River Hill HS

“State of the School”

January 2014

Introduction

Dear River Hill Community,

As we close out the first semester and look ahead to the second half of the school year, it is the perfect time to

reflect on what we have accomplished so far and what adventures still lie ahead. Since opening in 1996,

River Hill has always maintained a tradition of excellence and that success has been evident in what we

often refer to as “the 3 A’s”—Academics, Athletics, and Activities. This “State of the School” report

presents highlights of the accomplishments in each of these areas while also adding a fourth component—All-

Around Accolades. I hope you enjoy reading about the fantastic things our students, staff, and parents are

doing.

Sincerely,

Nick Novak

Principal

Vision & Mission

VISION STATEMENT

The River Hill community empowers our students to reach new levels of 21st century literacy while fostering global and personal responsibility.

OUR RIVER HILL MISSION IS:

To promote integrity, humility, and balance to academic and personal endeavors.

To challenge students to apply critical thinking and new technologies to real-world applications.

To embrace leadership, responsibility, and diversity.

Goals

River Hill will eliminate all achievement gaps on school performance indicators and ensure that 100% of our students are college and career ready.

River Hill staff members will model integrity, humility, and balance, providing opportunities for students to emulate these same characteristics.

River Hill teachers will design quality, differentiated instruction that incorporates diversity and challenges students to apply critical thinking and new technologies in making real world connections.

Enlightening

Minds

Brightening

Futures

Career Technology Education

English

Department

Accomplishments

Academics

* RHHS recognized by University of Maryland’s school of engineering as a top 25 source school.

* CTE instruction has included implementation of common core standards into lessons, daily usage

of real world problems, making interdisciplinary connections, and infusing technology to promote

higher order thinking and collaboration.

* CTE department members are participating on county & State curriculum development teams.

* Zero Robotics team ranked 5th

in the United States and 8th

in the world.

* Girls in computer science are participating in Technovation Challenge to create a smartphone app.

* Instructional Team Leader, Diane Curry, started the One Book, One River Hill

initiative this year with the school community all reading I Am Malala.

* The department is using shared folders and documents on Google Apps for

Education to collaborate on assessments.

* Ms. Kump, Mrs. Schultz, & Mr. Tromble are all working on SAT after school

program.

* Ms. Cleveland, Mrs. Maloney, & Ms. Wojcik work both after school and during

Hawktime with students who need extra support for High School Assessments.

* Mrs. Mitchell, Ms. Storey, & Ms. Wojcik are all active “family group” leaders

with the Safe School Ambassadors program.

* Students in Mrs. Scultz’s class & Mr. Vitagliano’s class participated in National

Novel Writing Month.

ESOL

Fine Arts

Academics

Department

Accomplishments

* The ESOL department partnered with the Secondary

Math office and the Reading office to align “Newcomer

ESOL curriculum and instruction” with Common Core

Standards.

* ESOL teachers use PBIS and incentives to keep

attendance levels high.

* Mr. McNeal led a coat drive to support students in the

program. In addition, the department continues the “Food

on the 15th

” initiative to stock up the food pantry for students

in need.

* ESOL teachers consistently provide differentiated

instruction within classes. In addition, students are

regrouped quarterly to meet/stretch their abilities.

* Advanced level theatre arts students attended workshops at

Rep Stage with Theatre professionals.

* Mr. Fischer was co-coordinator of HCPSS GT Band, a

new initiative that involved 80 students from the county.

* Chamber choir students learned carols in Spanish and

performed in collaboration with students in ESOL classes.

* Visual arts teachers presented at MAEA conference

together.

* Music technology teachers converted a practice room into

a small recording studio for students to use.

* Assemblies, concerts, and performances have showcased

student progress as well as program collaboration.

Gifted & Talented

Mathematics

Academics

Department

Accomplishments

* Algebra I and Geometry teachers meet in their teams daily to co-

plan and revise lessons to meet new Common Core curriculum.

