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April 10, 2021

The Talbot Spy

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Education Ed Notes

Superintendent Reports Class of 2020 Graduation and Dropout Rate

April 10, 2021 by Talbot County Public Schools Leave a Comment

Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent of Schools, reported final graduation and drop-out rates for the Class of 2020 at the March Board of Education meeting.

The report reflected dramatic improvement in both the drop-out rate and the graduation rate for the school district.  For the class of 2016 TCPS had reported a dropout rate of 10.23% as compared with 1.58% for the class of 2020.

“This progress is largely attributed to the Dropout Prevention/Reengagement Specialist position that we were able to add through grant funding,” Dr. Griffith explained.  “Fortunately, we have been able to maintain this funding and position for four years, and have just received notice that it will be funded again for the 2021-2022 school year.”

The graduation rate has increased substantially, from 85.51% for the class of 2016 to 95.79% for the class 2020.  While this is due in part to the efforts of the Dropout Prevention/Reengagement Specialist, it is also a result of the persistent and strategic efforts of school counselors, student services workers, and school social workers.  In addition, TCPS has implemented an online learning program that has been of great assistance to students who have needed credit recovery in order to stay on track for graduation.

Dr. Griffith explained that it is also noteworthy that the data is showing an increase in graduation rates across demographic subgroups as well, which has been a strategic focus of TCPS.  For example, the graduation rate for African American students was 78.85% for the class of 2016, and +95% for the class of 2020.  The district has also seen great progress in the Hispanic population, progressing from 64.52% for the class of 2016 to 87.76% for the class of 2020.  “We are very pleased to see this progress, thanks to the perseverance of our students and our amazing TCPS staff,” Dr. Griffith concluded.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Talbot County Public Schools, The Talbot Spy

Easton Branch of AAUW Announces Mature Woman’s Grant

April 10, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Easton Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is pleased to announce the opportunity for a Mature Woman’s Grant to females age 25 and over who are residents of one of the following Maryland counties: Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot or Dorchester.

The intention of this grant is to assist women who are returning to complete their college education, who are pursuing further graduate studies, or who are applying for a certificate program to enter a new career path and would benefit from some extra financial assistance in accomplishing their goal. The amount of the grant is still to be determined.

Applications for this AAUW 2021 Mature Woman’s Grant can be found at local libraries in the five-county region, at Chesapeake College, Salisbury University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Wicomico Community College, Washington College or electronically by request at aauwgrant@goeaston.net.

The deadline for submission, postmarked or e-mailed, is June 7, 2021. Applicants will be notified during July and August. The grants will be awarded officially at the September Easton Branch meeting of the AAUW.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, The Talbot Spy

Sense of Place: Time and Memory with Charles E. Yonkers

April 10, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Charles Edward Yonkers

This three-session course is an exploration of different kinds of special places in our lives: natural and geographic ones that we experience and treasure; social ones that we honor and celebrate; and subjective ones particular to our unique perceptions. A light reading list of excerpts will stimulate discussion and perhaps promote either writing or other creative expressions.

Charles Edward Yonkers is a former Peace Corps Country Director, lawyer (Harvard, J.D., Yale, B.A.), and adjunct professor in Georgetown’s Graduate Liberal Studies Program (M.A.L.S.). His thesis was “The Creation of a Sense of Place: History, Culture, and Henderson, KY.” He has taught a course on A Sense of Place since 2011. His current place is Pot Pie Farm, Wittman, MD. Live ZOOM Class Sessions Only, Tuesdays, April 13, 20, 27 from 10:30-12:00 pm $30. Enrollment in the Live ZOOM Option is Limited. To register for the course, or for more information about Chesapeake Forum classes go to https://chesapeakeforum.org/april-2021-courses or visit us on Facebook.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chesapeake Forum, Education, local news

“Normal” Aging and Life Interruptions with Miranda Donnelly

April 9, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Miranda Donnelly

Aging is a natural process in human development and there are certain common features of aging that we can anticipate. But where does “normal” aging end? In our first session, we will talk about what we can expect as we age and ways to identify and prepare for interruptions to these natural processes. We will consider physical, cognitive, sensory, sexual, emotional, and social features of aging and what we can do to make the most of the aging experience.  In our second session, we will discuss life interruptions and the role of the Caregiver. When the familiar cadence of life is interrupted by injury, disease, or disability in ourselves or a loved one, we are challenged to adapt quickly. While much of the focus is on the individual whose body or mind is directly affected by the interruption, loved ones also experience significant changes to daily life. In this conversation, we will talk about the unique challenges of assuming the role of caregiver and ways we can adapt and maintain wellness.

