TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools will use the HP EliteBook© Revolve 810 G2 as its learning tool of choice to begin the pilot phase of the BCPS system-wide conversion to a 1:1 digital learning environment known as Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.).
Approval of the device is the next step in S.T.A.T., a curriculum-based initiative to transform every BCPS classroom into a digital learning environment. As part of the initiative, every child will use the EliteBook©, a combination laptop computer / tablet, as an interactive, primary instructional resource.
“As we prepare for the first year of S.T.A.T., adoption of the EliteBook© provides students with a powerful and unlimited learning tool,” said BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance. “It is an important part of the way the first year will look and feel at our Lighthouse Schools, but it is not the only part. The device gives children a flexible platform to access and maximize digital instruction and learning, and we are excited to see how easily and eagerly they will adapt. As we begin this initiative, the EliteBook© provides a familiar and comfortable way for them to grow as learners.”
The Board of Education of Baltimore County today authorized the next phase of the S.T.A.T. initiative. Through a four-year lease program, BCPS will work with Daly Computers, Inc., of Clarksburg, Md., to provide about 120,000 of the two-in-one devices. The superintendent is recommending approval of the $205 million contract authority.
In the S.T.A.T. pilot phase, all BCPS instructional staff will receive one of the devices by the end of the 2013-2014 school year. In August, students in grades 1-3 at 10 “Lighthouse Schools” throughout the county will be assigned EliteBooks© to use.
BCPS is among the largest of the nation’s school systems to begin moving toward a digital classroom. Its S.T.A.T. initiative began last spring, when Dr. Dance announced the district’s goal to move to a 1:1 learning platform for all students, meaning that every child would have a digital learning device through which to learn.
On Tuesday, Dr. Dance again emphasized that both rigorous curriculum and teacher training will anchor the S.T.A.T. initiative. “The devices themselves are really just the tools we have chosen to use to support the core of the program, which centers on the curriculum,” he said. “Technology gives educators great opportunities to expand and improve instruction, but the curriculum we are adapting and the work we’ll do to prepare teachers will be the keys to ensuring that S.T.A.T. is successful.”
BCPS Chief Academic Officer Verletta White said the initiative is designed to connect instruction directly with students by using platforms and resources that students know and understand well.
“While we as adults may see using an EliteBook© in the classroom as foreign, our students are 21st century learners,” she said. “For them, using digital technology to learn in school is second-nature, which can be compared to how their parents and grandparents used paper, pencils, and textbooks.”
According to the Board-approved contract authority, the program is designed to “engage students with tools that are intuitive to them, differentiate instruction, and provide timely feedback to support more rigorous demands.”
Anticipation is growing among the Lighthouse Schools slated to begin the initiative later this year.
“We are excited that students will soon be learning in an environment that simulates the technology-rich environment in which they live every day,” said Doug Elmendorf, principal at Chase Elementary School. “This digital environment will be important in preparing our students with the skills they need to be successful in life. Through digital learning, they will be able to go beyond the classroom as they become globally competitive citizens in an increasingly complex society.”
Added Karen Harris, principal at Fort Garrison Elementary School, “Both my staff and my parent community are so excited about what the future holds for their students as we move towards the digital conversion as a Lighthouse School. The teachers are looking forward to learning how to more actively engage all of their students using 1:1 technology.”
Read more about the One-to-One Initiative
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BCPS to use EliteBook© dual learning tool for S.T.A.T. digital conversion: HP “two-in-one” device doubles as laptop or tablet for students, staff
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BCPS changes school calendar to make March 31 a regular school day : Measure is taken to make up day lost to winter weather
TOWSON, MD. – If you’re a BCPS parent or student looking at using Monday, March 31, to put together a long weekend, think again.
To make up time for days lost to inclement winter weather this year, the Board of Education of Baltimore County voted Tuesday night to make Monday, March 31, a regular school day for all 108,000 BCPS students.
The day had been set aside as a system-wide professional development day for teachers and staff and a day off for students. Now, students will attend classes on a normal school day schedule.
While the Baltimore County school system traditionally builds seven “snow days” into its annual school calendar, an unusually stormy January and February this year forced the system into closing schools a total of eight days. The state requires BCPS to provide 180 days of instruction.
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Dundalk Middle School to close today at 10:45 a.m.
TOWSON, MD. – Due to a lack of power and heating, Dundalk Middle School will close at 10:45 a.m. today, Thursday, March 13, 2014. The school is located at 7400 Dunmanway in Dundalk.
Three other schools – Catonsville High School, Western School of Technology, and Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies – also are closed today due to having no water.
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Art contest for students to end next week: Challenge: Creating notecards to be sent to honored students
TOWSON, MD. – Less than one week is left for artistically-talented students of Baltimore County Public Schools to submit artwork for notecards that will used to recognize the achievements of BCPS students.
The We Are Team BCPS campaign is coordinating a special contest for students to design artwork for notecards that will be used by BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance to personally congratulate students who earn statewide, regional, national and international honors.
The artwork should celebrate the diversity, creativity, intellect and/or promise of BCPS students and does not need to include text. Any text that is included should be minimal.
Artwork must be submitted to the BCPS Department of Communications and Community Outreach by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. Images can be submitted digitally to communications@bcps.org or mailed to 6901 N. Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204. Participating students should include a note with each submission that includes their names, grade levels, schools and an e-mail address that can be used to reach them.
First- and second-place winners will be selected at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and a grand prize winner also will be honored. Winning students will be notified via e-mail by March 28.
Prizes, provided courtesy of the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, will include $50 for first-place winners, $25 for second-place winners and an e-reader for the grand prize winner.
The We Are Team BCPS campaign is designed to build pride and increase engagement in Baltimore County Public Schools. Each month, new activities and projects will be announced. To learn more, visit www.bcps.org/teamBCPS.
