Students at Travilah Elementary School recently explored hidden mysteries in the 53-foot Rolling Rainforest exhibit, an innovative learning experience which simulates a Central American rainforest. The students spied camouflaged butterflies, smelled vanilla orchids and listened to monkeys calling out. They had “field guides” and worked together to discover the various aspects of the rainforest. The Travilah PTA funded the program, and was awarded a grant to cover part of the cost. The rainforest was also open in the evening for parent and community tours. The Rolling Rainforest is an education program of the Living Classrooms Foundation of the National Capital Region.
First Lady Michelle Obama greets Takoma Park Middle School students.
On Nov. 5, Takoma Park Middle School’s Science Bowl team participated in a Science Bowl demonstration for First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, at the Department of Energy. After Mrs. Obama made a few comments, she and Secretary Chu took turns asking practice questions of the students, who were unofficially competing against Kenmoor Middle School in Prince George’s County. The Department of Energy hosts the National Science Bowl each year.
On Nov. 7, Clarksburg Elementary School celebrated 100 years of continuous education in the Clarksburg community. Former and current students, staff and parents attended the event, which began with a parade of floats representing the past, present and future. The celebration continued with birthday cake and a historical slideshow. The old schoolhouse, which opened Nov. 4, 1909, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was open for tours and displayed many photos and artifacts from its history. The fourth and fifth grade chorus entertained with the singing of the old school song, set to music by current music teacher Anne Burson. A ceremony in the gymnasium welcomes County Council members and state delegates. Principal Sunny Lee was presented a proclamation from County Executive Ike Leggett.
During its Nov. 10 business meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education set the calendar for the 2010–2011 year [see related story] and adopted its 2010 legislative platform. The Board also discussed K–5 literacy, approved pilot courses, discussed school safety and security, and took tentative actions on two policies. The Board passed resolutions recognizing veterans, American Education Week and National School Psychology Week.
Read more from the Board meeting.
Interest meetings are scheduled for early December for a master’s degree program—
Johns Hopkins University Master of Science in Education, Technology for Educators Program: Dec. 1, 4:30–6 p.m., Upcounty Regional Services Center, Room 3383, 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown
Johns Hopkins University Master of Science in Education, Technology for Educators Program: Dec. 2, 4:30–5:30 p.m., 9601 Medical Center Drive, Gilchrist Building, Room 134, Rockville
Towson University Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education: Dec. 3, 4:30–6 p.m., Universities of Maryland at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building III, Room 4203, Rockville
Towson University Master of Education, Special Education: Dec. 3, 4:30–6 p.m., Universities of Maryland at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building III, Room 4203, Rockville
Higher Education Partnerships
Jane Woodburn, director of the Department of Recruitment and Staffing, is retiring after 31 years as an educator in Maryland. A retirement celebration will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Montgomery Country Club, 6550 Olney Laytonsville Rd. in Gaithersburg. The cost of $25 per person includes dinner and a gift donation to the Asian American Education Association Scholarship Fund. RSVP by Nov. 20. Send reservation requests and checks payable to Andrea Gates, 301-279-3278, OHR, 7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 401, Rockville, MD 20855.