April 14 - 21, 2025 - Schools Closed for Students, Spring Break

April 26, 2025 - Prom, Live! Casino Arundel Mills, Information to Follow, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Information Below, Guest Form can be found here

April 26, 2025 - After Prom Party, Game On, Columbia, 10:00 pm, More Information Below

May 7, 2025 - School Closes 3-Hours Early, 11:35 am

May 13, 2025 - Senior Sunset

May 14 - 19, 2025 - Senior Exams Begin, Click Here for the Senior Schedule, More Information Below

May 14, 2025 - Spring Concert, 6:00 pm, Auditorium

May 15, 2025 - Last Day for Seniors at ARL

May 15, 2025 - Spring Concert, 6:00 pm, Auditorium

May 16, 2025 - School Closes 3-Hours Early, 11:35 am

May 16, 2025 - Jazz Under the Stars, More Information to Follow

May 20, 2025 - Senior Awards Ceremony, 9:00 am

May 20, 2025 - Senior Picnic, Circle D Farm, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, More Information to Follow

May 20, 2025 - Seniors Last Day

May 26, 2025 - Schools and Offices Closed, Memorial Day

May 29, 2025 - GHS Graduation Day! GHS Closes early for all students at 1:50PM.

• View all of Glenelg High School's Upcoming Events
  
• View our full athletics calendar on County Sports Zone
• Click here to view our daily announcements
• The HCPSS academic calendar may be found online. Answers to frequently asked questions about the calendar and the HCPSS operating status also are available online.

Holiday Breaks

• Spring Break
• April 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 2025

Graduation 2025

• The Glenelg High School class of 2025 will graduate on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 3:00pm . Commencement ceremonies will be held at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044). The last school day for seniors will be Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Click her for details about exams, senior activities and graduation rehearsals!
  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gNiD81QK1jxNlRjPIuKHE_XocKzSkch3PtITmuJBn3w/edit?usp=sharing

Supports for Families of Impacted Federal Workers:

Information on supports and resources for families who may be impacted by recent federal government layoffs can be found on the HCPSS website.

HCPSS Supports for Immigrant Families:

Utilize this link to access the HCPSS website that has just been created to support immigrant families and students. Resources will continue to be added to the page as they become available.

HCPSS Supports for families:

A new webpage highlights HCPSS and community resources for families, including those related to food, shelter, financial assistance, and more. The page can be shared with families and can be found directly at https://www.hcpss.org/supports/family-resources/. ( I have shared with our community)

Congratulations to Chukwuma Onwuka who was honored on Thursday evening at the Council of Elders Gloria Washington Wallace Award Ceremony. Chukwuma is pictured here with our Superintendent, Bill Barnes. Chukwuma was the recipient of this prestigious award because he stood out above the selected nominees form each of our County's high schools. What an honor for our Gladiator! Congratulations Chukwuma!

April marks National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), a period dedicated to honoring the rich history, vibrant culture, and significant contributions of Arab Americans. This celebration, which began in Washington, D.C. in April 2017, gained national recognition in 2022 when President Biden officially proclaimed April as Arab American Heritage Month. This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact of Arab Americans on the nation's fabric, with notable advancements in fields ranging from diplomacy and science to technology, art, and culture.

On Thursday night, Glenelg won 2 of 3 awards given at at the Congressional Art Competition. Congratulations to Grace Rasch and Sahithi Shabada. Grace’s work will hang in Congresswoman Elfreth’s DC office, and Sahithi's work will hang in her Columbia office. What an honor!

After regular play, the Robotiators were ranked 15th out of 54 teams! In the playoff selection, it was down to the wire with only eight alliances left to make their last selections. The Robotiators fate was held in the hands of those eight captains…fortunately the eighth seeded alliance, who consisted of teams from Herndon, Virginia and from Accident, Maryland chose the Robotiators to complete their alliance. These teams complemented each other well and allowed for the Robotiators and their alliance to win three matches in playoffs to get to the semi-finals and keep their bid for Worlds alive! They played their hearts out, but were not able to get to the finals with the difference of only a few points separating the matches that they lost.

