IMPORTANT DATES:

April 7th Resevoir HS dessert with principal, Dr. Kaufman, 7pm

April 9                         Choral Festival at Howard High School
April 8 & 9                   Reading MSA Testing, 6, 7 and 8
April 16                        Report Cards issued
April 16                        HCPSS Band Festival at River Hill HS
April 22                       Choral Festival at Long Reach
April 24                       Countywide Professional Day, schools closed for students.
April 28, 29, 30 &        Science MSA, 8th grade only
                    May 1
May 1                           Climb for Hope Family Night
May 7                           Enrichment Fair for all students
May 9                           Music Trip to Hershey Park
May 12                         Interim progress reports issued.
May 12                         Spring Concert, Reservoir High School
May 12                         PTA Elections
May 16                         Professional Work Day, schools closed for students
May 15                         Fine Arts Festival
May 21, 22, 23             6th Grade Outdoor Ed
May 26                         Memorial Day, all schools and offices closed.
May 28                         International Festival
June 3                          Parent Volunteer Luncheon
June 6                          8th Grade Boat Trip

June 11                                    8th Grade Farewell
                                                            6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reservoir High School for Ceremony
                                                            7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Lime Kiln for Student Dance

INTRAMURAL SCHEDULE
STUDENTS MUST HAVE A SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP ON FILE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE
SIGN-UP SHEETS ARE POSTED IN THE CAFETERIA

Imani Club 4/15; 5/20 and 6/10
Stepping Class Thursdays, 3:15 – 4:45
Please note: Intramurals are from 3:10 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Dear Friends and Families of Lime Kiln Middle School,

We have completed the Math portion of the Maryland School Assessment and will continue with the Reading portion next Tuesday and Wednesday. Our attendance was outstanding. The students were well prepared and should do very well.

Congratulations to our students who participated and were recognized in the Baltimore Regional Science Fair and the countywide History Day. A special thank you to Ms. Jordan and Mrs. Spillman for their assistance and for attending these events. The History Day winners will go to compete in the state competition.
Regional Science Fair:
Nikhil Gulati—2nd Place. He also received the Discover Channel Young Scientist Challenge Award, the Lockheed Martin Award, and the Scientific American Award.
John Bialick—Honorable Mention. The Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Award
History Day:
Documentary Category—1st Place: Michelle Seu, Timmy Fisher & Alex Wollack—Cuban Missile Crisis.
2nd Place: Jonathan Geldof & Steven Ward—Bikini Atoll.

Please read further down in this issue for more news from the GT Office.

Please reserve the evening of May 1st for a very special event. This has been designated as The Climb for Hope Family Night. Look for the flyer attached to this week’s Leopard’s Tale. Maryland Climber Chris Warner, who sent back dispatches last summer to students here at LKMS during his successful climb to the summit of K2, will be here as will JHU cancer researcher Leisha Emens, who is working to create a vaccine to fight breast cancer. There will also be a Youth Awards Ceremony.

This week, as we continue through the 25 Rules of Civility from the book, Choosing Civility by P. M. Forni, we focus on Rule 23: Accept and give constructive criticism. Here are highlights from that chapter:

Thanks to our exceptional PTA for the wonderful social they sponsored last Friday evening. Leanne Glueck and Diane Thometz did an amazing job of organizing this outstanding event! Thanks for all of your support.

Sincerely,
Brenda Thomas

Our students of the week are: Delaney Fox, Peihao Yu, Kyle Shatzer, Jacqueline Dubin, Ryan Sale, and Christina Inglehart.

THE RULES OF CIVILITY
Rule 24: Respect the environment and be gentle to animals.

The last 30 years of the 20th century saw the preservation of the environment become a shared core value in Western societies & in a number of non-Western ones.
*Don’t litter.
*Don’t use products harmful to the environment.
*Take the time to recycle.
*Purchase products made with recycled materials.
*Conserve water, electricity & fuel.
*Use alternative sources of energy.

Society is kinder to animals than in past generations. We are less tolerant of mistreatment of animals.
*Never neglect animals.
*If you are not prepared to care for an animal 365 days a year, don’t get one.
*Don’t give or accept animals as gifts unthinkingly.
*Abandoning a family animal is never an option.
*Keep animals safe.
*Be kind not only to your animals but to those of others as well.

