SoundOff Back to School insert

1. Cover design by Natasha Hendrix

2. B ack To S chool
School Liaison lists most common concerns
School Support Services and School What is the Meade Feeder System? The telephone number is 410-760-2072.
Liaison are part of Child, Youth and The Meade Feeder System is the term The website is monarchcharter.org.
School Services and work in conjunc- used to designate the elementary and • Chesapeake Science Point Charter
tion with the local school communities middle schools that “feed” into Meade School in Hanover serves grades six to
to address educational issues involving High School. nine.
children of military families. This system includes the following ele- The telephone number is 443-757-5277.
Sarah Bonise, Fort Meade’s school liai- mentary schools: Manor View, Pershing The website is mycsp.org.
son who acts as a link between the instal- Hill, Meade Heights, Seven Oaks, Jessup, Parents must contact each individual
lation and the surrounding school districts, Van Bokkelen, Brock Bridge, Maryland school for enrollment openings.
answers the following 11 questions that City, Hebron-Harmon and West Meade
parents frequently ask. Early Education Center. How old does my child need to be
The middle schools are MacArthur to start kindergarten?
How do I contact the Fort Meade
school liaison? Middle and Meade Middle. If your child reaches age 5 on or before
Sept. 1 of the desired school year, your
Sarah Bonise’s office is located at the Where does my child attend school? child is eligible to enroll.
Child, Youth and School Services School Your child will attend a neighborhood
Age Care Center, 1900 Reece Road. school designated by your address. Can I enroll my child in
The office is open Mondays to Fridays • If you live in Anne Arundel County, kindergarten if the child turns 5
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. your child will attend Anne Arundel after the Sept. 1 deadline?
Her telephone number is 301-677-1227. County Public Schools (aacps.org). A 4-year-old child, who will be 5 years
Her email address is sarah.e.bonise.naf@ • If you live in Howard County, your old by Oct. 15, upon request by the parent
mail.mil. child will attend Howard County Public or guardian, may be admitted to kinder-
Are the Fort Meade schools Schools (hcpss.org). garten if the child meets the mandated Sarah Bonise,
• If you live in Prince George’s County, criteria on the required assessments:
Department of Defense schools? your child will attend Prince George’s
Fort Meade school liaison
• 125 or better on a standardized cogni-
No, the schools located on Fort Meade County Public Schools (pgcps.org). tive ability assessment
are operated and governed by Anne Arun- • 8th stanine or better on a standard- each student and family, we cannot rec-
del County Public Schools, 2644 Riva How do you enroll in a charter ized achievement assessment ommend the “best” school for you. We
Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. school? For more information, see early kinder- can provide guidance on how to select a
The AACPS telephone number is 410- AACPS has two charter schools in the garten enrollment at aacps.org. school. These decisions are based on the
222-5000. The website is aacps.org. Meade area. needs of the child, academic and extra-
The superintendent of Anne Arun- • Monarch Academy Public Charter Where can I learn more about home curricular interests, and housing/commut-
del County Public Schools is Dr. Kevin School in Glen Burnie serves kindergar- schooling? ing decisions.
Maxwell. ten and grades one through 6. All area schools have successful stu-
Contact the Fort Meade Home School-
ing Group at ftmeadehomeschooling@ dents. We can help families choose a
verizon.net. school that can best fit their children.
Conference and staggered enrollment dates During the school year, the group
What if my child needs a tutor or
meets every Friday at the Child, Youth
for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and School Services School Age Care extra help?
and early childhood intervention Center, 1900 Reece Road. The School Age Care Center, Youth
Services and the Teen Center all have
• Aug. 27-29: Conferences for half-day prekindergarten What do I need in order to enroll homework computer labs with onsite
my child at school? staff ready to help children.