Even after they were done with their matches, they were recognized with an award for their great work on their autonomous design and functionality. With this award and all the points earned during the regular season and at the district event, they sealed the bid to Worlds as one of the top 17 from the District. Congratulations Robotiators for the GR888 work finishing with 239 District Points overall and ranked 7th in the Chesapeake District!!

Congratulations to our students who placed this past weekend at the Pikesville Invitational:

1st Place Discus - Grayson He

4th Place 300m Hurdles - Charlie Wilmeth

5th Place Long Jump - Bennett Walsh

Boys 12th Place out of 36 Teams

Way to go, Gladiators!

Check out the Glenelg High School display at the 52nd Annual Columbia Mall Show. Featuring the art and photography from 52 students from all levels of classes at Glenelg, the panel will be on display on the second floor of the Columbia Mall from April 10th - 30th.

Congratulations to: Cheyenne Navalta, Aanya Sharma, Henna Hassanein, Lily Wilpon, Hailey Benson, Louvena Klein, Ruby Riley, Elizabeth Warlick, Julia Preston, Daniela Mendez Hernandez, Camille Schlanger, Isabella Gick, Grace Sanborn, Jaya Daulat, Adeline Byrne, Emme Glassman, Somya Patel, Ebony Cullens, Grace Grant, Batool Rizvi, Karlie Harris, Xiwen Yan, Bella Chen, Abi Taye, Caleb Lease, Ben D'Ambrisi, Esme Cheguen Morales, Annabella Newman, Alexa Conley, Snigdha Metla, Naqiya Fakhri, Myles Clark, Aran Bernades, Nickole Luo, Laura Dobrowolski, Noah Shepherd, Alessa Camacho, Tvesa Thummar, Zachary Shannon, Maya Canale, Sandra Wang, Ronia Kazemi, Heidi Randlett, Brooke Walker, Maggie McLemore, Cedar Hales, Violet Scarfo, Caden Starcher, Liv Jackobsson, Eloria Carter, Violet Truscott, Makena Lam-Tang, Sophia Munroe, Laila Shand, Lillian Chen, Chloe Whatley, Grace Chou, Vera Lawhorne, and Sophia Newman.

Congratulation to the Glenelg Hockey Team who had three players recognized in this winter's Washington Post All-Met Boys Ice Hockey honors for the Winter 2024-25 season. Congratulations to Matas Bujanauskas (First Team All-Met), Michael Carpenter (Honorable Mention All-Met), and James McGall (Honorable Mention All-Met)!

The article can be found here (with subscription): https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/04/boys-hockey-all-met/

Congratulations to our students who competed last week at the Music USA Festivals. This is a non-profit organization "promoting music education through quality evaluation."

Groups from across the nation make Music USA festivals their destination. This unique experience combines a rewarding performance opportunity, quality adjudication by leading educators, and theme park fun - and tops it off with a grand awards ceremony. Glenelg High Swept the competition and brought back a bus full of awards!

• Marching Unit - 1st Place (Superior Rating)

• Poms - 1st Place (Superior Rating)

• Color Guard - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• Concert Band - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• Symphonic Band - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• Jazz Ensemble - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• String Orchestra - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• Chamber Orchestra - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• Grand Choir - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• Chamber Choir - 1st Place (Superior rating)

• Grand Champion Band - Symphonic Band

• Grand Champion Choir - Chamber Choir

• Outstanding Soloist - Elise Choe (Chamber Orchestra)

• Outstanding Soloist - Eli Krakower (Symphonic Band)

• Outstanding Soloist - Leri Odumosu (Jazz Ensemble)

Do you want to Help Support the Robotics Team for their trip to Worlds next week?

You can do just that by simply donating here:
https://osp.osmsinc.com/HowardMD/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=DA006-VAR62

Thank You, Mr. Gerstner, Team 888 Head Mentor

After Prom Party

• Event Date: April 26, 2025, at 10:00 pm to 1:00 am

• Location: Game On, 6000 Merriweather Dr Columbia, MD 21044

Come experience a fun time with all your friends at Game On in Columbia, MD! Enjoy unlimited food and drinks at the pizza, churros, arcade games, and a chance to win over thousands of $ in fabulous prizes!!! A goody bag included with each ticket purchased along with raffle tickets to win prizes. To purchase an After Prom Ticket click here.

