BHS Principal Discusses Upcoming Events in the New Year

The following was written by Broadneck High School Principal David G. Smith in the school's January-February newsletter.

 Dear Parents and Guardians,

Congratulations to Abigail M. Hoyt who was selected for the 2013 United States Senate Youth Program.  This program was designed for “talented young people with demonstrated leadership abilities to deepen their understanding of America’s political processes and strengthen their resolve to pursue careers in public service.”

Congratulations to Jill Delviscio (Special Education), Tammy Dronberger (Social Studies) and Maureen Thomas (English).  They have earned National Board Certified Teacher status.  They join nine other BHS Teachers who have earned this impressive credential:  Ninette Beheler (Spanish), Elizabeth Coronado (English), Karen Hott (English), Tim Johnson (Social Studies), Teresa Love, (Math), Scott Rundle (Math), Chris Shelby (Math), Rose Simmons (English) and Heather Steven (Social Studies).

Thanks to all who supported the recent Broadneck High School Science Fair and congratulations to those entrants who received recognition:  First Place – Alexanna Page – Fuel Cells: Carnival Style; Second Place - Mae Kate Campbell – Effects of Precipitation on Water Quality; Third Place – Jacob Lettie – A Non-recursive Definition of the Determinant; Honorable Mention – Riley McNulty – On the Move (Deer Migration) and Austin Parker - Glow-bal Warming (bioluminescence).  These students will advance to the Regional Science Fair.

AACPS has an extensive College and Career Readiness Web Site: http://www.aacps.org/great8/  

“The Great Eight:  Essential Guideposts for the Journey to Greatness” was developed as a resource for parents in making decisions along the pathway from grades K-12.  Each guidepost is aligned to the AACPS Strategic Plan and promotes the development of a strong foundation for student success in college or in a vocational career. Since the guideposts are more strenuous than the requirements for graduation from high school, starting early allows parents to plan for the numerous pathways to graduation while accommodating the various learning styles of individual students. This is a good resource for your use as you and your sons and daughters consider course selections for the 2013-2014 school year.

On Monday, January 14th, Broadneck will host a course registration night for parents.  The purpose of this evening is to give parents important information regarding course offerings for the 2013-2014 school year.  Parents will get information regarding our AP and Signature Programs, and the wide variety of electives that we offer at BHS.  Our goal is to provide parents with information so that they can help their students make good decisions regarding course registration in the coming school year.  In addition, there will be a workshop for parents of students who will be taking their first AP course.  This workshop will provide parents with strategies on how to support their students as they engage in rigorous courses.

The time for course registration for the 2013-2014 school year is rapidly approaching.  It is very important that students – working with their parents – carefully consider their choices.  Once students have made their selections, there will be limited opportunity to change them (See Ms. Evans’ statement in the School Counseling section of this newsletter).  I must make decisions about how teaching staff is assigned for the coming school year based on the course registration data that is collected in the months to come.  Those decisions must be made by late April. That is why our information must be as accurate as possible.  Please work with your son and daughter to help them make thoughtful course selections for 2013-2014.  If you have questions, please contact our School Counseling Office.

Students who have Ms. Groh, Mr. Leitner, Ms. McGivern or Mr. Schwenke for their science courses will return to brand new classrooms/lab after the break.  Phase one of our sixteen month Science Classroom Renovation is complete.  Phase two has begun and it will yield three more new classrooms/labs by mid-April.  The entire project will be complete for the start of the 2013-2014 school year. 

I hope that you and yours have a healthy, happy and prosperous 2013!

Sincerely,

David G. Smith, Ph.D.

Principal