Guilford Elementary School
410-880-5930/Fax: 410-880-5935 www.hcpss.org/ges
Issue 2: September 11, 2015
Note from Mr. Davis:
It’s hard to believe we just finished our third week of school. It feels like everyone; students, staff, and parents
are settling into our daily routine. Please remember that the doors open at 9:10 each day, we are having many
students being dropped off prior to that time and are standing outside unsupervised. Guilford staff typically are
outside by 9:05 each day, please plan accordingly. I’m sure you have noticed that there is a new drop-off/pickup lane as well as a designated drop-off/pick-up zone near the flagpole. Please stay in your car and move forward as the other cars
move forward. We will call for your children and walk them to your car. If you want to get out of your car, please park in a
designated parking spot.
Thank you to all the families who have updated/verified their Family File. As we have state in earlier emails, this allows us to have
the most up to date emergency contact information. If you have not updated this information, please do so at
HCPSS.org/Connect. Our goal is to have 100 percent of our Family files completed. Thank you for helping us reach this goal.
The ROAR cart opened for business this week. The students were excited to spend their ROAR tickets at the store. We appreciate
you taking the time to talk with your child(ren) about our ROAR Expectations: Show Respect, Take Ownership, Show a Positive
Attitude, and Take Responsibility! Together we will continue to make Guilford a wonderful learning community!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mrs. Stahler, Assistant Principal or Mr. Davis, Principal at
410.880.5930. Have a fantastic weekend!
Jonathan
Attention all Parent Volunteers:
All Parent Volunteers of GES must complete the Parent Volunteer Training packet. You can receive a hard
copy in the front office upon your entry into the building. It asks you to read through a few slides and sign
that you understand how to report any issue of abuse should a child share with you. Additionally, please
connect to the link below and read through a short video about maintaining confidentiality. Once you have
completed the video please print and sign the form as instructed. You may return the form to the school's
front office. Contact Ms. Dobbs, School Counselor for any questions.
The site is
available: http://www.hcpss.org/parents/volunteer-information/
DO NOT PHOTO? URGENT!
As the parent of a HCPSS student, if you have selected the DO NOT PHOTO option on your child's
Emergency Information File – Media Release, as stated below….
“In the course of school activities, HCPSS staff and the news media occasionally photograph or videotape
students, and/or make public their names, likeness, or school work for display/use intended for a public audience. Such exposure
could occur in print, on TV, on radio, or by electronic means such as the Internet or social media. Unless you exclude your child from
all such exposure by opting out, we will assume your permission to do so.”
"I do not want my child to be photographed, videotaped or identified by the HCPSS or the news media for display/use intended for a
public audience. I understand that this release does not apply to public events, the Yearbook, and use by the Parent Teacher
Association.”
. . . your child will not be included in photographs that are used in the classroom, team bulletin boards or for purposes of
recognition.
If you wish to change this designation, you may do so by logging onto HCPSS Connect for parents and revise your child's Family File
(Emergency Card- Media Release).
Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will participate
responsibly in our diverse and changing world.
RESTRICTED NAME? URGENT!
As the parent of a HCPSS student, if you have selected the “Name” option on your child's Emergency
Information File – Data Confidentiality, your child’s name cannot appear in event programs, bulletin
boards, list for recognition purposes or the yearbook.
The form clearly states “If you restrict the release of your child’s name, please note that your child
will be excluded from such publications as the yearbook, a published honor roll, school event
programs, and other publications of this nature.”
If you elect to restrict your child’s name, there are no exceptions to be made for any of the events mentioned above.
If you wish to change this designation, you may do so by logging onto HCPSS Connect for parents and revise your child's Family File
(Emergency Card- Data Confidentiality).
