HCPSS



Calendar

Schools Closed – Election Day

4/26

Family Culture Night

4/27 6:30 PM

5th grade LION KING #1

5/10 7:00 PM

4th grade LION KING #2

5/11 7:00 PM

5th grade LION KING #3

5/12 7:00 PM

4th grade LION KING #4

5/13 7:00 PM

Schools Closed for Students

5/20

5th grade Middle School visit

5/24

Schools/Offices Closed

Memorial Day

Simulated Congressional Hearings 5th grade

6/2

Field Day

6/3

GT Information

Just a few weeks left to register for the Summer Institutes for Talent Development this summer.  Don't miss out on this opportunity for your child to engage in these fabulous enrichment opportunities.  Visit for the full course catalog and class enrollment availability.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC EDUCATION

Studies have proven that there are positive links between engagement with music and academic achievement, but that data is only part of the bigger picture… Music helps develop the student behind the (test) score.  Here’s how music supports both academic achievement and the student:

 

·      ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Improved reading skills

The combined results of 30 studies indicate that music instruction has a significant positive effect on reading.

Higher grade point averages

High school music students have better grades than non-musicians in the same school

            Spatial reasoning abilities

Multiple studies indicate that early music instruction is linked to significant improvements in spatial reasoning.

·      BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Processing sound and staying focused

Studies have shown that diligent instrument training from an early age can help the brain remain focused when absorbing other subjects, from literature to tensor calculus.

            Improving cognition

The cognitive structures developed through music instruction help to expose and illuminate more general organizing structures relevant for other disciplines.

·      FILLS GAPS

Students lagging behind

When given music instruction over seven months, this group caught up to their fellow students in reading and surpassed their classmates in math by 22 percent.

            Transcending socioeconomic levels

Students in high-quality school music programs score higher on standardized tests compared to students in schools with deficient music education programs, regardless of the socioeconomic level of the school or school district

            Music may help students stay engaged with school

Schools with music programs have significantly higher graduation and attendance rates then do those without music programs.

·      INHERENT BENEFITS

Emotional awareness

Students learn to express themselves in multiple ways and become more sensitive to the preferences and feelings of others.

            Reflective learning

Students reflect on failures and successes through the creative process and derive a sense of their own competencies, interests, and challenges.

            Process orientation

Students develop the ability to consistently refine their thinking as part of the creative process, developing the ability to re-evaluate goals and objectives and, if needed, adjust their approach to the objective.

Decision-making

Through both the creative and reflective learning process, students gain greater capacity to question, interpret, and influence their own lives.

            Grit

In a high-level performance environment, hard work and dedicated practice predict success far more than innate ability.  Music performance offers opportunities to fail.  Students learn the value of persistence, and of working hard for an uncertain outcome.

            Multiple ways of knowing

Music study promotes fluency in knowledge systems beyond the linguistic and mathematical, enabling a deeper and broader understanding of our world and of the human experience.

·      21ST CENTURY SKILLS

Creativity

Students learn to think about problems from a variety of viewpoints and increase problem-solving skills.

Collaboration

Through working together to create a finished product, students learn to incorporate different approaches and to leverage individual strengths for a higher-quality outcome.

            Communication

Students learn to convey ideas and emotions through musical performance; in doing so, they develop a greater awareness of nuance, complexity, structure, emphasis, and theme, which can enhance verbal and written communication skills.

            Critical thinking

Through the creative process, students strengthen their skills in synthesizing and evaluating information, and apply these skills to changing their assumptions and actions.

 

            Source: 

Counselor’s Corner

Happy April! This month our focus will be on Qualities of a Good Leader. Social interactions in school give us an opportunity to utilize our leadership skills whether we are being responsible for our work or making a positive difference by being a good role model when peers are in conflict. We have many opportunities for being a good leader. During classroom lessons, students will complete small challenges in a small group. They have to put their heads together to figure out how they can complete this challenge in one minute! Leaders will certainly emerge amongst the groups! In addition, 5th grade will be practicing opening combination locks as well as completing lessons on What to Expect in Middle School.

Congratulations to the Ilchester Staff, Students and families!!!!! As a Community, we raised $2,170 for Grassroots Homeless Shelter through the Change Matters campaign last month. Many families were very creative in fundraising by setting up lemonade stands, donuts and coffee stands, etc to help make this generous donation possible! Thank you again for all of your support!