• Aug. 27 and 28 only: Conferences for kindergarten and full-day Once you have determined your neigh- To register, call Parent Central Ser-
borhood school, call for an appointment vices at 301-677-1149.
prekindergarten students to register. Bus transportation to and from the
You will need to bring your child’s birth School Age Care Center and Youth
• Aug. 29-31: Staggered entrance for kindergarten and full-day certificate, shot record, current physical, Services is provided from the following
prekindergarten two proofs of residency (your lease or area schools: Manor View, Pershing
mortgage and a piece of mail such as Hill, Seven Oaks, Meade Heights, West
• Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 4: Staggered entrance for half-day prekin- a utility bill or cable bill that has your Meade EEC, MacArthur Middle and
name and new address), report card from Meade Middle.
dergarten previous school and IEP (Individualized The Teen Center is a short walking
Education Program) if the child has any distance to Meade High School.
• Sept. 4: First day for all kindergarten and full-day prekinder- special needs. • Tutor.com: Military families can get
free help from a professional tutor any-
garten What is the best school? time they need it at tutor.com.
• Sept. 5: First day for all half-day prekindergarten This is a common question from par- Tutors are online 24/7. This service
ents to ask the school liaison. is also available for adults returning to
Since educational success differs for school. The whole family can log on!
SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. B ack To S chool
Post curfew promotes youth safety, deters crime
By Lisa R. Rhodes late at night without adult supervi- First-time violators of the policy larly if there is evidence of miscon-
Staff Writer sion. will be taken by police to the Director- duct on behalf of the service member,
The Fort Meade Police continues to “Crimes of opportunity are signifi- ate of Emergency Services where their according to the policy.
enforce an on-post curfew for juveniles cantly down,” Wilson said. “A good parents or adult guardians will be noti- DES will conduct a meeting with
in an effort to promote youth safety and portion of the juveniles that the patrol fied and advised of the policy, and the the service member and a unit rep-
curb crime. officers have interacted with have been minor returned to the care of adults. resentative to determine if punitive
The policy states that no person age in compliance with the new policy, and Repeat offenders will be processed action is necessary. In serious cases,
17 years old or younger may be in a most of the parents in the community as curfew violators and reported in the the DES can make a recommenda-
public place on the installation after 10 have been in support of it.” post’s daily police blotter. Minors who tion to the installation commander
p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 p.m. The exceptions to the curfew policy are family members of service mem- to bar the minor from Fort Meade or
Friday and Saturday; or before 5 a.m. are minors accompanied by a parent bers or DoD civilians will be required have the family removed from military
The curfew policy was established or adult guardian, and minors who to appear before the installation’s housing, according to the policy.
three years ago after several residential have written permission from a parent Juvenile Misconduct Review Board. The policy is punitive and applies to
neighborhoods were hit by a rash of or adult guardian explaining the cir- The MPs also will notify the unit all service members who reside on post
larcenies in homes and vehicles that cumstances for not being home during commander and Garrison Command- or are assigned to the installation.
were left unlocked, said Russell Wilson, curfew hours. er Col. Edward C. Rothstein if the Repeated violations by minors in
chief criminal investigator for the Fort The written permission must include child of an active-duty service member a service member’s care can result
Meade Police. the parent or guardian’s name, address has repeatedly violated the curfew. in judicial punishment under Article
The police suspected the activity was and phone number for verification by The violation can have a negative 92 of the Uniform Code of Military
due to a group of teens who were out the military police. affect on the service member, particu- Justice.
Homeland Security Signature
Program prepares students for Back To School Nights
As parents prepare to send their children back to school next month, there’s one
the 21st-century workforce more event to note on the family calendar: Back-To-School Night.
More than 77,000 students are expected to enter Anne Arundel County classrooms
this year, and Back-To-School Nights provide parents with a chance to learn more
By Lisa R. Rhodes courses that are offered to students in the about the instruction their children are receiving and the teachers who are providing
Staff Writer freshman and sophomore years. Tina Edler, that instruction.
Meade High School’s first class of 49 the HSS lead instructor, said that for the
“Helping our children achieve success is a team effort that requires parents to be
graduating seniors in the Homeland Security remaining two years, students are encouraged
involved in the educational process,” schools Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said.
