FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2015

The average composite SAT score for the class of 2015 in Calvert County Public Schools increased 14 points, from 1510 in 2014 to 1524 in 2015. The scores for the critical reading and math components of the SAT increased to 514 and 513, respectively. The most notable gain was an eight-point increase to 497 in the writing component.

Participation continues to increase, as well. Seventy percent of the senior class took the SAT, a 4% increase over the prior year.

Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent, said, “We can’t help but be pleased with our progress, but we should aim for even more students taking the test.”

Although the scores show a slight five-year dip, the one-year increase comes at a time when the composite scores in Maryland dropped to 1462 from 1468 in 2014.

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2015

In lieu of the regularly scheduled Work Session, the Board of Education of Calvert County Public Schools will hold a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners on September 24, 2015. This meeting is open to the public and will begin at 5 p.m. instead of the scheduled 7 p.m. The Board of Education will hold a Closed Session beginning at 7 p.m. as permitted by the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Section 3-305(b)(1), (7) and (9) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and Section 3-103 of the General Provision Articles of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The public meeting will open with a presentation of grants from Dominion Cove Point LNG. There will not be an agenda item for the public to speak at this first evening meeting of the Board of Education. Future evening meetings will have time set aside for public comments.

The meeting will be held at the Brooks Administration Building, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2015

First Lady Yumi Hogan honored some of Maryland’s top student artists on October 23, 2015 during a special reception in Annapolis. The students are among those whose art are being displayed in a special exhibition in the House of Delegates Gallery Space.

Taylor Williams, a senior at Huntington High School, is the first place award winner at the high school level. Jessica Valadie, Supervisor of Fine Arts, said, “Taylor’s work, ‘Pride,’ is a colorful work integrating both watercolor and ink and is just one representation of the outstanding artistic skill and creativity coming from students enrolled in visual art classes across our school system. I am thrilled to have her art recognized for its excellence, particularly in light of the magnificent work that was submitted by school systems from across the state.”

Taylor Williams is among artists from more than 20 school systems whose art is part of the First Lady’s Inaugural Student Art Exhibition. The First Lady, who is an adjunct professor at Maryland Institute College of Art and herself an accomplished artist, has been an active supporter of the arts community and advocate for arts programs in schools across Maryland.

The exhibition is supported by the Maryland State Department of Education’s Fine Arts Office and the Maryland State Arts Council.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2015

The Maryland Council for Social Studies has selected Lisa Walker, 5th grade teacher at Barstow Elementary School, as the 2015 Social Studies Teacher of the Year. The recipient must be a current elementary educator who has made a significant contribution to social studies in a public or private Maryland school. In addition, Ms. Walker has exhibited outstanding professional qualities in working with students, colleagues, and the community.

According to Supervisor of Social Studies Rebecca Bowen, “Lisa is the ultimate professional. She collaborates with not only her grade level peers but with teachers across multiple grade levels and schools. She is a true advocate for elementary social studies instruction and is passionate about extending her personal knowledge as it relates to social studies.”

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2015

Calvert County Public Schools will host a Community Career Information Session on Monday, November 2, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room at the Brooks Administration Building.

Information about job opportunities and the application process will be available for all departments in the school system:

•Instruction and Special Education
•Student Services
•Human Resources
•Finance/Procurement/Warehouse
•Maintenance
•School Facilities
•Information Technology
•Child Nutrition
•Transportation

For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at 410-535-7221.

The Brooks Administration Building is located at 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2015

Today the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released local high school data from the 2015 administration of the PARCC assessments. This release follows the public presentation of state-level data on October 27, 2015. The results set a new baseline that will help to determine if students are on track to graduate ready for college or careers.

Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent, said, “We are so glad to finally receive the results of the tests that we saw for the first time last spring. Our teachers, principals and subject area specialists are eager to dig in to the details and make adjustments so that we can improve our performance next year.”

Students enrolled in English 10, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 took the PARCC assessments last spring. Students will receive individual scores, but scores will not be used for student or educator accountability this year. In the coming months, the State Board will determine how the data will be used going forward.

The assessment uses a five-point score scale set by Maryland educators and others:
•Level 5 - Exceeded Expectations
•Level 4 - Met Expectations
•Level 3 - Approached Expectations
•Level 2 - Partially Met Expectations
•Level 1 - Did Not Yet Meet Expectations

At this time, MSDE defines scores at Levels 4 and 5 as demonstrating readiness for college or careers.

On the English assessment, over half of Calvert County Public Schools 10th graders—51.5%—scored at a Level 4 and 5 combined, which are the two highest levels on the PARCC five-point score scale, compared to 39.7% in Maryland.

