Northfield Contributes to Help A Child

Northfield Elementary School recently conducted a Math-A-Thon and raised $8388.32 for the Help A Child fund. According to Rep Rita McMullin, the event is co-chaired by Karen Geissler and Nancy Holmwood. Students find donors to pledge a certain amount for each correct problem they solve in a given period of time. Members of the PTA are also involved serving on the committee, checking problems and counting the proceeds.

Money has been raised in the past for Cystic Fibrosis, the Red Cross on behalf of Tsunami victims and Brock Elementary School in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Math-A-Thon is held every other year, alternating with a Jump Rope for Heart. “We feel that it has been a very successful endeavor and are delighted that the children at Northfield are exposed to the problems of other children in the world and are able to help these children who are so needy,” said Rita McMullin. This year HCEA is pleased that Help A Child is the recipient of the generosity of everyone at Northfield Elementary!

HCEA Members Take Time to Relax and Learn

Several HCEA members took time from their busy summer to participate in MSTA Summer Leadership Workshops. Ellicott Mills Middle social studies teacher Cindy Waugh attended the Emerging Leaders Academy in Towson. Anna Gannon of Phelps Luck, Nina Martin of Atholton, interpreter Catherine Willett and Kerri Wells of Marriotts Ridge took a lunch break with a view while attending the Leadership/Organizing Institute at St. Michaels. Let us know if you would be interested in attending a workshop next summer!

Are you an OT, PT, audiologist or speech-language pathologist?

VICTORY!

This just in from Dale Templeton, MSTA Assistant Executive Director:

“PSTEB voted unanimously to withdraw the proposed regulation changes and cancel the August 7 hearing! MSDE staff will bring a new proposal to PSTEB in August and John Smeallie indicated that the new proposal will be something that everyone will be happy with so we will just have to wait and see what it looks like. PSTEB members indicated that they received well over 2000 public comments since June 20th and that doesn't include all the correspondence that went out prior to that date. Awesome!”

HCEA President Ann De Lacy extends her appreciation to all of those who wrote, called and signed petitions!! United, we were successful!

Retirements Celebrated

Several HCEA members are retiring this year after spending dozens of years in school houses and office building across the county. We were fortunate that several were able to stop by HCEA on June 4th for us to wish them well and thank them for their years of dedication to the students of the Howard County Public Schools and to the Howard County Education Association. They will all be missed!! To view additional photos click here.

Social Networking

Social networking spaces like MySpace and Facebook may be a good way to keep in touch with friends but teachers and other education personnel should be careful in terms of creating personal profiles, communicating with students, and sharing sensitive information. For tips on your profile and to read a recent Washington Post article click here.

How You Can Earn National Board Certification?

Maryland’s ranks of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) rose by 231 this year, bringing the state’s total to 1,059—15th in the nation. MSTA recently honored the newest NBCTs at a special evening event in Annapolis. “We are so proud of each of you for embarking on this demanding professional journey,” said President Clara Floyd. “It is a testament to your profession and the high standards to which you hold it.” Pictured are National Board Certified teachers from Howard County.

Click here on information on how you can obtain National Board Certification

HCEA Well Represented at ESP Conference

A dozen HCEA members attended MSTA’s ESP Professional Development Day on February 16th. HCEA received an award from MSTA for having the highest member participation at the conference. This was the second year for the event which featured several workshops on topics such as job, safety and health issues.

SPARKS – “It was worth giving up a Saturday for!”

A dozen HCEA members – paraprofessional and teachers – gave up their Saturday to spend the day with HCEA learning more about classroom management, certification, personal financial issues and legal matters. More information about Saturday’s event.