Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Saturday, March 07, 2009

The New Multi-Million Dollar Fire Truck Riddled With Bad Luck

Yesterday the Salisbury Fire Department was once again out practicing and tooling around in their new Boy Toy Machine when one of the drivers had an argument with a road sign. Remember back when the Ladder Truck first arrived they had to do some repairs to the rear bumper? Well, get this, the ripped the bumper completely off the truck this time on Camden Avenue. I'm told they somehow connected with a road sign and it ripped off the bumper.

Chief See & Deputy Chief Gordy are supposedly trying to keep it hush/hush but hey, we're Salisbury News and we get the skinny on just about anything and everything going on around town.

The Beast of a Monster Truck is just too big for the City but See & Gordy won't admit it. So the SFD Gets the Dee, Dee, Deeee Award of the week. "Salisbury, More Taxes, Less Services." Oh, Boys, EVERYONE, (and I do mean everyone) knows about it. I started spreading the word earlier today and every Fire Department on the Eastern Shore is ROTFLTA'sO!

I'm Taking The Rest Of The Day OFF, (For Once)

It's around 11:30 AM on Saturday and you know what, I'm going to sit back and relax for once and enjoy a breathtaking day for once. I will be heading to Ocean City this afternoon to participate in the Brooke Mulford Fundraiser at Seacrets, because I want to. Not because it's something I need to bring back to everyone here.

In the mean time, I'll see what our Moderator wants to do. If they feel like Moderating, great. If they don't, well, comments will be delayered for quite a while because I'm getting out of here and I'm going to have one of those I don't care attitudes. I deserve the break, I'm taking the break and I strongly suggest you take one too.

Have a great day everyone and hopefully I see many of you in Ocean City.

The Salisbury Daily Times Is A Waste Of Time And Money


Click here, more here, read more, more local news. Give me a break! It's no wonder they're folding faster than the Press can bend each page.
Top two main stories, local basketball. Someone was kind enough to give me yesterday's paper and I just couldn't believe my eyes. I thought the Real Estate Section came out on a different day, not Friday?
I guess they knew they'd have no real news for Friday so they better make the paper look thicker by slipping in those houses NO ONE is buying anyway. That is, except for Richard Insley.
Then what I did see on line today was mostly repeat news from yesterday. Come on guys, all you have to do is snoop around. I mean, look into the Devenyns story. Oh, that's right, that's work, I forgot that you don't do investigative reporting.
Westover Police & Fire Reports? Not for nothing Folks but I couldn't even tell you where Westover is. Oh, don't forget to turn your clocks ahead. My guess would be, IF Salisbury News doesn't mention it soon, lots of people will be late for work because no one reads the Daily Times any more, LOL.
Here at Salisbury News, we FEED you so many stories each day, yet you pick and choose what you'll push for old lady Tilghman. Oh well, it won't be long now.
By the way, what's with the front page news, then Shore Life and then the Business section all in the front section of a two part newspaper? Sorry guys but that paper really sucks any more. Should I re post this on Monday so the majority of their staff will at least see it? We all know they're off on weekends now. They have to give you these itty bitty papers all week to save up something, anything, for the Sunday Paper.
OH, how about their now trying to compete with WBOC & WMDT? I tried that video thing once. Although I'm on high speed, that thing dragged, stopped, waited, then started up again, stopped, dragged and waited again, NO THANKS! They're getting worse, not better. Their video link should be called, "Less News In More Time."

SFD Annual Mandatory Training Rodeo Memo


This so called mandatory training is not needed and a waste of the overtime budget. This is going to cost the city a lot of money with overtime especially if you have to deal with the suspensions and leave without pay. Hoppes and Gordy are some power hungry maniacs. How can they force people away from their families and part time jobs? This training can be done while on duty for the career firefighters and during the regular drill nights for the volunteers. It is nothing that is very important at all and most have already been done. The firefighters are already proficient in these areas. The paid staff is required to do training every day that they work so why can't this be part of the regular training done daily. This is nothing special and requires no special equipment or instructors. This is just a way for Hoppes and Gordy to own the firefighters.

