1. education
2. school

December– February 2014
Anne Arundel County Public
Wildcat News
Principal Stratton’s Desk:
Dear Wildcats,
With the first quarter behind
us, we are now faced with the challenge of maintaining or improving
academic performance during the
holidays and winter. Second quarter
grades traditionally drop and I implore you to assist us in keeping our
students focused on learning. The
spring will bring numerous state and
national assessments and the time
and effort put into learning now will
certainly benefit students in the
spring. I invite all parents to review
the new PARCC assessments that all
Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and English 10
students will take this March. You can
log on to www.PARCConline.org. You
will then click on Test Preparation.
You will have a choice between the
English or ELA assessment or Math
assessment. Once you are in either
test, you will have grade level or
course options to view. I believe an
examination of this material will bring
a greater understanding to the school
work your children are doing at our
school. Students are required to read
complex text and be able to answer
questions that require pulling evidence from the text for the answer.
Students must be able to define vocabulary using the context clues in the
article and to write full essays using
multiple texts. Academic focus is required to complete the PARCC assessments just as academic focus is needed in all classes.
Wildcat Hour is a one hour
lunch period that provides time for
students to complete academic responsibilities. As a result, the court
yards have been closed. Declining
grades during the second semester
last year and student misbehavior this
semester led to the courtyards being
closed. During each half of the Wildcat
Hour, students have access to teachers for homework, tutoring, reteaching and tutoring. Teachers are
also available for a quiet place to read
study or listen quietly to music. This
hour is not a recess but is time for
students to enjoy lunch and pursue a
club or academic opportunity. Please
join me and the Arundel staff in reinforcing this message with your children.
cation options currently used by
our school: email, Website with
links to other programs and people, Twitter, ParentConnect, and
ConnectEd phone messages/
emails. The PTSO is also developing an email distribution. Elections
were held on November 8. The
election results are President Stephanie Mutchler, Vice President- Stacey Montagne, and
Treasury -Karen Leavy. The position of Secretary is vacant due to
a lack of nominations. If you are
interested in serving as Secretary,
please forward your name to me.
Our next PTSO meeting and
Coffee with the Principal is January 10, 2015 from 9:00 am – 10:30
am in the Media Center. I hope to
Students currently enrolled in
see you there!
Advanced Placement courses are
training for the world of college and
career. These students are completing
I wish you and your family a very
a freshmen level college course. They
joyous and happy Holiday Season!
are expected to complete the university like course by taking the end of
course assessment known as the AdWith Wildcat
vanced Placement test. Ms. Adair,
Pride,
School Test Coordinator and Advanced
Placement Coordinator, is currently
taking test registrations. You can con- Sharon
tact her by phone or email at
Stratton
adair@aacps.org. Again, every AP student is strongly encouraged to comPrincipal
plete this college experience by taking Arundel High
the AP test. Test fee assistance is
School
available for those who qualify.
Please stay informed by
checking out the following communi-
Calendar of Events
December
December 2
New Parking Permit Mandatory Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Cafeteria
December 6
S.A.T.
December 9
Middle School Parent Scheduling Night, 6:30 p.m., Auditorium
December 9
Music Boosters Meeting, 7 p.m., B102
December 11
Athletic Boosters Meeting, 7 p.m., Media
December 13
Craft Fair, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
December 12
Interims
December 16
Parent Teacher Conferences, R.S.V.P. 410-674-6500
December 18
Music Department Winter Concert, 7 p.m. Auditorium
December 19
SWAT Performance, 6 p.m., Auditorium
Dec. 24 – Jan. 2
School & Office Closed
January
January 5
Schools Open For Teachers and Students
January 6
Parent Information Night, AP Potential, PSAT, Scheduling for 15-16, 6 p.m., Aud.
January 8
Athletic Boosters Meeting, 7 p.m., Media
January 9
Blood Drive during the school day – staff & students only
January 10
Coffee with the Principal, 9 a.m., Media
January 12 -23
High School Assessment Administration
January 13
Music Boosters Meeting, 7 p.m., B102
January 15
Winter Dance Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
January 16
(snow date) Winter Dance Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
January 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Commemoration – All Schools & Offices Closed
January 20-23
High School Semester Examinations – 2-hour early dismissal for all students
January 23
End Of Second Marking Period
January 24
S.A.T.
