Education

Summary of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education Meeting – August 28, 2024

Summary of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education Meeting – August 28, 2024

The meeting of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education was called to order on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The session began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a motion to approve the agenda, which passed unanimously. Superintendent and Student Member Reports The Superintendent began by discussing the start of the new school...
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Johns Hopkins Receives More Than $20M to Support Development of Advanced Surgical Techniques to Treat Cancer

Johns Hopkins Receives More Than $20M to Support Development of Advanced Surgical Techniques to Treat Cancer

A Johns Hopkins University-led research team has received $20.9 million over five years to advance surgical capabilities to treat cancer, part of $150 million in funding announced last week by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) in support of the Biden administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. The team is led by Emad Boctor,...
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Fire Safety Tips, Precautions and Facts for Back to College Campus Students

Fire Safety Tips, Precautions and Facts for Back to College Campus Students

By Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Vice President and Lieutenant Scot Best: Going to college is an exciting time for students and their parents. Living in a new “home away from home” not only gives young adults more freedom to make their own choices, but it also provides them an increased level of personal responsibility...
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First SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff the Bus” Event a Huge Success!

First SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff the Bus” Event a Huge Success!

UPDATE 8/26/2024: The first SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff The Bus” event was a huge success!!!! “Thanks to all of you, we collected a total of 254 backpacks, fully stocked with supplies, & THEN SOME x10. Your kindness will make a significant impact on so many children and teachers.” A HUGE thank you to...
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UPDATE: Esperanza Middle School Set to Open on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

UPDATE: Esperanza Middle School Set to Open on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

UPDATE 8/26/2024: Esperanza Middle School will resume in-person instruction on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Working with the St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), ServPro was contracted to complete the mold mitigation process. ServPro has been on site, has developed a plan, and has begun their work. In an abundance of caution, additional air quality testing...
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Back-to-School Traffic Safety: Protecting Our Children as the New School Year Begins

Back-to-School Traffic Safety: Protecting Our Children as the New School Year Begins

As summer comes to an end, the excitement of a new school year begins. However, the return to school also brings increased traffic, particularly around school zones, making it essential for everyone to prioritize safety. Whether you’re a parent, student, or daily commuter, here are some crucial tips to help ensure the safety of...
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Piney Point Elementary School First Day of School Delayed Due to Well Pump Failure

Piney Point Elementary School First Day of School Delayed Due to Well Pump Failure

Leonardtown, MD – As a result of well pump failure at Piney Point Elementary School, the opening school schedule for this site is impacted, with the first day for students at Piney Point Elementary delayed one day. The full schedule for Piney Point’s beginning of the 2024-2025 school year is outlined below. The Capital Improvements Program...
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CSM Student Sheik Abdul Kanu Named Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

CSM Student Sheik Abdul Kanu Named Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) student Sheik Abdul Kanu, of White Plains, is one of 210 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2024 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will soon receive a $1,000 scholarship. “In light of today’s economic challenges, I am grateful that corporations like Coca-Cola continue to offer scholarships to deserving...
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Back-to-School Supply Events- Where to Get Free School Supplies for Those Needed in Southern Maryland

Back-to-School Supply Events- Where to Get Free School Supplies for Those Needed in Southern Maryland

As the new school year approaches, communities across Southern Maryland are coming together to ensure that students have the supplies they need to start the year strong. Here’s a county-by-county guide to the upcoming events where families can pick up free school supplies and more. Calvert County CalvertHealth Back to School Community Event Date:...
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Charles County Meals Prepayment System Being Replaced with MySchoolBucks

Charles County Meals Prepayment System Being Replaced with MySchoolBucks

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has moved its meal prepayment system to MySchoolsBucks for the 2024-2025 school year. The system replaces MyPaymentsPlus and is accessible at any time. Parents with existing MySchoolBucks accounts can log into the system and load money by credit/debit card or e-check to their child’s meal account. With the new...
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Indigenous Heritage Day at Historic St. Mary’s City on September 7th, 2024

Indigenous Heritage Day at Historic St. Mary’s City on September 7th, 2024

Join Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) for Indigenous Heritage Day on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event will feature continuous demonstrations in the Woodland Indian Hamlet exhibit area of the outdoor museum. Indigenous Heritage Day promises a culturally enriching experience for all ages and a delightful way...
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Registration Ongoing for Community Education Courses; Wide Array of Classes Offer Something for Everyone

Registration Ongoing for Community Education Courses; Wide Array of Classes Offer Something for Everyone

The College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) Fall Community Education schedule is set, and registration continues for individuals looking to upgrade their job skills, pursue a new career, start a small business, or explore personal enrichment activities. From travelling abroad, to learning to drive a motorcycle – or even teaching your dog new tricks, CSM...
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CSM Receives $375,000 Safety Grant from Maryland Higher Education Commission to Enhance Security Measures

CSM Receives $375,000 Safety Grant from Maryland Higher Education Commission to Enhance Security Measures

