding Tenets

Reorientation of the Office of School Support and Improvement
The Board received an update and held a discussion on the reorientation of the Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI). Effective July 1, 2013, OSSI will move from its current regional quad and quint clusters model into level-alike school improvement teams�with a high school team, a middle school team and an elementary school team. The reorientation will enable central office to more effectively address the specific programmatic needs of all 202 schools. These teams will be led by an associate superintendent of high schools, an associate superintendent of middle schools, and four associate superintendents of elementary schools. These teams will focus on the unique needs of schools at each level to implement Curriculum 2.0 and the Common Core State Standards, strengthen Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), develop culturally proficient leaders committed to eliminating barriers to high achievement for all students, and promote social emotional learning as well as 21st century skills.

In an effort to reenergize efforts to close the achievement gap, the new chief school improvement officer will work with the teams to provide intense support to approximately 10 to 15 schools at any one time. The schools will be selected by the examination of data and information around four areas�leadership, perceptual, implementation, and student outcomes. The following key indicators will be used:

Third grade reading at Advanced
Fifth grade reading and math at Advanced
Fifth grade well-being baseline data
Eighth grade reading and math at Advanced
Eighth grade well-being baseline data
Ninth grade completion of Algebra 1 and English 9 with a �B� or higher
Ninth grade ineligibility rates
Four-year high school graduation rate

The current Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) cluster structure will continue to exist and school assignments of students will not be affected by this change.

Read the Board Memo

Long-range Facilities Planning Process
The Board received an update and held a discussion on MCPS� facility planning processes and the challenges of accommodating increasing enrollment. MCPS is entering its 30th year of enrollment increases that have averaged 2,000 additional students per year. In the next six years, enrollment is projected to increase by more than 10,000 students. While the impact of the enrollment increases have been felt districtwide, the increases are particularly affecting elementary schools, which have 90 percent of the district�s 395 relocatable classrooms. County revenue and related spending affordability guidelines shape the district�s six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) request. However, despite the magnitude of CIP resources each year, there have not been sufficient funds to bring all MCPS schools within capacity or to modernize older schools at a quicker pace. MCPS is working collaboratively with agencies like the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville to address the long-range enrollment growth and facility needs.

Read the Board memo

Board Policy BLC, Procedures for Review and Resolution of Special Education Disputes
The Board tentatively approved revisions to Board Policy BLC, Procedures for Review and Resolution of Special Education Disputes. The updated policy establishes and recognizes review and resolution options that permit cooperative problem solving of disputes regarding the identification, evaluation and educational placement of students with a disability or suspected of having a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The policy will now be distributed for public comment and will be considered for final approval at a future meeting.

See the changes in the policy

Administrative Appointments
The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:

-Eugenia S. Dawson, currently principal, Earle B. Wood Middle School, as director, Leadership Team Development.

-Debra S. Munk, currently principal, Rockville High School, as consulting principal, Department of Professional Growth Systems, Office of Human Resources and Development

-Kara B. Trenkamp, currently acting director, Department of Instructional Technology, as director, Department of Instructional Technology, Office of the Chief Technology Officer

-Edward C. Nolan, currently supervisor, Pre-K�12 Mathematics, as director, Pre-K�12 Curriculum Development and Implementation (Mathematics)

-Mildred L. Charley-Greene, currently principal, Takoma Park Middle School, as principal, Northwood High School

-Mary E. Bliss, currently acting principal, Farmland Elementary School, as principal, Farmland Elementary School

-Peter H. Bray, currently principal, Belmont Elementary School, as principal, Broad Acres Elementary School

-Rachel C. DuBois, currently acting principal, Piney Branch Elementary School, as principal, Piney Branch Elementary School

-Jennifer S. Lane, currently principal intern, Greenwood Elementary School, as principal, Westbrook Elementary School

-Brent T. Mascott, currently principal intern, Maryvale Elementary School, as principal, DuFief Elementary School

-Carole E. Rawlison, currently principal intern, Arcola Elementary School, as principal, Harmony Hills Elementary School

Other Action: The Board also took action on several items, including:

-Approved the preliminary plans for the Bethesda Elementary School addition project.

-Approved the preliminary plans for the Clarksburg High School addition project

Resolutions: The Board unanimously approved the following:

- A resolution recognizing April 21 through April 27, 2013 as National Volunteer Week

- A resolution recognizing April 14 through April 20, 2013 as National Student Leadership Week

- A resolution recognizing the month of May 2013 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

- A resolution recognizing May 6 through May 10, 2013 as Teacher Appreciation Week

2013 Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners Named

Howard Hartman — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:09:31 GMT

2013 Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners Named

Seven Montgomery County Students Receive Scholarships

Montgomery County Winners

(Evanston, Illinois) Today, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) released the names of the first group of winners in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 1,000 distinguished high school seniors have won corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship awards fi nanced by about 200 corporations, company foundations, and other
business organizations.

Scholars were selected from students who advanced to the Finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship competition and met criteria of their scholarship sponsors. Corporate sponsors provide National Merit Scholarships for Finalists who are children of their employees, who are residents of communities the company serves, or who plan to pursue college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage.

Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and provide annual stipends that range from $500 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.

Funding for these National Merit Scholarships is provided by corporate organizations that represent nearly all sectors of American industry. Sponsors from the business community have underwritten awards offered in all 58 competitions, expending or committing more than $700 million to support the intellectual development of the nation�s scholastically talented youth.

2013 National Merit Scholarship Competition

About 1.5 million juniors in some 22,000 high schools entered the 2013 National Merit Scholarship competition when they took the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT�), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. In September 2012, some 16,000 Semifi nalists were designated on a state representational basis in numbers proportional to each state�s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. Semifinalists were the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represented less than one percent of the nation�s seniors.

To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, Semifi nalists had to fulfi ll requirements to advance to Finalist standing. Each Semifi nalist was asked to complete a detailed scholarship application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Semifi nalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school offi cial, and earn SAT scores that confirmed their qualifying test performance. From the Semifinalist group, some 15,000 met Finalist requirements.

By the conclusion of the 2013 competition, about 8,000 Finalists will have been selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling over $35 million. Winners are the Finalist candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

NMSC, a not-for-profi t organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority of National Merit Scholarships offered each year are underwritten by some 440 independent corporate and college sponsors that support NMSC�s efforts to honor the nation�s scholastically talented youth and encourage academic excellence at all levels of education.

Montgomery County Winners

Public Schools

Montgomery Blair High School

Sharon Chen, Potomac
Probable career field: Computer Statistics
NATIONAL MERIT CSC SCHOLARSHIP

Richard Montgomery High School

Fiona V. Lam, North Potomac
Probable career field: Mathematics
NATIONAL MERIT MARY E. BEYERLE SCHOLARSHIP

Ankit Sarkar, North Potomac
Probable career field: Finance
NATIONAL MERIT MARY E. BEYERLE SCHOLARSHIP

Srihari Devaraj, Rockville
Probable career field: Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT CSC SCHOLARSHIP

Walt Whitman High School

Benjamin A. Bouvier, Bethesda
Probable career field: Biochemistry
NATIONAL MERIT LOCKHEED MARTIN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

Winston Churchill High School

Neil G. Shekar, Potomac
Probable career field: Engineering
NATIONAL MERIT NORTHROP GRUMMAN SCHOLARSHIP

Private Schools

Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy

Shmuale Eliezer Mark, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Computer Science
NNATIONAL MERIT SAIC SCHOLARSHIP

About the scholarships:

NATIONAL MERIT LOCKHEED MARTIN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
The Lockheed Martin Corporation Foundation supports Merit Scholarship awards for children of Lockheed Martin employees located throughout the world. These scholarships are part of the corporation's support to its employees, the community, and to education, reflecting its strong belief that higher education is essential to the nation's future.

NATIONAL MERIT MARY E. BEYERLE SCHOLARSHIP
The sponsor of this award is a trust, established by the estate of Mary E. Beyerle. Merit Scholarship awards are provided for selected Finalists from Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

NATIONAL MERIT CSC SCHOLARSHIP
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions and Services, the Managed Services Sector and the North American Public Sector. CSC's advanced capabilities include system design and integration, information technology and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, mission support and management consulting. The company is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia.

NATIONAL MERIT NORTHROP GRUMMAN SCHOLARSHIP
Northrop Grumman Corporation, based in Los Angeles, California, is a global corporation primarily serving the defense and electronic systems requirements of governments, commerce, and industry in the U.S. and friendly nations around the world. Northrop Grumman Corporation annually supports Merit Scholarship awards for the sons and daughters of employees.

NATIONAL MERIT SAIC SCHOLARSHIP
Science Applications International Corporation is an employee-owned company whose principal business involves the application of scientific expertise, together with computer systems technology, to solve complex technical problems. The sponsorship of these awards for children of SAIC employees reflects the company's concern for excellence and also permits the company to share the parents' and the community's pride in the past achievements and future aspirations of outstanding youth.

Eight MCPS High Schools Make U.S. News & World Report 'Best High Schools' List

Howard Hartman — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:32:56 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 23, 2013*

Eight MCPS High Schools Make
U.S. News & World Report 'Best High Schools' List

Montgomery County Public Schools placed eight schools on the 2013 Best High Schools list, published by U.S. News & World Report. Seven MCPS high schools received a gold medal for being among the top 500 schools in the nation, and one MCPS high school received a silver medal.

The gold medal high schools and their national ranking are Winston Churchill (52), Walt Whitman (59), Poolesville (99), Thomas S. Wootton (105), Richard Montgomery (106), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (128), and Montgomery Blair (247). The one silver medal school is Wheaton High School, which is ranked 1,032.

Maryland has 58 schools on the Best High Schools list and MCPS has seven of the top 10 schools in the state, including the top six�Winston Churchill, Walt Whitman, Poolesville, Thomas S. Wootton, Richard Montgomery, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase high schools.

See how Montgomery County Public Schools performed on the Best High Schools list below.

�The schools on the U.S. News Best High Schools list should be proud of the work they have done to serve their students and prepare them for college and the workplace,� said Superintendent Joshua P. Starr. �I am pleased with the work that all of our high schools are doing, and we must continue to focus on meeting the needs of all students so we can prepare them for the future they want.�

U.S. News worked with the Washington, D.C.,-based American Institutes for Research to evaluate more than 21,000 high schools across the nation. The analysis first evaluated schools on their overall student performance on state-mandated assessments and how effectively schools educated their African American, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students. Researchers then looked at school performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams to determine how well the schools prepared students for college-level work. Based on the results of their analysis, the researchers created a College Readiness Index for each school. (Learn more about the methodology)

The 4,805 high schools that met the performance criteria and had a College Readiness Index higher than the median qualified for the Best High Schools list. Gold medals were given to the top 500 schools, silver medals were given to the next 1,790 schools, and the remaining received bronze medals. U.S. News used 2010-2011 data to calculate this report.

Last week, it was announced that MCPS placed four schools in the top 100 of the Washington Post High School Challenge. All 25 MCPS high schools appeared on the High School Challenge list, which only includes the top 9 percent of high schools in the nation.

U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools

See how Montgomery County Public Schools performed on the Best High Schools list

Go to this site

State Board Approves Updated Emergency Planning Guide

Howard Hartman — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:28:08 GMT


For Immediate Release	April 23, 2013

State Board Approves Updated Emergency Planning Guide

Publication Will Help Systems Prepare, Train

BALTIMORE (April 23, 2013) � The Maryland State Board of Education today gave unanimous approval to �Emergency Planning Guidelines for Local Systems and Schools,� a document designed to assist local officials in preparation and trainingfor potential emergencies.

Maryland regulations require that all 24 school systems develop and implement emergency plans. Emergencies range from violent or traumatic events on school grounds during regular school hours to events in the community that affect normal school functioning.

The Board�s action updates a document published in 2003. The new version of the publication will be a living document, updated regularly as needed by circumstances.The first edition of the guidelines has been utilized by all 24 Maryland systems to strengthen their emergency plans over the past decade.

