Charles County Public Schools supported Unity Day on Wednesday, Oct. 22 as part of National Bullying Prevention Month. Unity Day is a national effort sponsored by the National Bullying Prevention Center, and students and staff were encouraged to wear orange to show they are against bullying. Several schools passed out orange wrist bands and anti-bullying pledges to students, including John Hanson Middle School. Hanson counselor Nichole Thomas, pictured left, greeted students with Hanson Vice Principal Benjamin Kohlhorst, right, and reminded them of ways they can help stop bullying.

School NewsPAC meeting

The next Parent Advisory Commit-tee (PAC) meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the Board room at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building in La Plata. Call 301-934-7364 for details.

First marking period endsThe first marking period ends on

Wednesday, Oct. 29. The second marking period begins on Thursday, Oct. 30. Report cards will be issued to elementary school students, and mailed to middle and high school students on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Two-hour early dismissalThe next two-hour early dismissal for

students is Thursday, Oct. 30. Afternoon prekindergarten students attend.

CheckmateThe Charles County Public Schools an-

nual fall chess tournament is Saturday, Nov. 1, at Thomas Stone High School. The tour-nament begins at 9 a.m. and students who registered to compete should be signed in by 8:30 a.m.

Students must register to participate, and the registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 24. No walk-in registrations will be accepted. The tournament is open to Charles County residents in grades kindergarten through grade 12. Call the gifted education depart-ment at 301-934-7378 for more information.

Fall backStandard time begins on Sunday, Nov.

2. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour.

Election DaySchools are closed for students only on

Tuesday, Nov. 4, for Election Day.

Important DatesComing Soon

October 24, 2014 H-31

School NewsCharles County Public Schools

It’s All About Teaching and Learning.

See forum, page 2

Students, staff unite against bullying

The Board of Education has scheduled a Nov. 24 work session to review feedback provided recently during three public infor-mation sessions about a facilities study that provides recommendations for school reno-vations. The work session begins at 6 p.m. at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building.

The Board will meet to review its Capi-tal Improvements Plan (CIP) and look at long term plans to renovate and maintain its older facilities. Already, the Board has voted to amend its fiscal year 2016 CIP request to include: renovation/replacement feasibility studies for La Plata High School, Eva Turner Elementary School and Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School. The Board also plans to ask the state for approval to move forward

with a renovation and addition at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School and construc-tion of a new elementary school in the Wal-dorf vicinity west of U.S. 301.

The Board recently held three public ses-sions to gather input from the community about recommendations contained in a study conducted by GWWO Architects. The re-port compiled and analyzed school capacity, student enrollment, physical building condi-tions, staff survey responses, mechanical sys-tem conditions and site characteristics.

The purpose of the report was to survey and assess the physical condition of each school building site to determine its ability to provide students with a modern educa-tion program aligned with CCPS educational

Board hosts meeting to discuss facilities feedback

On the coverPictured on the front cover are employees

honored at the Oct. 14 Board meeting. Pictured from left, are Debra Haan, physical education teacher, Arthur Middleton Elementary School; Matthew Watkoski, science teacher, Maurice J. McDonough High School; and Lauren Hoza, kindergarten teacher, Mary H. Matula Elementary School.

Science Center Spirit NightsThe James E. Richmond Science Center is

hosting elementary school spirit nights in which members of a specified school community can take advantage of special opportunities. Attend-ees have access to discounted ticket prices, a double feature movie of their choice (selected by audience), discovery activities, door prizes and more. The following school spirit nights are scheduled and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. They are Mary B. Neal Elementary School, Oct. 28 and Oct. 30; William A. Diggs Elementary School, Nov. 12-13; Berry Elementary School, Nov. 3, Nov. 18 and Nov. 20; Arthur Middleton Elementary School, Dec. 9 and Dec. 11; and Ber-ry, Dec. 18. Contact the Science Center at 301-934-7464 or email JERScienceCenter@ccboe.com for more information on special events.

American Freedom WeekThe Board of Education recently presented a

resolution to CCPS students and staff declaring the week of Nov. 4-8 as American Freedom Week in Charles County Public Schools and called for schools to continue to honor the flag, the United States, and patriotism. During the week, schools plan activities to recognize those who serve the country and those who gave their lives to pre-serve America’s liberty.

Learn about STI programsNorth Point High School is hosting an open

house for Charles County students interested in applying for science, technology and industry (STI) programs for the 2015-16 school year. The open house is Wednesday, Nov. 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. Parents and students who are residents of Charles County and are interested in applying to one of North Point’s 17 STI programs are en-couraged to attend. Call 301-753-1759 for more information.

