School Notes

Md. Funds Expansion Of Nursing Program

Gov. Martin O'Malley spoke last week at an event recognizing the expansion of the University of Maryland School of Nursing's undergraduate program at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville.

The nursing program expansion comes as demand for skilled nurses continues to increase in the Baltimore-Washington region.

O'Malley (D) allocated $3.4 million for the School of Nursing in the current state budget. Most of that is being used to accommodate increased enrollment at Shady Grove.

The School of Nursing has offered a baccalaureate nursing program at Shady Grove since 2000; this fall, 160 students enrolled.

"This special state allocation will allow us to double our enrollment at the USG campus over the next five years," school Dean Janet D. Allan said in a statement.

County's Youths Focus Of Forum Next Week

Montgomery County will host a Positive Youth Development Forum from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. next Thursday on the second floor of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda.

The forum will focus on issues affecting local youth, resources needed and existing youth programs. For information, call Lauren Hill at 240-777-8205.

Science, Media Academy Hosting Open House

Paint Branch High School's Academy of Science and Media will host an open house from 7 to 9 p.m. today for eighth-graders and their families involved in the Northeast Consortium's Choice Process.

The event will include a tour and information on the school's programs in science, health care, pharmacy, TV production, radio, print publications, music, math, art and foreign languages.

Information also will be presented on the Gilder Lehrman American History Scholars Program, the Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and the school's academies of finance, engineering technology, restaurant management and child development.

Administrators, teachers, parents and students will answer questions about the school's academic programs, extracurricular activities and sports. Refreshments will be served.

The school is at 14121 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. For information, call 301-989-5680 or 301-989-5600.