ViewPoint – April 16,
2010
from the Principal, Kathy McKinley
Young Scholars for 7th Graders
Spring has Sprung! We hope that you and your families had a wonderful spring
break. As we return to school
routines, it is important to keep checking the calendar for all of the
wonderful spring events that we have planned: GROOVY, Turf Valley Partnership Dinner, 3rd
Quarter Assessments, Science MSA, Course forms for SY-11, and Report Cards!!!
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Between April 15th–23rd,
our students will be taking 3rd quarter assessments in English,
math, social studies and Health. The reading assessments are based on a
trimester system and will be administered in May. Science assessments are not
given 3rd quarter due to the MSA Science Testing in 8th
Grade, which will take place April 26th–29th. World
Language assessments are based on a semester system and will be administered in
June, along with English, math, social studies and science.
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At the same time as we are wrapping up 3rd
Quarter, we are beginning to plan for our students and their course assignments
for the next school year. Every student will receive a course form with the 3rd
Quarter Report Card. Students will be promoted to the next level of course study
based on their performance this year. We encourage parents to conference with
teachers if there are any questions about how a child is placed into and/or
exited from gifted and talented classes, on what level (Below-On-Above) a child
is performing in both math and reading, and what strengths and weaknesses a
child demonstrates as he/she continues to progress through school. We want to
ensure that all of our students begin to have a plan and the necessary skills
for college and career readiness.
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With the 2010-11 school year, Challenge Reading will
NOT be a course offered in the Howard County Public Schools. It is being
replaced by THE ADVANCED READER. The units of study will include: Shared
Inquiry/Connecting to Literature; Scientific Explorations/Reading as a
Scientist/"Science" in Fiction; and Humanities to Connect Past to
Present/Reading as a Historian/The History Behind Fiction.
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Two county schools, including Mount View Middle School,
will pilot a new program to complement the reading program for 7th
and 8th graders. The decision to offer a new course of study is
based on the fact that a number of our students across the district perform
ABOVE GRADE LEVEL in reading as demonstrated by ADVANCED MSA SCORES and ABOVE
GRADE LEVEL Report Card designations. This course will compact MSA reading
objectives and will provide opportunities for the above-level reader to
experience collaborative problem solving, while also developing critical
thinking, communication, and technology skills and knowledge. THE ADVANCED
INQUIRY AND INNOVATION course modules will include: Environmental Science/Think
"Green"; Civic Literacy/Project Citizen, based from the Center for
Civic Education; Engineering Design/ Challenge, Test, and Build; and Media and
Communication/A Study of Communication Technologies to include print,
television, and film.
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Current students in 6th and 7th
Grades who are enrolled in Challenge Reading this school year will be
introduced to the two new courses for 7th and 8th graders and will bring home a
letter to parents with a sign-up permission slip. Please discuss these options
with your child. We will host a Parent Information Night to provide you an
overview and to answer any questions on April 28th at 7 PM. The
course registration forms are due no later than Friday, April 30th.
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Students who are not advanced in reading will have the
opportunity to participate in inquiry/innovation modules during CORE. These
opportunities may include Debate, Yearbook, Newspaper, Technology Literacy,
Film Review, Film-making, Robotics, Green School Team, Book Club, and others.
April 19
PTA Meeting 2:45 PM
Family Night at Turf Valley 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
April 20
Choral Adjudication
9:00 AM – 12:45 PM
After School Activities (Typing)
April 21
6th Grade Service Learning Kick off
After School Activities (Robotics)
Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation 7:00 PM
April 22
Earth Day
April 23
PTA Student Social 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Come support the Drama Club in their 2010 production, Groovy!, a musical comedy tribute to the 1960s. This
weekend - April 16th and 17th, at 7:30 PM. Fee is $5 per
person, for purchase at the door.
