February 24th Update

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Principal’s Update

February 24, 2011

Dear Parents,

Are we done with winter yet? I feel like the snow day on Tuesday snuck up on us. Perhaps the 70 degree weather lately fooled me into thinking spring was here. Let’s hope there’s no more snow in the forecast.
The following news is provided to help keep you informed:
Kudos
Congratulations to chemistry teacher Barb Jewett, who was voted Teacher of the Year by the senior class. Ms. Jewett was informed of her award today in a surprise announcement by members of the senior class and a camera crew for HCPSS TV. She will be honored at a county reception at the Board of Education in March and will speak at graduation.
Letter Home to Parents
You should have received a letter in the mail this past weekend about the HCPSS Goal 2 survey being administered to 9th and 11th grade students and our ongoing efforts to make River Hill a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Please contact the school if you did not receive a letter. In addition, please let us know if you ever have any concerns about your child’s safety and/or well-being.
Coffee with the Principal
There was a coffee with the principal listed on the calendar for February 22nd. Since athletic events and activities were canceled, the coffee was not held. The next coffee with the principal will be Thursday March 24th at 8am in the cafeteria.
LEADERSHIP U:
Are you interested in making a difference? Become part of the Leadership U Class of 2011. Leadership U (LU) 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 spend a day with a business or community leader. LU 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 with some of our grads at our final information sessions on February 28 at Hammond High School 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 11, 2011.
2011 AP Exam Registration Directions RHHS
Testing May 2-6, May 9-13
Students should deliver their completed Registration Form with their Payment to the Student Services Office before March 15.
The registration form may be downloaded from the following website:
http://home.comcast.net/~billpuls/2011REG_HOCO_11.htm
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
Please do not staple check to the Registration Form
Cash or checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to River Hill High School.
A $25.00 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 April 9th
NO REGISTRATION MATERIAL will be accepted after April 15th 7:30AM. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Refunds will be processed after May 30.Students who cancels before AP 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!!!
You may take the following exam combinations during the same year, however, you must pay for each exam separately:
Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
Comparative Government and Politics and United States Government
Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
For a morning exam, students must be in the Exam area by 7:30 am. For afternoon sessions, students must be in the Exam area by 11:30 am.
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.
If you are taking two exams on the same day you must pack a lunch. You will not be permitted to leave the church.
The website for additional AP Exam information is: www.collegeboard.com/apstudents.
For additional information about registration contact Mrs. Peedin at Jan_Peedin@hcpss.org .
American Cancer Society Quilt Winner
Congratulations to OYINKAN WILLIAMS, who won the River Hill quilt at February conferences. Thank you to the National Honor Society and Ms. Marleen Beck for helping to raise $1330 for the American Cancer Society! Be prepared for another quilt raffle at Back to School Night.
Sadie Hawkins Dance
The Sadie Hawkins Dance is Friday, March 4th from 8-10:30pm. All students must arrive by 9pm. The attire is Semi Formal, similar to what students wore to the Homecoming Dance. The theme is Black and White.
Light refreshments will be provided and coat check will be available. Tickets are on sale during all lunch shifts February 28th through March 3rd. The cost is $7 for one ticket, $12 for a pair. Proceeds benefit the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County. If a student would like to invite a guest who does not attend River Hill, Guest Waiver forms are available at the front office or can be downloaded from http://sga.riverhill.org/files.html under the Homecoming section.
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!!