�The key to safe and successful schools is planning and practice,� said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. �Schools and school systems must do everything in their power to keep students and staff free from harm. Every staff member must know what to do in the event of an emergency, and must have practiced his or her role.�

MSDE staff developed the guide with the assistance of local school systems, Maryland State Police, Governor�s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Maryland School Psychologist Association, Maryland Emergency Management Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.

Emergency management is an organized process by which schools and communities prevent or mitigate risks, prepare for hazards that cannot be fully mitigated, respond to emergencies, and recover from emergencies and restore the school to its pre-emergency condition. The key to a well-functioning system is planning and practice, according to the guide.

The focus on improved planning, as well for additional drills and other practice activities, represents improvements in the new version of the Emergency Planning Guidelines. In addition, the new document updates terminology commonly used in emergency situations.

Work on the new version began last year. The revision adds new tools for local systems, such as information on technology hazards, threat assessment, universal drill procedures, and staff training.

The complete publication

Go to this site

Two MCPS Schools Named National Green Ribbon Schools

Howard Hartman — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:27:10 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 23, 2013*

Two MCPS Schools Named National Green Ribbon Schools

Cedar Grove and Summit Hall elementary schools have been selected as recipients of the 2013 Green Ribbon Schools Award. They are among a total of 64 winning schools from across the nation.

The Green Ribbon Schools award program, established in 2011, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and recognizes schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) also has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural District Sustainability Award, which recognizes school systems that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to sustainability. MCPS is one of 14 honorees. MCPS had the only schools and was the only district recognized from the state of Maryland.

�This award is a reflection of our commitment to foster healthy and productive learning environments, and our districtwide efforts to reduce the impact we have on the environment,� said Superintendent Joshua Starr. �Congratulations to the staff, students and community members whose efforts have led to this national recognition.�

MCPS has a comprehensive districtwide program to reduce the environmental footprint of its facilities, including recycling initiatives, energy conservation efforts and a commitment to green construction practices in all building projects.

Last year, Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring was one of 72 schools nationwide to be recognized by USDE as a Green Ribbon School.

Representatives from the winning schools will participate in a national awards ceremony on June 3. The Maryland recipients will also be recognized during the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit sponsored by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education on May 31 at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County.

Read the U.S. Department of Education Release

MSDE Honors Excellence in Career and Technology Education

Howard Hartman — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:35:55 GMT


For Immediate Release	April 23, 2013

Maryland State Department of Education Honors
Excellence in Career and Technology Education

Top Secondary and Postsecondary Programs Recognized

BALTIMORE, MD (April 23, 2013) � The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) today will honor outstanding performance in secondary and postsecondary Career and Technology Education (CTE) at the 2013 Awards of Excellence at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel. The event gets underway at 5 p.m.

Speakers and award presenters include State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lillian M. Lowery and Assistant State Superintendent for Career and College Readiness Katharine Oliver, with Dr. Mary Finan, Maryland State Board of Education, serving as master of ceremonies.

Maryland�s Career and Technology Education Awards of Excellence program is sponsored by MSDE. The annual event recognizes outstanding programs, student organizations, change agents, business partnerships, distinguished service, and national award winners.

This year�s award winners are:

Outstanding Business Partnership � Secondary � Building Trades Foundation, Partnership with St. Mary�s County Public Schools
Outstanding Business Partnership � Post Secondary � Maryland Live!, Partnership with Anne Arundel Community College
Reaching The Goals Award � Secondary � Office of Learning To Work, Baltimore City Public Schools
Reaching The Goals Award � Post Secondary � College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland
Outstanding Career and Technology Education Program � Secondary � Project Lead The Way Bioscience Program, Frederick County Career and Technology Center
Outstanding Career and Technology Education Program � Postsecondary � Nuclear Medicine Program, Frederick Community College
Outstanding Change Agent � Secondary � Fire and Rescue Academy Advisory Board, Washington County Public Schools
Outstanding Change Agent � Postsecondary � Amy Gumaer, Grants Manager, Business Development and Grants Montgomery College
Outstanding CTSO Partner � Dennis Peaton, SkillsUSA Maryland
Outstanding Career Technology Student Organization � FFA, Northern Garrett High School, Garrett County Public Schools
Distinguished Service Award � Secondary � Marjorie Lohnes, Supervisor of Career and Technology Education, Carroll County Public Schools
Distinguished Service Award � Postsecondary � Deborah Mercado, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, Anne Arundel Community College

Outstanding CTE programs at the high school and community college levels are judged in four areas: program description, learner outcomes, program outcomes, and integration with systemic reform. The change agent award recognizes leadership for innovative change in CTE programs and focuses on goals of change, the change process, and overall results. The CTE career technology student organization award honors one local chapter of a CTE student leadership organization for providing growth opportunities to its members and emphasizing educational and career development of chapter members as a result of participation in the organization�s activities.

The business partnerships award is presented to a business that has established a strong working partnership with a secondary or postsecondary institution in order to support, promote, and improve CTE programs. The results of this partnership benefit the school, community, and business. The distinguished service award honors individuals who have demonstrated a high level of leadership, vision, and achievement in career and technology education. The Innovations in CTE award honors individuals using innovative future-focused strategies that keep CTE on the cutting edge.

For more information on individuals or groups receiving awards or to contact winners, please call Patricia M. Mikos, Division of Career and College Readiness, MSDE, at 410-767-0186.

College Prep Fair to be Held April 27

Howard Hartman — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:47:37 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 22, 2013*

College Prep Fair to be Held April 27

A College Preparation and Scholarship Fair will be held from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), 9630 Gudelsky Dr. in Rockville. The fair is targeted to students in Grades 6–10 and their parents. College students (MCPS graduates), representatives from colleges and universities, and individuals representing a variety of careers will be available to offer insight and answer questions. There will be workshop sessions on several topics, as well as information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Students and families will also have an opportunity to tour the USG campus.

This free event is sponsored by MCPS, Montgomery College and USG. Interpretation and child care services will be available. Students and parents can register online at www.mcpsparentacademy.org. For more information, contact the Division of Family and Community Partnerships at 301-279-3100.

Also, be sure to join Superintendent Joshua Starr for his second Book Club discussion of the school year on Tuesday, May 21. The book club will discuss Cage-Busting Leadership by Frederick M. Hess. The event will take place at 7 p.m., in the auditorium of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

On the day of the event, Dr. Starr will be joined by guests who will discuss the book and take questions and comments from a live audience. Those watching online or on MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34) can participate in the conversation by sending questions via Twitter (using the hashtag #mcpsbookclub) and email.

Parents, staff, students and community members who wish to be a part of the studio audience for this free event are asked to RSVP to pio@mcpsmd.org.

Four MCPS Students Win Junior Achievement Essay Contest

Howard Hartman — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:45:47 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 22, 2013*

Four MCPS Students Win Junior Achievement Essay Contest

Four Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students have been selected as winners in the 2012 Junior Achievement Essay Competition, including one who has been named the grand prize winner.

Daniela Hernandez-Fujigaki, a sophomore at Clarksburg High School, was selected as the grand prize winner. Samuel A. Scimemi, a junior at Walt Whitman High School; Isabel E. Hendrix-Jenkins, a junior at Montgomery Blair High School; and Nicole M. Obongo, a junior at Northwest High School, were selected as state winners. Additionally, Richard Montgomery High School won the Maryland award for having the most eligible applicants.

As the grand prize winner, Ms. Hernandez-Fujigaki will receive a $20,000 scholarship, while Mr. Scimemi, Ms. Hendrix-Jenkins and Ms. Obongo will each receive $10,000 scholarships as state finalists. Richard Montgomery High School will receive a $6,000 grant.

The competition, coordinated by Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, asked high school students from Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. to compete for scholarships by writing a 1,000-1,500 word essay in response to the following question: �How can the country readily and realistically tackle growing income disparity?� Recipients of the scholarships will be honored at a ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 in Washington DC. To read the winning entries, visit the Junior Achievement website.

The competition is sponsored by David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and managing director of The Carlyle Group, a global asset management company.

Maryland to Pilot new option for School Lunch Programs

Howard Hartman — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:41:05 GMT


For Immediate Release	April 22, 2013

Maryland Selected To Pilot Community Eligibility Option
For National School Lunch And Breakfast Programs

Increases Access To Meals For Students In High Poverty Areas

BALTIMORE (April 22, 2013) � The Maryland State Department of Education�s (MSDE) School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch has been selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in a Community Eligibility Option Pilot for the 2013-14 school year.

The Community Eligibility Option (CEO) provides an alternative to household applications for free and reduced-price meals in high poverty areas. The option, included as part of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, is being phased in over three years. Maryland is one of four states to be selected to participate for the coming school year � joining seven other states currently participating.

Local Educational Agencies and/or schools must meet a minimum level of students identified as eligible for free meals in the prior year to participate. All students at participating schools will receive meals at no charge.

MSDE staff commended Washington County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, and the Seed School for their leadership in submitting an application to participate in CEO next school year.

For more information on Maryland�s School Nutrition Programs, contact MSDE�s School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch at 410-767-0199 or visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org.

Two Maryland Schools, One System Receive National Green Ribbon

Howard Hartman — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:30:26 GMT


For Immediate Release	April 22, 2013

Two Maryland Schools, One System
Receive National Green Ribbon

Federal Officials Tap All Three State Nominees, All From Montgomery County

BALTIMORE (April 22, 2013) � Two Maryland schools and one local school system today were among the recipients of the U.S. Department of Education�s 2013 Green Ribbon Schools (GRS) Awards.

Cedar Grove Elementary and Summit Hall Elementary Schools, both in Montgomery County, as well as the Montgomery County Public School System received Green Ribbon recognition. They were the only three entities nominated this year by the Maryland State Department of Education.

U.S.Education Secretary Arne Duncan, along with Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Bob Persiacepe, Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, made the announcement in Washington, DC, as part of an Earth Day Celebration.

Montgomery County is one of 14 inaugural honorees of the District Sustainability Award, and the two schools are among 64 schools announced as Green Ribbon Schools recipients. This is the GRS program�s second year of existence. State education agencies, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, participated in the second year of the GRS award program. Four Maryland schools were honored with the award during the inaugural year of 2012.

�Today�s honorees are modeling a comprehensive approach to being green,� said Secretary Duncan. �They are demonstrating ways schools can simultaneously cut costs, improve health performance and equity; and provide an education geared toward the jobs of the future. In fact, the selected districts are saving millions of dollars as a result of their greening efforts. And the great thing is that the resources these honorees are using are free to all schools.�

Federal officials recognized schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.

�These award-winning schools are emblematic of the efforts going on throughout Maryland, part of our State�s long-term commitment to environmental education and to practices that improve our world for future generations,� said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery.

The U.S. Department of Education is already looking forward to the third year of the GRS award, and will be publishing updated competition criteria this summer, once again working closely with participating states, collaborating organizations, and partner agencies.

Sixth Annual Parent Involvement Matters Award Semifinalists Named

Howard Hartman — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:23:15 GMT


For Immediate Release	April 22, 2013

Sixth Annual Parent Involvement
Matters Award Semifinalists Named

Statewide Winner to be Announced on May 17

Wheaton High School Parent Among the Semifinalists

BALTIMORE (April 22, 2013) �State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lillian M. Lowery today announced the 24 semifinalists for the 2013 Parent Involvement Matters Award.

The Parent Involvement Matters Award (PIMA) Program is the nation�s first statewide initiative of its kind � recognizing parents and legal guardians for their exceptional support of public education. Parents are nominated for demonstrating significant, positive impact in their education communities.

The 2013 Parent Involvement Matters Award will be presented during an evening celebration on Friday, May 17. Five finalists and a statewide winner, selected from the 24 semifinalists, will be announced during the award ceremony to be held at Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore County.

�I am grateful and enthusiastic for what parents and guardians across Maryland are capable of accomplishing in our public schools. I take pleasure in honoring them because they play a fundamental role not only in the nurturing, but also in the edification of our future leaders,� said Dr. Lowery. �There is no denying that parent involvement is the single most important factor that pilots student achievement.�

The PIMA Program recognizes parents from local school systems across the State of Maryland, nominated for their contributions in one or more of the five areas of parental involvement: Communication; Volunteering; Learning; Decision Making; and Community Collaboration.

