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.
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.
Discovery Creek Children's Museum has expanded its 2007 Summer Nature Adventure Camp offerings providing day-camp opportunities to well over 1,500 children this coming summer. Early Registration opens on Jan. 17. Registration opens to the public on Jan. 19. Quality outdoor activities, in-depth science learning and hands-on fun are all hallmarks of Discovery Creek camps. Campers are encouraged to register as early as possible. Visit http://www.discoverycreek.org.
Civil rights leader, professor, and journalist Roger Wilkins will deliver a lecture on "The Civil Rights Movement and the Second Reconstruction" to teachers on Jan. 31 as part of a three-year professional development program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Teachers will share their knowledge with colleagues, continue to implement what they have learned, and present at state and national social studies conferences.
Superintendent Jerry D. Weast announced a revised special education proposal that would allow all special education students in grades 6 through 12 who are currently in secondary learning centers to remain there through graduation. The revised proposal phases out the learning centers over a six year period, but continues the effort to include more special education students in general education classes.
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.
Sapna Khemka, a freshman at Holton-Arms School, was a participant at Maryland's first Civic Literacy Summit, Jan. 4, in Annapolis. She was
one of five middle school students hand-selected in 2006 while a student at Robert Frost MS to represent the voices of students in grades six through eight. The Summit, which was a result of a bill signed by Governor Ehrlich in May 2006, brought together state legislators, leaders in education and curriculum development, and students to discuss civic literacy in Maryland. Sapna presented prepared testimony before the congregation and fielded questions from the attendees. She received public accommodations from Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Superintendent of Schools and Maryland State Senator Gwendolyn Britt (D-47).
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.