It’s All About Teaching and Learning. Charles County Public Schools SSchoolchool NNewsews Important Dates Coming Soon Site plans Charles County Public Schools re- cently updated its website to be ADA- compliant. Changes made to streamline the site include the elimination of the Staff tab at the top of the page. Now all staff information, forms and staff development updates are in MyCCPS which can be accessed by clicking the MyCCPS button underneath the open- ing slide show. Financial goal seminars Financial goal seminars will be Nov. 7 and 8. CCPS is partnering with VAL- IC to offer an educational workshop on retirement income strategies. The seminar addresses the five risks associ- A river runs through it ated with retirement and explains how St. Charles High School freshmen Stephanie Cruz, left, and McKenzie income planning can help manage the look for macroinvertebrates in water gathered from a stream near the school for risks. The Nov. 7 seminar is 4:30 to 6 a Bridging the Watershed lesson. It’s a program the school system started last p.m. at the Jesse L. Starkey Administra- school year with the Alice Ferguson Foundation through a Chesapeake Bay Trust tion Building, 5980 Radio Station Road grant. This year, Charles County Public Schools is able to expand and extend the in La Plata. The Nov. 8 seminar is 4:30 program through a three-year $343,854 matching grant from the National Oceanic to 6 p.m. at North Point High School at and Atmospheric Administration. Seventh-grade science and high school biology 2500 Davis Road in Waldorf. and earth science students at all CCPS middle and high schools will learn how their Daycare open at SCHS day-to-day actions affect the environment and watershed. St. Charles High School Kiddie Junction Preschool opens Nov. 14 for three- and four-year-old children. The PE teachers named Simon McNeely Award recipients program runs from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 Three Charles County Public Schools The award is named in honor of Simon p.m. Tuesday through Thursday until (CCPS) physical education teachers were McNeely, a special education teacher and April 12. Cost is $350 for the duration honored last week as 2017 Simon McNeely longtime member of the President’s Council of the program. Applications are avail- Award recipients. for Physical Fitness, and the United States able in the school’s main office. For The Maryland Association of Health, and International Olympic committees. more information, contact Carrie Bier Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Bullard is a physical education teacher at at 301-753-2090 or [email protected]. (MAHPERD) honored CCPS teachers Re- Theodore G. Davis Middle School and start- becca Bullard, Leonard Rickett and Brent ed her 12th year in education this school year. Host families sought Stum with the awards on Oct. 20. Bullard joined the teaching team at Da- Host families are needed to host vis- The annual awards program recognizes vis when the school opened in 2007 and also iting Bunkyo University students Feb. teachers who demonstrate outstanding in- taught at Milton M. Somers Middle School. 23 to March 2. Staff members interest- novation in teaching physical education and She coaches sports at the middle-school level ed in hosting a student should apply by involvement in school community activities. and previously coached girls basketball at Nov. 21 at http://tinyurl.com/Bunkyo- 2018HostFamily. See MCNEELY, Page 2