Signature Program received diplomas in June. to pursue courses that lead to careers in crimi-
All of the program’s graduates are either nal justice and public service, engineering or “Back-To-School Nights provide the first of many opportunities throughout the
going on to college or entering careers in the geospacial information systems. school year for parents to interact with teachers and learn about classroom proce-
dures and the things their children will be studying. I would urge every parent to
active-duty military. The core courses focus on the latest devel-
take full advantage of these opportunities.”
The HHS program, which started in Sep- opments in areas such as terrorism, cyber secu-
tember 2008 with more than 70 students, rity and food safety, and also expose students Detailed information on dates and times for schools in the Meade cluster can also
prepares young people for careers in security, to various careers in the field. be found on the school system’s website, www.aacps.org.
technology and engineering by offering an Through ICST and other program partners,
innovative, theme-specific curriculum and co- several notable guests have participated in the
• Meade High School: • Seven Oaks Elementary:
curricular activities that are relevant to the program including Bob Droggin, a Pulitzer Sept, 13, 6 p.m. Sept. 18, 6:45 p.m.
21st-century workforce. Prize-winning freelance reporter specializing • MacArthur Middle School: • Jessup Elementary:
Meade High was the first of 12 Anne in homeland security issues, and a chief cal- Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Arundel County high schools to offer its own ligrapher with the Central Intelligence Agency Sept. 18, 6 p.m.
signature program. The theme of homeland who gave each student a polygraph in the • Meade Middle School: • Brock Bridge Elementary:
security was selected because of the school’s classroom. Sept. 18, 6 p.m. Sept. 11, 6 p.m.
location on Fort Meade, the Base Realign- In addition, students attended a youth • Maryland City Elementary:
ment and Closure process, and the large num- conference hosted by Gov. Martin O’Malley • Manor View Elementary:
ber of businesses and defense companies in the and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and have met Sept. 5, 5 p.m. Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.
area that specialize in homeland security. with Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin and Rep. Elijah • Pershing Hill Elementary: • Hebron-Harmon Elementary:
The HSS program’s Integrated Community Cummings. They also have visited the U.S.
Sept. 5, 6 p.m. Sept. 12, 6 p.m.
Stakeholder’s Team is composed of industry Naval Academy in Annapolis and Princeton
leaders, government agency representatives, University in New Jersey. • Meade Heights Elementary: • Van Bokkelen Elementary:
community leaders and parents who have The ICST is working on developing project- Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
partnered with the Anne Arundel County based learning projects for the Meade cluster • West Meade Early Education
Public Schools to assist with the HSS curricu- schools to prepare elementary and middle Center: Sept. 6, 6 p.m.
lum and co-curricular activities. school students for HSS at the high school
The HSS curriculum consists of two core level.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement

4. B ack To S chool
Girl Scouts troops active on Fort Meade for seven decades
By Pvt. Ronald Brink Tuesdays at the Chapel Center; and Troop
From selling Samoas and Thin Mints 089 meets Thursdays at Heritage Park
at their annual cookie sale to participat- Neighborhood Center.
ing in Fort Meade’s Family Fun Fair, the The fundraiser activity that the Girl
Girls Scouts Association on post focuses Scouts organization is probably best-
on building camaraderie and community known for is its annual cookie sale, an
service. event that begins in September and ends
Scouting “is a great way to bring girls around November.
together, promote long-lasting friend- The Scouts also participate in Fort
ships and build camaraderie,” said Lorrie Meade community events such as the
Short, the GSA service unit manager on annual Massing of the Colors, which is
post for the past year. the installation’s Memorial Day Remem-
Girl Scout troops have been meeting on brance, the Family Fun Fair — a Month of
Fort Meade since the 1940s. the Military Child celebration held annu-
Currently, eight troops with a total of ally in April, and National Night Out, an
90 Scouts meet on post. They include: annual event designed to strengthen com-
• The Daisies for kindergarten through munity participation in local anticrime
first grade: Troops 742, 089 and 1124 efforts that is held the second Tuesday
• Brownies for grades two and three: in August.