Many of the semifinalists from previous years have become parent involvement advocates on the statewide level � serving as members of task forces, presenters at statewide meetings, and participants in education conventions as well as focus groups.

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is the Platinum Sponsor for the PIMA Program. This sponsorship is part of Target�s ongoing efforts to build strong, safe, and healthy communities across the country. These efforts include Target�s long history of giving five percent of its income to communities, which today equals more than $3 million every week. As part of this commitment, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015 to help kids learn, schools teach and parents and caring adults engage.

The PIMA Program is also supported by the Maryland PTA � Silver Sponsor; with additional support provided by Cullins Trucking Inc.; Harvest Enterprises, Inc.; and the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc.

The Semifinalists

Marilyn Whitted � Wheaton High School
Montgomery County Public Schools
Known to many simply as �Taylor�s Mom,� Marilyn Whitted wears many hats--from chauffeur to cheerleader to advocate at Wheaton High School. In addition, she has served as NAACP liaison, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) board member, and is currently Chair of the Post-Prom Committee. Ms. Whitted�s participation in a six-week Study Circles Program, designed to engage diverse staff, parents, and students in discussion and problem-solving, has been instrumental in developing outreach approaches and encouraging relationships, awareness, and strategies needed to address racial and ethnic barriers to student achievement, as well as parent involvement.

Carla Eckard � Flintstone Elementary School
Allegany County Public Schools
Carla Eckard, a parent volunteer at Flintstone Elementary School, is the mother of two who works as an engineer and shares her knowledge of science during Integrated Science Days and Career Day. Ms. Eckard plans Science Days that include physics, chemistry, and life and earth science. The goal is to engage students in hands-on science activities that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to increase parent involvement. When not busy with Science Days, she is capturing school memories in her role as photographer and editor of Flintstone�s yearbook.

Carol Streeter � Crofton Elementary School
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Carol Streeter facilitates a variety of programs at Crofton Elementary School, which include the annual Talent Show; E-cubed Program, which includes yoga, Lego building, sewing, cooking, scrapbooking, recycling and matchbox car racing; and publishing the school�s directory. She also coordinates the NASA Best Club which allows students � regardless of their math and science abilities � to have an opportunity to participate in the twelve-week after school program that introduces them to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Ms. Streeter modified the curriculum so that all students have the opportunity to participate and has helped parents understand that STEM is not just for gifted students.

Vera Smith � Steuart Hill Academy
Baltimore City Public Schools
Vera Smith has a spirit of teamwork and works diligently to ensure parent and community members have a voice within Steuart Hill Academy � so much so that she canvasses the neighborhood informing parents of the great things happening at the school. Ms. Smith�s demeanor is pleasant and she consistently demonstrates her ability to interact positively with students, staff members, and other parents. Serving on the School Family Council, she gives freely of her time in a variety of capacities, such as arriving early to serve breakfast, helping with lunch, and then staying late in the day assisting the afterschool program.

Mary Kavanagh � Perry Hall High School
Baltimore County Public Schools
Mary Kavanagh chaired the Project LOVE initiative at Perry Hall High School. In the aftermath of a shooting in the cafeteria on the first day of school in 2012, Ms. Kavanagh collaborated with local artist Michael Owen to replace the images of violence � with an image of love for the students and community. She outlined a plan of work to complete a mural painting and celebrate it with a large ceremony in the cafeteria. For several months, she helped to raise more than $12,000 from eight local businesses to secure Project LOVE t-shirts for every student and staff member. She also received in-kind donations from a local video and photography production studio to professionally capture the event unveiling the mural. Students now walk into a space that is covered with �love� and filled in with over 500 handprints of students and staff.

Julie Elbrecht � Sunderland Elementary School
Calvert County Public Schools
Julie Elbrecht serves as the foundation for the recruitment of school volunteers and the coordination of family fun and fundraising activities. She is also involved in the decisions to allocate Family and School Organization resources to support the students and school environment. Ms. Elbrecht�s efforts to recruit and train a cadre of assistant volunteers are rewarded by her strong organizational skills, her personal commitment to Sunderland Elementary School students, and her amazing ability to find a special way to make �her� volunteers feel appreciated.

Emily Phillips � Federalsburg Elementary School
Caroline County Public Schools
Knowing the importance of parent involvement in a child�s education can have the greatest impact upon their lives, Emily Phillips has served as homeroom parent, member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and member of the Parent Advisory Committee at Federalsburg Elementary School. In addition, Ms. Phillips prepares students, in grades one through five, for a successful future through the Six Pillars of Character Program. Because of her volunteerism, children understand that citizenship includes civic virtues and duties that prescribe how we behave as part of a community. The Golden Rule � do unto others as you would have them do unto you � nicely illustrates the Pillar of Respect for Ms. Phillips.

Joanie Mayle � Northwest Middle School
Carroll County Public Schools
Joanie Mayle is a parent, volunteer, Advisory Council representative, and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) president at Northwest Middle School. Ms. Mayle organizes all fundraisers, and social events, which include Arcs and Sparks from the Maryland Science Center; annual assemblies on the Civil War � part of the Social Studies curriculum, and Bullying; Diversity/Multicultural Day, and the annual Veterans Day Celebration. In addition, Ms. Mayle serves as president for the Band Booster Organization at Francis Scott Key High School where another one of her children attends. She is a great supporter of Northwest Middle School and Francis Scott Key High School in the Northwest Region of Carroll County.

Jennifer Guite � Conowingo Elementary School
Cecil County Public Schools
Working directly with students in the classroom brings Jennifer Guite her greatest joy. Ms. Guite works with small groups and individual students assisting with homework, learning basic math facts, practicing reading and writing skits to be performed school-wide. In addition, she demonstrates true leadership skills as the co-advisor of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Initiative � a school nutrition and physical activity program that emphasizes health and wellness. The Fuel Up to Play 60 Initiative has spawned the creation of interdisciplinary instructional units that are student-based and relative to the Common Core State Standards. Her efforts have resulted in a better educational experience for all students at Conowingo Elementary School, as well as helped to create a healthier and more educated community.

Victoria Kelly � Mary H. Matula Elementary School
Charles County Public Schools
Wanting to create the best environment possible for her children, and realizing the importance of parent involvement, Victoria Kelly serves as the PTO president at Mary H. Matula Elementary School. From organizing Meet & Greet Socials to hosting "Donuts with Dad" and "Muffins with Mom" events to make parents feel welcome and to create a sense of community, Ms. Kelly not only keeps parents crossing the threshold, but also keeps them in the loop by maintaining the school�s Facebook page and publishing the monthly newsletter. She keeps the entire community informed by submitting photographs and articles to the local newspaper about the great things happening at school.

Diana Creighton � Warwick Elementary School
Dorchester County Public Schools
Diana Creighton has played a significant role in the revitalization and rejuvenation of the parent organization, recently named P.A.W.S � Parents Assisting Warwick Students. In addition to raising more than $8,000 in just four short months, additional fundraisers are providing field trips, classroom materials, pizza parties, festivals, and assemblies to students at Warwick Elementary School. Because of her enthusiasm and leadership, more parents want to be involved and are taking an active role in the school and in their children�s lives. Ms. Creighton serves as the driving force of new traditions that are beginning, as well as the cultural change taking place in the community.

Jana Sheffer � Frederick High School
Frederick County Public Schools
Known as the mastermind of communication and consensus-building, Jana Sheffer has been PTA President for multiple years at three schools. Ms. Sheffer not only championed the two-year $91.9 million Frederick High School Renovation/ Modernization Project, she also helped manage and market the Care For Kids Campaign. The campaign was launched in 2010 by a small group of parents who recognized the economic disparity of the student population, and provided gift cards, toiletries, and donations to underprivileged students. Ms. Sheffer spearheaded spreading the word through the community to help the kids in need. She is ever present in communicating the need, volunteering, and collaborating with the community to provide student resources that benefit Frederick High and the county at large.

Jeanine Sisler � Broad Ford Elementary School
Garrett County Public Schools
Jeanine Sisler is the epitome of a caring and involved parent and a real asset at Broad Ford Elementary School. As the PTO president, Ms. Sisler has made great strides to improve the school�s PTO budget, as well as the life of students. From working with a local dentist to offer dental services to students of families with limited resources to orchestrating a Gold Fundraiser to assist with the health costs for a student with a serious medical condition � Ms. Sisler wears a smile every day, shows that she has a heart of gold, and gives without an expectation of receiving.

Carol Vach � Ring Factory Elementary School
Harford County Public Schools
As the Vice President of Ring Factory Elementary School�s PTA, Carol Vach is hailed as a �jack of all trades,� and has been the backbone of all school activities for five consecutive years. Her events help provide a wholesome family evening and make the school a home away from home. Ms. Vach not only spends countless hours soliciting donations from local businesses to support school activities, and organizing the annual Fall Festival; Spring Fling; Laps for Learning; Teacher Appreciation Week; Winter Wonderland; and Parents Night Out events, but she also promotes goodwill and a feeling of unity in others through her parent involvement.

Tami McClatchey � Waterloo Elementary School
Howard County Public Schools
Tami McClatchey knows the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and she shares it with others as Chair of the Wellness Committee at Waterloo Elementary School. Ms. McClatchey recognized the importance of getting young children started early in making good choices regarding nutrition and physical activity. With her leadership, procedures for indoor recess were adjusted; a movement room for exercise and dance videos is available for students; balls and jump ropes were purchased for outdoor recess activity; and the Wellness Committee organized its first Family 5K Walk/Run with proceeds being donated to two charities that benefit cancer treatment.

Dennis Walters � Galena Elementary School
Kent County Public Schools
As the PTA President, Junior Achievement Coach, and a Character Counts! Coach, Dennis Walters has made a huge impact on the students, families, staff, and community of Galena Elementary School. Not only did he promote physical activity and healthy behaviors in and out of the school by leading the charge for the NFL Play 60 Program and Kent County Public Schools Wellness Council, but he also found many ways to bring the school and community together. And his dedication did not end there; he has served on several school board committees keeping in the forefront the best interests of the most important stakeholders�the students.

Kimberly Hall � John Hanson French Immersion School
Prince George's County Public Schools
Kimberly Hall, a dedicated parent of three children at John Hanson French Immersion School, served as PTSA President, School Board Liaison, and currently is the PTSA Program Chair and Room Mother in two classrooms. Ms. Hall has introduced several enrichment programs in grades K-5, including the Mad Science of Washington, D.C. Program � students learn about science through experimentation. She initiated afterschool dance programs where students learn jazz and modern dance, as well as a language program where students learn Mandarin. Ms. Hall recognized the need for students to understand the importance of Black History by directing the Black History program, and involved all grade levels in the production. Her efforts in building �the whole child� have contributed to a better awareness of the school�s staff, which represents 17 different countries.

Annette DiMaggio � Sudlersville Elementary School
Queen Anne's County Public Schools
Initiating the �Backpack Fridays� project to offer nourishment for at-risk students at Sudlersville Elementary School over the weekends when they are not provided the free meals at school, Annette DiMaggio collects funds from friends, community members, school staff, and local businesses. Ms. DiMaggio also purchases the food as recommended by the FDA, stores it in her commercial kitchen, and fills bags every Thursday to feed 34 students. Other outreach efforts include Community Cares, movie night at the school, and management of the school store. Ms. DiMaggio, who exemplifies the meaning of parent involvement throughout the community, also serves as the PTA president at Sudlersville Middle School where her son attends.

Norma Sydnor � Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
St. Mary's County Public Schools
Arriving at school before most staff members, and although her grandchildren and great grandchildren have moved on to middle school and beyond, Norma Sydnor is still very much committed to student success at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School. Her dedication to helping has not waned-- her three-day per week volunteerism and her level of energy to get things done is remarkable. Whether it is copying, filing, sorting, binding, laminating or classroom preparation, teachers are able to deliver quality instruction because Ms. Sydnor is ready, willing, and able to assist wherever needed.