Miranda Donnelly is a registered occupational therapist (OTR) who finds meaning in helping people participate in life after neurologic injury. Donnelly graduated from Towson University with a Masters in OT and, after working clinically with adults who experienced life interruptions due to neurologic conditions, is pursuing a PhD in occupational science at the University of Southern California. Donnelly works in the USC Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, where she is involved in applying virtual reality-based human computer interfaces to stroke rehabilitation and studying factors that influence stroke recovery. She is also the host of the “OT Uncorked” podcast, in which she covers hot topics in occupational therapy with a glass of wine and guests from the profession. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles and is newly married to her husband Sean. Choose between Live ZOOM Class Sessions or Recorded Tuesdays, April 13, 20 from 1:00-2:30 pm $20.To register for the course, or for more information about Chesapeake Forum classes go to https://chesapeakeforum.org/april-2021-courses or visit us on Facebook.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chesapeake Forum, Education, local news

Wye River Upper School’s Ron Vener Appointed to YMCA Advisory Board

April 8, 2021 by Wye River Upper School Leave a Comment

Ron Vener

Ron Vener, the Athletic Director at Wye River Upper School, has been chosen to join the advisory board of the Queen Anne’s County YMCA.

As part of the advisory group, Vener will provide leadership by working with local staff in the community to help support the branch’s strategic direction and identify and address community needs.

Vener says that he was honored to be recommended to the advisory board and is excited to expand on the existing relationship he and the school have built with the YMCA. “Wye River Upper School has had a long-standing relationship with Victoria Velton and Robbie Gill of the Queen Anne’s YMCA for many years,” says Vener. “We are excited to continue our relationship with the YMCA to help our students to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Vener.

Vener’s experience with youth and his ties to the community made him a natural choice for a position on the advisory board. According to Derek White, Executive Director of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, one of the goals of the group is to continue to be impactful in the realm of serving youth by creating a partnership with local schools to include water safety as a part of their physical education programs. “Vener was identified by the community as a prominent figure who can further these goals with his significant experience as an athletic director and coach,” says they White. Vener will also play a part in the YMCA’s annual campaign by identifying individuals who can help provide financial support for the organization’s programs and operations.

With more than 26 years of experience in education, Vener, who joined Wye River Upper School in 2012, holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education, and an M.S in Instruction and Curriculum. Aside from his duties as Athletic Director, Vener also serves as Director of Transportation and Director of Buildings and Grounds, and teaches a course in personal finance. Vener also coaches with the BSP Blacksox travel ball organization based in Centreville.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes from the Bay Bridge. For more information, contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8294.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Wye River Upper School

Registration Opens for CBMM Summer Camps

April 4, 2021 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Leave a Comment

Registration is now open for week-long summer camps at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md., which begin June 28 and continue through Aug. 20. In age-appropriate Chesapeake-themed sessions for ages 4–15, campers will explore the magic of the Chesapeake Bay’s people, animals, traditions, and environment, with an emphasis on creating a fun, hands-on learning environment that includes on-the-water and environmental activities, stories, games, crafts, and other creative projects.

CBMM’s Sea Squirts summer camp sessions for children 4–6 years old and Terrapins summer camp sessions for children entering grades one–three are offered during the weeks of June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, and Aug.2. The Sea Squirts camp takes place Monday through Friday from 9am–noon, while Terrapins’ sessions run from 9am–3pm. Weekly camp themes include Bay Crusaders; Chesapeake Critters; Explore & More; Feathers, Fins, and Furs; Red, White, and Bay; and Shipwrecked.