PTSA eNews February 23, 2011
PLAYOFF GAMES
Girl's Basketball
Friday, 2/25 - 5 PM, River Hill at Stephen Decatur (11:00 AM Bus)
Boy's Basketball
Monday, 2/28 - 7 PM, River Hill host the Reservoir/Wilde Lake winner
TEACHER OF THE YEAR NAMED
Congratulations to Mrs. Barbara Jewett for being selected as the Class of 2011 Teacher of Year! All seniors are given the opportunity to vote for teachers from 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade. The teacher with the greatest number of votes this year was Mrs. Jewett, who teaches Chemistry. During her 2nd period class today, students Pryce Anacona, Erin Geoghan, and Leticia Murikami along with the Science Department teachers, all administrators, SGA advisor, and PTSA president presented Mrs. Jewett with balloons, cake, sash and a tiara! The Teacher of the Year is recognized at a County ceremony in March. At the end of the school year, Mrs. Jewett will also receive a gift from the PTSA at the RHHS Senior Farewell and she will give a speech to the students at the Commencement Ceremony.
RECOMMENDATION LETTER DINNER
PTSA and Boosters co-hosted a dinner for all teachers who wrote college recommendation letters for our students. Dinner was held at the Macaroni Grill on February 10th. Recommendation Letters are an integral part of the college application process and we are truly thankful to our staff for spending countless hours writing personalized recommendations.
SPRING SPORTS REPS
Try-outs begin March 1st, forms should be turned in to the front office by Friday February 25th. If your child is participating in spring sports, please consider serving as your team’s Booster Rep. Each team rep shares information about the team’s accomplishments and learns about funding opportunities and resources for team dinners, spirit support, and promoting fan attendance. Time investment is only 3 meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Questions? Contact Regina Thyberg, tritonqueen@yahoo.com.
SADIE HAWKINS DANCE
RHHS is hosting its first every Sadie Hawkins Dance on Friday, March 4th, from 8-10:30pm. The dance will be organized from the efforts of all four class SGAs, the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, and the Best Buddies Programs. Tickets will be sold starting Monday, Feb. 28th, and continuing through Thursday, March 3rd. Prices are $7 for one ticket, or $12 for two.
PARENT & STUDENT PROGRAMS
"Senior Week in OC" presented by Capt. Howard Caplan, Ocean City Police, and James McVey, Beach Patrol Crew Chief, on March 3rd, 2011 at 7pm at RHHS. Parents and students will learn how to stay safe and make good choices on this popular post-graduation week at the beach. An iPod Touch will be raffled off to one lucky student! This event will bring attention to problems that could occur and how to help our students make the most of it.
“A Parent’s Guide to Painless Studying” presented by Jocelyn Martin will be held March 8, 2011 at 7pm at RHHS. This workshop for parents will give practical suggestions for helping students with Study Skills, Organization & Time Management. This program is especially helpful for 9th & 10th grade parents! Discussion includes:
* Understanding Learning Preferences and how to study/learn effectively based on that style
* Gain a better perspective on realistic expectations for keeping a balanced schedule
* Receive useful advice from experts, guidance, RHHS teachers and students
RSVP’s appreciated so we can make sure we have adequate handouts for everyone. Please arrive on time. Brief 2 minute by PTSA at beginning of this program.
Contact Kathy Ball, wrightbey@yahoo.com if you have any questions about these evening programs.
P3 NEED VOLUNTEERS
It takes a village to host this special memorable event for our kids…
The Post Prom Party (P3) Committee is looking to recruit new members. Many of our current members will graduate from River Hill along with their children in May. We are looking for interested parents who would be willing to work alongside our seasoned volunteers this year in order to continue the wonderful tradition of the Post Prom Party to keep our kids safe on Prom night for the years to come. Please take a look at the information below and contact Bobbie Leon bdleon@comcast.net or Patti Fisher fishfam2000@yahoo.com if you would like to be a part of this wonderful River Hill tradition.
Decorating Committee: The night of P3 the students will not recognize the school as our decorating committee will transform it into the magical city of Venice to tie in with this year's Prom theme of Masquerade. Be a part of the fun of "redecorating" the school! WE NEED LOTS OF HELP FOR THIS!!! No experience necessary.
Prize Committee: Do you love to shop and spend money, especially when it isn't yours? Join our Prize Committee and be a part of the team that, with student input, chooses the prizes given away the night of P3.
Entertainment Committee: Toilet Bowl Racers, Bucking Bronco, Money Machines, First Run Movies... help the Entertainment Committee, with student input, choose fun activities for the students to take part in during the P3 event.
Fundraising: This event would not be possible without our Fundraising Committee. Join this committee to ensure that our students experience a night to remember!
Other committees include, Promotions and Marketing, Logistics/Ticket Sales, Volunteer Coordination, Clothing Check and Food.
Please consider becoming a part of the P3 tradition. This is a worthwhile event to help ensure the safety of our students on Prom Night. Contact Bobbie Leonbdleon@comcast.net or Patti Fisher fishfam2000@yahoo.com for more information or to volunteer. And, please join us at our next P3 meeting on Mar. 7th at 7:00 PM in room 256 at the school.
Seussical The Musical
This is a fun filled show for all ages! The cast of over 90 includes over 70 RHHS students and 23 younger students from Howard County elementary and middle schools. Featured in the cast are David Fisher (JoJo), Zac Brightbill (The Cat In The Hat), Pete Favinger (Horton), Aaron Spain Bey (The Who Mayor), Juliette Rose (Mrs. Who Mayor), Jen Warner (Gertrude), Ali Ward (Mayzie), Foluke Tuakli (Sour Kangaroo), Ganesh Mysore (General Schmitz), Zac Bailey (The Grinch), Colin McCleaf (Vlad Vladikoff), Zach Allentuck (Yertle The Turtle), Lela Lanier (Baby Kangaroo), Andrew Ward (Max The Dog), Olivia Keane (Cindy Lou Who), and Cassie and Ellie Fischer (Thing 1 and Thing 2). The Wickersham Brothers are played by Gabby Almario, Julian Berry, Brandon Dial, Josh Kashkett, Omar Khalid, and Jason Rodriguez. The Bird Girls are played by Heather Anderson, Shashwati Das, Sophia Cantore, Kelly Gregory, Sophie Keane, and Helen Ross
Performance Dates and Ticket Information – Seussical The Musical
All performances take place in the River Hill High School auditorium.
The performance dates are March 9, 10, 11, and 12 @ 7:30 p.m. and March 13 @ 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door.
ADVANCED TICKET SALE PRICE ($10.00) WILL BE HONORED AT THE DOOR, IF YOU BRING A NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEM. All food donations will go to The Howard County Food Bank.
Advanced sale of tickets are available in several ways;
• www.hocomojo.com -> events; Suessical in March
• “Seat yourself" at http://www.seatyourself.biz/rhhs
• RHHS Front Office - beginning Tuesday, February 7 (Monday – Friday from 7:00AM -2:30PM) Ask to see Carla Styczynski, the RHHS bookkeeper.
• In Front of the RHHS Dining Hall - beginning Monday, March 7 (Monday - Thurs from 10:15AM – noon)
• Box Office (opens 90 minutes before curtain)
If you have questions, or need further information contact Pam Land (pland@hcpss.org)
or 410-313-7120.