PTSA is also soliciting donations for After Prom to make it as fun and accessible to all students. This year After Prom will be held at Game On in Columbia, MD! Tickets will go on sale soon and all juniors and seniors are welcome even if they don't go to prom! APP and tux rental.pdf

Buy Your 2024-2025 Yearbook Now! Buy it Before it's too Late!

Purchase your 2024-2025 Yearbook using the link below!!

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1066825/Glenelg-High-School/2025-Yearbook/2024100811152126061/CATALOG_SHOP/

Message from The Shrine of St. Anthony - This may impact YOUR Prom Pictures!!

The Shrine of St Anthony allows photography sessions on its grounds and courtyard. The weekends of April 25th and 26th, May 2nd and 3rd, and May 30th and 31st, however, we are closed to the public due to a special event taking place on the property. We will not be open for photos. If you wish to visit the property another time for photos, please call the Shrine Office at 410-531-2800. Peace and Blessings!

Attention Seniors and Families!

As graduation approaches, we want to make sure everyone stays informed about the upcoming events, activities, and important dates. Here’s a quick overview:

• Senior Activities & Events: Be sure to check out the scheduled senior events, linked below. These events are a great way to celebrate your achievements and make lasting memories!

• Graduation Rehearsals: Rehearsals are mandatory for all graduates. Please be on time and prepared.

• Exam Schedule: Final exams will take place from May 14th - 19th, see link below for schedule. Ensure you're well-prepared and check the exam schedule for specific times.
  

Click here to view your Senior Exam Schedule, Senior Events and Graduation Rehearsals

The Glenelg High School class of 2025 will graduate on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 3:00pm . Commencement ceremonies will be held at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044). The last school day for seniors will be Tuesday, May 20, 2025. More details about exams, senior activities and graduation rehearsals will be shared soon!

It's that time of year Gladiators! Graduation is right around the corner and even though we don't have a date yet, we need to prep. We order caps and gowns now, to ensure they are here in time for the big event. Reminder you only need to order the cap and gown (tassel is included).

Along with caps and gowns, students have the option to order other items to celebrate their graduation. Although you only need to purchase the cap and gown, there are many other items you may want to purchase, such as announcements to mail to your family and friends letting them know about your big day.

Please visit the links below to order.

• I just want the cap and gown (comes with tassel for your cap)
• I only need to order a tassel (I am using a gown from 2022, 2023, 2024)
• I want it all (or at least see what my options are)

HCPSS staff members who fall into one of the following categories, and who are parents or legal guardians of graduating seniors, may choose to present the diploma to their child(ren) at the student's commencement ceremony.

• Current Permanent Staff
• Elementary Lunch/Recess Monitors who have been a Lunch/Recess Monitor since September 30, 2024
• Substitutes who have consistently supported HCPSS by substituting 100+* days since the start of the 2023/2024 school year (*8/28/2023-2/26/2025)

Parents/guardians who wish to present diplomas must notify your child's graduation coordinator by using the google form found here, by April 11.

Attention Families of High School Seniors!

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) becomes available on December 1. We strongly encourage all families to complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the primary tool for determining a student’s financial need, enabling access to federal, state and local grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. You can complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov

For students ineligible for federal aid via the FAFSA, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) offers the MHEC One App. This application allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants, who meet in-state tuition requirements, to apply for Maryland state need-based financial aid. The MHEC One App can be found on the [Maryland Higher Education Commission website (https://mhec.maryland.gov).

Students should be aware of specific FAFSA deadlines required by their colleges. The deadline for Maryland state aid is **March 1**. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure financial aid for college! Visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help for more information and resources.

Sarapes (Stoles) for Hispanic/Latino Graduating Students:

The HCPSS Hispanic Achievement Program is selling sarapes (stoles) for purchase by Hispanic and Latino graduating seniors. Sales will run through May 2, 2025. Purchases can be made directly here, and a flyer for sarape sales is linked here.

The Hispanic “sarape” represents the ancient customs of colorful textiles throughout all the ancient indigenous people of Latin America. These bright colors represented their devout spiritualism and the advanced knowledge they possessed. Additional history of the sarapes and the initiative in HCPSS for graduating seniors can be found here. Direct questions to Gaston Gamez, Hispanic Achievement Supervisor at (410) 313-6667.