November 10, 2017 H-90 School News McNeely continued from page 1

Notebook La Plata and North Point high schools. Bullard was honored On the cover to be recognized for Pictured on the front cover are staff mem- pursuing her passion to bers of Eva Turner Elementary School. From teach. “It is a great hon- left are Nicole Shannon, parent liaison; Keith or to receive the Simon Juarez, technology facilitator; and Ivy Wade, McNeely award. Teach- Three’s program instructional assistant. ing health and physical education in the Charles Rebecca Bullard Leonard Rickett Brent Stum Retirement planning? County community is a passion of mine. Seeing the improvement Charles County Retired School Personnel Stum is also a longtime physical edu- of the overall health and well-being of stu- Association, the State of Maryland Pension Sys- cation teacher with CCPS, having spent dents through their physical education and the past 14 years teaching at La Plata High tem, along with the office of fiscal services, is health knowledge makes me proud,” she School. hosting a closed retirement planning session 5 said. Throughout his career at La Plata, to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 16 for employees of Charles Rickett is a longtime physical educa- Stum said he has felt constant support from tion teacher with CCPS. County Public Schools who are enrolled in the staff and school administrators in helping He has been teaching physical educa- State of Maryland Pension System. Guest speak- to improve the physical health of students. tion at the elementary school level for the Additionally, Stum said he was honored ers and retirement planning handouts, as well as past 18 years. Rickett has taught at Berry to receive the recognition as a Simon Mc- light refreshments, will be provided. The meet- Elementary School for his entire career Neely Award because it honors educators ing will be held at the Jesse L. Starkey Admin- with CCPS. for giving back to their communities. istration Building, 5980 Radio Station Road, La He has a bachelor’s degree in health “This award is really a recognition of Plata. RSVP by Nov. 3 to 301-934-7289 or Ben- and physical education from Frostburg the amazing support that Charles County [email protected]. University and is two courses away from finishing his master’s degree in administra- provides for its health and physical edu- Apply by Nov. 17 for job fair tion at McDaniel College. cation teachers. I am very fortunate to be While Rickett said he does not neces- surrounded by amazing teachers here at La A Charles County Public Schools teacher job sarily enjoy being in the spotlight for doing Plata and in Charles County that share the fair is 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4. The school his job, he was happy to be recognized for same vision for students,” he said. system is looking to recruit teachers at all grade his hard work. “It feels good to be recog- The teachers were nominated for rec- levels. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree nized for this award, for all the hard work ognition by Ivy Hodges, CCPS content and be able to meet certification requirements that is being done. I don’t ask for recog- specialist for health and physical educa- established by the Maryland State Department nition, but it does feel good when other tion. They were honored in a recogni- tion ceremony held as part of the annual of Education. Applicants can fill out and submit people notice you for the work you put in,” he said. MAHPERD convention. an online application at www.ccboe.com/jobs/ apply.php. For an application to be considered complete, required supporting documents and Benefits, insurance enrollment open to Dec. 1 three professional references must be submit- The annual open enrollment period for imbursed medical expense and child care ted by Nov. 17. Select “CCPS Teacher Job Fair health benefits, life insurance and flexible flexible spending accounts. Enrollment is December 4, 2017” as the referral source on the spending is open through Dec. 1. There are not automatic — you must sign up for a application. Candidates selected to interview at no plan design or rate changes for 2018. new account each year. the fair will be contacted by Nov. 29. The fair To access enrollment and to make Aflac representatives will be avail- is invitation only, no walk-in interviews will be changes, go to ccboe.hrintouch.com and able at schools and centers to sign up em- click create an account. ployees for new policies, update current considered. There is no need to re-enroll if you are policies or answer questions. The Aflac not making changes to a medical or life meeting dates and times can be found at Workshops open plan. Employees participating in the flex- MyCCPS under the benefits tab. For more Afterschool workshops in varying subjects ible spending programs need to access the information, contact the Office of Fiscal are being held through March. To find out more, online benefit enrollment site — ccboe. Services — Employee Benefits at 301- go to http://registration.ccboe.com. hrintouch.com — to enroll in the unre- 934-7289 or [email protected].

