Magruder High School Courier
April, 2011
Inside this issue:
New Attendance Initiative
Calendar of Events 4-6
Senior Clearance
Booster Club
HSA Final Bell Schedule
SSL News
Booster Club Farewells
MHS Drama: ANNIE!
After Prom Party
Col. Zadok Magruder High
School
5939 Muncaster Mill Road
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: (301) 840-4600
Fax: (301) 840-4617
PRINCIPAL
Mr. Leroy Evans
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS
Ms. Lakeisha Adamson
Ms. Ellen Hudson
Ms. Sheree Coleman
PTSA PRESIDENT
Linda Kuserk
(301) 330--3926
GUIDANCE OFFICE
(301) 840-4614
ATTENDANCE OFFICE
(301) 840-4609
To get your news in the courier, send
an email to: mhscourier0910@aol.com
COURIER EDITOR
Deby Dicello
(240) 599-6503
Principal’s Perspective By Mr. Lee Evans
Though it is hard to imagine that another school year is coming to a close,
3
we must focus on preparing for a number of events that signal the end of the
school year. I would like to salute the efforts of our staff, students, and par-
ents in making this a successful year. The work of volunteers and others
6
from our community has added tremendously to what we do as an academic
7 institution. While we appreciate all that has been done and achieved, there is
8 still a great deal left to do.
9 We are busily preparing for spring assessments during the month of March.
10 The assessment process is a very important component to culminating the
school year. The process of evaluating student achievement includes High
11 School Assessments (HSAs); the ACCUPLACER Exam, a College Board
12 test that assesses a student’s skills in order to determine appropriate college
course placement; Advanced Placement (AP) Exams; and semester exams
for seniors as a result of the early graduation date of May 31, 2011. These
assessments not only signal the closing of the school year, but they repre-
sent national, state, and county instruments used for measuring the level of
student success. (continued on Page 2)
PTSA NEWS By Ms. Linda Kuserk
The beginning of this fourth marking period signifies our final Courier edi-
tion for this school year, and my final edition as president. Although the
school year is coming to an end the PTSA remains busy. We continue to
have staff appreciation events in upcoming months, with the famous “Salad
Bar Extravaganza” in May. The PTSA is also currently sponsoring a
school supply drive to support the Biology teachers and their Interactive
Biology Notebooks. A detailed list of supplies needed and directions on
where to place donations can be found on page 11. (continued on Page 3)
GRADUATION: DAR CONSTITUTION HALL
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011 AT 10:00 am.
MAGRUDER WILL BE CLOSED ON MAY 31.
Visit the Magruder High School website at www.magruderhs.org
Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 2

Principal’s Perspective: By Mr. Lee Evans (continued from page 1 )

The HSAs are a graduation requirement that every student must fulfill in order to complete state
guidelines to receive a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) diploma. Specific informa-
tion regarding final exams for students in grades 9, 10, and 11 will be distributed late in the spring.
We are confident that all of our students are prepared to meet these challenges.
This time of year also begins preparation for graduation. Graduation for the class of 2011 will take
place on May 31, 2011 at 10 a.m. at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. School will be
closed on May 31 in order to permit staff, families, and friends of graduates to attend the
graduation. We will be sending a letter home to parents of seniors in addition to holding a gradua-
tion meeting on Wednesday, April 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. This meeting will provide parents with an
opportunity to ask questions and receive additional information not included in the letter. March and
April are very important months for our seniors as they prepare to bring to a close their experience in
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). We will be making every effort to ensure that the con-
clusion of their experience at Magruder High School is positive.
It is time to set our sights on the 2011-12 year, which will begin with our annual Leadership Week in
July. During this meeting staff, students, and parents will develop our School Improvement Plan
(SIP) for the 2011-12 school year. This plan will serve as a blueprint for achieving success for every
student in the Magruder High School community. I will be sending letters to parents asking for par-
ticipation in this annual process. If you are interested in participating in this meeting, please contact
Ms. Christine Gibson, Administrative School Secretary, at (301) 840-4607. It is this collective effort
and the partnership in education that allows us as a community to meet the challenges of an ever-
changing society.
I look forward to working with all of you to end this year on a positive note and establish the neces-
sary procedures that will lead to a successful 2011-12 school year.

