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February 27, 2015
School Holidays and Dates to Remember
March
March 2-8
Music in Our Schools Month
National Middle Level Education Month
Youth Art Month
National Foreign Language Week
March 2-6
National School Breakfast Week
Monday, March 9
Wednesday, March 11
Two Hour and Forty-Five Minute Early Dismissal System-wide;
Professional Development Time Available for Instructional
Staff; Schools Closed for Pre-Kindergarten Students
Board of Education Meeting (4:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18
Community Town Meeting (7:00 p.m. – Liberty HS)
Friday, March 27
Marking Period Ends
Two Hour and Forty-Five Minute Early Dismissal System-wide
Teachers Work on End of Marking Period Items
Schools Closed for Pre-Kindergarten Students
Artists at Papa Joe’s – Northwest Middle School
Nineteen Northwest Middle School artists were recently treated to lunch at Papa Joe’s Mexican
restaurant in Westminster. The owners provided a ‘thank you’ meal for the artwork that was created
and now hangs in the vestibule of their new location. The framed work is permanently installed and is an
extension of the Oaxacan sculpture unit completed in the 7 th grade art program at Northwest Middle.
The works at Papa Joe’s are mixed-media pieces completed with acrylic paint, marker, and felt. The
owners of Papa Joe’s are a husband and wife team; Mrs. Alejandrez is a Carroll County native and Mr.
Alejandrez is originally from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Contact:
Melodie Taylor, Art Teacher, Northwest Middle School, 410-751-3270
National German Exam Results – Liberty High School
Alex Stoneroad, a senior at Liberty High School, placed 1st out of 138 students who took the Level 2
National German Exam for the Maryland, DC Metro and Virginia area. This particular competition
identifies the best German students throughout the United States. Alex will receive a gold achievement
certificate and the opportunity to apply for an interview to represent the Maryland, DC Metro and
Virginia Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German on a trip studying in Germany this
summer. Erich Delles, a sophomore at Liberty High School, placed 6th out of 138 students who took the
Level 2 National German Exam and will receive a gold achievement certificate. He also is eligible for the
travel award to Germany this summer. Silver Certificates were awarded to Jessica Woodall (12th of 138
test takers) and Nick Corona (21st of 138 test takers). Honorable Achievement Certificates were awarded
to Brandon Grosch and Abbigale Koenigsmark. All are students of Marcia Hackett at Liberty High School
in Eldersburg.
Contact:
Marcia Hackett, German Teacher, Liberty High School, 410-751-3560
One School, One Book – Ebb Valley Elementary School
Ebb Valley Elementary School is participating in the One School, One Book reading program from
February 27 through March 20. Every family in the school received the book Frindle by Andrew
Clements to read at home. The kickoff ceremony was held on Friday, February 27. Several fun events
based on the reading have been planned. Families are encouraged to send in photos of their family
reading and enjoying the book together at home to the media center.
Contact:
Megan Whitehead, Media Specialist, 410-386-1550
Youth Art Month Exhibits
Carroll County Public Schools will be holding two art exhibits in celebration of Youth Art Month in
March.
Selected artwork by high school students will be featured in the High School Visual Arts Exhibit from
February 28 to March 19 in the Main Hall of the Carroll Community College Langdon Gallery. The public
is welcome during normal business hours.
The Elementary and Middle Level Visual Arts Exhibit, featuring selected artwork by elementary and
middle school students, will be held at the Carroll County Arts Council from March 5 to March 18. The
elementary exhibit will be in the Tevis Gallery (first floor), and the middle school exhibit will be in the
Community Gallery (second floor). The public is welcome during normal business hours.
Contact:
Cristina Gruss, Assistant Supervisor of Fine Arts, 410-386-1811
Parenting Workshop
The Carroll County Public Schools Partners for Success Center will offer a series of free parenting
workshops entitled Positive Solutions for Families on Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17 and 24, from 6 to 8:30
p.m. at Carroll Springs School in Westminster. This workshop is appropriate for parents of young
children ages 2-10 and will offer a positive approach to behavior intervention and parenting in general.
The theory and techniques are based on fostering a child’s social and emotional development. The
workshops will discuss ideas for helping children feel safe, loved, special, competent, and confident.
Ideas also will be offered for helping children develop friendships, follow directions, manage their
emotions, let their parents know what their behavior is trying to communicate, and learn new skills to
replace challenging behavior. There also will be “make and takes.” Call soon to register as space is
limited. Please contact [email protected] or call 410-751-3955.
Contact:
Cindy Senseney, Partners for Success Center, [email protected], 410-751-3955
Carroll County String Project Elementary String Clinics
The Carroll County String Project is hosting a series of elementary level string clinics throughout the
month of February and March. These clinics are open to all Carroll County 4 th and 5th grade violin, viola,
cello, and double bass players. Students will receive instruction on basic string technique that will serve
as an extension upon what they learn in their school instrumental music classes. The remaining sessions
will be held on Tuesdays, March 3, March 17, and March 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Westminster
Elementary School in the cafeteria. Founded in 2007, The Carroll County String Project is a non-profit
organization that focuses on providing affordable music instruction in private lesson and group settings.