Summer Workshops, offering children the chance to spend time both in CBMM’s workshop and on the water, will be offered for grades four–six during the weeks of July 5, July 26, and Aug. 16, and for grades six–nine during the week of July 19. Summer Workshops will be held from 9am–3pm, Monday–Friday.

CBMM camps allow campers to explore CBMM’s 18-acre campus and numerous exhibition buildings as part of the program. Each session is limited to a maximum of 8 children; cost varies for each program, with a 20% discount on tuition offered to CBMM members. Scholarships are available for campers with financial need. For more information and to register, visit cbmm.org/summercamps. Please note: some sessions have already moved to a waiting list, so quick registration is advised.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Education, local news

TCPS Announces 2021-2022 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year

April 3, 2021 by Talbot County Public Schools Leave a Comment

Talbot County Public Schools announced the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year with a surprise presentation at each winner’s school. The Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Program recognizes outstanding educators who have innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students.

The 2021-2022 Talbot Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Lauren Greer. Mrs. Greer earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Gettysburg College and a Master of Arts in Teaching – Secondary Earth Space Science from Towson University. She began her career with Talbot County Public Schools in 2012 as a middle school science teacher at St. Michaels Middle High School. She has since taught a broad spectrum of classes at the middle and high school level, including Environmental Science, Earth Systems, Anatomy and Physiology, Advancement Placement Biology and Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science.

Mrs. Greer has served in many leadership roles on campus. She is an Equity Team leader, co-advisor for the National Technical Honor Society, and chairs the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) Committee. She has lead St. Michaels Middle High School’s effort to achieve “Green School” status and served as head coach for Junior Varsity Field Hockey for two seasons. She is fully certified as a Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science teacher, has been a curriculum writer for Earth Systems Science and Biology, and has participated in numerous state level conferences as a researcher, attendee, and presenter.

Photo: Talbot County Public Schools has announced that Ms. Ayonna Hayman (left) and Mrs. Lauren Greer (right) have been named Support Staff of the Year and Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022.

“Lauren Greer is an example of a true educator. She is caring, compassionate, trustworthy, devoted and reflective,” said Theresa Vener, Principal of St. Michaels Middle High School in her nomination statement. “She never stops learning and is not afraid to try new things. She is a master at technology and is always searching for new ways to improve her craft. She genuinely cares for each one of her students and colleagues and works diligently to foster positive relationships.”

Ms. Ayonna Hayman has been chosen as the 2021-2022 Support Staff of the Year. An alumnus of St. Michaels Middle High School, Ms. Hayman has served as a Media Center Instructional Assistant at St. Michaels Elementary School since 2019. In that role, she creates and executes lessons for students in grades Pre-K through 5 in literature and media. Her work with students extends into the community, as she is also a Dance Teacher at the Perkins Family YMCA and has previously taught dance at the Academy of the Arts. An accomplished photographer, she seeks to “inspire greatness in others” through her work in the arts.

Photo: Dr. Kelly L. Griffith, Superintendent (left) and Mrs. Shannon Beatty, Supervisor, Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year (right) congratulate Mrs. Lauren Greer, St. Michaels Middle High School science teacher and Talbot Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022.

“Ayonna is the definition of ambition, creativity, vision, motivation, and most importantly, heart,” said Kelly Coutts, a St. Michaels Elementary School teacher who nominated Ms. Hayman for this award. “Ayonna takes time to build relationships with each of her students. The students love her and respect her. She goes above and beyond to give each student a voice, to ensure that each student can see themselves represented in the curriculum, and to hold each student to a high level of expectation.”

“I am so excited to see these outstanding members of the TCPS recognized as our 2022 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent. “Mrs. Greer and Ms. Hayman, along with all of this year’s finalists, truly exemplify excellence in education, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Talbot County Public Schools, The Talbot Spy

Paul and Joanne Prager Make Significant Donation to Chesapeake Forum

April 1, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Paul and Joanne Prager of Easton, Maryland, recently made a generous $25,000 contribution to Chesapeake Forum, an Academy for Lifelong Learning, based in Easton.