Band and Strings Registration Open until Sept. 18! All third, fourth and fifth grade students saw a
presentation about the Band and Strings Program. If your child wants to play an instrument, please sign up
your child as soon as possible. Classes for new students start the week of Sept. 21. Returning students are
started. Go to www.gesmusic.org to register online. Contact Mrs. McDaniel for your child's instrument
choice or string instrument size before renting or purchasing an instrument. cmcdaniel@hcpss.org
Quarter 1 P.E. Homework All students in kindergarten through 5th grade have received their Quarter 1 PE
homework. This quarter our focus is on cardiovascular endurance. Please help your student complete the
exercises and sign the homework. PE homework is due September 30th. Extra copies can be found on the GES
PE canvas page. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Wolter or Ms. Hancock at (410) 880-5930. Thank
you for your support!!!
JOIN THE PTA!
The number one reason to join the PTA is to benefit your child. Decades of research shows that when parents are
involved, students perform better in school, receive higher grades, exhibit increased motivation, and better selfesteem. In helping your child, you’ll also help your school. If you don’t have a lot of time to volunteer, at least
become a member. Every member increases the PTA’s voice. September is PTA month, so please send in your
membership now, and GET CONNECTED! PTA dues are $15/individual; $20/family. Website:
http://www.guilfordpta.com
Restaurant Night at Cheeburger Cheeburger – Our first PTA fundraising restaurant night. More details to come. Look out for the
flyer in your child’s Friday Folder and a sticker the day before as a reminder to come out to eat, chat, mingle and support!
Students have the opportunity to purchase a hot lunch.
Lunch (including milk) - $2.75
Milk (1/2 pint) - .50 cents
If your child is allergic to milk and you would like him/her to receive juice instead, you must bring a note
from your doctor to the cafeteria. In the absence of a doctor’s note, all children will receive milk with a
school lunch. Other snacks and drinks are available for purchase with prices ranging from .25 cents to .75 cents.
POINT OF SALE SYSTEM FOR STUDENT MEALS - Parents may prepay for student meals by setting up
an online account at myschoolbucks.com. There is a $2.25 processing fee for each transaction. Each transaction
can be up to $120.00 in total.
Students also have the option of paying with cash on a daily basis. Each student has been issued a PIN to use
when purchasing meals with cash or prepayment. If a student has forgotten their PIN, cashiers can look the PIN
up by student name. This PIN allows HCPSS to receive reimbursements from the National School Lunch
Program.
We are asking that students bring exact change for purchasing lunch. If a student brings in extra money, please know that the
access money will be placed in the student's account. In addition, please remind your child that only one snack should be
purchased each day. Please be aware that the students may use the money in their account to purchase snack. If you do not wish for
this to be an option for your child, you will need to contact Food and Nutrition Office to have this not be an option for your
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Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will
participate responsibly in our diverse and changing world.
child. They can be reached at 410-313-7134. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we continue to use the POS
system.
GROCERY CARD SIGN-UP
Don’t forget about registering your supermarket cards for Guilford. Each year, parents must register so please re-register your Giant,
Harris-Teeter, and Safeway cards.
GIANT - www.giantfood.com/aplus. Our school ID # is 01033.
HARRIS TEETER - It's time to RE-LINK your VIC cards. We have several ways to link your VIC card: At the register in our stores
At the Customer Service desk in our stores. Our website - http://www.harristeeter.com/community/together_in_education/tie.aspx .
Phone - Call 1-800-432-6111 TIE Coordinators can link parent's cards using the Mass Link feature in the TIE Coordinator section of
their website. Please note that you may now provide a VIC card number and/or a phone number when mass linking a card. If
you do not have your login information please call 1-800-432-6111.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION - As in past years, we will be participating in the Box Tops for Education
program. There are several different and easy ways in which you can earn money for Guilford Elementary.
The first way is to simply clip the Box Tops for Education coupons off the items that you are already using.