Fire Department
City of Salisbury


To: All Personnel Date: 05 February 2009
From: DC Richard A. Hoppes
Subject: Annual Mandatory Training Policy, Procedure, & Plan

For many years the issue of determining what mandatory training to conduct, when it will be conducted, how it will be delivered, who must attend, why it must be done, and how it will be documented has caused the department and its members much concern and confusion. To this end the department Training Committee has met and discussed all of these questions in great detail. This document is to provide the information necessary for all personnel to be informed on the department’s position and method of execution for delivery of the annual mandatory training to all members. The following is a brief narrative answering the questions listed above. Attached is the formal training plan to deliver the 2009 Annual Mandatory Training.

Various agencies and authorities from outside our department mandate what training must be provided annually to employees and members. The department must be able to demonstrate that all personnel have received the proper training in CPR, AED, BBP, NAERG, Right to Know, Diversity, SCBA Fit Test, & P.P.E. inspection. It is important for all members to understand that the department is serious about its responsibilities to protect all of its members by providing this most important training. The delivery of this training will be completed through the department training section, with all topics being delivered by SFD instructors.

The training committee has agreed that the most efficient and effective method to deliver this training is through a “Training Rodeo” or all day training event designed for students to move through various stations and complete all of the required sections to receive full credit. All personnel shall be required to attend one of these Rodeo sessions annually. The total number of personnel that can attend one session will be held to a maximum of forty-eight (48). This is due to the limits on space of the facility and the manageability of the classes. All personnel must pre-register with the training section for one session to avoid having to turn members away due to class size limitations. The preferred method of pre-registration is through email so that all can have a written verification of signing up for a class.

Students will be divided into teams of four (4) and identified by an assigned color. Students will receive a task check-off sheet that is the color of their assigned team. The individual student is responsible to ensure that they receive a signature from the station instructor in each of the categories, and do so prior to leaving the station. Failure to get the signature prior to leaving the station will constitute a failure of the student in attending or completing the station and be considered to be an incomplete for the entire day. No make ups will be provided on the day of the rodeo. Each team will be assigned a team leader that is responsible for the actions of the team members as well as the movement of the team from station to station. Each team will move from station to station as a group and individuals are prohibited from leaving the assigned stations until the entire group has completed the work of the particular station. At no time will the individuals or groups move to the next station until the group before them has completed their work or assignment. A break area will be provided for groups finishing a station and waiting to move to the next.

The training committee has determined that the total number of sessions will be four (4) and that the annual mandatory training will be conducted in the month of March annually. For planning purposes the committee decided that the sessions will be held on the following days: the first, second, and third Saturdays in March and skipping two consecutive Saturdays and holding the final session on the following Sunday. If there is a need to hold a make-up session for personnel failing to attend one of the regular sessions, the date for the make-up will be the first Saturday in June of each year.

Failure to complete one of the March annual mandatory training sessions will be considered an act of insubordination and the offender shall be automatically suspended from operations for the following terms: career employees shall received a suspension without pay for a period of forty-two (42) working hours and volunteer members shall receive a suspension of ninety (90) consecutive calendar days. Disciplinary actions for subsequent offenses will be grounds for termination or separation from the department.

Any and all questions should be directed to your station training officers for volunteers and to your company officers for career members. I appreciate your efforts to ensure that you are trained and prepared for the rigors of this job and wish each of you luck and safety as you perform the assignments given to you.


Annual Mandatory Training Plan

2009 Mandatory Training

(CPR, AED, BBP, NAERG, Right to Know, Diversity, SCBA Fit Test, & P.P.E. Inspection)

Date Time Location Platoons / Stations Assigned Personnel 07 March 2009 08:00 Fire HQ A / 1E / Vol. ALL 14 March 2009 08:00 Fire HQ D / 2E / Vol. ALL 21 March 2009 08:00 Fire HQ C / Vol. ALL 05 April 2009 08:00 Fire HQ B / Vol. ALL

Note: All topics will be delivered by personnel from the SFD Training Section.

Note: All personnel are required to attend one of these sessions.

Note: All personnel are required to bring their P.P.E. (including SCBA Face Piece).

This Weekend At Station 7 Restaurant In Pittsville

Members Of Anti-Government Group Arrested In Las Vegas

Print ShareThisLAS VEGAS — Four members of an anti-government group have been arrested on charges that include money laundering, tax evasion and weapons possession, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Authorities said the four men are members of the Sovereign Movement, a group that attempts to overthrow the government and defy authority with "paper terrorism." The arrests in Las Vegas on Thursday capped a three-year investigation into the group's activities led by the Nevada Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Attorney for Nevada Greg Brower said.