Community News

Lil’ Treble Makers Music classes

Do you have a 2-5 year old that would benefit from music classes on Saturday mornings?  Then, look no further. Tasha Maglocci, 24 year veteran music teacher, is teaching an awesome set of classes at Red Bridge Studios starting April 9th. Details are attached. If you are picky about music education for your little one, "Lil' Treble Makers" might be a good way to expose your little one to music making, where the key is appropriate and the songs are sung in tune ;-)

Classes are infants thru 2 year olds 9:30-10am and 3-5 year olds 10:15-10:45 in Historic Savage Mills.

The following announcements have been approved by the Public Information Office for school notices and distribution. Please feel free to contact the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682 if you have any questions.

Schools may publish any or all of the following announcements in their school newsletters when time and space permit. These notices should be clearly identified as “Community Notices” and preceded by a statement indicating that the events are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Howard County Public School System.

Food on the 15th

Volunteer opportunities for students. We collect, sort and deliver free non-perishable groceries directly to low-income Howard County senior citizens. To learn more about what we do, visit our website . 

 

Howard County Veterans and Military Families Commission

Veterans Resource Fair on Tues, Apr. 5, 5-8 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City. Admission is free. 410-313-0821.

Recreation and Parks

Anime & Manga (Japanese comics), Thurs., Apr. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Register by calling Recreation and Parks at 410-313-7275. For more information, contact Holly Harden at hharden@ or 410-313-4625.

CrossLife Community Church

Financial Peace University, Apr. 9- June 4, Sat., 9-11 a.m., at 5941 Setter Dr., Elkridge.  Cost is $93. Contact Sandy Cook sandy.cokk1020@. Click on the slideshow link at .

Howard County Library System

2016 Children’s Discovery Fair: Books Come Alive, Sat., Apr. 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD. Admission is FREE. Please bring a non-perishable donation for the Howard County Food Bank. For more information, call 410-313-1940 or 410-313-7750 or e-mail children@

Recreation and Parks

Deviant Septet, Sat, Apr. 9, 8 p.m., Smith Theatre, Horowitz Center, Columbia, MD.

For more information: 410-997-2324.

 

Recreation and Parks

Painting For Teens, This class begins Sat., Apr. 9, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m., Register by calling Recreation and Parks at 410-313-7275. For more information, contact Holly Harden at hharden@ or 410-313-4625.

Recreation and Parks

Modeling School, Join Model Citizens Models, LLC, Sat., Apr. 9, 11:30 a.m.- 1p.m. Register by calling Recreation and Parks at 410-313-7275. For more information, contact Holly Harden at hharden@ or 410-313-4625.

Recreation and Parks

Intro to Piano, learn to play the piano, Sat., Apr. 9, 12 p.m.- 1 p.m. Register by calling Recreation and Parks at 410-313-7275. For more information, contact Holly Harden at hharden@ or 410-313-4625.

West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department

Volunteer Emergency Responders 2nd Annual Volunteer Recruitment Open House, Apr. 10, 12-4 p.m.,

This event is free. All professional Training & Uniforms are free for active volunteers.  

Sgt Trent Fuller, 410-564-6174, TrentFuller258@

FF John Logan, 410-302-2285  JLogan721@

NAMI

NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer Education/Support Course begins its spring session. Wed., Apr. 13, 6:30 p.m. Meeting on ten consecutive Weds. in Columbia. Contact Alikah Hawks for more information and to register:  410-772-9300, ahawks.namihc@.

Howard Community College

SAT Prep, Sat., Apr. 13-May 21, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., HCC’s Hickory Ridge Building. For more information, howardcc.edu/programs-courses, Elizabeth Watson at 443 518-4102.

NAMI

NAMI’s Family-to-Family Education/Support course begins its spring session, Thurs., Apr. 21, 7 p.m. Meeting on twelve consecutive Thurs. in Columbia. Contact Leslie Kain for more information and to register:  410-772-9300, lkain.namihc@.

Cedar Lane School

Walk for Our Stars, Sat. Apr. 23, 10 a.m., Come join us for this fun, non-competitive walk.  All money raised will be used to support our students with significant special needs and our staff.   Please support The Walk and help those who can't walk, learn to stand on their own and those who can't speak, find their voice.  For further information please contact Cedar Lane School at 410-888-8800 or karioreilly@.

MakingChange

Money Matters Fair, Sun., Apr. 24, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Wilde Lake High School This event is FREE. For more information, visit

Ellicott City Soccer Club

Spring soccer programs, FREE Special Needs Program, and FREE 'Birth Year' Soccer Clinic, Apr. 26, (no school): We will offer a FREE clinic 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Rockburn Park for players born in the years 2005-2009. Contact operations@ with questions. Space is limited. Go to .

