The business meeting was held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Silent Auction grossed over $13,000 and was a huge success. We have a 3-year rental of a credit card processing machine.
The May meeting will be held on 5/20, a Thursday, due to a conflict of scheduling. This is the election for next year's officers. A candidate may be nominated that night, but must be present. The position of Secretary is open, but members can run for any position.
Principal's Update
MCPS is considering doing a pilot of an All-Year-Round School program at Title
I elementary schools that volunteer. The single track program would have
students in school 45 days, then off 15 days for 4 cycles. The purpose is
to increase student learning while countering learning loss over the long
summer break.
Currently, Blair's enrollment for next year is at 3360, and this does not include students in the 2nd round who are in Blair's base area, or a projection for students who move into the Blair area over the school year. Mr. Gainous said this is more students than this year.
9th grade news: in September, the 9th grade will be located in part of the 2nd and 3rd floors in order to keep these students together. There will be 7 teams with English, Social Studies,Connections, Technology classes, etc. and also Guidance Counsellors and Administrators. Interims will be sent out every 3 weeks for 9th graders.
Upgrading of Blair's computers is a plus, but will negatively impact the first semester of summer school as the media center will be closed to students.
Program: Panel discussion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education desegregation case
Panel members: Mabel Thomas, longtime County resident and teacher in both segregated and integrated schools; JoAnne Malone, Blair peace studies teacher; Vital Acumana, student diversity workshop leader; Dr. Greg Bell, MCPS Office of Diversity Initiatives, and, leader of the panel, Valerie Ervin, former Blair PTSA president
The discussion, questions from the audience, and reminiscences of the panel members were enlightening to those present, 14 parents. Ms. Thomas recounted that Carver was the only high school for blacks in the County, so some students rode the bus 3 hours each way to school.The consensus was high expectations by teachers, parents and community that students would learn and do well in school was key to encourage academic achievement for all students.
Suzanne Costilo, Secretary, 4/21/04