PTSA OFFICERS FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR

Linda Kuserk, President Russ Erb, Treasurer

301.330.3926 Kuserkpta@comcast.net 301.266.1353 russerb@hotmail.com

Marie Matthews, 1st Vice President Fidelia Romanowski, Secretary

301.977.1250 matthewsmhspta@yahoo.com 301.869.4807 fromanowski@comcast.net

Martha Shaerr, 2nd Vice President

301.963.4122 mschaerr@yahoo.com

Thank you officers for your dedication and volunteerism to Magruder High School.
Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 3

PTSA NEWS: By Ms. Linda Kuserk (continued from page 1)

The Academics Committee is currently working on the PTSA scholarships awarded to students in May,
and the After- Prom Committee is down to its last few weeks of preparation. Parent volunteers and
food donations are still needed for the April 30th event. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents of
all grades to support our students with a safe alternative post prom. You can find additional informa-
tion about After-Prom inside this issue. The wheels are in motion for the 2011-2012 school year, with
nominations for officers to be made during the April PTSA meeting, and voting to follow in May.
Also during the April meeting, we are planning to have a student panel present to discuss the college
application process and share their insights. I would be remiss if I did not thank the many parents who
supported the PTSA and Magruder High School throughout this year. Your work is greatly appreci-
ated, whether working in the limelight or behind the scenes. We will truly miss our graduating parents
and thank them for the years of volunteerism. I must single out one graduating parent at this time -
Patty Winters. Patty has spent her four years at Magruder advocating for the health and safety of our
students. It was her dedication and hard work that brought the Every Fifteen Minutes program to Ma-
gruder in 2009 and again in 2011. She has spent countless hours organizing volunteers and raising
funds to support this program. The Magruder community has truly benefitted from her efforts.
Thank you, Patty.

New Attendance Initiatives By Mr. Lee Evans

During the first semester, Magruder High School experienced a surge in student absences from classes,
tardiness to class, tardiness to school, and students leaving the campus during lunch. We believe that
this recent change in student behavior is related to the abolishment of the Loss of Credit (LC) Policy
that has existed for many years. In an effort to eliminate excessive unexcused tardiness and absentee-
ism, we have implemented two procedures. We have instituted a warning bell that sounds one minute
prior to the final bell. Teachers assign lunch detention to their students who are one minute late after
the final bell. Students who arrive two minutes after the final bell without an excused pass are sent to
the auditorium or cafeteria for the remainder of the class period and are issued an after school deten-
tion. The student is responsible for making up any missed assignments or class work. Students who
fail to serve the detention are assigned to an In School Intervention, where they are not permitted in the
classroom but are provided with their work. Students who leave campus during lunch are assigned to
an In School Intervention as well. Due to these initiatives, we have seen a reduction in the number of
students who are in the halls after the bell sounds as well as those who are tardy to class.

In an effort to deal with students leaving during lunch periods, we have security
staff who patrol the student parking lot during lunches and we also have camera
surveillance of the student parking lot.

Your support of these initiatives can play a significant role in eliminating these
behaviors in our students.
Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 4

MHS Calendar of Events

APRIL, 2011
1 Musical: 7:30 pm, “Annie”
2 AP Spanish Language Practice Session: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Musical: 7:30 pm, “Annie”
4-7 High School Assessments: Seniors, ONLY
7 Report Card Distribution
8 Musical: 7:30 pm, “Annie”
9 AP Spanish Language Practice Session: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Musical: 7:30 pm, “Annie”
13 Spring Arts Festival: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
14 Senior Banquet: 7:00 pm-11:00 pm; Rio Marriott
18-25 NO SCHOOL: Spring Break
26 PTSA Meeting: 7:30 pm, Media Center
29 Senior Breakfast: 7:00 am-9:00 am; Cafeteria
Prom: 8:00 pm-12:00 am; Pooks Hill Marriott
30 After Prom Party 1:00am– 5:00am Bauer Community Center

Congratulations
Class of 2011!!