Calvert County Public Schools continues to align its curriculum with the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. In math, the process began at the elementary level and is progressing through the high school courses. This sequence of alignment was chosen to ensure that students have the prerequisite knowledge prior to beginning a course.

“It’s important to note that we did not fall behind in the curricular transition,” said Dr. Curry. “Math is a foundational subject, and it was most responsible to build a curriculum with students in mind. We have not yet introduced a revised Algebra 2 curriculum aligned with Common Core, which explains our Algebra 2 results. The new sequence calls for Geometry to follow Algebra I, and that is our focus thisyear. Our plan, established a few years ago, introduces the revised Algebra II curriculum in the FY17 school year.”

On the Algebra 1 assessment, 29.4% of students scored at a Level 4 and 5 combined, compared to 31.2% in Maryland.
On Maryland’s first-ever Algebra 2 assessment, 6.5% of students scored at a Level 4 and 5 combined, compared to 20.2% in Maryland.

In future years, PARCC results will be available in early summer. That timeline will provide educators with more opportunities to make instructional adjustments based on the data.

PARCC results cannot be compared with the Maryland School Assessment (MSA), which the State used for a decade, both because this is a new test and a different test. PARCC is the first assessment aligned to Maryland’s College and Career Ready Standards, which set a higher bar for student learning.

Results for PARCC assessments in grades 3-8 will be made available by MSDE in December.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2015

This week, Calvert County Public Schools joins school districts across the country in a celebration of American Education Week. First celebrated in 1921, American Education Week is a time to recognize public education and honor the many individuals who ensure that every child receives a quality education. The 2015 national theme is “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.”

According to Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent, “We must never forget that no country in the world does education like we do. We take all students and offer each the same opportunity to succeed. Your kid and my kid—special needs, low income, non-English speaking—all get to go to school and achieve at high levels. That is what makes America great.”

Calvert County schools are celebrating the right to a quality public education in many ways this week. Visitation days give families an opportunity to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and even participate in friendly math competitions with their children. Parents participate by providing meals for staff to thank them for their dedication and hard work. Calvert High will host a financial aid night on November 19 to support families as they plan for future academic endeavors. Mutual Elementary makes reading fun with a Reading Camp Out, and Sunderland reminds students to set goals with “Hats Off to a Bright Future!” day when students sport their favorite crazy hats. Huntingtown Elementary community members visited the school on Harvest Day to teach students about farming, cooking with local products, and working on the water. Dowell and Beach Elementary Schools encourage students to write thank you notes to special staff members. Finally, schools incorporate career day into American Education Week to showcase the many options students have as they look toward the future.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2015

Two seniors from Calvert County Public Schools have been selected as student pages for the 2016 Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. Alexya Brown of Patuxent High and Caitlin Keegan of Northern High will represent Calvert County during the legislative session. Brendan Schaefer from Huntingtown High was selected as the alternate.

The students selected for this prestigious, highly competitive program demonstrate a strong knowledge base, as well as superior communication and problem-solving skills.

Student pages serve two nonconsecutive weeks in either the House of Delegates or the Senate during the thirteen week session. Their duties include distributing materials to members on the floor, running errands, answering the phone, assisting visitors and delivering messages to members.

Begun in 1970 by House Speaker Thomas Hunter Lowe and approved by the Maryland State Board of Education, the program is designed to interest youth in state government, foster leadership and provide students with worthwhile experience in state government.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2015

On November 19, 2015, the Board of Education of Calvert County and the Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff signed their collective bargaining agreement for 2015-2016.

The new negotiated agreement includes language regarding evaluation, transfers, work schedule when schools and offices are closed due to inclement weather or an emergency, employee leave, and tuition reimbursement.

No salary or step increases were included in the tentative agreement. The parties agreed, however, that further negotiations may occur if additional unrestricted operating funds—in excess of those necessary to support programs and services deemed by the Superintendent as essential to the operation of the system, as well as those funds necessary to eliminate the currently projected deficit—become available to the school system from state or county funding sources during FY16.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2015

Today the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released elementary and middle school data from the 2015 administration of the PARCC assessments. The results set a new baseline that will help to determine whether students are on track for the next grade.

Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent, said, “We are so pleased to finally get the results of the PARCC test. Even though the school year is almost half complete, our staff is eager to analyze performance at every level at every school and make plans for improvement.”

Students in grades 3-8 took the PARCC assessments last spring. Students will receive individual scores, but scores will not be used for student or educator accountability this year. In the coming months, the State Board will determine how the data will be used going forward.