“This generous contribution from the Prager Family will help Chesapeake Forum fulfill its vision to make lifelong learning an integral part of Maryland’s Eastern Shore Culture,” said Glory Aiken, Chesapeake Forum President. “Their generosity is in keeping with our mission to provide courses and discussion on a wide variety of topics for people of all ages and backgrounds where ideas are shared with civility and mutual respect. The Prager’s gift will also help keep the cost of our courses as affordable as possible for our growing numbers of Eastern Shore Lifelong Learners. It will also enable our goals of expanding our reach to young adults.”

Chesapeake Forum has experienced significant growth since it became a separate entity from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in June of 2019. Under the leadership of the late John Ford, Chesapeake Forum’s Founding President, and John’s successor, Glory Aiken, this educational organization has marched forward with new ideas to make the organization strong and vibrant for the future.  In under two years, the organization has grown exponentially as evidenced by seeing over 680 course registrations for its Winter-Spring semester alone.

Notes Aiken, “The importance of lifelong learning was demonstrated dramatically when the Covid-19 pandemic required our faculty to pivot almost overnight to learn how to teach in a virtual classroom via Zoom. That we succeeded in offering a fall semester in 2020 as well as a winter/spring semester in 2021, both of which have achieved record enrollment, taught us that Zoom is much more than the sound of a racing car!”

Veteran teacher and Forum Board Member, Dr. John H. Miller (who, with John Ford, co-taught more than 50 Academy for Lifelong Learning courses over the past 20 years) adds, “For many faculty and students, Chesapeake Forum’s “live” virtual and recorded courses provided a sorely-needed sense of community and camaraderie during this long pandemic when physical distancing prevented us from being together in the classroom.” Continues Miller, “With this generous contribution from the Prager Family, we look forward to the future when classes will again be in person.  Chesapeake Forum will be able to resume what we do best: to bring affordable educational opportunities for everyone in our communities to enrich our lives and minds and to explore new ideas together with our neighbors, and to make new friends . . . and to learn that we are not alone.”

Chesapeake Forum is an intellectual cooperative of lifelong learning, with courses planned, run, and led by dedicated volunteer faculty. Chesapeake Forum is open to everyone who wishes to learn, and welcomes anyone willing to listen and discuss a myriad of topics with an open mind and a respectful curiosity for the views of others.

With a continuously changing curriculum, Chesapeake Forum offers sessions on current events, science, literature, history, art, music, and writing along with outdoor courses on birding, ecology, and much more. There is also an occasional trip to museums or historic sites. More information about Chesapeake Forum’s current courses and faculty can be found at www.chesapeakeforum.org.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chesapeake Forum, Education, local news, The Talbot Spy

Golfing “fore” Gunston Spring Fundraiser to be held May 3, 2021

April 1, 2021 by Gunston School Leave a Comment

Jim Shifrin P’21 practices his swing at last year’s tournament.

The Gunston School will be holding a spring fundraiser, Golfing “fore” Gunston II, on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Md. The day begins with a continental breakfast on the patio overlooking the greens before teeing off with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Refreshments and food will be served throughout the day, with opportunities to “Rent a Pro” for a little extra help. An awards ceremony will follow with prizes for First Place, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and “Last Place” winners. Golfers will be vying to win prizes such as a Bat-Caddy X3R Remote Control Cart, Yeti Golf Bag, Under Armour gear, Pro Shop gift cards, and more. This year’s event includes activities such as lunch and tennis with a pro for those who may not golf, but would like to show their support by connecting with other members of the Gunston community.

Additionally, beginning on Friday, April 30, the Gunston’s Biddersnest online silent auction will go live, offering the chance to bid on items such as dinner for four and a golf simulator session, a full day Gunston Watershed Experience for a family of 4-6 plus lunch, professional photography sessions, a basket of gift cards to area restaurants, and a weekend getaway. Auction winners will be announced at the golf awards ceremony on May 3.

Karen Talbott P’20 ’22, Julie Gillespie P’21 ’24, and Lynda Scull (Executive Assistant for External Relations) working the registration table at last year’s golf tournament.