SPORTS SCHEDULES AND INFORMATION

refer to the website for athletic schedules and information.
http://www.magruderathletics.org/

Senior diploma order sheets will be distributed to the students in English classes. They will be instructed
to print their name exactly as they want it on their diplomas. The name should be their legal name as on
their birth certificate or passport. Parents may want to be aware of this upcoming event and discuss
whether the student wants their full legal name or their first name, middle initial, last name. The order
cannot be changed once it is placed.
 Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 5

MHS Calendar of Events

MAY, 2011
2 AP Exams: Chemistry, Environmental Science – AM, & Psychology – PM
3 AP Exams: Computer Science A, Spanish Language – AM, & Art History – PM
4 AP Exams: Calculus AM, Calculus BC – AM, & Chinese Language and Culture – PM
NHS Induction: 7:00 pm; auditorium
5 AP Exams: English Literature and Composition – AM
6 AP Exams: German Language, US History – AM, & Euro History, Studio Art – PM
9 AP Exams: Biology, Music Theory – AM & Physics B, Physics C – PM
10 AP Exams: US Government and Politics – AM, &
Comparative Government, French Language – PM
11 AP Exams: English Language and Composition – AM, & Statistics – PM
Spring Concert: 7:30 pm; Orchestra and Choruses
12 AP Exams: Macroeconomics; World History – AM, & Microeconomics - PM
Spring Concert: 7:30 pm; Band and Jazz Ensemble
13 AP Exams: Human Geography; Spanish Literature – AM
16-19 High School Assessments
17 PTSA Meeting: 7:30 pm, Media Center
18 Senior Exam Review Day: Periods 1, 2, 3, 4 &PALA Meeting: 7:00 pm, Media Center
19 Senior Exam Review Day: Periods 5, 6, 7, 8 & Awards Night: 6:30 pm, Auditorium
20 Senior Exams: Period 7, 8 & Instrumental Music Awards Dinner
23 Senior Exams: Periods 4, 5, 6
24 Senior Exams: Periods 1, 2, 3
25 Senior Clearance
27 Graduation Rehearsal: 9:00 am, @MHS,
Mandatory Senior Picnic: 11:30 am, MHS Football Stadium
30 NO SCHOOL: Memorial Day
31 Graduation Ceremony: 10:00 am, DAR Constitution Hall; MHS Closed
 Magruder High School Courier Page 6

MHS Calendar of Events

JUNE, 2011
9 Exam Review Day
10 Exams: Periods 1, 5
13 Exams: Periods 2, 6
14 Exams: Periods 3, 7
15 Exams: Periods 4, 8
16 Last Day of School for Students
Exam Make up Day

Please note the following:

• High School Assessments will be administered May 16-20, 2011.

Make-up exams will be administered May 23-26, 2011.
• During High School Assessment week, buses run on a regular
schedule and will arrive by 7:25am and leave at 2:10pm. Students
without an HSA are permitted to arrive at school for 1st period at
11:25am, but they must arrange for their own transportation. Edison
students should be at school in time to catch their bus to Edison, which will leave
promptly at 10:30am. The Edison Center will be on a regular schedule during High
School Assessment week.
• Students in the work program are expected to take any HSA he/
she is required to take on the designated days. The “work bus”
will not be available May 16-19, 2011.
• Senior locker clean-out will take place the last 10 minutes of
1st period on Friday, May 20, 2011.
• Senior Clearance sheets will be given to English teachers on
Thursday, May 12 and distributed to seniors by Friday, May 13.
Seniors may begin to clear for athletics and the finance office.
Seniors should clear with each teacher (by turning in books, etc.) on the day of the
exam.
Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 7

Attention: Students & Parents

Booster Club Spirit Wear

Sweat Shirts

Soffee

Shorts Cool

T-Shirts
Hats

A
Seat Cushions Blankets

Men’s &
Athletic
Women’s
Shorts
Styles

Available at home games (Spirit Shop) or you can order by

downloading form from our site at www.magruderboosters.com .
 Magruder High School Courier Page 8

May High School Assessments: Senior Final Exam Bell Schedules

Monday 5/16 Tuesday 5/17 Wednesday 5/18 Thursday 5/19 Friday 5/20
Review Day Review Day
English 10 HSA Biology HSA Algebra HSA NSL HSA Senior Exams
7:25 – 10:45 7:25 – 10:45 7:25—10:45 7:25 – 10:45

