To have an item listed mail to 10220 River Road, Suite 303, Potomac, MD 20854, e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com, or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Unless otherwise noted, all events are in Potomac. If you have any questions, call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457.
The Rockville High School Marching Band has been selected to participate in the Inaugural Parade for Governor-elect Martin O'Malley on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Representing Montgomery County and O'Malley's hometown of Rockville, the band will be one of three featured in the parade, along with bands from Baltimore City (where he has served as mayor) and Prince George's County (home to Lieutenant Governor-elect Anthony Brown).
Parents and students looking for summer programs that are challenging and fun will want to attend the 2007 Summer Search Family Night. The event, hosted by the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Division of Family and Community Partnerships, will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville. Vist www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org.
The Board of Education has requested community comment regarding its revised Policy JFA, Student Rights and Responsibilities, which sets forth the scope of student rights and responsibilities, privileges, and expectations for conduct. The recommended revision states that a student’s conduct prior to election or appointment to the student government or other leadership position must meet a higher standard in order for the student to be eligible to attain, or retain, such leadership positions. Copies are available through the Public Information Office by calling 301-279-3391.
Individuals who wish to provide comments should respond in writing by Jan. 19. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850. The responses will be shared with the Board of Education.
Johns Hopkins University in partnership with VisArts at Rockville coordinates ongoing art exhibits at the Montgomery County Campus of Johns Hopkins University. The art exhibit for February-March will be an exhibit of artwork done by Montgomery County high school students. There also will be a writing contest as part of this initiative.
Submit any original 2-D piece (painting, drawing, mixed media) for
review. The artists of the three "winning" entries will receive a gift certificate to Plaza Arts of Rockville (first: $150, second: $100, third: $75), as well as a year's subscription to an art magazine. Deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 23. Call Judith or Rachel, 301-869-8623 or email outreach@visarts.org for requirments.
Montgomery County parents who wish to request a change in school assignment for their children from their home school may begin the process during the current transfer season, which will be held from Feb. 1 through April 2.
For more information about the transfer process, parents are asked to contact the principal of their home school. Non-English speaking parents may receive more information by calling the Spanish Hotline at 301-230-3073 or the ESOL Parent Center at 301-230-0674. Language Lines also are available to leave a message for someone to return the call—Spanish, 301-230-5403; Cambodian, 301-230-5427; Chinese, 301-230-5428; French, 301-230-5429; Korean, 301-230-5430; and Vietnamese, 301-230-5432.
A total of 224 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students—surpassing last year’s all-time high—have been named National Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars by The College Board for the highest level of performance on AP exams last spring.
Winston Churchill High School in Potomac has been named a Maryland No Child Left Behind/Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for 2006-2007 by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Churchill High School will now go on to compete for the National Blue Ribbon School honor, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Class of 2006 broke Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance records established by the Class of 2005 and capped a five-year trend of consistently higher performance for graduates from all student groups, a new Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) analysis shows. Fifty-six percent (5,282 students) took at least one AP exam and 45 percent (4,234 students) earned at least one AP score of 3 or higher.
Fourth Presbyterian School, in Potomac, teacher and McLean resident Joy Webster was recently named a “National Board Certified” teacher. This honor was bestowed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which has developed professional standards that define what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do in teaching and in promoting learning. At the core of the National Board Certification process are standards that describe the highest level of teaching in different disciplines and with students at different developmental levels.
Jewish Social Service Agency offers "Educational Consultation and Support" for parents of children who have been identified with a learning, attention, or other disability that impacts academic performance. This program helps parents identify and implement the services a child needs to achieve academic success. Available to families in Montgomery County. Adjustable fees based on family income. Other services to children with learning, attention or other disabilities include social skills therapy groups, workshops on parenting challenging children, individual and family counseling, and support groups. JSSA is located at 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Call 301-816-2633 or 703-204-9100 for more.
Princeton Review offers an MCAT class at the John Hopkins University-Montgomery County Campus this fall. The MCAT course is on Mondays-Wednesdays 6:30-9:00 p.m. from Oct. 16-April 4, 2007 and some Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for practice tests. Cost of course is $1,699. To sign up for the course, visit www.PrincetonReview.com or call 1-800-2REVIEW
Montgomery College offers an array of new, non-credit courses that were formerly offered by Montgomery County Public Schools. These courses, offered primarily during evenings or weekends in public schools and other convenient community locations, are in addition to hundreds of other non-credit courses available through the College’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education unit. A complete schedule of course offerings can be found online at www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce. Also, printed copies of the fall non-credit course schedule can be found at libraries, community centers and other such locations around the county. For questions about continuing education courses or to request a copy call 301-279-5188, visit
www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/mcps/mcps.html.