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. is an independent, 501(c) (3) community-based organization that mobilizes the public, private and corporate will and resources in support of initiatives that are needed to guarantee a world-class public education for all Baltimore County students. For more information, please visit www.educationfoundationbcps.org.
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BCPS News Tips: March 15 – 22, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, March 15
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" to be performed at Eastern Technical High School
What: Students at Eastern Technical High School will present the play "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," for three performances. Admission is $10 and $8 for seniors age 55 and up. When: 7 p.m. both Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16Where: Eastern Technical High School, 1100 Mace Ave., Essex 21221Contact: Gayle Clark or Thomas Evans, 410.887.0190Monday, March 17
Ridge Ruxton School welcomes guest reader for Read Across America
What: Ridge Ruxton School will welcome Maryland State Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Marcella Franczkowski to be a guest reader to students during two class periods. She will visit the school and read as part of the Read Across America activities. When: 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday March 17Where: Ridge Ruxton School, 6916 Charles St., Towson 21204Contact: Ed Bennett, 410.887.3594Eastern Technical High School students get close look at NASCAR vehicle
What: Courtesy of the National Guard, students at Eastern Technical High School will have the opportunity to inspect the No. 88 Chevrolet SS NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car driven by Dale Earnhart, Jr. up close and personal. The car will be on display at Eastern, along with a Humvee truck and other equipment, during lunch periods for students to view at the front of the school. When: Lunch hours, Monday March 17Where: Eastern Technical High School, 1101 Mace Ave., Essex 21221Contact: Kathy Lavery, 410.887.0190Tuesday, March 18
Red House Run Elementary School gets ready for Family Math Night
What: Red House Run Elementary School will host its annual Family Math Night, where students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of mathematics activities and enjoy sandwiches provided by Chick-Fil-A. When: 5 – 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18
Where: Red House Run Elementary School, 1717 Weyburn Rd., Rosedale 21237Contact: Mary Ellen Castle or Drue Whitney, 410.887.0506Ridge Ruxton School hosts Multicultural Showcase
What: Ridge Ruxton School will host its annual Multicultural Showcase to celebrate the diversity at the school and across Baltimore County. Students and visitors can learn about different nations through a variety of activities, displays, and demonstrations. This year, Brazil will be in the Ridge Ruxton spotlight as a featured nation. When: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesday March 18Where: Ridge Ruxton School, 6916 Charles St., Towson 21204Contact: Karen West, Sue Beer, Laura Allison, Margie Rawn, or Ed Bennett, 410.887.3594Hawthorne Elementary School hosts a Fun Family Math Night
What: More than 200 parents and students from Hawthorne Elementary School are expected to attend Math Night, where they will learn engaging math games they can play together at home. Families will be entered into a drawing for door prizes donated by local businesses, including bowling for 20 from AMC Bowling, a gift card from Target, gift certificates from Pizza Johns, prize packs from Chick-fil-A and more!When: 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 18Where: Hawthorne Elementary School, 125 Kingston Rd., Middle River 21220Contact: Jen DeRoso, 410.887.0138.Wednesday, March 19
Ridge Ruxton School sponsors spring Respite and Resources Fair
What: Ridge Ruxton School will host its spring Respite and Resources Fair for families of the Ridge Ruxton School and greater central Baltimore County community. Ten state and local non-profit agencies will participate in this event, providing materials about their programs including applications for services. Attendees can obtain information regarding respite care, daycare, future planning, home assistance, recreational programs, workshops, respite care, daycare, recreational programs, and parent support network/ programs. Many services will have information about adaptive equipment, specialized communication, in-home services, as well as enrichment and support services.When: 12:30 – 2 p.m., Wednesday March 19
Where: Ridge Ruxton School, 6916 Charles St., Towson 21204Contact: Paula Davis or Ed Bennett, 410.887.3594McDonald's restaurants officials to visit Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts to present check to Maryland Teacher of the Year Sean McComb
What: Officials from McDonald's restaurants will visit Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts to present Baltimore County and Maryland Teacher of the Year Sean McComb with a check to help support the Patapsco Panthers, the school's robotics team where Mr. McComb will donate much of the check amount. The event also will be attended by BCPS Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance, representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education and others. When: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 19Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., Dundalk 21222Contact: Liberty Grayek or Craig Reed, 410.887.7060Southwest Area Education Advisory Council to discuss the role of the assistant superintendent
What: The Southwest Area Education Advisory Council will focus on the role of the assistant superintendent during its meeting on March 19. Presenters for the evening meeting will be BCPS Elementary Assistant Superintendent Dr. Catherine Allie and Middle School Assistant Superintendent Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox. When: 7 -8 p.m., Wednesday, March 19Where: Windsor Mill Middle School, 8300 Windsor Mill Rd., Randallstown 21244 Contact: Beverly Coleman, bcps_swaeac_announcement@googlegroups.comThursday, March 20
George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology to exhibit work of artist Barry Nemett
What: Painter Barry Nemett will exhibit his work at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology through early April, with a reception for the artist and an artist talk to kick off the installation. At the reception, student dancers from the school's dance prime will perform. Exhibiting in New York since 1971, Barry Nemett has shown his artwork in museums and galleries throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art in Japan, Delaware Museum of Art, and the New Jersey State Museum. He also has exhibited artwork at more than 30 colleges and universities and is a recipient of a Fulbright/ITT International Travel Fellowship to live and paint in Spain. When: The exhibit will run from Thursday, March 20, through Thursday, April 10. The opening reception will take place from 1 – 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 20.
Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204Contact: Karen Steele, 410.887.2775Friday, March 21
Sparrows Point High Schools gets "trashy" for annual fashion show
What: Sponsored by the Sparrows Point High School National Art Honor Society, the school's annual Trashy Fashion Show has as its theme this year "A Walk on the Wild Side." Now four years old, the show challenges students to research, reuse, and redesign wearable fashion from recycled materials. Through the program, students, staff, and alumni work together to raise awareness about the environment as well as the importance of recycling materials. When: 7 p.m., Friday, March 21Where: Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Road, Edgemere 21219Contact: Victoria Ali, 410.887.7517Saturday, March 22
Dumbarton Middle School hosts Maryland Elementary School Chess Championship
What: More than 200 middle and high school students from across Maryland are expected to visit Dumbarton Middle School as the school hosts the Maryland High School and Middle School Chess Championship, sponsored by the Dumbarton Chess Club and the Maryland Chess Association. When: 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23Where: Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Rd., Towson 21212Contact: Lee Thomassen or Justin Kampes, both at 410.887.3176
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Students encouraged to apply for school board position: Applications due March 21
TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools students in Grades 10 and 11 are encouraged to apply to become the student member on the Board of Education of Baltimore County.
The selected student will be an official member of the Board of Education for one year beginning in July 2014. As a board member, the selected student will represent all BCPS students and will vote on all issues except collective bargaining, capital and operating budgets, school openings and closings and boundaries.
Ideal candidates will be in good academic standing and active in their schools and communities. To apply, a student must complete a brief application; write a one-page essay; submit letters of recommendation from his or her principal, school counselor, English teacher, faculty advisor for a school organization in which he or she is involved, and adult advisor for a community group in which he or she is involved; and submit an official school transcript and copy of his or her most recent report card.
The position description, summary of application steps, and application are available online at http://www.bcps.org/students/bcsc/smob.html. Applications are due to the Office of Family and Community Engagement (6901 N. Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204) by Friday, March 21, 2014.
Top candidates will be interviewed on Tuesday, April 8, and the selection committee will recommend a potential nominee for consideration for appointment by the governor.
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McDonald’s restaurants officials to present check to Maryland Teacher of the Year Sean McComb
What: Officials from McDonald’s restaurants will visit Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts to present Baltimore County and Maryland Teacher of the Year Sean McComb with a check that he will use to help support the Patapsco Panthers, the school’s robotics team. BCPS Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance also will attend the event, as well as representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education. When: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 19Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts
8100 Wise Ave.
Dundalk, MD 21222
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Board of Education of Baltimore County to Meet on Tuesday, March 25, 2014
TOWSON, MD. - The Board of Education of Baltimore County will hold a work session on Tuesday, March 25, 2014.
The Board’s Building and Contracts Committee will meet at approximately 4:15 p.m. The full Board will meet in open session at approximately 5:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming school board association events, school system and community meetings, and items of interest to Board members. The Board will then move immediately to a closed session.
The Board will reconvene at approximately 6:30 p.m. for its work session. Representatives of stakeholder groups and members of the public have the opportunity to speak at Board work sessions. Stakeholder group representatives and members of the public who wish to address the Board are asked to sign up between 5 p.m. and 6:25 p.m. outside of the Board’s meeting room.
The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders. To that end, the Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the BCPS Web site (www.bcps.org).
The meeting(s) will be held in Building E, Room 114, on the Greenwood Campus, 6901 Charles Street, Towson. The public is welcome to attend and observe all of the Board’s open sessions.
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BCPS News Tips: March 22 – 29, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, March 22
Dumbarton Middle School hosts Maryland Elementary School Chess Championship
What: More than 200 middle and high school students from across Maryland are expected to visit Dumbarton Middle School as the school hosts the Maryland High School and Middle School Chess Championship, sponsored by the Dumbarton Chess Club and the Maryland Chess Association. When: 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23Where: Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Rd., Towson 21212Contact: Lee Thomassen or Justin Kampes, both at 410.887.3176M&T Bank 24® Games Challenge Tournaments test math skills of BCPS elementary, middle school students
What: M&T Bank once again brings Baltimore County students in Grades 5-8 in the daylong 24® Games Challenge Tournaments. The annual event pits school teams against one another in a challenge of solving mathematical puzzles involving single-digit and double-digit numbers and integers. Prizes include $250 for grand prize winners and $50 for runners-up in each game.
When: 9 a.m., Saturday, March 22Where: North Baltimore Plaza (formerly Crowne Plaza) Hotel, 2400 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093Contact: Jenn Henschen, 410.887.4052Monday, March 24
Cromwell Valley Elementary School exploring abilities within disabilities during week
What: Cromwell Valley Elementary School will spend parts of each day this week building awareness of “abilities within disabilities” among its students – raising awareness and understanding of the world’s diversity and building empathy and acceptance of individuals with special needs. The week will feature a variety of special activities devoted to the project, including presentations from the Maryland Ravens’ wheelchair basketball team and Pathfinders autism group to learning about service dogs from the Snyder Foundation and cerebral palsy from artist Dan Keplinger.
When: Please contact the school for times of specific events from Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28Where: Cromwell Valley Elementary School, 825 Providence Rd., Towson 212186Contact: Darlene Morrison, 410.887.4888Tuesday, March 25
Glenmar Elementary School celebrates Youth Art Month
What: Glenmar Elementary School will celebrate Youth Art Month through an evening of art inspired by American artists, music, crafts, and a scavenger hunt throughout the school building to understand how art matters in the nation. When: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 25
Where: Glenmar Elementary School, 9700 Community Dr., Middle River 21220Contact: Michael Parker or Eileen Fitzgerald, 410.887.0127Pot Spring Elementary School’s STEM Fair is “Forever Green!”
