The Charles County Public Schools Adult Independence Program (AIP) held its 14th annual graduation ceremony on Friday, May 17 at North Point High School. The Class of 2013 featured 19 graduates, which is one of the program's largest graduating classes to date.

Graduate Jalen Rose served as the student commencement speaker, and shared her experiences with the program among attendees. Rose said the skills she learned and experiences she had through the AIP program helped her reach an important goal: to work with children. Rose was able to attain child care certification from the College of Southern Maryland, and now works with infants and toddlers at Lakeside Child Care Center.

Students in the program are trained to search for employment and to complete job applications, as well as how to access the public transportation system. The Adult Independence Program also provides students with community learning experiences that parallel experiences of independent adults. Throughout the duration of the program, which is designed for student's ages 18 to 21, students acquire adult skills and apply them to community environments.

Board of Education Chairman Roberta S. Wise also spoke to the graduating class, and shared information about each of the graduates with guests in attendance. Each personal story highlighted an important component of the program: that students leave with the essential skills to be successful in the world. For example, Graduate Brittany Johnson completed a work-based experience at the Charlotte Hall Nursing Home and was later hired in the cafeteria to work as a dietary aid.

Dwayne Hodo entered the AIP program with a set goal in mind: working in building services. At the start of this school year, his goal became a reality when he was hired as a member of the Westlake High School building services team. He has maintained his position for the past six months and successfully accesses the Van-Go service to and from work daily.

Most of the other graduates are successfully employed at places such as the Waldorf Senior Center and the Charles County Department of Health. Those who are not currently employed are seeking jobs in areas they enjoy, such as public and community service.

Joining Rose, and accepting diplomas, were Toby Allen, Wendy Blakeman, Tiarra Dansby, Drew Dent, Rashawn DePamphilis, Ronald "RJ" Dickerson, Quinton Dillard, Samantha Donegan, Devonta Dorsey, DeMarcus Dyson, Marsha Forbes, Randy Hagens, Justin Harris, Jamaal Ishmael, Amber Jenkins, Brittany Johnson and Malek Stover.

Participating employers in the 2012-13 program include Capital Club House, Charles County Department of Community Services, Elite Gymnastics, Genesis Health Care, Home Goods and the Greater Waldorf Jaycees. The program was launched in 1999 and has assisted more than 200 students in transitioning into work and community environments.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

The Charles County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) honored more than 100 Charles County Public Schools staff and community members at its eighth annual Teacher and Staff Appreciation Awards ceremony held Wednesday, April 24, at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center.

Honorees are nominated for recognition by students, parents and community members. Recognized were teachers, instructional assistants, school bus drivers and attendants, school counselors, psychologists, administrators, occupational, physical and speech therapists, and others who make a difference in the lives of special needs children.

Award winners are nominated and selected in six categories: individual elementary; individual secondary; elementary group; secondary group; related services and support staff/ administration.

In the individual elementary school category, Luanne Cochran, a special education teacher at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School, was named the overall winner. Evan Vahratian, a special education teacher at Henry E. Lackey High School, received the overall award in the individual secondary category.

The elementary winners in the group nomination category are from T. C. Martin Elementary School. They are Kim Jameson, school nurse; Kellen Stiffler, fifth-grade teacher; Jo Anne Roberts, physical therapist; and Katie Guesto, special education teacher.

Two winners were selected for the secondary group award. They are from John Hanson Middle School and the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. From Hanson they are: Linda Baker, instructional assistant, Life Skills program; Stacey Bennett, special education teacher; Rachael Roszell, instructional assistant, Life Skills program; and Brittany Williams, instructional assistant. From Stethem they are; James Brown, Jr., job placement coordinator; Anthony Silva, instructional specialist; Christina Sprague, special education teacher; and Thomas Weirich, principal. In the related services category, Marta Starkey-Mister, a speech therapist at the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, was selected as the winner. In the support staff/administration category, Tynika Lytle, vice principal at J.P. Ryon Elementary School, was selected as the winner.