The assessment uses a five-point score scale set by Maryland educators and others:
•Level 5 - Exceeded Expectations
•Level 4 - Met Expectations
•Level 3 - Approached Expectations
•Level 2 - Partially Met Expectations
•Level 1 - Did Not Yet Meet Expectations

At this time, MSDE defines scores at Levels 4 and 5 as demonstrating readiness for coursework in English and math at the next grade, with the goal of preparing students to enter college or career upon graduation.

On the English Language Arts/Literacy Assessment, 48% of students scored at a Level 4 and 5 combined, which are the two highest levels on the PARCC five-point score scale, compared to 40% of students across the state.

In mathematics, 34% of students scored at a Level 4 and 5 combined, compared with 30% in Maryland. Mathematics data is reported differently than in was in prior years for the Maryland School Assessment (MSA). Previously, students who were enrolled in algebra in 7th or 8th grade took both the grade-level MSA and the algebra High School Assessment. Under the new assessment model, students were not “double tested;” therefore, 7th and 8th graders who were enrolled in Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 took the PARCC assessment that corresponded to that course, not the middle school grade-level math assessment. Scores of those students are not reported in the data released today.

In future years, PARCC results will be available in early summer. That timeline will provide educators with more opportunities to make instructional adjustments based on the data.

PARCC results cannot be compared with the Maryland School Assessment (MSA), which the State used for a decade, both because this is a new test and a different test. PARCC is the first assessment aligned to Maryland’s College and Career Ready Standards, which set a higher bar for student learning.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2015

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) recently received a $2.8 million retrospective settlement for FY2015 from the school system’s health insurance provider, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. The Board of Education has agreed to return all of the money to employees in two ways.

Approximately 25% will be disbursed through an employee and retiree health insurance premium holiday. For the two pay dates in December, no deductions will be taken for health insurance premiums for active employees who are covered members through the CCPS health insurance program. Similarly, those who retired from CCPS and are covered members through the CCPS health insurance program will not be required to pay health insurance premiums for January 2016.

Approximately 75% will be used to provide a one-time payment to active employees, with the exception of miscellaneous employees (i.e. substitutes, extra-pay, extra-duty employees, etc.) and selected grant-funded employees. Full-time active employees will receive $1,000.00, and part-time active employees will receive $500.00. These payments will be disbursed January 29, 2016.

Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent, said, “The Board is pleased to be able to offer this stipend as a token of their appreciation for all of our hardworking employees.”

The health insurance benefits provided by CCPS are self-insured, meaning they are funded by the employees and retirees who are covered members and the school system. As such, CCPS is responsible for all covered health insurance expenses incurred by its employees and retirees and their dependents. Because CCPS uses a self-insurance system, the claims that are paid may equal, exceed, or fall short of what is actually paid in premiums.

This atypical settlement was the result of our claims expense for FY2015 being substantially lower than the actuarial premium estimates generated by CareFirst.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2015

At the December 10, 2015 meeting, the Board of Education of Calvert County Public Schools approved an adjustment to the meeting calendar for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year. The annual Budget Hearing will be held on February 25, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Calvert High School in lieu of the regularly scheduled meeting.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2015

The Student Transportation Department for Calvert County Public Schools is seeking qualified candidates to train and certify as school bus drivers.

School bus drivers work for independent school bus contractors throughout Calvert County. These contractors hire drivers to work on everyday routes, to work as substitute drivers and to drive trips to athletic and extracurricular events. Contractors are paid $16.00 an hour for a brand new driver, with salary increases for those individuals with more verified experience. These positions provide an opportunity to work close to home and to serve the children and schools in our community.

To download the Application for Certification go to the Calvert County Public Schools website at ; then go to Departments >> Student Transportation >> Certified School Bus Driver Application.

Please contact Chuck Baker, Driver Instructor, at 410-535-7325 for details on the process of earning certification and for questions about the Application for Certification.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2015

Calvert County Public Schools invites teachers, students, former students, parents, administrators or the general public to nominate educators for the annual Washington Post Education Foundation Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards.

Principal of the Year Award
Criteria: Nominees must be full-time principals (in grades pre-kindergarten through 12) in Calvert County Public Schools. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years of experience as a principal, three of which must be in Calvert County Public Schools.

Nominees must be principals who:
• Manage effectively;
• Demonstrate and encourage creativity and innovation;
• Foster cooperation between the school and the community;
• Maintain a continuing dialogue with students and parents as well as faculty and staff;
• Keep abreast of developments in the field of education;
• Encourage team spirit;
• Demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment;
• Continue to play an active role in the classroom; and
• Maintain their position as principal throughout the 2016-17 school year.