LUNCH 10:50—11:20

1 11:25 -12:02 1 11:25 – 11:30 1 11:25 – 12:02 1 11:25 – 11:30 1 7:25 – 8:08

2 12:07 – 12:44 5 11:35 – 12:10 2 12:07 – 12:44 5 11:35 – 12:10 2 8:13 – 9:01

3 12:49 – 1:27 6 12:15 – 12:50 3 12:49 – 1:27 6 12:15 – 12:50 3 9:06 – 9:49

4 1:32 – 2:10 7 12:55 – 1:30 4 1:32 – 2:10 7 11:25 -12:02 4 9:54 – 10:38

8 1:35 – 2:10 Senior Review 8 1:35 – 2:10 5 11:25 -12:02

Periods 1,2,3,4

Senior Review 6 10:43 – 11:27

Periods 1,2,3,4

7 11:25 -12:02
Senior Exam

8 11:25 -12:02
Senior Exam

Monday 5/23 Tuesday 5/24 Wednesday 5/25 Thursday 5/26 Friday 5/27

English 10 HSA Biology HSA Algebra HSA NSL HSA Last day for
Make up Make up Make up Make up Seniors

1 7:25 – 8:07 1 7:25 – 8:18 1 7:25 -8:11 REGULAR REGULAR

Senior Exam

2 8:12 – 8:54 2 8:23 – 9:16 2 8:16 – 9:08 BELL BELL

3 8:59 – 9:41 3 9:21 – 10:14 3 9:13 – 9:59 SCHEDULE SCHEDULE

4 9:46 – 10:37 4 10:19 – 11:01 4 10:19 – 11:01 Graduation

Rehearsal
5 9:42 – 10:35 5 11:06 – 11:48 5 10:42 – 11:35 (Mandatory)
Sr. Exam Sr. Exam
6 11:40 -12:33 6 11:53 – 12:34 6 11:44 – 12:29 Senior Picnic
(After Rehearsal)
7 12:38 – 1:20 7 12:39 – 1:21 7 12:34 – 1:19

8 1:25 – 2:10 8 1:26 – 2:10 8 1:24 - 2:10

 Magruder High School Courier Page 9
Student Service Learning (SSL) Notes By: Mercedes Bozzo

April 2011: SSL: Develops Critical Thinking Skills

High school students enrolled in the National, State, and Local Government course have the opportunity to
earn 7 SSL hours during Semester A, and 8 SSL hours during Semester B for their full participation in the
SSL aspects, and successful completion of the course.
All SSL organizations and opportunities must be preapproved. Choose from organizations tagged,
“Approved SSL MCPS” on the website www.mcpsssl.org and organizations tagged, “MCPS SSL Approved”
OR get MCPS Form 560-50, Request for SSL Preapproval granted in advance of any service.
Keep copies of all SSL forms. The official SSL hours are reflected on quarterly report cards. Check out the
SSL record and discuss any discrepancy immediately with the school-based SSL coordinator.
Service performed during the second semester can be turned in any time during the semester. The latest date
to turn in documentation of second semester service is the Friday before exams begin (June 3, 2011). Senior
hours are due before that date.
Providing direct service to individuals in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes is the only exception to
serving with nonprofit organizations. Be sure to get an MCPS Form 560-50, Request for SSL Preapproval
signed in advance with organizations that are not tagged as “Approved SSL MCPS”.
May 2011: SSL: Promotes Positive School/Community Relationships.
Memorial Day May 30, 2011 is a fine time to get involved in service through school or community organiza-
tions. Secure documentation of service using MCPS Form 560-51, Student Service Learning Activity Verifi-
cation.
All forms required to document SSL are found on the website www.mcpsssl.org or at any middle or high
school. Completed forms become part of each student’s record.
Students should make copies of all SSL documentation.
Support preapproved nonprofit organizations in the community by providing high quality, dependable ser-
vice. Make a positive impact!
All service for which SSL hours are awarded must be performed in a public place. The only exception to
this is students may earn SSL hours by making bag lunches at home and delivering them to a county home-
less shelter. SSL hours are awarded based on the number of meals delivered.
June 2011: SSL: Produces Real Results.
Summer is a great time to get involved in high quality service-learning. Search the website
www.mcpsssl.org to find something meaningful.
During the summer months when school-based SSL coordinators are not in their buildings SSL questions
and requests for preapproval may be referred to the SSL Office 301-279-3454.
Students may earn 1 SSL hour for every hour of service during the summer months. (maximum 8 hours in a
24-hour period).
All secular service for which SSL hours are granted must occur in a public place under the supervision of an
adult representing a preapproved, legitimate, nonprofit, tax exempt organization.
Well-written reflections on MCPS Form 560-51 become part of a student’s permanent record. Taking time
to construct a complete legible reflection paragraph is a good idea.
 Magruder High School Courier Page 10