Additionally, honorees recognized for nominations include:

• Kathleen Andrews, special education teacher, Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School;
• Renard Barnes, instructional assistant, Gwynn;
• Angela Bates, special education instructional assistant, Emotionally Adjusted (EA) program, Mary H. Matula Elementary School;
• Jody Bell, fifth-grade teacher, Arthur Middleton Elementary School;
• Tammy Bowling, Multiple Intensities Teaching (MIT) program instructional assistant, Gwynn;
• Scott Brain, psychologist, Gwynn;
• Katherine Brooke, special education instructional assistant, Matula;
• Francina Brown, instructional assistant, Life Skills program, Mattawoman Middle School;
• Joanne Brown, occupational therapist, Gwynn;
• Laura Buzzell, mathematics teacher, Lackey;
• Susan Capeli, occupational therapist, Gwynn;
• Robyn Cataldo, special education teacher, Berry Elementary School;
• Cory Chapman, special education teacher, Thomas Stone High School;
• Kelley Clancy, instructional assistant, Terrific Three's Program, Gwynn;
• Audre Codrington, psychologist, William B. Wade Elementary School;
• Micah Coe, instructional assistant, Gale-Bailey Elementary School;
• Lauren Colfer, special education teacher, Piccowaxen Middle School;
• Melyssa Cooke, special education teacher, Eva Turner Elementary School;
• Kristin Cotner, occupational therapist, Gwynn;
• Samantha Clark, special education teacher, Turner;
• Virginia Cusick, physical therapist, Gwynn;
• Heather Davis, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Elizabeth Dawson, special education instructional assistant, Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School;
• Donna Dillon, speech therapist, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School;
• Inmaculada Dove, instructional assistant, Terrific Three's Program, Gwynn;
• Melissa Elliott, special education instructional assistant, Wade;
• Lashaun Epps-Rodgers, speech therapist, Brown;
• Joann Exline, special education instructional assistant, Gwynn;
• Sharon Farri, special education teacher, J.C. Parks Elementary School;
• Susan Fine, special education instructional assistant, EA program, Stone;
• Cindy Fitzsimmons, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Lola Ganley, speech therapist, Gwynn;
• Patty Gray, bus attendant;
• Donna Griffin, fourth-grade teacher, Wade;
• Anita Grimes, special education prekindergarten instructional assistant, Berry;
• Karen Gross, special education instructional assistant, Wade;
• Cynthia Hangarter, kindergarten teacher, Wade;
• Glenda Henry, instructional assistant, Life Skills program, Gale-Bailey;
• Laura Hook, kindergarten instructional assistant, William A. Diggs Elementary School;
• Amanda Hughes, special education resource teacher, Gwynn;
• Erica Hughes, fifth-grade teacher, Matula;
• Meghan Hunter, special education teacher, Mattawoman;
• Erica Jackson, special education teacher, Middleton;
• Marcie Jett, special education teacher, Piccowaxen;
• Kelley Johnson, special education teacher, Stone;
• Richard Kelly, special education teacher, Mattawoman;
• Rita Ketchel, secretary, Gwynn;
• Jason Kiessling, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Evelyn Lavorgna, kindergarten instructional assistant, Middleton;
• Terry Leighton, speech therapist, Gwynn;
• Paula Marquis, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Irene Masters, instructional assistant, Theodore G. Davis Middle School;
• Jeffrey Mathews, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Jenna Monroe, special education teacher, Wade;
• Kayleigh Monroe, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Lynn Ouellette, subsitute teacher;
• Mary Pace, bus driver;
• Scott Paterson, psychologist, Stone;
• Sandy Pickeral, bus driver;
• Michael Pratt, I.E.P Facilitator, Stone;
• Chelsea Pogar, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Wendy Poncheri, MIT program instructional assistant, Mary B. Neal Elementary School;
• Gail Rankell, speech therapist, Wade;
• Miriam Ratcliffe, special education teacher, Ryon;
• Jo Anne Roberts, physical therapist, Martin;
• Teresa Robinson, coordinator of autism services, Gwynn;
• Cynthia Ross, special education instructional assistant, Matula;
• Diane Ryan, special education prekindergarten instructional assistant, Parks;
• Jessica Ryan, special education teacher, Neal;
• Melissa Ryan, special education teacher, Neal;
• Sandra Schliep, MIT program instructional assistant, Gwynn;
• Edith Simmons, fifth-grade teacher, Matula;
• Andrea Smoot, instructional assistant, STAY program, Gwynn;
• Amy Snyder, special education teacher, Gale-Bailey;
• Debbie Soileau, special education instructional assistant, EA program, Stone;
• Mandy Stephens, bus attendant;
• Kellen Stiffler, fifth-grade teacher, Martin;
• Patricia Stokes, special education teacher, Diggs;
• Stephanie Sullivan, fifth-grade teacher, Matula;
• Sara Tayefeh-Hosseinlou, speech language pathologist, Gwynn;
• Jameya Thomas, subsitute teacher;
• Bonnie Thomas-Stern, instructional assistant, Wade;
• Peter Ullmann, music vocal teacher, Hanson;
• Deborah Wade, kindergarten teacher, Diggs;
• Amanda Walker, occupational therapist, Diggs;
• Jean Walter, instructional assistant, Life Skills program, Brown;
• Brenda Wagner, special education teacher, Gwynn;
• Nancy Watts, special education teacher, North Point High School;
• Agela Wenzinger, special education teacher, Brown;
• Linda Westervelt, instructional assistant, STAY program, Gwynn;
• Deborah Williams, school counselor, Wade;
• Jeanette Williamson, special education teacher, General Smallwood Middle School;
• Katie Wittig, special education teacher, Wade;
• Joyce Yates, MIT program instructional assistant, Gwynn; and
• Brandi Youmans, fifth-grade teacher, Middleton.