Bring them into the school and drop them off in the box located in the lobby. The second way is to go to the
Box Tops Marketplace at btfe.com. Simply click on the "Shop Online and Earn" tab to shop at some of your
favorite stores like Target, Land's End and Staples. A percentage of the qualifying purchases are credited to Guilford. The third way is
to shop at Box Tops Reading Room, which teams up Box Tops for Education and Barnes & Noble.
Guilford will earn 6% on new book purchases and 3% on all other purchases.
OSP- Visit the HCPSS Online School Payment (OSP) website where parents are able to pay
school fees by debit or credit card online using a secure web browser at their convenience, 24 hours a
day. This will include field trip, yearbooks, recorders and payment for lost media books. Go to OSP
website: https://osp.osmsinc.com/howardmd or visit the Guilford website.
BSAP SATURDAY MATH ACADEMY REGISTRATION - Saturday, September 19, 2015, 9 - 11 a.m. – Oakland Mills High
School Cafeteria, 9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, MD 21045 The BSAP Saturday Math Academy (BSAP-SMA) is designed to
accelerate academic achievement in mathematics in a unique setting regardless of a student’s academic level. Parents have the
opportunity to identify achievement goals for their child […]. FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 3-12.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September
14 Schools and Offices Closed, Rosh Hashanah
17 Hispanic Reading Night, 6:00 pm
18 School Spirit Day, Celebrating Fall – Wear Fall Colors
22 Restaurant Night at Cheeburger Cheeburger
23 Schools and Offices Closed, Yom Kipper
24 Hispanic Reading Night, 6:00 pm
October
1 Hearing and Vision Screening
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Schools Closed, Professional Development
3
PTA Mum Distribution
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Interim Reports Issued (revised date)
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Grade 3 Math Night, 6:00 pm
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4th Grade Field Trip, Newseum
11 HCPSS Community 5K and Fun Run
12 Individual Picture Day
13 Chat and Chew with Administration, 6:30 pm
PTA Meeting, 7:00 pm
14 Grade 4 Math Night, 6:00 pm
15 1st Grade Field Trip, Clark’s Elioak Farm
3rd Grade Field Trip, Sharp’s Farm
COMMUNITY EVENTS
For a listing of upcoming Community Events access GES Paw Prints online at ges.hcpss.org .
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Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will
participate responsibly in our diverse and changing world.
PAWPRINT SUBMISSIONS
are due (in writing) in the office to Teresa Johnson every Wednesday by 12:00p.m. Submissions can be emailed to
teresa_johnson@hcpss.org
HCPSS Connect
HCPSS Connect, previously know as the Family Portal, can be found on the Howard County Public School System’s homepage, www.hcpss.org. Parents who
activated their Family Portal account last school year will use the same log-in and password. New and returning families that have not activated their parent account(s)
are urged to do so as soon as possible. For assistance you may call the main office, 410-880-5930.
Family File
To complete or revise your child’s emergency information, please log-on to HCPSS Connect at the Howard County Public School System’s homepage,
www.hcpss.org. Parents will use the same log-in and password used for the Family Portal last year. Student emergency information should be completed as soon as
possible. Please call the main office, 410-880-5930, for assistance.
If you do not have internet access, please be sure to complete a paper copy of this information and return to school as soon as possible.
Emergency Notifications
As we enter the school year, make sure you know where to find emergency closing information. A complete list of places can be found on the HCPSS website..
SCHOOL HOURS
Grades K– 5
9:25a.m. – 3:55p.m.
Preschool AM - 9:25 – 11:55a.m./ PM – 1:15 -3:55p.m.
Students may enter the building at 9:10 am, when the bell chimes.
LATE ARRIVALS
Students who arrive at school after 9:25a.m. MUST be accompanied by a parent to the Main Office to be signed in before reporting to class.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Teachers may not dismiss students to parents/guardians. Parents/guardians must come to the Main Office, with identification, to sign out students and the office will
request that the teacher send the student to the office. This procedure is for the safety of all our students.
