Even though we are heading into the last month of school, there are plenty of things still going on at Marriotts Ridge.  Our students participated in AP Testing, playoff games, a dance concert, and many other events this past week.

Of special note this week are the High School Assessment tests for many of our students.  We know that our students and staff members have worked hard to prepare for these tests.  We ask that our families make sure that our students attend school on time every day this week and that they get proper rest and a good breakfast.  English 10 will take place on Monday and the Biology test will be given on Tuesday.  The Algebra test will be administered on Thursday and our Government students will take that test on Friday. Good Luck to all of our students who are involved.

In other news …

·              The latest edition of  The Stallion, the student newspaper, and its April Fools insert, The Scallion, came out a couple of weeks ago and contained some very nice student interest articles related to Prom, spring sports, and regional news.  Our hats go off to Mr. Bill Frank, Staff Advisor, and the newspaper staff on a great issue!

·              Speaking of the Junior Prom …what a phenomenal event …a true highlight in our history at Marriotts Ridge.  The students looked fabulous and everyone had a wonderful evening.  Special Thanks to our Junior Class Advisors, Ms. Grey and Ms. Rizzo, and all staff members who attended.  The PTSA AfterProm was a huge success also … the kids (and us) had a great time …thanks to our PTSA AfterProm Committee and everyone who helped make this night memorable.

·              In the 2007 Howard County Human Rights Fair Housing Calendar Poster Contest, Kelly Scruggs was awarded First Place and Laura Chilcoat received Second Place in the High School Division.  Congratulations, ladies!

·              Congratulations to our Regional Championship Baseball and Boys Lacrosse teams…what an outstanding accomplishment in our first year of varsity play!  In addition, many of our Outdoor Track team members qualified for the state championships to be held this week and Haley Katsman will represent our Tennis team at states.  We want to commend all of our spring teams and coaches for an exciting season and wish the best to our student athletes still competing.

·              Another one of our staff members has been recognized educational excellence.  Sam’s Club of the Ellicott City/Catonsville area chose Mr. Bob Siskind from over 800 nominations as its Teacher of the Year.  In addition to a plaque and an awards dinner, Mr. Siskind was awarded $1000 to go to his favorite cause.  Thanks to Mr. Siskind for all he does and to the MRHS family who took the time to write a letter of nomination …much appreciated!

·              We are heading out to The Cappies tonight to recognize the many accomplishments of our drama students.  In our first year participating in this Baltimore Metro program, we have multiple students who were nominated for recognition, including our entire Drama Critics Team.  Congrats to the students involved, Ms. Sally Livingston, the Performing Arts Team, and all of our families who help out in any way that they can.

·              Special Thanks to our PTSA and Boosters for sponsoring several Staff Appreciation events recently.  The entire MRHS staff truly appreciates these gestures of gratitude and appreciation.  We must note that the PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee has once again gone above and beyond.  On another note, we must also thank our PTSA and Boosters for their continued generosity in supporting all aspects of academic and extracurricular life at Marriotts Ridge.  We enjoyed treating many of our families at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon this past week.

Finally, we ask that you join with us in promoting student attendance as much as possible over the next few weeks as we prepare for final exams.  Our school wide attendance rate is just above the cutoff for exemplary status on the state report card.  To promote attendance on these nice, warm days, we have decided to institute a few attendance contests, pitting the different classes against each other this week.  Please help us finish the year on a high note.