Herbert Wells Ice Rink - Free events

On October 31, the Herbert Wells Ice Rink is opening its doors to the ghouls and gals for their annual ‘Costumes on Ice’ Halloween program. As a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, the ice rink offers free ice skating to all in costume, free candy, a haunted maze, food, and plenty of fun for all ages. This year, there will be two sessions: the first from 7-9pm, designed for participants of all ages, the second from 10pm-12am specifically for the older crowd, ages 13 and up. Come out and see for your self, if you dare!

Herbert Wells Ice Rink is hosting their annual open house this year on November 7, 2009 from 12pm-4pm. This event, which features free public ice skating between 2:30-4:30pm, this event is designed to provide fun for the whole family. Come and see what we are all about!

Joe Hampton

Facility Manager

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Ellen Linson Swimming Pool / Herbert Wells Ice Rink

5211 Paint Branch Parkway

College Park, MD 20740

(301) 277-3717 /

(301) 277-3186 (fax)

joe.hampton@pgparks.com

Parental Engagement at a Glance in Prince George's County Public Schools

FREE MD PIRC Parenting Matters Conference

Dear Families and Community Members,

There will be a FREE MD PIRC Parenting Matters Conference: Connecting Crayons, Computers, College, and Careers on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 8:15AM-3:30PM at University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus. Families can receive information on:

• School Readiness
• Gang awareness
• College Planning and Readiness: How to get financial aid, what you need to know to get in, etc.
• Health and Healthy Living
• Social cliques and how to have healthy friendships
• Much more!

Families can go to www.mdpirc.org/conference to register. FREE light breakfast, childcare (ages 2-5), Youth Track (kids ages 6-14), interpretation, door prizes, and lunch will be provided. See attached registration flyer for more info.

Estimadas familias y Miembros Comunitarios, Habrá una Conferencia Gratuita para Familias del MD PIRC: Apoyar a los Hijos Cuenta Mucho: La Conexión entere las Crayolas, las Computadoras, la Universidad y Carreras Profesionales u Oficios el sábado, 7 de noviembre del 2009 de 8:15AM-3:30PM en la Universidad de Maryland, Campo de Baltimore. Su familia podrá recibir información sobre:

• Preparación para la escuela
• Como evitar a las pandillas
• Planificar para la Universidad: Como conseguir asistencia financiera, que necesita saber para entra, etc.
• Como vivir una vida saludable
• Amistades y como tener buenas amistades
• Y mucho más!

Pueden ir a nuestro sitio web al www.mdpirc/conference para registrarse. Habrá un desayuno ligero, cuidado de niños (2-5) y actividades de enriquecimiento para estudiantes edades 6-14, interpretación en español, premios, y almuerzo--TODO GRATIS! Para obtener más información vea el volante incluido en este mensaje.

Nora Cartland

ELL Outreach Coordinator

Maryland Parental Information and Resource Center (MD PIRC)

5272 River Road, Suite 340

Bethesda, MD 20816

Tel: 301-657-7742 ext. 121

Fax: 301-657-8782

nora@mdpirc.org

Calling all School Principals

The Principal Challenge is Back!

Calling all School Principals . . . tell us what YOU would do to earn additional A+ Bonus Bucks for your school! The five most original and entertaining Principals' Challenges will be selected. If your school is chosen and you fulfill your Principal Challenge, the school will receive the greater of $1,000 or DOUBLE their A+ Bonus Bucks points earned during the month of November! The contest will begin on 11/01/09. Principals - apply by mail on school letterhead or by emailing us at Askaplus@cranecommunications.com .

Please include your name, school name, address, and telephone number explaining the challenge youwould be willing to take. Entry must be received via email or postmarked by November 30, 2009. Mail-in entries may be sent to: A+ Principal Challenge111 Presidential Blvd Bala Cynwyd PA 19004. The selected Principals will be notified by phone on or about December 22, 2009. All challenges must be completed no later than January 15, 2010 and witnessed by a store representative. Double points will be calculated from 11/1/09-11/30/09 and posted with the final point earnings by March 25th on our website : www.GiantFood.com/aplus . So tell us . . . are you up to the challenge?

Free Prescription Meds Deadline is Dec. 31, 2009

According to Adrienne Samuels Gibbs the last day on which Americans who have lost their jobs and health insurance can aply for free prescription meds manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. Those eligible to participate in the program can qualify for free drugs for up to a year. Call 866.706.2400 for info.

Please Take The Second Annual Men Make A Difference Day Survey

Fathers or other significant male role models if you participated in the second annual Men Make A Difference Day on Monday, October 12, 2009 at your child's school please take our survey and share your experiences.

