Dear Parents,
Spring is in the air…depending on the day. The weather keeps changing, but we are starting to transition from winter sports to spring sports. Girl’s basketball, indoor track, and wrestling are still in the playoffs; cheerleading and boy’s basketball have already concluded. Tryouts for spring sports begin Thursday and hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate with our outdoor plans! A detailed wrap up of each team’s season will be published soon, but for now—here’s some shout outs for the Wrestling team.
The following news is provided to help keep you informed:
Kudos
Last week, we celebrated students who made the Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0), a total of 205 students. In addition to these honorees, 588 students made the Gold Honor Roll (3.4-3.99) and 191 students made the Silver Honor Roll (3.0-3.39). Our Principal’s Honor Roll recipients got a certificate and an ice cream during lunch this week and, to encourage continuous improvement, we also recognized the 45 students who raised their GPA by at least .5 between the 1st and 2nd marking periods. Keep up the great work students!
Congratulations to the Wrestling team who has had an extremely successful couple of weeks: At the County tournament they had 5 Champions - Cory Daniel (160), Omar Messallam (182), Logan Kirby (195), Jacob Benedict (220), and Jason Johnson (285) and
4 Runner-Ups - Michael Beck (106), Brian Kirby (138), Casey Guither (145), and John Kum (170). In total, 12wrestlers qualified for Regionals with the team winning the tournament and setting an all-time point record with 264.5 team points. They followed up on the success at counties with a team win at Regionals this past weekend. Individual champions were Cory Daniel (160), Omar Messalam (182), and Jacob Benedict (215). Finalists included Jack Noonan and Jason Johnson. Good luck to the team this weekend at the State Tournament.
Junior Parking Update
For the past two weeks we have been working to gather data to assess the current parking situation and feasibility of issuing parking permits to junior students at River Hill High School. Currently there are 419 parking spaces in the lot at River Hill. This year, 390 staff and senior parking permits have been issued leaving 29 available spots in the lot.
Based on the recent survey that was conducted, 81 juniors have a license and access to a car to drive to and from school. Because the amount of juniors interested in a parking permit far exceeds our capacity, a lottery will be held this Friday (March 2nd) to determine who will receive a permit.
Each junior that would like to be considered for the lottery and is involved in an after-school activity, sport, internship, or job will receive one chance in the lottery. If a student is selected in the lottery and is not listed on a spring sport roster, he/she may lose the permit if no other reason for driving to school has been documented.
All students must attend a parking safety seminar (or have attended a seminar this school year) in order to be eligible to park at River Hill High School. A seminar has been scheduled at River Hill for Tuesday March 6th at 6:30pm in the media center.
Please also keep in mind that junior parking permits contain a stipulation that if any spaces need to be utilized in the event of inclement weather, juniors may not use their permit to park during those days.
Thank you for your patience as we work to come up with a plan that best serves the needs of the entire River Hill High School community.
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/
Yard Sale Donations & Volunteers
The Class of 2015 will be participating in the PTSA Yard Sale on March 10th. Save up your "treasures" to donate to our booth. Aside from your items, we also need people-power. If you have items to donate, please bring them to the Class of 2015 booth in the information center on Friday, March 9th from 3-8 p.m. If you are able to help organize on March 9th or help run the yard sale table on March 10th, please contact Deb Shannon (dshannon@hcpss.org) or Jackie Cook (jcook@hcpss.org).
2012 AP Exam Registration Directions RHHS Testing May 7-11, May 14-18
Students should deliver their completed Registration Form with their Payment to Student Services before March 16 2:00PM.
- The registration form may be downloaded from the following website:
http://home.comcast.net/~
Please identify your school at the TOP of the Registration Form, so that correct Test Site and Point-of Contact information will appear after you click the Invoice Button.
FILL the form in ON-LINE AND THEN PRINT 2 copies- keep one on the outside of your fridge!!!! Double check your selections. A parent signature is required since this is off campus…even if you are 18 DO NOT STAPLE the check to the form
Cash or checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to River Hill High School.
A $35.00 fee will be charged for a check returned.
- There will be a $20.00 late fee for registration materials received after March 15th. There will be a $50.00 late fee after March 30th 2:00PM
- NO REGISTRATION MATERIAL will be accepted after April 20th 7:30AM. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Refunds will be processed after May 30.Students who cancels before AP order has processed our order will get a full refund. No refunds once testing begins. Cancelled tests after AP processed test order will receive a 65.00 refund
- The Exam Fee is $87.00 per test. Please write one check for all exams!!!
- For a morning exam, students must be in the Exam area by 7:30 am. Arrive by 7:15. For afternoon sessions, students must be in the Exam area by 11:30 am. Arrive at 11:15AM
- All students must remain in the Exam area until all students have finished their exams.