LKMS CONCERT BAND

On Wednesday, April 16th at 4:30 PM, the LKMS Concert Band will perform in the HCPSS Band Festival held at River Hill High School. This is an open concert and parents are encouraged to attend. Hope to see you there.

News From the GT Resource Teacher, Tracy Spillman

There are so many events and celebrations honoring our students’ excellence over the next few weeks. It is my pleasure to highlight their accomplishments and to share with you some important events.

This past weekend on Saturday, March 29th students from Lime Kiln competed at the Howard County History Day Fair. The students have worked hard all year long selecting and researching a topic. I would like to thank Angela Johnson, the 8th grade social studies teacher, for her leadership and advocacy in sponsoring this endeavor. Two groups of students are advancing to the State History Day Fair on April 26th at UMBC.

Michelle Seu, Tim Fisher and Alex Wollack placed first in the county with their documentary The Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Jonathan Geldof and Steven Ward placed second with their documentary Bikini Atoll: Nuclear Summer.

Congratulations is in order to all of the students who advanced to the county level last Saturday:

            Joel Samelson- Individual Documentary-The Space Race
            Nikhil Khanna-Website-Treaty of Versailles
            Kayla Carter and Alicia Settle-Group Exhibit- The Prayer Predicament
            Jake Rhody-Website-The Space Race Database
            Jason Yoon-Individual Exhibit-Korean War
            Maggie DeBlasis and Maureen Monk-Group Exhibit-Northern Ireland Protestants vs. Catholics

On Wednesday, April 2nd, the Lime Kiln Book Club was the book leader for the monthly book talk at Barnes and Noble. We discussed the novel, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick. The students were outstanding leading the discussion; they prepared thought provoking questions and offered many insights. A special thanks to Katherine Malanoski, Brian Glueck, David Fisher, Divya Duraiswami, McKenna Cahill, Jennifer Chidekel, Emily Glass and Caitlin Rogers who led the book talk discussion.

On Sunday, April 6th the Howard County Reading Council is sponsoring the 8th Annual Reading Day to honor the Young Author’s Contest Winners and honorable mentions. It will be held at Borders Bookstore in Columbia. Eighth grader, Alex Wollack’s short story, Pick Your Poison was selected as one of Howard County’s first place winners in the short story category. His submission was sent on to the State’s Young Author’s Contest. Alex’s story earned second place in the state of Maryland.

On Wednesday, April 16th Alex Wollack and myself will attend the SoMirac Convention for a reception in the contest winners’ honor. Congratulations Alex, what an amazing accomplishment.

On Thursday, April 10th from 6:30-7:30 pm in the cafeteria there will be an opportunity for parents to learn more about the Howard County Gifted and Talented Program. This meeting is to provide information if your 5th grader had tested into the GT Program during the spring testing period or if you child is new to Howard County or just tested into GT for the first time.

Each year the county’s Literary Magazine Our Voice showcases exemplary writing and artwork from middle school students. This year three students’ short stories and/or poems were published. Congratulations to Jake Rhody, Tim Fisher and Alex Wollack. The county panel selected these students’ pieces to be published. All three are members of the 8th Grade Writer’s Guild.

On April 29th from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Oakland Mills interfaith Center a reception is being held for the students published in Our Voice. Tim Fisher will be reading his poem, Music.

Jake Rhody will be reading his poem, Writer’s Block at the Middle School Expo on May 30th.

On May 2nd from 9-12 two debate teams from Lime Kiln Middle School will square off in another Invitational Debate at the Howard County East Columbia Branch Public Library for Law Day. The Law Day Debate Resolution will be: Resolved: the dropout age should be raised from 16 years old to 18 years old in the state of Maryland. We are looking forward to this exciting event.

Last but not least, mark your calendars for Lime Kiln’s Enrichment Fair on Wednesday, May 7th from 6:30 -8:00. This is a school wide event that features our students’ outstanding talent and work. Our fair will feature work from the classroom, instructional seminars from the GT Program and live presentations. You can see displays, work samples and demonstrations from students of all levels. I hope you plan to attend this family event. Look for more information coming in the Leopard’s Tale and on our school’s website.