* Students in Math Analysis completed the Accuplacer to

determine readiness for a college-level math course. This exam is

what Howard Community College uses as an entrance exam.

* Almost every math course now includes free-response and/or

worthwhile math task type questioning and evaluating.

* Students in math classes are being required to use argument and

explanatory writing to justify their responses.

* Nice uses of technology: Differential Equations is a distance

learning course, students using iPAD apps in Precalculus GT, and

students in Calculus BC have participated in a flipped classroom.

* Almost all department members sponsor an activity or coach a

sport.

* Almost all students in Independent Research/Mentorship

compiled annotated bibliographies for their research topics.

Sources included two primary source interviews and five college

level sources.

* All GT students have been reviewing and critiquing each other’s

papers. They are evaluated on the quantity and the quality of the

peer feedback they give.

* Success stories so far include Zoe Jordan, who is developing an

alumni newsletter for Best Buddies of Maryland and Sarah

Grunsfeld, who used her research at Goddard to write an article

published in Geobiology.

Media

Physical Education & Health

Academics

Department

Accomplishments

* Sports for Life classes are giving before and after assessments in each

sport unit to measure the levels of abilities for all students.

* The PE department started a Twitter account to provide students

with motivational quotes and information about PE classes.

* Students in Strength & Conditioning classes have designed personal

programs that they follow daily and adjust according to data collected

each marking period.

* The PE department started a Hawktme “Champions” league where

the winners from each Sports for Life class compete to determine a

school-wide champion. Teachers have used social media to promote

events and over 100 students came to watch the Volleyball finals during

their Hawktime period.

* The media center established a new website that contains dtatabases, summer reading lists, teacher

tips, and a link to the Howard County Library. The website also connects to the media center’s social

media presence through Facebook and Twitter.

* Media specialists support students and staff with new technologies available for use, including iPads

and iPod Touches.

* Hawktime is an opportunity for media specialists to assist students with book selection, research, and

other ongoing class projects.

Science

Social Studies

Academics

Department

Accomplishments

* The department has placed great emphasis

on critical reading & writing through a focus on

historical thinking skills.

* There are currently 21 sections of AP classes

in Social Studies alone, including AP Human

Geography for the first time.

* Every social studies teacher connects

historical events to contemporary society.

* Many teachers are using technologies such as

Edmodo, blogs, & TED talks to enhance their

instruction. In addition, several teachers are

actively participating in the Bring Your Own

Device program.

* RHHS social studies student was selected as

student page for the Maryland General

Assembly. Social studies teacher Diana

Alvarado nominated for Agnes Meyer award.

*Vertical articulation meetings were held in all science disciplines to ensure

continuity of the science program and assure student preparation for the next

sequential course in science.

* Content teams worked to create and share lesson ideas involving Common Core

standards for reading and writing.

* The River Hill Physics team placed first in the inaugural Howard County Physics

Olympiad.

* Teachers are collaborating on lessons that have more of a student-led/inquiry

approach.

* Members of the department are continuing to grow professionally through

mentoring classes, Advanced Placement institutes, and additional certification.

Special Education

World Languages

Academics

Department

Accomplishments

* Spanish 1 teachers have followed in the footsteps of level 2 and 3 teachers by

collaborating to create common assessments.

* Both the Chinese and German programs have grown such that students are

participating in national language exams this year and we will offer Advanced

Placement courses in both languages next year.

* Teachers are integrating technology into their lessons with BYOD participation,

an email exchange program with students in Argentina, and a collaborative text-

based chat with students in Spain.

* Personal accolades for department members include mentoring Spanish

interns, earning a PhD, starting a certificate program in ESOL, presenting at

conferences, and receiving a $10,000 Confucius classroom grant.

.

* Special education teachers and staff have

collaborated with general education teachers to

help students working to pass the HSA.

* The special education department has

increased the number of classes ALS students

are being included in.