October 24, 2014

School News School News

October 24, 2014Page 2 Page 3

Notebook

Somers teacher recognized for passion, dedication to teaching history

Parks students, staff work together to create outdoor learning experience

Aparna JoshiNational Board Certified Teachers

Forum continued from page 1

Education M. Phil, University of Delhi, IndiaMaster of Science in Teaching, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New MexicoMemorable MomentDuring the electricity and magnetism unit in my fourth grade science class, the stu-dents were working on an experimental design lab where they had to use various items to light a bulb. All of the students were working in lab groups to test their own theories and find the best way to accomplish the task. After about 15 minutes, one lab group figured out how to complete the circuit and light the bulb. It was truly a light bulb moment! I could feel the energy and enthusiasm of this group as they explained their accomplishment and showed their idea in a diagram to the other groups. The excitement spread throughout the classroom as each group was able to complete their task. Seeing the entire class engaged in the activity, collaborating with each other and feeling that sense of excitement and accomplishment, is one of my most unforgettable moments as a teacher.

National Board Certification Area Generalist/Middle Childhood

Teaches: Learning resource teacher at Milton M. Somers Middle SchoolYears of teaching experience: 15Years with Charles County Public Schools: 18

The Maryland Council for Social Studies, Inc. (MDCSS) recently named Milton M. Somers Middle School teacher Allen Hopkins as the 2014 Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year. He was nominated for the award for his exemplary leadership in social studies education and for his passion for teaching history. Nominees are recognized for their work in social studies at the middle- or high-school levels, and exhibit professional qualities while working with students and staff.

Hopkins has been teaching social studies at Somers for the past 12 years and credits his recognition to his coworkers and students. “I am tremendously honored to receive the award but owe my success to the terrific administrators, teachers, and most importantly the students of Milton Somers. The administration always has my back, the teachers here inspire me, and the students make my job a whole lot of fun each and every day,” he said.

Hopkins is the social studies department chair and eighth-grade team leader at Somers. He creates lessons that are exciting and engag-ing for students that teach them how to use several resources to learn about history. The enthusiasm Hopkins demonstrates while teaching creates student interest in history because of his ability to make subject matters more alive and relevant to his classes. His nomination was co-ordinated by Jack Tuttle, content specialist in social studies for Charles County Public Schools, and Elaine Tubb, a government resource teach-er. In their nomination statement, Tuttle and Tubb describe Hopkins as a dedicated professional and role model for other teachers.

“Mr. Hopkins is an exemplary classroom teacher, as well as a school and district instruc-tional leader for social studies. His profes-sionalism includes thoughtful and respectful interactions with students and fellow teachers. Teachers frequently seek instructional advice from him or visit his classroom to observe techniques. Whether he is delivering a lesson in his classroom, organizing an extracurricular activity, or serving as the eighth-grade team or social studies department leader, Mr. Hopkins always demonstrates a high level of instruc-tional proficiency and professionalism, and is truly dedicated to social studies and helping all students achieve,” according to the statement.

In addition to serving as department chair and team leader, Hopkins sponsors the National Junior Honor Society and is a member of the school improvement team and the school-based student learning ob-jectives (SLO) pilot implementation group. He has been instrumental in the implementation of new literacy standards in social studies for students and provides professional development to several peer groups.

He was honored with the award at the MDCSS conference Oct. 17. Hopkins has a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Frostburg State University, and a master’s degree in history from American Public Uni-versity.

Restoring natural habitats is dirty work, but J.C. Parks Elementary School students know someone has to do it. Students and staff in ev-ery class from kindergarten to fifth grade recently went outside for 30 minutes and dug in to create an outdoor learning classroom habitat. On Oct. 8 and 9, volunteers helped students dig holes, cut the root balls off each plant and put each plant in the ground. Students add-ed compost, soil and water to help each plant flourish. This project is the second and final phase to a grant Parks received four years ago.

In 2011, Parks received $100,000 from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educa-tional Foundation for Education in Na-ture, a project to create outdoor learning areas within restored natural habitats. The first phase of the grant was used to restore and cleanup the wetlands outside their building. The rest of the grant is be-ing used on an outdoor classroom that includes benches, a paved walkway to the outdoor classroom lined with trees, plants indigenous to Maryland and con-crete tables for students to use during classroom activities. A variety of learning opportunities are incorporated into the design of each ac-cessible, sustainable and environmentally friendly space. Everyone at

Parks benefits from and uses the outdoor space for class assignments and projects.

Parks Principal Thadine Wright says she is proud of what has been accomplished and is grateful for the sup-port her school has received from the community, students and staff. “Our staff at Parks is amazing. Every teacher has jumped right in to help and be a part of this experience,” Wright said.

“One of the great things about this project is that every single student has participated in one way or another. From prekindergarten to fifth grade, students have shown great motivation and excite-ment towards this opportunity. I think it is wonderful that as the students learn and grow, they can watch their plants grow as well,” she said.

Throughout this four-year experience, Parks has been visited by elected officials, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, community members and businesses all ready and willing to help. “It has been a team effort and I cannot thank each and every volun-

teer and hard-working individual for making this possible and for being the difference,” Wright added. The Lowe’s grant projects are expected to be complete by the end of the school year.

