Magruder High School Courier
February, 2011
Inside this issue:
College Prep Day (MAR 4)
Calendar of Events 4-5
EVERY 15 MINUTES
Booster Club
PTSA Membership Form
NHS News
MHS Drama: ANNIE!
Booster Club
College Board Testing
Accommodations
Col. Zadok Magruder High
School
5939 Muncaster Mill Road
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: (301) 840-4600
Fax: (301) 840-4617
PRINCIPAL
Mr. Leroy Evans
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS
Ms. Lakeisha Adamson
Ms. Ellen Hudson
Ms. Sheree Coleman
PTSA PRESIDENT
Linda Kuserk
(301) 330--3926
GUIDANCE OFFICE
(301) 840-4614
ATTENDANCE OFFICE
(301) 840-4609
To get your news in the courier, send
an email to: mhscourier0910@aol.com
COURIER EDITOR
Deby Dicello
(240) 599-6503
Principal’s Perspective By Mr. Lee Evans
In January as we end the first semester, we turn our focus to achieving sec-
3
ond semester goals, as well as celebrating our successes and reflecting upon
areas that need improvement.
6 We applaud the efforts of our 69 students who earned straight A’s for the
7 first grading period. In addition, 886 students in total achieved a grade point
8 average (GPA) of a 3.0 or better. We are pleased to see that 71.8 percent of
our students are enrolled in one or more honors or Advanced Placement
9
(AP) courses. Hard work in the most rigorous courses will pay significant
9
dividends to students. Of the 907 AP tests taken by our students last spring,
10 631 scored a 3 or higher. The SAT Reasoning Test scores for November
11 and December were higher than the previous year. Scores increased in No-
vember from 1589 in 2009 to 1596 in 2010. The December scores improved
from 1578 to 1584. Magruder High School earned the distinction of being
one of only five schools where both the test scores and the percentage of
participants increased for November and December from the previous year.
These are indicators of the success many of (Continued on Page 2)
PTSA NEWS By Ms. Linda Kuserk
There are four PTSA meetings left in the school year, and even if you cannot make
it to Magruder, there is a chance you can still participate from home through a we-
binar. The meeting planned for January is a trial of new technology allowing a
webcast of the meeting while it occurs. This allows parents who are unable to
physically be in the building to participate in the meeting and receive information,
or view information at a later date. Depending on how successful January’s meet-
ing is, this technology may be utilized for other meetings at school. I am eager to
hear parent’s thoughts on webinars and other forms of communication from the
school and PTSA. I have put together a survey which can be accessed through the
PTSA web page, Magruder home page and directly at http://
www.surveymonkey.com/s/2SRHWBD. Improvements to the websites, e-mail
lists and Courier will be based on responses to this survey.
I invite you to attend our February PTSA meeting, where school safety and secu-
rity will be the topic of discussion. March and April will be very busy months
with Every Fifteen Minutes and After Prom. (Continued on Page 3)
Visit the Magruder High School website at www.magruderhs.org
 Magruder High School Courier February, 2011 Page 2

Principal’s Perspective: By Mr. Lee Evans (continued from page 1 )

our students are having while accepting the challenge of academic rigor. We anticipate that this trend
will continue, along with a number of students at all instructional levels showing increased academic
productivity.

While we celebrate our success, there is still a great deal left to do. The number of ineligible students
following the first grading period was high at 17.3 percent. Students are considered ineligible when
they fail one or more classes and maintain a GPA below 2.0. We are experiencing increases in the
number of students who are tardy to school, tardy to class, and absent from class without permission.
We attribute the rise in tardies and absences to the abolishment of the Loss of Credit (LC) policy and
the lack of investment on the part of some students. In order to reverse this trend and ensure aca-
demic success for all students, it will require the commitment and collaboration of all community
stakeholders.

Ensuring the academic success of all students requires us to establish and maintain a climate that is
conducive to teaching and learning. We have initiated a school-wide campaign aimed at respecting
the rights of everyone. This will include a focus on using appropriate language at all times, respecting
the individual property and space, and eliminating bullying and cyber-bullying that can foster the
worst form of dehumanization. I will be giving a detailed report on the state of our school regarding
improvements in the academic areas, as well as an update on the school environment at the February
PTSA meeting. Most importantly, we hope to create a mindset in each student that will reinforce the
notion that every individual has the right to receive a public education in an environment that is re-
spectful, peaceful, and resourceful.

