The DAILY Digest
Monday, October 13, 2008
In This Issue
AACPS ESOL
Teacher Attends
Freedom Writer
Foundation
Training
Redistricting
Committees
Schedule
Meetings for
Week of October
13
Parenting the
Middle School
Child
Magnet School
Program Public
Information
Sessions
Ft. Smallwood ES
Collects Used
Baseball/Softball
Equipment for
Latin America
Teams Forming
for ‘Making
Strides’ to Benefit
Cancer Research
Annual ‘Flavors of
Fall’ Still Looking
for Participants
How to be an
I.E.P. (Informed
Effective Parent)
Team Member
News You Can Use
Latest News
AACPS ESOL Teacher Attends Freedom Writer Foundation
Training
Odenton Elementary School ESOL teacher Karen Gibson was among 180
educators throughout the United States and Canada trained to implement the
Freedom Writers curriculum. Last year, following the success of Paramount
Pictures’ “Freedom Writers,” (FW) based on the book The Freedom Writers
Diary, by Erin Gruwell and her students, the Foundation launched a teachertraining program. The Freedom Writers Diary book grew out of the work of
Erin Gruwell, who was once a new teacher in a class of at-risk students in
Long Beach, California. Gruwell’s success in getting students to write about
their chaotic home lives improved their writing skills as well as empowered
students to face the adversities in their life. Gruwell taught her students how
to turn around the negativity in their lives and empowered them to change
their paths toward better choices and ultimately better lives.
The Freedom Writers’ Institute trains teachers how to use Gruwell’s
innovative techniques. These techniques are very engaging for
students. Once students are engaged in the learning process, there are
activities that enlighten them about many topics such as poverty, self-doubt,
tolerance, diversity and gang membership. Students in Gruwell’s freshman
English class believed they wouldn’t live long enough to graduate high
school. Gruwell taught her students how to unite against their adversities and
rechart their future through writing. Students collectively published their
writings in a #1 best selling book titled, The Freedom Writers Diary. By the
end of the diary book, it is evident how much these students’ writing
improved. Each of Gruwell’s 150 students graduated high school and enrolled
in college. Many have since graduated with bachelor’s degrees and some
have achieved their master’s degrees and are pursuing a Ph.D. One of Ms.
Gruwell’s students is now a teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long
Beach, California, the school where the Freedom Writers were taught by Ms.
Gruwell.
To date, 180 educators internationally have been trained in using the FW
methodology. After participating in the program Gibson said, “Erin Gruwell’s
work has inspired me to be a better teacher. I want to reach all of my
students more deeply. I believe Erin’s view that ‘each of us has a story to
tell.’ If I can get my students to tell their stories, validate their issues, and
help empower them while improving their reading, writing, and critical
thinking skills, I feel certain they will have a life of hope and see choices
ahead of them. If I can apply what I learned at the Institute and see my
students transition into an empowered state of mind, I will consider myself
successful as an educator.”
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EVENTS
Redistricting Committees Schedule Meetings for Week of
October 13
Redistricting committees looking at school boundary lines for the Mountain
Road corridor in Pasadena and the area south of the South River have
scheduled their next meetings.
The Mountain Road corridor committee will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday,
October 13, at Pasadena Elementary School, located at 401 East Pasadena
Road. The committee is looking at redistricting options available in the
Northeast and Chesapeake feeder systems.
The committee studying redistricting in the southern part of the county will
meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, at Tracey’s Elementary School,
located at 20 Deale Road in Tracys Landing. Options in the Southern and
South River feeder systems are being studied by that committee.
Both meetings are open to the public.
The committees will each make separate recommendations to schools
Superintendent Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell later this fall. Dr. Maxwell will forward
his recommendations to the Board of Education no later than the first
meeting in December. The Board will conduct public hearings on the plans
before reaching a decision no later than April 30, 2009.
More information on the redistricting process can be found on the school
system’s web site, www.aacps.org, in the Hot Topics section.
---
Parenting the Middle School Child
FON-369 - Parenting the Middle School Child
October 18-25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Back by popular demand for those who missed the earlier classes. This course
(which meets on two consecutive Saturdays) is offered in partnership with
Arundel County Public Schools and is free of charge to participants thanks to
special funding from Anne Arundel County. Through lively discussion, activities,
and role-play, the following topics will be covered:
-
Understanding Adolescent Development
Strategies for Successful Parent-Child Communication
Pharm Parties! The Truth About Teen Substance Abuse
SEX is not a Four-Letter Word: Sexuality and Adolescents
Popular Teen Culture
Handouts and literature will be provided. Online registration is not available for
this course. Please register by mail, fax, or in person. A registration form can be
downloaded at the Noncredit Web site. For more information, call 410-7772325.
Find out more about fall 2008 classes (PDF)!
Invite us to your neighborhood!
Many of our classes and other programs can be brought to your neighborhood or
school. Get more details now!
Questions?
Please e-mail us at parenting@aacc.edu or call us at 410-777-2159.
---
Magnet School Program Public Information Sessions
Learn more about your opportunity to experience a world class public
education in one of the AACPS magnet school programs. This is an
opportunity to obtain information about each program and the application
process and meet students, parents, and school staff involved in the
program.
Spanish and Korean interpreters will be available.
All general Magnet sessions are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
October 14....................Old Mill High School
October 23....................South River High School
---
Ft. Smallwood ES Collects Used Baseball/Softball
Equipment for Latin America
Fort Smallwood Elementary School is working with the Oriole Advocates to
collect donations for the “Cardboard to Leather” sports equipment campaign.
