Dear Parents,

Please be reminded, 2nd quarter report cards went home with your student(s) yesterday.

Teacher conferences are February 15, 16 and 17. Please visit www.hcpss.org home page to access the link to pickAtime to schedule your appointment. The pickAtime website will be available from Mon., Jan. 30 at 8:00 a.m. until Fri., Feb. 10 at 6:00 p.m.

The following news is provided to help keep you informed:

Mission Months

Did you know that each month this school year we have and will continue to highlight an aspect of our mission statement that doesn’t always fit in with classroom instruction? There is a theme every month, but we also plan other activities as well. Here’s a recap of what we’ve done this year:

In September, students watched a press conference about the new initiative of Hawktime. Through the focus on “responsibility,” students reflected on how they could make use of Hawktime each week in a responsible manner. Soon, we’ll be conducting a survey to get some “official” data about Hawktime, but unofficial feedback has been extremely positive. Students and staff alike love the time they have to meet with clubs, review for a test, or just relax.

In October, the theme was integrity. Students explored academic integrity in an extended 3rd period lesson and also looked at character in general in activities such as SGA’s pledge drive to get River Hill students to sign a national petition sponsored by pacer.org. The campaign was titled “The End of Bullying Begins with Me.” River Hill students were encouraged to sign the pledge and, more importantly, to live the pledge. The SGA and administration message to students was that we all have to make a commitment to mutual respect and fair treatment for all students.

In November, we continued to address issues of mutual respect and fair treatment by focusing on diversity. The SGA made posters with quotes about diversity and displayed them around the school. Every morning on the PA in November, I gave students suggestions on how to celebrate diversity and promote a safe and nurturing environment at River Hill. All students attended an assembly called “You Don’t Know Me” presented by Dr. Michael Fowlin. After the assembly, all students participated in an extended third period discussion about the assembly, specifically addressing what issues are prevalent at River Hill and what we can do to prevent teasing, bullying, and harassment.

In December, we revisited the theme of integrity and our SGA once again spread the message about the importance of character and integrity by creating and displaying quote posters throughout the school. As I did in November, each morning I greeted students with messages about what it means to have integrity and to be a person of character. The extended third period lesson this month introduced students to the “Pause Before You Post” campaign that raised awareness about responsible online behavior. One of the counselors helped make a video that showed clips about cyberbullying, facebook, and twitter and students had an opportunity to discuss these issues with their peers.

Conference dates will be:

Wed., Feb. 15 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Thu., Feb. 16 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Fri., Feb. 17 from 7:15 to 2:45
Not all teachers will be available at all times.

Conferences will be scheduled through pickAtime. Please visit www.hcpss.org home page to access the link to pickAtime. Written directions are provided in English, Korean and Spanish, along with video instructions.

The pickAtime website will be available from Mon., Jan. 30 at 8:00 a.m. until Fri., Feb. 10 at 6:00 p.m.

You will need your student's ID number, (located on interim or report cards), or your sign in information from fall conferences. Please print out your schedules for conference day. Sign up early as teacher's schedule's fill up quickly.

If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Lockhoff in the front office at 410-313-7120.

Front Office Drop-Off Procedures

Recently, there has been an increase in items being dropped off for delivery to students. We want to continue to be able to provide excellent service to you and your students; however, in order to balance this service with other needs in the front office and the school in general, we will be instituting several changes to the drop off procedures. Please see below for specific directions regarding lunch and homework drop-off:

Lunch Drop-Off

1. Sign in on the visitor log in the front office.

2. Complete the drop off log for the student; please write "cafeteria" in the item field

3. Take the lunch to the cafeteria and place it on the "Lunch Drop Off" table located in the front of the cafeteria on the left-hand side.

4. Sign out on the visitor log in the front office.

Homework Drop Off

Let a secretary know that you have work that your student needs to submit.
Please fill out the homework drop off slip (student’s name, teacher’s name, drop-off date).
Work items for a student (homework or projects) will be placed in the mailbox of the teacher who is requiring the work.
Thanks for your help in implementing these changes!

Obligations

If your student has a current obligation, a letter has been stapled to their report card. All obligations must be cleared before a student will be allowed to purchase prom tickets, apply for a parking permit, or receive graduation tickets.

If you have any questions please have your student speak directly to the teacher. The item or money should be turned in to Mrs. Lockhoff in the front office.

