Bring Your Child To School On The First Day

In a recent survey conducted by Forest Of The Rain Productions over 84% of those who responded to the survey indicated they will bring their child to school on the first day. When asked if the first day was the start of a year long commitment to be actively involved in the academic lives of their children 100% of those surveyed stated yes.

If you are interested in participating in the survey, please click the link below.

Bring Your Child To School On The First Day

Parent Alert:

Hello Parents,

Please review the new cell phone and other portable electronic devices Administrative Procedures for the SY 2010-2011. This is important information for you and your child to know.

CELL PHONES AND OTHER PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Men Make A Difference Day

Men Make A Difference Day

On October 11, 2010 Fathers and significant male role models in the lives of children are being called to visit their child's school. We are asking fathers and all father figures to observe classroom instruction, to meet school officials and to volunteer at least seven hours of your time over the school year.
“Children whose fathers are involved in their education have greater academic achievement than their peers, even when taking into account their mothers’ involvement. Father's involvement in their children's education was associated with greater academic achievement, even when controlling for mothers' involvement" (McBride, Brent A. 2005).For more information please click on: http://www.familyfacts.org/findingdetail.cfm?finding=9373.

Fathers/significant male role models:

Have a major impact on student success. Data shows that when fathers and significant male role models are involved students: • Make As and Bs • Have greater motivation to succeed • Have higher self-esteem • Have less health and emotional problems • More confidence • Are less likely to use drugs • Girls are less likely to engage in pre-marital sex • Are less likely to become teenage parents

Spirit of Love Fest”

"Spirit of Love Fest”

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Attn: Community Stakeholders:

We want to invite you to the 1st Annual “Spirit of Love Fest” event. Christian World Links, Inc. & Hey Papi Promotions is pleased to host this year’s first “Spirit of Love Fest”. On Saturday, August 28, 2010 this spectacular event will take place at Laurel Lakes, also known as, “Granville Gude Park,” 7901 Cypress St. Laurel, MD 20707, between 12 pm to 5 pm.

Countless families and individuals are struggling just to survive in the midst of a poor economy. People are losing their homes, their jobs and their peace of mind. As gifts of love there will be free items distributed, free health screening and access to various sources of help that are available in our city or state. This event will let those that are struggling know that we do care, and we are here to help, as well as, bring support and encouragement during these economic challenging times.

Our Free items will include Back to School Supplies, Health Education and Screening, Food Distribution, Financial Guidance, Housing Assistance, Employment Opportunities and Utility Services. There will also be live entertainment and a variety of childrens’ activities. In addition, there will be a host of vendors with everything from food to clothing, reaching out to the entire community of Laurel and the surrounding areas.

As a sponsor or a vendor at this ideal event, it will enhance your organization’s credibility and visibility within the community. This premier event will create promotional opportunities through your participation and assist your company in acquiring attention and awareness via advertisements and media exposure.

Attached for your consideration are our sponsor and vendor packages. The application deadline is July 24, 2010. Please visit “The Spirit of Love Fest” web link www.spiritoflovefest.com. For further inquiries please contact Christian World Links at 877-312-7737 or send an email to diane@christianworldlinks.org.

Kind Regards,
Diane Garey (Host) & Shawn Hay (Co-Host)

WWW.CHRISTIANWORLDLINKS.ORG

An exclusive interview with former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr

An exclusive interview with former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., who has announced he is a candidate for Maryland Governor can be heard on the Parents and PGCPS website an EduSocial Network for engaged parents and dedicated educators. Mr. Ehrlich will appear on eCommunity Affairs. The show is airing now. To join the conversation visit Parents and PGCPS.


BIO

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. was Maryland's 60th governor. Governor Ehrlich was elected to lead Maryland in November 2002 after promising to restore fiscal responsibility to state government and bring needed change to a political monopoly that had dominated Annapolis for decades. The Governor made good on his promises, turning $4 billion in deficits into a $2.4 billion surplus and appointing the most politically diverse and qualified cabinet in Maryland's history.

Growing up in ArbutusGovernor Ehrlich was born in 1957 in Arbutus, Maryland, a small, working-class suburb of Baltimore City. His mother, Nancy, was a legal secretary. Bob Sr., a former Marine and Korean War veteran, worked as a commission salesman at Archway Ford in Baltimore for 37 years. In 1967, the Ehrlich family moved out of an apartment and into a row house on Dolores Avenue, where Mr. and Mrs. Ehrlich still live today.

Education Governor Ehrlich won scholarships to the Gilman School in Baltimore and later to Princeton University. While at Gilman, Governor Ehrlich was named captain of the football team and won all-state and all-American honors. His academic and football success continued at Princeton University, where he studied political science and co-captained the football team. To make ends meet, he sold sandwiches door to door at night, and worked construction jobs on the weekends. After graduating from Princeton in 1979, Governor Ehrlich entered the Wake Forest University School of Law, where he worked as an graduate assistant football coach to earn extra money, while attending classes during the day.

