“Proud to be a Mustang … Choosing Excellence in all that we do”

 

Do you believe that teachers turned in student grades for 4th Quarter Interims today?  We are heading to the end of another great year … there is so much going on.  We are wrapping up this year and planning for all the wonderful things that will take place next year … our first with four grades and senior activities and graduation.

 

Speaking about grades, we honored our Third Quarter Academic Honor Roll students yesterday with ice cream sundaes… thanks to our Boosters for sponsoring our quarterly celebrations.  We truly appreciate the academic focus of the vast majority of our students … in particular, we would like to highlight the more than 130 students who achieved 4.0 status.  Regarding 4th quarter, we want to remind everyone that the Interims reflect only a small portion of the quarter as we are now going until June 20.  We commend those who continue to do well and remind those who need to step up a little bit that there is still plenty of time...get it in gear!

 

We will continue to run our Evening Academic Intervention Program on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Media Center.  This time is a great opportunity to catch up on assignments with assistance from our teachers.  In addition, we want to really use this time also to prepare for our upcoming HSAs.  Even if you have not attended so far, please think about taking advantage of this opportunity … just show up with your books and a positive attitude.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bernadette Allman, our program coordinator.

 

In less than two weeks, we will be holding our first Prom.  In addition, our PTSA will be sponsoring AfterProm.  Hopefully, many of our juniors will be joining us for this memorable night.  We will hold a drinking and driving assembly for our juniors next week in preparation for this big event.  Please talk with your son or daughter about making good decisions during this special time.  Your support is most appreciated … we are very excited about the upcoming festivities!

 

Please remember that AP (May 7-17) and HSA testing (May 21-25) will also take place over the next few weeks.  As we walk around the building during the day and after school, we have observed many teachers and students reviewing for these tests…thanks to our teachers who have put in the extra effort!  Please make sure that your son or daughter is present and on time every day as we prepare for and then take these important tests … we need and appreciate your cooperation.  As mentioned above, test prep support for the HSAs is available during the Evening Academic Intervention program.  Good Luck to our students … they have worked hard and we are sure that they will perform well.

 

MRHS Staff Appreciation Week will be held this week, May 7-11.  Our fantastic PTSA is hosting a luncheon on Wednesday and a breakfast…thanks to our PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee and all Mustang families for your support.  Our staff is comprised of excellent educators and awesome support staff members.  Please take a few minutes this week to express your appreciation regarding any staff members who have made a difference for your son or daughter, you, or one of our family organizations.  You can send a note or email to the staff member directly or to me at patrick_saunderson@hcpss.org …I will pass a copy along and post another on our “Pats on the Back” wall.  A minute of your time will be remembered.

 

One other event this week that we would like to discuss is our MRHS Scholars Program Application Information Meeting for MRHS students and their parents who are not already members.  This program challenges students to take a very rigorous academic schedule of AP and GT courses.  All students who maintain an unweighted GPA over 3.0, are interested in pursuing a minimum of 6 AP courses (4 in the core academic subjects), and willing to serve as our school’s academic leaders in helping others attain success through mentoring and tutoring opportunities are encouraged to attend this meeting.

 

A few highlights and other announcements to share:

· May 2007 is designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in the Howard County Public School System.  We express our respect and appreciation for the     many contributions made throughout history by persons of Asian/Pacific American descent.

· Congratulations to our newly elected 2007-8 PTSA Executive Board…we thank our present board for their incredible service and welcome our new board:

      President                                 Jennifer Burgy

      First Vice President                Barbara Mayer

      Second Vice President            Mary Brindisi

      Treasurer                                 Bill Eikenberg

      Recording Secretary               Kathy Martin

      Corresponding Secretary        Mollie Shea

      PTAHC Delegates                  Amy Tich        Tom Walker

· Our Music Department ventured south to Florida on its spring trip and came back with many awards:

      Orchestra                                 1st Place           Superior

      Concert Band                          1st Place           Superior

      Symphonic Winds                   1st Place           Superior

      Flags                                        1st Place           Excellent

      Concert Choir                         1st Place           Excellent

      Madrigals                                1st Place           Superior

      Madrigal Quartet                    1st Place           Superior

      Beauty Shop                           1st Place           Superior

      Barber Shop                            1st Place           Superior

      Guitar Ensemble                     1st Place           Excellent

      Big Band Jazz                         1st Place           Superior

      Jazz Combo                             2nd Place          Superior

      The Jazz Brass Section also won the “Outstanding Section” award and Colleen Clancy, David Todd, Evan Chapman, and Roger Lee were awarded outstanding individual achievement awards.

· Kudos also to our Orchestra, Band, and Choral students and Mr. Eberhardt, Mrs. Lather, and Mr. Ellis for the outstanding spring concerts this week … what a treat!

· Our MESA (Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement) Club competed in their first MESA Day competition at Howard Community College.  Under the direction of Terri Showers and Rick Marquart, our team of Alan Cheng, Elinor Oziel, Lisa Oziel, Danny Paulik, Rohit Ramesh, and Ryan Schenning performed admirably and represented themselves and our school very well.

· The MRHS Chemathon Team participated in the 23rd Annual University of Maryland Chemathon and earned 1st Place in one of the categories.  Congratulations to Felicia Kulp, Laura Patzer, Samah Beg, Manroop Singh, Kevin Tran, and Willis Zhang.  Thanks to Mr. Sageman and Mrs. Cooper for sponsoring the team.

· The MRHS Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America produced its first edition of The Buzz.  Production of this student magazine showcases student writers and provides opportunities for members to learn marketing strategies, graphics and layout design, and management techniques.  Many students were involved with Haley Katsman serving as Editor in Chief and Thomas Conchie directing graphic and layout design.

Mr. Reg Hahne serves as staff sponsor.  Congratulations to all involved on a well received premier edition!

· Molly Krebs achieved First Place in the high school division for this year’s Howard County Chapter of MADD Poster Campaign.  This year’s theme is “Choose Courage”…congratulations, Molly!

· Shawn Kravitz has been selected as one of the student keynote speakers at the 2007 Howard County Passport Luncheon for students in the Career Research and Development Program.  Way to go, Shawn!

· The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers has announced that Audra Swearingen and Zac Yelnosky have earned “Gold Key” awards … Audra for her jewelry design and Zac in the mixed media category.  Well Done!

· One of our media specialists, Mrs. Lynn Rashid, had her first book review published in the School Library Journal this past month.  Excellent work, Mrs. Rashid!

· Mr. Brian Bohlayer, Instructional Assistant and Indoor/Outdoor Track Coach, was recognized for a Howard County “Celebrating Successes for Children” award at a recent countywide ceremony.  Mr. Bohlayer was nominated for this award by the Indoor Track Team for “the difference he has made in their lives.”  A well deserved honor!

· Finally, we must announce the retirement of an Original Mustang Staff Member…Mr. Rick Marquart.  Mr. Marquart served as Math Instructional Team Leader and is regarded as an excellent teacher and outstanding role model for students and staff.  Even though we hate to lose him as a community leader, we wish him the best in future endeavors.

 

We truly enjoy highlighting the accomplishments of our students and staff members.  In addition, we appreciate and salute all of our families who support our students and staff in so many ways …. Please join us at our Second Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, May 17.  Staff members are preparing lunch as an expression of our gratitude for those parents who go above and beyond to make our school community a better place.  Drop in any time between 10:15 and 12:15 … we look forward to seeing you!