GO HERE to read more.

Someone Comes To Richard Insley's Defense


"I have read the various ignorant comments on this blog directed at landlords and Richard Insley in particular. Here is a news flash for you judgemental quick studies who have exposed yourselves as having no real understanding of legitimate business practices. Get a life. Get over your wealth envy.. Richard Insley is entitled to his perspective which he has earned through years of hard work. No tenant is forced to move into his properties. No tenant is forced to sign his lease. We live in a free market. There is plenty of housing competition in this town. Due to the competition, it behooves no landlord to provide substandard properties or price gouge. In addition, landlords pay 70% of the taxes in this city but have no vote and therefore have no voice. Mr. Insley would be a fool not to encourage his tenants to vote against candidates who seek unnecessary legislation that victimize them and penalize his industry. Debbie Campbell and Jim Ireton certainly have no problems misleading the students into thinking that each has the students' best interests at heart. Everyone else knows the first item on their mutual agenda is to revisit 4-2 in order to kick the kids out of the neighborhoods.

Hey Joe, you're the maverick reporter for the city, why haven't you reported that rental properties in the city of Salisbury are now 98% code compliant? It's a matter of public record and it is excellent news. Surely you've noted the improvement in the housing stock since Neighborhood Services was created. Hey Joe, we are in a recession and Salisbury has a huge crime problem, why haven't you exposed the $84,000.00 of wasted tax dollars spent by Campbell and Cohen since their arrival to the city council? This horrific tax waste accumulated due to their cavalier misuse of the city staff to mandate inane and unnecessary research of items such as zoning issues that occurred in 1957. Tax payer money has been spent in order to fulfill their personal agendas to find a legal precedent to overturn the current 4-2. It's a matter of public record. Seems to me that money could have been used to bolster the struggling police department and fight the crime that is victimizing all citizens of Salisbury including students who regularly get jumped on city streets.

It is very interesting to note that it is illegal for landlords to practice discrimination, yet our elected officials have given themselves carte-blanche to pass discriminating legislation.. I know their theory is: "If you get the students out of the neighborhoods, single families are going to buy up all the rental properties. Homeownership will improve the neighborhood because homeowners will take pride in their property." Great theory, but Landlords have to feed their families, so someone has to rent their properties. Section 8 may be less money but it is guaranteed income. Beware the law of unintended consequences. Unnecessary and unfriendly legislation in all likelihood may cause conditions in Salisbury Neighborhoods to get worse and not better.

There are ways for landlords and neighborhoods to co-exist in a world of mutual respect. Many Landlords actually run an ethical business. Many landlords' kids attend school with your kids. Many Landlords care deeply about the City of Salisbury, its now and its future. Many Landlords work consistently in conjunction with the University and police department to make the city a better place to live. I suggest you blog participants attempt to solve problems in a responsible way instead of name calling and vilifying others. What have you name callers actually done to help your city? Get a clue before casting stones."

Salisbury Police News

Hello,

I thought you might be interested in an incident that occurred earlier this evening. Six friends and I were just walking back from a friend's house and we stopped by at Dunkin Donuts to use the bathroom. One of our friends went around the back to see if any donuts were in the dumpster, and I went inside because I didn't want to get a fine for dumpster diving! Well, I come back out and there is a HUGE
fight going on - looked like it was gang related - a big group of people maybe in their early/mid twenties beating up two guys (looked like college kids)...they're all screaming and making a big fuss.

We continue walking, and one of my friends is carrying a box of donuts that he found (I admit that was stupid...I didn't eat any!) Well, two cops roll up to the parking lot from one entrance as two cars of the "gang" were leaving from another entrance. The first car was full of people, who hesitated before they pulled out to route 13, and we heard the guys in the car behind them yell "GO BITCH GO!" (obviously they were trying to escape).

