Message from our principal, Andrew Cockley

March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Message from our principal, Andrew Cockley:
Hello Everyone!
I want to share with you my thoughts about diversity at Mount Hebron and
update you on what we've been doing as a school community since some hurtful messages were shared
online early in February. As many of you know, a video was shared that included hateful and racist
comments by a student. This caused a large response. The main point of the response from other students
was that they felt the issues of racism and diversity were being ignored and that voices were not being
heard. A demonstration was held at school one day to bring that message to the surface. Our students spoke
up and want change. They want to see changes in how people treat each other and they want to ensure that
everyone has a voice that can be heard.
Since that time, a Student Voice Committee has formed. The committee is made up of a diverse group of
student leaders. They are club leaders, team captains, and SGA officers. They are leaders at both the school
and county level in different organizations. They are one talented group of passionate students who really
want to help make change occur. This committee has met three times now; twice with the Superintendent
of Schools, Dr. Foose. In those meetings, we've talked about ways to improve the discussion about diversity
and racism. Ideas that are forming include video testimonials, curricular activities and assignments, and
cultural events.
There is a Teacher Voice Committee that formed as well, and they will be meeting with students soon to
help implement ideas that will create a stronger sense of unity at our school.
The staff and faculty at Mount Hebron have addressed the topic of diversity in our last two professional
meetings to help improve our efforts in moving forward. The PTSA and PAAS organizations hosted a
"Diversity Matters" event on February 20th to bring the community together as well. The guest speaker
and international food that was donated was outstanding. We hope to see more people come to future
events like this.
Diversity presents itself in many forms that go beyond skin color. How much money you make; what
religion you practice; what languages you speak; your sexual preference; the list goes on and on. What we
hope to see is everyone understanding that while we all have differences, we also have many things in
common. It is those differences that help us learn from one another and enrich our experiences in and out
of school. So thank you for helping us talk with students about diversity. Thank you for attending events
and bringing your cultural perspective. Thank you for helping us bring Mount Hebron even closer together.
I am confident that this will help our school reach even greater heights for each and every student.
Go Vikings!
Andrew Cockley
Principal
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Message from Laura Munns, PTSA President:
“Conversations that matter”
“Comprehension begins with conversation”
“We have challenges not problems”
“Disrespect and disregard of humanity are the basic issues”
These messages are just a few of the many I have heard over the past month. The racist
incident that occurred in our school community has created a wealth of discussion around
issues of race and diversity, not only at Mt. Hebron, but also in Howard County and our Nation at large.
Are there easy answers? No, of course not. But being open to the conversations is where we need to be
now and where we as a PTSA are playing a role in our community. I know many have been having these
conversations in their homes, on Facebook, and with their friends, but I encourage you to bring these
discussions to a larger table and join us at the March PTSA meeting.
At that meeting we will be going through a small group discussion exercise on diversity, which will
hopefully keep the conversation going and move us into the action-taking phase. I am proud to say that as
part of our advocacy, our PTSA has hosted two other such events over the past month, our February open
mike discussion at the PTSA meeting and the Diversity Matters Speaker and International Food Reception.
Thank you to the many parents, staff and students who took time out from their busy schedules to make
being involved a priority. I have enjoyed getting to meet new people. Our school and PTSA are better for
your participation.
One of my action items as PTSA President has been to look at the diversity on our own Board of Directors.
To be honest, we are mostly white women. This is the time of year when we have seated a nomination
committee and are looking to recruit new officers and committee chairs for the 2016-17 school year, so it is
the perfect time to work on getting some new people involved. Both Veronica Hall, our Treasurer, and
myself are required to step down per our bylaws, which have a two-year term limit. We are both coming to
the end of our second terms. Therefore, we are looking to fill all of our Executive Committee Positions:
President – Open
1st Vice President – Open
2nd Vice President- Open
Treasurer- Open
Recording Secretary- Open
Corresponding Secretary – Open
PTA Council of Howard County Delegates (2) – Open
We have elected the following people to our nominating committee:
Erica Byrne
Al Essien
Cindy Anderson
Please contact any of them by emailing [email protected] with your interest and they will get back
to you with details of the position.
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Thanks also to PAAS and the leadership of Sharese Essien for putting on the amazing Diversity Matters
event. Below is a sampling of pictures from what we hope will become an annual event.
Hope to see you on March 2 at 7 PM in the media center!
