To have an item listed mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean VA 22102, 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 Board of Education has requested community comment regarding its revised Policy IEA, Framework and Structure of Early Childhood and Elementary Education. The policy was revised to affirm the Board’s commitment to a challenging and comprehensive educational program for young students. Copies of the draft policy are available through the Public Information Office by calling 301-279-3391 or on the MCPS Web site at www.montgomerycountyschoolsmd.org.
Individuals who wish to provide comments should respond in writing by May 4. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. The responses will be shared with the Board of Education.
The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking to fill one vacancy on its five-member Ethics Panel for a three-year term beginning on July 1. Applicants must be Montgomery County residents. Members serve without compensation.
Applicants must submit a letter of interest along with a resumé or other documentation to support the application by close of business on May 7, for appointment to be made at the Board meeting on June 12. Send a letter of interest and resumé to Roland Ikheloa, chief of staff, Montgomery County Board of Education, 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 123, Rockville, Maryland 20850, or Roland_Ikheloa@mcpsmd.org. Call 301-279-3301.
The Women's Association of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Great Falls is accepting applications for three Alexander De Filippis Scholarships of $3,000 each. Students must reside in Great Falls, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Sterling, and Potomac or whose family are registered parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena. Applications and complete details are available on-line at: http://st-catherines.net or from the guidance office of the students high school. Strict adherence to the deadline of May 15, as well as to the completeness of the application is imperative.
Kindergarten Orientation. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will hold the 2007 Kindergarten Orientation Program from through Friday, May 25. 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 school environment. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org.
The Board of Education met Monday, March 26, and, among other items, reviewed an update on recommendations of the Latino Education Coalition and approved a plan for a school safety report to the public. The Board also voted to approve a bargaining unit for noncertificated supervisory employees, approved a boundary study for the Hampshire Greens community, and heard a report on legislation before the Maryland General Assembly. A number of observances were noted: Month of the Young Child, Arab American Heritage Month, National Autism Awareness Month, and National Student Leadership Week.
Montgomery County Public Schools has been selected as one of 18 winners in the American School Board Journal’s Magna Awards 2007 program.
The district’s "Multilingual Communications Program" is one of five winners in the over 20,000 student enrollment category in the 13th annual contest, presented with the support of Sodexho School Services. The program provides professional translation in multiple languages to enable the district to communicate essential information to its rapidly growing, linguistically diverse community.
The sixth annual Model United Nations Environmental Summit will be May 23. Sixty countries will be represented in this event. The Model United Nations will be used to discuss important current environmental issues facing the world; issues that will eventually spread all over the world. The Model United Nations will be held at Cold Spring Elementary School, 9201 Falls Chapel Way, Potomac, in the 5th grade center rooms.
This year, 47 Montgomery County students will join participants representing 11 counties and Baltimore City as they explore the theme "Triumph and Tragedy" and compete for top prizes and the chance to attend National History Day held in June at the University of Maryland, College Park.
The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announced that they have joined forces in a cooperative effort to design and implement innovative strategies that will help graduates of MCPS schools to have the necessary science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to successfully compete in a global economy.
The Board of Education met April 19 and, among other items, approved a revised policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, named Downcounty Consortium Elementary School #28, and approved eight administrative appointments. A resolution was approved regarding non-recommended reductions to the FY 2008 Operating Budget. The Board also discussed a report on the Professional Learning Communities Institute and discussed a report summarizing legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly. A number of observances were noted: Secretaries Week, National Volunteer Week, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and Teacher Appreciation Week.
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.
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.