So the cops surround us, and one of the officers JUMPS OUT OF THE CAR and YELLS AT MY FRIEND WITH THE BOX OF DONUTS "YOU! STOP!!!" My friend replies "Me???" The officer gets up in his face, and another 3-4 officers come out and continue questioning him about his box. My friend keeps telling them that there was just a huge assault and that the people just drove off, that the cops could still catch up with them. Instead, ANOTHER cop car rolls up and continues the investigation of my friend with the box of stale donuts. After taking his information, scolding him for "acting strange" and making sure that Dunkin Donuts wasn't interested in getting their old donuts back they let us leave (took about 10 minutes, just enough time for the crazies to get away..)

Just ridiculous, makes me so mad that they're spending their time on dumpster diving (yes, I know it's illegal but it's not an assault!!) when people are getting the s*** beat out of them - at the same time and place! They were probably just trying to get their donut fix....write me back for any questions.

Hope this interests or helps you.

-Frustrated at SU

HISTORICAL MOMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER


“FLASH GLASS”

(The glass of the left is from the Salisbury Fair of 1911, in the center is a toothpick holder from Salisbury and the glass on the right is from Salisbury in 1904.)

Flash glass is the name given to glassware that was originally clear and “flashed” with a thin coat of color, usually red, but pieces are found in green, blue and yellowish-orange. These items fall into the pressed glass category and were very inexpensive when originally sold. The most often seen pieces were from the 1890-1915 period. With the flashing being thin, it was relatively easy to cut through it to the clear glass with an engraving tool. An itinerant artisan would go all over the country setting up at county fairs and other annual events. He would engrave anything you wanted on the piece of glassware. The ones that are most sought out by collectors are the ones that have the name of the town and a date engraved on it. Usually the date will correspond with an event in the town named on the item. Sometimes, the buyer would have “Mother” engraved on it and give it as a present. What could be put on it was endless, leaving us with every piece being truly unique.

People collect flash glass in a number of categories. As previously stated, the name of a certain city or town is at the top of the list. Some people collect certain items - such as glasses, cups, toothpick holders or small pitchers. A dated piece helps to place the item to a certain event. The quality of the engraving has a lot to do with some people’s interest in an item. Usually, the earlier the item, the better the engraving. In the Victorian 1890’s, a more skillful, decorative script was used. The first artisans that engraved flash glass had a truly skillful hand. As time went on, the engraving became more amateurish and the desirability to the modern collector lessened.

SENIOR COUPLE Engagement

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Florida ,

Are all excited about their decision to get married. They

Go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they

Pass a Drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in.

*Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?"

The pharmacist answers, "Yes."

*Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart Medication?"

Pharmacist: "Of course we do."

*Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"

Pharmacist: "All kinds "

*Jacob: " Medicine for rheumatism?"

Pharmacist: "Definitely."

*Jacob: "How about suppositories?"

Pharmacist: "You bet!"

*Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis and Alzheimer's?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."

*Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for

Parkinson's disease?"

Pharmacist: "Absolutely."

*Jacob: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?"

Pharmacist: "We sure do."

*Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"

Pharmacist: "All speeds and Sizes."

*Jacob: "Adult diapers?"

Pharmacist: "Sure."

**Jacob: "We'd like to use this store as our Bridal Registry."

My Kind Of Hot Chilli!

Interesting Bumper Stickers

It's not whether you win or lose, but how you place the blame.

You are not drunk if you can lie on the floorwithout holding on.

We have enough youth.
How about a fountain of "smart"?

The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.

A fool and his money can throw one hell of a party.

Five days a week my body is a temple.
The other two it's an amusement park.

LEARN FROM YOUR PARENTS' MISTAKES USE BIRTH CONTROL

money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.

Don't Drink and Drive You might hit a bump and spill something.

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

Reality is only an illusionthat occurs due to a lack of alcohol.

We are born naked, wet and hungry.Then things get worse.

Red meat is not bad for you Fuzzy green meat is bad for you.

Ninety-nine percent of all lawyersgive the rest a bad name.

One good thing about Alzheimer's is you get to meet new people every day.

Xerox and Wurlitzer will mergeto produce reproductive organs.

Alabama state motto: At least we're not Mississippi

Gaseous cloudshave been detectedaround Uranus.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS NOMATCH FOR NATURAL STUPIDITY.

GUN CONTROL: using both hands

The more I learn about terrorism, the more I understand the phone company.

