Academy Applications
The opening date for accepting Applications for the Academy programs for St. Mary's County Public Schools is March 2, 2015. The deadline for students to apply for the Academy programs is Wednesday, April 8, 2015. We remind students and families to ensure all parts of the application are complete, including teacher recommendations. Applications and the link for recommendations can be found at http://www.smcps.org/academies.
Students can apply for the following differentiated pathways:
-- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Academy: This rigorous and unique program of study emphasizes the core areas of mathematics and science with an infusion of technology and engineering. This program is open to students in grades 4-12. NOTE: Current STEM students transitioning from 5th to 6th or 8th to 9th will need to reapply.
-- Academy of Finance: This program offers students in grades 9-12 opportunities to develop professional skills, receive specialized instruction in business finance and management, and gain an awareness of the marketable skills needed to be successful in the field.
-- Academy of Global and International Studies: Students in grades 9-12 participating in this program, develop understanding and knowledge of world regions, cultures, and global/international issues.
-- Academy of Visual and Performing Arts: This program, open to rising grade 9-10 students only, provides students the opportunity to understand and appreciate the dedication needed to find success as a performer or artist, with an emphasis on creative thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.
For more information contact your school counselor or the Office of the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction at 301-475-5511, ext. 32133 or email classof2019@smcps.org.
Middle School Spelling Bee
The Thirty-Seventh Annual St. Mary's County Middle School Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, 6:00 p.m., at Leonardtown High School.
Students from the public middle schools, parochial schools, and private schools will compete for the opportunity to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee later this year.
The St. Mary's County Middle School Spelling Bee, sponsored by The Enterprise newspaper, the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), Chaney Enterprises, and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), is open to the public. For more details, call Mrs. Michelle Gallant-Wall, Supervisor of Instruction for English Language Arts, at 301-475-5511, ext. 32119.
Rising Freshman Orientation Nights
St. Mary's County Public Schools will host three Rising Freshman Orientation Nights in the month ahead. The purpose of the events is to provide an opportunity for rising 9th graders and their families to preview ninth grade course selections, learn about available pathways, tour the schools and meet counselors and school administrators. The Rising Freshman Orientation Nights will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at Great Mills High School; Wednesday, March 11 at Chopticon High School; and Thursday, March 12 at Leonardtown High School.
Families are welcome to attend any night. All information will be repeated each night.
For more information contact the Office of the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction at 301-475-5511, extension 32139 or email classof2019@smcps.org.