- The majority of the exams will be held at Linden Linthicum Church off Route 108 across from Freestate Gas Station
- Students must provide their own transportation.
- If a student wants to take two exams scheduled at the same time, he/she must take an alternate form of one of the exams during the late testing administration. Please let Mrs. Peedin know as soon as possible if you will need to test during the late testing administration. Senior activities are not circumstances that justify late testing
You must bring a picture ID on the day of the exam.
- No cell phones, pagers, MP3 players, PDA’s or other electronic devices are allowed in the testing area.
- Food is not permitted in the Exam Room.
- The website for additional AP Exam information is:
- www.collegeboard.com/
apstudents . - For additional information about registration Mrs. Peedin at
- Jan_Peedin@hcpss.org .
or Mr. Vangeli at PHILIP_VANGELI@hcpss.org
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR EXAM!!!!!
Interview Volunteers Needed
It is that time of year again at River Hill High School and we are recruiting people to come in and interview our 11th grade students on Wednesday and Thursday March 21-22, 2012. This is a graduation requirement for all of our students which helps prepare them for job or college interviews and we are looking for people across a wide variety of careers and backgrounds to come in and conduct interviews. The interviews usually last about 10-15 minutes and you will be given a list of questions to ask. The students will tell you a little about their interests and goals and then ask you questions about your education and career. There will be two sessions of interviews that volunteers can sign up for. There will be a morning session (7:15 am to 11:30 am) on March 21, 2012 and a mid morning/afternoon session (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) on March 22, 2012. Please check your calendars and see which day you would be available to come in for to interview. If you are available please contact Danny Ives by email dives@hcpss.org or phone 410-313-7400. Thank you.
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.
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.
Campus Champions of Change Challenge
Vote in the Campus Champions of Change Challenge. Stephanie Porter '10, a River Hill alumna and current student at Grinnell College, is involved in a microfinance nonprofit called the Social Entrepreneurs of Grinnell. SEG is a finalist for a national presidential competition that highlights innovative social justice initiatives on college campuses. The top five finalists will be invited to an event at the White House and be featured on MTV. Support SEG and VOTE by following this link: bit.ly/vote4seg.
Folly School Middle School Community Indoor Yard Sale
Folly School Middle School Community Indoor Yard Sale Sat March 17th, 8:00am-12:00pm, 13500 Triadelphia Rd, Ellicott City. Get your spring cleaning done early! Clean out your closets, basements, and garages!! Sell your items at our yard sale. Do you have a craft or product you wish to sell? Space available/$10.00 per space. Vendors keep their profits. Donations are also being accepted at the PTA's Donation Tables. The Donation tables ONLY will be open to “Invited Guests” to shop for FREE. These guests are from local agencies who serve those less fortunate. Donations are tax deductible. Donations can be dropped off at FQMS Fri March. 16th 6pm-8pm in the cafeteria. To reserve a space call 443-506-7394 orNeighbornetwk@aol.com.
Leadership U
High school sophomores who are interested in developing their leadership skills, learning more about Howard County , and meeting students from around the county are invited to apply to Leadership U, a leadership development and community service program sponsored by Leadership Howard County.
¦ The program includes:
¦ A week-long summer program of teambuilding, skill development, and identification of issues facing Howard County.
¦ Bi- weekly fall sessions working with an adult mentors focusing on a community service project.
¦ A Shadow Day in October, providing an opportunity for students to spend a day with a business or community leaders in their field of interest.
All high school sophomores who live in Howard County are eligible to apply.
