Message from our principal, Andrew Cockley
Transcription
Message from our principal, Andrew Cockley
March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Message from our principal, Andrew Cockley: Hello Everyone! I want to share with you my thoughts about diversity at Mount Hebron and update you on what we've been doing as a school community since some hurtful messages were shared online early in February. As many of you know, a video was shared that included hateful and racist comments by a student. This caused a large response. The main point of the response from other students was that they felt the issues of racism and diversity were being ignored and that voices were not being heard. A demonstration was held at school one day to bring that message to the surface. Our students spoke up and want change. They want to see changes in how people treat each other and they want to ensure that everyone has a voice that can be heard. Since that time, a Student Voice Committee has formed. The committee is made up of a diverse group of student leaders. They are club leaders, team captains, and SGA officers. They are leaders at both the school and county level in different organizations. They are one talented group of passionate students who really want to help make change occur. This committee has met three times now; twice with the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Foose. In those meetings, we've talked about ways to improve the discussion about diversity and racism. Ideas that are forming include video testimonials, curricular activities and assignments, and cultural events. There is a Teacher Voice Committee that formed as well, and they will be meeting with students soon to help implement ideas that will create a stronger sense of unity at our school. The staff and faculty at Mount Hebron have addressed the topic of diversity in our last two professional meetings to help improve our efforts in moving forward. The PTSA and PAAS organizations hosted a "Diversity Matters" event on February 20th to bring the community together as well. The guest speaker and international food that was donated was outstanding. We hope to see more people come to future events like this. Diversity presents itself in many forms that go beyond skin color. How much money you make; what religion you practice; what languages you speak; your sexual preference; the list goes on and on. What we hope to see is everyone understanding that while we all have differences, we also have many things in common. It is those differences that help us learn from one another and enrich our experiences in and out of school. So thank you for helping us talk with students about diversity. Thank you for attending events and bringing your cultural perspective. Thank you for helping us bring Mount Hebron even closer together. I am confident that this will help our school reach even greater heights for each and every student. Go Vikings! Andrew Cockley Principal March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Message from Laura Munns, PTSA President: “Conversations that matter” “Comprehension begins with conversation” “We have challenges not problems” “Disrespect and disregard of humanity are the basic issues” These messages are just a few of the many I have heard over the past month. The racist incident that occurred in our school community has created a wealth of discussion around issues of race and diversity, not only at Mt. Hebron, but also in Howard County and our Nation at large. Are there easy answers? No, of course not. But being open to the conversations is where we need to be now and where we as a PTSA are playing a role in our community. I know many have been having these conversations in their homes, on Facebook, and with their friends, but I encourage you to bring these discussions to a larger table and join us at the March PTSA meeting. At that meeting we will be going through a small group discussion exercise on diversity, which will hopefully keep the conversation going and move us into the action-taking phase. I am proud to say that as part of our advocacy, our PTSA has hosted two other such events over the past month, our February open mike discussion at the PTSA meeting and the Diversity Matters Speaker and International Food Reception. Thank you to the many parents, staff and students who took time out from their busy schedules to make being involved a priority. I have enjoyed getting to meet new people. Our school and PTSA are better for your participation. One of my action items as PTSA President has been to look at the diversity on our own Board of Directors. To be honest, we are mostly white women. This is the time of year when we have seated a nomination committee and are looking to recruit new officers and committee chairs for the 2016-17 school year, so it is the perfect time to work on getting some new people involved. Both Veronica Hall, our Treasurer, and myself are required to step down per our bylaws, which