Kente Cloth Graduation Stoles: The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) is selling Kente cloth graduation stoles to families for graduating students. BSAP Liaisons at each high school or a principal’s designee are the point of contact for students and families regarding the sale of the stoles. Please share this information with staff who support graduation planning to ensure that graduating students who would like to purchase a stole. Sales will run through April 30, 2025. The flyer for the stole sale can be found linked here.

Kente is a traditional African textile that the Ashanti people in Ghana and West Africa first weaved. Today, it is worn to pay homage to African ancestors and to show pride in the heritage of the Diaspora during ceremonial occasions. Please direct any questions to Nicole Brown.

Student Personal Device Policy Changes Began on March 3rd

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12kusfH-l6jVpgsAyubf0wob2vw1ZI2KdhLRzRO7PCPs/edit?usp=sharing

Inspirit Artificial Intelligence Summer Program

This summer, Inspirit AI is partnering with Howard County Public Schools to offer an in-person project-based artificial intelligence program. Inspirit AI is an AI education program developed and taught by Stanford and MIT alumni and graduate students. The program will consist of ten (10) 3-hour sessions taking place from July 14-25, 2025 at Hammond High School. The program fee is $1,500 and some financial assistance is available through Inspirit AI. Interested families should fill out this short interest form. The program brochure includes information about the curriculum, schedule, projects, and teaching team.

Safety Announcement

Please be cautious of students in the crosswalks near GHS in the morning. If you have student drivers at home, please remind them that students in the crosswalk have the right of way. We continue to get reports of vehicles not stopping for students in crosswalks. We want to ensure that all of our students get to us safely each morning!

HCPSS Summer Program Enrollment

Families can find up-to-date course information and enrollment directions on the Summer Programs web page (https://www.hcpss.org/summer-programs/). Direct questions to the individual program office.

Support for Immigrant Students and Families

HCPSS has created this website as a resource. More information will be added as it becomes available.

Medication Forms

Students who require medication to be administered during the school day must have new forms (dated on or after July 1st) completed for this fall. For your convenience, you can find these forms on-line at the HCPSS website by clicking on the link for Physician’s Orders https://www.hcpss.org/about-us/forms/.

PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT-ASSOCIATION (PTSA) & BOOSTERS

It's the season of giving! What a great way to GIVE to our school and community by getting actively involved in the PTSA and Boosters. Our PTSA and Boosters presidents, Monique Phelps (PTSA), and Stacey Jenkins (Boosters) have already done amazing this for the school with the support of their teams and our parent community. If you have not done so already, please consider joining our parent groups! You may utilize this link to join these incredible organizations! https://glenelgptsa.memberhub.com/store

Boosters Store

Looking to up your Glad Gear Game? Come shop the GHS Boosters Spirit Shop. They open each Friday during all lunch shifts (10:45 -12:45) and have an incredible selection of Gladiator Spirit Wear. Students can shop at lunch and parents can sign in to come check out the selection as well.

For more information about what's going on in Student Services: https://ghs.hcpss.org/about/student-services. Student Services Phone Number, 410-313-5535

Check out our monthly newsletter - March & April 2025

Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

Students and their families should check the scholarship bulletins linked below frequently for updates. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Database is updated by the county, while the GHS/Local Scholarships are opportunities for GHS students specifically.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Database

GHS and Local Scholarships

School Counselors

Ms. Brandt: Last Name A - Ci (kelli_brandt@hcpss.org)
Ms. Hirsch: Last Name Cj - Ho (mindy_hirsch@hcpss.org)
Ms. Litvin: Last Name Hp - Mi (rachel_litvin@hcpss.org)
Ms. Devlin: Last Name Mj - Seu (carolyn_devlin@hcpss.org)
Dr. Burnett: Last Name Sew - Z (steven_burnett@hcpss.org)

College & Career Readiness Advisor

Lindsay Beil, Lindsay_Beil@hcpss.org

Registrar

Ms. Hooks, vanessa_hooks@hcpss.org

Lindsay Beil, CCR Counselor, GHS students - request an appointment with me!

Below are some Summer opportunities that have come across my inbox recently that I want to share with all of you!