The inaugural Golfing fore Gunston in October 2020 was a sold-out event, with many asking for a second tournament in the spring. “Normally, we wouldn’t have two golf tournaments in the same year, however this has not been a normal year,” explains Head of School John Lewis. Gunston’s annual fall Bull & Oyster Roast provides $100,000 toward bridging the nearly $4,000 gap between tuition costs and what it actually takes to deliver the “Gunston Experience.”

“This year we were not able to have our signature event, so we are working to close our funding gap in non-traditional and atypical ways—like having TWO golf tournaments! In a year where indoor events are out of the question and outdoor gala events involve a myriad of restrictions, hosting TWO golf tournaments makes perfect sense,” Lewis adds.

Sponsorships and donations allow Gunston the ability to offer more than 60% of its students financial aid, as well as provide opportunities for students and faculty to travel to leadership conferences, robotic competitions, environmental trips, and more.

Golf registration is $175 per player or $700 per foursome. Sponsorships are also available and include the opportunity for businesses to get their name and logo in front of the entire Gunston community of students, parents, alumni, and local community members.

Tournament sponsors include Riggo Productions (The Pocock Family, P ’23) and Fred Frederick of Easton (Janell & Jeffrey Frederick, P ’23).

Visit https://www.gunston.org/golf21 to register for the outing or a sponsorship (or both!), or call Event Director Lynda Scull at 410-758-0620, ext. 1101 or email lscull@gunston.org.

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information. 

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, Gunston School, local news

TCPS Student Musicians Selected for All-Shore Bands

March 31, 2021 by Talbot County Public Schools Leave a Comment

Students from the Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) secondary band programs recently auditioned for the Eastern Shore Band Director’s Association (ESBDA) Junior and Senior All-Shore Bands.  Students from every county on the Eastern Shore of Maryland compete for limited spots. In order to audition virtually this year, each student submitted a video of a chromatic scale and a prepared solo.  The performances were adjudicated by a member of the ESBDA, and students were assessed on tone, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulations and accidentals.

The following TCPS students were selected:

Photo: Members of the Easton Middle School Band, directed by Mrs. Donna Ewing, were selected for the Eastern Shore Band Director’s JuniorAll Shore Band. Top Row: Abigail Davis, Caroline Welte, Danica Manley; Middle Row: Riley Pederson, Adam Rinehart, Makenzie Lord. Bottom Row: Mrs. Donna Ewing, Aleah Shane Solivio

Easton Middle, directed by Mrs. Donna Ewing – Junior All Shore

Abigail Davis – 8th, Percussion
MaKenzi Lord – 7th, Clarinet
Danica Manley – 8th, Bass Clarinet
Caroline Welte – 8th, Trumpet
Riley Pedersen – 6th, Trombone
Adam Rinehart – 8th, Alto Sax
Aleah Shane Solivio – 8th, Flute

Easton High, directed by Mr. EJ Oesterle – Senior All Shore

Kate Adelman – 9th, Horn
Matthew Craig – 9th, Euphonium
Will Ross – 11th, Trumpet
John Schwaninger – 9th, Trombone

Photo: Members of the Easton High School Band have been selected for the 2021 Senior All Shore Band. Top Row: Will Ross, Kate Adelman; Bottom Row: John Schwaninger. Matthew Craig. The Band is directed by Mr. EJ Oesterle

St. Michaels Middle High, directed by Mr. Christopher Flaherty – Senior All Shore

Marty Fullerton – 9th, Trumpet
Molly Fullerton – 12th, Trumpet (selected every year for the last 7 years)

“These students are to be commended for continuing their great musical work, especially during these challenging times,” said Mr. James Redman, TCPS Fine Arts Supervisor.  “I applaud them for their perseverance and for this outstanding accomplishment.”

Photo: Saint Michaels High School Band members Marty Fullerton (center) and Molly Fullerton (right), directed by Mr. Christopher Flaherty (left), were selected for the Eastern Shore Band Director’s Association All-Shore Band.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Talbot County Public Schools, The Talbot Spy

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