What: Pot Spring Elementary School will hold its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fair, which will feature 147 projects representing more than 170 students from kindergarten through Grade 5. Parents can help decorate frames and each participant will receive a framed photograph showing the student next to his or her project. Volunteers from the BCPS Office of Science and Stevenson University Department of Science also will be on hand to help. When: 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 25Where: Pot Spring Elementary School, 2410 Springlake Dr., Timonium 21093Contact: Joy Brown, 410.887.7648Academic Night features activities across the curriculum at Middlesex Elementary School
What: Middlesex Elementary School will host “Academic Night” for families of students, featuring a variety of curriculum-related activities and information.
When: 6 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 25
Where: Middlesex Elementary School, 142 Bennett Rd., Middle River 21221Contact: Karen Musselman, 410.887.0170Prettyboy Elementary School students display their artwork at Hereford Library
What: More than 200 pieces of art created by students at Prettyboy Elementary School will be on display at the Hereford Library beginning with a reception for the artists and their families. When: 5 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 25
Where: Hereford Library, 16940 York Rd., Hereford 21111Contact: Rob Meloni or James Briggs, 410.887.1900Wednesday, March 26
Student artists come together to exhibit work at Owings Mills High School’s 3rd annual Youth Art Show
What: Student artists from 12 Owings Mills-area schools will display their work in the halls of Owings Mills High School for the third annual Youth Art Show. When: 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 26
Where: Owings Mills High School, 124 S. Tollgate Rd., Owings Mills 21117Contact: Abbey Campbell, 410.887.1700Thursday, March 27
Southwest Academy to host 2nd annual “Cool Women / Hot Jobs” STEM Career Fair
What: As a celebration of Women’s History Month, Southwest Academy will host its second annual “Cool Women / Hot Jobs” STEM Career Fair for female students. Presenters from a variety of companies and universities throughout Maryland will share their knowledge and experiences about STEM professions with the many opportunities that exist for women in STEM career fields.
When: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Thursday, March 27
Where: Southwest Academy Magnet School, 6200 Johnnycake Rd., WoodlawnContact: Valerie Hawkins or Karen Barnes, 410.887.0829Dumbarton Middle School hosts its own March Madness – Hoops for Heart
What: Dumbarton Middle School will host its second annual Hoops for Heart event, sponsored by the American Heart Association. The three-on-three tournament will be followed by a faculty basketball game and a “final four” with plenty of prizes and giveaways. Tickets are $3 at the door, with VIP seating for $5. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.
When: 3 – 6 p.m., Thursday, March 27
Where: Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Rd., Towson 21212Contact: Diana Six or Katie Morrison, 410.887.3176Students at Pikesville Middle School to enjoy Indian brunch
What: Grade 6 students studying South Asia and the Indian culture in World Culture classes at Pikesville Middle School will enjoy samosas, jalfrezi, and other Indian delicacies during a special cultural brunch program, which is now in its fourth year. The event will feature a presentation about traditional Indian customs, dress and music from visitors from Akbar Palace restaurant, who will also host the buffet meal. When: 9:15 – 10:35 a.m., Thursday, March 27
Where: Pikesville Middle School, 7701 Seven Mile La., Pikesville 21208Contact: Amanda Doran or Iterny Joseph, 410.887.1207Saturday, March 29
Lansdowne High School to inaugurate an AVID 5-kilometer run
What: Lansdowne High School will host its first ever AVID 5-kilometer run, rain or shine, to benefit the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination courses, a college readiness program designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The entry fee is $30 and the course will start and end at the school. Pets, roller skates and other wheeled devices (except strollers) are not allowed on the course. Strollers will start in the back of the runners. Participants may register at www.eliteracemanagement.com/avid-5k. When: 8 a.m., Saturday, March 29Where: Lansdowne High School, 3800 Hollins Ferry Rd., Lansdowne 21227Contact: Ken Miller, 410.887.1415
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Finalists named for 2014-15 Baltimore County Teacher of the Year: Winner to be announced during May 5 ceremony
TOWSON, MD. – Five Baltimore County Public Schools educators have been named finalists for the school system’s annual Teacher of the Year award for 2014-2015.
“Our Teacher of the Year program allows us to showcase the high quality educators employed by Baltimore County Public Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. “The five teachers named finalists this year exemplify the commitment BCPS has to ensuring that we graduate globally competitive students. Although their areas of instruction are very diverse, they all have a common passion for highly-effective teaching.”
The finalists are:
- Adam Carney, an English teacher and technology liaison at New Town High School in Owings Mills
- Anne Cross, a Grade 5 teacher at Gunpowder Elementary School in Perry Hall
- Kimberly Culbertson, a chemistry and forensic science teacher at Dulaney High School in Timonium
- Julie Krause, a Grade 1 teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School in Middle River
- Michelle Webster, a reading specialist at Woodholme Elementary School in Pikesville
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BCPS educators again named region principal, teacher of year by national magnet group: Halstead’s Mullenax, Lutherville’s Austen in running for U.S. honors
TOWSON, MD. – For the second year in a row, Baltimore County educators have been named Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year for a six-state region by Magnet Schools of America, placing them in the running for national honors from the national magnet advocacy group.
Jennifer Mullenax, principal of Halstead Academy in Towson, is one of seven regional principals of the year named by the magnet school organization. The school focuses on magnet areas of art and environmental science, and Mullenax has been instrumental in creating dynamic partnerships with Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence and other organizations to support learning at the school.
Deirdre Austen, one of seven regional teachers of the year chosen by Magnet Schools of America, teaches at Lutherville Laboratory Magnet School in Lutherville. She is a former Milken Award winner who leads students in integrated STEM experiences in the school’s I-Lab. The school, which was named a 2014 National Magnet School of Excellence, specializes in science, mathematics, and communications magnet programs.
Both educators were recognized in a region that encompassed school systems in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, as well as international schools.