Now through Friday, October 24, 2008, parents and staff will be collecting
gently used baseball/softball equipment and then sending it with their best
wishes to the children of Latin America to play with. Among the collections
are balls, bats, gloves, cleats, uniforms, bases, and catching equipment, as
well as umpiring equipment and batting helmets. The Oriole Advocates have
given several large boxes that are now in the lobby of the school. Donations
should be brought to the school and for placement in the collection boxes. If
anyone needs help getting the equipment here, please call the school 410222-6450, and we’ll make arrangements for pick-up.
--Teams Forming for ‘Making Strides’ to Benefit Cancer
Research
Today there is more hope than ever for people touched by breast cancer.
Early detection and improved treatments have increased survival rates. Not
only are more women surviving, many enjoy fuller lives with less impact on
their bodies. Making Strides is a non-competitive walk supporting the
American Cancer Society’s unique mission to fight cancer on four fronts:
research, education, advocacy, and patient services.
A four-mile non-competitive walk to save lives, Making Strides starts and
ends at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg YMCA at Stadium Place. Call or log
on to receive your walk papers.
Last year, more than 4,000 people raised more than $415,000 at Baltimore’s
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Join us on Sunday, October 26, 2008,
and let’s make breast cancer a thing of the past. Together we are providing
hope.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg YMCA at Stadium Place
900 East 33rd Street in Baltimore
Call or log on to sign up:
1-800-STRIDES
www.stridesbaltimore.org
According to the National Cancer Institute, between 1991 and 2002, the
breast cancer death rate has declined 2.1% in Maryland.
Early detection means more lives saved. In Maryland, the number of women
diagnosed with breast cancer at the local stage, where the chance for cure is
the greatest, has increased since 1992, according to the Maryland
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The American Cancer Society serves cancer patients, survivors, their families,
and others who need up-to-date, reliable cancer information and support. The
American Cancer Society offers:
A toll-free cancer information service available 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Last year, more than 1,200 breast cancer inquires from
Maryland residents were answered.
A state-of-the-art Web site with tools to help guide patients and their
families through treatment and recovery.
Comprehensive cancer information in a variety of languages, as well as
Spanish-speaking information specialists and oncology nurses at 1-800-ACS2345.
Cancer Survivors Network, an online community where patients, survivors,
and caregivers share experiences to inspire strength and hope.
Reach to Recovery, a support program that pairs trained breast cancer
survivors with patients to provide guidance through diagnosis, treatment, and
recovery.
Look Good…Feel Better, helping patients cope with changes in appearance
and the side effects of cancer treatment.
Our “tlc” catalog offers home delivery of special products, such as hats,
turbans, wigs, bras, and prostheses, that can improve self-image and quality
of life.
--Annual ‘Flavors of Fall’ Still Looking for Participants
The 9th annual Flavors of Fall, Anne Arundel Academies Partnership
Awards, will be held on October 21, 2008, 6 p.m. at the LaFontaine Bleue,
Glen Burnie, Maryland. The keynote speaker for the evening is Mr. Leon
Thomas, President, Thomas Hospitality Services.
This event honors students, teachers, and business partners who participate
in academy activities. Flavors of Fall is the only fundraising activity for the
academies and it directly benefits the academy students. The Anne Arundel
County Public Schools’ Academies of Finance, Hospitality & Tourism,
Information Technology, Law & Public Service, and Teaching Professions will
participate in this event.
Some of the area’s finest restaurants will provide refreshments for the
evening. They include Anne Arundel Community College’s H-CAT, Aromi
d’Italia, Bonefish Grill, Brian Biru, Costco – Glen Burnie, The Grill at
Quarterfield Station, Holiday Inn at BWI Conference Center, Maryland Hotel &
Lodging Association, Phillips Seafood – Annapolis, Remomo’s, Three Brothers,
and Truffles.
Individuals and businesses can provide support for this event by purchasing
tickets, participating in the silent auction, providing auction items, purchasing
ads for the program, or providing a tax deductible contribution. Anne Arundel
Community College and the Maryland Hotel and Lodging Association are
proud Key Sponsors of the Flavors of Fall Celebration.
If you would like to participate in this event please contact Sharrie Wade,
Treasurer, at 410-766-5400 or Lise Foran, Director of Anne Arundel
Academies, Inc. at 410-674-7710 ext. 277. For more information about the
Anne Arundel Academies, Inc. and the Flavors of Fall, please visit the website
at www.annearundelacademiesinc.org.
--How to be an I.E.P. (Informed Effective Parent)
Team Member
A child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of his or
her special education program. IEP team members (parents and the school
system) have an opportunity to combine their special areas of expertise and
jointly craft an appropriate education program for the student. Please join us
to learn how to be a more informed effective parent as part of the IEP team
by increasing your knowledge of the school system’s procedures while
learning skills in organizing and presenting observations about your child, and
enhancing your role as an informed and active participant in the special
education process.
October 21, 2008
Pasadena Elementary School
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
401 East Pasadena Road, Pasadena, MD
November 11, 2008
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
November 13, 2008
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
1905 Town Center Boulevard, Odenton, MD
January 13, 2009
Annapolis Middle School
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
1399 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD
January 15, 2009
Central Elementary School
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
130 Stepney Lane, Edgewater, MD
For more information and to register for the class, please call Debbie Wetzel
or Katy Schieman at the Partners for Success Resource Center at 410-2223805 or email at partnersforsuccess@aacps.org.