Second Annual Men Make A Difference Day Survey

Men Make A Difference Day Photos From Berwyn Heights and Greenbelt Elementary Schools

Men Make A Difference Day was a huge success at Berwyn Heights and Greenbelt Elementary Schools with over 100 fathers and significant male role models participating in a variety of events and activities designed to show how they impact the lives of children in Prince George's County Public Schools.

2009 Junior Achivement Essay Competition

2009 Junior Achivement Essay Competition

Topic:

How Can Greater Washington Companies Responsibly and Effectively Deal with the Economic Challenges Facing the United States?

Our economy is at a critical juncture, and we want to hear your ideas on how to help it recover!

Junior Achievement of the National Capital Area and David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, invite students to submit a 1,000- to 1,500-word essay on the topic “How can Greater Washington companies responsibly and effectively deal with the economic challenges facing the United States?”

Awards

The winni ng student will receive a $2 0,000 scholar ship at the 200 9 Washington Business Hall of Fame on Dec ember 1, 2009 and will have their essay published in the January 2010 is sue of Wash ingtonian . In addition, nine runn er- up winners will each receive a $1 0,000 scholarship at the 2009 Washington Business Hall of Fame. In each of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, th e school with the greatest nu mber of eligible applications will receive $6,000.

How to Apply & Submission Deadline

Visit www.myJA.org/students/essay/ t o apply online. The compe tition begins on August 17, 2009 and all entries must be received by October 1, 2009. Winners will be announced on

Dec ember 1, 2009.

Eligibility Requirements

The competition is open to any 9th–12th grade student enrolled in an accredited high school in the 2009–2010 a cademic year in the Greater W ashington Region. All essays will be reviewed by the SafeAssign by Blackboard plagiarism prevention service. For a listing of all eligibility requirements, visit www.myJA.org/students/essay/.

About Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest non-profifit organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship through experiential, hands-on programs. All programs are provided at no cost to students or educators through the generous support of donors. Visit www.myJA.org to request a program for your classroom or to volunteer in a local school.

To learn more and apply online, visit www.myJA.org/students/essay/

Here are a few helpful links

Here are a few helpful links to information from............

How To...

 Parent's Rights and Responsibilities http://www1.pgcps.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=13132

 How to Address Questions and Concerns http://www1.pgcps.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=96538

 Read a PGCPS Report Card http://www1.pgcps.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=72400

 Obtain an Official Transcript and GPA Certification http://www1.pgcps.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=87188

 Request a Student Transfer http://www1.pgcps.org/studentrecordsandtransfers/index.aspx?id=60132

 Access Student Records http://www1.pgcps.org/studentrecordsandtransfers/index.aspx?id=5344

 Code of Student Conduct http://www.pgcps.org/~procedur/10000/10101.pdf

 Transportation Frequently Asked Questions http://www1.pgcps.org/transportation/index.aspx?id=5720

 SchoolMAX Student Information System http://www1.pgcps.org/sis/index.aspx?id=5312

 Enrichment and Specialty Programs http://www1.pgcps.org/enrichmentandspecialtyprograms/

 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Boundary Changes http://www.pgcps.org/~pasb/webdocs/frequentlyasked/default.htm

 PGCPS Lunch Menus and Nutrition Newsletter http://www.pgcps.org/~lunch/webdocs/

 School Closing Information http://www.schoolsout.com/

Advice to Parents

Hello Parents,

This website has good advice for parents. At the bottom it includes a link to the HRSA sight on bullying.

Best wishes,


http://pages.unitedhealthcare-hmhb.com/page.aspx?qs=c76003443ff9837d2e8565cc3ce9d7ae6e444fa5cc0d2ad55996defee04e41077467e664072e885014f96f0c789994c19c7f1c16af266971dc4fee3b20ac5dd660c627ce2debd33a36d00597c25fcb30

Men Make A Difference Day

Parental Engagement: Information You Can Use

ONLINE PARENTING COACH: It's been a year since our last argument...

New Haven Independent Philanthropists Join School Reform Drive

Initiative designed to bolster youthTampa Tribune"Parental engagement, being involved in all aspects of your children's lives and monitoring what they do regularly is a key component in lowering teen ...

iKeepSafe Coalition: Promoting Cyber Safety, Security, and Ethics ...By Internet Keep Safe Coalition ... by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in 2001 that promotes the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners as a simple, effective way to prevent substance abuse in kids. ...

Research tells schools to empower parentsDesMoinesRegister.com"It isn't that we're expecting parental engagement to fix the educational system, but it's a piece," said Ron Mirr, with the Iowa Parent Information ...

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS TO DELIVER STATE OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM ADDRESS

WHO: Prince George’s County Board of Education
Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, PGCPS

WHAT: Third Annual State of the School System Address

WHEN: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 • 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School • Theatre
12650 Brooke Lane Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) encourages members of the community to attend the Third Annual State of the School System Address. Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, will deliver the address on October 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro.

