Magnet Foundation News: Winter 2009
Action Alert: The Superintendent's 2011 Operating Budget Proposal recommends a countywide reduction in special program staffing. The proposal also includes a list of potential major reductions, including a 20% reduction in magnet teaching staff, the elimination of magnet buses, and a reduction in stipends for extracurricular activities. If you are interested in speaking out against these proposed cuts, please e-mail board@mbhsmagnet.org.
Through the fall of 2009, the Foundation has been active in networking with alumni, reaching out to the community, and working with the Magnet's new coordinator.
On Tuesday, October 13th, the Harvard Volunteer Consulting Organization held a fair for organizations seeking their advice
Elliott Wolf '04 made a presentation on behalf of the Blair Magnet
The Harvard VCO team has agreed to provide consulting help to the Foundation
On Thursday, October 15th, the Montgomery County Board of Education held an Open House at Kennedy High School
Four magnet parents testified: Bing Cai, Noemi Kedei, Dipak Oza and Dan Shepherdson
Their testimony is online at: http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/community/forums/about/testimony09/october15.aspx
On Saturday, October 17th, the 75th Anniversary Open House was held at Blair
Mr. Bunday and Ms. Steinkraus represented the Magnet Foundation
Dwight Patel '89 donated a banner, buttons, pens, and other material
On Sunday, November 15th, the Foundation Board met with Peter Ostrander for the first time to discuss various Magnet issues
The Foundation decided to support two major activities this quarter:
The Foundation covered the travel and registration expenses for two students and the full expenses for one chaperone attending the SC09 Conference
In partnership with the Magnet Program and the University of Maryland, the Foundation is providing volunteer support for Middle School math education in a pilot program at Parkland Middle School