* Teachers and paraeducators have done a

phenomenal job modifying curriculum to

ensure students are able to access the

curriculum & develop college/career readiness.

Athletics

* The biggest highlight of the Fall season was the Girl’s Soccer team

winning its second straight State Championship. This was also the

fourth State title for the program. After losses during the regular

season to McDonogh and Atholton and a tie with Centennial, the

River Hill team finished the season with a share of the Howard County

championship and as outright Regional champs in their march towards

the finals! An exciting 1-0 victory over Huntingtown ensured we

continued the streak of at least one State championship per year.

* The boys golf team went 4-4 in the county; for the year. Despite the

mixed results of the team competition, Brett Gold advanced to the regional

championship.

* Girls weren’t able to field a full team of four, but the three ladies on the

team were always focused and trying their hardest. Fairway Hills was a

favorite destination for Mrs. Coe to check out the team in action.

* If you went to a football

game this Fall, you definitely

saw our cheerleaders leading

the student section in chants of

Go Hawks and keeping our

fans’ spirits up. What you may

not know is that the

cheerleaders also did a great

job in their competitive

schedule. Under the

leadership of Coach

Finkelston, the girls finished 4th

in the County competition and

advanced to regionals where

they were just edged out of the

opportunity to compete at the

State finals.

*The Allied Soccer team this

year was coached by Danny

Ives and Katie Noecker. Once

again, all of the students had a

great time participating and

learned not only sport specific

skills, but also teamwork and

sportsmanship. A highlight of

the season was having the

announcer call player names

as they ran through the

inflatable tunnel to a “gauntlet”

of high fives from the

cheerleaders and other Fall

sport athletes.

Athletics

* The Hawks cross country teams were

competitive throughout the season. At the

championships held at McDaniel this year,

girls placed 2nd

and boys placed 5th

.

* Coach Chamness and the field hockey

team fought hard all season. They went 6-4

in conference play and were 9-6 overall losing

to Glenelg in the 2A East semifinals.

* Under Coach Matt Shagogue, the Boys

Soccer team went 16-2 overall &10-1 in the

conference, won the county & regional

championship, & advanced to State

Semifinals.

* The volleyball team went 11-2 in

conference play and 13-3 overall under the

leadership of Coach Lynn Paynter. The

Hawks made it to the 3A East semifinals

where they lost to Glenelg.

* The football team

struggled a bit in the

regular season this year

with losses against

Hammond and Howard

however, they turned

things on when playoffs

began. The Hawks beat

City College in the first

round and then took

down Reservoir to win

the 3A East regional

Championship.

Unfortunately, the

season ended with a loss

to Linganore in the

State semifinals. Great

season for the Hawks!

Activities

* The SGA Executive Board kicked off the year by

welcoming in the new Freshman class with personal phone

calls home and an awesome orientation day pep rally.

Homecoming was another great success—the students

planned and ran the pep rally, organized the Hawkfest pre-

game festivities, and put on a fantastic dance with a great DJ!

* Class of 2014- The seniors constructed great pyramids and other awesome hallway decorations for

their Ancient Egyptian Homecoming theme. Following Homecoming, the class engaged in what has

become a rite of passage at River Hill-the senior crab feast. Plans are underway for senior activities.

* Class of 2015- The juniors did an amazing job with their Ancient Rome Homecoming theme (if you

didn’t see their Coliseum, you missed out on an amazing model)! Class of 2015 even beat the staff in

the Tug of War competition—a first at River Hill. Now the focus is on Prom 2014!

* Class of 2016- After a fantastic “trip” back to Ancient China for Hallway decorating, the sophomores

won the obstacle course competition at the pep rally and have been raising funds for their class with

Market Days.

* Class of 2017- The freshmen had a huge win for their Ancient Mayan Homecoming themed Hallway

and are working hard under the leadership of their elected officers: Missy Kum, Tolu Faderin, Hafeeza

Mughal, Rena Patel, Eric Frank, and Yomna Nassar.