Columbia Gym

KidSpace Adventure Days, Grades K-6, Apr. 26, Full Day 7 a.m.-6 p.m. $50 per child,

half-day, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 per child.

Register online, over the phone 410-531-8984 or in person at the Columbia Gym KidSpace.

Howard County Poetry and Literature Society

Blackbird Poetry Festival, Apr. 28, Howard Community College. The Sunbird poetry reading will start at 2:30 p.m. The Nightbird Poetry Reading, will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Smith Theatre of the Horowitz Center for Visual.

Howard County Government

Womenfest, a FREE Health & Wellness Event for Women, Sat., Apr. 30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.,

Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood, Cooksville. 

For more information about visit the event’s website at WomenFest or call 410-313-5440.

AFS

Host Families Sought for AFS Exchange Students: Next school year almost 20 exchange students will come from around the world to experience a life-changing year or cross-cultural sharing here in Howard County. If you are interested in more information, please contact Christina McGarvey at ckmcgarvey@ or 410.997.7087.

Atholton Swim Club

Registration for Swim Lessons at Atholton Swim Club, June 6, .We offer small class sizes and follow the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum. Lessons are conveniently offered in the mornings or evenings in 2 week long sessions.

College Park Tennis Club

Learn Tennis at the Premiere Tennis Center, June 13 –Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., College Park Tennis Club 5200 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD.

Our students will learn the sport of a lifetime, under the direction of our certified teaching staff. Center. tdelaney@, 301-779-8000,

Howard County Police Department

FREE overnight Youth Police Academy, July 24-29, Public Safety Training Center. It is for students between the ages of 15-18 years old who are interested in a law enforcement career. For more information, contact your School Resource Officer or check out the Howard County Police Department website at under Youth Programs.

 

Starthmore’s Summer Intensive

Apply now for a select spot in Strathmore’s Summer Intensive—part of our Institute for Artistic and Professional Development. This program will take place July 11-15 and is designed to provide in-depth experience to outstanding high school instrumentalists as they consider a performing arts career. For more information

AFS

Columbia Association is seeking host families for high school students from Columbia's new Sister City, Tema in Ghana (West Africa) from July 15 to 31, 2016. For a host family application and more information, please contact Laura Smit, Program Manager for International Exchange & Multicultural Programs at Laura.Smit@ or 410-715-3162.

CAMPS

Soccer Association of Columbia

SAC Training Academy Summer Camps scheduled throughout the summer.  Players of all abilities, ages 5 to 14. Both full and half days sessions are offered. SAC also offers extended care from 4-6 p.m., for an additional fee. Go to  For more information, contact asksac@sac-.

CrossLife Church

Track and Field Camp, June 20-June 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Ln, Columbia, MD. .

University of Maryland

SPICE Camp – Students with Potential and Interest, Considering Engineering, June 27-July 1.

SPICE Camp is a week-long commuter program for young women who will be entering the 9th and 10th grade next fall and would like to learn more about engineering University of Maryland, College Park. Space is limited. The application deadline is March 31st. Scholarship opportunities will be made available once admittance decisions have been made. Bria Barry, 301-405-3283, bmcelroy@umd.edu,

Bethany United Methodist Church

Surf Shack Vacation Bible School (VBS), June 27-July 1, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Bethany United Methodist Church, 2875 Bethany Lane, Ellicott City.  

For more information or to register, please visit:

Howard County Conservancy

Full-day nature camps, June 27-Aug. 19, camps are located in Woodstock on our 232-acre nature center and at the Belmont in Elkridge camp.html

University of Maryland

TerpsTalk, a new National Foreign Language Center Spanish and French Language summer camp for middle school students- at the University of Maryland. The Camp will take place July 11- July 22, 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m.

Center for Disease Control

The National Center for Health Statistics is excited to announce the 2016 Data Detectives Summer Camp, Aug. 15-19, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Contact us at datadetective@.

University of Maryland

Stepping Stones to Your Future (SSTYF) summer camp. This week-long coed commuter camp is for rising 7th & 8th graders who are interested in learning more about engineering.  Each day is filled with a variety of fun hands-on activities and engineering challenges.  There are two weeks to choose from:  Session 1 July 18-22 or Session 2 July 25-29.  To apply, we require an online form and a teacher recommendation from a current math or science teacher.  For more information and to fill out the application, visit our website at .  If you have any questions, contact Dawn Ginnetti at dginnett@umd.edu. 301-405-0315.