Sincerely,
Tracy Spilman, GT Resource Teacher

From the PTA: PTA Update from the President:
It is hard to believe that the school year is down to one quarter! It has been my pleasure working with all of you this past year. It certainly would not have been as successful without each and every one of you. As the year comes to an end it is vital that we establish sold leadership for school year 2008 – 2009. I know from the March Executive Committee Meeting that we will be saying good-bye to Joan Brittingham, Allison Pihl and myself. At this time I am in the process of forming a nominating committee. Our elections will be on Monday, May 12. The executive committee will need to approve the slate of officers at our next meeting on Wednesday, April 16. At this time I have three questions for our Lime Kiln Community:

Would like to join the Executive Board as?

The President
The Treasure
The Recording Secretary.

Would like to be apart of the Nominating Committee?

3. Would you like to be more active and chair a committee?

I would love to have members on the nominating community that have contacts in our feeder schools of Clemens Crossing, Dayton Oaks, Fulton and Pointers Run. Please contact me by email lynn@seibelsrestaurant.com or phone 301-384-5661 ext 5. As always if you have any questions feel free to call.

Lynn Martins
LKMS PT President

Looking for a Great Night Out?
Red Hot & Blue on Main Street in Laurel will donate 25% of all sales for the evening of Wednesday, April 23rd to the Lime Kiln Middle School PTA. Enjoy an assortment of award-winning dishes and a night off from cooking while supporting your PTA and the services it provides for LKMS students, families and staff.

In a RUSH? Just call in your order and it will be waiting for you when you arrive. The menu is available at www.redhotandblue.com. Print the flyer at the end of the PTA section!

RED HOT & BLUE
677 Main Street - Laurel 20707
301-953-1943

LKMS STAFF APPRECIATION week will be soon upon us. We are planning a trivia contest, luncheon and daily treats for our wonderful teachers and staff. If you would like to help with the activities planned for the week of May 5 – 9, please contact Moira Monk mdmonks@comcast.net or (410) 531-6752. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this wonderful week.

Parents Social Event

The parent social Fundraiser on Friday, March 28th at the Gathering Hall in River Hill was a big success. Everyone enjoyed socializing with their friends and teachers. We also enjoyed hearing some classic rock tunes from MisSpent Youth. We raised around $12,000 to be split evenly between Fulton Elementary and Lime Kiln Middle School. We could not have it come together and be successful without the following people. A huge thank you goes to Lynn Martins, Kelly Felix, Jim and Cheri Horne, Leslie Ahmuty, Karen Groner, Allison Pihl, Andrea Keating, Keri Teodori, Debbie Taymen, Julie Sisk, Colleen Cunningham, Freda Chase, Christia Chappel, Terese Werner, Kathy Taylor, Martha Campbell, Melanie McKibbin, Charolette Hoyson, Lisa Goheen, Steve English, Chrissy Mudd, Yvona Ward, Cindi Caplan, Thank you also to the parents and business sponsors that donated money and auction items to help raise the necessary funds for our schools. We also thank all the teachers and staff at Fulton and Lime Kiln who donated their time and energy towards the auction. We appreciate everything you do for the students and the school!

Thank you,

Diane Thometz and Leanne Glueck
co-chairs of the Silent Auction Parents Social Event

PTA GOLF TOURNAMENT

Get your favorite foursome together for the 10th Annual Fulton Elementary and Lime Kiln Middle School PTA Golf Tournament. This year’s event will be held on Friday May 2nd at Hampshire Greens Golf Course in Silver Spring. Registration will begin at noon with a 1:00pm shotgun start. This is a fun event for serious golfers and amateurs alike that tremendously benefits our students. All proceeds from the Golf Tournament are used to fund academic and cultural arts programs that are not covered by the school budget including audiovisual equipment, teaching software, Space Day, and Family Nights.

The cost is only $420 per foursome or $110 if you sign up as an individual. This fee includes complimentary use of the driving range and putting green, 18 holes of golf with a cart, complimentary beverage cart, 20% discount in the pro shop before the tournament, and admission to an great after-party featuring a buffet, prizes, raffles, and a silent auction.

Have a business you’d like to promote? Various Sponsorships are available:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! CMS PTA and PEN are sponsoring a parent workshop on Cyber Communities: Virtual Social Lives Have Real-Life Consequences. This interactive program will be lead by Katie George from the Howard County Library, and will include a step-by-step demonstration on navigating Facebook, the predominate online social networking site our kids already know all about. You won't want to miss it! Thursday, April 10, 7- 8:30 in the CMS cafeteria. Please RSVP to shila815@gmail.com.