* River Hill FBLA just won their tenth consecutive state championship

and are excited to continue that legacy and bring business and education

together. The American Enterprise Day workshop was a fantastic

opportunity for students to compete in a “Shark Tank” business pitch.

Regionals, inductions, and State finals are coming this Spring.

* The National Honor Society “tapped” and inducted new members in

November. NHS leadership developed an extended 3rd

period lesson on

academic integrity and members are engaging in ongoing community

service efforts including the monthly Adopt-A-Road clean-up and SOAR

tutoring services in the morning and during lunch.

Activities

* The Fall play this year was Peter Pan and, as usual, it was an amazing production. With such a large

cast and crew, it seemed like almost half the school was involved in the performance. And those who

weren’t a part of the production were a part of the audiences that filled the theater for four sell out

performances in November. The theatre arts program already had a Facebook page, but this year Mrs.

Land added to the social media presence with a Twitter account. Followers were treated to rehearsal

pics of actors learning to fly as well as behind the scenes shots at performances. Social media definitely

played a big role in publicity as well as folks around the community reported hearing about the event

through online promotions. The production was a great event for the entire River Hill community,

involving about 40 “future Hawks” in the cast of elementary, middle, & high school students.

*River Hill brought back the Safe School Ambassadors program in an effort to address climate

concerns shared via student surveys. Although students didn’t feel physical violence or bullying were

problems at River Hill, they did indicate that teasing or joking that went too far made things

uncomfortable at times. Forty students and eight staff members participated in a 2 day workshop where

they gained skills in how to address mistreatment when they see it happening in their peer groups.

* In November, the motivational speaker was Ed Gerety. The assemblies students watched gave a

powerful message to students about being grateful, being respectful, being responsible, and being kind.

Ed invited students up on stage so they could call their moms to tell them they loved them and even

hugged a couple of our football players as a way to emphasize the importance of telling people how

much they mean to you. Ed definitely made a lasting impression on the River Hill students and staff.

Academic Accolades by Students

National Merit Semifinalists- Marshall

Demaree, David Flyr, Abhiroop

Gangopadhyay, Victoria Hsiung, Japsimran

Kaur, Sashant Palli, Mason Rogers, Noah

Scholl, Michael Shang, Akshaykumar

Sreekumar, Aria Yom, Peihao, Yu

National Achievement Semifinalists & Finalists-

Ofure Okojie & Somachukwu Umeozulu

All State selections-Millan Bhat, Alexis Datta,

Sonya Datta, David Flyr, Xin He, Erica Kocher,

Chun Kit Loke, Chun Mun Loke, David

London, Jennifer Lu, Allyson Luo, Roger Mao,

& Shane Mercy

Staff Accomplishments

Did you know that:

* Diana Alvarado was nominated by River Hill

as the Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year.

* Jacob Cecil won the Howard County Career

High School Art Teacher of the Year

*Spanish teacher and World Languages ITL

Tracy Scaltz earned her PhD.

*Brian Van Deusen was selected as Maryland

High School Football Coach of the Year by

NFHS.

Athletic Accolades by Students

* The following students were first team All-

County selections from River Hill:

Callie Allen- Girl’s Soccer

Corey Daniel-Football

Brett Gold- Golf

Alex Hamer- Girl’s Soccer

Mike Heitzmann- Boy’s Soccer

Chris Heydrick- Boy’s Cross Country

Jessie Hopkins- Girl’s Soccer

Logan Kirby- Football

Allison Krein- Girl’s Cross Country

Alex Potocko- Football

Zach Riso- Boy’s Soccer

Dani Schwab- Field Hockey

Sheridan Street- Girl’s Soccer

Jake Turney- Boy’s Soccer

Impressive Data

* The mean composite score on the SAT for

the class of 2014 is 1820. Students work hard

to improve SAT scores by enrolling in the SAT

course during the school day, taking an after

school prep class through the PTSA, or self

studying/working with a tutor.