Aurelia Martinez � Woodson Elementary School
Somerset County Public Schools
Aurelia Martinez was not assigned to the Latino Parent Outreach Project � she was born to it, serving as a role model, motivated liaison, and advocate for the Latino community and the school system. Ms. Martinez makes phone calls to Latino parents encouraging them to attend school functions � often providing personal transportation. She also acts as interpreter for families and shares resources, which has translated into better prepared Latino students. Her volunteerism spans throughout the community � she transports Latino families to Bible study, opens her home by serving authentic Mexican food, and is collaborating with her employer on a major community project to clean-up and reopen the local beach. Latino parents trust Ms. Martinez and her outreach has increased Latino parent involvement at Woodson Elementary School.

Megan Cook � Easton Elementary School
Talbot County Public Schools
CarePacks is a program whose mission is to end weekend hunger among Easton Elementary School�s most economically vulnerable students. Thanks to Megan Cook, CarePacks now serves 180 students in all five elementary schools in Talbot County. The program provides two breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and fruit items to eligible students every Friday afternoon. Ms. Cook began the program�s fundraising efforts, researching grants, and talking to business owners, personal contacts and community groups about the program. Almost immediately, she was able to secure close to $3,000 in funding through contacts with individuals, churches and service organizations.

Tara Ensor � Bester Elementary School
Washington County Public Schools
Tara Ensor is being described as a beacon of the �Making a Difference Every Day� parent project at Bester Elementary School. Even though she is a single parent of two children, Ms. Ensor has spent countless hours in assembling informational packets and cataloging items for the parent resource center, so that the families of the community are able to get information on a variety of topics. In addition, Ms. Ensor has run the weekly �Kindergarten Cash Cart� reward program independently and efficiently for the last two years, working in the classroom with students on reading, mathematics, and science activities. She is a role model of strength for other parents, staff and students.

Lisa Mertensotto � Salisbury Middle School
Wicomico County Public Schools
Lisa Mertensotto is known as the quintessential volunteer for mobilizing parents, as well as securing community and civic resources to ensure students receive the very best that Salisbury Middle School has to offer. She orchestrated the Alzheimer�s� Walk, dances, talent shows, basket bingo, lunch on the lawn, community yard sales to meet the needs of lower income families, the eighth-grade formal, and the positive behavior incentive carnival. She also provides valuable input on school safety. One of four founding members of �Parents in Action,� Ms. Mertensotto�s �can do� attitude and volunteer spirit leads the way, as she advocates for the students at Salisbury Middle School.

Jeanne Zender � Showell Elementary School
Worcester County Public Schools
Child advocacy is Jeanne Zender�s mantra. Understanding that parent involvement is more than just fundraising at Showell Elementary School, Ms. Zender is also a positive role model and ensures that the school is a special place for students and parents alike. She brings her love of Fine Arts to the school by hosting the annual Showell Elementary Talent Show � giving students an opportunity to display their talents in various ways that are not found in the curriculum. She cares for all students and wants them to have experiences that can make a difference in their lives, such as the Arts. In addition, Ms. Zender helped to bring to fruition the �Moms Helping Moms� program which provides meals and resources to three needy families at the school.

Board of Education to Meet on Tuesday, April 23

Howard Hartman — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:18:49 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 19, 2013*

Board of Education to Meet on Tuesday, April 23

The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., with public agenda items beginning at 10 a.m. The public portion of the meeting will be broadcast live on the MCPS website and on MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34).

The agenda for the meeting is below.

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Junior Achievement Greater Washington Futures - April 2013

Howard Hartman — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:30:42 GMT

Financial Literacy | Work Readiness | Entrepreneurship

Greater Washington
Futures

April 2013

DONATE | VOLUNTEER | myJA.org

Ed Grenier

President and CEO
Junior Achievement of
Greater Washington

As Europe faces serious measures and our country debates how best to balance revenue and expenses, we at Junior Achievement are reminded that sound personal finances begin with individual choices.

During Financial Literacy Month, join our vision that all kids see this connection. We know spending habits start early, certainly by middle school. But we also know that habits strengthen over time, as witnessed during the recent financial crisis.

So this is our focus. To empower our kids with this fundamental life-skill as they enter the complex global economy.

Please take advantage of our resources, reach out to participate, and spread the word.

Thank you.

Empowering young people to own their economic success

SPECIAL EDITION
APRIL FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

Junior Achievement to Open
Second Finance Park

New Facility will be in
Prince George�s County

Junior Achievement Finance Park, an experiential financial literacy learning center for middle and high school students, is coming to Prince George�s County in fall 2014. Construction, in the shadows of FedEx Field, will begin soon.

Modeled after the facility in Fairfax, VA, and funded by partner Capital One, this long-term partnership with the Prince George�s County Public School System will ensure that all students are systematically exposed to in-depth financial literacy education.

Since opening the Fairfax facility in October 2010, Junior Achievement has taught this comprehensive curriculum to over 41,000 local students.

Please visit www.JuniorAchievementFinancePark.org to learn more, read the press release, or click here to watch the school board�s approval of the new Finance Park.

Capital One Supports Expansion
With $3M Signature Gift

Lead partner Capital One is providing significant funding and volunteer support to enable Junior Achievement to expand its Finance Park educational experience into Prince George�s County.

Just over four years ago, they also donated $2.5 million to help construct the Finance Park facility in Fairfax, VA.

Special thanks to Capital One for its continued support of our youth. To learn more, please visit www.capitalone.com/about/corporate-citizenship/.

New Survey Finds Teens Optimistic
About Financial Futures

JA's 2013 Teens and Personal Finance Survey reveals that teenagers are more optimistic than last year about their financial futures.

However, part of their financial security comes from depending on parents until a later age, with nearly a third of respondents saying that they won�t be able to independently support themselves until after age 25.

Compounding their challenges, only 9% of teens say they are currently saving for college, despite more than half believing that students are borrowing too much for it.

To learn more about how teens view personal finance, please visit www.myJA.org/about/polls
/personal_finance_2013.html.

JA Releases New
Online Educational Materials

Game Connects
Decisions and Finances

For Financial Literacy Month, JA developed a new online game for teens that helps illustrate decision-making in college.

Students will explore $ave University, where every decision affects time and money, whether a student chooses to shop, study, go to the movies, or even play basketball.

To play $ave University today, please visit www.JA.org/courseware/.

Tools for Parents
Address College and Careers

Earlier this month JA released three new Junior Achievement $ave, USA lessons for parents to use with their elementary, middle, and high school children. All are now available as free downloads.

This year�s Junior Achievement $ave, USA program helps youth consider various types of colleges, what role tuition has in choosing a college, and how career choice affects one�s salary.

To download your copy, please visit www.myJA.org/programs/saveusa/#parent.

High School Program Helps
Educators Teach Real-World Statistics

This new Junior Achievement $ave, USA lesson assists high school educators teach their students how statistics are applicable to various life choices, including careers, home prices, and job satisfaction.

To download a free copy for your classroom, please visit www.myJA.org/programs/saveusa/#educator.

Maryland Career and Technology Organization 40th Annual State Skills Championship

Howard Hartman — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:12:05 GMT


For Immediate Release	April 18, 2013

Maryland Career and Technology Organization
Presents 40th Annual State Skills Championship

1000 SkillsUSA Maryland Students Representing 23 Counties
and Baltimore City Compete for State Recognition and Honors

BALTIMORE (April 19, 2013) � SkillsUSA Maryland students, teachers, administrators, and myriad business and industry partners are gearing-up for the organization�s annual State Leadership and Skills Championship, April 19-20, 2013. This exciting event will showcase Maryland�s best and brightest career and technology education (CTE) students as they compete for medals, prizes, scholarships, state recognition, and the chance to continue on to national and international competition.

Nationally, SkillsUSA serves more than 330,000 CTE student and professional members enrolled in trade, technical, and skilled-service occupations, including the allied health professions. There are 13,000 SkillsUSA chapters in high schools, trade and technical schools, and community colleges across the country.

SkillsUSA Maryland boasts a statewide membership of 5,000 students. These young men and women represent every Maryland school system. As many SkillsUSA members have started training for their chosen career paths in high school, future plans often include earning post-secondary credits, degrees and/or certifications at two and four-year colleges, technical schools and apprenticeship programs.

The hosts for this year�s event include the Center of Applied Technology North (CATN), Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville (CCBC), Stevenson University, Stratford University, AACO Fire Department, AACO Community Television Channel 98, North County High School, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies and Printing Specialist Corporation.

State Championship activities will begin Friday, April 19 at 3 p.m. at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute of Technology in Linthicum, and will include a Delegate Assembly, State Officer election and several Friday evening competitions. The following day students competing in 70 different career, technical, health sciences and leadership areas will be demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in hands-on competitions at AACO Fire Training Academy, CCBC Catonsville, CATN, Stevenson University, Stratford University, Channel 98, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies, North County High School and Printing Special Corporation. Winners will be recognized at a Saturday evening Awards Ceremony at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore City. Doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information, please contact Charles Wallace, State Director, Maryland State Department of Education at 410-767-8872 or cwallace@msde.state.md.us.

Junior Achievement Essay Competition - Winners Have Been Selected

Howard Hartman — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:46:23 GMT

April 18, 2013

DONATE | VOLUNTEER | myJA.org

Competition Overview

Winners

Sponsors

Advice from Judges

Official Rules

Junior Achievement

Winners Have Been Selected!

Last fall, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington and David M. Rubenstein invited local high school students to compete for $110,000 in scholarships by writing an essay on the topic, "How Can the Country Readily and Realistically Tackle Growing Income Disparity?"

The grand prize winner will receive a $20,000 scholarship, the nine runner-up winners will each receive a $10,000 scholarship, and the three schools with the greatest number of eligible applications from each of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia will each receive a $6,000 award. We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Junior Achievement Essay Competition.

Thank you to ALL of the students who entered this year's competition!

Grand Prize Winner Daniela Hernandez-Fujigaki 10th Grade Clarksburg High School

District of Columbia
1st Place Isabel B. Berg 10th Grade School Without Walls Senior High School	2nd Place Katherine P. Thomas-Canfield 12th Grade School Without Walls Senior High School
3rd Place John S. Kirkpatrick 11th Grade School Without Walls Senior High School	School Award School Without Walls Senior High School Washington, DC

Maryland
1st Place Aras Scimemi 11th Grade Walt Whitman High School	2nd Place Isabel E. Hendrix-Jenkins 11th Grade Montgomery Blair High School
3rd Place Nicole M. Obongo 11th Grade Northwest High School	School Award Richard Montgomery High School Rockville, MD

Virginia
1st Place Sepehr Zomorodi 12th Grade Oakton High School	2nd Place Caitlin R. Paul 11th Grade Freedom High School
3rd Place Austin B. Wright 10th Grade Stone Bridge High School	School Award Stone Bridge High School Ashburn, VA

Become a fan of JA on Facebook to be among the first
to learn the topic of the upcoming 2013 Junior Achievement
Essay Competition this summer!

www.facebook.com/JuniorAchievementGW

Junior Achievement motivates students to develop the skills needed to experience the realities and opportunities of the 21st-century global marketplace; developing the confidence to enter the workforce and contribute to economic growth. Our program curriculum fosters work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, utilizing experiential learning to inspire kids to dream big and reach their potential. This year, over 52,000 students in Greater Washington will participate in Junior Achievement programs. To learn more, please visit www.myJA.org.

David M. Rubenstein is a Co-Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, one of the world's largest private equity firms. Mr. Rubenstein co-founded the firm in 1987. Since then, Carlyle has grown into a firm managing more than $170 billion from 33 offices around the world. To honor his many accomplishments, Mr. Rubenstein was inducted to the Washington Business Hall of Fame in November 2007.

�5th Grade Challenge� Events to Support MCPS Educational Foundation

Howard Hartman — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:05:33 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 17, 2013*

�5th Grade Challenge� Events to
Support MCPS Educational Foundation

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Educational Foundation will hold the first of three �Are You Up to the 5th Grade Challenge� events on Thursday, April 18.

The fun events will test local celebrity contestants on their knowledge of Grade 5 facts. Students from 68 MCPS elementary schools will also participate. Proceeds will support the Foundation, which provides scholarships, grants and programs that enhance educational opportunities for MCPS students.