“Principal Mullenax and Ms. Austen quite simply are the best at what they do, and Team BCPS can be proud that they are receiving the national recognition they deserve,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. “Together, they represent what we strive for in all of our Baltimore County schools and classrooms – devotion to their students, talented instruction, inspired leadership, and a determination to ensure that every child is academically prepared to succeed.”
The awards from Magnet Schools of America recognize educators who exemplify excellence in academic achievement and leadership through innovative programs that promote equity, diversity, and academic excellence for students in magnet schools.
The association’s national principal and teacher of the year will be announced during the organization’s annual conference from May 15-18 in Hartford, CT.
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Carver Center culinary team takes first place in state food service competition: School’s team has taken top spot for seven years
TOWSON, MD. - For the seventh year in a row, the culinary management team from George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology has captured top honors in the Maryland Hospitality Education Foundation's 10th annual Maryland ProStart Student Invitational.
At this year's event at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel, Carver Center students earned more than $50,000 in scholarships per team member and will compete at the National ProStart Student Invitational competition to be held in Minneapolis, Minn., from May 3-5.
The ProStart Invitational invites teams to compete in two categories. In culinary management, teams demonstrate their knowledge of the restaurant and food service industry by developing business proposals for a new restaurant concept, including a menu and marketing plan. Using written proposals and visual displays, team members present to a panel of judges who act as potential investors in the new restaurant. In the culinary competition, teams are given one hour to create an appetizer, entrée and dessert, earning points for proper food safety and sanitation procedures, proper cooking methods, food taste, teamwork and menu difficulty.
Led by culinary instructor Bette Mullins, Carver's winning team consisted of seniors Celeste O’Keefe, Samantha Landwehr, Michael Baumohl, Hannah Sattler, and Kristina Brown. This year, in competition against teams from Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, they prepared a 58-page business proposal for a restaurant concept, supporting menus, recipe development, costs, and marketing plans. Judges acted as potential investors as the team advanced both its verbal presentation and visual display.
Carver did not field a team for the culinary competition, although a team from Sollers Point Technical High School represented BCPS in competition against teams from six other Maryland counties.
The Maryland Hospitality Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works with the Restaurant Association of Maryland to educate the hospitality workforce of Maryland. MHEF also supports the 50 schools in Maryland using the ProStart program, a culinary and hospitality management curriculum for high school students that is endorsed by the Maryland State Department of Education. In addition to classroom work, ProStart requires 400 hours of paid industry work experience to qualify for a ProStart National Certificate of Achievement. Students completing the ProStart program are qualified to enter the workforce in positions above entry level and are on a fast track to management careers and success in post-secondary education.
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24 Challenge® Tournament to test math skills of BCPS elementary, middle school students
What: Sponsored by M&T Bank, teams of Baltimore County “mathletes” in Grades 5-8 will face off in the annual 24 Challenge® Tournament as they race to solve a series of mathematical puzzles involving single- and double-digit numbers and integers. Prizes include $250 for grand prize winners and $50 for runners-up in each game.
When: 9 a.m., Saturday, March 22Where: North Baltimore Plaza (formerly Crowne Plaza) Hotel
2400 Greenspring Drive
Timonium, MD 21093Background: Created by Suntex International, Inc., the 24 game is designed to improve skills in mental computation, pattern recognition, and deductive reasoning. Using special flash cards, students must use combinations of four numbers presented on each card to create an equation that equals 24. The challenge is to determine what combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division of single or double whole numbers or integers will yield that solution.
At last year’s tournament, more than 250 BCPS students competed for top honors out of more than 31,000 Baltimore County students who trained for local and countywide 24 Challenge® competitions in 2013-2014 by correctly answering more than 47 million math questions online.
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New episode of “BCPS News” on air on BCPS-TV: Scholarships, bullying prevention among show features
TOWSON, MD. – A new episode of “BCPS News” is airing on Comcast Cable Channel 73 and Verizon FiOS Channel 34 in Baltimore County through Sunday, March 30. Hosted by Mary Beth Marsden, a local Emmy Award®-winning broadcaster, the program highlights progress and achievement in Baltimore County Public Schools.
In addition to stories about a recent CCBC-BCPS College Fair and the unveiling of a painting at Battle Grove Elementary School depicting the Battle of North Point, the 15-minute episode includes features about:
- Fit Friday at Mars Estates Elementary School, through which students train to complete a 5-kilometer run along with mentors from Chesapeake High School.
- Wendy Carver of Shady Spring Elementary School, who was recently named Maryland’s “Elementary School Counselor of the Year.”
- The weeklong, countywide campaign to raise awareness about bullying and the importance of respecting classmates known as “Loving is Louder.”
- The BCPS Scholarship Loan Program, which provides financial assistance to BCPS students considering a career in education. Guest Joelle Skorczewski of the BCPS Department of Personnel will discuss the details.
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Reminder: March 25 Board of Education work session to be held at Greenwood
TOWSON, MD. - Those planning to attend the work session of the Board of Education of Baltimore County on Tuesday, March 25, should arrive at the Board’s usual meeting place on the Greenwood administrative campus in Towson.
The meeting originally was scheduled to take place at Dundalk High School in Dundalk. The Board will now meet there for its Tuesday, April 22, meeting.
The March 25 work session will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Building E, Room 114, on the Greenwood Campus, 6901 Charles Street, Towson. The public is welcome to attend and observe all of the Board’s open sessions.
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¡Andalé! BCPS to pilot Spanish instruction in 10 elementary schools in 2014-15
TOWSON -- Baltimore County Public Schools is looking for 10 elementary schools to help pilot a Spanish instruction program during the 2014-2015 school year.
The project marks a new era of world language instruction in BCPS, part of Superintendent Dallas Dance’s initiative to ensure that all school system students will be proficient in a second language when they graduate from high school. Dr. Dance announced the goal last year during his “State of the Schools” address.