Allen Hopkins

J.C. Parks Elementary School fifth-grade students Robert Norwood, left, and Wilson Martinez-Lopez, right, shovel mulch for more than 100 plants being placed outside of the school.

specifications. The survey took one year to complete.

Public sessions were held at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, La Plata High School and Maurice J. McDonough High School. At the final forum, McDonough students and staff presented the Board with a petition requesting their school, which opened in 1977, be moved up on the reno-vation priority list. Numerous students and staff members also testified on the reasons they felt McDonough needed to be moved to the top of the renovation list.

The GWWO report evaluates all CCPS schools and centers and provides renova-tion and school construction recommenda-tions for a 10-year period, beginning with

the 2015-16 school year. The Board of Education and CCPS staff are in the pro-cess of analyzing the report and seeking public input on the results. Comments can be sent by email to boardmail@ccboe.com or mailed to Board of Education, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646.

All Board of Education work sessions are open to the public and televised live on the Charles County Public Schools web-site, www.ccboe.com. Work sessions are also rebroadcast. Visit the CCPS Television website for a complete viewing schedule.

The complete facilities report is post-ed on the school system website at http://www.ccboe.com/GWWO/gwwo.php.

School News is published byCharles County Public Schools301-932-6610301-934-7220Fax: 301-932-6651

Board of Education MembersRoberta S. Wise, ChairmanMaura H. Cook, Vice ChairmanJennifer S. AbellPatricia BowieMichael K. LukasPamela A. PedersenGeorgia Benson, Student Member

Superintendent of SchoolsKimberly A. Hill, Ed.D.

Editor/WritersKatie O’Malley-SimpsonShelley MackeyKara Gross

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please con-tact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Pamela K. Murphy, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

October 24, 2014

School News

Page 4

PersonnelApply for positions online at www.ccboe.com/jobs/currentopenings.php. All teaching posi-tions require a Bachelor’s degree and MSDE certification requirements.Job Openings Special Education Instructional Assistant, Life Skills Program – Dr. James Craik El-ementary School, 10-month position. Apply by Oct. 28.Building Service Worker – Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School, 12-month posi-tion. Apply by Oct. 29. Night Building Service Worker – Thomas Stone High School, 12-month position. Apply by Oct. 30.Secretary – Berry Elementary School, 11-month position. Apply by Nov. 3.Special Education Instructional Assistant – Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, 10-month position. Apply by Nov. 5. Aquatics Pool Manager – North Point High School, 11-month position.

Business Education Teacher – La Plata High School, 10-month position.Elementary School Teacher – Location to be determined, 10-month position.Special Education Teacher – Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School, 10-month position. Special Education Teacher – Opening at the elementary school level, 10-month position.English Teacher – St. Charles High School, 11-month position.Mathematics Teachers – Milton M. Somers Middle School, 10-month position.Prekindergarten Teacher – Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, 10-month position. Reading Recovery Teacher – Location to be determined, 10-month position. Master’s de-gree in early childhood education or reading, evidence of completion of a Reading Recov-ery training program and three years teaching experience at the primary level required. Ex-perience with Reading Recovery preferred.

Science Teachers – Openings at St. Charles and North Point high schools, 10-month posi-tions.Special Education Teacher – St. Charles High School, 10-month position.Library Media Specialist – Location to be determined, 10-month position. Master’s de-gree in library science required.Spanish Teacher – Location to be deter-mined, 10-month position.Technology Education Teacher – North Point High School, 10-month position. Staff NotesCCPS On the Go

CCPS has a free mobile App that puts all school system information in one easy to use location. Staff can download the App from the Apple or Google Play App stores. For details on how to download the App, or for more in-formation, visit the CCPS website at http://www.ccboe.com/ccpsotg/.

Board of Education announces Nov. 11 agendaThe Board of Education’s next monthly meet-

ing is Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Jesse L. Starkey Ad-ministration Building on Radio Station Road in La Plata. The public portion of the meeting begins at 1 p.m. The meeting is televised live on Comcast Channel 96 and Verizon FiOS Channel 12, and is rebroadcast throughout the week. Board meetings are also streamed live on the school system website www.ccboe.com. Select CCPS TV and then choose the Live Broadcast tab.

Executive session – 12 p.m.Call to order – 1 p.m.Pledge of Allegiance – La Plata High SchoolSuperintendent’s update to the BoardReports of officers/boards/committees• Correspondence/board member updates • Education Association of Charles County (EACC) update• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) update• Student Board member’s update• CIP update

• Technology through the eyes of our students• Microsoft Office 2013• Pension policy #3920• Legislative updateUnfinished businessNew business and Future agenda items• New business• Future agenda itemsRecognition – 4:30 p.m. • Students• Employees – Erin Berfield, Malcolm Elemen-tary School; Danielle Carpenter, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School; Latisha Chase, St. Charles High School; Melissa Gross, J.C. Parks Elementary School; and Jane Pilkerton, Dr. James Craik Elementary School.Public Forum – 6 p.m.Action items• Minutes• Personnel• 2015 Legislative positionsAdjournment