The first event will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in the auditorium at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus. It will feature three contestants: Wayne Esworthy, plant operations manager at Wagners Meats LLC; Daniel Schrider, president and CEO of Sandy Spring Bank, and Commander James A. Fenner, Jr. of the Montgomery County Police Department.

The other two �5th Grade Challenge� events will be held:

Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m., at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda
Monday, April 29, 6 p.m., at the Olney Theater Center for the Arts, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Road in Olney

For ticket information, visit the website below or call 301-517-5099. More information on the MCPS Educational Foundation can be found at http://www.mcpsfoundation.org/.

Go to this site

Four MCPS High Schools Among Top 100 in the Nation

Howard Hartman — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:52:07 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 16, 2013*

MCPS Rises to the "High School Challenge"

Four MCPS high schools among top 100 in the nation

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) placed four schools among the nation�s top 100 in The Washington Post High School Challenge. All 25 MCPS high schools appear in the ranking, which includes only the top 9 percent of the nation�s high schools.

The High School Challenge, released Monday (April 15), ranks schools based on the access they provide students to rigorous classes, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

�Our district�s strong performance on the High School Challenge indicates that we are successfully breaking down barriers and providing all students with access to meaningful, college-level classes,� said Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr. �Congratulations to our students, staff, and school communities on these outstanding results.�

�We must continue to provide this access and make sure our students are ready for success in rigorous classes that prepare them for college and the workplace,� he said.

(See how MCPS high schools performed on the High School Challenge)

The four high schools in the top 100 of the High School Challenge list were Poolesville (47), Richard Montgomery (87), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (92), and Winston Churchill (100). Overall, 23 of the district�s 25 high schools were in the top half of the list, which includes 1,919 high schools.

On the Washington, D.C., regional list, MCPS placed seven schools in the top 25, including the four mentioned above, plus Walt Whitman, Thomas S. Wootton, Quince Orchard, and Walter Johnson high schools. MCPS had eight of the top 10 schools in the state of Maryland.

The High School Challenge is based on the Challenge Index, a measure devised more than 15 years ago by Washington Post reporter Jay Mathews, to rank high schools on their ability to effectively prepare students for college.

MCPS is a national leader in AP participation and performance. In 2012, MCPS students took 32,974 AP exams, the most in the district�s history. Of the exams taken, 75 percent received a college-ready score of 3 or higher, an increase of more than 3 percentage points from 2011 and the highest percentage since 2006. The percentage of AP exams scoring a 3 or higher in MCPS is significantly higher than the percentage in the state of Maryland (61.4 percent) and the nation (57.3 percent).

2013 Washington Post High School Challenge
Results for Montgomery County Public Schools

NATIONAL RANK (out of 1,919 schools)

Rank	High School
47	Poolesville High School
87	Richard Montgomery High School
92	Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
100	Winston Churchill High School
126	Walt Whitman High School
132	Thomas S. Wootton High School
152	Quince Orchard High School
165	Walter Johnson High School
282	Northwest High School
286	Rockville High School
333	Sherwood High School
347	Montgomery Blair High School
408	Damascus High School
474	Albert Einstein High School
751	James Hubert Blake High School
769	Springbrook High School
783	Wheaton High School
816	Paint Branch High School
823	Col. Zadok Magruder High School
887	Seneca Valley High School
918	Northwood High School
924	Clarksburg High School
958	Watkins Mill High School
1167	Gaithersburg High School
1272	John F. Kennedy High School

Washington Post High School Challenge

Go to this site

Steps in the 2014 National Merit� Scholarship Competition

Howard Hartman — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:41:01 GMT

MCPS Launches Mobile-friendly Website

Howard Hartman — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:36:58 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 10, 2013*

MCPS Launches Mobile-friendly Website

New pages optimize experience for smartphones, tablets

Montgomery County Public Schools has launched a new mobile-friendly website that allows visitors an optimal viewing experience whether they are using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The site is built using responsive web design that adjusts the experience for whatever device is being used. While the way a user interacts with the site will be different on a computer than it is on a tablet or a smartphone, the content is the same.

�Our new mobile-friendly website is part of our overall effort to give parents, students, and staff the information they need in the easiest, clearest way possible,� said Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr. �We will continue to make improvements that enhance communications and engagement with our entire community.�

Currently, the MCPS home page (www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org) and all of the top-level pages on the MCPS website are in the new mobile-friendly format. This includes the Schools, Parent & Students, Board of Education, Superintendent, Staff, Careers, News, and About Us pages, as well as much of the Spanish section of the website. In addition, many videos may now be viewed on a new mobile-friendly page. Other mobile-friendly web pages will be added in the coming months.

The number of users accessing the MCPS website using mobile devices has risen dramatically in the past year. In March, nearly 19 percent of the visits to the MCPS website were made on a mobile device. That is up from 5 percent in March 2012, and is expected to increase in future years.

While the new website is not an �app,� an icon may be placed on home screen of most mobile devices by simply calling up the site and clicking �Add to Home Screen.� (See how this is done on an iPhone) Consult the owner�s manual of each device for more information.

Screenshots
- MCPS homepage on a computer or laptop
- MCPS homepage on a smartphone

2013 National Achievement Scholarship Winners Named

Howard Hartman — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:01:52 GMT

2013 National Achievement Scholarship Winners Named

Fifteen Montgomery County Students are Winners

Montgomery County Winners

(Evanston, Illinois) Today, National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 800 outstanding Black American high school seniors who have won Achievement Scholarship� awards through the National Achievement Scholarship Program. These awards, totaling over $2 million, are fi nanced by grants from 34 corporate organizations and professional associations, and by National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The National Achievement Scholarship Program is a privately fi nanced academic competition established in 1964 specifi cally to honor scholastically talented Black American youth and to provide scholarships to a substantial number of the most outstanding participants in each annual competition. By the conclusion of the 2013 program, marking the 49th annual competition, about 32,600 participants will have received scholarships for undergraduate study worth more than $103 million. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profi t organization that operates without government assistance.

The Achievement Scholar designees announced today include 700 recipients of National Achievement� $2500 Scholarships. All students who advanced to the Finalist level in the 2013 competition were considered for these single-payment scholarships, which were awarded on a regional representation basis in proportion to the population of Black Americans in each geographic region. About 100 Scholars are winners of corporate-sponsored Achievement Scholarship awards. These winners were selected from Finalists who met the specific criteria of their grantor organizations. Most are residents of an area served by the sponsor, children of the organization’s employees, or Finalists planning to pursue a college major or career the sponsor wishes to encourage. Almost all corporate-sponsored scholarships are renewable and provide stipends that can vary from $500 to $10,000 per year, but a few provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000.

More than 160,000 students entered the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program by requesting consideration in the competition when they took the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT�) as high school juniors. In September 2012, approximately 1,600 of the highest scorers were named Semifinalists on a regional representation basis. To continue in the competition, Semifinalists had to fulfill requirements for Finalist standing, which included having a record of consistently high academic performance; being endorsed and recommended by an offi cial from their high school; earning SAT scores that confirmed their PSAT/NMSQT performance; and writing an essay.

From the Semifinalist pool, some 1,300 advanced to the Finalist level, and the 800 National Achievement Scholarship winners were selected from this group of outstanding students. Achievement Scholar awardees are the Finalist candidates judged to have the strongest record of accomplishments and greatest potential for academic success in college.

Montgomery County Winners

Public Schools

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Angela S. White, Chevy Chase
Probable career field: Astrophysics
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

John F. Kennedy High School

Sydney M. Harper, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Political Science
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Montgomery Blair High School

Channing Kimble-Brown, Gaithersburg
Probable career field: Pediatrics
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Henok Alemu Addis, Rockville
Probable career field: Broadcast Journalism
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Rachel A. Darko, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Medicine
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Mireille M. Verdonk, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Economics
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Quince Orchard High School

Bentley Threat, North Potomac
Probable career field: Video Game Design
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Richard Montgomery High School

Maya A. Davis, Germantown
Probable career field: Theatre
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Andie S. Berry, Silver Spring
Probable career field: Writing
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Kiera F. Givens, Takoma Park
Probable career field: Marine Biology
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Winston Churchill High School

Amira Collison, Potomac
Probable career field: Medicine
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Private Schools

Georgetown Prepartory School, North Bethesda, MD

Araba Koomson, Bethesda
Probable career field: Medicine
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

Maret School, Washington, DC

Karl A. Reid, Silver Spring
Probable career field:Medicine
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

National Cathedral School, Washington, DC

Alexander K. Lee, Bethesda
Probable career field: Business
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT NMSC SCHOLARSHIP

St. John's College High School, Washington, DC

Alexander K. Lee, Rockville
Probable career field: Business
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP

About the scholarships:

NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT NMSC SCHOLARSHIP
This award is supported by NMSC, which conducts the National Achievement Scholarship Program.

NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP
This award is supported by NMSC, which conducts the National Achievement Scholarship Program.

Final Version of New Science Standards Released to Public

Howard Hartman — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:45:06 GMT


For Immediate Release	April 9, 2013

Final Version of New Science Standards Released to Public

Maryland has been a Lead State in Drafting Stronger Standards for Science Education

BALTIMORE, MD (April 9, 2013) � The final version of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is being released today, a new set of voluntary, rigorous, and internationally benchmarked standards for K-12 science education.

The standards can be found online below.

Maryland is one of 26 states and their broad-based teams that have worked together for nearly two years on the standards, with a 41-member writing team and partners. The goal has been to develop standards identifying science and engineering practices and content that all K-12 students should master in order to be fully prepared for college, careers and citizenship.

Dr. S. James Gates, University System of Maryland Regents Professor, John S. Toll Professor of Physics, and Director of the Center for String and Particle Theory at the University of Maryland�who also serves on the State Board of Education�said the new standards represent a great leap forward.

�With the State of Maryland playing the role of one of the lead states in the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, we are poised to place the already considerable achievement of the state on a path toward excellence as measured on an international scale,� Dr. Gates said.

The NGSS were built upon a vision for science education established by the Framework for K-12 Science Education, published by the National Academies� National Research Council in 2011.The development of the NGSS was entirely state-driven, with no federal funds or incentives to create or adopt the standards. The process was primarily funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, a leading philanthropy dedicated to improving science education in the U.S.

The NGSS are grounded in a sound, evidence-based foundation of current scientificresearch�including research on the ways students learn science effectively�and identify the science all K�12 students should know.

Go to this site

Superintendent to Hold Book Club Event on May 21

Howard Hartman — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:13:36 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*April 5, 2013*

Superintendent to Hold Book Club Event on May 21

Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr will host his second Book Club discussion of the school year on Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m., in the auditorium of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

The book club will discuss Cage-Busting Leadership by Frederick M. Hess, who will join Dr. Starr for the event. Parents, staff, students and community members who wish to be a part of the studio audience for this free event are asked to RSVP to pio@mcpsmd.org.

Dr. Starr began the book clubs in 2011 as a way to engage the MCPS community, staff and students in a conversation about education and the skills our students need to be successful. More than 400 people have participated in the book club events both in the live audiences and online.

�Rick Hess� book speaks directly to the importance of strong leadership in improving teaching and learning,� said Dr. Starr. �I look forward to a robust, engaging conversation with our community.�

On the day of the event, Dr. Starr will be joined by Dr. Hess and other guests who will discuss the book and take questions and comments from the live audience. Those watching online or on MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34) can participate in the conversation by sending questions via Twitter (using the hashtag #mcpsbookclub) and email.

To watch video of past book club events or for more information, visit www.mcpsbookclub.org.

Maryland Libraries Celebrate Ten Years of Chat

Howard Hartman — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:34:24 GMT


For Immediate Release	March 29, 2013

Maryland Libraries Celebrate Ten Years of Chat

Maryland AskUsNow! Has a Birthday

BALTIMORE (March 29, 2013) � The Maryland State Department of Education�s (MSDE) Division of Library Development and Services joins with Maryland libraries to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Maryland AskUsNow! With more than 380,000 questions answered, AskUsNow! provides trusted information using the resources of trained librarians across Maryland and the world. AskUsNow! is accessed through the website www.askusnow.info, or by selecting the bright yellow AskUsNow! icon on partner organization web sites.