Hawktime Evaluation

We are in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of this years Hawktime program at River Hill. Please take a moment to fill out the link below and submit. We thank you for your input in advance!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEhOUjEybUd2LUtzTi1xaFgtYkJDUmc6MA

TI Calculators - Found

There are currently six found TI calculators secured in the school safe. If your child has lost a TI-83 or TI-84 calculator, please have them check in the Front Office to see if one of the found ones is theirs. Only one of these calculators is marked with a name.

Please ensure your student’s calculator is marked with a name or other identifier to expedite return in case of loss.

Western Howard County Youth Baseball, Softball & Tee Ball (WHCYBSL)

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION comes to an end on Tuesday, January 31st.

Register for Recreational Spring Baseball, Softball & Tee Ball by clicking here.
Signup by Tuesday, Jan 31st for an early bird discount and eligibility for FREE pitching and hitting clinics.

Visit www.whcsports.com for a registration flier or for more information about registration discounts & FREE clinics. Contact WHCYBSL directly by visiting the ‘League Leadership’ tab located at www.whcsports.com.

RHHS Theatre Arts Seeks 80s Prom Gowns and Tuxes

RHHS Theatre Arts is seeking those 80s prom gowns and tuxes you have in your closets and attics. We are working on Footloose (March 14 - 18) and would love to give your gowns and tuxes a new life. If you have these items and are willing to donate them, just sent them to the Drama room. Any donations we aren't able to use will be sent to our local thrift stores. Email Pam Land (pland@hcpss.org) with any questions.

River Hill High School Stem Expo

In an effort to assist Howard County high school students in becoming more college and career ready, River Hill High School will be hosting a STEM Expo on Tuesday March 13, 2012 from 7-9 PM in the Information Center and Student Dining Center. We will have professionals from many aspects of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields to meet with students to answer questions, display STEM related projects, and distribute information. There will also be numerous colleges in attendance with STEM related majors to answer questions and promote their programs. Some of the schools who have already agreed to attend include Howard Community College, Salisbury University, University of Baltimore, and Stevenson University. This will be an excellent opportunity to network with colleges and STEM professionals. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the Business Expo on March 13th. We hope to see you there!!!! If you have any questions about the STEM Expo please feel free to contact Danny Ives or Annette Jackson at 410-313-7400.

Donations for RHHS Neighborhood Yard Sale

It’s that time of year again, for the PTSA 5th Annual RHHS P3 Yard Sale! This is a great opportunity to support the class of 2014 and the Post Prom Party. The RHHS Neighborhood Yard Sale is scheduled March 10th 8am-2pm at River Hill High School.

Have you been saying for months that you need to clean out your garage so that you can actually put a car in there? Or that you need to get rid of all that old sporting equipment that is cluttering up the basement? Well now is the PERFECT opportunity to clean out your attic, basement, and/or garage and donate those items to a good cause: the RHHS Neighborhood Yard Sale!

The Class of 2014 will gladly sell your “junk” at the yard sale. So please, help support the Class of 2014 and a safe Post Prom Party by donating any excess (but gently used) toys, electronics,books, DVDs, video games, furniture, sporting equipment, etc. We are willing to store small items in our class rooms if needed.

If you have any questions about how you can help or what you can donate, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. DiFato (john_difato@hcpss.org)or Ms. Alvarado (Dpalvarado@gmail.com).

Thank you for all your support!

Mr. DiFato, Ms. Alvarado & the Class of 2014

Seniors and Parents of Seniors

The senior class SGA is working on the senior slide show to be shown during the Senior Farewell assembly on May 25. We could use many more images for the slideshow. Please take part in this tradition by submitting images of members of the senior class. Images could include baby pictures, group shots, involvement in sports/clubs, etc.

Email your images to Natalie Bird at nbirdie27@yahoo.com. Make sure the names of ALL seniors in all photographs are included. Thank you for your contribution!

Senior Class Tile:

Seniors interested in submitting a design for the senior class tile (to be signed by all seniors and hung in the cafeteria) must do so by March 14. Mr. Tromble (room 219) and Mrs. Smith (room 216) will be collecting all designs. Designs should be completed on 8 1/2" by 11" paper, with the name and email address of the designer on the back. All designs will be voted upon by the Senior class SGA. The artist of the chosen design will be notified via email by March 28.

Class of 2014 Pudgie's Night

Help the class of 2014 by simply bringing the family to eat dinner at Pudgie's! Pudgie's will donate a percentage of the night's profit to the Class of 2014!! We hope to see you there!! (mention River Hill at the time of purchase!)