BIG TIME COMMUNITY PROGRAM....Climb for Hope Flyer
On May 1st,, from 7:00 – 8:30, the Lime Kiln Middle School Youth Development Center is proud to announce a family evening with Keynote Speakers Chris Warner, whose NBC film on climbing K2 has just been nominated for an Emmy Award, and Dr. Leisha A. Emens, lead researcher from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. They each will present an inspiring message of hope and accomplishment. The mountaineer and the cancer researcher are teaming together for this program entitled CLIMB FOR HOPE in which cancer survivors will be led by an Earth Treks Climbing Team as they climb Mt. Kilimanjaro this June. We urge you to reserve this night on your calendar as there will be activities for youngsters at this family event and world class presentations of inspiration. More information will follow soon.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Reservoir High School will present Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical on April 17th-19th at 7:30 PM and April 20th at 2:00 PM. The musical is adapted from the Robert Louis Stevenson classic short story that tells the tale of a well-inentioned doctor whose experiments attempting to separate good and evil go terribly wrong, turning him into a monstrous alter ego (PG-13). Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 students and senior citizens. Call 410-888-8850 for tickets and information.

RIVER HILL SPORTS PHYSICALS
Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, Cost $25.00

In partnership with Howard County General Hospital, the River Hill Boosters is offering their annual Sports Physicals.

County policy requires every athlete to submit a physical dated after April 1, 2008 to try out for any high school sport for the school year 2008-2009. Physicals are open to current students and incoming freshman for the school year 2008-2009. Remember, most doctors only offer physicals on a limited schedule, so why not take advantage of the is quick and convenient service! River Hill Boosters have arranged for Howard County doctors and nurses to be available at the school on April 2nd from 6-9 PM, so students can complete the MPSSAA forms required. The service will cost $25, and appointments are available by email to Regina Thyberg, Booster President, tritonqueen@yahoo.com.

RIVER HILL PTSA YARD SALE

Chances are, you’ve accumulated all sorts of stuff in your closet, basement, attic or garage that you no longer need or use. Good news – now is your chance to unload your excess sports equipment, electronics, books, furniture, toys, baby gear, appliances, collectibles, craft supplies, video games, CDs, etc. at the PTSA Neighborhood Yard Sale, Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 8am to 2pm in the bus parking lot (or cafeteria, if it rains). Come to sell or come to shop. Spaces are $20 each and sellers keep the profits of their sales. Spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. PTSA will provide all community newspaper and online advertising, street signs, balloons, and a charity collection truck at the end of the event. PTSA will also accept your unwanted items as a donation and will keep the proceeds of the sale of any donated items (to benefit the Post Prom Party, an event that keeps kids safe on Prom night).

A yard sale can provide a sense of camaraderie and connectivity among everyone in the community. Please tell your friends and neighbors about this event. One man’s trash can be someone else’s treasure, and who doesn’t love a bargain? The registration form is online at www.riverhill..org, click on the YARD SALE sign. If you have any questions, please call Bonnie Brunett at 410-531-4939 or email Sheila Bishoff, PTSA President, sheila@networkint.com.

Discoveries, Opportunities, & Obstacles: An introduction to the World of Science Beyond Middle School
Tuesday, April 8, 2008, 7-8:30pm
River Hill High School Information Center
Sponsored by the RHHS GT Mentorship Program
All middle school students and their parents are invited to this FREE program to help students peek their interest in science.
The program will answer questions like:

Why should I be interested in science?
What obstacles face scientist today?
What opportunities are available for someone like me?

RHHS GT student speakers will present the following topics:

“The Importance and Relevance of Science”
“Opportunities for Young People in Science”
“Fewer Female Success Stories in Science: A Result of Inherent Inability or Discrimination in Academia?”

Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee, Co-director of the Cancer Immunology Program at Johns Hopkins.
RSVPs appreciated. Email ScienceNight@gmail.com

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - SECAC RECOGNITION NIGHT
The Special Education Community Advisory Committee (SECAC) of Howard County invites you to nominate a teacher or other staff member who you think has most significantly enhanced your child’s educational experience by providing excellence in teaching and related services for those with special needs. Nominees may be teachers, bus drivers, guidance counselors, psychologists, administrators, occupation, physical and speech therapists or any other staff members. Nomination forms are available at www.howardsecac.org or by calling the Family Support and Resource Center at 410 313-7161. Deadline for nominations is April 15th. The Special Education Staff Appreciation Night celebration will be held at Oakland Mills High School on Tuesday, April 29th.