• Maryland Zoo's Zoo Teen Program Applications close FRIDAY, APRIL 11TH
• The Law Days of Summer
• Office of Workforce Development Summer Youth Employment Program Applications close MONDAY, MARCH 31ST
• Johns Hopkins Bayview 2025 Summer Junior Volunteer Program Applications close SUNDAY, MARCH 23rd
• ADDITIONAL SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Call 410.313.5539 or Email Chris_Reigel@hcpss.org

For the latest GHS Athletics events visit: GHS Athletics County Sports Zone

Spring Coaches:

• Boys Lacrosse-contact Coach Hatmaker, joshua_hatmaker@hcpss.org

• Girls Lacrosse-contact Coach Pagnotta, apagno7@gmail.com

• Tennis-contact Coach Anderman, bob.anderman@verizon.net

• Softball-contact Coach Pallozzi, anna_pallozzi@hcpss.org

• Baseball-contact Coach Tiffany, steven_tiffany@hcpss.org

• Outdoor Track-contact Coach Johnson, philip_johnson@hcpss.org

• Allied Softball-contact Coach Schaffer, butch_schaffer@hcpss.org

Entry:

• Ticketing is cashless. Purchase your tickets at: gofan.co
• Your online ticket will be redeemed upon entry. For the fastest entry – purchase tickets in advance and pull up the ticket page on your phone for the workers at the gate.
• DO NOT CLICK REDEEM – let the workers at the gate do this!
• Need more help? Click on the link to a short video guide: https://get.gofan.co/digital-ticketing-guide

Can I purchase tickets for another person using my device?

• Yes! Once you purchase a ticket, select the transfer ticket icon at the top of the screen, select the ticket you wish to transfer, then select transfer tickets at the bottom of the screen.
  • You have the option to share the tickets via text or email
  • Screenshots of tickets purchased or printouts of tickets purchased DO NOT WORK

STADIUM RULES:

• No bikes, backpacks, outside food or drink is allowed in the stadium. Concessions will be sold in the stadium.
• No re-entry is allowed.
• Middle School Students MUST be accompanied by an adult to enter.
• Dogs are NOT permitted in HCPSS Stadiums

EVENT EXPECTATIONS:

We want to remind all spectators of our expectations for all athletic events, both at home and away. We expect everyone to be respectful at our events and to cheer on our teams in a positive manner. Supporting our players and teams should be the main focus. Support our team by cheering for the Gladiators, not against the opposing team’s players, coaches, cheerleaders, marching band, band front, poms, spectators, or the Officials.

We were very proud of the supportive and positive atmosphere created by our students, parents, and community members of Glenelg and want to showcase that. We trust that our community will continue to let the players play; the coaches coach and the officials officiate as we cheer for our teams.

THINGS WE ENCOURAGE:

• Respect the game, respect the officials, respect the players.
• Support our school/community and demonstrate positive sportsmanship.
• Be loud and Be Classy! Let the team hear you, Big Red! Be POSITIVE!
• Stay on our designated spectator side for all games.
• Support all participants of our events. This includes Cheerleaders, Band, Band front (dance and flags), as well as showcased visitors being honored.
• If you need assistance, seek out an event staff member. This applies to home and away events.
• Plan ahead for a way home immediately after the game.

THINGS NOT ALLOWED PER GHS & HCPSS:

• Do not bring outside food & drink into the stadium or gym. Concessions are provided.
• Do not bring noise makers, flags, signage that is not approved by the administration or backpacks.
• Do not use profanity or throw objects.
• Do not target/harass individual players/coaches/referees/or opposing fans.
• Do not enter the playing area. (No storming court or the field.)
• Taunting anyone before, during, or after an athletic event is strictly prohibited. Once you leave the premises, you are not permitted to re-enter.
• ALL HCPSS policies are in place throughout each HCPSS-sponsored event, including athletic events.
• Substances such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol are prohibited on school grounds. Spectators under the influence of these substances are also not permitted on school grounds.
• Athletic events in the main gymnasium are subject to the same guidelines and procedures as the stadium with regards to spectator behavior.

For More HCPSS Athletic Information: https://www.hcpss.org/athletics/

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we cheer our students on!

Go Big Red!