The SECAC is organized to provide a forum for issues pertaining to children with special education needs. Members advocate for recommendations and advise the school system about the education budget, inclusion assessments, support services and other issues concerning children and special education, and related services.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

Four exemplary Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees were honored by the Board of Education on May 14. Honored were Pamela Wilhelm, Catherine Curtis, Patricia Changcoco and Jill Bodamer.

Wilhelm is a technology facilitator at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School. She was nominated for recognition for her positive attitude and commitment to her students. Wilhelm has high expectations for her students and demonstrates a positive attitude in all that she does. She tirelessly supports the academic programs at Mitchell and demonstrates her flexibility each and every day. Mitchell Principal Verniece Rorie said that Wilhelm is a leader and team player. "Quiet, unassuming and humble, Ms. Wilhelm's contributions to Mitchell have been invaluable. She is an outstanding employee that consistently exhibits excellence," Rorie wrote in a nomination letter.

Curtis is an instructional assistant at Mary B. Neal Elementary School. She was nominated for recognition for demonstrating a high degree of pride in her work and for a strong work ethic. Curtis is dependable, reliable and maintains an impressive and positive attitude. Curtis shows outstanding leadership skills and is a role model to others. When one of her coworkers needs help, Curtis is always available to support both staff and students. Neal Principal Carol Leveillee said Curtis's work always exceeds her expectations. "She has an outstanding work ethic and goes above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis," Leveillee wrote in a nomination letter.

Changcoco is a mathematics teacher at Mattawoman Middle School. She was nominated for recognition for her ability to help students learn to enjoy mathematics and for pushing her classes to achieve high levels of success. Changcoco goes above and beyond to maintain a supportive learning environment for her students, and creates lessons using innovative and motivating activities. She is a positive role model for students and staff, and also serves as the school's testing coordinator. Mattawoman Principal Douglass Dolan said Changcoco is an important part of the Mattawoman staff. "Ms. Changcoco is a dedicated educator who demonstrates the ability to teach, motivate and direct students while maintaining high interest and achievement," Dolan wrote in a nomination letter.

Bodamer is a health occupations teacher at North Point High School. She was nominated for recognition for her high level of expertise and professionalism. Bodamer has created partnerships within the community that has allowed her students to participate in a variety of experiences such as observing open heart surgery. With Bodamer's high level of professionalism, she is able to establish and maintain partnerships within the community. North Point Acting Principal Michael Simms said Bodamer's work ethic exceeds his expectations. "Ms. Bodamer has high expectations for her students and that shows through the things that they are able to accomplish," Simms wrote in a nomination letter.

The Board honors several exemplary employees each month.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

The Board of Education honored four students on Tuesday, May 14, for their accomplishments in academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility, which are the focus areas of the school system's master plan.

Honored were Jake Burgess, fifth grade, Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School; Taylor Charity, fifth grade, Mary B. Neal Elementary School; Joseph Perriello, eighth grade, Mattawoman Middle School; and Christian Jones, senior, North Point High School.