January 26 & 27
Schools Closed For Students
January 28
Beginning Of Third Marking Period
January 30
Arundel’s Got Talent, 7 p.m., Auditorium
Calendar of Events
February
February 2
Noche Latina, 4 p.m., E211
February 3
Report Card Distribution
February 5
FAFSA Workshop, 6 p.m., Media & Computer Lab
February 6
SWAT Performance, 7 p.m., Auditorium
February 10
Music Boosters Meeting, 7 p.m., B102
February 11
Professional Development – 2-hour early dismissal for all students
February 12
Athletic Boosters Meeting, 7 p.m., Media
February 12
Arundel Feeder Concert, 7 p.m., Auditorium
February 16
Presidents’ Day – All Schools & Central Offices Closed
February 28
Spring Sports Begin
The National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization dedicated to recognizing and encouraging those students who demonstrate excellence not only in the classroom, but as leaders in
their schools and communities as well. The core values of the NHS are: Academics, Leadership, Service, and Character. Because its members must distinguish themselves in all four of
these categories, the National Honor Society is one of the most prestigious honor societies in
the nation. On the evening of October 27th, the Arundel High School Chapter of the National
Honor Society inducted the following students:
Madeline Baker
Caitlyn Baicar
Alanna Bater
Alexus Battle
Alexandra Berrich
Madeline Beaudry
Caleb Campbell
Kaitlyn Comer
Lydia Ditzenberger
Caroline Doughty
Maureen Eggleston
David Eppinger
Christopher Ford
Noah Foster
Rachael Fox
Justin Hachey
Logan Heflin
Arden Higginbotham
Joyful Howard
Vanna Lewis
Noah Lincoln
Austin McCarron
Jordan McClung
Rachel McHarg
Brian Musliner
Mary Newman
Taylor Norvell
Sara Pohland
Michelle Rackley
Sam Ranck
Peter Rendina
Whitney Ross
Rebekah Schrier
Madison Sewell
Danielle Sharo
Michael Silva
Kristal Stanley
Natalia Tanko
Andrew Wick
2014—2015 National Honor Society Inductees
2015-16 Scheduling
Information
Dear Parents,
The scheduling process for the 2015-2016 school year will begin during the month of December for
incoming 9th graders and January for current Arundel High students. As you work with your student
to make selections for the 2015-2016 school year, I want to remind you of the goals and values at
Arundel High School. The school’s goal is to have every student enroll in an Honors/Advanced
Placement course and to be successful on the AP exam by achieving a 3 or better on the AP exam.
Arundel values “high expectations and rigor” and this can be reflected by the courses you choose for
the upcoming school year. Students should be pushing themselves to take the higher level course
when they have been successful at the current level. Your students’ commitment to challenge themselves and persevere will serve them well as they move on to college.
We will be working with incoming 9th grade students to schedule for the upcoming school year during the months of December and January. Incoming ninth graders will receive a course selection
sheet and Arundel High Program of Study. Middle school teachers will make recommendations for
what courses students should take. Then, Arundel High counselors will meet with incoming ninth
grade students to select appropriate courses and electives. Middle school students will bring home
a printout of what courses the student selected with their counselors. Parents are to sign the sheet
and return it to the middle school. If you have any concerns or comments, please write a note on the
printout and counselors will follow up with the concerns.
For upperclassmen (current 9th graders thru 11th graders), high school teachers in core classes will
make recommendations online for what core (English, Math, Social Studies, Science and World
Classical Languages) courses students should take for the 2015-2016 year in December. On January 6th, upperclassmen will receive a course selection sheet and Arundel High Program of Study
from their English teachers. From January 6th thru January 14th, 2015 students should speak with
teachers about their recommendations they made regarding core classes. Then, students and parents should discuss which core classes the student should choose and select electives. In February,
Arundel High counselors will meet with the students to select appropriate courses and electives.
Students will bring home a printout of the courses the student selected with their counselors. Parents are to sign the sheet and return it to the high school. If you have any concerns or comments,
please write a note on the printout and counselors will follow up with the concerns.
In the spring, Arundel High School will send home another copy of the course selection for students
and parents to verify. If there are any concerns or comments, please write a note on the printout and
return it to the school. Otherwise, we will assume the selected courses are acceptable.