• Bell Schedule, Glenelg High School - 7:50 am - 2:35 pm. Read More
• Cellphone Policy, March 3, 2025 - Click Here for More
• ACT and SAT Dates, 2024-2025 ACT Dates Here, SAT Dates Here

• Apply Today for the Free and Reduced Meals Program, Families are encouraged to apply for the federal Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs) program, which encompasses more than free meals. Participation may also qualify students for free/reduced registration for SAT/ACT/AP, reduced program fees, discounted internet and computers, free college applications and more.

• Attendance Policies and Procedures, Please utilize the link to access GHS Attendance Information. A copy of the HCPSS Attendance Policy (Policy 9010) can be found here: https://policy.hcpss.org/9000/9010/implementation/
• Any students who arrive after 7:50 am will sign in electronically using a check-in system called StudentVue. Students should download the StudentVUE app on their personal device. The app will have a student identification card and barcode used to scan in and receive a late pass to class. The StudentVUE app is available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store and is free to download. You can also view instructions for setting up the app here.
• Discretionary absence requests must be completed and attached through email in advance of the absence. Currently, the anticipated last day of school is June 11, 2025. The possibility exists ( due to inclement weather, etc) that the school year could extend up until June 18th. Please be mindful in making plans that consist of dates within this window as the days would be utilized for course final examinations which may not be taken early.

• Bus Information, Morning and Afternoon Bus Times and Locations
• HCPSS Connect Information, Parents/guardians of enrolled HCPSS students do not need to sign up for or manage the HCPSS News account. All subscription information comes directly from the HCPSS Connect system. Text Messages: To comply with wireless carrier requirements, parents/guardians must opt-in to receive HCPSS text message alerts. Standard data fees and text messaging rates may apply based on your mobile plan. If you are unsure if you have already opted in, text the word "YES" to 67587 from the cell phone number on file in HCPSS Connect.

• HCPSS School Calendar, 2024-2025 Calendar
• HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook, Read more
  
• HCPSS Visitors and Classroom Visits, More information is provided here, and updates and news are here.
  
  • Visitor Sign-In Procedure, Lobbyguard system is where all visitors will sign in at the Front Office. All visitors will need to sign in using their driver's license. Please give yourself a few extra minutes to sign in, and remember to bring your driver's license.
• Health Room Dismissal Procedures, If your student becomes ill at school, they should report to the health room. The nurse or health room assistant will assess your student and call you if your ill student must be picked up and sent home Please come into the Attendance Office with identification to sign out and dismiss your student. If you determine that you want your ill student to drive home, please send an email to our Attendance Email at GHSAbsence@hcpss.org. Once we receive written permission for your ill student to drive home, they will be released.
• School Meals, Please visit the Food Services for the most up to date information regarding school lunches. https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/#linq. LINQ Connect is a secure, online portal that allows families to view breakfast and lunch menus, make online meal payments, monitor their child’s account, schedule automatic recurring payments, set up low balance alerts, submit a Free and Reduced Meals program application, and more. Details and information.

Please consider supporting Glenelg High School junior Peyton Moreau on his campaign to help end cancer for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), called Student Visionaries of the Year (SVOY). This is a 7-week fundraiser where high school students from across the country compete to raise money to fund research and medicine to treat and cure blood cancers.

Peyton’s team, Fight for the Light, is in honor of his younger cousin who battled and survived an aggressive form of leukemia when she was only 6 years old. You can read more about his family’s battle with this terrible disease on his fundraiser page.

This is a very noble cause to see a student be part of and we are proud to share Peyton’s effort with our families. Please visit https://events.lls.org/nca/svoynova25/pmoreau to support!

Blossoms of Hope, a local nonprofit in Howard County, has launched an initiative focused on mental health and well-being called Seeds of Hope. This initiative was created in response to the growing mental health crisis among youth, highlighted by a concerning increase in mental health cases at the hospital, particularly in the Emergency Department, where situations are reaching crisis levels. Seeds of Hope was founded with a mission to address these mental health needs before they escalate.

Our first summit in October 2024 was a great success, sparking excitement among students, many of whom asked when the next summit would take place. As part of the Seeds of Hope initiative, we aim to give students a voice and empower them with the tools to create change, not only for themselves but for their peers as well. In partnership with the Local Children’s Board and the Kahlert Foundation, we are excited to announce our second Fostering Hope: A Youth Mental Health Summit on April 27, 2025, for middle and high school students (grades 8 through 12).