Burgess was honored in the area of career readiness. He is an honor roll student and demonstrates a strong work ethic in the classroom. Burgess has maintained excellent grades and has maintained principal's honor roll since third grade. He is a member of the All-County Band and enjoys playing soccer and reading. He has his sights set on attending Yale University and wants to become a neurosurgeon.

Charity was honored in the area of personal responsibility. She always follows the rules and adheres to her teacher's directions. She demonstrates excellent work habits and is on the honor roll each quarter. She is a role model student and shows the 3 R's – respect, responsibility and the right to learn. She is a member of the math team, computer and athletic clubs and a member of the school orchestra.

Perriello was honored in the area of academic achievement. He maintains an excellent academic standing and has perfect attendance. He recently received an award from Prudential for his volunteer service at Berry Elementary School with tutoring students. He is the president of the Mattawoman Student Government Association (SGA) and serves as a member of the Charles County Association of Student Councils (CCASC).

Jones was honored in the area of academic achievement. He is a member of the drafting program at North Point and is lead editor of the school's yearbook as well as president of the Future Business Leaders of America. He maintains an excellent academic standing with a weighted grade point average of 3.75. Jones plans to attend Salisbury University in the fall to major in information technology.

The Board honors several students each month for their accomplishments.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

Charles County Public Schools is offering free courses through the 2013 Space Institute this summer to interested teachers. Participants can learn about space-related topics through exciting lessons and hands-on opportunities. Topics featured include meteorology and weather in space, space exploration, the future of space and space technologies in the classroom. The school system is sponsoring the courses through its partnership with the Colorado Springs based Space Foundation.

The institute is available for Charles County Public Schools teachers and certificated staff, and will be held at Theodore G. Davis Middle School. The courses will be held July 22-26, and July 29-Aug. 2. The sessions run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the schedule is as follows:

• Meteorology and Space Weather – July 22-26; participants of this course will learn the different areas of meteorology and how to incorporate them into their classroom. Participants will also learn about Doppler Radar technology, pressure currents and vectors, and cloud types and what they mean. The course will also touch on the future of weather prediction.
• Lunar/Mars Space Exploration – July 22-26; this course features information on what it will take to establish and maintain human life on the moon or Mars. Participants will also design and build a model of a sustainable lunar or Mars base.
• Space History and Future of Space Flight – July 29-Aug. 2; participants will learn about the history of rocketry and space exploration, and will build various rockets to use in the classroom with students. The course will also demonstrate the structure and design of rocketry, Newton's Laws of Motion, and aerodynamics.
• Space Technologies in the Classroom – July 29-Aug. 2; this course examines uses of space technology and transportation, design, robotics, communications, space power and space structures. Participants will also take a field trip to Goddard Space Flight Center and construct a programmable robot.

The sessions are open to CCPS teachers across all subjects and grade levels. There is a $50 deposit required to hold a seat in a course. Upon course completion, participants will be refunded the deposit and earn three professional development credits at no cost. Deposits are due by Monday, June 24.

Deposits should be sent to the attention of Monique Wilson, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, 5980 Radio Station Road, La Plata, Md., 20646. Checks should be made payable to Charles County Public Schools and include "Space Institute Deposit 2013" in the memo area of the check. Contact Wilson at mwilson@ccboe.com for more details.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

• The John Hanson Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade bands performed May 3 at the Music in the Parks Festival in New Jersey. They earned an Excellent rating, which is similar to a B grade and earned second place among 18 featured groups. The group also earned the highest event award – the Espirit de Corps award – which recognizes groups for proper social behavior, musical behavior and encouragement. The award also recognizes students for their support of other participating groups. The Hanson band features more than 100 students in grades six through eight, and often travels out-of-state to participate in other Music in the Parks Festivals. The band director is Meg Cancino, an instrumental music teacher at Hanson.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) on May 8 named Alex Smith, a La Plata High School senior, as a scholarship winner in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Through the program, he will receive a one-time scholarship payment of $2,500. These scholarships are awarded on a state representational basis.

Merit Scholar recipients are selected for their high school academic performance and SAT scores, as well as for community involvement and leadership. The nationwide pool of finalists includes the highest entrants in each state. Smith plans to major in mathematics and will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall.