Please take a moment to review the timeline for scheduling process:
Articulation and Scheduling Calendar
2014-2015
Middle School Articulation Schedule
December 9th
Arundel and Crofton Middle School Parent Information Night at 6:30 pm, Auditorium
December 10th-12th
Arundel High Counselors meet with Arundel Middle Students
December 18th
All forms from Arundel Middle schools need to be returned and forms need to be
signed by parents
January 14th- 16th
Arundel High counselors meet with Crofton Middle School Students
January 21st
All forms from Crofton Middle schools need to be returned and forms need to be
signed by parents
High School Articulation Schedule
January 6th
Scheduling Information (Registration Forms and Arundel’s Program of Study) distributed and discussed
in CATS for upperclassmen
January 6th
Parent Night-Course Selection, AP Potential, AP Panel (Student and Parent) DC and Teachers Display Information for AP and Honor Elective Courses, Global Signature Program at 6:30 pm
January 8th
Course/Elective Fair – Gym, during Wildcat Hour
January 14th
CATS teachers will collect course selection forms
February 12th
Counselors begin to meet with students in library to discuss recommendations, course selections and
electives
Club News
Arundel HS Marching Band earned 4th place at the US Bands National Open Class
Championship @ the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.
Our Poetry Out Loud winner is Will Debus and our runner up is Morgan Lawrence
with Amanda Linke taking 3rd. Will is competing in the next round on January 6th
at the Board of Education.
The Cosmic Club has been meeting every Monday
during the second half of Wildcat Hour in G105.
Topics of discussion include: astrophotography, Mars
in retrograde, scale of the universe, upcoming astronomical events and much more! Please encourage
any student that is interested in the stars, the planets,
the universe, and beyond to attend. The Cosmic Club
meetings are out of this world.
Join the Green Team/Envirothon in welcoming the Baby Diamondback Terrapins from
Arlington Echo. Winning names chosen for the terrapins are Poseidon and Neptune.
Arundel will serve as their home all year as they grow into healthy adults. In May
2015, they will be release on Poplar Island in the Chesapeake Bay in hopes of increasing their population numbers in the wild, creating a healthier ecosystem, and providing
valuable information on current terrapin research. Please by and say hi to Poseidon and
Neptune in G102!
Club News
The Speech and Debate Team sponsored a tournament at Arundel on November
15. Approximately 200 students from schools from all over the Baltimore metropolitan area
participated. Nearly 20 students from Arundel competed in such events as original oratory,
dramatic performance, oral interpretation of literature, extemporaneous and impromptu
speaking, and debate. The team will compete in 3 more tournaments between December
and February; students who qualify will compete in the league finals in March. The Grand
National Tournament scheduled for May will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Arundel is
hoping to have several students qualify for bids to compete at that level.
H2 (Homework Help) is a
new club we would like all
students and parents to
join us in welcoming. We
hope to see many of our
students take advantage of
this opportunity.
The Arundel Craft Fair, planned for December
13, is a major fundraiser for the Speech and
Debate Team, as well as for several other academic clubs. Please come out to support our
students.
Dear Parent/Guardian:
I wanted to take this opportunity to invite your student to participate in our H 2 Initiative.
H2 stands for Homework Help. This is an afterschool program designed to help your student complete, or at least begin, their
homework in various subjects. We all know that successful homework completion is essential to success on assessments and
even helps build confidence through a sense of accomplishment.
Your student has the opportunity to work on assignments in a structured environment with some of our in-house resources. Our
helpers consist of college tutors, Arundel High School teachers, and Arundel Peer tutors. Their mission is to help your student
get started on task completion and develop a critical thinking process to problem solving across all subjects. Any assignments
not finished in H2 are the student’s sole responsibility to complete.
Below are the program details:
- H2 will meet Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 - 4:00 pm in the Media Center
- Tutors will assist with homework completion and gaining proficiency in various subject areas
- Transportation is not provided. Therefore, parents/guardians should plan accordingly.
If you are interested in having your student participate in this wonderful opportunity, please respond to Katara West at
krwest@aacps.org with the following information. You may fax the document below to 410-672-3711 or have your student
bring the form to Ms. West.
1.
Student Name
2.
Parent/Guardian Name
3.
Parent/Guardian Email address
4.
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
5.
Student Email address
Feel free to contact Ms. West if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Katara West
Katara West
Equity Coordinator
H2 Homework Club
Sign-Up Form
We are happy you are interested in having your student come to the H 2 Homework Help Club.
Please complete the following information and fax to 410-672-3711 or have your student bring the form to Ms. West at Arundel
High School.