Laura Munns
MHHS PTSA President
County Executive Allan Kittleman (left) and Patrick O'Guinn Sr. speak at Diversity Matters.
Get involved in your child's school and the school
community! The PTSA nominating committee is looking for
officers for next school year. Officer openings for the 20162017 school year include President and Treasurer, among
other opportunities.
If interested please contact Erica Byrne:
[email protected].
REMEMBERING JESSIE OWENS
PRIVATE SHOWING OF “THE RACE”
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 10 am
AMC COLUMBIA (Columbia Mall)
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE https://www.eventbrite.com/d/md--ellicottcity/paas. Or search "PAAS Movie Showing OR Contact [email protected]
TICKETS $10.00 TO BENEFIT THE CLASS OF 2016
PLUS Everbrite ticket fee $1.54
SPONSORED BY Parents of African American Students (PAAS)- Mt Hebron High School
Congratulations to Khiem Doan
Khiem won 2nd place in Music Composition in the PTA Reflections contest.
His entry, "The Kite's Journey," a string trio, has moved to the State level. Khiem will be attending an
Award Ceremony for all Howard County Reflections winners on March 14. Good luck Khiem!
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Spring Musical -- Guys and Dolls
Mark your calendars for our spring musical, GUYS AND DOLLS! Over 125
students are involved in the production on stage and behind the scenes. The show
is March 11,12,17,18 and 19 all at 7 pm. Cost is $10 and tickets may be purchased
during lunch shifts beginning March 7. Tickets may also be reserved by calling the
school at 410-313-2880 beginning March 2. The show promises to be a fun
evening of live theater for the whole family.
News from the Viking Backers:
UPCOMING EVENTS

HEBRON HEALTHY, in the cafeteria and gym – a day filled with challenging exercise classes and
more! MARCH 19, 9 am to 3 pm. See announcement below.

VIKING 5K – NEW DATE!!! Our 24th annual VIKING 5K and 1 mile family fun run/walk,
will now be held on Sunday, April 3 at 9 am. Please see our flyer for more information on how to
register for this fun family and community event!
ANNOUNCING A NEW EVENT for 2016 – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

POKER NIGHT/WINE TASTING! Saturday, April 9 7-10 pm, at the historic Hebron House.
Look for details to be emailed soon! *We need to borrow poker tables and chips.
Committee help is also needed. Please contact Lisa Scarbath at
[email protected].
NORSEMAN SCHOLARSHIP – Each year the Viking Backers awards up to three $500
scholarships to seniors who embody the booster’s goal of making a difference at the high school
and within the Mt. Hebron Community, while having maintained a 2.5 grade point average
(GPA) or better. NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 4. See our
website for more details and to download a nomination form:
http://www.vikingbackers.org/scholarships.html
DRIVERS EDUCATION CLASSES. The Viking Backers have teamed up with Greg’s
Driving School and Street Smarts to offer drivers’ education classes right here at Mt. Hebron.
A significant donation back to the Viking Backers is made by each of the companies for every
student who enrolls.
Upcoming Dates:
o 03/09/16 - 03/22/16: 3-6:15 pm with Street Smarts
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Register directly through the driving school. See our website for more information
http://www.vikingbackers.org/driver-s-ed.html
Designate “Viking Backers Incorporated Mt. Hebron High School” as your charity when you shop at
Amazon and we will receive a percentage of every purchase. Prime memberships are honored.
http://smile.amazon.com/.
CONCESSIONS – Thank you to everyone who volunteers for and patronizes our snack bar! Did you know
that you can buy a “Viking Bucks” card for $10 that is worth $12 of products? Purchase yours at the
concession stand next time you visit.
Viking Backer leadership positions need to be filled for 2016-2017:
 President
 Membership Chairperson
 Web master
 Corporate Sponsor Coordinator
Please consider getting involved with the Viking Backers! Our next meeting is
Monday, March 7 from 7 – 8 pm in the media center. Join us for more
information!
To our wonderful VOLUNTEERS and to the following businesses for their contributions…
Carrabba’s for donating $365.97 from the Carrabba’s Cares Day on 2/2.
Payne Landscaping for donating $2,485 from our annual Tree & Trim sale.
Viking Backers Meeting Schedule 2015-16
Monday, March 7, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m.
Monday, April 4, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m.
Monday, May 2, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m.
Monday, June 6, 2016, Media Center, 7 p.m.