Following approval from the Board of Education of Baltimore County on Tuesday, the program will be offered to Grade 4 students in 10 pilot schools. Each student will learn Spanish in a blended learning environment beginning in August.
“We want to be sure that every BCPS student has the skills to be globally competitive. Almost by definition, that means our children must start early acquiring second language skills and be proficient by the time they graduate,” Dr. Dance said. “The start of this initiative provides an exciting opportunity for our pilot schools and for the system to examine proficiency in all our language programs.”
The blended program includes both classroom instruction and 24/7 digital content. Students will work with a Spanish teacher once a week while moving at their own pace through an interactive program.
The initiative represents a step forward in helping students acquire a second language at a younger age than ever before in BCPS schools. While BCPS already has an elementary immersion program, the new Spanish instruction pilot is the first time an intensive language initiative has been introduced to so many schools at the Grade 4 level. The program may be implemented across the school system in the 2015-2016 school year.
The second language acquisition project is designed to support Dr. Dance’s languages initiative. A steering committee of teachers, principals, assistant superintendents and instructional experts worked for months to identify rich and engaging digital resources for the program and to develop a model of instruction that is both appropriate and sustainable.
According to the BCPS guiding document, Blueprint 2.0, “research shows clearly that an essential factor in global competitiveness is fluency in a second … language.” By beginning the acquisition of a second language in elementary school, students will be better equipped to become proficient in a language other than their own.
Schools will receive information this week about the application process to be considered a pilot school. A decision on which schools will be included in the pilot is expected within several weeks.
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BCPS News Tips: March 29 – April 5, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, March 29
Lansdowne High School to inaugurate an AVID 5-kilometer run
What: Lansdowne High School will host its first ever AVID 5-kilometer run, rain or shine, to benefit the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination courses, a college readiness program designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The entry fee is $30 and the course will start and end at the school. Pets, roller skates and other wheeled devices (except strollers) are not allowed on the course. Strollers will start in the back of the runners. Participants may register at www.eliteracemanagement.com/avid-5k. When: 8 a.m., Saturday, March 29Where: Lansdowne High School, 3800 Hollins Ferry Rd., Lansdowne 21227Contact: Ken Miller, 410.887.1415Sunday, March 30
Dundalk High School to host the first ever Dundalk Challenge 5K
What: Plenty of runners are expected to kick off the inaugural Dundalk Challenge 5 Kilometer race, which begins at the Community College of Baltimore County – Dundalk and ends at Dundalk High School. The event is an opportunity to learn about and support Dundalk High School and the Dundalk community. All funds raised through registration and sponsorship benefit the school’s PTSA prom after-party fund and other PTSA programs.
When: 8:30 a.m., Sunday, March 30Where: CCBC-Dundalk Entrance, 7200 Sollers Point Rd., Dundalk 21222Contact:DundalkChallenge@gmail.comTuesday, April 1
Norwood Elementary School STREAM Night features activities across the curriculum
What: Norwood Elementary School will host “STREAM Night” for families of students, featuring a variety of curriculum-related activities and information relating to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. STEM projects will be displayed. A music performance, a visit from representatives of the Maryland Science Center and a Safe Racer demonstration are among the planned activities.
When: 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 1
Where: Norwood Elementary School, 1700 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222Contact: Kim Ebaugh, 410.887.7055Wednesday, April 2
BCPS superintendent to detail school system progress at 2nd annual State of the Schools Luncheon
What: BCPS Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance will detail school system progress for Baltimore County Public Schools at the system’s second annual State of the Schools luncheon in the event’s keynote address. The event also will feature student performances, art displays, and the voices of BCPS students. The event will be lives-streamed at www.bcps.org. When: 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 2Where: Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Rd., Windsor Mill 21244
Contact: Office of Communications, communications@bcps.orgParkville High School to promote autism awareness
What: To observe World Autism Awareness Day, Parkville High School will host a day of activities and pride as the school community seeks to “light it up blue for autism.” Students and staff will be encouraged to wear special t-shirts, bracelets, and blue jeans for the day, and the school will sport signage created by the school’s program that supports students on the autism spectrum. In addition, students with autism are creating autobiographies to be placed in the front of the school so that others can learn about what makes them unique. The day will end with a donut fundraiser at dismissal.
When: All day; contact the school for specific event timesWhere: Parkville High School, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville 21234Contact: Kelly Reardon or Matthew Ames, 410.887.5257Thursday, April 3
“Grease” to be performed at Pine Grove Middle School
What: Students at Pine Grove Middle School will present the play “Grease” for three performances through the weekend. Admission is $6 in advance and $8 at the door for this romp through the lives of young teenagers at Rydell High School during the 1950s.
When: 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.Where: Pine Grove Middle School, 9200 Old Harford Rd., Parkville 21234Contact: John Ward or Andrew Worthington, 410.887.5270Dundalk Chamber of Commerce to recognize community’s superlative teachers
What: The Dundalk Chamber of Commerce will honor three outstanding BCPS educators at its annual Teacher Recognition Awards ceremony. Recipients of this year’s awards are Katy Sauer of Charlesmont Elementary School, Laura Thurston of Sparrows Point Middle School, and Linda Buttion of Sollers Point Technical High School. Music will be provided by the General John Stricker Middle School Steel Drum Band.
When: 5 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3
Where: Martin’s East, 9000 Pulaski Hwy, Middle River, MD 21220
Contact: Dotty Cristy, 410.284.3700More than 600 BCPS students to attend the Md. Highway Transportation, Construction, and Engineering Career Day
What: More than 600 BCPS students enrolled in Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs will have the opportunity to learn about scores of transportation, construction, and engineering careers courtesy of sponsors including the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development, industry partners, local colleges and others. Additionally, postsecondary schools and associations will demonstrate how students can navigate many of the high wage, high skill, high demand, and training opportunities in these industries. When: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3
Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093Contact: Valerie Brennan, 410.887.8929Catch “A Funny Thing . . .” happening at Parkville High School for three performances
What: Parkville High School will host its spring musical, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” in three shows through Saturday, April 5. The musical comedy centers on the machinations of a community of Roman gods and slaves as they navigate the pitfalls and joys of love. Tickets are $5 at the door.