Event: Books in Bloom

Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2025

Rain date: None. This event is outdoors rain or shine.

Event Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm

Volunteer Arrival Time: 8:15am

Volunteer Departure Time: 5:00-5:30pm

Location: Color Burst Park

Location Address: 6000 Merriweather Drive, Columbia, MD 21044

(Color Burst Park is located next to Symphony Woods and Merriweather Post Pavilion in the new Merriweather District.)

Parking Information: Parking is free and available at (3) separate locations.

Volunteer Check-in Location: Look for the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN tent set up at Color Burst Park. We will be near Toastique.

Responsibilities: Volunteers will be responsible for greeting guests, assisting with kids crafts and giveaways, assisting Busboys and Poets with popup bookstore, general assistance throughout the festival.

Split shifts available: No. You must be able to stay from volunteer arrival to departure time.

Food available for volunteers: Yes. Water, sandwich, and snacks will be available for volunteers. (When registering to volunteer, please let me know if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any food restrictions.)

What to wear: Dress for the weather with comfortable shoes. Volunteers will be given t-shirts to wear/keep. Bring a raincoat for inclement weather.

NHS/SSL Hours Available: Yes. A letter highlighting volunteer responsibilities and hours served will be distributed at volunteer check-out.

Registration deadline: April 25th or until volunteer slots are filled

To register: cathyvsmith@outlook.com

Event Coordinator: Cathy Smith, 410-302-4662,

For more information about Books in Bloom, please visit https://merriweatherdistrict.com/books-in-bloom/

Please visit the Community News and Programs page (http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/) on the HCPSS website to announce upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.

• Grassroots - Walk in and get help. Read more

Teen Advisory Council

HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (aka TAC) provides the youth perspective to the staff and Board of Directors of HC DrugFree to increase the effectiveness of HC DrugFree’s programs, newsletters, website and other services.

The Teen Advisory Council is composed of Howard County students in grades 8 through 12 (public, private and home school) who meet monthly during the school year to discuss teen use of alcohol and other drugs, and to develop educational messages that promote HC DrugFree’s vision of a county where teens are drug-free by choice. Learn More

• Saturday, April 26: (Medication and Sharps “Take Back Day” collection) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with volunteers starting as early as 9 a.m. (To volunteer, go to our Medication Disposal page to find youth and family links)

• Monday, May 19, 2025

• Monday, June 4, 2025

• Summer July/August: Volunteer opportunities will be available for teens to earn Community Service Hours, including assisting college student instructors with Life Skills classes, Back-to-School prep, and more! More details to come!

HCPSS Supporting Mental Health & Wellness

Parents and grandparents, remember, if you are looking for resources to support your child's social-emotional wellbeing, the Howard County Public School System has several resources available online to help students develop their unique strengths and abilities. Learn More

We Are Hiring!

HC DrugFree is looking for self-motivated Howard County professionals with a heart for people of all ages in our great community. All candidates must pass a background check and possess strong organizational skills, writing skills, and computer skills. Learn More & Apply

HoCo Student Film Fest, Friday, May 2, 2025

Save the date for the 2024-25 HoCo Student Film Festival: Friday, May 2, 2025.

Film deadline: April 1, 2025. More information will be posted soon.

The 2023-24 HoCo Student Film Festival was held at the Miller Library on Friday May 3, 2024.

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On April 26, 2025, HCDrugFree will have a Medication and Sharps Disposal at the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot, 5305 Village Center Drive, Columbia, MD 21044.

• EContent Resources for High School and Middle School Students
  

• STEAM Events

• Teen Time runs Monday through Thursday from 3:45 - 5:30 pm during the school year.

• The daily schedule includes a transition period, which allows students to unwind from school and talk about their day. HCLS instructors then assist students with their homework, which is followed by enrichment activities. While centering on academic enrichment, Teen Time focuses on a variety of additional components, which involves guest speakers, STEAM projects, and bimonthly field trips. In addition, Teen Time students discuss the importance of developing healthy behaviors, conflict resolution skills, and being caring and kind. Teen Time aims to provide the mentoring students need to make the right decisions to succeed in life.