In Groovy! you'll
celebrate the hippies and flower children of the 1960s who decide to throw a
free Music, Beads and Flowers Celebration. A popular singing group loves the idea and donates its
talent. In no time, crazily-painted busses start arriving at Crumb's Apple
Farm, the site of the festival. Everything is going nicely until a fuss-budget
shows up and demands that the local police close it down. It's fact! It's funky! And it's groovy,
all right. In fact, it's the best celebration in town. DonÕt miss it!
Mount View Middle School is
forming a partnership with Turf Valley Resort.
Our first partnership activity will be a family night at Turf Valley on April
19th from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Turf Valley will give 20% back
to the Mount View Band and Orchestra from diners who identify themselves as
being with MVMS. The 20% proceeds will help fund the New York City field trip
in June. Make your reservation today!
8th
Grade Science MSA: The Science Maryland School Assessment
(MSA) is a test of 6th, 7th and 8th grade
science achievement. This test provides educators, parents, and the public valuable
information about student, school, school system, and state performance.
Mount ViewÕs 8th graders
will be taking the test over four days April 26th, April
27th, April 28th and
April 29th. The test
is computerized and will be administered in the main computer lab at Mount View
and a computer lab at MarriottÕs Ridge High School. This week, students
received a label for their agenda book that gives their testing dates, time (AM
or PM) and testing location. In science classes, students will be reviewing 6th,
7th and 8th grade science to better prepare for the
comprehensive test. We suggest that students eat breakfast and get a full night
sleep before their testing sessions. Thank you for your support as the 8th
graders take Science MSA.
8th Grade
Activities
As our 8th graders begin to wrap up their middle school career, we like to show appreciation for excellence both academically and behaviorally. We have planned multiple end-of-the-year activities to celebrate the eighth grade class as they venture into high school. With the beautiful weather and extended school year, we want to encourage continued and appropriate behaviors. As we want all 8th graders to enjoy the activities planned for the end-of-the-year, we want to remind them that the activities are a privilege, and any behaviors that disrupt the learning environment could affect these activities. We do not anticipate any negative behaviors, and we look forward to continued success as we bring to a close the school year.
P.L.E.D.G.E.
The Howard County Department
of Police is conducting a summer program
aimed at helping rising ninth grade students succeed in high school. The P.L.E.D.G.E. program is five days in length and teaches the participants
leadership, communication skills, teamwork, and decision-making abilities that
will help them when they enter high school.
The leadership camp is staffed by
School Resource Officers, who work with students in the high schools throughout
the year. The program targets
graduating eighth grade students who will be freshman at Howard County high
schools this fall. This program is
designed to specifically educate eighth grade students who have not had serious
contact with law enforcement, disruptive behavioral issues or multiple
suspensions.
The P.L.E.D.G.E. Leadership Camp
will be conducted June 28th-July 2nd at a county high
school. The location will be
announced in late May. Each day
there will be activities, group outings, and meals provided to your student, at
no cost to you. If you have a
child who will be a freshman at a Howard County high school in the 2010-2011
school year and you would like more information about this program, please
contact:
Howard County Department of
Police
Youth Division
Sergeant Don Becraft
410-313-2207
Between the hours of 9:00 AM
– 4:00 PM
Trees, Trees, Trees ! (Ready to Plant A Tree? The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is
challenging Maryland schools to plant as many trees as possible during the
month of April. LetÕs put Mount
View on the map and get recognized for participating in this state-wide
challenge. If you buy and plant a tree during the month of April, please
register it at http://mdimap.towson.edu/TreePlanting/Register.aspx. Planting a tree cleans our air,
provides habitat for our wildlife, and just plain looks good ! Please add a tree to your landscape
this month and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Our goal is to have 100 trees
registered by the Mount View community.
Coupons are even available to receive $25 off of a native tree worth $50
or more. (Coupon available at http://www.trees.maryland.gov/school.asp).
