education Notes

Calvert to Hold Sessions On Internet Safety

To help parents learn what's happening with their children online, the Calvert County school system is hosting Internet safety programs at Patuxent High School, 12485 Rousby Hall Rd., Lusby. The discussions will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Feb. 11. Parents are asked not to take children.

Members of the Calvert sheriff's department, the Maryland State Police and the state's attorney's office will talk about what's happening in the county and how parents can become more involved with their children's online activities.

The school system is also using a program called NetSmartz, in which students can learn about cyberbullying, Internet safety and how what they e-mail or post online can affect them in the future.

For information, contact Mark Taeschner at TaeschnerM@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

Calvert Oratorical Contest Is Jan. 25 in Lusby

The Calvert County high school oratorical contest will be held Jan. 25 at the Arick L. Lore American Legion Post 274 in Lusby.

Participants must be younger than 20 and enrolled in middle or high school in Calvert. Each contestant should prepare a speech, up to 10 minutes, focusing on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution with an emphasis on citizens' obligations to the government. A second speech of up to five minutes will be assigned during the competition. The list of possible topics will be posted before the contest at http://www.legion.org.

Details about the contest are available from principals and guidance counselors at Calvert schools.

SMECO Scholarship Deadline Is March 2

The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative is offering $1,500 college scholarships to four high school seniors who live and attend school in SMECO's service area. Applications are due March 2.

To be eligible, students must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarships will be awarded based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and community and school involvement. Applicants must submit an essay answering the question, "Why is a college education important to completing my lifetime goals?"

Applications are available through school counselors; by calling SMECO at 888-440-3311, Ext. 4340; at any SMECO office; or http://www.smeco.coop. Completed applications can be submitted at any local SMECO office or mailed to SMECO headquarters, Attn: Bernadette Lewis, P.O. Box 1937, Hughesville, Md. 20637.

Charles Students Eligible For Delegate Scholarships

Del. Sally Y. Jameson (D-Charles) is accepting applications from Charles County students for this year's Delegate Scholarship Awards. The deadline is April 15.

All students, including graduate students, who are attending or planning to attend a Maryland college are eligible. To request an application, contact Jameson at 301-858-3229 or sally.jameson@house.state.md.us.

Students planning to attend an out-of-state school may also be eligible but need to contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission for approval.

Charles Seeks Volunteers For Job Shadowing

The Charles County public school system is looking for volunteers to participate in its job-shadowing program, which helps students explore jobs and careers.

The program runs Feb. 2 to March 13. Students participate between 8:30 a.m. and noon, although other arrangements can be made. Last year, 9,702 students participated in job-shadowing activities.

The Boston Private Industry Council started Job Shadow Day in 1996. In 1998, a coalition including Colin Powell's America's Promise Alliance was formed to encourage national participation. Charles schools joined the effort in 1999.

For information or to volunteer, contact 301-934-7245 or cmouton@ccboe.com. The deadline sign up to volunteer is Jan. 16.