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Girls Lacrosse Program
13th Annual Golf Tournament
Registration Fee Includes:
Breakfast, Refreshments on Course, Catered Lunch, Prizes, Range Balls, and Goodie Bag
Monday April 18, 2016
Turf Valley Resort
2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Captain’s Choice/Best Ball
Cost: $150 individual/$550 foursome
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Check In: 9:00am with a Shot Gun Start: 10:00am
Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.vikingbackers.org
select the Events/Girls Lax Golf Outing menu
All Proceeds benefit Mt. Hebron High School Girl’s Lacrosse Program
Spring Athletic Orientation Program
Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 pm
The Mt. Hebron High School Athletic Department will conduct its Spring Athletic Orientation Program for
Parents, Students Athletes on March 9, starting promptly at 6:30 pm. Each Head Spring Coach will hold
conduct their own specific Parent and Student Athlete Meeting pertaining to their sport.
WHO – ALL Student Athletes participating in a Spring Sport along with a Parent/Guardian MUST attend.
WHAT – COMAR, HCPSS Policies & Procedures, Sportsmanship & Conduct Expectations of
Student Athletes & Spectators
WHEN – Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 pm. Parents & student athletes are to report directly to the Coach’s
break-out room for their son/daughter’s team meeting.
COACH BREAK-OUT ROOM LOCATION
Allied Golf – Front Office
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Allied Softball – Classroom #101
JV & Varsity Baseball – Front Right Main Gym
Boy’s Lacrosse – Media Center
Girl’s Lacrosse – Cafeteria
Softball – JV (Classroom #147), Varsity (Classroom #146)
Tennis – Classroom #103
Boy’s & Girl’s Outdoor Track – Main Gym (Back Left)
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
AFTER PROM SAVE THE DATE
After Prom is PTSA’s biggest event of the year. It is an alcohol/chemical/drug-free celebration full of fun
activities in a safe and supervised environment following the Junior/Senior Prom. It is the better choice
than hosting a party and reduces the risk of a fatality or accident on Prom Night.
The After Prom committee is gearing up for this year's event and wanted to make sure we give folks plenty
of notice on what to expect. For example, permission slips, ticket prices, volunteer opportunities (there
will be lots of them). But for now, please save the date:
April 30 (Sat) Prom – May 1 (Sun) After Prom
Like our Facebook page: Mt. Hebron High School After Prom Party 2016.
TRUCKS NEEDED
The PTSA Mulch Sale Committee is seeking truck owners to help deliver bags of mulch on Saturday, April 9.
Drivers are not required to lift bags of mulch AND will receive a tax donation receipt for gas consumption.
Delivery hours are 7:30 am to noon—come help the entire morning or simply half an hour!
If you can help, please contact Christine
Daugherty at 410-750-3984 or email her
at [email protected]
Thank you for your support of the mulch sale……. And After Prom!
After Prom “Adopt a Gift Card”
Prom: Sat., April 30, 2016
After Prom: Sun., May 1 12:30am-4:30am at the Dancel Family YMCA
After Prom offers all of our Seniors and Juniors fun-filled activities after the dance in an
alcohol/chemical/drug-free setting. The night is filled with food, games and prizes. To encourage
students to attend, we traditionally give away close to 100 gift cards, as well as other prize packages, and
we would like to match that amount again this year. In an effort to offset the rising expenses of hosting this
event, we are asking the community to consider helping by donating a gift card.
Simply go to the After Prom section of the Mt Hebron PTSA website by clicking here:
http://mthebronptsa.com/?page_id=4344. Print out the flyer and identify the gift card of your
choice. Please do not send in physical gift cards. Rather, return the flyer with a check made out to
Mt. Hebron PTSA Memo: After Prom. Drop off to the front office or mail to Mt. Hebron High School
PTSA–After Prom, 9440 Old Frederick Road, Ellicott City, 21042.
For any questions, please contact Christine Daugherty at [email protected] or Caroline Bodziak at
[email protected].