have a two-year term limit. We are both coming to the end of our second terms. Therefore, we are looking to fill all of our Executive Committee Positions: President – Open 1st Vice President – Open 2nd Vice President- Open Treasurer- Open Recording Secretary- Open Corresponding Secretary – Open PTA Council of Howard County Delegates (2) – Open We have elected the following people to our nominating committee: Erica Byrne Al Essien Cindy Anderson Please contact any of them by emailing ebbyrne@verizon.net with your interest and they will get back to you with details of the position. March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Thanks also to PAAS and the leadership of Sharese Essien for putting on the amazing Diversity Matters event. Below is a sampling of pictures from what we hope will become an annual event. Hope to see you on March 2 at 7 PM in the media center! Laura Munns MHHS PTSA President County Executive Allan Kittleman (left) and Patrick O'Guinn Sr. speak at Diversity Matters. Get involved in your child's school and the school community! The PTSA nominating committee is looking for officers for next school year. Officer openings for the 20162017 school year include President and Treasurer, among other opportunities. If interested please contact Erica Byrne: ebbyrne@verizon.net. REMEMBERING JESSIE OWENS PRIVATE SHOWING OF “THE RACE” SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 10 am AMC COLUMBIA (Columbia Mall) TICKETS AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE https://www.eventbrite.com/d/md--ellicottcity/paas. Or search "PAAS Movie Showing OR Contact CHASATURNER@MSN.COM TICKETS $10.00 TO BENEFIT THE CLASS OF 2016 PLUS Everbrite ticket fee $1.54 SPONSORED BY Parents of African American Students (PAAS)- Mt Hebron High School Congratulations to Khiem Doan Khiem won 2nd place in Music Composition in the PTA Reflections contest. His entry, "The Kite's Journey," a string trio, has moved to the State level. Khiem will be attending an Award Ceremony for all Howard County Reflections winners on March 14. Good luck Khiem! March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Spring Musical -- Guys and Dolls Mark your calendars for our spring musical, GUYS AND DOLLS! Over 125 students are involved in the production on stage and behind the scenes. The show is March 11,12,17,18 and 19 all at 7 pm. Cost is $10 and tickets may be purchased during lunch shifts beginning March 7. Tickets may also be reserved by calling the school at 410-313-2880 beginning March 2. The show promises to be a fun evening of live theater for the whole family. News from the Viking Backers: UPCOMING EVENTS HEBRON HEALTHY, in the cafeteria and gym – a day filled with challenging exercise classes and more! MARCH 19, 9 am to 3 pm. See announcement below. VIKING 5K – NEW DATE!!! Our 24th annual VIKING 5K and 1 mile family fun run/walk, will now be held on Sunday, April 3 at 9 am. Please see our flyer for more information on how to register for this fun family and community event! ANNOUNCING A NEW EVENT for 2016 – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! POKER NIGHT/WINE TASTING! Saturday, April 9 7-10 pm, at the historic Hebron House. Look for details to be emailed soon! *We need to borrow poker tables and chips. Committee help is also needed. Please contact Lisa Scarbath at president@vikingbackers.org. NORSEMAN SCHOLARSHIP – Each year the Viking Backers awards up to three $500 scholarships to seniors who embody the booster’s goal of making a difference at the high school and within the Mt. Hebron Community, while having maintained a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) or better. NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 4. See our website for more details and to download a nomination form: http://www.vikingbackers.org/scholarships.html DRIVERS EDUCATION CLASSES. The Viking Backers have teamed up with Greg’s Driving School and Street Smarts to offer drivers’ education classes right here at Mt. Hebron. A significant donation back to the Viking Backers is made by each of the companies for every student who enrolls. Upcoming Dates: o 03/09/16 - 03/22/16: 3-6:15 pm with Street Smarts March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Register directly through the driving school. See our website for more information http://www.vikingbackers.org/driver-s-ed.html Designate “Viking Backers Incorporated Mt. Hebron High School” as your charity when you shop at Amazon and we will receive a percentage of every purchase. Prime memberships are honored. http://smile.amazon.com/. CONCESSIONS – Thank you to everyone who volunteers for and patronizes our snack bar! Did you know that you can buy a “Viking Bucks” card for $10 that is worth $12 of products? Purchase yours at the concession stand next time you visit. Viking Backer leadership positions need to be filled for 2016-2017: President Membership Chairperson Web master Corporate Sponsor Coordinator Please consider getting