Contact:
Kathryn Harsha, Executive Director, Carroll County String Project, 443-300-8702,
[email protected]
Brian Thompson, Instrumental Music Director, Westminster Elementary School,
410-751-3222, [email protected]
African American Read-In
Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll County Chapter of the NAACP, and Carroll County Public Library
are partnering to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting an African American
Read-In. The event, which was canceled on February 26 due to inclement weather, has been
rescheduled for Thursday, March 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carroll County Arts Center, located at 91
West Main Street in Westminster. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Read-In event, please contact Janetta Jayman, Supervisor of English and
World Languages, at 410-751-3057 or [email protected], or Kendra Hart, Supervisor of Elementary
Instruction and Gifted and Talented Instruction K-12, at 410-386-1660 or [email protected].
Contact:
Janetta Jayman, Supervisor of English and World Languages, 410-751-3057,
[email protected]
Kendra Hart, Supervisor of Elementary Instruction and Gifted and Talented Instruction
K-12, 410-386-1660, [email protected]
Alice in Wonderland – Liberty High School
Liberty Drama is proud to announce its spring production of Alice in Wonderland. Performances will be
held on March 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:00 p.m. with matinees at 2:00 p.m. on March 7 and 14 at Liberty
High School.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $15 for advanced seating (which includes your show ticket),
and $20 for Tea with the Mad Hatter (which includes your advanced seating show ticket). Advanced
seating tickets are encouraged for anyone that would like to choose their seat from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30
p.m. or 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. prior to general admission ticket holders being admitted to the auditorium.
There are a limited number of advanced seating tickets. Advanced seating tickets will be available for
Saturday matinees in addition to the backstage event passes for those who wish to be seated early
without attending the backstage event.
Tea with the Mad Hatter will be served on Saturday, March 7, and Saturday, March 14, at 12:30 p.m.
before each of the matinees. Children are invited to have tea with Alice, the Mad Hatter, and other
familiar characters, make a craft, pose for photos, and get autographs. Tickets for this event are $20 and
include advanced seating. All children 13 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Beginning February 23rd, tickets may be purchased online at http://www.lhsdramaclub.com/boxoffice.html, in the lobby of Liberty High School from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on school days, or at Erie
Insurance, located on Liberty Road in Eldersburg, behind Dairy Queen.
Contact:
Trisha Deen, Director, [email protected], Liberty High School, 410-751-3560
Cindy DeBandi, Publicity, Liberty Drama Boosters, [email protected]
Craft Fair – North Carroll High School
North Carroll High School’s Key Club will be holding the first annual Craft Fair on Saturday, March 7. The
Craft Fair will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria area of North Carroll High School. There will be
“Make and Take” craft tables ranging in price from $.50 to $2.00, as well as crafts for purchase. There
also will be a Hot Chocolate Bar. Proceeds from the “Make and Take” craft tables will benefit the
various service initiatives supported by the Key Club. Donations to help reach the goal of a $1,000.00
contribution to the Pennies for Patients program also will be accepted. People interested in reserving a
space to sell their handmade crafts may contact Kate Rudy at [email protected] for more
information. Reservations for tables are due by Friday February 20.
Contact:
Katherine Rudy, North Carroll High School, 410-751-3450
Board Meeting
The Board of Education of Carroll County will meet on Wednesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. in the Charles
I. Ecker Boardroom at the Board of Education offices, located at 125 North Court Street in Westminster.
There will be time for citizen participation at this meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.
Citizen participation will be held following administrative items and presentations. Citizens who wish to
address the Board during Citizen Participation are encouraged to check the agenda prior to the meeting
to determine what time the public comment portion of the meeting will begin. The agenda and back-up
materials for the meeting can be found by going to the school system’s website at www.carrollk12.org
and clicking on “Online Meeting Agenda” at the bottom of the page.
The meeting will be streamed live on the Carroll County Public Schools website at www.carrollk12.org.
Click on Quick Links on the top of the page, then click on CETV 21, followed by CCPS CETV
Webstreaming, or go directly to:
http://www.carrollk12.org/admin/commedia/cetv/streaming/default.asp.
The Board meeting also will be broadcast live on Channel 21, with rebroadcasts on Thursday, March 12,
at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m.; Sunday, March 15, at 8:00 p.m.; and Thursday, March 19,
at 8:00 p.m.
Contact:
Carey Gaddis, Supervisor of Community and Media Relations, 410-751-3020
CCPS Biz Challenge Competition – North Carroll High School
North Carroll High School will hold its competition for the CCPS Biz Challenge on Thursday, March 12, at
6:30 p.m. Five students are expected to pitch a business idea to three judges and compete for monetary
prizes. A $1,000 first prize, a $500 second prize, and a $250 third prize have been generously donated by
Hampstead businesses. The judges will select one winner from North Carroll, who will then go on to
compete against the other high schools at the county competition on April 29 th at Winters Mill High
School. This event is free and open to the public. Come join the fun! For questions, contact Dr. Susan
Getty, NCHS Career Connections Coordinator, at 410-751-3461.
