School Notes: Board Meeting, Chocolate Festival, Career Day and More

Important Dates

• Wednesday, Jan. 9: Board of Education Meeting at 5 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 21: Schools/Offices Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
• Wednesday, Jan. 23: Board of Education Meeting at 5 p.m., FY14 Superintendent's Budget Hearing at 6 p.m. and Board Work Session on the FY14 Budget at 7 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 28: Schools Closed for Students, Teachers Work on End of Marking Period Items

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education of Carroll County will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Charles I. Ecker Boardroom at the Board of Education offices, located at 125 North Court Street in Westminster. There will be time for citizen participation at this meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.

The agenda and back-up materials for the Board meeting are available for review on www.carrollk12.org.

Budget Hearings

The dates for public presentation, review, and input to the operating budget for the Carroll County Public School System for the 2013 - 2014 school year are listed below:

Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 5 p.m.: Presentation of Superintendent's Proposed FY 14 Budget during Board of Education Meeting in Charles I. Ecker Boardroom, Board of Education Offices

Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.: Public Hearing (with Citizen Participation) following 5 p.m. Board of Education Meeting in Charles I. Ecker Boardroom, Board of Education Offices, Board Work Session on the FY 14 Budget (no citizen participation) immediately following Public Hearing in Charles I. Ecker Boardroom, Board of Education Offices

Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.: Public Hearing (with Citizen Participation) ñ South Carroll High School

Wednesday, February 27 at 1 p.m.: Adoption of Board of Educationís Proposed FY 14 Budget during Board of Education meeting ñ Charles I. Ecker Boardroom, Board of Education Offices.

Around the World of Special Education Workshop

The Partners for Success Center of Carroll County Public Schools will sponsor a workshop entitled Around the World of Special Education for parents and school staff on Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carroll Springs School in Westminster. This ìbasicsî workshop will give participants an overview of the special education process and acquaint them with the terminology and procedures involved in special education. Topics covered will include definitions of special education terms, federal and state laws, the special education cycle, eligibility, advocacy/parent involvement in the IEP process, individualized education plans, and resources. Light refreshments will be served. To register please call Cindy Senseney at the Partners for Success Resource Center at 410-751-3955.

Special Needs Planning Presentation

Carroll County Partners for Success will sponsor a presentation on special needs planning and guardianship on Tuesday, January 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at Carroll Springs School in Westminster. The presenter will be attorney Randi Bocanegra. The presentation is designed for parents, professionals, school staff, and support agency personnel.

Once an individual reaches the age of 18, the parent is no longer the individual's legal guardian. A person with special needs may require guidance and support when making informed decisions, giving consent, functioning at a job, or living independently. This brief presentation will look at guardianship and the alternatives so that parents may explore the legal options available to protect their child and help with overall special needs planning. Topics will include what guardianship is, when it is necessary, and alternatives to guardianship. There will be time for questions following the presentation. To register, please contact Cindy Senseney at 410-751-3955 or clsense@carrollk12.org. Light refreshments will be served. Please note that this presentation is for adults only and childcare is not available.

Chocolate Festival at Westminster High School

The Westminster High School Class of 2016 is having their first Chocolate Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Westminster High School lobby. There will be 22 chocolate makers offering samples of their chocolate creations for you to try. You will also be able to purchase any of your favorites. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from Karen Kohr at skkohr@verizon.net.

Career Day at Century High School

Century High School will be hosting a 21st Century Career Day on Friday, Feb. 15 (snow date - Feb. 25), from 8 to 10:30 a.m. This event will provide students the opportunity to learn about 21st century careers and how their ability in science, technology, engineering and mathematics impacts career success. Students will learn about the educational/skill requirements, job responsibilities, positives/negatives of the career, on the job life lessons, and career paths for 21st century careers. If students choose, they will have the opportunity to apply skills necessary in 21st century careers. Prior to the event, students will participate in an Advisory lesson in which they learn about the skills necessary to be successful in 21st century careers.

Volunteers are needed to offer students two types of sessions. Informational sessions will provide students with a glimpse of 21st century careers, the current and future job market, and the skills required in order to be successful as it relates to the career field. During an application based session, students will complete a hands-on activity or watch a demonstration which is related to a 21st century career field. A teacher can be assigned to work with presenters in order to provide a rich application opportunity for students. For example, an attorney might have students review and discuss a case. A detective may have students review aspects of a fictitious case in order to develop an investigative plan. After learning about a career in marketing, students can develop a marketing plan for a product or analyze an authentic plan.

If you are interested in participating in the 21st Century Career Day, please contact Sarah Slivosky, sgslivo@carrollk12.org, or Maria Martin, mlmarti@carrollk12.org, at Century High School.