During the second semester, additional initiatives will be put in place to eliminate elements in our
school environment that are in conflict with our mission. The mission of the Magruder High School
staff is to provide a learning environment that promotes academic growth and achievement for all
students. An academic climate that exists in a community of caring where respecting the rights and
individuality of everyone is paramount. We believe all students can reach their full potential in this
environment with the continual support of all the stakeholders in our school community. I reflect on
the words of Marion Wright Edelman to highlight the major difference we can make each day in the
lives of students by working together: “We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big
difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differ-
ences that we often cannot foresee.” This we can do together.

I invite you to work with our staff each day throughout the school
year in this effort to provide the students of Magruder High
School with the best opportunities to acquire knowledge, to grow
intellectually, and to develop a spirit that will help create produc-
tive contributors to our society.
 Magruder High School Courier February, 2011 Page 3

PTSA NEWS: By Ms. Linda Kuserk (continued from page 1)

Information on both of these events is within this issue of the Courier. I encourage all parents, not
only parents of seniors, to become involved in After Prom. Parents of underclassmen are especially
needed to volunteer the night/morning of the event. Information on volunteer opportunities will be
coming out over the list serves as we get closer to Prom

With four PTSA meetings left, my term as president is coming to an end, as is a majority of our
board positions. I strongly encourage parents to consider a board position. Although these positions
require a time commitment, the majority of our current members works full time and has no difficulty
with this commitment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like information about the
positions available or other ways to become active in the PTSA.

PTSA OFFICERS FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR

Linda Kuserk, President Russ Erb, Treasurer

301.330.3926 Kuserkpta@comcast.net
Marie Matthews, 1st Vice President
301.977.1250 matthewsmhspta@yahoo.com
Martha Shaerr, 2nd Vice President
301.963.4122 mschaerr@yahoo.com
301.266.1353 russerb@hotmail.com
Fidelia Romanowski, Secretary
301.869.4807 fromanowski@comcast.net

College Prep Day : Friday, March 4, 2011 - By: Heidi Garland

We are providing all grade 11 students with the exciting opportunity to take a mock, combined version
of the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT Test during the school day on Friday, March 4, 2011. The bell
schedule that day—which is a half-day of instruction for all Montgomery County Public Schools—has
been adjusted so that students will be able to take advantage of this unique opportunity to prepare for
both tests. It is our hope that students will be able to make an informed decision about which college
admissions test he or she may be best suited for. We also hope that, by providing
our students with access to a mock SAT/ACT with analysis, students will have a
better concept of what to expect on the SATs and the ACTs, as well as what they
need in order to perform at a high level on this exam. Each student’s test will be
graded and students will be provided with a password that will allow them to
access an analysis of their mock SAT/ACT scores online.
If your child is a sophomore and you would like for him or her to take the mock SAT/ACT, please
have your child sign up with Mrs. Coleman in the main office or Mrs. Garland in the Career Center no
later than Friday, February 11.
 Magruder High School Courier February, 2011 Page 4

MHS Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY, 2011
1 College Information Night – SNOW DATE

2 Report Card Distribution

3-4 Yearbook Pictures – Clubs, Music Groups - SNOW DATE

5 Drama Parent Meeting for Musical: 10:00 am —11:00 am

10 Mr. Magruder: 7:00 pm, Auditorium

15 PTSA Meeting: 7:30 pm, Media Center

16 PALA Meeting: 7:00 pm, Media Center

21 NO SCHOOL: Presidents’ Day

24 PTSA Staff Appreciation: Chocolate Fountain

MARCH, 2011
4 Early Release Day: Students dismissed at 11:40 am

11 Interims Mailed

13 Daylight Savings Time Begins

15 PTSA Meeting: 7:30pm, Media Center

16 PALA Meeting: 7:00 pm, Media Center

17-18 Every 15 Minutes Program

26 A P Spanish Language Practice Session: 9:00 am—12:00 pm

30 End of 3rd Marking Period

31 NO SCHOOL for Students: Professional Day

SPORTS SCHEDULES AND INFORMATION

refer to the website for athletic schedules and information.