The latest survey shows thatthree out of four people makeup 75% of the population

Kohler Family Benefit Dinner Dance

In memory of Melissa Kohler, an amazing woman who devoted her life to her family and daycare children. Melissa passed away suddenly on January 28, 2009.

All proceeds to benefit Melissa’s husband and two teenage boys.

DJ, Silent Auction, Chinese Auction, 50/50

$15 per person
Saturday, March 7th 6-10pm
HEBRON FIRE HOUSE

Menu: Roast beef, scalloped potatoes, macaroni salad, green beans, coleslaw, rolls, tea and coffee.

To offer your assistance please call 410-430-8723
For more information or to purchase tickets please call 443-735-0117

Tickets may also be purchased at the Carroll Street and Fruitland branches of
Hebron Savings Bank.

Donations may be made directly to:
Melissa Kohler Family Benefit
c/o Hebron Savings Bank
ATTN: Michelle Bramble

Mrs. Melissa “Sissa” touched the hearts of many and molded so many futures.

This is an All-You-Can-Eat event.

Target "Sales?"



I don't know about others, but I though people should pay closer attention when shopping at Target. They had a sign advertising these scooter skirts on sale for $5.00 this week only! Yet, the price on them IS $5.00. I think they are doing this to alot of items in their store. I guess they are trying to make people think they are getting a deal, when really they are paying full price. I don't know if this is something they usually do at these stores, or I just never noticed.

UNICITY ANNOUNCES SALISBURY EMERGING ARTIST CONTEST DATES

The Unicity Performing Arts Festival announced today the dates for the Maryland 2009 Unicity Emerging Artist contest. The first contest in the series will take place on March 22nd at The Fountains Table Restaurant in Salisbury, MD.

The preliminary first place winners from the contests win a chance to perform at the Unicity Performing Arts Festival and secure their position in the semi-finals. Salisbury native and Realize Records recording artist Paul Lewis, who will be hosting the contest series, states, “I am extremely excited to be able to present this opportunity to emerging artists in the area, someone gave me a shot when I first started out at Salisbury University and I am thrilled to be able to do the same.”

This year the top three winners of each preliminary contest will move on to the semi-finals in June. The overall winners will receive a demo recording session at Racetrack Sound Studios in Gettysburg, PA, consultation sessions with Realize Records representatives, one month free of the Realize Record Label Institute and the winner’s demo will be submitted to the record label for signing consideration. Unicity Festival producer Fred Munzert says, “We are excited to have been able to add new prizes to the contest and we look forward to providing exposure to fresh talent.” Slots for the contest are limited and available on a first come first serve basis.

The contest series will begin at 7:00PM. The contest is open to all types of acts solo or up to full band. Singers should bring a cd to sing along with. The preliminaries will be judged by audience members through ballots. Preliminary dates are March 22nd April 19th and May 3rd. The semi finals and finals will be judged by industry representatives. To register as a contestant or buy tickets please visit http://www.unicityfestival.com All shows are all ages. The Fountains Table Restaurant is located at 1800 Sweetbay Drive in Salisbury, MD.

The Unicity Performing Arts Festival's goal is to unite different races, sexes and cultures through the diversity of the performing arts. The festival brought in part to you by Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism, is a collage of all types of performing artists from classical musicians to punk rock bands, featuring ballet dancers to street hip hop artists. Poets, actors, comedians, everything and anything goes. The event is a two day fusion of nonstop performing artists, unbelievable food and drinks all leading up to shows featuring national acts. This year’s festival will take place on 110 Acres in Winterplace Park in Salisbury, MD on May 15th & 16th.

UDT-SEAL ASSOCIATION

John Edward Kainer - Class 166

It is with great sadness that the UDT-SEAL Association informs the membership that after a battle with brain cancer John Kainer passed away on January 18th.A memorial service will be held at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Chapel on Friday, January 23rd at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at Snug Harbor. A committal ceremony will be held at the US Naval Academy Columbarium on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11 a.m. John lived his life with passion and intensity that resulted in not only achievements and accolades, but more importantly, tremendous personal relationships that supported him throughout his 11 year battle with cancer. John's wife and three children was the core of this support and brought immense joy to his life.