ABSENCE POLICY
A parent note explaining a student’s absence is required when a student is absent for any portion of the school day. Please include date(s) of absence(s). When a student
in absent 3 or more consecutive days a doctor’s note is requested upon the student’s return to school.
BUSES
Children are assigned to buses by the Pupil Transportation Office based on where they live. Lists of students who ride a particular bus are kept on record in the
office. Children are not permitted to ride on another bus. If an emergency arises, please call the main office 410-880-5930.
WALKERS
The Crossing Guard will be on post from 8:55-9:20a.m. Please do not send your children before this time. Students will not be permitted in the building until 9:10 a.m.
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Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will
participate responsibly in our diverse and changing world.
Community Events
The following events are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Howard County Public School System.
Do you want to make New Friends and have Fun Adventures? Then maybe you should be a Girl Scout! We are
currently recruiting girls grades K – 5 & adults 18 and up! If you are interested in learning more, girls & adults are invited
to attend an open house on Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00pm in the North Laurel Community Center (9411 Whiskey
Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723). If you cannot make it on the 29th please contact Elizabeth Blough at
EBlough@comcast.net or Join@gscm.org. Guilford Community
Crossroads Church
Basket Bingo, Fri., Sept. 11 - Orphan Care Basket Bingo at The Lodge, 2832 Nine Mile Circle Catonsville. Doors open at
6:30 p.m. games begin at 7 p.m. 20 regular games, 5 Reserve seating available for parties of 10 or more! All proceeds go
to support orphan care. Email projecthopeministry@verizon.net to request tickets.
St. Louis School
St. Louis Catholic Middle School back to school event, Fri, Sept. 11, 2015, 7-10 p.m., school caferteria.
Ticket sales, Sept. 8-11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. cost $10. For information call 410-531-6668. psrankle@stlouisparish.org
Columbia Association
Columbia Art Center for Free Family Art Frenzy on Sun., Sept. 13, 1-3, ages welcome. For more information, please
call Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or email artstaff@columbiaassociation.org.
Columbia Association
When Howard County is out of school the Columbia Art Center host an Artsy Fun Day! The first one will be held on
Mon., Sept. 14, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Art lesson begins at 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more information, please call Columbia
Art Center at 410-730-0075 or email art.staff@columbiaassociation.org
Howard Community College
Advanced Driving Skills, Sat. 12:30-4 p.m., Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Dec. 12.
Designed for newly licensed and seasoned drivers and offered in partnership with DriveTeam. Learn a variety of skid
avoidance and recovery skills using state of the art equipment (Skid-Vehicle). Offered at HCC (Main Campus, Lot F). For
more information go to howardcc.edu/ConEd or call Loretta Farb at 443 518-4971.
Howard Community College
Preparation for the SAT, Sat., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sept. 26-Oct. 24. Take the entire prep class or take only the verbal (9am1pm) or math (1:30-4:30), depending on your needs. Review and refresh tested skills and learn test-taking tips during this
five day course. Text book and other materials provided. For more information got to howardcc.edu/ConEd or contact
Sara Baum at 443 518-4976.
Columbia Association
The Columbia Art Center offers a variety of Art Classes for children of all ages and a new Youth Artistic Masters
Certificate Program! Check out the Fall Brochure on www.columbiaartcenter.org for more information. For inquiries or to
register, please call Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or email art.staff@columbiaassociation.org .
Columbia Association
The Columbia Art Center offers a wide variety of Art Classes for portfolio development and personal interest! Also
offering a new Youth Artistic Masters Certificate Program! Check out the Fall Brochure on
www.columbiaartcenter.org, for more information. For inquiries or to register, please call Columbia Art Center at 410730-0075 or email art.staff@columbiaassociation.org
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Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will
participate responsibly in our diverse and changing world.
Columbia Association
The Columbia Art Center is offering Figure Drawing for Teens! Tues., 5-7 p.m., starting Oct. 13. Draw from live
models. For inquiries or to register, please call Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or
email art.staff@columbiaassociation.org.