Troops 981, 1016 and 1349 The Girl Scouts have also assisted in
• The Juniors for grades four and five: sprucing up the housing areas during the
Troop 1302 Enlisted Spouses Club’s annual Clean Up
• Cadets for grades six, seven and eight, Fort Meade held annual in April.
combined with the Seniors for grades nine It’s not too late to join this school
and up: Troop 1364 year’s group of Girl Scouts. Registration
All troops meet weekly from 6 to 7 is open. To register, go to gscm.org.
p.m. Volunteers are always needed, said
Troops 742 and 981 meet Mondays Short. file photo
at Argonne Hills Chapel Center; Troops To volunteer or for more information, Ashley Brooks and Kyla Hay volunteer at the Enlisted Spouses Club’s annual Clean
1124, 1016, 1349, 1302 and 1364 meet call Lorrie Short at 410-305-0232. Up Fort Meade Day in April. Eight troops of Girl Scouts operate on post.
Boy Scouts take pride achieving goals Cub Scouts
Boy Scout Troop 377 meets every are always welcome. The adult staff Fort Meade Cub Scout Pack 377 meets
Monday at 7 p.m. at the Argonne Hills consists of active-duty and retired again in the fall on Mondays at 6 p.m.
Chapel Center, Bldg. 7100 Rockenbach service members, along with post civil- at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
Road and Grandea Avenue. The troop, ians.
still growing, has been active on Fort Adults act as committee members, Cub Scouts are for boys in first through
Meade since the late 1940s. Merit Badge counselors and, in gen- fifth grades. Members learn new
Some activities the troops have par- eral, advise and support the boys.
skills and earn recognition for their
ticipated in include white water raft- For more information about Boy
ing, fishing and camping at the McMil- Scout Troop 377, call Lisa Yetman, hard work. Scouting also provides
lan Woods Youth Campground on the outreach coordinator, at 410-437-7263 leadership opportunities.
Gettysburg Battlefield. or email lisayetman@version.net or
A wide range of opportunities are email Scoutmaster Wendall Lawrence Cubmaster Clay Moody leads the pack
available for boys ages 11 to 17 to at lawrencewendall@gmail.com. in various events such as campouts,
experience leadership and friendship weekly den meetings and the
as well as learning values and working Pinewood Derby. For the annual event,
together, using everyday skills such as boys design their own cars and race
cooking and keeping track of personal them against other Scouts.
finances, and giving back to their com-
munity. Alexander Bryan of Cub Scout Pack Cub Scouts also participate in
Scouts can take pride in achieving 377 salutes during a Boy Scout flag community projects including Scouting
goals they cannot reach elsewhere by retirement ceremony at the Camp Meade for Food, litter pickups and presenting
earning Merit Badges in areas such RV Park last year. Boy Scout Troop 377
the Colors at various events.
as lifesaving, scholarships, pioneering meets every Monday at 7 p.m. Cub Scout
and the newest addition – robotics. Pack 377 meets at 6 p.m. Both groups
meet at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. For more information, email Cubmaster
Although Boy Scouts is a boy-run Clay Moody at pack377_cm@yahoo.
organization, adult Scout volunteers file photo
com.
SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. B ack To S chool
School bus safety awareness: See and be seen Meade area
By Jenelle L. Ferguson transportation vehicles each year. for the bus. schools arrival
and dismissal
Installation Safety Office Whether they walk, ride the bus or travel
The lazy days of summer are not by car, teach your children these few tips to Safety tips for walking:
times
quite over, yet parents have already begun ensure they get to and from school safely. • Never walk alone - always travel with a
the first round of back-to-school activities Following these common sense practices buddy. Walk on the main sidewalks; do not
— tackling what has become the infamous will help your children get off to a safe start take shortcuts through woods or empty lots.
“school supply list.” for the upcoming school year. • Teach your children how to cross the street.