1. Parent/guardian name
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Parent/guardian phone number
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Parent/guardian email address
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. Student’s name
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. Student’s email address
_____________________________________________________________________________
6. Day or days your student will be attending ____ Wednesday ____Thursday ___Both
Senior News
Class Dues
Only about 25% of the Senior class have paid dues, which contribute to the expenses of
prom and the graduation ceremony. DUES are $60 and can be paid to Ms. Rains in G104
during CATS or WCH 2nd lunch Mon-Fri. Cash, checks made payable to Arundel High School
and money orders are accepted.
Senior Portraits
All make up portrait dates must be arranged through Lifetouch Studios http://www.lifetouch.com or call 1800-445-1189. In order to be in the yearbook, your photo MUST be taken by Lifetouch; photos taken by outside photographers cannot be accepted and therefore will not appear in the yearbook.
Senior Class Panoramic Photo
The photo will be taken on Wednesday December 10 towards the end of 1st period.
This is a B Day and all seniors present that day will be in the photo. Photo orders
will be addressed the day of the photo.
Senior News
Cap and Gown Orders
Cap and Gown orders MUST be placed by December 31, 2014 in order to avoid a price increase. The
cap and gown unit (which includes the tassel) is $42.40 (tax INCLUDED) orders may be placed directly
through Jostens website www.jostens.com . All students must purchase a new cap and gown through
Jostens, previously worn caps and gowns are not permitted.
How do I stay current on Class News?
Please sign up for TEXT Message reminders by texting “@dues2015” to (443)
991-7628. You can also sign up via email: visit this site https://www.remind.com/join/dues2015
Senior Parents are needed to help with the After Prom Breakfast
If you are interested please join our parent yahoo group at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/arundel2015/
info
Dec 2014 – February 2015
SCHOOL COUNSELING STAFF
Ms. Heather Heck
A-Dam
Ms. Karol Bloch Dan-Hog
Mrs. Sue Young Hoh - Men (9 & 10)
Mr. Luke Wilhelm
Hoh - Men (11 & 12)
Department Chair
Mr. Anthony Diggs
Meo - Scp
Mrs. Rhonda Smith
Scq - Z
Mrs. Sandy Sears
School Registrar
TECHNOLOGY IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB PAGE !!!!!!!!
arundelhigh.org>counseling office
School Counseling Announcement - up to date calendar of events
Counseling Quick Links to popular sites such as ACT and SAT sign - ups, Naviance,
College Planning Process - walks you through the selection process
Scholarships - Free Money
Financial Aid - Information on FAFSA and loans
College and Career - Help with selecting and planning for career
Collegiate Athletes - links to NCAA and more
Registrar's Office - how to enroll, transfer to another school, and fees for services
Parent Presentations - power point presentations for entering 9th and rising seniors
Forms - learner's permit, records release, transcript requests, work permits
AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW SCHOLARSHIP BLOG!!!!!!!
www.arundelscholarhips.edublogs.org.
Naviance Family Connection
Naviance Family Connection is a web-based service designed especially for students and parents. Family Connection is a comprehensive website that you can use to help in making decisions about courses, colleges, and careers. Using Family Connection will allow you to:
 Get involved in the planning and advising process – Build a resume, complete on-line surveys, and manage timelines and
deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers
 Research colleges – Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from our school
for students who have applied and been admitted in the past
 Take career inventories – Inventories will assess students’ personality and interests and will recommend careers with
provide up-to-date career information
Sign up for college visits – Find out which colleges are visiting our school and sign up to attend those sessions
Family Connection also lets us share information with you about up-coming meetings and events, local scholarship opportunities, and other web resources for college and career information. You can also use the site to send your counselor an e-mail
message. Please contact your counselor to get login information
ACT DATES
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration
December 13, 2014
November 7, 2014
November 8–21, 2014
February 7, 2015*
January 9, 2015
January 10–16, 2015
April 18, 2015
March 13, 2015
March 14–27, 2015
June 13, 2015
May 8, 2015
May 9–22, 2015
SAT DATES
December 6, 2014
November 6, 2014
November 24, 2014
January 24, 2015
December 29, 2014
January 13, 2015
March 14, 2015
February 13, 2015
March 3, 2015
May 2, 2015
April 6, 2015
April 21, 2015
June 6, 2015
May 8, 2015
May 27, 2015
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Now is the time to start looking forward to the 2015-2016 school year, so be sure to complete your FAFSA
after January 1, and before March 1. You can complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.