When: Wednesday, Feb. 1

Where: Pudgie's (12447 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD)

Time: 4-8pm

Women’s Science Forum

The Space Telescope Science Institute will be hosting a 2012 Women's Science Forum. Girls in grades 6-12 are invited to take part in hands on activities related to science and engineering. To register, please visit:

http://www.stsci.edu/institute/conference/youthae

High School Cyber Security Fair and Expo

Registration is Now Open for Students, Adults and Volunteers for the High School CyberSecurity Fair and Expo in conjunction with the 7th Annual Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition

The first 200 students who register and attend will receive complimentary t-shirts and giveaways, and the high school that has the largest attendance will be honored with a plaque of outstanding participation!

Who: All high school students are encouraged to attend. Middle and elementary school students are also invited. Parents, teachers and community members are invited to attend or volunteer.

What: Through interactive sessions, discussions, speakers and demonstrations, participants will be immersed in an exciting learning environment with the goal of igniting interest in cybersecurity. CyberWatch partners, to include 2 and 4 year institutions with cybersecurity/information assurance programs and student organizations, and our sponsors will participate in an information fair for attendees to enjoy throughout the day.

When: Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Where: John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Kossiakoff Center

Background: While similar to other cyber defense competitions in many aspects, the CyberWatch Mid-Atlantic Regional CCDC, as part of the National CCDC, is unique in that it focuses on the operational aspects of managing and protecting an existing network infrastructure. The teams are physically co-located in the same building. Each team is given physically identical computer configurations at the start of the competition. Throughout the competition, the teams have to ensure the systems supply the specified services while under attack from a volunteer Red Team. In addition, the teams have to satisfy periodic “injects” that simulate business activities IT staff must deal with in the real world.

The High School CyberSecurity Fair and Expo, will allow students to see the CCDC in action, and will enable students to learn more about careers in cybersecurity, certificate and college options, scholarships, and admission processes.

***This event is FREE and open to the public.***

For more information and to REGISTER, please visit: edtechpolicy.org/k12ccdc

We hope to see you at this exciting event on March 17th!

NHS Flower Sale

The NHS Flower Sale is just around the corner. Order forms will be available starting the week of January 23rd. Make sure to pre-order your plants! They will arrive just in time for Mother's Day! If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Gorelik at Mindy_Gorelik@hcpss.org.

Attention NHS Parents: Mark your calendars for Inductions on February 8th at 7pm. All eligible preliminary members will be receiving an invitation in the mail next week. Please contact Mrs. Gorelik at Mindy_Gorelik@hcpss.org if you have any questions.

LEADERSHIP U

Are you interested in making a difference? Consider joining Leadership U Class of 2012. Leadership U is an exciting leadership development, teambuilding and community service opportunity for high school students. This four-month program involves: (1) a week-long summer session of hands-on learning and interactive activities, (2) Completion of a team community service project, (3) Participation in ‘Shadow Day’ where students have the opportunity to spend a day with a business or community leader. This program is for current high school sophomores with leadership potential, a desire to learn with others, and with an interest for the community. Come to learn more and speak to some of our grads at one of our information sessions: January 25 at Central Library, January 31st at Miller Library or February 9th at Hammond HS. - all from 7-8 pm. Parents and students are encouraged to attend. Applications and information are available in the Guidance Office or at www.leadershiphc.org. Applications are due Friday, March 9, 2012.

Helping the Unemployed--- RHFBLA's Dress For Success

River Hill FBLA is partnering up with the men of the Helping Up Mission and the women of Suited to Succeed to distribute business attire to the unemployed of Baltimore. If you have any used, unwanted business attire that you would like to donate, please place it in the box outside the front office. Also, if you would like to use your workplace as a collection site for RHFBLA's business-attire drive, please contact Natalie Tran at NTran@rhfbla.org and also if you have any questions/ concerns please contact Natalie.

February 4, 2012 on the Widener Campus in Chester, PA

Girls in grades 9 -12 are invited to spend the day participating in hands on lab activities with volunteers from Widener's School of Engineering and from the Philadelphia section of the Society of Women Engineers. The Camp is offered free of charge to all high school girls, but preregistration is required and enrollment is limited, so apply early!