Athletics Booster Club Farewells By: Jeff Boyd

We will have significant changes to our leadership group of Booster Club Board Members next year.
Rose Hendrickson has been a Board Member for 12 years! She has acted as both our Treasurer and
Concession Manager, and has continued to stay active long after her daughters have graduated. She is
the smiling face that most of you see working away to make sure the concession operation works
smoothly during games. Rose has been instrumental in building our selection of Spirit Wear products
and has done a great job managing our finances. After 12 years of hard work Rose is moving on and
we will really miss her.
Mike Sally has been a Board Member for 3 years and has managed our Spirit Wear operation, which
has grown significantly during that time. He has also been our all around “fix-it” guy at the Conces-
sion Stand. We also appreciate Mike’s wife Lisa for all of her help with the Spirit Wear operation as
well. Mike’s many contributions will be missed. I too am leaving after serving as President for the
past 6 years, as both of our sons have moved on. I am proud of the results that we have achieved dur-
ing the past 6 years in support of Magruder Athletics. We have successfully funded many facilities
improvements (fields & courts enhancements, scoreboards, etc.) and have provided many teams with a
variety of equipment, gear, technology, etc.

I would like to thank the MHS Administration, our Athletic Director Karl Heimbach, our
Coaches and our current and past Board Members for their support.

In addition to Rose and Mike, our current Board Members include Bill Leffingwell (VP), Earle Barnes
(Web), Werner Ochoa (Secretary), John Fitzgerald and Jay Barden. They work very hard to make the
Booster Club work.
In this era of rising costs and budget cuts, it is now more important than ever that we work together to
ensure that our students have the equipment and facilities to support their efforts on behalf of MHS ath-
letics. Thanks to those of you who have joined the Booster Club by making a tax deductable donation
in the form of our Membership. We also really appreciate those volunteers that help us out in the con-
cession stand…we all have fun in the process. In closing, I would like to encourage more of our Par-
ents to get involved in the Athletic Booster Club moving forward. This is a great way to get engaged at
Magruder as a member or a volunteer, while being part of your student’s high school experience. We
now need some active parents to step up and join our Board to help carry our efforts to fund athletics
forward.

Please visit our site for more info: www.magruderboosters.com

Best Wishes to all, Jeff Boyd

MAGRUDER HIGH SCHOOL

GO COLONELS!!!
Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 11

School Supply Drive By: Ms. Linda Kuserk

To support Interactive Biology Notebooks

Items Needed:

30 student friendly (Soft handled and safe ) Scissors

15 student friendly and durable staplers
50 glue sticks and staples
100 journal style composition 100 C
Colored pencils
Highlighters
Stickers (for incentive)

Please place donations in a box marked in the Main Office

Magruder High School’s Drama Department

is Proud to Present

ANNIE!
The most famous lovable red-headed orphan Annie with the ever popular songs
like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”.
Come join the fun and frolic on April 1, 2, 8, and 9
At the Magruder High School Auditorium
All shows at 7:30 pm
Reserve your seats by sending an email request to: magruderbusiness@yahoo.com
Tickets also available at the door. Adults $10, Students $8
For further info call: 301-840-4600
 Magruder High School Courier Page 12

After Prom Needs An Army of Volunteers!