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Happy spring from Student Services
Important Dates:
March
2-3
9
14
17
18
22
March 25-April 3
April
TBA
World of Work junior class lessons (Interviewing lesson)
Evening Hours – to meet with counselors
Registration deadline for AP exams (without incurring a late fee)
World of Work Mock Interviews – 11th grade
Military Information Night – 6-9 pm River Hill High School
Youth Summit (Voices for Change)-field trip
Evening Hours – to meet with counselors
Spring Break!!!! Enjoy and be safe
College Information Night – Mt. Hebron HS
World of Work – Junior Interview Day:
Reminder to all 11th grade students and parents – Thursday, March 17 is Junior Interview Day. This event
meets the World of Work graduation requirement for the State of Maryland and is required for a high
school diploma. All members of our junior class will be participating in a “mock” interview with members
of our local business community. Attendance is imperative on Thursday as we want as many of our
students to have this wonderful opportunity as possible. Please make certain your child is dressed
appropriately for the mock interviews. At this time we do not need any more volunteer interviewers.
Thank you.
Scholarships for Seniors:
Students and parents please access your Naviance account for the many scholarships that are available for the
Class of 2016. The Scholarships listed on Naviance are primarily our district wide scholarships available to
every student in the county. For the specific Mt. Hebron Scholarships (PTSA, Norseman, Community
Foundation (old name - Columbia Foundation), etc) Ms. Bademosi will be sending out emails via Naviance
with details on how to apply for these Mt. Hebron Scholarships. Please pay close attention to the deadlines
for all the scholarships. If you have difficulty opening the scholarship link on Naviance, please come see us
in Student Services, as we have paper copies of all scholarships available.
Mid-Term Grades:
Does your college or university need to see your mid-year grades? All mid-year grades were uploaded to
Naviance on February 19, 2016 for colleges to import.
College Information Night: The Mt. Hebron Student Services Department invites Mt. Hebron
Students and Parent/Guardian(s) to attend the 2016 College Information Night. This information is
especially important and applicable to current Juniors! Topics discussed include: College Search,
Application and Transcript Process, SAT/ACT’s, Financial Aid Resources and more! Stay tuned for more
details and confirmed date in April 2016!
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Mt. Hebron High School/Academic Coaches Afterschool SAT Prep Class for June SAT
(revised SAT) sponsored by the MHHS PTSA:
Class sessions are held at Mt. Hebron on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 3:30-5:30 pm. The cost of the
class is $375 with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Mount Hebron PTSA. To register, visit
www.academic-coaches.com.
A reminder that in order to qualify for PTSA scholarships, seniors MUST be a PTSA member
along with at least one parent/guardian. Membership applications must be received by March 15
and the deadline for applications for PTSA scholarships is April 16. Click here:
http://mthebronptsa.com/membership/ or on the “Become a Member” link on the PTSA website for a
PTSA membership form.
Benefits of PTSA Membership include:
* Advocacy on issues pertinent to MTH students and families
* College scholarships for seniors
* Support for Staff Appreciation and other hospitality activities
* Funding for After Prom: a safe, fun, chemical-free party thrown after the Prom
If you have any questions about your membership status or PTSA membership in general, please contact
Caroline Bodziak at [email protected] or Emily Rice at [email protected] .
Parking Permits
At this time parking permits at Mt. Hebron High School are SOLD OUT. We have 182 parking spaces and
have sold 182 permits. No additional permits will be sold this year.
Military Information Night
Thursday, March 17, 2016, 6-9 pm
River Hill High School
Clarksville, Maryland
The following will be in attendance to offer information about their
programs:
The five military academies
Process for Military Academy Appointments
Oakland Mills
Parents and students of all ages are welcome to attend.
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Mt. Hebron Ice Hockey
Breaking News: The IceVikes claimed 3 of 12 available spots representing 1st and 2nd All-Conference
Teams! Congratulations to Brian Spiegler on being selected as the #1 Goalie in Howard County!
Congratulations to Jimmy Burke and Joey Petti on being selected to the 2nd All-Conference team.
Other news: The IceVikes claimed 3rd place in League play and went to States! Thank you to all our players,
volunteers, coaches, parents, and fans for a fantastic season. Visit us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/mt-hebron-vikings-ice-hockey/239748339366
Team Contact: Carsten Nilsson @ [email protected]
This is not a school sponsored club
SUMMER CAMPS at Mt Hebron HS
Sponsored by the Viking Backers
June – August, 2016
1.
Field Hockey Camp#1, May 31st – June 3rd, 5:00PM - 7:30PM
(for more info, email Leigh Miles at leigh_miles @hcpss.org)
2.
Girl’s Lacrosse Camp, June 6th – 10th, 5:00PM - 8:00PM
(for more info, email Lindsay Menton at [email protected])
3.
Softball Hitting Clinic, June 6th – 10th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
(for more info, email Chuck Struhar at charles_struhar @hcpss.org)
4.