April 22nd is Earth Day, and planting a tree is a great way to
celebrate. We hope that youÕll
help us achieve our goal. We only
have until April 30th to make this happen. Club Sponsor :
Susan Mako
For early dismissals, notes
are recommended stating the time of dismissal
(not the appointment time), and should be given to Mrs. Leaf in the Student
Services office before 7:40 AM. The studentÕs name and dismissal time will be
submitted in the daily attendance and listed on the MVMS television. Teachers
will dismiss the student at the stated dismissal time. Please allow your child
2-3 minutes to come to the front office. Parents MUST sign out and
pick up your child in the front office. When the child returns he/she may sign
in the return time.
Students arriving after 7:40
AM MUST sign in the front office.
With our new Google calendar (http://www.mountviewmiddleschool.org/calendar.php),
you can stay informed by synching school events to your own Google calendar. Add the events by clicking
on the Google Calendar in the bottom
right hand corner of the school calendar. Google will automatically ask you for your login
information and add the events to your personal calendar. If you have any questions
email timothy_guy@hcpss.org.
Jack Kent Cooke FoundationÕs
Young Scholars Program: The Young Scholars Program is designed
to nurture exceptional students. Students can apply for the program in 7th
grade, enter the program in 8th grade, and continue through high
school. The program provides personalized, generous scholarship experience. The
Foundation works closely with Scholars and their families to construct a tailored
educational program that includes, but is not limited to, support for summer
programs, distance learning courses, and music and art instruction. Each year,
the Foundation selects approximately 50 students.
Eligible 7th grade
students must be a U.S. resident, plan to attend a U.S. high school, enter the
8th grade in the fall of 2010, earn all AÕs or mostly AÕs in school
and demonstrate financial need. In addition, students must have demonstrated
excellence in academic endeavors and extracurricular activities and a strong
will to succeed. For Young Scholars entering the program, the average family
income is approximately $25,000, and over more than 90 percent have incomes
under $60,000. Young Scholars Program applications are available at http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/young-scholars-program/
and the application deadline is April 26th. After high school, Young
Scholars are also eligible to apply for continued undergraduate and graduate
support from the Foundation – ten or more years of assistance total for
educational pursuits. For additional information about the Jack Kent Cooke
FoundationÕs Young Scholars Program, please contact the Regional Talent Center
at Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth at 410-735-6270 or by electronic
mail at jkc@jhu.edu.
Take Your Child to Work Day is
on Thursday, April 22nd. We
want to ensure a productive and educational day for all students. Students who are participating in
"Take Your Child to Work Day" will be required to make up the work
missed in school. If you plan to have your child participate in "Take Your
Child to Work Day", please download the form (Form)
and return it to your childÕs Falcon Time teacher or Front Office by Monday,
April 19th.
Take the Hassle Out of Summer
Shopping - Order Next YearÕs School Supplies Now! MVMS PTA is sponsoring a School Supply Kit Fundraiser. Order
your supplies for next year and they will be delivered to your childÕs Falcon
Time room the first day of school next year! Order forms will be sent home or
you go to the homepage to re-print. The costs are as follows:
6th
Grade: $40
7th
Grade $40
8th
Grade $38
Please return your order form and
payment no later than May 14th. Make checks payable to: MVMS PTA or
ORDER SECURELY ONLINE WITH A CREDIT CARD:
1.
Go to www.epipacks.com
2.
Enter your School ID MOU062
3.
Following the directions to complete your order
Questions? Contact Lisa Coster, lbcoster@verizon.net or 410-442-3736.
Summer Programs Catalog 2010 is now available. You can pick up a catalog outside
MVMS front office or student services office.
Marriotts Ridge High School -
Boosters Summer Camps: Registration is now
OPEN -- ÒEarly BirdÓ Rate thru May 15, 2010 (10% discount). Sponsored by:
MRHS Boosters Club - Instructed by: MRHS Staff. Visit the MRHS Boosters
website for details on Summer Camps -- Registration forms and online purchases
(via Visa/MasterCard) at http://www.mrhs-boosters.com/summercamps. For more information contact: summercamps@mrhs-boosters.com.