If you want to apply for state grants and scholarships, you MUST submit your 2015-2016 FAFSA by
March 1, 2015.
Making this deadline can significantly increase your financial aid awards. If you miss this deadline, you can still apply for Federal grants and loans, but you will not be considered for state aid from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
WE’RE HERE TO HELP!!!!!
On Thursday, February 5th at 6:00 PM counselors will be available to help you with your FAFSA.
SENIOR BANNERS
The school counseling department is offering you an opportunity to display a message to
your son or daughter to commemorate his/her success on their own banner. This is the
fifth year we are sponsoring this popular event and each year we have more students participating.
Banners will be hung from the hallway ceilings for the fourth marking period. Order forms
for the banner are below or can be picked up in the school counseling office. The cost of
the banner is just $35.00. Students will be given their banner at the end of the school year
so they can keep it as a memento or hang in their dorm room.
Orders are due by February 27th. Please contact Mrs. Young in the school counseling office
if you have any questions.
SENIOR BANNERS !!!!!!!
ORDER FORM
Student Name: _________________Phone: _________
Please use Yearbook Picture: _______Yes ______No
Other Picture Included: ______Yes
Line 1:
______No
ARUNDEL HIGH SCHOOL
Line 2: (Up to 24 letters) ________________________
Line 3: (Up to 24 letters) _________________________
Line 4: (Up to 36 letters)_________________________
Please enclose check for $35 payable to Arundel High School. Take order form and check
to the School Counseling Office. Last day to order: Feb 27, 2015
Questions: Call 410-672-4921
In School
Intervention
In an effort to find ways to keep Arundel students on the path to success,
we’ve started an In-School-Intervention Program. ISI is utilized as a disciplinary consequence that is a step before suspension on the progressive discipline ladder. The purpose of ISI is to keep students in school, and provide an
academic, reflective, and supportive opportunity for students, when they are
referred to the administration. This is an intervention that involves a student
staying in the ISI room for a day or more, receiving academic and counseling
components. It affords students the opportunity to change their behaviors for
the better. We anticipate great success with the implementation of ISI here at
Arundel. Mr. Delano Brown is the behavior assistant specialist for the In
School Intervention program. His email djbrown1@aacps.org.
What is PBIS and What is it doing at Arundel High School?
Submitted for the PBIS committee by Gary Van Essen, mathematics teacher at AHS
By now you may have heard the term “PBIS” or seen some of Arundel’s PBIS awards on the walls of our
hallways. PBIS stands for “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.” PBIS in Maryland dates to
1999. Since 1999 PBIS has been implemented in 956 schools representing all 24 local school systems in
the state. According to the MSDE website:
PBIS is a decision making framework that guides the selection, integration, and implementation
of evidence-based academic and behavioral practices for improving outcomes for all students.
This is accomplished by targeting staff behavior and teaching students agreed upon behavioral
expectations while promoting a shift from reactive, punitive practices to prevention and the promotion of positive behavior.
At Arundel aspects of our PBIS system include our PRIDE motto, pride bucks, a student behavior management process that is provided to all teachers, a system for reporting minor incidents and lessons
presented in CATS class. During CATS lessons teachers work with students to clarify and discuss expectations for student behavior in and out of our school building. Our PRIDE motto outlines our expectations for each student. Each student is expected to be positive, responsible, involved, diligent and efficient. When adults in our school see students demonstrating PRIDE, they acknowledge students’ behavior by giving that student a PRIDE buck. PRIDE bucks can be turned in for bi-weekly drawings to win
prizes. If students’ behavior does not demonstrate the expectations of PRIDE, teachers work with students and parents to teach appropriate behavior. This system of positive behavior interventions helps
to keep Arundel High school a place where all students can reach their maximum potential.
As the year progresses, look for continued updates in this newsletter about how PBIS is making Arundel
High School a better place for learning and student success!
PBIS DISCIPLINE UPDATE
So far this school year, we have had a slightly
higher number of referrals when compared to
this time last school year. When we look at
referrals by categories there are two soft
offense categories that stand out – Disrespect,
Disruption, Insubordination, and Inappropriate
Language and Tardy, Truancy, Leaving Class or
School without Permission.
In looking at the grade level of referrals, there
is a relatively even distribution between grade
levels. Typically, in 9th grade there is a higher
rate of referrals, however, we have a number of
supports in place through the 9th grade academy that could be leading to this reduced number. 65% of the referrals so far are for male
students, so we will continue to focus on addressing their needs and avoiding referrals
which can lead to lost instructional time.
