May 2007
May 2007

Newsflash 5/3/07 We are now over the 90% mark in reaching our donation goals from the Annual Mailing! THANK YOU everyone who is helping make this such a success.
Newsflash 5/3/07 Did you notice the new display in the front window of the school. Dave put up a display of student photos for all to see.
Newsflash 5/6/07 The last potluck dinner of the school year took place at the school. All the students, families, sponsors, board members and supporters had a wonderful time and shared some terrific cooking.
Newsflash 5/7/07 Advisory Board Member Sherry Welch was honored at the Meyerhoff as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. Congratulations Sherry!
Newsflash 5/8/07 It was announced today that Ken Bancroft will be the keynote speaker for this year;s closing ceremonies. The event will take place at the Conference Center of Union Memorial Hospital on Sunday, June 3rd at 2:00.
Newsflash 5/8/07 The students wrote some poems today that they would like to share with you. Click Haiku.
Newsflash 5/4/07 Board of Trustees secretary Aduke Hubbard visited the school today to observe class and talk with the students. The students shared their insights into the development of a new drug policy in the school.
Newsflash 5/10/07 The students’ presentations on Conflict were published in the Villa Julie College Proceedings of the 7th Annual Undergraduate Conference. If you would like to read their writings, Click Here. Justin’s presentation was also published, you can read his work by Clicking Here. Thanks again to Professor Alex Hooke for making this possible.
Newsflash 5/10/07 Alumnus Justin Switzer was inducted into Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society today at Baltimore City Community College. He joins just fourteen other students from BCCC in earning this honor. Last month Justin was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society of two-year colleges. Way to go, Justin!

Newsflash 5/11/07 Congratulations to student Gary Heathcote for passing his driver’s test and earning his license today!
Newsflash 5/13/07 Alumnus, College Support Program participant, and staff member, Justin Switzer, was accepted in Villa Julie College today. Justin will complete his Associates degree at BCCC in August before entering Villa Julie. Congratulations Justin!
Newsflash 5/14/07 Advisory Board Member and Baltimore City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke surprised the students with a visit today during writing class. Mary Pat joined right in, sharing ideas on writing essays and her expertise on letter writing to elected officials. The students recently wrote letters to office holders including Council members, the Mayor, Governor, and President. Mary Pat continues to encourage the students and remain an active presence in their school life. Thanks Mary Pat!
Newsflash 5/16/07 The Board of Trustees held their quarterly meeting at the school. The Trustees heard reports on the progress of the students and the programs of the school as well as the plans for next year’s program. There is excitement at the prospect of adding an adult education program in the fall.
The operating budget for the 2007/2008 term was adopted reflecting the plans for continuing to increase the quality and services available to our day school students as well as those who have gone on to college.
The Board renewed its commitment to proceed with major renovations on the building this summer including the addition of a new room in the back of the property. This project actually begins Monday as all new windows will be installed throughout the building.
The next Trustee meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 15th. If you would like to communicate with the Trustees directly, then you may e-mail the Chairperson at:
Newsflash 5/22/07 The students enjoyed a visit from Cheryl Hill today. She is the Executive Administrator of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. Cheryl observed class and then participated in a lively discussion with the students about their prior educational experiences and the success that they have found here. Board member Ken Bancroft took time to come to the school to be with the class for Ms. Hill’s visit. Cheryl is a new friend of the school and we’re hoping to see a lot more of her around here.
Newsflash 5/23/07 Students Desmond Carter and Kenyon Paye are admiring the new windows that were installed yesterday at the school. Special thanks go to Jill Hurlbrink and the France-Merrick Foundation who funded this renovation project, our Development Committee who wrote the proposal, the folks at KC-Pella including Matthew Welch and Danny Kalmus who gave us a great deal and special service, Eddie Gavin who kept checking in during the install and also the great crew of installers - Justin, BJ and all.

Newsflash 5/23/07 Baltimore Architect David Gaudreau visited the school today at the invitation of Advisory Board member Peggy Lashbrook to learn more about our program. David also shared information about his own educational path and career with the students. Mr. Gaudreau coordinates the Baltimore chapter of a program called ACE Mentoring that mentors high school students to prepare for careers as architects, engineers, and construction managers. David was impressed with the students, several of whom expressed interest in participating in the ACE program, and he plans on staying in touch with the school.
Newsflash 5/24/07 Chairperson Paul Coates led the last Advisory Board meeting of the 2007/2008 term this evening. Attending were Ken Bancroft, Peggy Lashbrook, Tom Iacoboni, Sherry Welch, Tony Culotta, Felix Dialoiso, Mary Pat Clarke, Jim Riley, and Tom Culotta. The group heard reports on the progress of the students and the program and participated in planning for the new term. The three biggest issues discussed were renovation and expansion of the facility, adding an adult education component tot he program and continuing to grow the Annual Campaign. The Advisory Board members will remain active in these developments during the summer and meet again after school resumes in September.
Newsflash 5/25/07 Villa Julie College awarded Justin Switzer a transfer scholarship of $5,000 a year up to $20,000 total. The award was based on his “academic performance and outstanding abilities.” This is in addition to the $1,000 a year PTK scholarship he was already awarded. The school is still working with Justin to obtain additional scholarships to cover the rest of his tuition. We are proud of his success and the great example that he provides for the current students.
Newsflash 5/25/07 Advisory Board member Jim Riley brought Michael Leonard to visit the school today and learn about our program. Mr. Leonard is a principal with Academy Financial but came in his capacity as Vice-President of Baltimore Life Underwriters Charitable Foundation. Discussions with Jim, Mike, Ken Bancroft and Tom Culotta were held on possible ways for NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) could be involved with the students and support the school.
Newsflash 5/25/07 Student Kristophor Watt was accepted for the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Coral Reef Ecology Camp. Kris will be attending camp in Pigeon Key, Florida in mid-July. Congratulations Kris!
Newsflash 5/29/07 Mike Leonard of NAIFA returned to the school today after his visit on Friday with Ken, Jim & Tom. Mike observed class and then met with the students to discuss the development of a class on financial literacy. The students asked a lot of questions about the stock market and savings bonds showing their interest in such a course in the fall.
Newsflash 5/31/07 Students wrapped up the last day of classes for the 2006/2007 Term today. They are looking forward to Closing Ceremonies on Sunday and the final field trip on Monday. Each student will be part of an individual hour long exit interview to evaluate the term on either June 5th or 6th. Most of the class will take advantage of Wednesday school during the summer which will be held weekly to keep math and reading skills sharp.
May News Updates