The After Prom is a parent run and staffed event that occurs after the Prom on Saturday morning April
30, 1am—5am, We serve tons of food, run games, take pictures, and hand out prizes to all the students
who attend. Even if a senior student does not go to Prom, they are more than welcome to come to the
after prom party. You must buy your ticket in advance at the high school.

Two to four parents are needed to sell tickets during ALL Lunches (10am to 12:30pm) on April 26, 27,
28 and at the Senior Breakfast on the 29th. Contact Linda Kuserk @ kuserkpta@comcast.net if you
can help.

1 parent is needed from 4-6 pm to accept food donations at the Bauer Drive Community Center.

Parents (from all grades) who can still pull “all-nighters” are needed to work the event—12:30am to
5am. Contact Linda Kuserk at kuserkpta@comcast.net . Volunteers needed to work in the casino
(9 parents), kitchen help (6 parents from 11:30pm-4am), coat check (2 parents), security (4 parents),
prizes (3 parents), floaters (2 parents), amusements (11 parents) and check in areas (12 parents from
12:30am—2:30 am, 6 parents from 2:30am—5am).

Volunteers (8 or more parents) are also needed for clean up Saturday morning at 5am at Bauer Drive
Community Center. We’re normally finished by 7:30-8am. Contact Janet Vogel at
vogeljld@yahoo.com if you’re an early riser!

If you can donate—chips (individual bags), candy (individually wrapped), pre-packaged cookies, case
of bottled water or canned soda—contact Lorri Stout at lorstout@aol.com and bring the items to Bauer
Drive Community Center on Friday April 29, noon to midnight.

The After Prom Party is an activity for MHS seniors and their guest for a safe, fun event. Any mone-
tary donations are tax deductable to you! This event costs about $10,000 to produce and financial
help from our Magruder families and community is needed. Please sign up below to help or to make a
donation. We are collecting printer cartridges, toner cartridges, and cell phones. There is a collection
recycling box in the main office and in the media center. Contacts: Patti Fornatora 301-963-6212 or
pfornatora@msn.com & Deby Dicello 301-740-9828 or djdpgh@aol.com .

——————————————————————————————————————
Checks should be made payable to MHS PTSA-After Prom and mailed to: Lisa Sally, AP Treasurer,
4412 Custis Drive, Rockville, MD 20853) Name:
_________________________ Phone: ________________ E-Mail:____________________

Call me about helping with: Decorations______________ Publicity____________

Amusements_________ Ticket Sales_________________ Food________________

Donations: Monetary ____________ Chips __________ Candy __________________

Pre-packaged Cookies ____________ Case of bottled water or canned soda __________
Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 13

MAGRUDER ARTS EXPO 2011

MAGRUDER ARTS EXPO 2011

On the evening of Wednesday, April 13th, the Magruder Art, Music, and Drama
Departments will host the first Magruder Arts Expo in the school’s auditorium
lobby and art wing.

Come join the celebration and view the annual Magruder Art Show from 5 p.m.
- 8:30 p.m. and experience choral, jazz, and drama performances starting at
6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Come to the Magruder Arts Expo and see the talent!

PARENTS OF INCOMING 9th GRADERS By: Linda Kuserk

Sign up for e-mail lists over the summer to receive school and PTSA announcements.

MHSnews: Subscribe to the MHS e-mail announcement list which provides updates on school news as well as the
daily announcements heard by students through the link on the Magruder home page on the bottom left hand col-
umn.

MHS PTSA NEWS: Subscribe to the PTSA e-mail announcement list which provides updates on PTSA and MCPS
news, and volunteer opportunities through the link on the Magruder PTSA home page at www.mhs-ptsa.org

Dates to remember:
June 16th – Incoming 9th graders attend Magruder for orientation (ride high school busses)

August 13th - Tryouts for fall athletics begin

August 25th –Orientation for freshman and new students (students receive lockers)

Evening informational session for parents

Freshman Dance

August 29th - First Day of School

September 8th - Back to School Night
 Magruder High School Courier Page 14

PTA FACILITIES By: Dawn Trahern, Chairperson

IT IS OFFICIAL! The Magruder cafeteria will receive a facelift. Plans have been completed and
work will begin this summer. The new kitchen design will allow for additional food lines which will
greatly assist students in getting their lunches even quicker. This upgrade
will also allow for several new food options; however, those options have
yet to be determined. Let’s be surprised! Mr. Evans is also working with
MCPS Food Services to obtain vending machines that provide lunch foods
rather than just snacks and if approved, this too will help students obtain
lunch foods quicker and provide additional variety. As a bonus to these al-
ready great plans, the administration is working with MCPS facilities to de-
sign an outside dining area. Plans and location of the outside dining are be-
ing worked on as you read this article. Let your students know that they
should look for some fabulous additions to their lunch experience.

