Highlighted Events This Week In Wicomico Schools

Beginning May 17
High School Assessments (HSAs) and Modified High School Assessments (Mod-HSAs)
All Wicomico Secondary Schools

Students enrolled in HSA-assessed courses, and students who previously took but did not pass one or more of the HSA/Mod-HSA exams, will take the HSAs/Mod-HSAs starting on May 17. HSAs/Mod-HSAs will be administered in high schools and in middle schools. Passing all four HSAs/Mod-HSAs, or achieving a combined score of 1602 or successfully completing a Bridge Plan for Academic Validation , is a Maryland requirement for graduation.

The HSA and Mod-HSA paper tests will be administered May 17-21, excluding May 19. A single date has been designated for each content-area test. Schools administering the paper/pencil HSAs must give the HSAs on the following schedule: May 17 Biology, May 18 Algebra/Data Analysis (HSA/MSA), May 20 Government, May 21 English (HSA/MSA). On-line testing for the HSAs and Mod-HSAs will be administered according to a flexible schedule set by each school within the state-mandated testing window of May 17-June 4.

Schools have planned to give the HSA as follows:

All computer testing for HSAs and Mod-HSAs: Wicomico High, Mardela Middle and High, all other middle schools.

Computer and paper/pencil testing for HSA: Parkside High students will take the paper/pencil test except those students who are being retested and Mod-HSA, who will take the tests on computer. James M. Bennett High will administer the paper/pencil test for all students except those receiving special education services and others taking the MOD-HSA; these will be done on the computer.

Check with the school guidance office for additional information.

Wednesday, May 19
Evening High School Commencement
Beaver Run Elementary

Evening High School students who have successfully completed the requirements to earn a Maryland high school diploma will participate in commencement at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Beaver Run Elementary School. 410-677-4537.

Wednesday, May 19
Eastern Shore Reading Council Spring Dinner
Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

Don't miss the Eastern Shore Reading Council's Spring Dinner at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium (home of the Delmarva Shorebirds) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19. Hear Kathy Bumgardner speak on Reading IS Thinking: Comprehension Strategies and Literacy Tools That Really Work! Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Please make checks payable to ESRC. For more details or a flier, email gsmith@wcboe.org.

Thursday, May 20
Public Budget Hearing
Board of Education Auditorium

The Wicomico County Board of Education will hold a public budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 20, in the Board of Education Auditorium. The Board will take input on the budget for fiscal year 2010-11 as it prepares to adopt a final budget by June 30. 410-677-4561.

Friday, May 21
Multi-cultural Fair
North Salisbury Elementary

Fifth graders at North Salisbury Elementary School will put on a Multi-cultural Fair from 9-11 a.m. Friday, May 21. At this “Welcome to the World!” event, the fifth graders will showcase the culture, food, games, arts and highlights of other countries for the North Salisbury students in grades 3 and 4, and for grade 5 parents and guardians. 410-677-5807.