Bark for Life: Join the fun at
the First Annual Bark for Life: an American Cancer Society fundraiser at Western Regional Park on Saturday, April 17th
from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. There will contests: shortest tail, largest dog,
costumes, etc., games, and either a 1K or 2K walking route. For more
information go to: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=24983&pg=entry and click on "Bark for Life"
on the left side of the page. Registration will be taken the day of the
event. This event is sponsored by the Marriotts Ridge High School Relay
for Life team.
Behold, Inc. and Little Hands Cookie Co. present After School Baking and Cooking Classes.
Aprons, chef hats, baking supplies and ingredients are supplied. What a tasty
way to apply Math and Reading skills. Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday or
Thursday evenings from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM. Call for details,
410-521-BAKE(2253) or www.littlehandscookie.com. Flyers are available outside the front
office.
St. Agnes Hospital Cancer Center
is hosting a Basket Bingo featuring
filled Longaberger Baskets and Vera Bradley Bags on Friday, April 23rd
at St. MarkÕs Roman Catholic Church at 27 Melvin Avenue, Catonsville, MD.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and games begin at 7:30 PM.
Tickets are $15 in advance and
$18 at the door and include one (1) book of cards with 20 games. Reserve
tickets in advance by calling 410-368-2603. Cash or Checks only (with
checks payable to St. Marks Catholic Church).
Additional raffles and door
prizes, three (3) specials and King Tut sold separately.
All proceeds support The
Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, St. MarkÕs Scholarship Fund & the Ribbons of
Comfort.
Registration for Howard County
Recreation and Parks Teen Programs is now OPEN! Howard County Recreation and Parks is currently offering a variety of
classes for your teenager (ages 11-17) such as Babysitting Fundamentals, Teen
Cuisine, Brazilian Dance, Teen ActorsÕ Workshop, Get a Job, Introduction to
Piano and much more! These programs are offered at convenient locations
throughout the county. For more detailed information about specific programs
and classes, please see pages 54-57 of the Spring Guide online at http://www.howardcountymd.gov/rap/rapdocs/2010_SpgSum_Guide.pdf.
For the most up-to-date information about a program or to register your
teen please visit: http://activenet.active.com/howardcounty.
Columbia Association will hold
Save the Planet Day on Saturday,
April 24th
from noon – 3:00 PM at the Town Center Lakefront. Enjoy vendor booths, food and music by
teen bands Victory by Revenge at noon, the Getaways at 1:00 PM and Color the
Coast at 2:00 PM. Free shredding will be available from noon – 2:00 PM.
There will be games and crafts for kids to enjoy. Recycle denim to be converted into insulation for Habitat
for Humanity. Cell phones, iPods,
Mp3 players and ink cartridges may also be recycled. Money earned for these items will go to SoldierÕs Angels, a
non-profit that supports the military here and abroad. There will be a special
guest appearance by meteorologist Sandra Shaw of WBAL-TV. The event is
sponsored by Subaru, Aurora Energy Inc., Commuter Solutions and the Columbia
Association Teen Advisory Committee.
For more information, call 410-715-5523.
Reserve Your Space for
Summer at the Y! Summer at the Y means a summer of fun! And the Y
knows summer fun because we literally invented summer camp! Campers go on field
trips, make new friends, learn new skills, and build strong character along the
way. This summer, the Y is offering more choices and more fun, but still at
affordable prices! Choose from day camps, teen camps, special needs camps,
overnight camps, and half-day camp extras like drama, art, cooking, Mad Science
and more! Save up to $100! Sign-up
for three or more weeks of Y camp by April 18th and pay no
registration fee plus get $10 off each week! (Certain restrictions apply). For
details or to register, go to: www.ymaryland.org
Warhawk Cheer registration for
the 2010 program takes place on Sunday,
April 18th from noon - 2:00 PM at the Glenwood Community
Center. Students ages 6-14,
interested in recreational cheerleading can join the Warhawks! Cheer squads
support Warhawk football teams at home games, and participate in one
competition. For more information, contact Cheer Director Malissa Spiropoulos
at mbs1016@aol.com or 301-758-2784.