In addition to the praise it has received from the people who use it, Maryland AskUsNow! has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education�s Virtual Reference Desk Project as an outstanding online information service. Maryland was one of the first states to implement this type of 24 hour online answer service in 2003.

�I am proud of the service that AskUsNow! provides the students of Maryland, �said Lillian M. Lowery, State Superintendent of Schools. �Students, who need research help after school hours, can contact AskUsNow! and receive the right answer from a trained librarian.�

In just a few clicks, anyone who lives, works, or studies in Maryland can get 24/7 access to librarians for help with research or find answers to thousands of questions. This service is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant funds, and through MSDE�s Division of Library Development and Services. The services are provided by partner libraries.

�This month we celebrate ten years of amazing service to customers across Maryland when and where they need it,� said Irene Padilla, Assistant State Superintendent for Libraries. �It shows amazing dedication among our partner libraries that staff the service and a commitment to innovation across the state.�

Maryland AskUsNow! brings together the experience and resources of the State�s public, academic and special libraries. As part of an international network, the librarians share night and weekend coverage with libraries from around the world. In addition to the live chat service, subject specialists are available to respond by e-mail to questions requiring more extensive investigation, often including topics requiring business research, the law, hard to find statistics, or historical questions such as those involving genealogy.

For more information, visit www.askusnow.info or http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSD...sions/library/.

Maryland Kindergarten Readiness Remains Strong

Howard Hartman — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:39:53 GMT


For Immediate Release	March 28, 2013

Maryland Kindergarten Readiness Remains Strong

After a Decade of Steadyimprovement, Kindergarten Readiness has Flattened

BALTIMORE, MD (March 28, 2013) � Children entering kindergarten in Maryland public schools are coming to class with much stronger academic, physical and social skills than they did a decade ago, according to a new report by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

�Children Entering School Ready to Learn�School Readiness Information for School Year 2012-13,�areport by MSDE�s Division of Early Childhood Development released today before the Maryland State Board of Education, found dramatic progress since the baseline year of 2001-2002 across all demographic subgroups. For the first time, however, the percentage of Maryland students entering kindergarten fully prepared for learning in the fall did not increase over the previous year.

Although the number of students rated as �fully ready� increased 1,400 students over 2011-12, the percentage of incoming kindergartners who were rated by their teachers as �fully ready� was 82 percent, down slightly from 83 percent due to an increase in enrollment. Since 2001-2002, the percentage has risen 33 points.

�Maryland�s youngest learners have made great progress over the past decade, but more work needs to be done,� said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. �By making certain that more children are enrolled in high-quality early learning experiences, we can further improve the numbers of well-prepared kindergartners.�

The annual MSDE study reflects assessment information on kindergartners� readiness levels in social and personal areas, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, the arts, physical development, and health. Trained kindergarten teachers review work samples and observations in making their determination of readiness.

Kindergarten readiness has improved significantly since all early childhood programs were brought under the MSDE banner in 2005. Since the Division of Early Childhood Development was established eight years ago, the number of accredited childcare programs has grown significantly and MSDE has established several quality initiatives to improve the early learning opportunities for all children.

Also important has been the reduction in the achievement gap between students of different ethnicities. For example, African American children have made dramatic strides since the initial report, with the percentage of �fully ready� students rising 42 percentage points overall and narrowing the gap with White and Asian peers. Improvement by Hispanic children also has been dramatic, with the percentage of fully ready students increasing 32 points.

The MSDE assessment of incoming kindergarten students, known as the Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR) Kindergarten Assessment, has charted improvement across demographic categories in the percentage of students ready for kindergarten work. For example:

School readiness levels for English Language Learners have increased 34 percentage points since 2002, rising to 69 percent deemed as �fully ready.�
The improvement in school readiness for low-income children�students receiving free or reduced price meals�has jumped 42 percentage points since 2002, to 76 percent.
The percentage of special education students considered fully ready for kindergarten improved 27points since 2002 to 57percent.

MSDE has found that improved MMSR results also translate to better results in the Maryland School Assessment by the time students reach third grade. Children who enter kindergarten fully school-ready are far more likely to be proficient in both reading and math by Grade Three.

The MMSR study results continue to spotlight the critical importance of high-quality early learning opportunities. Children who come into kindergarten from structured early-care settings started school better prepared for learning than those who remained at home or in the homes of relatives, the research found. Children enrolled in public school pre-K programs (83 percent fully ready for kindergarten), child care centers (87 percent), and non-public nursery schools (93 percent) the year prior to kindergarten exhibited stronger school readiness levels than those who were at home or in informal care settings the year prior to kindergarten.

Maryland�s annual school readiness report is the result of legislative action to gauge the progress on school readiness skills of incoming kindergartners. Each year, more than 2,000 kindergarten teachers use an age-appropriate portfolio-based assessment to evaluate their students� performance on 30 indicators of learning in their classrooms during the first eight weeks of school. The assessment information in the report reflects scores for each of the seven domains of learning, such as literacy, math, and social skills, as well as the composite score of all domains.

Maryland is among the nation�s leaders in early childhood development. The State was among the first nine to receive a federal Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant, and is using the $50 million to further strengthen its programs by improving governance, accountability, standards, and access.

The complete School Readiness report will be available soon on the special MSDE website below.

Go to this site

Board of Education Approves Employee Agreements; Discusses Interventions

Howard Hartman — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:47:20 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 22, 2013*

Board of Education Approves Employee
Agreements; Discusses Interventions

The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Among other items, the Board approved agreements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 with the three MCPS employee associations and had a discussion on interventions. The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board of Education website.

Fiscal Year 2014 Employee Association Agreements
The Board of Education voted to approve amended agreements for FY 2014 with its three employee associations�the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 and the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP). The agreements have been ratified by the members of MCEA and MCAAP. The SEIU Local 500 agreement is in the process of ratification, and votes will be counted on March 26. The Board of Education approved this tentative agreement contingent on ratification by the membership of SEIU Local 500.

Under the amended contracts, eligible MCPS employees will receive a step or longevity increase, effective on February 8, 2014. Employees who are not eligible for a step or longevity increase will receive a 2 percent salary increase, effective February 8, 2014. All other provisions in the current collective bargaining agreement remain in effect for FY 2014.

Read the press release

Update on Strategic Priority: Interventions
The Board received an update and held a wide-ranging discussion on interventions and supports that are offered to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students. For more than a decade, MCPS has dedicated extensive resources to improve teaching and learning and address the wide variance in student learning. The use of interventions has been one part of the district�s efforts to improve student learning and narrow the achievement gap. In 2012, Superintendent Joshua Starr made improving interventions and supports a strategic area of focus for the current school year.

MCPS is implementing an integrated system of supports that will help move the district to a more balanced, technical, and adaptive approach to supporting students. In 2013-2014, MCPS will work closely with 15-20 schools, supporting their implementation of an integrated student support team. This team will bring together families, communities, and school staff to identify students� growth areas and support their academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs. The integrated system of supports will be implemented in all MCPS schools by the 2015-2016 school year.

Read the report to the Board

Administrative Appointments
The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:

- Geoffrey T. Sanderson, currently chief accountability officer, McKinney Texas Independent School District, as associate superintendent, Office of Shared Accountability.

-Sarah E. Sirgo, currently principal, Woodlin Elementary School, as consulting principal, Department of Professional Growth Systems, Office of Human Resources and Development

-Kia Middleton-Murphy, currently acting assistant to the associate superintendent, Office of Special Education and Student Services, as assistant to the associate superintendent, Office of Special Education and Student Services

-Jennifer H. Lowndes, currently acting principal, Rock Creek Forest Elementary School, as principal, Rock Creek Forest Elementary School

-Stacey F. Rogovoy, currently acting principal, College Gardens Elementary School, as principal, College Gardens Elementary School

Other Action: The Board also took action on several items, including:

-Appointed an architectural firm for the Wheaton Woods Elementary School modernization project.

-Appointed an architectural firm for the relocatable classroom project.

Resolutions: The Board unanimously approved the following:

- A resolution in remembrance of Wayne E. Whigham

- A resolution recognizing the month of April 2013 as the Month of the Young Child

- A resolution recognizing April 22 through April 26, 2013 as Administrative Professionals Week

- A resolution recognizing the month of April 2013 as Arab American Heritage Month

- A resolution recognizing the month of April 2013 as National Autism Awareness Month

Univision Washington, MCPS Launch Partnership to Inform, Engage Parents

Howard Hartman — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:55:44 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 22, 2013*

Univision Washington, MCPS Launch
Partnership to Inform, Engage Parents

Comunicado de prensa en espa�ol

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Univision Washington, the region�s largest Spanish TV news station, have teamed up to better inform and engage Spanish-speaking families. MCPS is producing a weekly segment on education that is broadcast on Univision Washington�s 6 p.m. newscast each Wednesday.

The segment, called Educalos: Es el Momento, provides helpful information about educational programs and initiatives. Among the topics already aired are SAT/ACT, school nutrition, early childhood education and parent-teacher conferences. Previously-aired stories can be viewed on the Educalos website.

�I am so pleased to partner with Univision Washington on this unique, innovative project,� said Superintendent Joshua P. Starr. �By sharing important information each week, we can further engage the region�s growing Spanish-speaking population and help them support and advocate for their children�s education.�

The segments are produced by the MCPS Office of Communications and feature MCPS staff, programs and schools. However, Karen Mendez, News Director for Univision Washington, said the news packages will be helpful to parents throughout the region.

�We know that education is a high priority topic for our viewers,� Ms. Mendez said. �This partnership allows us to share important information about education to our viewers in Montgomery County and throughout the region.�

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Montgomery County has more than 140,000 residents who speak Spanish at home. The number of MCPS students receiving English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services has nearly doubled in the last 10 years. This school year, MCPS has about 20,000 ESOL students and 63 percent of those students are Spanish speakers.

Over the past year, MCPS has dramatically expanded its efforts to communicate with and inform Spanish-speaking families, including significant outreach and collaboration with Spanish media. Among the initiatives are:

- An expanded and improved Spanish website that provides news, information and updates;
- Increased Spanish programming on MCPS TV, including a weekly news program, Noticias de MCPS;
- A Spanish Twitter feed, @MCPSEspanol
- A 90-second news update, Noticias en 90, is broadcast daily on New World Radio (1120 AM);
- A biweekly column written by Superintendent Joshua P. Starr that runs in Washington Hispanic newspaper;
- The newly-launched Informe Educativo, featuring 60-second messages from MCPS on La Nueva (87.7 FM).

Board of Ed Approves Amended Agreements with 3 MCPS Employee Associations for FY 2014

Howard Hartman — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:11:34 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 21, 2013*

Board of Education Approves Amended Agreements
with 3 MCPS Employee Associations for Fiscal Year 2014

The Montgomery County Board of Education Thursday (March 21, 2013) approved amended agreements for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 with the three Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) employee associations.

The agreements have been ratified by the members of the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) and the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP). The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 agreement is in the process of ratification, and votes will be counted on March 26. The Board of Education approved this tentative agreement contingent on ratification by the membership of SEIU Local 500.

Under the amended contracts, eligible MCPS employees will receive a step or longevity increase, effective on February 8, 2014. Employees who are not eligible for a step or longevity increase will receive a 2 percent salary increase, effective February 8, 2014. All other provisions in the current collective bargaining agreement remain in effect for FY 2014.

�I believe this is a fair agreement that recognizes the outstanding contributions of our staff, while acknowledging the current economic realities,� said Board of Education President Christopher S. Barclay. �I appreciate the continued collaboration between the Board, MCPS and our employee associations.�

The salary increases will cost $18.6 million in FY 2014, money that was set aside in the operating budget request that the Board approved in February.

�I want to thank everyone who was involved in negotiating this agreement between MCPS and its staff,� said Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr. �The relationship between MCPS and its employees associations is built on a mutual commitment to respect and interest-based bargaining that allows us to remain focused on meeting the needs of all students.�

All economic provisions will be subject to negotiations for FY 2015 as MCPS and the associations work on a new three-year contract.