John attended the United States Naval Academy, wrestled all four years, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1989. Upon completion of SEAL training, John embarked on an exemplary career, excelling as a warrior and a leader. His assignments included SEAL Team THREE, Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT, SEAL Team TWO and Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Receiving numerous commendations and always setting high standards, he was on a successful path with his SEAL career. While parachuting as part of a training exercise, John experienced a seizure. He skillfully deployed the parachute despite the seizure and landed safely. In the subsequent years following the diagnosis and treatment, John completed three marathons, tow Raid Gauloises adventure races and two Ironman races. He was the epitome of a true warrior, competitor and dignified individual.In civilian life, John worked for Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., EMC Corporation, and during the last four years with DePuy Orthopedics as a sales manager for joint replacement products. He worked directly with orthopedic surgeons, earning their respect.

A loving father and husband, John is survived by his wife and tireless caregiver, Betsy Byron Kainer, formerly as Asheville, NC, whom he married in 1999, his three children: Jack 7, Gini 5 and Maddie 3; his mother Fran Yongue Kellner and her husband William Kellner of Lafayette, LA; his father Edward Lester Kainer and his wife Ginger of Houston, TX. He is also survived by two brothers, James and Paul Kainer and his grandmother Virginia Yongue, all of Lafayette, LA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mike Kainer.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Team Kainer in care of Anne Spillance, 1537 W. Little Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

The following website is a chronicle of John's life:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnkainer

7 Samoyed Dogs Need Home - Owner In Hospice


There are 7 pure-bred female Samoyeds who need a "forever home" because their owner/breeder, Cathy Pendleton, is losing her battle with breast cancer. She can no longer care for her dogs and has been moved to Hospice after being in the hospital for a week.

I'm giving this a wider distribution than usual, so some of you may receive it more than once. Even though you may not be on a "rescue" group email, I'm including you in the hopes that you can forward on to the widest distribution so that these girls all have a chance to find the perfect new home. The dogs are in the Atlanta, GA, area, but they will allow them to be adopted out of state.

All the owner/breeder wants is for all of these girls to get good homes. Currently, they are not wanting to place any of the dogs in foster care because they are trying to move the dogs only once. My understanding is that the older animals have been spayed. Because she is a breeder, the younger dogs are not spayed; however the new family would need to have the dog spayed if she is less than seven years. (The dogs range in age from 1.5 years to more senior dogs.)

One look at their picture (below) shows how extraordinarily beautiful these dogs are. (I count 8 in the picture, but perhaps one has been placed already.) All are healthy and well cared for, up to date on shots, heartworm, flea treatment, etc. The new "forever" home will need to have a fenced yard with sufficient space for an active dog. The folks who are placing the Samoyeds for the owner may do a home visit either before, after, or both to ensure that the dog and their new family are a good fit.

If you think you might be interested after reading Velvet's email (below), her contact info is v.a.simmons@att.net.

Thanks for giving this the widest distribution possible. Following is the email from the lady who is managing the adoption of these 7 lovely ladies.

2008-09 Assessments In Wicomico Schools

2008-09 Assessments in Wicomico Schools, for All Grade Levels

During March, Wicomico intermediate and middle school students will join other Maryland students in taking the state's mandatory assessments, the Maryland School Assessment (MSA).

The High School Assessments (HSAs) will be administered in April for seniors who must still meet the state's HSA graduation requirement, and in May for all students reaching the end of courses tested by the HSAs.

But for many other students, as well as the students who will take the MSAs in March, assessments have been given throughout the school year, to students as early as prekindergarten. These Benchmark Assessments help teachers and schools check the student's academic progress and make changes to instruction where necessary, and keep parents informed on an ongoing basis of a student's achievement level.

Primary Grades (Prekindergarten-2nd Grade)

Starting this spring, students in the primary grades will no longer take the Stanford 10 Assessments that were administered for the past several years. While this voluntary assessment program yielded some useful information, an analysis of the test by Wicomico's reading and math coordinators, supervisors,and the school system's data analyst found that many test items were not aligned with the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum, said Margo Handy, director of elementary education. While Wicomico's instructional program coordinated closely with the Voluntary State Curriculum, the test did not.

"We did not feel it served as a true measure of our instructional program and of what our students are being taught," Handy said.

Student progress will now be monitored through the Benchmark Assessments, which are given three times a year in math and reading. A study of the Benchmark Assessments and the Maryland School Assessment, which students begin taking in the third grade, has shown good correlation between the two assessments. A student's performance on the Benchmark Assessment for math was a good predictor of the student's success on the MSA for math.