Smith has participated in It's Academic, and served as captain of the La Plata team for the past two years. He is also a member of the Computer Bowl and Robotics teams. Smith was named a National Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar by the College Board in 2012, and an AP Scholar with Distinction in 2011. AP Scholars are recognized for their performance on the AP exams.

Smith was chosen as a program finalist out of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 National Merit Program. Students are considered for the program when they take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMST) as high school juniors. Merit Scholars are also selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The NMSC is a non-profit organization that was established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit and National Achievement Programs. Scholarships awarded through the program are underwritten by NMSC's funds and more than 500 business organizations and other educational institutions with the goal of honoring the nation's scholastic students and the pursuit of academic excellence. For more information about the NMSC programs, visit www.nationalmerit.org.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

Mary B. Neal Elementary School last week was named a 2013 National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership (CEP). Neal is one of 18 nationwide public elementary schools selected for the award, and is the only Maryland school selected for the designation. National Schools of Character demonstrate growth in academics, behavior and climate. Additionally, these schools have created caring and supportive school communities that meet the needs of students.

Neal Principal Carol Leveillee said character education at Neal is not just a program, but a way of life. "Since the spring before Neal opened in 2008, character education has been the foundation of our building. Character education is not a program at Mary B. Neal; it's a way of life. I can't begin to tell you how very proud I am of the students, staff, parents and the community that supports us," she said.

Neal underwent an intensive screening process as a finalist that included school visits, and an analysis of the impact of their character education program on academics, behavior and school culture. Earlier this school year, Neal was chosen as a 2013 Maryland School of Character award recipient by the Maryland Center for Character Education (MCCE) at Stevenson University. As a state award winner, Neal was eligible for consideration in the National Schools of Character program.

Schools are selected for the state award based on their demonstration of the Character Education Partnership's 11 principles of Effective Character Education. The principles focus on the promotion of ethical values and a caring school community, fostering students' self-motivation, and engaging school staff to help with character-building efforts. Schools are required to apply for character education awards annually.

There are several character education initiatives in place at Neal. The school fosters a partnership with Andrews Air Force Base in which military members visit the school once a week to mentor students. The school coordinates community service-oriented projects such as annual food drives and a 5K race to support the Southern Maryland Food Bank. The Maryland State Department of Education has recognized Neal for the past four years for their food drive efforts.

Additionally, Neal launched an initiative called "30 rock" three years ago in which students in grades second through fifth can participate in a variety of clubs. The school has formed more than 30 clubs and each Friday for 30 minutes, students can participate in the club of their choice. Club examples range from cheerleading, creative writing and art, to drawing, world drumming and sign language.

Neal was also honored in 2010 as a Promising Practices in Character Education National award winner. As part of the National Schools of Character awards program, the Character Education Partnership gives Promising Practices awards to schools for implementing unique and specific strategies in character education.

Neal, along with other National Schools of Character, will be featured at the National Forum on Character Education Oct. 24-27 in Washington D.C. For more information on the National Schools of Character Education program, visit http://www.character.org/.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technological advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

Five Charles County Public Schools teachers were recently honored by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) for their accomplishments in the area of mathematics and science.

Honored as Outstanding Mathematics Teachers of the Year were: Darleane Lowe, Eva Turner Elementary School; Crystal Holm, Milton M. Somers Middle School; and Kristin Steger, Thomas Stone High School.

Honored as Outstanding Science Teachers of the Year were: Brian Colaizzi, Piccowaxen Middle School; and Robert Bingham, La Plata High School.

Lowe teaches general mathematics to kindergartners and uses a variety of teaching techniques to reach all learners. She maintains positive relationships with her students, which creates a sense of excitement in her classroom and her students are always eager to learn. Lowe participates in math-based workshops, ranging from math investigation and questioning strategy workshops to technology-based learning. She is also a member of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) and attends conferences to share information among her colleagues.

Holm teaches sixth grade on-level and accelerated math courses and incorporates technology into her lessons to excite her students. She strives to ensure that all of her students understand math concepts and uses student data to guide her lessons. Holm serves as the sponsor of the LEGO Robotics team, the Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) team and works with students in the Sea Perch underwater robotics program. She has also served as a MESA facilitator and teaches at the College of Southern Maryland's (CSM) Kids College.