When: 7 p.m. each night from Thursday, April 3, through Saturday, April 5Where: Parkville High School, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville 21234Contact: Sharon Harris or Lexa Newman, 410.887.5257Friday, April 4
Helping HeARTS Art Service Club at Winand Elementary School set to spread some friendship at local retirement community
What: Student members of the Helping HeARTS Art Service Club will visit residents of the Weinberg Woods retirement community to make new friends, learn about the lives of residents, and design and paint frames to leave with pictures for residents to remember the visit. When: 3 – 4 p.m., Friday, April 4
Where: Weinberg Woods, 3211 Clarks La., Pikesville 21215Contact: Fiona Coulter, 410.887.0763, or Joan Allen, 410.602.2405Victory Villa Elementary School to celebrate cultural diversity
What: The Victory Villa Elementary School community will honor its students’ many cultures and heritages with “Around the World in a Night: Let’s Celebrate the World Together.” The event will introduce Victory Villa families into a variety of cultures and traditions as they use their “passports” to travel from continent to continent to sample authentic foods, create native crafts, and enjoy various forms of entertainment. The main stage will feature performances by local groups, including a Black Saga competition between students and faculty, a Chinese New Year Dragon Dance and steel drummers.
When: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 4Where: Victory Villa Elementary School, 500 Compass Rd., Middle River 21220Contact: Shannon Cappa, 410.887.0184Mock car crash and “patient” extrication at Pikesville High School to demonstrate dangers of drunk driving
What: Firefighters and medical personnel from the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company will join with student members of Pikesville High School’s Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) service group to cut up a car and extricate “patients” during a drunk-driving crash demonstration at the school. The mock accident will highlight and close the SADD chapter’s campaign just a day before the school’s junior prom.
When: 8:30 – 9:15 a.m., Friday, April 4
Where: Corner of Labyrinth Rd. and Smith Ave. at Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., Pikesville 21208Contact: Michael Schwartzberg, 410.622.6145Saturday, April 5
Fourth Annual Kilometers for Kids event to benefit Kids Helping Hopkins program
What: Students and school teams from across Baltimore County will participate in the fourth annual Kilometers for Kids 5-, 2- and 1-kilometer runs to benefit the Kids Helping Hopkins program. Kids Helping Hopkins is an education program in many Baltimore County schools that provides children of all ages the opportunity to help others through selfless activities and a variety of creative fundraisers, all of which benefits young patients at The Johns Hopkins Children's Center. When: Races start at 8:15 a.m., Saturday, April 5Where: Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville 21030Contact: Rebecca Ednie, 410.887.3487
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Planning and anticipation ready to intensify at new Mays Chapel Elementary School: With new attendance boundary set, attention turns to welcoming students
TOWSON, MD. – The Board of Education’s approval Tuesday night of attendance boundary lines for the new Mays Chapel Elementary School was just the green light Steve Coco was looking for.
“Now we can move ahead with all the plans we have to welcome students, answer parents’ questions and prepare for a great opening day in August,” says Coco, the school’s principal. “It’s an exciting time to be opening a new school in Baltimore County, and I know it will be an exciting experience for our new students and their families.”
Coco is eager to visit students who live in the new attendance zone; he plans to introduce himself to students during visits to the four schools where those students currently attend: Padonia International, Pinewood, Pot Spring and Warren elementaries. Among the first assignments for his new students will be to help him choose a school mascot and school colors.
“Our new school will have among the most welcoming and innovative learning environments in Baltimore County, so we need a mascot and colors that will inspire pride, achievement and a real sense of who we are at Mays Chapel,” Coco says.
Other planning is already underway. In April, families of eligible children living within the new boundary line will receive letters informing them of their new school assignment. Students who are currently in Grades 3 or 4 (and who will be entering Grades 4 or 5 in August) and their siblings will have the option of either enrolling at Mays Chapel or staying in their current schools until they finish Grade 5.
Families of students at Lutherville Laboratory and Timonium elementary schools who live in areas affected by the boundary line redrawing also will receive information soon about their new school assignments.
Coco also plans to announce several parent information events where new families can meet him and other new school staff members and learn more about the Mays Chapel school and opening.
A map showing the new Mays Chapel boundary line – and the changes to other schools’ attendance zones – is available at www.croppermap.com/documents/BCPSBOARDAPPROVEDCENTRALAREA1415Plot140326.pdf.
An online interactive mapping tool showing both the current 2013-14 boundaries and the approved 2014-15 boundary lines will be available on the BCPS website by Monday, March 31. Using the mapping feature – or by calling the BCPS Boundary Information Line at 410-887-4215 – a user can determine the BCPS school attendance zone of any address. The new boundary information will be on the website’s online school locator in about two weeks.
Meanwhile, construction work continues on the 700-seat, state-of-the-art elementary school in Mays Chapel. The school will be one of 10 Lighthouse Schools in BCPS, meaning students will be among the first in the county to pilot the system’s 1:1 digital learning environment, including use of an HP EliteBook© Revolve 810 G2 laptop-tablet as a personal learning tool. For more information, visit http://www.bcps.org/construction/mayschapel/.
“The process to get us here has involved a tremendous effort from the Mays Chapel Boundary Study Committee and all of the families and stakeholders who contributed, and we owe them a big ‘Thank you’,” Coco says. “But we have much more to do, and I invite parents and the community to look for more information soon about our new school, a dedicated school website and additional activities, which will be coming shortly.