involved with the Viking Backers! Our next meeting is Monday, March 7 from 7 – 8 pm in the media center. Join us for more information! To our wonderful VOLUNTEERS and to the following businesses for their contributions… Carrabba’s for donating $365.97 from the Carrabba’s Cares Day on 2/2. Payne Landscaping for donating $2,485 from our annual Tree & Trim sale. Viking Backers Meeting Schedule 2015-16 Monday, March 7, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m. March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Girls Lacrosse Program 13th Annual Golf Tournament Registration Fee Includes: Breakfast, Refreshments on Course, Catered Lunch, Prizes, Range Balls, and Goodie Bag Monday April 18, 2016 Turf Valley Resort 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 Captain’s Choice/Best Ball Cost: $150 individual/$550 foursome March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Check In: 9:00am with a Shot Gun Start: 10:00am Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.vikingbackers.org select the Events/Girls Lax Golf Outing menu All Proceeds benefit Mt. Hebron High School Girl’s Lacrosse Program Spring Athletic Orientation Program Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 pm The Mt. Hebron High School Athletic Department will conduct its Spring Athletic Orientation Program for Parents, Students Athletes on March 9, starting promptly at 6:30 pm. Each Head Spring Coach will hold conduct their own specific Parent and Student Athlete Meeting pertaining to their sport. WHO – ALL Student Athletes participating in a Spring Sport along with a Parent/Guardian MUST attend. WHAT – COMAR, HCPSS Policies & Procedures, Sportsmanship & Conduct Expectations of Student Athletes & Spectators WHEN – Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 pm. Parents & student athletes are to report directly to the Coach’s break-out room for their son/daughter’s team meeting. COACH BREAK-OUT ROOM LOCATION Allied Golf – Front Office March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Allied Softball – Classroom #101 JV & Varsity Baseball – Front Right Main Gym Boy’s Lacrosse – Media Center Girl’s Lacrosse – Cafeteria Softball – JV (Classroom #147), Varsity (Classroom #146) Tennis – Classroom #103 Boy’s & Girl’s Outdoor Track – Main Gym (Back Left) March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA AFTER PROM SAVE THE DATE After Prom is PTSA’s biggest event of the year. It is an alcohol/chemical/drug-free celebration full of fun activities in a safe and supervised environment following the Junior/Senior Prom. It is the better choice than hosting a party and reduces the risk of a fatality or accident on Prom Night. The After Prom committee is gearing up for this year's event and wanted to make sure we give folks plenty of notice on what to expect. For example, permission slips, ticket prices, volunteer opportunities (there will be lots of them). But for now, please save the date: April 30 (Sat) Prom – May 1 (Sun) After Prom Like our Facebook page: Mt. Hebron High School After Prom Party 2016. TRUCKS NEEDED The PTSA Mulch Sale Committee is seeking truck owners to help deliver bags of mulch on Saturday, April 9. Drivers are not required to lift bags of mulch AND will receive a tax donation receipt for gas consumption. Delivery hours are 7:30 am to noon—come help the entire morning or simply half an hour! If you can help, please contact Christine Daugherty at 410-750-3984 or email her at crivero74@yahoo.com Thank you for your support of the mulch sale……. And After Prom! After Prom “Adopt a Gift Card” Prom: Sat., April 30, 2016 After Prom: Sun., May 1 12:30am-4:30am at the Dancel Family YMCA After Prom offers all of our Seniors and Juniors fun-filled activities after the dance in an alcohol/chemical/drug-free setting. The night is filled with food, games and prizes. To encourage students to attend, we traditionally give away close to 100 gift cards, as well as other prize packages, and we would like to match that amount again this year. In an effort to offset the rising expenses of hosting this event, we are asking the community to consider helping by donating a gift card. Simply go to the After Prom section of the Mt Hebron PTSA website by clicking here: http://mthebronptsa.com/?page_id=4344. Print out the flyer and identify the gift card of your choice. Please do not send in physical gift cards. Rather, return the flyer with a check made out to Mt. Hebron PTSA Memo: After Prom. Drop off to the front office or mail to Mt. Hebron High School PTSA–After Prom, 9440 Old Frederick Road, Ellicott City, 21042. For any questions, please contact Christine Daugherty at crivero74@yahoo.com or Caroline Bodziak at cbodziak@aol.com. March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Happy spring from Student Services Important Dates: March 2-3 9 14 17 18 22 March 25-April 3 April TBA World of Work junior class lessons (Interviewing lesson) Evening Hours – to meet with counselors Registration