�This year�s agreement lays the groundwork for future discussions about how our members are recognized, supported, and compensated for the excellent work they do every day,� said Douglas Prouty, president of MCEA, which represents more than 12,000 educators. �I look forward to continuing these conversations in the months to come as we seek to provide an outstanding education to the students of MCPS.�

�This contract recognizes the sacrifices made by supporting services employees during the downturn and enables them to plan for future financial needs,� said Merle Cuttitta, president of SEIU Local 500, which represents about 9,000 MCPS employees. �It respects the work of SEIU Local 500 members and their critical role in providing students with a world-class education.�

�This agreement not only values our members, but those who work with them and for them every day,� said Debra Mugge, president of MCAAP. �The collaborative relationship between MCPS and its employees bolsters our ability to recruit and retain the very best employees to our schools.�

Board of Education to Meet on Thursday, March 21

Howard Hartman — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:30:00 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 20, 2013*

Board of Education to Meet on Thursday, March 21

The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., with public agenda items beginning at 6 p.m. The public portion of the meeting will be broadcast live on the MCPS website and on MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34).

The agenda for the meeting is below.

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Comment Sought on Two Board Policies

Howard Hartman — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:44:39 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 19, 2013*

Comment Sought on Two Board Policies

The Montgomery County Board of Education has requested community comment regarding revisions to two policies�Policy ABA, Community Involvement, and Policy IGN, Combating Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.

Policy ABA, Community Involvement, reflects the Board�s commitment to fostering and supporting community interest and involvement in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Policy IGN, Combating Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, provides a framework for creating and maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning, and working within MCPS that is free of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and other intoxicants.

Copies of the draft policies are available through the Department of Public Information and Web Services by calling 301-279-3391. You also can access the policy on the MCPS website.

Individuals who wish to provide comments on either policy should respond in writing by May 7, 2013. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 122, Rockville, Maryland 20850 or sent by email to the Board of Education at boe@mcpsmd.org. All responses will be shared with the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools.

Policy ABA, Community Involvement

Policy IGN, Combating Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse

Montgomery Blair Senior Places in Top 10 of Intel Science Talent Search

Howard Hartman — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:24:20 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 13, 2013*

Montgomery Blair Senior Places in
Top 10 of Intel Science Talent Search

Samuel Zbarsky, a senior at Montgomery Blair High School, took top honors in the 2013 Intel Talent Search, one of the most rigorous and prestigious science competitions for high school students in the nation. Mr. Zbarsky finished 7th overall and will receive a $25,000 award.

He was one of 40 national finalists recognized in this year�s Talent Search. Zbarsky was recognized for his research project, On Improved Bounds for Bounded Degree Spanning Trees for Points in Arbitrary Dimension, math research that could improve the efficiency of 3-D computer networks. At Blair, Zbarsky is captain of the math team and participates in computer club, Science Bowl and the �It�s Academic� team.

Overall, 1,712 high school seniors participated in the 2013 Intel Science Talent Search, entering papers on independent research projects in science, engineering, mathematics, or computer science. In January, 300 students were announced as semifinalists and 40 as finalists. Montgomery County Public Schools had eight semifinalists this year�five from Montgomery Blair, two from Poolesville High School, and one from Richard Montgomery High School.

The Intel Science Talent Search is administered by the Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education.

Intel Science Talent Search

Go to this site

Board of Education Discusses School Support and Improvement Framework

Howard Hartman — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:53:22 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 13, 2013*

Board of Education Takes Action on Policies,
Discusses School Support and Improvement
Framework; and Discusses Legislative Stances

The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Among other items, the Board discussed MCPS� school support and improvement framework; tentatively approved changes to the community involvement and alcohol and drug abuse policies; and discussed and approved its position on legislative issues. The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board of Education website.

School Support and Improvement Framework
The Board of Education received an update and held a wide-ranging discussion on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) framework for school support and improvement. In December 2011, a process was launched to explore how the MCPS central office could more effectively serve and support principals and schools. The reorientation process included designing a central office theory of action, studying research on central office transformation, developing guiding principles, and creating the new Office of School Support and Improvement and the new Office of Teaching, Learning and Programs. Leaders in the Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI) have worked over the last 15 months to better align their work to meet the goals of the reorientation process. The School Support and Improvement Framework (SSIF) is based on four categories of data:

Student outcomes�strategic targets including achievement, suspensions, eligibility, graduation rate, school performance index, annual measureable objectives;
Perceptual�stakeholder engagement data, such as employee, parent and teacher survey results;
Implementation�data on the extent to which Curriculum 2.0 and professional learning communities are being implemented; and
Leadership�leadership practices such as eliminating barriers to all students achieving at high levels, leading the school improvement planning process, building high-functioning teams;

School leaders are increasingly using SSIF to better understand their schools as complex entities. One of the next steps for OSSI will be identifying high-impact leadership practices. OSSI will partner with the MCPS Executive Leadership Team to clarify how central offices will continue to strengthen service and support and identify key data points that will guide next steps in coordinating that support.

Read the Board memo

Board Policy ABA, Community Involvement
The Board of Education tentatively approved changes to Policy ABA, Community Involvement. The policy revision reflects the Board�s commitment to fostering and supporting community interest and involvement in MCPS. Recommended updates include increasing public participation through expanded use of technology, especially the MCPS website, and utilizing appropriate methods of input, such as focus groups, task forces, work groups, advisory groups, or public forums. The revisions were developed after consideration of past MCPS practices concerning advisory committees and the feasibility of using Policy ABA as a governing policy for obtaining community input. The policy will now be distributed for public comment and will be considered for final approval at a future meeting.

See the changes in the policy

Board Policy IGN, Combating Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse
The Board also tentatively approved changes to Policy IGN, Combating Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. The policy, which will be sent out for public comment, provides a framework for creating and maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning, and working within MCPS that is free of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and other intoxicants. Recommendations for updates include working with community partners to increase access to prevention or treatment services; putting prevention and education first, followed by assistance, referrals, and counseling, and when necessary, enforcement of penalties for those who violate laws, Board of Education policies, and MCPS regulations.

See the changes in the policy

Examination of Policies and Procedures for Use of Board of Education Property
The Board of Education owns several properties throughout the county that can be used as future school sites. In some cases, the district allows these properties to be used by other agencies or private entities. Vice President Philip Kauffman introduced a resolution asking the Board�s Policy Committee to review policies that are related to the use, leasing or licensing of Board of Education property. The resolution passed and the Policy Committee will discuss the matter at a future meeting.

Read the resolution

Positions on Education Legislation
The Board discussed several pieces of legislation that are currently being considered by the Maryland General Assembly. The Board had a lengthy discussion about Senate Bill 691 and House Bill 1286, which would change the laws regarding who has the burden of proof in due process hearings related to special education. In the end, the Board did not take a position on the legislation, which would have shifted the burden from the parents to the school system. Among the legislation that the Board supports are: a bill that would regulate state education aid every year and would establish an annual goal of at least $350 million to fund school construction or capital improvement costs. The Board opposed other pieces of legislation, including those that would require boards to provide a report to the State Department of Education on per-student funding for certain students at each school, and would allow private school students to participate in extracurricular activities at Maryland public high schools.

Read the Board positions

Other Action: The Board also took action on several items, including:

-Approved the preliminary plans for the new Clarksburg/Damascus middle school project

-Approved the preliminary plans report for the North Chevy Chase Elementary School addition project.

Kindergarten Orientation Sessions to be Held in April and May

Howard Hartman — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:19:37 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 12, 2013*

Kindergarten Orientation Sessions to be Held in April and May

Kindergarten orientation sessions will take place between April 3 and May 24, 2013, for children who will enter kindergarten in the 2013-2014 school year. During orientation, parents and students will meet the school principal, kindergarten teachers and other staff members.

Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions about the school�s procedures and programs; enroll students for next school year and complete important forms. The sessions will also help students become acquainted with the school environment.

Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2013 can be enrolled in kindergarten.

Parents should call their home school to make an appointment to register for that school�s specific orientation date(s).

Parents who are not certain which elementary school serves their area should contact the Boundaries office at 240-314-4710. Parents can also access the School Assignment Locator on the MCPS website.

An Early Entrance to Kindergarten application is available for parents with children who will turn 5 years old between September 2, 2013 and October 15, 2013. Parents who seek early entrance consideration for their children should inquire at their home school.

For more information about the kindergarten program and orientation sessions, parents can call their home school or the Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services at 301-230-0691.

Kindergarten orientation dates

Kindergarten Orientation Information

Go to this site

Board of Education to Meet on Tuesday, March 12

Howard Hartman — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:16:20 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*March 8, 2013*

Board of Education to Meet on Tuesday, March 12

The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., with public agenda items beginning at 10 a.m. The public portion of the meeting will be broadcast live on the MCPS website and on MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34).

The agenda for the meeting is below.

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Workshop: Help! My Child is Being Bullied!

Howard Hartman — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:19:45 GMT

Remind Me

When
Thursday March 7, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Add to Calendar

Where

Phone Workshop

Join us for a FREE 1 hour phone workshop on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 7PM to 8PM.

This newly revised workshop offers intervention strategies for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities who may be targeted by bullies at school. Participants will learn how to:

Identify types of bullying
Develop strategies to prevent bullying
Identify responses to bullying
Talk to your child about bullying
Obtain help from professionals
Find out about disability harassment laws

Note: Registration is open statewide. After you register, the call-in number for the phone workshop, materials, and handouts will be sent to you.

Click on the link below to register or RSVP.

Get more information

Register Now!

I can't make it

For more information, please contact Rochelle Howell at rochelle@ppmd.org or by phone at 410-768-9100 x104

Thank you for your attention and response. Please feel free to forward this email to others who may be interested.

Sincerely,

Josie Thomas

The Parents' Place of Maryland

josie@ppmd.org

410-768-9100

The Parents' Place of Maryland | 801 Cromwell Park Drive | Ste 103 | Glen Burnie | MD | 21061

Maryland Schools Celebrate National School Breakfast Week March 4-8, 2013

Howard Hartman — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:15:59 GMT


For Immediate Release	March 1, 2013

Maryland Schools Celebrate National
School Breakfast Week March 4-8, 2013

School Breakfast Promotes Health and Learning

BALTIMORE (March 1, 2013) - The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) celebrates National School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, 2013. This week-long celebration recognizes the importance of the School Breakfast Program and its role in preparing students for academic success. Nationwide, more than 12 million students begin their day ready to learn because they eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast at school.

In Maryland, nearly 200,000 students eat school breakfast every day and enter the classroom prepared to make the most of their academic day. Research has shown that students who eat school breakfast are less likely to miss school, are more likely to arrive on time, make fewer visits to the school nurse, have less discipline problems, and score better on some standardized tests.

Maryland’s local school systems have been innovative in their approach to providing breakfast to students by finding creative ways to overcome barriers to program participation. One state funded national model, the Maryland Meals for Achievement Program, serves breakfast in the classroom in 271 schools throughout the State daily. “Grab and Go” breakfast, another innovative meal delivery system in 180 schools, allows students to pick up breakfast on their way to the classroom, while other Maryland schools serve breakfast after first period as a “Second Chance” breakfast.

“Maryland, the number one school system in the nation for the fifth consecutive year, is continuing its commitment to making school breakfast available to all students. Every day we see the connection between good nutrition and academic achievement.” said State School Superintendent Lillian Lowery.

In 2010, Congress revised the School Breakfast Meal Pattern through the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. The revised nutrition standards are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine. The changes take place over the next 3 years when students will be offered low-fat and non-fat milk choices, increased portions of fruit, and more whole grain choices.

School meal menus are developed locally by the school system’s nutrition director. When planning menu choices, directors must consider federal regulations, nutritional quality, affordability, and student preferences. We applaud the work of all those involved at the local level to ensure that students are fed healthy meals every day.

Penelope Thornton Talley Named Chief Performance Officer

Howard Hartman — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:53:13 GMT


For Immediate Release	February 26, 2013

Penelope Thornton Talley Named Chief Performance Officer

Will Lead Msde�s Efforts to Strengthen Federal and State Monitoring

BALTIMORE (February 26, 2013) � Penelope Thornton Talley, Esq., has been named Chief Performance Officer for the Maryland State Department of Education. The Maryland State Board of Education approved her appointment today.