Legal Career After Governor Ehrlich finished law school in 1982, he moved back to Maryland to work for the Baltimore law firm of Ober, Kaler, Grimes, and Shriver, where he practiced for more than a decade. While working as an attorney, Governor Ehrlich ran successfully for the House of Delegates, where he was known for a collegial style that helped him build bridges - and forge lasting friendships - across the political aisle. He was a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, and fought for the rights of children on the Governor's Council on Child Abuse and Neglect.

Public OfficeIn 1994, Bob Ehrlich was elected to the United States House of Representatives. While serving in Congress, he helped craft the first balanced budget in a generation, sponsored legislation to protect innocent spouses from IRS abuse, authored legislation to help blind and disabled citizens return to the workplace, and led efforts to stiffen penalties on criminals convicted of gun violence. Congressman Ehrlich was a leading advocate for small business owners and helped provide record tax relief to the American people.

Bob Ehrlich's historic election as governor in 2002 ended the monopoly's grasp on government and began a legacy of reform. In addition to balancing the budget, Governor Ehrlich defeated $7.5 billion in tax hikes proposed by the Maryland General Assembly, while increasing public school funding by record levels. He enacted Maryland's first-ever charter schools law, establishing 15 charter schools benefiting more than 3,000 students in just three years.

Governor Ehrlich doubled investments in college need-based scholarships, helping 12,000 students go to college. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation called Governor Ehrlich's Bay Restoration Act, “the most important pollution-reducing initiative in the state in 20 years.” The Governor's plan will reduce pollution into the Bay by seven million pounds per year—cutting current levels nearly in half.

More than 100,000 net new private-sector jobs were created during his time as Governor. Maryland's unemployment rate was one of the lowest in the nation at approximately 4 percent and its welfare rate is at its lowest level since 1962.

Former Governor Ehrlich is married to Kendel Sibiski Ehrlich, a former assistant public defender and assistant state’s attorney. The Ehrlichs are the proud parents of two sons, Drew and Joshua.

eCommunity Affairs Discusses Education in Prince George's County Maryland with Three Candidates for the Board of Education

The Journey Begin radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator presents eCommunity Affairs' discussion on the future of education in Prince George's County, Maryland with three candidates for the Board of Education,

Mr. Henry Armwood (candidate for District 7), Mrs. Carolyn Boston (candidate for District 6) and Mrs. Amiee Olivo (candidate for District 4). The exclusive interview can be heard on the Parents and PGCPS website an EduSocial Network for engaged parents and dedicated educators or downloaded on our 24 hour podcast site: Engaged Parents For PGCPS. The show is airing now. To join the conversation visit Parents and PGCPS.

An exclusive interview with Mr. Sam Dean candidate for County Executive for Prince George's County, Maryland

An exclusive interview with Mr. Sam Dean candidate for County Executive for Prince George's County, Maryland can be heard on the Parents and PGCPS website an EduSocial Network for engaged parents and dedicated educators or downloaded on our 24 hour podcast site: Engaged Parents For PGCPS. Mr. Sam Dean will appear on eCommunity Affairs. The show is airing now. To join the conversation visit Parents and PGCPS.

Bio

Council Member Samuel H. Dean was overwhelmingly reelected in November 2006, to a second four-year term on the Prince George’s County Council by 99-percent of the voters in District 6. He was first elected to the Council, winning 93-percent of the vote, in November 2002. Council Member Dean represents the nearly 110,000 citizens residing in the District 6 communities of South Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Kettering, Largo, Mitchellville, and Upper Marlboro. District 6 is the largest district in population in the County and second largest in land mass.

Recognized for his strong leadership ability, Council Member Dean was twice elected Council Chairman by his colleagues, serving in that capacity during Legislative Year 2005, and again in Legislative Year 2008. The second term as Chairman in 2008, filled the vacancy left by the resignation of former Chairman David C. Harrington, following his appointment to the State Senate. Council Member Dean served as Council Vice-Chairman in Legislative Year 2004. During his second term as Council Chairman, he was a leading member of the County’s visiting presentation team with the County Executive to the New York bond rating houses, resulting for the first time in the County’s history in a Triple A Bond Rating.

For the 2010 Legislative Year, Council Member Dean serves as Chairman of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee (PZED), a position he has held for four of his eight years on the Committee; is a member of the Public Safety and Fiscal Management Committee (PSFM), serves in a leadership role on the Council Budget Process Committee. Mr. Dean is a member of the Rules, General Assembly and Committee of the Whole (COW), Council Representative and Liaison to the Board of Education, member of the Board of Directors, Economic Development Committee, Board Member of the Prince George’s Community College Foundation; and alternate Council Representative to the Dimensions Healthcare System. He is an Advisory Board Member of Envision, a community visioning project sponsored by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). Mr. Dean chaired the Council’s Blue Ribbon Committee on the High School Assessment examinations that study and made recommendations to the State Board of Education on the potential impact of the examinations on County students. Council Member Dean has served on every Council standing committee during his tenure, and chaired the Transportation, Housing and The Environment Committee (THE) Committee during first year on the Council.

He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Technology from the University of Maryland, University College, in College Park.

Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies

Furrer & Skinner (2002) acknowledged parental engagement has an important role in the motivation of student academic performance and relationship with their teachers. According to researchers parental involvement “is a common vehicle for bringing teachers and parents together in schools” (Pushor, 2007, p.2). To that end, Forest Of The Rain Productions is hosting a one day parental engagement conference The purpose of the 2010 “Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies” is to support the efforts of parents, communities and schools to create partnerships to impact children learning and academic achievement.

During this remarkable one day conference, seminal researchers and experts in community outreach, public education, and family involvement will present best practices, strategies and evidence based method for developing and improving parental engagement programs. Conference topics are: (a) Effective Strategies to Engage Hispanic Families; (b) National Parental Engagement Policies and Best Practices; (c) How to Effectively Engage Military Families; (d) Parental Engagement: A Superintendent’s Perspective; (e) The Importance of Parent, Community and School Partnerships; (f) Parental Engagement at The High School Level; and (g) The Benefits of Parental Engagement.

Please make plans to attend!

Name: “Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies”

Date: October 8, 2010

Time: 8am-4:30pm

Location: Comfort Suites Hotel, Laurel, Maryland

Registration Deadline: September 27, 2010

Cost: $65.00 per person

Who Should Attend: School Administrators, Parents, Teachers, Community Stakeholders, PTA members and all who support the partnership between homes and schools.

Register online at "Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies"

Contact Information: Forest Of The Rain Productions
P.O. Box 326
Savage, Maryland 20763
240.593.3813
www.forestoftherain.net
forestoftherain@gmail.com

An exclusive interview with Mr. Rushern Baker candidate for County Executive for Prince George's County, Maryland

An exclusive interview with Mr. Rushern Baker candidate for County Executive for Prince George's County, Maryland can be heard on the Parents and PGCPS website an EduSocial Network for engaged parents and dedicated educators or downloaded on our 24 hour podcast site: Engaged Parents For PGCPS. Mr. Rushern Baker will appear on eCommunity Affairs. The show is airing now. To join the conversation visit Parents and PGCPS.

BIO

Rushern Baker was born in Valdosta, Georgia. As the son of a decorated Vietnam veteran, Rushern experienced life in Okinawa, Japan; North Carolina; and Massachusetts where he graduated from high school. Rushern converted an early struggle with reading to a hearty appetite for books, thanks to the support of his parents and a few dedicated teachers. Rushern attended Howard University where he received his Bachelor's degree in History and later a Juris Doctorate Degree from Howard University Law School. Rushern's professional experiences include serving as an equal opportunity lawyer, economic development specialist, and private practice attorney. The citizens of the 22nd District elected Rushern to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1994, where he served as Chair of the Prince George's Delegation for four years. Baker currently is Executive Director of Community Teachers Institute, a K-12 education reform nonprofit, which is based in Landover, MD. While at Howard University, Rushern met and married Christa Beverly, a graduate of Howard University's undergraduate program and William and Mary Law School. The couple has three children, two attending public school in Prince George's County and one in college at Cooper Union in New York. The Baker family lives in a modest home in Cheverly, Maryland. Visit me online at www.rushernbaker.com

An exclusive interview with Ms. Robin Breddon candidate for Maryland State Delegate District 23B

An exclusive interview with Ms. Robin Breddon candidate for Maryland State Delegate District 23B for Prince George's County, Maryland can be heard on the Parents and PGCPS website an EduSocial Network for engaged parents and dedicated educators or downloaded on our 24 hour podcast site: Engaged Parents For PGCPS. Ms. Breedon will appear on eCommunity Affairs. The show will air on August 3, 2010. To join the conversation visit Parents and PGCPS.



BIO

Current occupation: Director, Department of Television Resources & Web Services, Prince George's County Public Schools; adjunct professor, broadcasting, Morgan State University.

-Education: Master of Fine Arts candidate, Writing Popular Fiction, Seton Hill University, January, 2011; Master of Arts, Writing Popular Fiction, Seton Hill University, 2004; Bachelor's in communications (journalism and public relations), Howard University, 1978; and high school diploma, Arts High School, Newark, N.J., 1974.

-Community associations, involvement: First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Parent Teacher Associations, WPGC 95 Coat Drive, Stop the Violence Campaign, Books Not Bullets, Nobody Asked Me Campaign (domestic violence, anti-drugs, help for homeless, etc.), Adopt a Child Spotlight.

She started her career in newspapers in the Capp Cities Journalism Training Program reporting for the FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, THE KANSAS CITY STAR & TIMES, and THE OAKLAND PRESS. Then, she moved on to become an assignment editor for WPVI TV, the ABC affiliate in Philadelphia. Other television work includes reporting for NBC and CBS affiliates in Mississippi and Louisiana, and working for NBC Network Documentaries in New York.

Breedon is a graduate of Howard University with a degree in Communications and has a MA degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University.

Thousands took the ride home with Breedon weekdays from 4-8pm on WPRS 104.1 FM Washington’s Inspiration Station. She is an adjunct Communications Professor at Morgan State University and is the Director of the Department of Television Resources and Web Services for Prince George’s County Public Schools, the nation’s 19th largest school system. But her most important job is being mom to her two sons Simon and DJ.