In late May, high school students will take the Maryland High School Assessments (HSAs), which measure school and individual student progress. The tests are given in English 10, algebra/data analysis, biology and government. Students take the tests as they complete the courses. Passing the HSA is a state graduation requirement starting with the Class of 2009 (or students who entered Grade 9 in 2005).
Students will take the tests from May 19 through May 22. Make-up tests are set for May 27–30 and June 2–5.
The HSA Prep Online web site includes practice test questions, answers and explanations in all four subject areas. See the story below for information on options available to students who do not pass the exams.
HSA Prep Online
www.mcpshsa.org
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The Maryland State Department of
Education (MSDE) has developed an
alternative plan, the Bridge Plan
for Academic Validation, for students
to meet the High School Assessment
graduation requirement.
There are now three ways to satisfy the HSA requirement:
- Pass the HSA exams in English 10, algebra/data analysis, biology and government,
- Achieve a combined score of 1602 or higher on the four HSAs, or
- Successfully complete the appropriate project(s) of the Bridge Plan. Students must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in the Bridge Plan. Students should check with their school counselor for specific criteria. Projects assigned under the Bridge Plan require a student to demonstrate content and skills of each HSA the student did not pass. More information on the HSA graduation requirement (PDF)
Students can work on more than one way of passing the exams at the same time. All high schools offer assistance to students who do not pass HSAs; students can retake the tests as many times as needed to pass them.
In April, parents of Grade 11 students were mailed a letter outlining the program details. This letter is also available on the MCPS HSA web site in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, French and Vietnamese. Also in April, students in Grades 7–10 were given the letter in school to take home. Parents will receive more updates over the summer.
More details on the various plans are also available on the MSDE HSA web site or the MSDE Bridge Plan web site. Parents, students or staff with questions can call the MCPS HSA hotline at 240-453-2472.
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The U.S. Department of Education has issued new guidelines regarding the collection of data on race and ethnicity for public school students and staff. The federal government, which requires all states to collect this information, developed new categories that will enable individuals to be identified in ethnic and racial classifications and in more than one racial category. These new categories will provide a more accurate picture of the diversity of the nation’s population.
Currently, Montgomery County Public Schools asks families to provide information on students’ race and ethnicity at the time of enrollment. Beginning in the fall of 2008, families of newly enrolled students and of all current students will be asked to complete a brief form to update information on their children’s ethnicity and race.
The data gathered with the new ethnicity and race categories will be used in the same manner that such information is currently used. For example, the federal government requires states to use race and ethnicity data in reporting and analyzing test results, such as the Maryland School Assessment and the High School Assessments.
Parents will receive periodic updates
leading up to the fall.
Changes to Race and Ethnicity Reporting
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/ethnicityrace
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All Montgomery County schools are encouraged to participate in Drive for Supplies, a program that encourages students to donate used, but usable, school supplies. The end of the school year is a perfect time for the program, as students can clean out their lockers, bookbags and desks. Schools also use the opportunity to educate students about recycling.
Throughout June, participating MCPS schools collect the school supplies, which are sorted by student volunteers over the summer (students can receive Service Learning hours for this activity). They are distributed to other Montgomery County schools, as well as local, national and international programs that benefit children.
Contact your school to find out whether it is participating.
For more information, call the Student Affairs Office at 301-670-1419 or visit the Student Affairs web site.
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentaffairs/sao/supplies
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Montgomery College has an assortment of summer programs and enrichment courses available for students of all ages.
Two programs in particular are being offered for middle school girls.
- Camp name: "Gurl Power Web Design"
- Description: Two-week camp offered to incoming 6th to 8th grade girls. Participants will learn to design their own web sites and create digital graphics.
- Dates and locations:
- June 16 to June 27 at Montgomery College, Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus
- June 30 to July 11 at Montgomery College, Rockville campus
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily (both locations)
- Cost: $475. See below for information about scholarships
- Camp name: "Computer Programming for Middle School Girls"
- Description: Two-week camp available for incoming 7th to 9th grade girls. It teaches the fundamentals of programming in a fun environment.
- Dates and location: June 16 – June 27 at Montgomery College, Germantown campus
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily
- Cost: $475. See below for information about scholarships
Scholarships: The Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW) offers a limited number of scholarships for these two programs. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; the deadline to apply is May 14. Applications are available in all middle schools or from the CFW.
Scholarship applications must be returned to the CFW, 401 N. Washington St., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850, or by fax to 301-279-1318. Call the CFW with questions at 240-777-8330.
For a week-by-week listing of summer youth opportunities at the College, visit the Workforce Development & Continuing Education department’s web site.
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The countdown to graduation has begun. This is an exciting time for your high school senior—a special time to celebrate all the hard work of the past 12 years. It's a significant accomplishment the whole family can take pride in. Check your school's Web site to get information on the specifics of your student's ceremony. Graduations begin May 27 and run through June 11. The schedule also is available on the MCPS Web site.
Graduation Schedule
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/
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An open house will be held for parents of current 5th grade students who will be participating in the residential outdoor and environmental education program as 6th graders in the fall. This program provides middle school students with outdoor field experiences in environmental science and helps them nurture an interest in protecting the environment.
MCPS 6th graders spend three days/two nights at one of three outdoor education centers. They are accompanied by teachers, other school staff and high school or parent volunteers. Special education students and students in alternative programs also participate. There is a student fee that covers food, lodging, transportation and insurance; financial assistance is available.
The open house will be held Fri., June 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center, 5110 Meadowside Lane in Rockville. Parents are invited to tour the facilities and learn about the academic activities the program offers. A Spanish-speaking interpreter will be available.
Call the Smith Center at 301-924-3123 to RSVP or with questions.
Outdoor Education
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored/
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Grade 7 students who live in the Downcounty Consortium (DCC) and/or attend a DCC middle school and their parents are invited to learn about high school opportunities. The meeting will be held at Parkland Middle School on Thurs., May 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (Information presented will be the same as the May 1 meeting at Newport Mill Middle School.) Topics will include DCC high school options, application programs and the Choice process, which takes place in the fall of Grade 8. For more information, visit the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Services (DCCAPS) web site or call 301-592-2040.
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/schoolchoice
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Registration for summer school has started. Brochures for this year’s programs, registration forms and tuition reduction waiver vouchers are available in all schools, as well as on the Summer School web site.
MCPS has regional elementary and high school programs, but some schools also offer their own summer programs. Check with your child’s school to see whether they plan to offer one. Call the summer school office at 301-279-3202 for information on the regional programs. Questions about summer programs at the middle school level should be directed to your child’s middle school.
Summer School
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/extendedhours/summerschool/
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An all-day conference focused on shaping the vision for secondary education will be held Tues., June 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Northwest High School. Northwest HS is located at 13501 Richter Farm Road in Germantown.
The third annual conference, "Secondary School and Beyond-Inspiring All Students," is targeted to staff, parents and community members. The deadline to register is May 16. The registration fee covers meals and materials. For more information on speakers and to register, visit the Partners for Rigor Through Relevancy web site. Direct questions to conference coordinator Laura Grace at 240-632-6937 or Laura_R_Grace@mcpsmd.org.
Partners for Rigor Through Relevancy Conference
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/cte/conf/
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