Spring Ridge Middle School Closed on October 27, 2015
On Friday, October 23, 2015, our water testing consultant notified SMCPS that the water at Spring Ridge Middle School tested positive for coliform. The tests are done monthly at all schools that are on private wells for public health reasons. Coliform is naturally occurring in the environment and is unlikely to cause illness. However, elevated levels of coliform are an indication that other bacteria may be present. To be clear, the water test did not indicate the presence of E. coli, which would be a more significant health concern.
Based on Friday's water test results and as a precaution, the water fountains were shut down and bottled water was provided to students and staff. The water system at Spring Ridge Middle School was sanitized according to appropriate protocol over the weekend and the water was re-tested on Sunday, October 25, 2015. Bottled water remained in place Monday and modifications were made to food service protocol to ensure student and staff health. On Monday afternoon, results from Sunday's water test showed that coliform remained present in the water system. There was still no presence of E.coli in the samples.
Out of an abundance of caution and due to the need to access various locations within the building to complete another sanitization of the water system, Spring Ridge Middle School will be closed on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. We fully expect to reopen school on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 with bottled water and appropriate modifications in the cafeteria for lunch.
This closing only affects Spring Ridge Middle School. All other public schools in St. Mary's County will be open as usual, running a previously planned two hour early dismissal schedule.
St. Mary's County Public Schools' Ethics Panel to Meet
The St. Mary's County Public Schools' Ethics Panel will be holding a meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in Conference Room -Black near the Fiscal Services/Human Resources Office, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. For more information, call 301-475-5511, ext. 32247.
Teen Driver Safety Week - Young Driver Safety Assemblies
On October 14, 2015 the St. Mary's County Board of Education recognized community efforts and the ongoing partnerships that maintain the St. Mary's County Public Schools Young Driver Safety Program. This continuing partnership has promoted safety and education of young drivers since 2008.
The Board of Education issued a resolution recognizing the Young Driver Safety Program and National Teen Driver Safety Week declaring the week of October 19th through 23rd, 2015 to be TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK in all St. Mary's County Public Schools. The Board encourages all young drivers and supporting adults to learn what they can do to improve driving behaviors for themselves and others.
Student assemblies focusing on young driver safety have been scheduled once again this school year to take place in all three St. Mary's County Public High Schools. The student assemblies are coordinated annually in the fall as part of the Young Driver Safety Program. This year students will hear the story of Liz Marks who was seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash while reading a text message. Ms. Marks was 17 years old at the time of the crash and the presentation by Ms. Marks and her mother provides an intense focus on the dangers of distracted driving.
The student assembly schedule for each high school is:
• Monday, November 9, 2015 at Leonardtown High School from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Chopticon High School from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, November 16, 2015 at Great Mills High School from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
If you would like additional information about the Young Driver Safety Program or the student assemblies contact the Department of Safety and Security at 301-475-5511, extension 32235.
National Red Ribbon Week in St. Mary's County Public Schools
On October 14, 2015 the St. Mary's County Board of Education recognized community efforts and the ongoing partnerships that focus on preventing substance abuse and other risk behaviors by school-age youth. The Board of Education issued a resolution recognizing National Red Ribbon Week and declaring the week of October 26th through 30th, 2015 to be National Red Ribbon Week in all St. Mary's County Public Schools. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug misuse and the problems related to drug misuse facing our community. The red ribbon symbolizes a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.
A key strategy in substance abuse prevention is educating parents, students, and the community at large on substance abuse issues and the resources available in our community to help prevent this high risk behavior. Activities have been planned and are scheduled to take place in all four St. Mary's County Public Middle Schools during Red Ribbon Week. Activities scheduled throughout the week include contests, such as, favorite hat day, wearing your super hero gear, dressing in the most red possible and the dissemination of drug abuse awareness information.
The Board of Education encourages all students and supporting adults to learn what they can do to prevent substance abuse and make a personal commitment to the mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign striving towards a Drug-Free America.
Visit www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com for more information about Red Ribbon Week or contact the Department of Safety and Security at 301-475-5511, extension 32235.
Simon A. Mcneely Honor Award
Ms. Kalyn Petrillo (Benjamin Banneker Elementary School) was a recipient of the Simon A. McNeely Honor Award at the annual convention of the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) held on October 16, 2015.
The Simon A. McNeely Honor Award is presented to those individuals who have demonstrated active involvement in school and community affairs, along with outstanding teaching and service in the field of physical education.