November 10, 2017 Page 2

School News McDonough grad joins group for the holidays As soon as he could talk, Matt Sallee was likely . The Maurice J. McDonough High School graduate can’t remember a time he wasn’t singing, and can’t imagine not doing it. “I sing all the time,” he said. “I don’t even realize I’m singing.” Sallee’s lifelong passion has landed him a spot with the a cappella juggernauts Pentato- nix. Sallee, a , joins the group for the holi- day season. “I landed in on Sept. 15 and recorded two songs the next morning,” he said. “I hit the ground running.” Sallee took over for , who left Pentatonix in early September when the group was prepping for a holiday tour and adding tracks to its Christmas album. Sallee, who also filmed a music video and television spe- cial with the group ahead of the tour, gradu- ated from McDonough in 2012 where he was active in the chorus and theater programs. Matt Sallee, left, joins popular a cappella group, Pentatonix, for the holiday season. The He played Danny in “Grease” and was group also includes , second from left, , the understudy for his friend, the late Bobby and . Sallee graduated from Maurice J. McDonough High School in 2012. Balint in the school’s production of “West a musical pastor, Sallee got his start singing group.” Side Story.” When Balint suddenly passed in church. It was his mom, Tammy, who first The group recorded two new tracks — away, Sallee had the daunting task to fill the suggested Sallee take his talents seriously and “” featuring Jennifer lead role of Tony in the play. “I think that was hone them. After singing the national anthem Hudson and “Deck the Halls” — to be in- the most memorable experience because we in a Dr. James Craik Elementary School talent cluded on its Christmas album, “A Pentatonix had to come together … we did it in his mem- show as a third grader, and playing one of the Christmas Deluxe,” and filmed the “Deck the ory,” Sallee said. princes in the College of Southern Maryland’s Halls” video. Pentatonix is touring the East It was during his years at McDonough production of “The King and I,” Sallee was Coast with stops in Washington, D.C., , when Sallee first met the professional group hooked on performing. He took part in plays Pennsylvania and other cities. he would eventually join. As a member of and skits at South Potomac Church and at- O’Brien already has her tickets for the the Ramtations, an all-male a cappella group, tended performing arts camps. Pentatonix show. And she’s heard from stu- Sallee attended the a cappella festival, Sing- After graduating from high school, Sallee Strong. Pentatonix had just won the third dents still at McDonough who are excited to headed to in Boston. see a Ram forge a path in entertainment and season of “The Sing-Off” and were leading a Sallee stayed in Boston following his follow their dreams. “I’ve been getting mes- workshop at the competition. “It’s incredible 2016 college graduation. He had a job singing sages,” she said. “They tell me, ‘We are in- how it all came full circle,” said T.C. O’Brien, with a wedding band and is a member of The spired. Someone from Chuck County Public Sallee’s music teacher at McDonough. House Jacks, an a cappella group co-founded Schools made it.’” O’Brien, who’s in her first year of retire- by , a producer for the television Excited for the tour, Sallee is focusing on ment, said she spotted Sallee’s talent from show, “The Sing-Off.” his first day of freshmen year. But it was his When the opportunity to try out for Penta- his new gig and learning from his new group- dedication and work ethic that helped him tonix came up, Sallee auditioned. He received mates. “I’m very inspired by them, they all are reach new heights. “By the time he was a se- a call back in June and that was it. He said doing different things outside of the group,” nior, I knew he was meant to be a performer,” he didn’t hear back until September when he he said. “I want to stick my toe in all differ- O’Brien said. She is not surprised Sallee is got a phone call. “Can you move to LA in a ent areas. I love musical theater, I love acting, making a career out of singing and perform- week?” dancing, singing … I always wanted to be a ing. “He’s always had the special gift,” she Joining an established group can be hit or quadruple threat.” said. “He had that sparkle on stage, but he put miss. Pentatonix’s members — Mitch Grassi, Sallee said he gives all the glory to God, in the time and the hours.” Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado and Kevin and encourages students in Charles County to He has the backing of his family — par- Olusola — made Sallee feel at home imme- not give up on their dreams. “To the dreamers, ents Ernest Sr. and Tammy, and siblings Er- diately. “They are the most welcoming people I hope this inspires them,” he said of getting a nest Jr. and Tamira, a McDonough senior I’ve ever encountered,” he said. “They were chance to sing with Pentatonix. “There are no who is in the orchestra. With his father being excited for me; they were excited for the dreams too big.”