This can turn into a dreaded shopping Make sure they know to follow the directions • Meade High School:
experience when debates arise over some- Safety tips for school bus riders: of the crossing guard or safety patrol. 7:17 a.m.-2:05 p.m.
thing as simple as what color backpack • Have a safe place to wait for the bus, • Pay attention to all traffic signals and
looks better - neon purple or dark blue. away from traffic. No “horseplay” while wait- crossing guards along the way. Never cross • MacArthur Middle School:
The one issue parents should not debate ing for the bus, especially near the curb. the street against a stop light. 8:45 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
is incorporating safety as part of their • Line up facing the bus, not alongside it. • Give your children a whistle to blow
child’s preparation for the school year. • Stay away from the bus until it comes to if they are in danger. A whistle will attract
• Meade Middle School:
The start of a new school year has par- a complete stop and the driver signals you attention and may ward off a crime. 8:05 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
ents worrying about how their children will to enter. • Manor View Elementary:
be getting to school safely. Some children • Use the handrail to enter and exit the Tips for drivers and passengers:
are lucky enough to live near the school, but bus. • Everyone in the car should wear a seat 8:05 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
others have to walk long distances, ride the • If your child rides the bus, tell your child belt even if the school is nearby. Most acci- • Pershing Hill Elementary:
school bus or take public transportation. to sit quietly in the seat. Children should fol- dents occur within 10 miles of home.
Parents, drivers and students all play low the directions of the driver. • Remind teens to take extra precautions
8:05 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
an important role in safe transportation • When exiting the bus, be sure that draw- if they are driving to school or riding with • Meade Heights Elementary:
to school. If your children will be walking strings and straps don’t get caught on the another teenage driver. 9:25 a.m.-3:50 p.m.
to school or must walk a few blocks to a handrail or in the door. • Remember: 20 mph in school zones.
bus stop, make sure to teach them to obey • When exiting, take five giant steps away • Stay alert near bus stops. • Seven Oaks Elementary:
traffic signals and rules if they must cross from the bus. • Yellow flashing lights: The bus is pre- 8 a.m.-2:25 p.m.
streets with lights and crosswalks. • Never reach under the school bus to get paring to stop to load or unload children.
According to the National Highway Traf- anything that has rolled or fallen beneath • Red flashing lights and extended stop
• Jessup Elementary:
fic Safety Administration, nearly 24 million it. If something is dropped near the bus, arm: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus when 8:50 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
students nationwide start their school day always tell the bus driver. behind or meeting. The only time stopping • Brock Bridge Elementary:
with a trip on the school bus. Although • Wait for a signal from the bus driver is not required is on the other side of a
NHTSA reports that riding on a school before crossing the street. Walk at least 10 divided highway 9:30 a.m.-3:55 p.m.
bus is nearly eight times safer than riding steps away from the front of the bus so the • Stop between 10 and 30 feet from the • Maryland City Elementary:
in a passenger vehicle, an average of 11 driver can see you. school crossing when a crossing guard
school-age pedestrians are killed by school • Do not play in the street while waiting directs.
8:10 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
• Hebron-Harmon Elementary:
Don’t let backpacks become a pain in the back 9:30 a.m.-3:55 p.m.
• Van Bokkelen Elementary:
By Jenelle L. Ferguson • Two shoulder straps: Backpacks with • Tighten the straps so that the pack is
Installation Safety Office one shoulder strap that runs across the close to the body. The straps should hold 8 a.m.-2:25 p.m.
With little argument, a new backpack is body cannot distribute weight evenly. the pack two inches above the waist. • West Meade Early Education
near or at the top of the “must get” list for • Padded back: A padded back protects • Pack light. The backpack should never Center: 8:40 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
the upcoming school year. They are a popu- against sharp edges on objects inside the weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of the
lar and a practical way for children and pack and increases comfort student’s total body weight.
teens to carry schoolbooks and supplies. • Waist strap: A waist strap can distribute • Organize the backpack to use all of its
When used correctly, backpacks can be the weight of a heavy load more evenly. compartments. Pack heavier items closest
a good way to carry the supplies of the • Lightweight backpack: The backpack to the center of the back. AACPS launches
school day. They are designed to distribute itself should not add much weight to the • Stop often at school lockers, if possible. Twitter page
the weight of the load among some of the load. Do not carry all of the books needed for
body’s strongest muscles. • Rolling backpack: This type of back- the day. Anne Arundel County Pub-
lic Schools has expanded the
However, backpacks that are too heavy pack may be a good choice for students • Use both knees when bending down. ways in which it communicates with parents,
or worn incorrectly can cause problems for who must tote a heavy load. But remember, Do not bend over at the waist when wearing students and the public at large with the launch
children and teens. Improperly used back- rolling backpacks still must be carried up or lifting a heavy backpack. of its new Twitter page.