By the location of referrals, 53% of the referrals
so far are occurring in the classroom. While we
are pleased that these issues are not random
occurrences with others in the hallway or other
common areas, we are working with staff to
use de-escalation techniques to avoid referrals
whenever possible inside their classrooms.
On the following page, there is a PBIS triangle
outlining the multi-tiered levels of support provided to students based on their needs. Most
students (estimated at 85% of the population)
need universal supports to be successful at
school. Some students (estimated at 15% of
students) need additional intermediate supports. And a small population of students
(approximately 5%) require targeted supports
to ensure success and/or improvements. Two
levels of support that we are excited to have
added this school year are BLEND Arundel,
where each Administrator and Counselor has a
house and the five houses work together to
compete against the other houses in various
competitions. The second addition is an InSchool-Intervention, which will serve as an alternative to suspension for more severe offenses while still keeping that student at school
working on their class assignments and meeting
with school counselors.
Over the last four years we have made great
strides and we will continue to work to maintain those successes and target areas of need!
Approximately every two weeks, the PBIS
team collects pride bucks issued to students
from every class and conducts a drawing.
The following drawings are coming soon:
October 31
Halloween Baskets
November 14 Chick-fil-A Lunch during
Wildcat Hour
December 5 Holiday Gift Bags
December 19 Winter Break Goodies
January 9
Snowy Day Treats
And watch for more exciting drawings and
incentives to come!
PBIS LOOKING AHEAD
The PBIS Team is looking forward to another
great year! We are proud that Arundel High
School was awarded the Gold recognition from
the State of Maryland for the fourth year in a
row! We want to continue with that same level
of success, but we need your help!
We are seeking out parents and community
members who are willing to meet with the PBIS
team monthly and/or donations that could be
used as incentives for teachers and/or students
in the bi-weekly Pride Buck drawings.
If interested or willing to help, please contact
Ms. Walsh (slwalsh@aacps.org), Ms. Stawas
(sastawas@aacps.org), or Ms. Page
(mlpage@aacps.org).
Arts Council of Anne Arundel County BWI Exhibit:
Each year the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County hosts an exhibit featuring a selection of work from Anne Arundel
County artists. This year’s exhibit is “RelationSHIPS”. Jennifer Rolfsness, the AP Drawing and AP Art History at Arundel,
was selected as one of the featured artists with her work “Nature’s Fire”. The piece is displayed, along with 19 additional
artists’ works, at BWI between C and D departure concourses. The show runs from November 1 st through March 6th,
2015.
Link to ACAAC:
http://www.acaac.org/artist-opportunities/exhibit-opportunities/
AP Drawing and Honors 2D Field Trip:
On October 29th, the AP Drawing and Honors 2D class at Arundel took a trip to local art studio. Gambrills resident, John
Bodkin is a professional artist that has had his work in galleries all over the world. The students took the trip to see how a
professional artist works their craft. This amazing experience provided students with the opportunity to ask questions
about the current art scene, formulation of ideas, process and materials, and getting started in the business.
AP Testing Update
December 2014 / January 2015
Arundel High Testing Information and Forms are available online on the school blackboard
site:
Questions: Contact Colleen Adair at CAdair@aacps.org or 410-672-4948
Dates:
Fees:
May 4-9 and May 11-15, 2015 (A complete calendar is on the back of this page)
The fee for each exam is $91.
Fee Reductions: Subsidies are available to cover all or part of the cost for students who qualify to
receive free or reduced school meals. Families paying for large quantities of exams may be eligible
for a discount through AACPS. More information will be available in December. Other financial assistance may be available. Please contact Mrs. Adair in writing during 1st semester to apply for financial
assistance.
Payment
Please make all checks payable to Arundel High School. Record the student name and “AP” in the
memo line. Payments should be taken to Mrs. Adair in the testing office (in media next to E103)
Deposit: A deposit of $21 per exam.
Payment Plan Schedule
Deposit: $21 per exam
Payment 1: an additional $35 per exam due no later than mid-January
Payment 2: the final $35 per exam due no later than spring break
Refunds
Full refunds are available if requested in writing prior to March 14 th 2014. Refunds requested after that
time will forfeit the $21 deposit. Once you begin an exam — that is, write on an exam booklet or answer sheet — you cannot receive a refund.