“Mays Chapel already is a special school thanks to the children, staff, parents, and community members who will help us open in a few months,” he adds. “And to think: this is just the beginning!”
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BCPS music students to play Side-by-Side with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Annual event with BSO to take place at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
What: Before an audience of 1,300 elementary, middle and high school students, 34 high school musicians will perform alongside members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) during the Baltimore County Public Schools' annual Side-by-Side concert. The students, all members of the county's high school honors band or orchestra, were selected through a highly competitive audition process. They have participated in master classes with members of the BSO and engaged in six rehearsals. The program will feature “Fantasia & Fugue in C Minor” by Bach, “Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Movement III” by Haydn, and “Finlandia” and “Symphony No. 2 Finale” by Sibelius, and it will be led by BSO Education Conductor Ken Lam, artistic director and conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra. Admission to the concert is free; however, tickets are required due to limited seating. For tickets, please e-mailkstewart@bcps.org. When: Tuesday, April 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m.Where: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201Background:
The concert will feature a cello solo performance by Dulaney High School junior Ben Lee. The honor music students performing (listed below) represent Catonsville, Dulaney, Hereford, Lansdowne, Perry Hall and Towson high schools. The collaborative concert is a tradition in BCPS and a high-level learning opportunity for the young musicians.
In 2004 and every year since 2006, the NAMM Foundation has honored Baltimore County as one of the top communities in the nation for music education.
Side by Side Ensemble Roster
2013 – 2014 Violin I
Jessica Yan Dulaney
Joyce Song Dulaney
Alexandra Ng DulaneyViolin II
Zulikayida Maimaiti Perry Hall
Danielle Sinclair Lansdowne
Jung Ho Ham DulaneyViola
Michelle Wu Dulaney
Sara Adkins Hereford
Annie Brantigan Dulaney
Tamara Girodie HerefordCello
Ben Lee Dulaney
Gillian Gonder Catonsville
Tasha Fu Catonsville
Rebecca Sparks Hereford
Myles Mitchener CatonsvilleDouble Bass
Hannah Ace Hereford
Joseph Koenig Catonsville
Andrew Utz Perry Hall
Flute
Monica Kuo Dulaney
Yuzhu Shi TowsonOboe
Jasper Igusa Towson
Leo Sarbanes TowsonClarinet
Sylvie Hullinger Towson
Jane Song DulaneyFrench Horn
Luke Gaylor Perry Hall
James Miller Towson
Colin Miller Dulaney
Xaria Crawford DulaneyTrumpet
Mark Hubbert Dulaney
Joey Fluehr Dulaney
Nolan Breysse Perry HallTrombone
Noah Gaylor Perry HallTuba
Adam Meltzer DulaneyPercussion
Brady Sack Dulaney
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Students make it count at the 24 Challenge® countywide competition
TOWSON, MD — Five Grand Champions and 15 finalists computed their way to taking top honors at the annual Baltimore County 2014 M&T Bank 24 Challenge® competition held recently at the North Baltimore Plaza Hotel in Timonium.
Nearly 250 students in Grades 5-8 gathered March 22 to compete in the prestigious mathematics tournament. Baltimore County Public Schools and M&T Bank officials were among the community leaders, parents and teachers cheering on the area’s best “mathletes.” M&T Bank serves as the sole corporate sponsor of this initiative in BCPS schools, while a grant from the National Security Agency’s Mathematics Education Partnership Program also contributes to the tournament.
During the tournament, students were congratulated for their mathematics skills and reminded how mathematics proficiency will prepare them for college and careers in a globally competitive marketplace.
“Education is vital to the success of our young people, and we support the ‘24 Challenge®’ as part of our commitment to education in our communities,” said Michelle Denoncourt of M&T Bank. “We are encouraged by the strong math and reasoning skills on display in this competition each year.”
Developed by Suntex International, Inc., the 24 game is designed to improve skills in mental computation, pattern recognition and deductive reasoning. Each card in competition rounds presents four numbers that can be combined to make 24. The challenge is to determine what combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division of whole numbers (single or double digits) or integers will yield that solution.
Suntex representative Barbara Asteak said the Baltimore County 24 Challenge® is one of the largest and most exciting competitions in the country. She also complimented the students for their participation and completion of problems in the online version of the competition, called First in Math.
The Grand Champions in five divisions of play (two elementary divisions and three middle school divisions) were each awarded a $250 prize to invest in their education. In addition, 15 other finalists – three in each of five categories – received a $50 prize.
The following students were named 2014 Grand Champions and finalists:
Elementary School Single Digits division Grand Champion Ady Yang Joppa View Elementary
2nd Place Jeremiah Lee Lutherville Laboratory
3rd Place David Adebogun Timber Grove Elementary
4th Place Larrin Sydnor Edmondson Heights ElementaryElementary School Double Digits division Grand Champion Aditya Sharda New Town Elementary
2nd Place May Fu Lutherville Laboratory
3rd Place Arriq Redd Cromwell Valley Magnet Elementary
4th Place Gregory Schwartz Westchester ElementaryMiddle School Single Digits division Grand Champion Yuki Takimoto Dumbarton Middle
2nd Place Kelsy Coston Middle River Middle
3rd Place Miguel Iglesias Dumbarton Middle
4th Place Sahithi Buddula Perry Hall MiddleMiddle School Double Digits division Grand Champion Saif Hossain Ridgely Middle
2nd Place Neal Lim Ridgely Middle
3rd Place William Peng Sudbrook Magnet Middle
4th Place Patrick Krack Perry Hall MiddleMiddle School Integers division Grand Champion Blake Silver Franklin Middle
2nd Place Josh Lim Ridgely Middle
3rd Place Wilson Gao Cockeysville Middle
4th Place Rey Sasaki Ridgely Middle
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