July 18-22, (Session I) or July 25-29, 2016 (Session II)

SPORTS

Ellicott City Soccer Club

Spring soccer programs

FREE Special Needs Program, and FREE 'Birth Year' Soccer Clinic, Apr. 26, (no school): We will offer a FREE clinic 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Rockburn Park for players born in the years 2005-2009. Contact operations@ with questions. Space is limited. Go to .

The Howard County Recreation and Parks

Volleyball classes and leagues for all ages and skill levels, for questions, please contact Carson Nickell at cjnickell@ or 410-313-4720. To register, call 410-313-7275. Sign up now to reserve your space.

Howard County Striders

Bullseye Running/HO CO Striders is now taking registration
for two training programs Youth Track Team (competitive) and
Youth Fitness Spring Training (non-competitive)

SuperSquads

It's not too late for after school cheerleading with SuperSquads. Team practice is once a week and ends late April in 11 county schools.  Please contact supersquadsinfo@ or 410-796-2244.

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TESTING…TESTING… TESTING DATES!

Spring 2016 IES Testing

In the upcoming months, MSA Science, PARCC, and MAP testing will take place at Ilchester Elementary. The schedule is below so parents can avoid testing dates and times when scheduling appointments for their children. There is no preparation at home necessary for any standardized testing. The most important requirements for testing days are that children get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast, and arrive ON TIME to school.

Grade 1:

MAP Reading: May 9, 10, starting at 12:45 PM

MAP Math: May 11, 12, starting at 12:45 PM

Grade 2:

MAP Reading: May 16, starting at 12:15 PM

MAP Math: May 13, starting at 12:15 PM

MAP Makeups: May 17, 18, starting at 12:15 PM

Grade 3:

PARCC ELA: April 22, 25, 27, 9:30 – 11:30

PARCC Math: May 9, 10, 11, 12, 9:30 – 11:00

MAP Reading: June 1, 9:30 – 10:30, 11:30 – 12:45

MAP Math: May 19, 9:30 – 10:30, 11:30 – 12:45

Grade 4:

PARCC ELA: May 3, 4, 5, 10:30 – 12:45 (time revision)

PARCC Math: May 23, 24, 25, 26, 10:30 – 12:15

MAP Reading: June 2, 10:30 – 12:30

MAP Math: May 31, 11:30 – 12:45, 1:45 – 2:45

Grade 5:

MSA Science: March 14, 16, 9:30 – 10:45

PARCC ELA: April 28, 29, May 2, 9:30 – 11:30

PARCC Math: May 13, 16, 17, 18, 9:30 – 11:00

MAP Reading: May 27, 9:30 – 11:30

MAP Math: May 23, 24, 25, 26, 1:45 – 3:30

PARCC stands for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers.

MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress.

ELA stands for English/Language Arts.

MSA stands for Maryland School Assessment

If you have questions about the standardized testing schedule, feel free to contact the school.

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From the Administration…

Dear Ilchester Families,    

       

After considerable thought and with mixed emotions, I have informed the district of my intention to retire on July 1, 2016. After 30 years with the school system, it is time to embark on the next phase of my life.

It is amazing how time flies. I have been here at Ilchester for 7 wonderful years. I truly feel that Ilchester has been my home away from home and I could not have asked for a better place to continue my career as an administrator. The parents have been so supportive and helpful to me in so many different ways. As I leave, I am confident that the level of education the students receive here will always be of the highest quality. The strong commitment that exists within all of the Ilchester staff members is the reason why our students progress so well academically and socially. 

Please know I will work with the new administration to ensure a smooth transition for the students, staff, and community.

Thank you for your support and commitment to Ilchester Elementary School. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together as a school community. I will always treasure fond memories of the many students who have passed through our doors, the special families I have come to know, and the dear friendships and support of the Ilchester staff. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve the Ilchester community.

Sincerely,

David Adelman

Dear Ilchester Families,

With very mixed emotions I am writing to let you know of my decision to retire at the end of the current school year.  When I was transferred to Ilchester this past June, I was already making plans to retire at the end of this year, but my decision was not final at that point. 

I have worked as an educator in the Howard County Public School System for thirty years.  My decision to retire was based on personal reasons.  I look forward to spending more time with my family and possibly taking a job in a local business.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my year at Ilchester, getting to know the staff, students, and families here.  I hope to see you after I retire.  As I live in Ellicott City, I imagine that will happen fairly regularly: at Target, Kohl’s, the mall, etc.!

I will work with our administrative director to ensure a smooth transition for the assistant principal who will replace me and to inform him or her of everything they need to know about this outstanding school community.

Thank you for welcoming me to Ilchester and for your support of me this year.

Sincerely,

Sue Nickles

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