Slayton House
Musical Theatrix opens their fall season with this larger than life classical production of “Wizard of Oz”. Enjoy rehearsals
with live accompaniment. Sing, dance and act-Get a brain, find your heart and develop courage in this timeless tale.
Follow the yellow brick road to our website at www.musicaltheatrix.com or email us at musicaltheatrix@comcast.net.
Classes are held at Slayton House beginning Sept. 9, from 5-6:30 p.m. Call Slayton house at 410-730-2380.
Howard County Government
HC DrugFree is a non-profit in Howard County contracted by the Howard County Health Department to provide
substance misuse prevention educational programs and services in the County. Sign up for HC DrugFree’s FREE
electronic newsletter to learn about local drug/alcohol issues affecting everyone in Howard County. Learn about safe
medication disposal and storage, policy changes and prevention programs to build community awareness in the County.
To sign up for our electronic newsletter, please forward your email address to Info@hcdrugfrfee.org I call 443-325-0040
or sign up online at www.hcdrugfree.org and click on the "Join Our Mailing List" box.
Howard County Government
HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC), meets one Mon. evening a month, 5:30p.m. -7 p.m., at The Barn (Oakland
Mills Village Center) and is open to all Howard County high school students. The first TAC meeting will be held on Sept.
21. Community service hours are available. For more information, please visit www.hcdrugfree.org and go to the Teen
Advisory Council page, or contact Joan Webb Scornaienchi, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director at Joan@hcdrugfree.org
or call 443-435-0040.
The Glen Mar Community Church
Family 5K and 1-Mile Walk will be held on Sat., Oct. 3, 9 a.m. at Glen Mar United Methodist Church, 4701 New Cut
Road, Ellicott City. The event will benefit the Howard County Food Bank. To register visit
www.glenmar.org/gmcevents/5k/. For more information, call Connie Ballenger at 410-796-0290 or Dave Eddy at 410465-2976.
Hopes for Henry
Register today to Make a Kid's Day join us on Labor Day, Sept. 7, Cypressmede Park 5K and Fun Run to Benefit Hope
for Henry http://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-reg/108639 Schedule of Activities: 8:30 am. Breakfast and
Registration, 9 a.m. Warmup and Stretch, 9:15 a.m. 5K Race Start New this year, guest appearances from your children's
favorite Superhero's, Face Painting, and much more.
Cub Scouts Waverly Elementary School
Come join Cub Scout Pack 323. We are a fun-focused organization to teach young boys, grade 1-5, the values of
exploration, good citizenship, charity, leadership, and self-reliance. We build rockets and cars, go on hikes and camp,
contribute to charities, learn about nature. Want to learn more? Come out to our Pack Meeting on Weds., Sept. 2, for
our Rocket Launch at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Church, 10800 Old Court Rd, Woodstock, MD., 6 p.m. Check out our
website www.pack323md.org Questions - Please email John Baker, cummaster323@gmail.com.
Cub Scouts Guilford and Cradle Rock Elementary Schools
Cub Scout Pack 373 is hosting an Information Session for prospective scouts on Fri. Sept. 18, 6:30- 7:30 p.m., and a Pack
meeting open to guests on Fri., Sept., 25, 7 p.m. Both events will be in the multipurpose room at New Hope Lutheran
Church directly across from the Kings Contrivance Village Center. Boys grade 1-5 this year are eligible to join. Pack
Meetings are held monthly at this Church and the annual fee is $75. E-mail Pack373info@gmail.com or
Cubmaster373@gmail.com or http://cspack373columbia.scoutlander.com
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Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will
participate responsibly in our diverse and changing world.
Cub Scouts Pack 944 for SJLES
Join Scouting: Come join the fun at Pack 944. We invite all boys from 1st thru 4th grade to come join us for our fall open
house on Wed., Sept. 16, 7-8 p.m., at Bethany United Methodist Church. Bring your parents to find out all about scouting
while you enjoy the night with classmates. Please contact Cubmaster Scott Woolsey at 757-406-6187 or
cubmaster@pack944.net for more information.