packs may injure muscles and joints. This stairs. They also may be difficult to roll in School can, and should be, fun and excit- Get the latest updates on news from the school
can lead to back, neck and shoulder pain, snow. ing for youngsters. Give your children the system by following @AACountySchools.
as well as posture problems. To prevent injury when using a back- tools, the knowledge and the resources to Postings will include actions by the Board
of Education, achievements of students and
Look for the following to help your chil- pack, follow these safety tips: take care of themselves when you cannot employees across the system, and notices
dren choose backpacks safely: • Always use both shoulder straps. Sling- be there. of emergency closings and delayed openings
• Wide, padded shoulder straps: Narrow ing a backpack over one shoulder can strain Following safety tips can help assure the caused by inclement weather.
straps can dig into shoulders and cause pain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoul- safety of your children as they embark on AACPS also maintains a Facebook page at
and restrict circulation. der may increase curvature of the spine. another school year. facebook.com/aacps.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement

6. B ack To S chool
Child supervision policies
offer ‘home alone’ guidelines
By Rona S. Hirsch welcome packet when they arrive on
Staff writer post. Child, Youth and School Ser-
Leaving children home alone requires vices also provides the updated ver-
more than setting aside a plate of cook- sions to parents when they register
ies with instructions to lock the door for hourly care.
and start their homework. Fort Meade’s “Policy on Parental
State law requires that children Responsibilities and Supervision of
must be of certain age before they are Children and Youth” provides the
left alone or are supervised by older following guidelines:
children. Various parental guides also • Children under 5 years old require
suggest that children know how to close supervision and must be attend-
respond in an emergency or if a ed to and under the direct contact of
stranger knocks at the door. a person age 13 years or older at all
file photo Fort Meade’s “Policy on Parental times.
Responsibilities and Supervision of • Children age 7 or younger will
Fort Meade’s School Age Care Center provides children with a wide range of Children and Youth” — updated in never be left unsupervised or unat-
educational and recreational activities, from arts and crafts and sports skills April 2007 by the Family Advocacy tended. Parents or guardians with
clinics to self-help skills development, field trips, homework assistance and Program at Army Community Service children under age 8 will arrange for
community service opportunities. The center also has a partnership with 4-H — provides guidelines that comply supervision by a person age 13 years
and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. with Maryland state law. or older before and after school, and
But before leaving children alone, other times that school is not in ses-
School Age Services parents first must consider whether
their child has the maturity to be a
latchkey kid, said Celena Flowers,
sion, if they are unable to remain
home to care for their children.
• Children age 8 to 17 may begin
enrich children’s lives
Family Advocacy Program manager. to exercise their own responsibility to
“What we’ve done, in compliance supervise themselves without placing
with the state, is to establish if the themselves or others in danger.
child is mature enough to be left home But they cannot be left unattended
The School Age Care Center at 1900 Reece Road provides before school, after alone or to baby-sit, even though the without verified arrangements being
school and hourly care for children in first through fifth grades. child is of age,” Flowers said. “Ulti- made with a responsible adult, age
Children are transported to and from Manor View, Pershing Hill, West Meade mately, it’s the parents’ liability. Par- 21 years or older, to check on their
and Meade Heights elementary schools. SACC provides full day care on weekdays ents are doing it at their own risk if behavior or whereabouts, telephoni-
when schools are closed. they leave alone a child who is under cally and/or in person.