Softball Pitcher’s & Catcher’s Clinic, June 13th – 17th, 5:30PM - 7:00PM
(for more info, email Chuck Struhar at charles_struhar @hcpss.org)
5.
Boy’s Lacrosse Camp, June 13th – 17th, 5:00PM - 7:30PM
(for more info, email Michael McCarthy at michael_mccarthy @hcpss.org)
6.
Football, June 20th – June 24th, 8:00AM – 11:00AM
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
(for more info, email Phil Zacharias at philip_zacharias @hcpss.org)
7.
Girl’s Basketball, June 27th – July 1st, 8:30AM – 12:00PM
(for more info, email Tony Bell at anthony_bell @hcpss.org)
8.
Baseball, July 5th – July 8th (RD 7/9), 9:00AM-12:00PM
(for more info, email Brian Culley at brian_culley @hcpss.org)
9.
Boy’s Basketball, July 11th – July 15th, 8:30AM – 1:00PM - Advanced Skills
email www.vikingcamp.net)
1:00pm – 3:00pm (for more info,
10. Boy’s & Girl’s Soccer, August 1st – August 5th, 9:00AM-12:30PM
(for more info, email Mike Linsenmeyer at www.vikingcamp.net). Female soccer campers can email Tim Deppen at
timothy_deppen @hcpss.org)
11. Field Hockey Camp #2, August 8th – 12th, 1:30PM-4:30PM @ Chapelgate
Academy (Students can register at www.academyinternational.net). For more information
email Coach Ireland at jirelandcmc @comcast.net).
News from HC DrugFree
Save the Date Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City
March 15 or March 22
If your high school senior is planning to attend Beach Week or if your teen likes to go to the beach
without you, then please bring them to this program to hear water, beach, and general safety tips
from Ocean City Police and Beach Patrol.
Teens and adults will hear stories about other Maryland youth. You will leave with a better
understanding of the law and fun/free (or almost free) opportunities waiting in Ocean City if you
know how to find them.
Adults will hear 1) why not to buy alcohol for your teen's trip, 2) what to know before allowing
your teen to use your car or condo for the week, 3) what to know before you sign a lease for the
teens, and much more.
The 2016 Senior Week programs will be offered on Tuesday, March 15 at Howard High School
and Tuesday, March 22 at Atholton High School both at 7 pm.
Ocean City Police and Ocean City Beach Patrol will once again partner with HC DrugFree to keep
our teens safe during beach week. A special thank you to the staff and PTSA at Howard High School
and Atholton High School for hosting these events. Parents, grandparents and teens are encouraged
to attend.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Win $100 and Have Your Film Seen Across Howard County: Film-Savvy Teens Enter
March 1, 2016
VIKING VOICE: NEWSLETTER OF THE MT. HEBRON PTSA
Today!
HC DrugFree is looking for film-savvy teens to enter the HC DrugFree Category in the 2016
HoCo FilmFest. The winning film will be used as a public service announcement throughout
Howard County. Entries must focus on prescription pain medication (opioids) misuse,
which often leads to heroin use.
Feel free to call HC DrugFree's office at 443-325-0040 if you have any questions. To view the 2015
winning film and see the 2016 guidelines, please visit our Events page
at http://www.hcdrugfree.org/hoco-filmfest/ Deadline to enter is March 19, 2016.
The HoCo FilmFest will be held on Friday, April 8 at 7 pm at the Charles E. Miller Library in
Ellicott City.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please View and Share...Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict
Even if you believe your child isn't using drugs or if you believe drug misuse will never touch your
family, HC DrugFree encourages you to take a few minutes to watch this powerful documentary
released this month by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA).
This film profiles the stories of several people who either abused opiates or had family members
become addicts, and it profiles the cycle of addiction and looks at the tragic consequences associated
with opioid abuse. The documentary also features interviews with medical and law enforcement
professionals discussing the effects of the addiction and how this epidemic is unlike any this country
has seen before.
The documentary is targeted at educating high school and above students and young adults. Because
opioid addiction can take hold after the first use, the film is meant to send a message of deterrence
to those either thinking of trying drugs or just beginning to use drugs. The FBI and DEA are offering
the film to educators at no cost for incorporation into their curriculum. Those wishing to obtain a
copy of the film may do so by contacting their local FBI or DEA field office or by downloading the
film for free at www.fbi.gov/ChasingTheDragon.