Ms. Talley will provide leadership, guidance, administration, and supervision to MSDE�s monitoring and support activities. She comes to MSDE from the Deputy Mayor for Education�s Office in Washington, DC, where she served as Interim Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff since last year. At MSDE, she replaces Deputy State Superintendent John Smeallie, who recently joined the staff at Towson University.

�As we deepen our knowledge about both State and federal policy, and focus on accountability, the position of Chief Performance Officer becomes critical,� said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. �We are fortunate to have Ms. Talley leading that effort. She comes to MSDE with both broad programmatic experience and a real passion for education.�

Prior to joining the Washington, DC, government, Ms. Talley spent nearly a decade with AARP, where she was Senior Vice President for Operations and Support Services. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland-University College.

Ms. Talley holds a bachelor�s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a law degree from the University of Richmond, and an MBA from the Johns Hopkins University.

Board of Education Approves FY 2014 Budget Request

Howard Hartman — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:58:33 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*February 26, 2013*

Board of Education Approves FY 2014 Budget Request;
Discusses Results of Gallup Engagement Surveys and
Sets Summer School Fees

The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Monday, February 25, 2013, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Among other items, the Board approved a Fiscal Year 2014 Operating Budget request for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS); received an update on the results of the 2012 Gallup Engagement Surveys and approved summer school fees for Fiscal Year 2014.

FY 2014 Operating Budget Request
The Board of Education approved a $2.23 billion Operating Budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. The Board�s request represents a 2.65 percent increase over this year, and will allow the district to focus on managing growth, narrow achievement gaps, and invest in the future of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and its students. The request is less than 0.7 percent above the funding floor required by state law.

The Board�s budget request represents a $57.5 million increase over the current FY 2013 budget, and the majority of that increase will allow the district to serve an additional 2,300 students next school year. The budget also calls for investing in key areas, such as mathematics instruction, middle schools, professional learning for staff and the strategic restoration of positions that have been eliminated over the past several years.

The Board will submit its budget request to the Montgomery County Executive and the County Council on March 1. County Executive Isiah Leggett is expected to release his FY 2014 Operating Budget recommendation on March 15. The County Council will hold public hearings prior to approving a final MCPS budget in May.

Read the Board Resolution on the Budget

Gallup Engagement Survey
The Board received an update and held a discussion on the results of the 2012 Q12 Engagement Survey for all MCPS employees and the Gallup Student Poll for students in Grades 5�12. The results of the surveys will guide the school system in its efforts to improve teaching and learning in every school. Based on more than four decades of research, Gallup has identified definitive employee attitudes that correspond with the most successful workplaces. Additionally, Gallup has identified the questions that measure these attitudes and studied the links between employees� responses and various school outcomes, including employee retention, parent engagement, student retention, and student achievement.

The Gallup Student Poll tracks the hope, engagement, and well-being of students. Research supports the idea that hope, engagement, and well-being are actionable targets linked to student achievement, retention and future employment.

The survey results for all schools will be posted on the MCPS website in the coming weeks.

Read the Board Item

Fiscal Year 2014 Summer School Fees
The Board of Education voted to maintain all full and reduced summer school fees at the same level as FY 2013, with no increases. The Summer School Revenue-based Program full fees remain at $335 for elementary courses, $300 for high school core courses, and $310 for high school non-core courses, including student online learning. Reduced fees will remain at $85 or $120, depending on family income.

MCPS will provide Summer School programs for intervention, enrichment and acceleration of academic instruction for MCPS students through four elementary regional centers, four high school regional centers, and local school programs. The Summer School Program is an integral part of the MCPS strategic plan, Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence and provides the necessary flexibility for schools to develop summer programs to address the needs of students in their local school or cluster.

Read the Board Item

Brickyard Road Middle School Site
In order to clarify the status of the Brickyard Road site, the Board passed a resolution declaring Resolution 138-11 to be of no force and effect. On February 19, 2013, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett notified the Board of Education that he is relinquishing the County�s lease on the Brickyard Road School site (as was permitted by Resolution 138-11), as the County no longer intends to develop the property for recreational purposes. The Board voted to cancel its lease with Montgomery County at a special meeting on February 19, meaning there is no active lease for the property. The property is now in the possession of the Board of Education and remains a future school site.

Read the Board Item

Administrative Appointment

The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointment:

- Jack O. Dodson, Jr., currently fiscal specialist, Department of Transportation, as assistant controller, Division of Controller.

Other Action: The Board also took action on several items, including:

-Approved contracts for the Waters Landing Elementary School Addition.

Resolutions: The Board unanimously approved the following:

- A resolution recognizing the month of March 2013 as Women�s History Month

- A resolution recognizing MCPS educators who earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2012.

Community Dialogue on Academic Success Set for March 2

Howard Hartman — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:31:53 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*February 26, 2013*

Community Dialogue on Academic
Success Set for March 2

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will hold its first Community Dialogue on Academic Success on Saturday, March 2, 2013. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the People’s Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Rd. in Silver Spring.

This event is the first of several activities that have been planned to engage the MCPS community in an effort to increase and support student performance and narrow the achievement gap. The March 2 event will focus on the achievement of African American students.

The event is free and open to community members, parents, students and staff who want to work together to help African American students prepare for college and the workforce.

MCPS staff and community leaders will share information on innovative strategies and programs currently at work in Montgomery County to help students succeed. The day’s agenda also will include an overview of achievement gap data, presentations from youth and youth-serving organizations, and a discussion of solutions and potential partnerships. Participants will work in small groups to create a framework for increased academic achievement for African American students in MCPS.
For more information and to register online, visit the MCPS website.

Community Dialogue on Academic Success

Board of Education Approves $2.23 Billion Operating Budget Request

Howard Hartman — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 03:22:08 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*February 25, 2013*

Board of Education Approves $2.23 Billion Operating Budget Request

Board Seeks 2.6% Increase; Budget is Less Than 0.7% Above Mandatory Funding Floor

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved a $2.23 billion Operating Budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, a 2.6 percent increase over the current year�s budget and less than 0.7 percent above the minimum funding floor required by state law.

The budget will allow Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to manage its continued enrollment growth while helping the district to re-energize its efforts to narrow the achievement gap and prepare for the future. On March 1, the Board will submit its budget request to the County Executive and the County Council for consideration.

�This is a thoughtful, fiscally responsible budget that will allow us to keep up with our growth, while making strategic investments in key areas,� said Board of Education President Christopher S. Barclay. �I want to thank the MCPS staff, parents and community members for helping us develop this budget request and I look forward to working with the County Executive and the County Council in the coming months.�

The Board�s budget request represents a $57.5 million increase over the current FY 2013 budget, and the majority of that increase will simply allow the district to serve an additional 2,300 students next school year. The budget also calls for investing in key areas, such as mathematics instruction, middle schools, professional learning for staff and the strategic restoration of positions that have been eliminated over the past several years.

Negotiations with the district�s three employee associations are nearing completion. The Board�s budget sets aside $18.6 million for possible compensation increases, pending the outcome of the negotiations.

The Board�s budget is just $9.97 million over the state�s minimum funding floor�called Maintenance of Effort�which requires the county to fund education at the same per-pupil level from year to year.

�The Board and MCPS leadership have taken great care to bring forward a reasonable budget request that balances the needs of our students with our responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer funds,� said Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr. �We must continue to make investments in our education system in order to secure the economic future of our county and our state.�

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett is expected to release his FY 2014 Operating Budget recommendation to the County Council on March 15. The Council will hold public hearings in April before approving a final budget for MCPS in May.

Building the Budget

In December, Dr. Starr submitted to the Board his initial budget recommendation, which was created in collaboration with the three MCPS employee associations�the Montgomery County Education Association, the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals, and the Service Employees International Union, Local 500�as well as representatives from the Montgomery County Council of PTAs.

The Board held two public hearings at which parents, students, staff and community members gave feedback on the superintendent�s proposal. The Board also held two work sessions on the budget and asked more than 75 specific questions about the budget and MCPS operations.

Last week, Dr. Starr submitted an amended budget recommendation for the Board�s consideration. The amended budget identified more than $15 million in savings, mostly from reduced employee benefit costs, and made additional strategic investments based on input from the community and the Board. Among the investments in the amended budget are the addition of school psychologists, counselors, maintenance workers and high school teachers; the expansion of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at two middle schools; and additional funds for professional learning for MCPS staff.

�This budget was built collaboratively and cooperatively and reflects the priorities of our community,� Mr. Barclay said. �Meeting the growing and changing needs of our students requires us to identify our challenges and focus our resources to improve in these key areas.�

Managing Growth

Enrollment this school year is nearly 149,000 students, an increase of more than 11,000 students in just five years. This growth is expected to continue and enrollment is projected to top 159,000 students by FY 2019. At the same time, more of our students require services and support to be successful.

More than 49,300 MCPS students (33.1 percent) now receive free and reduced-price meals, an increase of more than 12,000 students in five years. Also, nearly 20,000 students receive English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services. This budget provides $20.8 million to address enrollment changes, including 127 elementary and secondary positions to serve an additional 2,336 students, 22 positions to serve an additional 900 ESOL students, and 101 positions to increase individualized services for special education students.

Re-energizing Efforts to Narrow the Achievement Gap

MCPS has had success in narrowing the achievement gap in several areas, including Advanced Placement (AP) access and success, graduation rates and early grades reading. In other areas, the gaps have been persistent and more difficult to narrow. This budget invests resources in strategic areas to deepen the district�s efforts to narrow the achievement gaps, especially in key areas.

Some of the largest gaps in MCPS are in middle schools, so the Board�s budget request includes the investment of $1.97 million to hire 30 middle school focus teachers who will work with students struggling in mathematics and reading. The budget also funds 22.8 positions to restore middle school staff development positions to full-time status ($1.5 million). These positions provide vital training and support to middle school teachers. The budget also realigns about $1.1 million to create a Mathematics Implementation Team that will work with schools to improve the capacity of teachers to serve students and invests $665,934 to fund 10 new elementary school teacher positions that will provide accelerated math instruction to students who are ready for advanced work.

Investing in the Future

There are many changes occurring in education�locally and nationally�that will require school districts to invest in their staff. These include the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in mathematics and literacy; the continued roll-out of Curriculum 2.0; and preparing our students for new state assessments and changes in AP exams.

The Board�s budget request seeks a $3.6 million increase in professional development and resources to help MCPS staff best serve the needs of its students. Other strategic restorations and enhancements include additional consulting teachers to work with new educators and those who are struggling ($314,854).

The Board�s budget request also funds:

- The addition of five elementary instrumental music teachers
- The restoration of 11 school support positions at small elementary schools, including media specialists, staff development teachers, reading specialists and counselors
- The addition of an assistant school administrator and .5 school secretary position at the district�s three largest elementary schools
- Funds for a districtwide baseline testing program concerning concussions
- Funds to support the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program, a collaborative effort with Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove aimed at increasing postsecondary enrollment and success

Dr. Starr's Recommendation to the Board of Education

Community Invited to Share Thoughts on MCPS Strategic Plan

Howard Hartman — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 01:38:53 GMT


*For Immediate Release*	*February 25, 2013*

Community Invited to Share
Thoughts on MCPS Strategic Plan

The community is invited to offer input on the future of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) as the system works to revise its strategic plan.

A community meeting on the MCPS strategic plan will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 6:30�8:30 p.m., in the Carver Educational Services Center auditorium, 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville.

The existing strategic plan, Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence, has been the foundation of the district�s school improvement efforts for more than a decade. A communitywide Network Team is working to revise the plan so it reflects the knowledge and skills needed for MCPS students to be successful in the 21st century. Participants in the March 5 meeting will be asked to share their thoughts and ideas in the areas of academics, creative problem-solving skills, and social and emotional competencies.

The input collected from the event will be used to inform the Network Team. Registration is requested by calling 301-279-3100 or by emailing pio@mcpsmd.org. Interpretation services will be provided. Contact the Division of Family and Community Partnerships at 301-279-3100 for more information.

Learn more about the Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan Network Team