School Notes: Board of Ed Meetings, Wreath Auction, College 101 and More

Important Dates

• Friday, Dec. 7: CCPS will dismiss two hours and forty-five minutes early. Schools closed for pre-kindergarten students.
• Dec. 24 through Jan. 1: Schools closed for winter holiday

December Board of Education Meetings

The Board of Education of Carroll County will hold the following meetings in December. The public is encouraged to attend.

• Board Work Session – FY 14 Superintendent’s Operating Budget, Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices. There will be no time for citizen participation at this meeting.

• Joint Board of Education/Board of Commissioners Meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the County Office Building, room 003. There will be no time for citizen participation at this meeting.

• Combined Regular and Administrative Board Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices. There will be time for citizen participation at this meeting.

View the agenda and back-up materials for the Dec. 12 Board meeting at www.carrollk12.org, click on Board of Education Meeting Agenda and Documents on the home page. 

View the meeting live on cable Channel 21 or go to http://www.carrollk12.org/admin/commedia/cetv/streaming/default.asp.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Performance at Liberty High School

The Liberty High School drama club is currently in production with its fall play, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” True to LHS style, the production will include its own special twists on the classic Roald Dahl tale. The play will be presented in Liberty High School’s Kathy Schnorr Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on November 29 and 30, and at a 2:00 p.m. show on December 1. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 for students/seniors at the door, and $12 for adults at the door, and are currently on sale at the Liberty High School box office, or online at www.lhsdramaclub.com.

Nightmare Before Christmas Sock Hop at Liberty High School

The Liberty High School instrumental music program will sponsor a “Nightmare Before Christmas” sock hop for students in grades 5-8 on Friday, November 30, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Freedom Optimist Hall on Route 32 in Eldersburg. Students must be signed in and out by an adult. Bring cash for refreshments (pizza, soda, water, chips and candy). There also will be Glo Sticks, bracelets ($2), necklaces ($3), and face painting ($2). Contact Tina Waganer at 443-857-6231 for more information.

Wreath Auction at Francis Scott Key High School

Francis Scott Key High School will be hosting its first ever Holiday Happenings Wreath Auction on Thursday, December 6, in the cafeteria from 6-9 p.m. All proceeds from the auction will go towards FSK programs designated by item donors. Basketball games in the gym, snacks, and the instrumental music program will all be a part of the special night as well. Bids on wreaths and holiday items will close at 9 p.m. Winning bidders will be notified and arrangements will be made to pick up their wreaths on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. Contact kdudmtairy@aol.com for more information.

College 101

School counselors from Century, Liberty, and South Carroll High Schools will host College 101 on Monday, Dec. 10, beginning at 6 p.m. at Century High School. The program is designed for parents of students at Century, Liberty and South Carroll High Schools, as well the parents of eighth grade students who will be attending those schools. There will be several topics to choose from for every grade. Session topics will include: Financial Aid and Financial Planning for College, College Admissions Process  (2 and 4 year), PSAT Score interpretation, Taking the SAT and ACT, AP Coursework and College Readiness, Becoming an NCAA Athlete, Four Year Planning for College Success, Career Search Resources, Study Skills in College/First Year Success, Completer Programs in High School, and more. For details, contact Jessica Zubroff Quinn, school counselor at Liberty High School, jzquinn@carrollk12.org.

Ornaments for State House Tree

The North Carroll High School Art Club created ornaments for the State House tree and they will be placed on display representing Carroll County. They used recycled materials, including computer parts, bottle tops, and old cassettes to make the ornaments.  The tree also will include ornaments from Westminster High School and Taneytown Elementary School. The theme this year is "In Honor of Their Service."

Fruit Sale at Winters Mill High School

The Winters Mill High School Model United Nations Delegation is sponsoring a fruit sale through December 6 (delivery on Saturday, Dec. 15). Funds will be used to finance the Delegation’s trip to the Johns Hopkins Model UN Conference, as well as a donation to the International Justice Mission, which helps victims of human trafficking. Contact Brianne Carter at lbcarte@carrollk12.org or (410) 386-1500 for more information.

The Winter Rock at Manchester Elementary School

Students, staff and their families at Manchester Elementary School will participate in “The Winter Rock” on Friday, Dec. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the gym. This is a newly revised PTA winter event that will include activities such as giant inflatable slides, music and dancing with a live DJ, holiday treats, crafts and games, and door prizes. There also will be a holiday shop where children can shop for their friends and family. Students also will be able to create a banner and write candy cane notes for nursing home residents. There will be a coloring contest to benefit local community centers with a chance for students to win Bee tickets. Contact Dodi Ritz, Instructional Assistant or Martin Tierney, Principal, Manchester Elementary School, 410-751-3410.

Thirty-One Bingo for East Middle School

East Middle School will hold a Thirty-One Bingo on Friday, Dec. 7, at the Pleasant Valley Fire Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. There will be 20 regular games, 2 bag/tote specials, a 50/50, and 2 bag/tote raffles with a cash bonus. All bags and totes will be filled. Food and refreshments will be provided by the Pleasant Valley Auxiliary. Only 350 tickets will be available. There also will be a silent sports auction and door prizes. For tickets or more information, please contact Mel Fedak, mvfedak@carrollk12.org, Carol Dehne, cadehne@carrollk12.org, or Kim Wagner, kawagne@carrollk12.org, or call 410-751-3656. All gaming proceeds will go to a variety of special programs at East Middle School.

Thirty-0ne Bingo at Winters Mill High School

The Winters Mill High School Class of 2015 will host a Thirty-One bingo on Saturday, Dec. 8, in the school cafeteria. Doors open at 5 p.m. with early bird games from 5:30 to 6:30 and bingo starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Please contact Mr. Matthew Fogle at 410-386-1500 or msfogle@carrollk12.org for advance purchase. There will be a total of 31 games, including six early birds with one special early bird, twenty regular games, and four specials. Refreshments will be available for sale. The bingo will feature over 75 bags and prizes, door prizes, and raffles.