Questions: Contact Colleen Adair at CAdair@aacps.org or 410-672-4948
Registration forms are also available on the school Blackboard site
Username: Arundelhs Password wildcats
PSAT Results
will be distributed through English classes in mid-December.
What the PSAT can do for students . . .
All students who take the PSAT/NMSQT receive access to My College QuickStart - an
easy-to-use, online, personalized college and career planning kit. This useful tool incorporates the responses that you provided when you took the test.
My Online Score Report - an enhanced score report that allows you to review each test
question, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations.
My SAT Study Plan is a customized SAT study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT test
performance, highlighting skills for review and practice.
Test Booklets will be sent home as well.
This is a great resource for students.
Additional resources are available at Collegeboard.com
Parents of 9th – 11th graders
January 6th 6:30 PM –join us to learn more about
HSA Testing Update
January 2015
The Maryland High School Assessments (HSA) are tests that measure school and
individual student progress toward Maryland's High School Core Learning Goals in
English 10, Algebra/Data Analysis, and Biology.
Passing the HSAs is a graduation requirement. These questions are based on the
content outlined in Maryland's Core Learning Goals. To encourage high expectations from our students at Arundel, students who have taken but not passed each
content area will take the HSA again in January.
UPCOMING TEST DATES
If your student has taken but not passed the HSA in any of the three content areas, retest(s) will be scheduled in January. It is very important that students attend
school on these testing days designated by the State.
January 2015 Testing
English 10 – Tuesday January 13th
Biology – Wednesday January 14th
Algebra – Thursday January 15th
Test Preparation:
At Arundel we have the following
opportunities for review and remediation
available:
Wildcat Hour
After School Tutoring
Review Packets
Online Practice Tests
Passing the HSA course
Pull-out small group instruction
We also encourage students to review at
home using the Maryland State Department
of Education’s website www.mdk12.org.
Click on High School Assessments and then the
Practice Taking the Test link. Another useful
site is www.hsaexam.org.
School Contacts:
School Counselors
School Test Coordinator, Colleen Adair
CAdair@aacps.org 410-672-4948
For Content specific questions and resources
please contact:
English 10 – Ms. Dimka
TDimka@AACPS.ORG
Biology – Ms. Epple
JEpple@AACPS.ORG
Algebra – Ms. Davis
KTDavis@AACPS.ORG
Arundel High School
We Appreciate Our Volunteers
We have a unique program for our volunteers – it’s called Virtual Volunteer. As
one of our
volunteers, you can sign into Virtual Volunteer from any computer with an internet connection to keep track of your after hours or off campus volunteer
hours. This is especially great for athletic, band, drama, etc. We are aiming for 100% participation of all volunteers this school year. Simply go to: www.v-volunteer.com. You must
have a volunteer profile set up in our VSoft security software (in the main office) with an
email address listed.
You can have your volunteer profile set up two ways. Contact Debby Stickney, Business
Manager & Volunteer Staff Liaison, (dstickney@aacps.org or 410-674-6500) and we’ll be
more than happy to set it up for you so that you can begin logging your hours from home. I
will need the following information to set it up:
First & Last Name
Birthdate
Email address
Or the next time you visit our school, let the person at the switchboard know that you need to
set up a volunteer profile and give them your driver’s license. Remember to give them your
email address. Once it’s set up, you can begin using Virtual Volunteer.
Things to do if you want to volunteer:

Fill out the AHS Volunteer Form.

Watch the Sexual Harassment & Child Abuse DVD

Get a Background Check – for overnight field trips or if you are going to be
alone at any time with any of our students – good for 2 years

Always sign IN (as a volunteer & NOT a visitor) and OUT. That is how we keep track of volunteer hours.
Use the Virtual Volunteer website if it’s after hours or off campus volunteer hours.
SCHOOL SECURITY
ARUNDEL HIGH
During each school year, various drills are conducted at every school to ensure that staff and
students are prepared in the event of an emergency. These drills include monthly fire/evacuation
drills.
In addition five drills with scenarios developed by the school system’s Office of School Security
and based upon various possible emergency scenarios are done each year. These include, but
are not limited to: evacuation for natural gas emergencies; shelter for tornado and earthquake;
shelter for outside hazardous materials release; lockout for danger outside of the school building,
reverse evacuation back into the school for students and staff outside; and lockdown for a person
with a weapon inside of the school.
These drills are discussed with staff prior to the drill, evaluated once the drill is complete. In
some cases, the drills may be discussed with students before they take place.