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<lst> The Board of Education met Tuesday, March 11, and among other items, approved a resolution on universal preschool education. The board tentatively approved a revised policy on student transportation and took final action on a policy designating representation of noncertificated supervisory employees. In addition, the board voted its position on proposed legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and approved preliminary plans for improvements to three elementary school buildings. The board also recognized 74 educators who earned National Board Certification in 2007. In addition, the board approved fees for summer school and evening high school programs and discussed progress on the Kennedy Cluster Project.
The seventh annual Professional Development Conference for Students will be held Wednesday, March 19, from 8 a.m.–1 p.m., at The Universities at Shady Grove, located at 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. This event provides a professional-style conference experience for more than 700 high school students enrolled in career-related programs.
Montgomery County Public Schools will hold the 2008 Kindergarten Orientation Program from April 15 - May 30, this year. Special registration and orientation programs are scheduled at elementary schools throughout the county. Kindergarten orientation is designed to help parents enroll their children, including the completion of health forms, and to assist students in becoming acquainted with future friends and the schools’ environment. Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2008 are eligible to begin kindergarten in August. Parents are asked to register children for next year’s kindergarten on the date scheduled for the elementary school that serves their neighborhood. Parents who are not certain which elementary school serves their area should contact the Montgomery County Public Schools Boundaries Office at 240-314-4710 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Starting in March and throughout the summer, the Montgomery County Public Schools Head Start and Prekindergarten programs are recruiting children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2008, for the 2008–2009 school year. Walk-in applications are being accepted Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141, Rockville. Parents also can register their children at other locations. Call the Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit at 301-230-0676 for information about documents parents must bring to complete the registration and for a list of additional registration locations and times. Information also is on the MCPS Web site at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/earlychi/.
The Career Transition Program of St. Luke’s House, Inc. has been awarded a $3.875 million grant from the United States Social Security Administration to assist Montgomery County students with emotional disabilities. The Career Transition Program helps high school juniors and seniors with emotional disabilities make a successful transition to college, vocational training, or employment.
Jefferson Prep, a local tutoring service, has announced the first recipient of the 2008 Jefferson Prep Global Warming Scholarship. The scholarship was established to honor students who have an active interest in protecting the environment. The award is a $1,500 scholarship for high school students who can apply the award to their college studies. The first 2008 scholarship was awarded to Yong Yi Wu, a senior at JEB Stuart High School. Jefferson Prep is still accepting applications to provide this scholarship to other students. Visit www.jeffersonprep.com.
JHU’s Whiting School of Engineering once again will be offering its Engineering Innovation program at the Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus in Rockville, Maryland. During the program, students learn the basics of engineering. Students who complete the course with an A or B receive 3 transferable JHU college credits. The program, which will accept up to 24 students in the summer of 2008, offers limited financial aid for students who qualify and recommends students have completed at least Algebra 2. More information can be found online at: http://engineering-innovation.jhu.edu/. Applications are due by April 15.
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.
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.