SACC has partnered with 4-H and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to offer age or not mature enough.” All children in this age category
activities and project to enhance its curriculum and enrich the experiences of children But parents aren’t off the hook must have an emergency plan in place.
participating in SACC programs. if they leave their children in the At a minimum, children should have
Clubs and activities within 4-H and BGCA that are currently offered include care of an irresponsible baby sitter. a point of contact accessible by tele-
Kids in Control (which focuses on safety in our homes and community), Focus on According to the policy, “Parents are phone and available for them at all
Photography, Consumer Savvy, Health Rocks! and special Clover Buds activities for responsible for their children’s safety times.
younger children. even when in the care of another. • If emergency responders see an
In addition to the clubs, SACC offers a variety of arts and crafts, self-help skills Baby sitters should be selected care- underage child left unattended or
development, sports skills clinics, field trips, homework assistance and community fully, ensuring that the baby sitter is receive a call about an unattended
service opportunities. mature and experienced enough to child, they will instruct parents about
adequately supervise a child.” the “Child Supervision Policy” imple-
Copies of the policy are distrib- mented on military installations.
AACPS school meal prices uted by Officer Timothy Perkins, Fort
Meade’s community policing officer,
who also hands out the pamphlet,
“It is based on maturity level and
breaks down the ages of when a child
can be left unattended,” Perkins said.
The cost of lunch and breakfast at Anne Arundel County Public Schools “At Home Alone: A Parent’s Guide,” According to the “Child Supervi-
developed by the National Crime Pre- sion Policy,” youths:
will remain the same as last year. vention Council. • Ages 9 to 12 should not be unsu-
Costs will be: “The focus is for child safety and pervised or left alone for more than
• $1.35 for full-price breakfast for parents to take responsibility for two hours
the actions of their children,” Perkins • Ages 13 to 14 should not be unsu-
• $2.60 for elementary school lunch said. “People are confused about pervised or left alone for more than
• $2.85 for secondary school lunch when children can be left alone and eight hours
The cost for reduced-price meals will not be affected. unattended.” • Ages 15 to 17 should not be unsu-
Newcomers to Fort Meade receive a pervised or left alone for more than
Milk will continue to be served for 55 cents. copy of the supervision policy in their 12 hours
SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

7. B ack To S chool
Teen Center encourages iime
me
fet
lliife t
high school youth to excel Teachiing your chiilldren heallthy practiic e
Teach ng your ch dren hea thy pract c
s that w i
es th
ast a
lll llas t
at wi l
a
The Teen Center, located at 3102 The center acquires the newest and most
MacArthur Road, encourages high school anticipated games of the year. So instead of We accept
accept
teens to be the best that they can be by chal- sitting at home playing the computer, come by TRICARE/ MetLife
lenging themselves in various means. and challenge a couple of your friends at the
The center offers several clubs such as the Teen Center. When you’re good enough, try
Weight Lifting Club, Book Club, Tech Club, challenging one of the staff members!
S.M.A.R.T. Girls Club, Creative Arts, Cook- The center also features several large-screen Now is the best time to bring
he b i bi
ing Club, Science Club and Keystone. televisions, a pingpong table, great stereo
If none of these clubs strike your inter- system if you want to listen to some radio, your kids to the dentist
est, feel free to add your own input on what and D.J. equipment primarily used for Club NO NEED TO MISS SCHOOL!
should be offered. Or you can just sit back and Midnight parties.
relax, do homework, compete with a friend in The center also has added music equip-
a game of the newest Madden video game, or ment such as electronic drums, keyboards and 410-987-CARE (2273)
jam out and play some Rock Band. microphones in case you’re interested in laying
The Teen Center’s state-of-the-art gaming down a beat or hook. Mahtab Khoshkhou, DDS
system features Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 For more information about the Teen Center, Pediatric Dentist
and Nintendo Wii. call 301-677-6054 or 301-677-6056.