Information and applications are available in guidance offices, or online at
Application deadline is March 9, 2012
The Goddard Space Flight Center Online High School Summer Internship
The Goddard Space Flight Center Online High School Summer Internship Application will open from February 1-29, 2012. Please encourage your high school student to participate in this great program. To apply, please go tohttps://education.gsfc.nasa-
Goddard Space Flight Center High School Internship Program engages high school interns in applications of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a research-focused work environment. Student interns learn and apply research protocols and processes related to Earth & space-systems science, computer science, engineering, and technology. In general a successful applicant meets/exceeds these basic qualifications:
1. At least 16 years of age at start of internship
2. Minimum 3.0 GPA (unweighted) on a 4.0 scale
3. U.S. citizen
Interested students may create a profile and apply to one or more projects anytime during the open
registration period, February 1-29, 2012. Internships begin June 25 and continue through August 3,
2012. Goddard high school summer internships include:
• National Space Club Scholars Program (NSCSP) at Greenbelt MD and Wallops VA
• GSFC High School Internship Program (HIP) at Greenbelt MD and Wallops VA
• GSFC Science, Technology, Engineering Pipeline for Underserved High School
Populations (STEP UP) Program at Wallops VA
For information about the National Space Club Scholars Program and eligibility, please go to
http://www.spaceclub.org/
For more information about GSFC High School Internship Program, please contact Dr. Evelina
Félicité-Maurice, Evelina.Felicite-Mauric-1@
For more information about GSFC Science, Technology, Engineering Pipeline for Underserved
High School Populations (STEP UP) Program at Wallops Flight Facility, please contact Brenda
Dingwall, Brenda.J.Dingwall@nasa.gov
To access the 2012 Goddard High School Online Application System
and apply for available project positions starting February 1, please go to
https://education.gsfc.nasa-
Week Long Summer Science Program - Forensic Science, Biomedical Science and Animal Behavior and Physiology
The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland has received generous funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to develop new programs that enhance science outreach and undergraduate training in the life sciences. One of our ongoing initiatives is Jump Start, a weeklong summer science immersion program for high school students who are currently sophomores and juniors. Participants select from among three thematic areas (Forensic Science, Biomedical Science and Animal Behavior and Physiology) to explore in depth. Students spend the week conducting experiments in our state-of-the-art freshman biology laboratories and have the opportunity to meet with science faculty and students.
Since its inception in 1999, there have been more than 1000 Jump Start participants representing over 200 area high schools. The program is quite competitive and attracts a very talented applicant pool. Last year, the average weighted grade point average (GPA) of students admitted to the program was 3.92. Most participants have had strong science preparation, and the Biomedical Science program in particular requires participants to have a thorough grounding in biology.
Please encourage your students to apply and feel free to post, announce or distribute this announcement as you see fit. Further information and an online application form can be found at our web site <http://hhmi.umd.edu/
We would be pleased to answer any questions you may have about Jump Start or any of our other HHMI-funded programs. For more information, please e-mail
(HHMI@umd.edu) or phone (301-405-3353).
Attention Juniors and Seniors! Earn Free Prom Tickets!
Prom time is coming quickly with all of its expenses! Keep some of that money in your pocket by participating in the Claire’s Gourmet fundraiser to earn FREE PROM TICKETS. Every junior and senior can earn free or half-price tickets by selling items out of three catalogs. Sell any 10 items to earn one half-price ticket (savings of $30). Sell any 15 items to earn one FREE prom ticket (savings of $60). Sell any 20 items and receive TWO FREE TICKETS (savings of $120!)!! See Ms. Hobbs in room 117 or Ms. Williamson in room 119 for more details. All orders are due by February 15th.
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 (butgently 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
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.
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.
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 atMindy_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.
National Security Agency
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students in high school and college can find out about the National Security Agency's work study programs, scholarships, interships and cooperative education programs at:
http://www.nsa.gov/careers/
Alfred University
Alfred University is offering summer academic enrichment programs for high school students in STEM fields. There is a new Renewable Energy Engineering Camp along with Computer Engineering, Engineering the Elements, Robotics and Consumer Chemistry Camps. For more information, see:
http://www.alfred.edu/summer/
Wildlife Ecology Research
Students interested in gaining hands-on experience in field ecology are reminded that applications for Summer 2012 Wildlife Ecology Research aredue in three weeks, on Friday, March 2, 2012 by 5pm EST.
If students have any questions about Wildlife Ecology Research, the application process, or would like color copies of program materials mailed to you, please contact Dawn O'Neal, the program director and Director of Conservation Education at the Preserve, via email (huyck.education@gmail.com) or by phone (518-797-3440).
Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day Celebration at the Howard County Conservancy
Saturday, April 21st
9:00am-1:00pm
The Day’s Schedule:
8:00 am Bird hike led by the Howard County Bird Club
9:00am-1:00pm Tree planting, invasive species removal & other service projects
11:30-12:30pm Children’s Earth Day craft activity Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, and please remember to visit our Nature Center and outdoor animals including goats, chickens and barred owl. Families and groups of all ages are welcome
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/
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!
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. Applications and information are available in the Guidance Office or atwww.leadershiphc.org. Applications are due Friday, March 9, 2012.
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/
2. NIA research areas: (http://www.grc.nia.nih.gov/
3. NIA Summer Program details: (http://www.grc.nia.nih.gov/
- 2012 NIH Community College Summer Enrichment Program
(https://www.training.nih.gov/
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.
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.
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 atwww.healthyhowardmd.org or call us at 410.988.3737 ext. 10.
Lena Bloom Hershkovitz, MPH
Eligibility Services Manager
Healthy Howard, Inc.
lhershkovitz@
Calendar of Events
As always, you can find a calendar of all our events at:
http://web02.hcpss.org/school_
Hope to see you out supporting River Hill!! Go Hawks!!
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