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A recent multi-school project emphasized reality-based Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) instruction, while focusing on the higher-order skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The project, branded Monsters Inside, demonstrates the rigor and value associated with the Common Core State Standards.
The Common Core State Standards -- developed by a state-led initiative and voluntarily adopted by 45 states -- are high-quality internationally-benchmarked academic standards that identify what students should know and be able to demonstrate in preparation for college and career, amid global competition. Full implementation of the Common Core standards and curriculum in Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) will begin in the 2013-2014 school year.
While WCPS is one of the highest-performing school systems in a state that is ranked #1 in the country for public education, the Board of Education adopted the new standards because they provide:
The "Monsters Inside" project started at Snow Hill Elementary School with Art Teacher Cindy Sullivan, the project mastermind.
After reading Mercer Mayer's "There's a Nightmare in My Closet," Sullivan's kindergarten students were given the task of creating their own two-dimensional monsters, using organic and geometrical shapes and primary and secondary colors. Students also named their monsters and identified their "superpower" abilities.
The two-dimensional monsters journeyed to their next destination: Snow Hill High School's (SHHS) After School Academy. Facilitated by instructor Susan Wallace, Academy students were given the task of creating three-dimensional monsters -- decorated cloth "dolls" -- which replicated the design of their kindergarten innovators. The dolls left SHHS nearly store-shelf ready.
To complete the branding and packaging phases of the project, the monster dolls went to Worcester Technical High School to Teacher Clay Reister's Interactive Media Production (IMP) class. Students in IMP designed individual "Monsters Inside" packages that housed each unique monster. A display was built and was showcased at the 2013 Fine Arts Festival, hosted at Stephen Decatur High School.
For additional information on the Common Core, please access the following resources:
To learn more about our Proposed FY 2014 Operating Budget, please access the following resources:
The Bayside Conference recently held its 13th annual Senior Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet, recognizing a top male and female scholar athlete from each of the 18 high schools in the conference.
To be selected, seniors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, without any failing grades on their transcripts, and have competed on at least two sports teams in their senior year.
Selected to represent Worcester County Public Schools and its three high schools were: Jessie Todd and Matt Sigua of Pocomoke High School; Trudy Porch and Michael Shumate of Snow Hill High School; and Ashley Trice and Joseph Iacona of Stephen Decatur High School.
Worcester County Public Schools held its annual Fine Arts Festival last month, enabling the public to appreciate the many talents of WCPS students. Paintings, photography, and sculptures were just some of the art categories displayed at the festival. In addition, middle school ensembles and elementary and middle school
choruses performed, as did the All-County Chorus -- directed by guest conductor Cookie Brohawn -- and All County Band -- directed by guest conductor Kendra Ayersman.
Buckingham Elementary School Art Teacher Melissa Reid praises her student on creating a clay bird that was selected to be displayed at the annual arts festival.
The last day of school for Worcester County Public School students will be Friday, June 7. Thursday and Friday, June 6 and 7, will be half days for all students. Lunch times will be scheduled into the half days and buses will operate accordingly.
Click to view and print the modified 2012-2013 calendar: Modified 2012-2013 School Calendar
Last Update: 5/10/2013
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