MUSIC Send Off CONCERT
RHHS Wind Ensemble along with AHS Symphonic Wind Ensemble have been selected to perform at the prestigious Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis on March 18th! We are the first high schools in the state of Maryland to ever be selected to perform there! We are having a combined Send-Off Concert on Tuesday March 15th at 7:00PM at Atholton HS. Please come out and support our musicians and help them celebrate this wonderful honor. This is your opportunity to hear the pieces that they will perform at the MFA Festival; it promises to be a spectacular evening of music!
Scholarships – Best resource for scholarships is our Student Service Center, www.guidance.riverhill.org.
FUNDRAISERS – read more at www.riverhill.org
BOOSTER SUMMER CAMP
The 16th Annual Boosters Camp Schedule and Registration are now available on www.riverhill.org, click on Summer Camp icon.

The James Munsey Comedy Hypnosis Show
Friday, March 18, 2011 One Night Only!
River Hill HS Neighborhood YARD SALE
Saturday, March 19, 2011, 8am to 2pm, INDOORS at River Hill HS.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Project Prom Dress Sale this Sunday February 27th.
There are over 500 beautiful dresses for Prom, Homecoming, Evening gowns and more. Hundreds of designer dresses all dry cleaned and ready to be worn.
This event is open to all girls (and Mom's too) looking for the perfect dress. We will have local Florists, Restaurants, Jewelry present and a raffle with donations from Merriweather, local restaurants, salons and more! Join us for a fun event while supporting the American Red Cross and the services they provide in Howard County.
February 27, 2011, 11am-4pm
YMCA of Central Maryland, Dancel Family Center
4331 Montgomery Road (route 103)
Across from the Long Gate Shopping Center.
Visit us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Prom-Dress/166884019998442?ref=ts
Columbia Association Events
Fri. March 11 - Band Concert featuring Nate Flynn. 6pm. $7 @ The Other Barn
Sat.March 12 - Food for Tomorrow benefit concert featuring “The Getaways”. 5-7pm @ Kahler Hall. $10 + non-perishable food item. Mail ticket requests to foodfortomorrow2011@gmail.com
Sat March 19 - HS Outing at SHADOWLANDS. 7:15-9:15pm @Shadowlands. $5 per person includes two games, drinks and snacks. MUST register in advance. 410.715.5523 by 3/10/11
Sat. May 14 - Solar Box Cooking Contest. 12noon @ Columbia Town Center Lakefront. Call 410.715.5523
Do you have news to share? PTSA eNews is all about the EXTRAcurricular activities at River Hill. Deadline is COB Tuesday to Sheila Bishoff, sheila@networkint.com. Clubs and groups are also encouraged to post to www.riverhill.org.

Feb 25 – Athletic participation forms due to front office
Mar 1 – Spring sports tryouts
Mar 3 – Senior Week in OC (parent & student program)
Mar 4 – Sadie Hawkins Dance
Mar 7 – P3 Planning Meeting
Mar 8 – Painless Studying Parent Program & PTSA Bylaw vote (parent program)
Mar 9-12 – Seussical the Musical
Mar 15 Music for All Preview Concert @ AHS, 7pm
Mar 17 - College Information Night for Juniors (rescheduled from January)
Mar 18 – Comedy Hypnotist Show
Mar 19 – RHHS Community Yard Sale
Apr 4-8 – Heritage Festival
Apr 13 - Sports Physicals for 2011-2012
Apr 30 - Booster Basket Bingo
END OF NEWS

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