* Last year, 603 different students took a total

of 1, 385 AP exams. About 83% of these

students earned a 3 or higher. Our goal is for

all students planning on going to college to try at

least 1 AP course in high school.

* For the first marking period, 182 students had

a 4.0 unweighted GPA, 697 students had at least

a 3.5 unweighted GPA, and 1,118 students had

at least a 3.0 GPA. There are 1,346 students

enrolled at River Hill.

All-Around

Looking Ahead

We have done so much already this year and this report is only the tip of the iceberg. So much

happens at River Hill that it’s impossible to capture everything that’s going on. Our students and staff

have accomplished so much so far and there is more to come in the second semester:

February

* In an effort to promote more school spirit, we are holding multiple pep rallies this year. The pep

rally to celebrate winter sports is on February 13th

.

* Every year the sophomore class participates in a team building activity called “Breaking Barriers,

Building Bridges.” The day provides students with an opportunity to mix it up a bit and meet people

they may not typically hang out with.

* The extended third period lessons are a way for us to address issues of balance, integrity, and humility

since these aren’t topics that always fit in with typical course content. The theme for February is

diversity.

* Eighty-five of our 15-year old students will participate in a unique opportunity to take a version of

OECD’s PISA test. This international assessment will give us an idea of how well River Hill and

HCPSS is doing in the areas of math, English, and science.

March

* Integrity is an important component of our school’s mission and goals. The National Honor Society

created a lesson about academic integrity in the first semester. Now, students and staff revisit the topic

in an extended third period lesson created by the Honor Council at River Hill.

* As we continue the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, we move towards a new

assessment for students that will give a better indication of college and career readiness. Students at

River Hill and across the county will be participating in a field test of the PARCC assessments.

* The multicultural club sponsors International Week to celebrate River Hill’s cultural diversity. The

week is filled with a variety of events both during and after school and culminates with the International

Assembly on Friday March 28th

.

* At the end of March, our 12th

grade students have an opportunity to participate in Senior takeover

day. They request permission from teachers and administrators to fill their shoes for a day. Students

teach classes, answer phones in offices, and do lunch duty and other administrative tasks all under the

supervision of the staff member they are filling in for. It’s a fun day for students and staff.

Looking Ahead April

* Prom may be in May, but we use our Prom Promise assembly in April to kick off a month long

awareness about making good decisions on prom night. That includes staying drug and alcohol free,

but also attending the Post Prom Party organized by River Hill PTSA.

* Spring Break comes pretty late this year, so I’m sure it will be greatly needed. In our efforts to

promote balance for students and staff, we instituted Homework-Free breaks. No assignments should

be due when students return immediately from break. With Advanced Placement exams scheduled

shortly after break, students enrolled in AP classes may be reviewing for their tests.

* In the short week we return from Spring Break, we will hold our Spring pep rally to recognize athletes

from this season and celebrate other school organizations and student successes.

May

* Students will be taking AP exams the first two weeks of May. We expect that students who are

enrolled in an AP course should sit for the exam. Studies have shown that students who take an AP

exam (not just the course) are more likely to perform well in college.

* The junior/senior prom will be Friday May 16th

at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

* Students enrolled in Algebra I, Biology, English 10, and American Government will take the High

School Assessments in May. Passing all exams or achieving the requisite composite score is a high

school graduation requirement in Maryland.

* No official date set for graduation yet, but expect it to be either before after Memorial Day. Once the

definitive date is set, we begin plugging in dates for senior exams, senior awards, class night, etc. Once

we know, you’ll know (and with the speed of social media, you might know before we do).

* The performance-based portion of the PARCC field test was in March; now the same students

participate in the end of year assessment.

June

* As it stands right now, the last day of school is Monday June 16th

. If there are no changes to the

calendar, final exams would begin on June 11th

and run through the 16th

with Thursday, Friday, and

Saturday being half days. Stay tuned as things could change throughout the winter months.