The Maryland Higher Education Commission in July awarded the College of Southern Maryland $375,000 from its Campus Safety Grant Program. This substantial investment will improve security systems at CSM’s four main campuses. The Campus Safety Grant funds will enable the college to outfit all CSM campuses exterior doors with electronic key/access points. The new access...
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CSM Hosting 33rd Annual Golf Classic on August 8th, 2024

CSM Hosting 33rd Annual Golf Classic on August 8th, 2024

Tarot Revisited. Through Aug.15. Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery, La Plata Campus. Members of CSM’s Art Club, advised by Professor Andrew Wodzianski, present new interpretations of Tarot cards in their annual summer exhibition in the Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery. Free. https://www.csmd.edu/calendar/2024/05/tarot-revisited-gallery.html 33rd Annual Golf Classic Tournament. Aug 8. Swan Point Yacht and Country Club. Join us...
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College of Southern Maryland Engages Community at Blue Crabs Game

College of Southern Maryland Engages Community at Blue Crabs Game

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) demonstrated its community spirit by participating in the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs’ game on July 12. CSM’s Emergency Medical Services Professor and Program Coordinator, April Rollins, along with CSM Clinical Coordinator, Martina Greene, were key figures in the event, mingling with fans and sharing information about CSM’s educational...
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St. Mary’s County Board of Education Discusses Cell Phone Use in Schools

St. Mary’s County Board of Education Discusses Cell Phone Use in Schools

In a recent meeting of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education, board members and attendees tackled the contentious issue of cell phone use in schools. The meeting, held on July 17, 2024, began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by reports from the Superintendent and the new Student Member of the Board, Hannah...
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CSM Travel Study Students Put Education into Action to Aid Horseshoe Crab Conservation Efforts

CSM Travel Study Students Put Education into Action to Aid Horseshoe Crab Conservation Efforts

“The fact that their lineage is so ancient, and their biology differs so dramatically from humans makes them seem almost alien.” It’s a cycle that has existed each spring for millions of years: as dusk falls along the Delaware Bay, thousands of horseshoe crabs come ashore to lay their eggs, which then become food...
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UPDATE: Former Chopticon High School Safety and Security Assistant Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

UPDATE: Former Chopticon High School Safety and Security Assistant Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

7/24/2024: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Davon Natrell Stewart, 23, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to prison after he was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor and placed on the sex offender registry for life. Stewart was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor after a two-day bench trial...
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Nursing Professors Kathy Parsons and Lisa Gonzalez Excel with Nurse Support Program; Recognized for Leadership

Nursing Professors Kathy Parsons and Lisa Gonzalez Excel with Nurse Support Program; Recognized for Leadership

Ensuring that our region has top-quality nurses starts with ensuring that they’re taught by the best possible professors. College of Southern Maryland (CSM) nursing faculty are continually working to remain at the forefront of nursing education, and CSM nursing educators have recently been recognized by Maryland’s Nurse Support Program II (NSP II) for their...
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Fire Safety – Matches and Lighters, Curious Kids Set Fires

Fire Safety – Matches and Lighters, Curious Kids Set Fires

By RVFD Vice President / Lieutenant Scot Best: Each year, children start many fires. Many of these fires are started with matches and lighters. Children set fires for many reasons; they may be curious about fire, crying for help, or engaging in delinquent behavior. Children as young as two have been able to operate...
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St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – July 16, 2024

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – July 16, 2024

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. The CSMC then presented proclamations in recognition of Maryland Buy Local Week and National Parks and Recreation Month. The Commissioners then held a public hearing on the proposed amendment to...
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Recognizing Three Charles County Public School Veterans with Richmond Award for Excellence in Leadership

Recognizing Three Charles County Public School Veterans with Richmond Award for Excellence in Leadership

Three longtime Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members recently received the James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award. Linda Gill, Ed.D., executive director of schools, Meighan Hungerford, director of elementary education, and Kathy Kiessling, director of student services, were given the honor by Board members at the June 11 Board of Education meeting....
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Charles County Students Earn Awards in 2024 Junior American Citizens Contest

Charles County Students Earn Awards in 2024 Junior American Citizens Contest

Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students recently earned honors in the Junior American Citizens Contest, sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The organization includes a Junior American Citizens Committee, which supports contests for children that promote patriotic development. The Junior American Citizens Contest is open to students in...
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Charles County Students Earn Awards at International Thespian Festival

Charles County Students Earn Awards at International Thespian Festival

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) high school students in school-based theater programs recently took their skills to the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. The 28 students who attended were accompanied by five CCPS theater teachers. For the first time in seven years, students competed in the festival’s closing ceremony showcase....
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Board of Education of Charles County Approves Redistricting Plan for Elementary Schools

Board of Education of Charles County Approves Redistricting Plan for Elementary Schools

The Board of Education of Charles County at its June 11 meeting approved an elementary school redistricting plan that will create an attendance zone for Margaret Jamieson Thornton Elementary School, set to open in August 2025. The plan also moves some students from existing school zones as a result of the redistricting process. The...
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