http://www.magruderathletics.org/
Magruder High School Courier February, 2011 Page 5

MHS Calendar of Events

APRIL, 2011
1 Musical: 7:30 pm, “ ANNIE”

2 A P Spanish Language Practice Session: 9:00 am—12:00 pm

Musical: 7:30 pm, “ ANNIE”

4 High School Assessment: English 10; Seniors, ONLY

5 High School Assessment: Biology; Seniors, ONLY

6 High School Assessment: Algebra 1; Seniors, ONLY

7 High School Assessment: NSL Government; Seniors, ONLY

Report Card Distribution

8 High School Assessment Make up Day; Seniors, ONLY

Musical: 7:30 pm, “ ANNIE”

9 A P Spanish Language Practice Session: 9:00 am—12:00 pm

Musical: 7:30 pm, “ANNIE”

13 Spring Arts Festival: 4:00 pm—9:00 pm

14 Senior Banquet: 7:00 pm—11:00 pm; Rio Marriott

15 Senior Breakfast: 7:00 am—9:00 am; Cafeteria

18-25 NO SCHOOL: Spring Break

29 Prom: 8:00 pm—12:00 am; Pooks Hill Marriott

30 A P Spanish Literature Culminating Activity:

8:00 am—12:00 pm
Magruder High School Courier Page 6

Every 15 Minutes Update By: PATTY WINTERS

Thanks to the on-going support of students, staff and parents working on Every
15 Minutes, we are looking forward to a full-scale event March 17 – 18. This
will give all of our students the opportunity to learn and be confident about mak-
ing smart choices instead of putting themselves and others at risk by drinking and
driving. (Although the simulated rescue scene and assembly are limited to jun-
iors and seniors, Mr. Evans has again approved for our freshmen and sopho-
mores to view the video, which includes highlights from Day 1.)
A special shout-out to Mrs. Jennifer Reynolds, our Faculty Co-chair, for the
many hours she has devoted to overseeing all the school-based details, and to
Mrs. Joyce Offutt, our school Business Manager, for accommodating our build-
ing-related requests.
Kudos to Brenda Laughlin, Cynthia Clark, Pam Zingeser, Serena Hinkel, Lynn
Hughes and Connie McKenna for their help in fund-raising. Collectively they
raised 70% of our $8,000.00 budget, and in record time!
And shout-outs to all you bargain shoppers, who raised $900.00 at our Five Below fundraiser last fall!
Every 15 Minutes is a challenging and serious program for our students, but you won’t find many op-
portunities as fun and gratifying as being on our team, especially as we bring the last pieces together in
the coming weeks. Many of the jobs can be done from home, and some involve shopping, and helping
on Day1. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Patty Winters at patty.winters@verizon.net
or 301-519-7537.

CAREER CENTER NEWS By: Heidi Garland

Parents and students are encouraged to continue attending the remaining lunch seminars and open
houses in the College and Career Center that interest them. Programs on “Understanding the Accu-
placer for Students considering Montgomery College” will be held February 2 and 10 from 10:00 am -
12:30pm. Two seminars on “Summer Enrichment Opportunities” will be held February 24 and March
9 from 10:00 am -12:30pm. A final open house on “Creating a Dynamite College Application” is
scheduled for March 30 from 7:00 am - 3:30pm.

Seniors who have received merit scholarships and awards from colleges and universities (even if they
are not planning to attend), are encouraged to let Magruder High
School know. We want to share in the good news and be able to rec-
ognize these accomplishments! Students should email Ms. Garland
in the College and Career Center, email their counselor or stop by in
person to let us know.
Magruder High School Courier February, 2011 Page 7
Magruder High School Courier Page 8

CLASS SPONSORS
CLASS OF 2011 Senior Class – Hannah Zumbar – Hannah_M_Zumbar@mcpsmd.org

CLASS OF 2012 Junior Class – Nancy Hayes – Nancy_R_Hayes@mcpsmd.org;              