Steger teaches algebra and foundations of algebra and uses a unique and stimulating teaching approach to enhance her lessons. She holds high expectations for her classes and maintains a positive rapport with students. Steger regularly incorporates the use of technology into her lessons and holds training sessions on the use of Smart Boards, Smart Notebook software and Study Island. She also is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, NEA and the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), and served as a cheerleading coach at Stone.

Colaizzi has taught several science courses ranging from earth science and biology to anatomy and physiology and Advanced Placement (AP) biology. He also spent several years teaching at the high school level before joining the science department at Piccowaxen. He displays passion for learning and science in his classroom and his students are eager to learn from him. Colaizzi has completed several courses through the Space Discovery Institute offered annually by Charles County Public Schools, including rocketry, nanotechnology and kinesthetic astronomy. He also helps officiate at county track and field and cross country meets.

Bingham teaches biology and previously taught classes in earth and life sciences, physical science and chemistry. He is well known among La Plata staff as a hardworking teacher who goes above and beyond to reach all levels of leaners. His lessons are fun and interactive for students, who then strive to achieve excellence in his class. Bingham has participated in the Charlotte Danielson Framework observation/evaluation pilot program, which involves teacher observation and focuses on teacher effectiveness. He is also a member of the NEA, MSEA, the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The teachers were nominated for the award by staff, students and parents. Each was chosen for their outstanding performance in the areas of creativity, rapport with students, enthusiasm for teaching, professionalism and innovative teaching methods. They were honored by SMECO May 2 during a ceremony.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technological advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

Superintendent James E. Richmond presented his high school redistricting recommendation to the Board of Education today, suggesting Proposal B with a modification.

In a statement to the Board, Richmond said the recommendation takes into account public and written testimony as well as consideration of students who were redistricted at the middle school level this year. Proposal B establishes an attendance zone for St. Charles High School and relieves overcrowding at other high schools.

The modification to Alternative B allows all current eighth- and ninth-grade students living in Block 3750 who were required to change from Theodore G. Davis Middle School to Matthew Henson Middle School as a result of redistricting to remain at North Point High School with transportation until they graduate instead of moving to Maurice J. McDonough High School as tenth and eleventh graders in school year 2014-15. Proposal B requires all seventh graders living in Block 3750 to attend McDonough as ninth-grade students in school year 2014-15. Communities impacted, but are not limited to Brentwood, Linden Grove, Settle Woods and Eutaw Forest.

This modification, Richmond said, considers the multiple number of schools the eighth and ninth-grade students in Block 3750 would be required to attend due to redistricting. There are currently 76 students eligible to take advantage of the modification.

As he was submitting his recommendation, Richmond said the school system addressed issues identified during the middle school redistricting, including studying the best way to open St. Charles High School, reviewing redistricting policies, auditing student populations at the high schools, developing better communications and considering comments from residents at public hearings and through correspondence.

The Board will accept comment on the Superintendent's proposal at a public hearing, 6:30-9 p.m., May 20, at Westlake High School. In order to allow proper time for all interested speakers, the following guidelines have been established for the public hearings:

• Any person wishing to speak during the public hearings must sign the sign-in sheet in advance. The sign-up sheet will be available outside of the school auditorium beginning 45 minutes prior to the start of the hearing. No one arriving after 6:30 p.m. will be allowed to sign in or speak.
• Speakers will be issued a number and will be called to the podium by their assigned number.
• Speakers should limit their comments to the redistricting proposals.
• Comments should be concise and to the point, and speakers will be limited to three minutes. A screen showing the time provides warnings when speakers have one minute and 30 seconds left to speak. The Board chairman will ask the speaker to stop at the three-minute mark in order to provide equal opportunity to all who would like to comment.
• Board members are there to listen to comments and gather information for use in their decisions on redistricting. Members will not answer questions or comment to speakers during the hearing.
• Remarks must be respectful, courteous, free of name-calling and personal attacks. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

The Board will make its final decisions regarding the high school redistricting at the June 11 meeting. Residents may also mail or e-mail comments. E-mail comments to redistrict@ccboe.com or mail to Redistricting, Charles County Public Schools, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646. For a complete overview of redistricting, fact sheets outlining the proposals for each schools, a redistricting school locator and other information, visit the school system website at http://www2.ccboe.com/parentscomm/transportation/hsredistricting.cfm.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.