Items in the Benchmark Assessments are reviewed frequently to ensure that they are challenging for all students, appropriate to grade and age level, and aligned with the curriculum. The Benchmark Assessments are the same for all students in each grade level, no matter what school they attend. Students take the Benchmark Assessments throughout the year, so they are accustomed to the testing as a natural part of learning, not as a big once-a-year event. "We feel confident that the Benchmarks will give us a true picture of our students' instructional abilities," Handy said.

Stanford 10 results were one of the measures used to determine which students qualified for the school system's elementary magnet program at the end of second grade. The school system will now use the Benchmark Assessments - in addition to teacher recommendation, Primary Talent Development portfolio, parent input and a checklist, which were already required - to determine eligibility. A second-grade student's scores on the Benchmark Assessments in math and reading will be reviewed to determine an average scaled score. Every second-grade student will have had the same opportunity to take the same Benchmark Assessments, and each student will have had multiple assessment opportunities to show their skills.

Intermediate Grades (Grades 3-5)

The Maryland School Assessments (MSAs) for Reading will be given March 17 and 18 for grades 3-5. The MSA for Math will be administered March 24 and 25 for grades 3-5. Fifth-graders will take the Science MSA on line during the testing window of April 22-May 12.

Benchmark Assessments and the Scholastic Reading Inventory are administered to all intermediate students periodically throughout the year.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

For all middle school grades, the Maryland School Assessments (MSAs) for Reading will be given March 17 and 18. The MSA for Math will be administered March 19 and 20. Eighth-graders will take the Science MSA on line during the testing window of April 22-May 12.

Students who are taking Algebra this year will take the Math HSA on May 18.

Benchmark Assessments and the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) are administered to all middle school students periodically throughout the year.

High School (Grades 9-12)

HSA

Maryland students in the Class of 2009 are the first class of students that must meet the state's High School Assessment Requirement to graduate. Students must pass all four HSA exams, achieve a combined score of 1602, or complete one or more approved Bridge projects.

While 86 percent of the class of 2009 has met the state's HSA graduation requirement, approximately 140 students must still meet the requirement. A number of options are available to enable students to meet the HSA requirement for graduation, and schools are already working closely with seniors who must still meet the HSA requirement. Some students took the HSA during retesting in January, and are awaiting results. Some of the 140 students are working on Bridge projects to demonstrate mastery of a subject area.

James M. Bennett High School is hosting a Saturday HSA Academy open to all Wicomico County high school students to help them prepare for the HSA retest for seniors April 20-23, and/or the final HSA opportunity of this school year, May 18-21. The purpose of Saturday Academy is to provide high quality instructional remediation and test-preparation to Wicomico County public high school students to help them achieve success in meeting the Maryland State HSA testing requirements. Students who plan to take the spring HSA exams are strongly encouraged to attend.

Saturday Academy sessions are scheduled for March 14, 21 and 28, April 18 and 25, and May 2 and 9. For information please call JMB Dean of Students Sue Likovich at 410-677-5141 or slikovic@wcboe.org, or Wicomico Evening High School Principal Clay Belgie, 410-677-4537 or cbelgie@wcboe.org.

The regular testing time for the 2009 High School Assessments is May 18 for Algebra/Data Analysis, May 19 for Government, May 20 for English, and May 21 for Biology. Most of the students taking the HSAs will be 10th-graders, though the HSAs are also given to middle school students completing Algebra (see Middle School, above), and any juniors and seniors who have not yet passed one or more exams or achieved a combined score of 1602.

AP

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses may sign up to take end-of-course tests which, if passed with a score of 3 or higher, may yield college credit. These tests will be given May 4-15.

SAt and ACT

The SAT I & II will be administered one more time during the 2009-2010 school year, on May 2 (registration deadline March 31). The registration deadline for the March 14 administration of the SAT has already passed. Students who wish to take the SAT on June 6 must register by May 5.

Students who wish to take the ACT on April 4 must register by Feb. 27. Students may also take the SAT June 13 (registration deadline May 8).

For either test, juniors and seniors should visit their guidance counselor about fees and registration. On-line registration is available for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com and for the ACT at www.act.org