Contact:
Susan Getty, NCHS Career Connections Coordinator at 410-751-3461
Kindergarten Registration Week
Registration for kindergarten for the 2015-2016 school year will be held the week of March 16 through
March 20 at the elementary school in your attendance area. Enrollment in kindergarten is mandatory
for children who will be five years of age on or before September 1, 2015.
Parents will need to present the following at the time of registration:
1. their child’s birth certificate or other legal document to verify their child’s legal name and birth
date
2. verification of residence such as a current utility bill (ex: gas, electric, water) or a current lease
agreement that includes the service address with house number and street name.
3. specific address from which the child will be transported to school and the specific address to
which the child will be transported after school.
Immunization records must be completed and returned to the school prior to the start of the school
year. For more detailed information about registering your child for kindergarten and a list of acceptable
documents for registration, please visit:
http://www.carrollk12.org/instruction/studentservices/enrolling/default.asp
or contact the principal of the elementary school in your attendance area.
Contact:
Cindy McCabe, Director of Elementary Schools, (410) 751-3009
Town Meeting
Board President James Doolan and Superintendent Stephen Guthrie will be hosting a town meeting on
Wednesday, March 18, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Liberty High School, located at 5855 Bartholow Road in
Eldersburg.
The purpose of the town meeting is to create an open dialogue with parents and the community.
Members of the community are invited to attend and address their concerns or ask questions regarding
education topics and issues. The meeting is intended to be an open forum; however, depending on the
number of participants the time for each speaker may be limited.
Contact:
Carey Gaddis, Supervisor of Community and Media Relations, 410-751-3020
One School, One Book – Spring Garden Elementary School
Spring Garden Elementary School just finished its first experience with the program One School, One
Book. Each family received a copy of the book The World According to Humphrey. The whole school
community was encouraged to take part in this shared reading experience. Families read one chapter at
home each night during the month of February. Each morning there was a trivia question from the
previous night’s chapter and prizes for students and staff.
The program began with a kick-off assembly on February 2 where Deborah Bunker, principal, read the
first half of chapter 1 and the physical education teachers set up a hamster-style obstacle course for a
fun competition of teachers vs. students. The media center hosted a Family Night when everyone was
finished reading the book. In the book students learned "you can learn a lot about yourself by taking
care of another species." Scales and Tales had stations set up during family night with reptiles and birds
of prey. Families had a chance to visit the stations to speak to wildlife experts and learn more about
these fascinating creatures.
Contact:
Jamie Rooney, Media Specialist, Spring Garden Elementary School, 410-751-3433
Read Across America – Westminster Elementary School
McDaniel College Student Alumni Council members read to students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten
and first grade at Westminster Elementary School on Friday, February 27, as part of the national “Read
Across America” celebration in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Many of the elementary students were
dressed up as their favorite storybook characters. The event was organized in partnership with the
GFCW Woman’s Club of Westminster, which provided free books to all of the elementary school
students.
Contact:
Whitney Warner, Principal, Westminster Elementary School, 410-751-3222
Volunteer Training Schedule
DATE
SCHOOL
TIME
+ precedes a school event/activity
* follows a school event/activity
# part of a school event/activity
March 10
March 11
March 11
March 10
March 18
March 18
March 18
March 18
March 18
March 18
Piney Ridge Elementary
+ Cranberry Station Elem.
West Middle
Piney Ridge Elementary
Eldersburg Elementary
# Northwest Middle
Sandymount Elementary
+ Charles Carroll Elem.
+ Mechanicsville Elementary
Parr’s Ridge Elementary
CONTACT
Please call the number
provided to confirm the
scheduled training
session.
6:30 PM
5:45 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:15 PM
6:30 PM
410-751-3535
410-386-4440
410-751-3661
410-751-3535
410-751-3520
410-751-3270
410-751-3215
410-751-3211
410-751-3510
410-751-3559
301-829-6585
The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) is firmly committed to creating equal employment and educational opportunities for all persons
with regard to its employment practices and in the provision of services, programs, and activities. The CCPS does not discriminate on the
basis of age, color, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, ancestry or national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual
orientation. The CCPS provides non-discriminatory access to school facilities in accordance with its policies and regulations regarding the
community use of schools (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts). The following person has been designated to handle inquiries
regarding the non-discrimination policies: Gregory J. Bricca, Director of Research and Accountability, 125 North Court Street, Westminster,
Maryland 21157, (410) 751-3068.
The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services,
programs or activities. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Office of Community and Media
Relations at 410-751-3020 or [email protected], or write to Carroll County Public Schools, 125 North Court Street, Westminster,
Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, may use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school
system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special accommodation is needed. Information concerning the Americans with
Disabilities Act is available from the Director of Facilities or the Supervisor of Community and Media Relations: Raymond Prokop, Director
of Facilities, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157, (410) 751-3177, or Carey Gaddis, Supervisor of Community and Media
Relations, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157, (410) 751-3020.
CG/bb