November 10, 2017 Page 3 School News

School News is published by Charles County Public Schools Charles County Board of Education to meet Nov. 14 301-932-6610 The Board of Education’s next monthly meeting Municipal Employees 301-934-7220 is Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Jesse L. Starkey Admin- update Fax: 301-932-6651 istration Building on Radio Station Road in La Plata. • Student Board member Board of Education Members The public portion of the meeting begins at 1 update Michael Lukas, Chairman p.m. • Equity presentation Barbara S. Palko, Vice Chairman The meeting is televised live on Comcast Chan- • Unfinished business Jennifer S. Abell Mark Crawford nel 96 and Verizon FiOS Channel 12, and is rebroad- • Strategic planning pro- Victoria T. Kelly cast throughout the week. cess Margaret T. Marshall Board meetings are streamed live on the • Potential meetings with Virginia R. McGraw Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) website, other Boards of Education Drew Carter, Student Member www.ccboe.com. Click on the middle of the main • Town hall dates Superintendent of Schools page to start the live streaming. The following is a New business and future agenda items Kimberly A. Hill, Ed.D. meeting agenda and is subject to change. New business Executive session – 12 p.m. Future agenda items Editor/Writers Katie O’Malley-Simpson Call to order – 1 p.m. Recognition – 4:30 p.m. Shelley Mackey Pledge of Allegiance – La Plata High School Students Sara K. Taylor Recognition of state student winners Staff Superintendent’s update to the Board Public Forum – 6 p.m. The Charles County public school system does not Reports of officers/boards/committees • Action items discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender • Correspondence/board member updates • Minutes identity, age or disability in its programs, activities • Education Association of Charles County • Personnel or employment practices. For inquiries, please con- tact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 update • 2018 Legislative positions Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ • American Federation of State, County and Adjournment adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870- 3814. For special accommodations call 301-934- 7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. Quotable kids “You should be nice to people. It’s good to be kind.” — Jade Weekes, second grader at Mary B. Neal Elementary School who helped collect food for the Southern Maryland Food Bank.

Personnel

Apply for positions online at www.ccboe. edge of special skills required to work with an accredited college or university with spe- com/jobs/currentopenings.php. All teaching students having special needs are a must. Ap- cialization in accounting, finance or a related positions require a bachelor’s degree and ply by Nov. 13. field. A master’s degree or Certified Public MSDE certification requirements. Life Skills Instructional Aide — Theodore Accountant is preferred. A minimum of five Job openings G. Davis Middle School, 10-month position. years of experience in financial management Lead Network Engineer — Jesse L. Starkey A high school diploma is required, along with with large multifaceted organization which in- Administration Building, 12-month position. experience working with children or adults cludes payroll, accounts receivable, accounts This position calls for highly-skilled work who have special needs. Apply by Nov. 16. payable and budget staff recommended. in the installation, configuration, operation, Navy JROTC Instructor — Westlake Position opened until filled. repair, maintenance, troubleshooting and se- High School, 11-month position. Bachelor’s Staff Accountant — Internal Controls/Au- curity management of Local Area and Wide degree from an accredited college or uni- dit, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Build- Area Networks within the school system. Ap- versity required, as well as having served a ing, 12-month position. A bachelor’s degree plicants must be able to perform each essential minimum of 20 years of active duty or have from an accredited college or university duty satisfactorily. Apply by Nov. 13. retired under the Temporary Early Retirement with specialization in accounting and audit Life Skills Instructional Aide — Benjamin Authority. Applicants must speak clearly and is required. A master’s degree or Certified Stoddert Middle School, 10-month position. persuasively in positive or negative situa- Public Accountant preferred. A minimum of A high school diploma is required, along with tions; listen and get clarification; respond two years of experience performing audits for experience working with children or adults well to questions. Apply by Nov. 20. a certified public accounting firm or govern- who have special needs. The ability to work Budget Manager — Jesse L. Starkey Ad- mental organization, including evaluating and interact with students with significant ministration Building, 12-month position. Ap- and implementing internal controls required. mental and physical disabilities and knowl- plicants must have a bachelor’s degree from Position open until filled. November 10, 2017 Page 4