For more information go to:

http://www.widener.edu/academics/collegesandschools/engineering/outreachprograms/hsgirlsminicamp

FBLA – Looking for Judges

River Hill FBLA is currently looking for professionals that are interested in judging the nine performance competitive events offered at the upcoming Maryland FBLA Region 9 Leadership Conference. The conference will take place from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at River Hill High School on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Judges should be present for the on-site orientation at 9:00 AM and the entirety of the judging process (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM). If you are interested in judging please fill out the Judging Interest Form found here: http://www.rhfbla.org/MDFBLAR9/judges.html If you have any questions, please email: kurt.anderson@mdfbla.org.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) application process has begun for the 2012. They are looking to bring in the most highly qualified students from diverse backgrounds that are extremely motivated and passionate about conducting biomedical research.

The NIA would like to encourage your students to apply to the SIP. The NIH SIP application website went live on Wednesday, November 15,

Here are some helpful links:

1. SIP application: https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip. Application process began November 15, 2011!

2. NIA research areas: (http://www.grc.nia.nih.gov/offices.htm).

3. NIA Summer Program details: (http://www.grc.nia.nih.gov/students/summeropps.htm)

4. 2012 NIH Community College Summer Enrichment Program
(https://www.training.nih.gov/ccsep_home_page)

I sincerely hope that you will share the above information and will have students apply for a summer training position at the NIA. If you have any questions, please call me on (410) 558-8121 or 1-800-681-7685 ext. 8121.

JROTC TIMELINE FOR TRANSFERS TO HOWARD, OAKLAND MILLS, OR ATHOLTON HIGH SCHOOLS

February 6, 2012 Student Reassignment Office sends letters of approval/denial to parents in the mail. Copies of the letters will be sent to JROTC instructors, registrars, school administrators.

February 17, 2012 Approved OOD JROTC students must have requested an appointment for registration at OOD School.

February 24, 2012 The School Administrator/JROTC Instructor/Registrar informs the geographical home school registrar/school administrator of those students who have not registered.

For students requesting JROTC after the January 20, 2012 deadline:

• In-county students – NO, may be eligible to apply the following year.

• Out-of-county students moving in during current school year or summer - NO, may be eligible to apply the following year.

• Out-of-county students moving in during current school year or summer/ALREADY IN JROTC program – YES, if the following criteria are met:

• Space is available in the JROTC program

• Student was enrolled in JROTC at the time of transfer OR, if enrolling during the summer, student must have been enrolled in JROTC in previous semester

• Recommendation from the JROTC Instructor at the previous school is received

• Interview with the JROTC Instructor and Administrator has been completed

Science – STEM opportunity- 2012 Kavli Science video contest

Kavli “Save the World Through Science & Engineering” Video Contest - The Kavli Foundation is challenging Grades 6-12 students across the world to brainstorm and share their ideas! Students worldwide are invited to submit entries to the 2012 video contest, with cash awards and prizes for the top entries. The best videos will be shown at the Festival Expo during April 27-29, 2012, where hundreds of thousands of science fans are expected to gather in Washington, D.C. The first place winner will also receive a travel stipend to attend the Expo.

http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2012festival/contests/kavli-video-contest.

Former Triadelphia Ridge Students and Families

We are putting in a brick garden at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School. This is the perfect opportunity to leave a lasting mark at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School. Purchasing a “brick” to go in the brick garden is easy. Log on to our website: http:/tres.hcpss.org. We will be building the “brick garden” in spring 2012. Proceeds from the project will support teacher initiatives with technology and environmental instruction. Thank you for your support.

State and Local Health Insurance Programs

If you or someone you know needs health insurance or would like to find out more information about state and local health insurance programs, a staff member at the Door to HealthCare would be happy to help. Located in the Health Department at 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive, the Door to HealthCare is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Our staff is ready to answer your questions about program eligibility and application status, help you apply to health care programs, collect any documents missing from your application, and help connect you with doctors who will accept your insurance. If you are unsure what program you may be eligible for, you may call us to make an appointment to complete an electronic application with a staff member. For more information, visit our website at www.healthyhowardmd.org or call us at 410.988.3737 ext. 10.

Lena Bloom Hershkovitz, MPH

Eligibility Services Manager

Healthy Howard, Inc.

lhershkovitz@healthyhowardplan.org

410.988.3737 ext. 12

Calendar of Events

As always, you can find a calendar of all our events at:

http://web02.hcpss.org/school_calendars/FAV1-000974A7

Hope to see you out supporting River Hill!! Go Hawks!!

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