Finance Academy Internships and General Internships

The Academy of Finance, a member program of the National Academy Foundation, addresses the
needs of the financial services industry by providing high school students with the education required
for success and a skilled educated workforce able to meet the needs of the 21st century employ-
ers. One goal of the Academy of Finance is to prepare interested students for a career in business or
finance through a combination of coursework and on-the-job experience. The Academy achieves this
goal through cooperative efforts of educators and local business partnerships. The Academy is seeking
local businesses (of any kind) with a financial office or financial professionals/businesses to offer in-
ternships this summer and/or fall for Academy students. This internship must be compensated.
(compensation can be defined as a stipend, scholarship or even a $50 gift card)

General Internships:
Magruder High School is also seeking general internships in various fields of study (healthcare, educa-
tion, business, science) for summer and fall. These internships do not require financial compensation.

Advantages to Business:
Participate in a program that helps to nurture and teach students to be productive citizens and talented
professionals.
Community reinvestment credit for banks
Tax credits for business
Natural progression for recruiting employees
Forum for the exchange of information about business and education
Sustained employment levels in the summer months.

Business/professionals interested in more information about the programs can contact Ms. Jane Cocker
at Jane E Cocker@mcpsmd.org .
Magruder High School Courier April, 2011 Page 15

ENGLISH COMPOSITION ASSISTANTS AT MHS By: Ms. Laura Prizzi

What does an English Composition Assistant do?
English Composition Assistants’ responsibilities vary from high school to high school and cover a wide
variety of tasks throughout the school year. The following is a list of some of our duties at Col. Zadok
Magruder High School:

• Work directly with students of all grade and skill levels on any English assignment
• Work with students one-on-one at lunch, as well as before and after school, as needed
• Offer support and resources to English teachers, as necessary
• Monitor three computer labs, which includes troubleshooting, maintenance for some computer
issues, and scheduling
• Teach daily lessons on research paper to 11th grade students. Topics include: locating credible
research information; writing a thesis, preview points, and supports for each preview point; cre-
ating parenthetical documentation correctly; and formatting documents properly for title page
and works-cited page (We are considered teachers while instructing the research paper, so stu-
dents have two teachers in the classroom.)
• Plan our own lessons for research papers for various grades, which includes creating work-
sheets to help with organization and developing quizzes on research paper vocabulary, works
cited, and parenthetical documentation
• Teach and assist students with use of various computer software programs, such as
Noodletools, PowerPoint, and Word 2007
• Create and present PowerPoint presentations on the various topics, including grammar
• Edit and grade papers for grammatical and mechanical errors
• Assist with proctoring MAP-R (Measures of Academic Progress) testing, maintaining book-
rooms, printing and scanning county formative assessments, bookkeeping for Independent Ac-
tivity Funds for AP classes; and helping coordinate the summer reading program at MHS.

How has the job changed?

In the past at Magruder HS, the English Composition Assistants worked exclusively with the ninth-
grade English classes the first semester and then the eleventh- grade English classes second semester.
Our assistance is now available to any English class of any grade, although second quarter is dominated
by the eleventh grade because of the research paper. Previously, the computer labs were used by the
English department for English assignments only. Now, all departments have access to labs, and stu-
dents are allowed to work on any subject before school, after school, and during lunches.

How do English Composition Assistants benefit students?

We are another resource students can use for English composition assignments, college essays, and
writing assignments for other subjects. Come see us, we will be glad to help!
 Colonel Zadok Magruder High School
5939 Muncaster Mill Road
Rockville, MD 20855
The Colonel Zadok Magruder High School
Parent—Teacher-Student Association Newsletter
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