deadline for AP exams (without incurring a late fee) World of Work Mock Interviews – 11th grade Military Information Night – 6-9 pm River Hill High School Youth Summit (Voices for Change)-field trip Evening Hours – to meet with counselors Spring Break!!!! Enjoy and be safe College Information Night – Mt. Hebron HS World of Work – Junior Interview Day: Reminder to all 11th grade students and parents – Thursday, March 17 is Junior Interview Day. This event meets the World of Work graduation requirement for the State of Maryland and is required for a high school diploma. All members of our junior class will be participating in a “mock” interview with members of our local business community. Attendance is imperative on Thursday as we want as many of our students to have this wonderful opportunity as possible. Please make certain your child is dressed appropriately for the mock interviews. At this time we do not need any more volunteer interviewers. Thank you. Scholarships for Seniors: Students and parents please access your Naviance account for the many scholarships that are available for the Class of 2016. The Scholarships listed on Naviance are primarily our district wide scholarships available to every student in the county. For the specific Mt. Hebron Scholarships (PTSA, Norseman, Community Foundation (old name - Columbia Foundation), etc) Ms. Bademosi will be sending out emails via Naviance with details on how to apply for these Mt. Hebron Scholarships. Please pay close attention to the deadlines for all the scholarships. If you have difficulty opening the scholarship link on Naviance, please come see us in Student Services, as we have paper copies of all scholarships available. Mid-Term Grades: Does your college or university need to see your mid-year grades? All mid-year grades were uploaded to Naviance on February 19, 2016 for colleges to import. College Information Night: The Mt. Hebron Student Services Department invites Mt. Hebron Students and Parent/Guardian(s) to attend the 2016 College Information Night. This information is especially important and applicable to current Juniors! Topics discussed include: College Search, Application and Transcript Process, SAT/ACT’s, Financial Aid Resources and more! Stay tuned for more details and confirmed date in April 2016! March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Mt. Hebron High School/Academic Coaches Afterschool SAT Prep Class for June SAT (revised SAT) sponsored by the MHHS PTSA: Class sessions are held at Mt. Hebron on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 3:30-5:30 pm. The cost of the class is $375 with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Mount Hebron PTSA. To register, visit www.academic-coaches.com. A reminder that in order to qualify for PTSA scholarships, seniors MUST be a PTSA member along with at least one parent/guardian. Membership applications must be received by March 15 and the deadline for applications for PTSA scholarships is April 16. Click here: http://mthebronptsa.com/membership/ or on the “Become a Member” link on the PTSA website for a PTSA membership form. Benefits of PTSA Membership include: * Advocacy on issues pertinent to MTH students and families * College scholarships for seniors * Support for Staff Appreciation and other hospitality activities * Funding for After Prom: a safe, fun, chemical-free party thrown after the Prom If you have any questions about your membership status or PTSA membership in general, please contact Caroline Bodziak at cbodziak@aol.com or Emily Rice at therices5@verizon.net . Parking Permits At this time parking permits at Mt. Hebron High School are SOLD OUT. We have 182 parking spaces and have sold 182 permits. No additional permits will be sold this year. Military Information Night Thursday, March 17, 2016, 6-9 pm River Hill High School Clarksville, Maryland The following will be in attendance to offer information about their programs: The five military academies Process for Military Academy Appointments Oakland Mills Parents and students of all ages are welcome to attend. March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Mt. Hebron Ice Hockey Breaking News: The IceVikes claimed 3 of 12 available spots representing 1st and 2nd All-Conference Teams! Congratulations to Brian Spiegler on being selected as the #1 Goalie in Howard County! Congratulations to Jimmy Burke and Joey Petti on being selected to the 2nd All-Conference team. Other news: The IceVikes claimed 3rd place in League play and went to States! Thank you to all our players, volunteers, coaches, parents, and fans for a fantastic season. Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/mt-hebron-vikings-ice-hockey/239748339366 Team Contact: Carsten Nilsson @ carsten_nilsson@hcpss.org This is not a school sponsored club SUMMER CAMPS at Mt Hebron HS Sponsored by the Viking Backers June – August, 2016 1. Field Hockey Camp#1, May 31st – June 3rd, 5:00PM - 7:30PM (for more info, email Leigh Miles at leigh_miles @hcpss.org) 2. Girl’s Lacrosse Camp, June 6th – 10th, 5:00PM - 8:00PM (for more info, email Lindsay Menton at lindsay_menton@hcpss.org) 3. Softball Hitting Clinic, June 6th – 10th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM (for more info, email Chuck Struhar at charles_struhar @hcpss.org) 4. Softball Pitcher’s & Catcher’s Clinic, June 13th – 17th, 5:30PM - 7:00PM (for more info, email Chuck Struhar at charles_struhar @hcpss.org) 5. Boy’s Lacrosse Camp, June 13th – 17th, 5:00PM - 7:30PM (for more info, email Michael McCarthy at michael_mccarthy @hcpss.org) 6. Football, June 20th – June 24th, 8:00AM – 11:00AM March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA (for more info, email Phil Zacharias at philip_zacharias @hcpss.org) 7. Girl’s Basketball, June 27th – July 1st, 8:30AM – 12:00PM (for more info, email Tony Bell at anthony_bell @hcpss.org) 8. Baseball, July 5th – July 8th (RD 7/9), 9:00AM-12:00PM (for more info, email Brian Culley at brian_culley @hcpss.org) 9. Boy’s Basketball, July 11th – July 15th, 8:30AM – 1:00PM - Advanced Skills email www.vikingcamp.net) 1:00pm – 3:00pm (for more info, 10. Boy’s & Girl’s Soccer, August 1st – August 5th, 9:00AM-12:30PM (for more info, email Mike Linsenmeyer at www.vikingcamp.net). Female soccer campers can email Tim Deppen at timothy_deppen @hcpss.org) 11. Field Hockey Camp #2, August 8th – 12th, 1:30PM-4:30PM @ Chapelgate Academy (Students can register at www.academyinternational.net). For more information email Coach Ireland at jirelandcmc @comcast.net). News from HC DrugFree Save the Date Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City March 15 or March 22 If your high school senior is planning to attend Beach Week or if your teen likes to go to the beach without you, then please bring them to this program to hear water, beach, and general safety tips from Ocean City Police and Beach Patrol. Teens and adults will hear stories about other Maryland youth. You will leave with a better understanding of the law and fun/free (or almost free) opportunities waiting in Ocean City if you know how to find them. Adults will hear 1) why not to buy alcohol for your teen's trip, 2) what to know before allowing your teen to use your car or condo for the week, 3) what to know before you sign a lease for the teens, and much more. The 2016 Senior Week programs will be offered on Tuesday, March 15 at Howard High School and Tuesday, March 22 at Atholton High School both at 7 pm. Ocean City Police and Ocean City Beach Patrol will once again partner with HC DrugFree to keep our teens safe during beach week. A special thank you to the staff and PTSA at Howard High School and Atholton High School for hosting these events. Parents, grandparents and teens are encouraged to attend. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Win $100 and Have Your Film Seen Across Howard County: Film-Savvy Teens Enter March 1, 2016 VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA Today! HC DrugFree is looking for film-savvy teens to enter the HC DrugFree Category in the 2016 HoCo FilmFest. The winning film will be used as a public service announcement throughout Howard County. Entries must focus on prescription pain medication (opioids) misuse, which often leads to heroin use. Feel free to call HC DrugFree's office at 443-325-0040 if you have any questions. To view the 2015 winning film and see the 2016 guidelines, please visit our Events page at http://www.hcdrugfree.org/hoco-filmfest/ Deadline to enter is March 19, 2016. The HoCo FilmFest will be held on Friday, April 8 at 7 pm at the Charles E. Miller Library in Ellicott City. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please View and Share...Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict Even if you believe your child isn't using drugs or if you believe drug misuse will never touch your family, HC DrugFree encourages you to take a few minutes to watch this powerful documentary released this month by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This film profiles the stories of several people who either abused opiates or had family members become addicts, and it profiles the cycle of addiction and looks at the tragic consequences associated with opioid abuse. The documentary also features interviews with medical and law enforcement professionals discussing the effects of the addiction and how this epidemic is unlike any this country has seen before. The documentary is targeted at educating high school and above students and young adults. Because opioid addiction can take hold after the first use, the film is meant to send a message of deterrence to those either thinking of trying drugs or just beginning to use drugs. The FBI and DEA are offering the film to educators at no cost for incorporation into their curriculum. Those wishing to obtain a copy of the film may do so by contacting their local FBI or DEA field office or by downloading the film for free at www.fbi.gov/ChasingTheDragon.