Nomination materials must include:
• A minimum of four statements of support, one of which must be by a professional educator;
• A 200 word biography, written to highlight the specific award for which the awardee was nominated; and
•A description of contributions in each of the nomination criteria.

Teacher of the Year Award
Criteria: Nominees must be full-time teachers (in grades pre-kindergarten through 12) in Calvert County Public Schools. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years of teaching experience, three of which must be in Calvert County Public Schools.

Nominees must be teachers who:
• Instill in students a desire to learn and achieve;
• Understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem;
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter and the ability to share it effectively with students;
• Foster cooperative relationships with their colleagues and the community;
• Demonstrate outstanding leadership; and
• Maintain their teaching position throughout the 2016-2017 school year.

Nomination materials must include:
• A minimum of four statements of support, one of which must be from a professional educator;
• A 200 word biography, written to highlight the specific award for which the awardee was nominated; and
• A description of contributions in each of the nomination criteria.

Nominations should be submitted to Darlene White by January 22, 2016. For further information, contact Ms. White at or 410-535-7804.

Calvert County Public Schools will select a finalist for Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year from among the nominations and submit those names to the Washington Post.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2016

Today the Board of Education of Calvert County Public Schools elected Pamela L. Cousins as President and Tracy H. McGuire as Vice President. Also serving on the Board are Kelly D. McConkey, William J. Phalen, Sr., and James C. Piatt. Alexya I. Brown of Patuxent High is the Student Member of the Board.

Ms.Cousins looks forward to advancing the work of the Board after Ms. McGuire’s effective presidency. She said, “Ms. McGuire laid the groundwork for our Board in establishing process and procedures during my first year to set us up for success. Now that I have assumed the presidency, I feel I have the foundation to move us into focusing on other areas that need our attention, such as ensuring that our Board goals are being met.”

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2016

On February 20, 2016, Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) will host the 5th Annual Science and Engineering EXPO at Calvert High School from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This family event is open to the public. The exhibits showcase CCPS science and engineering programs and are designed to be fun and engaging for children and adults of all ages. The EXPO will include robots, science fair projects, flight simulators, catapults, and much more for the entire family to enjoy.

Schedule:

8:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Judging of Science Fair Projects
(closed to public; open to reporters)
11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. EXPO and Science Projects (open to public)
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Auditorium (open to public)

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2016

Today at the regularly scheduled meeting, the Calvert County Public Schools Board of Education approved a change to the calendar for the 2016-2017 school year.

School for students will begin on August 29, 2016, one day earlier than in the original calendar. School will be closed for students and ten- and eleven-month employees on December 23, 2016. The complete calendar is posted on the school system website: .

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2016

For the fifth year in a row, Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is being recognized for energy conservation through participation in the Demand Response Program sponsored by CPower, an energy management company. The school system will receive a check for $47,828 from CPower and an equal amount of credit on future electric bills from the Southern Maryland Electric Company (SMECO).

CPower works with SMECO and other utility companies to administer their load control programs to ensure affordable power during peak demand times, which typically occur during the summer. To avoid paying for higher priced energy at times of high demand on the electric grid, large consumers, such as CCPS, are asked to reduce their energy use for several hours during the day in order to offset the increased demand. As compensation for our participation and performance, CCPS annually receives a credit from SMECO based on the actual amount of decreased consumption, as well as a matching check from CPower.

The money received will be reinvested in schools to make them more energy efficient, including installing energy-efficient fixtures and upgrading HVAC controls.

CCPS has reduced its overall consumption of electricity by 8.9% since 2008 by installing energy-efficient equipment and encouraging people to change behaviors to conserve energy.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2016

Calvert County Public Schools will open for students on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 instead of having a professional development day as previously scheduled. That day will be a two-hour early dismissal for students to allow for contractual teacher work time.

Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent, said, “As much as I hate to miss quality professional development, especially when it is specifically targeted to close achievement gaps, I hate to miss quality instructional time even more. We are making the decision to open schools for students on February 10 because we have already had four snow days, and we still have six weeks of winter. Since the teacher contract calls for two hours of teacher work time on February 10, we will dismiss two hours early on that day for that purpose.”

Families with previously scheduled commitments for February 10 should speak with an administrator in the school their child attends.

A decision about the professional development time will be made at a later time.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2016

The Calvert County Board of Education will hold a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the Brooks Administration Building in the Board Room. The meeting is to provide a preview of the budget that will be presented to the public at 7:00 p.m. on February 25 at Calvert High School.

For additional information, please contact Karen Maxey, Administrative Assistant to the Board, at maxeyk@calvertcounty.education.

###

Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428
pagec@calvertcounty.education