                                                            Ed Hsu – E_Hsiayuan_Hsu@mcpsmd.org   

CLASS OF 2013  Sophomore Class – Barbara Dobbs – Barbara_D_Dobbs@mcpsmd.org

CLASS OF 2014 Freshman Class – Sarah Grinder – Sarah_E_Grinder@mcpsmd.org

Magruder High School PTSA – Membership Form

Name (Parent/Guardian): ________________________________________________________
Student Name(s) and Grade(s): ___________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________ E-mail Address: ______________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Fees:  $15 Individual Membership  $10 staff membership
 $25 Family Membership (two cards + free directory)  $5 student membership
 Directory $5
Tax deductible donations:
 In support of PTA programs and scholarships _______  In support of After Prom _______

 In support of Every Fifteen Minutes _______ Total enclosed $_______

I would like to be contacted about volunteer opportunities  yes  no

Thank you for joining PTSA! Please complete this form and make your check payable to Magruder PTSA. mail it to:
PTSA Membership Committee; Magruder High School; 5939 Muncaster Mill Rd.;Rockville, MD 20855

PTSA membership questions? Contact Pat Chapin at patchapin10@yahoo.com

Magruder PTSA Can Help You Stay Informed!
E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS. Want to be informed about PTSA meetings, events, volunteer opportunities,
and be notified when the PTSA newsletter, the Courier, is posted online? Please provide:
Contact name: ________________________E-mail address (even if listed above): ________________
PTSA COURIER ONLINE. You can get the newsletter faster online. To stop receiving paper copies, please provide:

Name(s) of students (even if listed above): _____________________________ Zip Code ______

(You will need to be on an e-mail list to be notified when new Courier issues are online. Please sign up above
or e-mail angela.tilley86@yahoo.com ) Col. Zadok Magruder High School PTSA, Inc. is approved as a tax
exempt, non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Dues and other
contributions to the PTSA are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Please consult your tax advisor.)
 Magruder High School Courier February, 2011 Page 9

National Honor Society By: Ms. Suzi Boyle

Magruder High School Students collected

toys and clothing, and handed them out
while volunteering at the Salvation Army
this holiday season. About 50 National
Honor Society at MHS collected toys and
clothing for the Salvation Army Angels pro-
gram. This has been a long-standing service
project—and a great team building activ-
ity—for our school’s NHS program. This
year, students handed out toys to parents at
the facility in Germantown.

(This article appeared in the MCPS bulletin dated January 4, 2011.)

Magruder High School’s Drama Department

Proud to Present

ANNIE!

The most famous lovable red-headed orphan Annie with the ever popular songs
like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”.
Come join the fun and frolic on April 1, 2, 8, and 9
At the Magruder High School Auditorium
All shows at 7:30 pm
Reserve your seats by sending an email request to: magruderbusiness@yahoo.com
Tickets also available at the door. Adults $10, Students $8
For further info call: 301-840-4600
Magruder High School Courier Page 10

Community Event: 35th annual pancake and sausage day 2011—Olney Fundraiser
The Olney Lions and the Olney Knights of Columbus would like to invite you and your family to
an all you can eat fund raiser on Saturday, February 26 from 8 am until 2 pm.

The location is Saint John’s Episcopal Church Hall, 3427 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney, MD
20832 across from the library.

Adults $7.00 and Children 6-12 $3.00; under 6 yrs. Free.

Tickets are available at the door.

Please help the Olney community with the proceeds. If you have any ques-
tions or would like to advertise in the program booklet contact Steve Bready at 301-598-8585.

Free Glaucoma and Vision Testing —9 am until 2 pm.

May, 2011 AFTER PROM PARTY PLANNING NOW!… PLEASE COME JOIN US!
We have our theme: Oh Thank Heaven for the Class of 2011! Planning meetings for the After Prom Party are
the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 in Room B111. We are going over the different committees that we
will need to make this a safe, fun event for our Seniors. The After Prom is April 30 from 1-5 am that gives the
Seniors something fun to do after the prom. There will be games, food, and lots of fun. Please come and share
your ideas or talent. We are in dire need of folks for our decoration committee. The earlier we can start on
decoration projects, the easier it is to make our event special. Hope to see you there.

Any monetary donations are tax deductable to you! This event costs about $10,000 to produce and financial
help from our Magruder families and community is needed. Please sign up below to help or to make a donation.
We are collecting printer cartridges, toner cartridges, and cell phones. There is a collection recycling box in the
main office and in the media center. Contacts: Patti Fornatora 301-963-6212 or pfornatora@msn.com &
Deby Dicello 301-740-9828 or djdpgh@aol.com .
———–————————————————————————————————————–—————
2010-11 MHS After Prom Party.