Elected officials, school system staff, students, families, and community members have been invited to the event. The address will highlight student achievement and school system initiatives, as well as discuss the challenges facing the school system.

Student speakers will share their success stories and performances by the Oxon Hill High School Choir and the Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School Band will showcase the musical talents of Prince George’s County public school students. Spanish translation and sign language interpretation will be available.

For media requests and assistance with live truck parking, contact the PGCPS Office of Communications at 301-952-6001.

PGCPS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

The period September 15 through October 15, 2009 has been designated National Hispanic Heritage Month. The observance of a special period for focusing on the contributions of Hispanic Americans highlights noteworthy Latinos who have played defining roles in shaping our nation and the thousands who are continuing to further the cause of freedom, equality, and social change through public action, service in government, the military, and other organizations. This year’s theme is Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now.

For information visit www.pgcps.org.

Fun, healthy recreation opportunities for teens abound at the

Fun, healthy recreation opportunities for teens abound at the 10th Annual Xtreme Teens Open Houses next Friday, October 9!

Do you ever hear the statement, “I’m bored; there’s nothing to do!” from the teens you know? The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation has the cure for boredom blues—Xtreme Teens!

Help us spread the word to any young people you know that next Friday, October 9 from 7-10 pm, youth ages 10-17 and their families are invited to check out everything the Xtreme Teens program has to offer at our 10th Annual Open Houses.

Between 7 and 10 pm that night, teens can stop by any Prince George's County M-NCPPC community center, Allentown Fitness & Splash Park, Fairland Sports and Aquatics Complex, the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex or Mount Rainier Nature Center to see our programs in action. That night, teens and pre-teens will have the opportunity to meet the dedicated leaders of the Xtreme Teens program and learn all about the exciting year-round recreational programs available to them, such as arts, nature activities, job opportunities, service learning and volunteer projects, classes, trips, health and wellness programs, college preparation, open gym and sports.

Teens and pre-teens can also register to win an iPod Touch that night when they scan their FREE M-NCPPC Youth ID cards—the passport to the Xtreme Teens program. If your teens don't already have an ID card, no problem! Their parent or guardian can sign the whole family up for a SMARTlink account at the open houses, and the teen will be able to get a FREE M-NCPPC Youth ID card there.

Attached is a PDF flier about the open houses you can print and hand out to interested teens and families. For more information, call 301-699-CALL (2255); TTY 301-446-3402. Thank you for your help in spreading the word about Xtreme Teens!

SPOTLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTS IN SCHOOLS

STATE SUPERINTENDENT, PTA, PIRC MEMBERS

LAUNCH MARYLAND PARENT INVOLVEMENT MONTH

WHO: Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools Debbie Ritchie, Maryland PTA President, Susan Shaffer, Executive Director, Maryland Parental Information Resource Center and Dr. Sydney Cousin, Howard County Superintendent

WHAT: Event kicking off October as Maryland Parent Involvement Month. The event will include the announcement of the Governor’s Proclamation designating October as Maryland Parent Involvement Month, the first time Maryland has dedicated a month to this very critical element to student success. The month of October will be dedicated to raising awareness about the various types of parent involvement at schools across Maryland in preparation for National Parent Involvement Day on November 19, 2009.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Monday, October 5

WHERE: Talbott Springs Elementary School 9550 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, MD 21045, 410-313-6915

Information Parent Can Use

Information from the Laurel PTA

Please note the information above regarding the City of Laurel's paper shredding and electronic recycling event this Saturday October 3 for Laurel city residents.

Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30: Ice Cream Social and Ice Cream Eating Contest: PTA members are free and all others are $1 each. Please rsvp by Monday, October 5 if you plan to attend.

Saturday, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon: Beautification Day: flyer to come home today for participation/information.

Monday, October 12 is Men Make a Difference Day: 8:15 a.m. -8:30 a.m. coffee and donuts; 8:30 a.m. Guest Speaker: Fred Smalls, Laurel City Council Member, Dad and Granddad. Spend some time in the classroom with your child and/or eat lunch with your child. Flyer to go home today with rsvp information on it.

Tuesday, October 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Taste Our Hispanic Heritage Night: food, parade of nations, dancing and more! If you can volunteer to help out at this event, please send us an email or rsvp with the flyer that went home. Another reminder will be sent next week.

Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m. Side by Side presents the next Parent Academy at Deerfield Run: dinner, childcare and presentation on children's behavior.

October 22-November 5: Krispy Kreme Fundraiser (more information available soon)November 11: First Parent/Teacher Conferences/Krispy Kreme pickup Have a great weekend!