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 A Brunswick MS student came to school recently with a "home-made haircut" so distressing he would not go to class. Guidance counselor Bill Croal got permission from the child's guardian for a quick trip to the barber. Mr. Croal got a trim, the two shared some good conversation on their trip, and the young man went to class happy and ready to learn.
Mr. Croal's positive intervention may be the only time this student gets to participate in the time-honored tradition of going to the barbershop with a father figure.
"These are the moments in our day," says Principal Brian Vasquenza, "that give us hope and remind us of why we do what we do."
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 Monocacy Middle physical education teacher Dawn Barbe inspired former student Jennifer Thackston to follow in her footsteps. "As a result of her teaching," says Jenn, now a University of Maryland senior, "I became fascinated with physical fitness, living a healthy lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same." Continuing Ms. Barbe's legacy of excellence, a Merrill Presidential Scholarship in her name will go to a first-year University of Maryland student from FCPS.
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 Best in State The Maryland School Counselor Association named Catoctin HS counselor Curt Howser Maryland's High School Counselor of the Year. The group also named Thurmont MS Principal Barbara Keiling Maryland Counselor Advocate of the Year.
On Target Kemptown ES made the front page of the November national Principal Communicator for best practices using targeted email. Kudos to Principal Steve Parsons, AP Cathy Poling and secretary Linda Wood.
Pass It On Library media specialists Nancy Crawford and Mary Jo Richmond shared their expertise as workshop presenters at the Maryland Association of School Librarians last month.
 A+ Leadership This year's Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award goes to Brunswick ES Principal Jerry DeGrange, a 35-year outstanding veteran of FCPS. Read More.
Fresh Air Operations and Custodial Services manager Kathy Mentzer and Environmental Health and Safety manager Laura Olsen received 2 of only 4 statewide scholarships that "allow employees who make important contributions to risk management" to attend the U.S. Environmental Agency's Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools National Symposium.
 Super Science The Maryland Association of Science Teachers named Myersville 5th grade teacher Melissa Hargreaves this year's statewide Outstanding Teacher for Excellence in Elementary Science Education.
Ambassador Catoctin HS teacher Diane Ogg is 1 of 26 teachers in the country invited to National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Training. She is qualified to train fellow educators at local, state and national conferences.
 Key Support The Frederick Arts Council recently commended New Market MS for raising funds to support the arts. The school was able to buy one of the key sculptures that were on display this fall in downtown Frederick.
Dreamy Brunswick ES special education pre-k teacher Wendy Campbell won this year's Sandy Spring Bank Community Champions award to help build her dream playground for special needs students. To help this dream come true: Wendy.Campbell@fcps.org.
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Snow Dates Please plan and publicize snow dates for your wintertime events. Notify attendees of your cancellation procedures before bad weather hits. From your FCPS work computer, see How to get the word out when you're canceling an event.
 2008-09 Calendar The BOE seeks feedback before making its decision in January on next year's school calendar. See the draft online: www.fcps.org. Send comments: Calendar@fcps.org.
To Your Health Watch "Why Don't We Do It in Our Sleeves?" and get tips for preventing colds and other illnesses online: http://www.fcps.org/pageid.cfm?RecordID=61.
 Are You Inspired? The free FCPS Summer Symposium is coming June 23-24: 8 AM-1 PM at GTJ HS for all staff. The first day, enjoy keynoter David Warlick on the topic, "Our Students, Our Schools." Author of several books about technology and literacy, Mr. Warlick has a contagious passion for education that energizes audiences.
$ to Get Ahead The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association offers scholarships to public school employees who do not hold a teaching certificate but have a high school diploma or GED certificate, are enrolled in a program working toward certification and intend to teach in Maryland. Apply by March 3: www.mrspa.org
Red Cross Blood supplies are low! FCPS gives staff time to donate Thursday, December 13 at 7630 Hayward Rd. Appointments are 9-3; allow 1 hour. Please contact Colette.Baker@fcps.org to pre-register.
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 ** ACCOLADES **
News to Use
First Class
December 7 : Teacher Work Session; 2-Hour Early Dismissal for Students
December 24-31 : Winter Break
About 4,000 Find Out First (FOF) email subscribers responded to an online survey last month. Most (83%) were parents or guardians, 9% were employees, 4% grandparents and 2% community members with no other FCPS connection.
80% said that FOF is frequently the first way they learn FCPS news. Almost all (97%) said they are either very satisfied (60%) or satisfied (37%) with receiving short messages that have a link for more detail.
47% said text messaging to cell phones would not be very useful, 28% said somewhat and 24% said very.
39% said voicemail notices would be somewhat useful, 34% not very useful and 26% very useful.
Not a subscriber? Sign up today!
Principals wishing to send news via FOF email may contact: Dian.Nelson@fcps.org.
Steve Lockard is elementary instructional director, following Gloria Julius's retirement. Mr. Lockard will oversee some of the elementary schools in the Catoctin, TJ, Frederick, Linganore and Urbana feeder patterns.
See the latest FCPS organization charts.
Directory Info - From any computer.
InsideFCPS Phone Search
- From your FCPS-networked computer.
Recently earning First-Class Staff Awards: Stephanie Bucher, Larry Gibbons, Charles Haller and Ronda Sheaffer.
Nominate a great worker
Q: Where do most Find Out First subscribers read their messages?
A: It's almost an even split: 52% at work; 45% at home
View Program Guide:
www.fcps.org/cable18.htm
Submit TV Bulletin Board items: Dian.Nelson@fcps.org.
The FCPS Communication Services Division welcomes your news and ideas for Inside FCPS:
Dian.Nelson@fcps.org.
© 2007 Frederick County Public Schools
The Frederick County public school system does not discriminate in admissions, access, treatment or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. For information, call 301-696-6851. |