Name: _________________________ Phone: ________________ E-Mail:____________________

Call me about helping with: Fundraisers_________ Decorations__________ Publicity__________

Mailings___________ Amusements_________ Ticket Sales________ __ Food______________

Volunteer Co-ordinator__________

My family would like to make a donation! ___________

(Checks should be made payable to MHS PTSA-After Prom and mailed to:

Lisa Sally, AP Treasurer, 4412 Custis Drive, Rockville, MD 20853)

 Magruder High School Courier February, 2011 Page 11

College Board Testing Disabilities Accomodations By: Ann Goode, School Counselor

A student with a disability, a condition that substantially limits his or her ability to participate in
College Board tests under standard testing conditions, may be eligible for accommodations. The Stu-
dent Eligibility Form needs to be submitted for a student requesting accommodations. A student may
seek accommodations on the basis of a disability for SAT Reasoning Exams, SAT Subject Exams,
Advanced Placement Program Exams, and the PSAT/NMSQT (10th/11th) by completing a Student
Eligibility Form. Only one form needs to be completed for all exams. It will cover all noted College
Board testing programs for as long as the student's school verifies annually that the eligibility require-
ments and Guidelines for Documentation continue to be met. Test scores will not be provided if the
accommodations are not approved by the College Board prior to the test administration. It is important
to note that completing and submitting a Student Eligibility Form does not guarantee approval by the
College Board for accommodations for their testing programs.

Magruder's SSD Coordinator for students with an IEP is Ms. Watson

(Donna_S_Watson@mcpsmd.org<mailto:Donna_S_Watson@mcpsmd.org>).

The coordinator for students with a 504-plan is Dr. Berman

(Diane_R_Berman@mcpsmd.org<mailto:Diane_R_Berman@mcpsmd.org>);

however, families must contact the appropriate counselor, first, to get instructions on the process. The
evaluation for eligibility can take 4-6 weeks, so allow ample time before a test administration when
pursuing accommodations.

Q: What is today’s high school equivalent of our beloved weekly folders

from elementary school? By: Patty Winters

A: Your Magruder High School PTSA (www.mhs-ptsa.org) and MHS News (http://
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/magruderhs) list-serves and corresponding websites, found
at these links!
Enjoy the happy surprise on your favorite teen’s face when she/he tells you, “Hey, Mom, I will be
home late Wednesday because there’s (for example) homework help/volleyball/drama/GSO/SAT/Poms
practice/Every 15 Minutes student meeting that day,” and you wink and say, “Why, Honey, I already
knew that – I’m on the list-serves!”
For the PTSA list-serve, click on “How can PTSA help you stay informed,” on the right column of the
homepage. For the school listserve, click on “Join MHS listserve” at the bottom middle of the home-
page.
You will receive e-mail notices of events, daily announcements, slideshows, grade-level
notices (especially important for junior and senior parents), and other timely information
not found on Edline or anywhere else! And you can post notices (pertinent to school ac-
tivities and events) that you would like to share with the Magruder community!
Be an in-the-know Magruder parent and sign up today!
 Colonel Zadok Magruder High School
5939 Muncaster Mill Road
Rockville, MD 20855
The Colonel Zadok Magruder High School
Parent—Teacher-Student Association Newsletter
Your PTSA Membership Dues pay for this newsletter. Please support the PTSA!!!
PTSA Meetings
Meetings are usually on the 3rd
Tuesday of the month at 7:30 in
We’re on the web the Media Center.
www.magruderhs.org
www.mhs-ptsa.org
MHS PTSA
E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Want to be informed about PTSA meetings, events, volunteer oppor-
tunities, and be notified when the PTSA newsletter, the Courier, is
posted online? Please provide:
Contact name:
____________________________________________________
E-mail address ______________________________________
PTSA COURIER ONLINE. You can get the newsletter faster online.
To stop receiving paper copies, please provide:
Name(s) of students (even if listed above):
________________________________________
Zip Code _______________
You will need to be on an e-mail list to be notified when new Courier
issues are online.
Please sign up above or e-mail debbiel620@msn.com with any
questions.