8531 Veterans Hwy. Suite 103
Hw
The Fort Meade Teen Benfi ld
Benfield Blvd. East off RT.97 exit 10
E t it
Center offers several Milllersville MD 21108
clubs such as the
Weight Lifting Club, www.arundelpediatricdentalcare.com
Book Club, Tech Club, Email: info@arundelcare.com
S.M.A.R.T. Girls Club,
Creative Arts, Cooking
Club, Science Club
and Keystone. Teens
Temple Isaiah
also can use the state- An Inclusive Reform community just 15 miles from Fort Meade!
of-the-art gaming
systems including Sony Offering FREE High Holy Day Tickets for Military Families
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
and Nintendo Wii. Join us on Sunday, September 23rd at 1:00 to learn more about our school
*Sundays, Pre-K-10th Grade*Engaging, Dynamic Reform Curriculum*
A haven for middle-schoolers We welcome students from interfaith families and those with learning differences
Significant tuition/membership discounts for military families
Child, Youth and School Services offers a Before After School Program for
middle school students at Youth Services, 909 Ernie Pyle St. 12200 Scaggsville Rd, Fulton, MD 20759
Transportation is provided to and from MacArthur Middle School and Meade Contact us at 301-317-1101 or info @templeisaiah.org to learn more
Middle School. The program is staffed with well-trained and caring youth profes-
sionals serving the after-school needs of the youth of our community.
Services provided include a safe and supervised setting with freedom for a
variety of activity choices.
Homework assistance is available in the combined space of the homework
center and computer lab. Educational and recreational software are available for Anne Arundel County Schools
exploration in the computer lab, as are structured computer and program skill
classes. To keep up to date with information about Anne Arundel
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4H clubs, projects, activities and
curriculums are used as the sound foundation of the youth development program. County Public Schools, please visit: www.aacps.org
Activities such as photography, digital arts, drama, cooking, individual and team
sports, fitness and nutrition are a few of the many diverse offerings during the
school year.
Breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks are provided to all participating youth,
using USDA guidelines. Connect with Fort Meade at
Services are also available on school closure days such as Election Day, teacher
conferences, teacher training, and fall, winter and spring holidays at no additional Facebook.com/ftmeade
charge for all enrolled in the program.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement

8. B ack To S chool
Age Appropriate Vaccination Requirements For Children Enrolled In Child Care Programs—Valid 9/01/12 - 8/31/13
Per COMAR 13A.15.03.02 and 13A.16.03.04 G H
Vaccination requirements are met only by complying with the vaccine chart below.
Instructions: Find the age of the child in the column labeled “Child’s Current Age”. Read across the row for each required vaccine. The number in the box is the
number of doses required for that vaccine based on the CURRENT age or grade level of the child. The age range in the column does not mean that the child has until
the highest age in that range to meet compliance. Any child whose age falls within that range must have received the required number of doses based on his/her
CURRENT age in order to be in compliance with COMAR.
Vaccine types and dosage numbers required for children enrolled in child care programs
Vaccine DTaP/DTP/ Polio2 Hib3 MMR2.4 Varicella2,4,5 Hepatitis B2 Pneumococcal
DT/Td1 (Chickenpox) Conjugate3 (PCV)
Child’s Current Age or Grade Level
Less than 2 months 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2 - 3 months 1 1 1 0 0 1 1
4 - 5 months 2 2 2 0 0 2 2
6 - 11 months 3 3 2 0 0 3 2
12 - 14 months 3 3 At least one dose 1 1 3 2
given after 12
months of age
15 - 23 months 4 3 At least one dose 1 1 3 2
given after 12
months of age
24 - 59 months 4 3 At least one dose 1 1 3 1
given after 12
months of age
5 years 4 3 Not required 2 1 3 Not required
Grade Level DTaP/DTP/ Polio2 Hib MMR2 Varicella2,3 Hepatitis B2 Pneumococcal
Grade (Ungraded) DT/Td1 (Chickenpox) Conjugate (PCV)
Grades K - 12 (5 – 18 +yrs) 4 or 34 35 Not required 2 1 3 Not required
CHART IS FOR USE BY CHILD CARE FACILITY OPERATORS ONLY TO ASSESS AGE APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATION STATUS
* See footnotes on back
Immunizations are not just for young children. Today’s middle and high school students need protection from vaccine-preventable diseases as well. For more information
about adolescent immunizations, call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Immunization Services Program at 410-222-4896.
SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil