Our hearts go out to the students, staff, and families of Virginia Tech … what a tragedy.  When these things happen, it makes you think about how short life can be, how important family and friends are, and that we should live life each day to its fullest.  As we work in a school community, we also think about the measures that must be taken to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our students.  All county administrators have already met this week to discuss this situation and evaluate our procedures as we continue to improve our practices.

Third Quarter report cards were issued today.  We are most impressed by our students who are maintaining Academic Honor Roll status as the year goes on.  Almost 550 students achieved this honor…we will celebrate with them next week.  All students are reminded that the last quarter is so crucial in terms of this year’s overall grades and when looking forward to academic placement and extracurricular eligibility next year.  For students who could use some extra support academically or in preparing for the upcoming High School Assessments, our Evening Academic Intervention Program meets on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.  Please email our Academic Intervention Coordinator, Bernadette Allman, with any questions regarding this program.

Please remember that the Advanced Placement Exams and High School Assessments will take place in May.  Please help us in making sure that students are here as much as possible in the upcoming weeks as we prepare for these very important tests.  Also, make sure to read the eSchoolNewsletter that was recently sent out regarding the HSAs. 

In just a few weeks, we will be holding our first Junior Prom on May 12.  Information is being sent home with all of our juniors and will be distributed by eSchool also.  Please read this information carefully.  The Prom will be a wonderful event … one filled with great memories.  Please join us in pledging to do everything that we can to help our students make good decisions that night … we all must actively express our views that drinking and other inappropriate behavior can lead to horrible consequences.  We strongly encourage all families to encourage their students to attend the PTSA sponsored AfterProm party as a fun and safe place to go after the Prom.  The PTSA AfterProm Committee, headed by Mrs. Karyn Littlejohn, has done a fabulous job of organizing this event … we tip our hats to their efforts!  Let’s make this a special night to remember!

A few student highlights:

·      Several Marriotts Ridge students were selected to represent Howard County at the Maryland PTA Reflections.  In the Dance Choreography competition, Naomi Kromer was awarded Third Place – Award of Merit.  Congratulations, Naomi!

·      At the Howard County Junior/Senior Art Show, Chelsey Curtin was one of only two juniors from across the county to receive an award.  Chelsey won a $500 scholarship to the Maryland Institute College of Art Summer Precollege Program.  Katie Jurney and Jiangjiang Cao also represented MRHS at this exhibit.  In an earlier competition, Katie was awarded a $1000 scholarship to attend the Walnut Hill Arts Program this summer in Boston and Italy.  Outstanding work, ladies!

·      The Howard County Student Art Exhibit which runs through this Sunday, April 22 at the Columbia Mall includes artwork from the following MRHS students …David Reymann, Beth Villanyi, Roland Li, Keith Miller, Emily Hasselman, Brooke Scott, Jane Suh, Cody Punt, Jordan Haskins, Rebecca Cairns, Kelly Saunders, Sarah Brown, Eric Krokos, Patrick Talcott, Catherine Chamberlain, Michael Bargamian, Audra Swearingen, Ashley Kellner, Dylan Czarnecki, Thiery Banks, Nathan Lee, Chelsey Curtin, Mariah Spence, Matt Cornell, Colleen Quinlan, Anthony Thomas, Shana Kadavil, Caroline Kessler, Alec Vlahos, Melody Bulavinetz, Shirley Weng, Jiangjiang Cao, Jessica Starr, Tori Peck, and Hilary Brewer.  Wow … make sure to check it out!

·      Caroline Kessler earned Honorable Mention in the Senior Division of the Howard County Library’s Word Up Teen Poetry contest…great job, Caroline!

·      Laura Patzer represented Marriotts Ridge at the Howard County Student Film Festival last week.  There was a great writeup and picture in The Baltimore Sun.

·      The First Annual Class Acts was a huge success.  Almost 400 students, friends, and families saw a great show …. the Sophomore Class won $1000!  Congratulations to all of our student performers and to our SGA/Class sponsors – Mr. Dubbs, Ms. Grey, Ms. Rizzo, Ms. Allman, Mr. Ventosa, Ms. Bejm, and Mr. Malt.

·      Marriotts Ridge held its first Red Cross Blood Drive a couple of weeks ago and surpassed its goal of 100 units.  The Red Cross was able to collect 117 units.  Thanks to Mr. Siskind who sponsored this event and to the students, staff, and parents who donated or volunteered at this worthwhile event.

We love seeing our students involved in such a wide range of projects, showcasing their interests, talents, and community service.  In addition, we appreciate and salute all of our families who support our students and staff in so many ways …. parent volunteers are invited to attend our Second Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, May 17 at 11:30 AM (mark your calendars …we will send out more info soon).

Finally, we are so excited to announce that another staff member has been selected for recognition.  Nominated by our Professional Recognition Committee, Mr. Richard Malt was awarded the Howard County First Year Educator of the Year for secondary schools.  This is quite an honor when you realize that Howard County hires almost 500 new teachers each year.  Mr. Malt has been a wonderful addition and we would look forward to him being on our staff for many years to come.  Congratulations!!!!

See you around The Ridge.  Go Mustangs!