Teens Together, a group for teens who have had a
family member or friend with a cancer diagnosis, is having its Kick-off event
on Sunday, April 18th from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The event will be held in the
Medical Pavilion, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite G5, in Columbia. Come get connected with other teens in
Howard County. This group is
student run and sponsored by The Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center and The
Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.
Find Teens Together on Facebook or contact Kelly Schwab at kschwabfam@verizon.net.
Howard County Recreation and
Parks offers programs for your teenager!
Save your spot! Register NOW!
Babysitting
Fundamentals - 11-14 yrs/ $49
This babysitter training course
emphasizes child development, safety, security, first aid, understanding,
patience and other necessary skills of being a quality babysitter.
RP4741.711
Tuesdays, April 20th
- May 4th, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM at Dunloggin Middle
RP4741.701
Wednesdays, April 28th
- May 12th, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM at Cradlerock School
Hip- Hop
Dance Class at Ellicott Mills Middle - 11-15
yrs/$75
Hip-hop
dance is an exciting and energetic dance style that is constantly evolving! In
this class, participants will dance to the latest hip-hop sounds while learning
the moves used by artists in the hip-hop industry and in music videos! Each student will learn the skills to
develop his or her own unique style.
RP4721.701 Wednesdays, April 21st
- May 26th, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Teen Cuisine
at Folly Quarter Middle - 11-17 yrs/$69
Chef and author Alba Johnson will take
your cooking to the next level*!
These series of classes are designed to teach basic knife skills,
cooking techniques, organization and food safety. Participants will also prepare delicious international
dishes with take-home recipes. *No
previous experience required.
RP4711.701
Saturdays, April 24th & May 1st, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
For additional information,
please contact Holly Harden at 410-313-4625. To register, call 410-313-7275 or
visit http://activenet12.active.com/howardcounty/
and search for the course number listed above.
Do you have a child with a
special need? Do you need childcare? LOCATE:
Child Care can help you find childcare that meets your familyÕs
needs. LOCATE: Child Care is a free
service available to parents made possible through funding from the Maryland
State Department of Education. LOCATE has a
complete database of all regulated child care in
Maryland. For more information contact
LOCATE: Child Care, Special Needs Enhanced
Service at 1-800-999-0120 or specialneeds@mdchildcare.org.
Trinity Summer Camp: Teen Camp (grades 6 – 8) and Sport Camp
(grades 3 – 8). The camp is
9 one week sessions, June 14th – August 13th, 9:00
AM- 3:30 PM with extended care 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:00
PM. Visit the website www.trinityschoolmd.org
or call 443-498-5093. Flyers are available outside of MV front office.
Howard County Parks and Recreation flyers (spring
basketball and martial arts) are available
outside of MVMS front office.
The Stressless Tests¨ Summer
Study Skills Camps are open for
registration. Now a five day course with a lighter touch and more games for
summer, classes help students who don't test well, despite doing well in class,
who are easily distracted and frequently bored, and/or who have never learned
to study. They may be doing advanced work or they may be struggling. Camp
sessions meet for five days, Monday - Friday. Choose one of the dates for
Middle School meeting from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM August 2nd – 6th at
Centennial HS, or August 9th – 13th or August 16th-
20th at the University of Phoenix building in Columbia. All students
receive What's My Style? Test and Study Secrets by Betty
Caldwell. The sliding scale fee ranges from $145 to $170, depending on the
take-home materials selected. To register, go to www.Stresslesstests.org. For more information, contact Betty
Caldwell at 410 740-4659, or Bcaldwell@comcast.net. High School classes are also available.