Cub Scouts Pack 371 for Altholton Elementary School
Thinking of joining Cub Scouts? Come visit Pack 371 on Thurs., Sept. 17, 7 p.m., Memorial Presbyterian Church (6410
Amherst Avenue, Columbia, MD.). Our scouting program allows kids have fun while teaching them skills that will help
them in the future. From learning how to use a bow and arrow to transforming a block of wood into a racecar, Cub Scouts
is one adventure after another. Cub Scouts is fun with a purpose, and it shows kids that doing their best is the most fun of
all.
Cub Scouts Pack 838 for Thunder Hill Elementary School
Join Cub Scouts now, Pack 838 invites all future scouts (grades 1-5) to our pack meeting on Sept 16, at THES (7pm). For
more information, please contact Carlos Cisneros scoutmaster.pack838@gmail.com or Lou Hromada
(hromalo@gmail.com
Cub Scouts Pack 678 for Phelps Luck and Waterloo Elementary Schools
Cub Scout Pack 678 meets at Phelps Luck Elementary! We are an active and family oriented pack that likes to have fun
while learning. Some of our activities include: Fall and Spring campouts, Pinewood Derby car racing, community service
projects, field trips, arts and crafts, Christmas caroling, and fundraising. Cub scouts is open to boys in the 1st through
5th grades. If you are interested in learning more about us, come talk to us at the Back to School Nights on September 1st
and 2nd, or at the Cub Scout Popsicle Social on Fri., Sept. 11; or e-mail us at scoutpack678@yahoo.com
Cub Scouts Pack 794 for Rockburn Elementary School
Pack 794 is now looking for boys in 1st thru 5th grade. Scouting is a great way for parents and their sons to spend quality
time together. Take part in fun activates that help build character, teamwork and self-esteem.
JOIN PACK 794 AT Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church - Harrison Hall, Fri., 11 Sept., 7-8 p.m.
For more information contact: Ian Schneller, 410-387-6574, ianschneller@att.net or Galen Kane,
gksucamore@gmail.com.
Cub Scouts Pack 793 for Bushy Park Elementary School
Cub Scout Pack 793 meets right here at Bushy Park Elementary and is open to 1st graders through 5th graders. Your Cub
Scout would attend 1 Den and 1 Pack meeting monthly and enjoy a wide variety of fun pack activities including some
favorites like Pinewood Derby, Klondike Derby at Patapsco State Park, and Spring and Fall Campouts at the nearby
Franciscan Friary. If interested, contact either: Mike Wilmeth at wilmethscouts@gmail.com or Kathleen Conley at 443745-4342.
Cub Scouts 761
PACK 761 is looking for new cub scouts! We have openings for boys in grades 1-5. Please join us at our recruitment
meeting on Thurs., Sept. 10, 7 p.m., at Glenelg United Methodist Church for more information, fun activities and to meet
our current cub scouts and leaders. Feel free to call Cubmaster Jon Raimondi (240) 286-7918 for
questions/information. Hope to see you there!
SPORTS
Elkridge Youth Organization (EYO)
Fall Baseball and Softball, Tee Ball and Coach Pitch (co-ed)
ages 4-6yrs, Machine Pitch, ages 7-8yrs, Kid Pitch, ages 9-18yrs. Register at www.eyosports.org
Season starts after Labor Day. Questions email: jclark@dbaco.com
SuperSquads
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Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will
participate responsibly in our diverse and changing world.
Cheerleading After School Program is starting the week of 9/21 in participating elementary schools! Register at
www.supersquads.org or contact supersquadsinfo@verizon.net or 410-796-2244.
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Mission Statement: Guilford Elementary will ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will
participate responsibly in our diverse and changing world.