Back in the good old days, getting an education involved 12 years of reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic.
Now, in addition to the basics, it's functional testing, computers, high-tech quipment, service learning and career/academic enhancement programs.
As a help to parents, school counselors at High Point Elementary, Sunset Elementary, George Fox Middle and Northeast High schools have collaborated on a series of information workshops in the "Learning for Life . . . an Exciting Ride" program.
A workshop focusing on high school graduation requirements will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at George Fox Middle, 7922 Outing Ave.
"The purpose of the session will be to inform parents and help them in supporting their student's success through the elementary, middle and high school years," said Jan Miller, the Sunset Elementary counselor.
The panelists are: Thomas Getzendanner, who will discuss state functional testing; Diane Finch, on service learning information; and Charles Toth, on programs at the Center for Applied Technology-North.
The heads of several Northeast High departments also will share information: Susan Carroll, English; Roger Stitt, social studies; Erian Kelly, mathematics; Paula Hendry, science; Vanetta Upshur, foreign language; and Robert Manz, business technology.
For more information about the program, parents should contact their student's school counselor.
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Down at Chesapeake High School, two parent meetings will be held next week.
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, parents of students taking honors and LTC advance placement (AP) classes are invited to find out more about the curriculum and meet the teachers.
"This is the first time that we have offered parents of these students the opportunity to find out just how these programs work and meet with the teachers their kids are studying with," said Ron Wagner, guidance department chairman. "If you have a child taking honors or AP classes, we urge you to attend this meeting."
On Wednesday at 7 p.m., parents of eighth-grades in the Chesapeake cluster are invited to learn ore about freshman course selections and schedules from administrators and school counselors at a meeting in the school auditorium.
"Our counselors have visited with eighth-graders at Chesapeake Bay Middle to discuss next year's courses," Wagner explained. Handouts explaining course offerings and sequence will be available.
For more details, call 255-9600.
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Temple oranges are the feature fruit of the month from the East Anne Arundel Lions Club fruit sale.
Temple oranges are available for $17 a case, or $9 for a half case.
Pink, seedless grapefruit also are available for $15 per case, or $8 for a half case.
Orders must be received by Feb. 11. Pickup is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at Community United Methodist Church, 8680 Fort Smallwood Road.
To place your order, call 255-7207, 255-0076 or 255-1783.
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The Pasadena Early Learning Center is sponsoring its annual dinner from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at Pasadena United Methodist Church, 61 Ritchie Highway.
The dinner will feature Southern ham, new potatoes and green beans, sweet potato casserole, applesauce, homemade rolls and soup and salad bar.
Tickets are $7.50 for adults, $3 for children 3 to 11, and children under 3 can eat free. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
To order tickets call 647-3090.
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The county Department of Recreation and Parks will be offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course at Downs Park in late February.
The state requires all boat operators born on or after July 1,
1972, to earn a certificate of boating safety education before operating numbered or documented boats in Maryland waters.
Advanced registration is required and must be made in person at the park Information Center. Enrollment is limited.
The fee of $10 will benefit the Friends of Downs Park.
For dates and times of classes, call the park office at 222-6230.
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Anglers from all over will be rushing to the third annual fishing and boating flea market sponsored by the Pasadena Sportfishing Group on Feb. 18 and 19.
The event, at Orchard Beach fire hall on Solley Road, will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"We have expanded the show to two days so that all fishermen have a chance to get to shop," said George Bentz, group spokesman.
Vendors will be selling new and used fishing and boating equipment and used boats.
Several local charter boat captains will be on hand.
Admission is $1 per person.
Door prizes will be awarded. Tickets will be sold for a raffle; prizes are a tackle box filled with tackle and a quality rod and reel.
For more details, call Bentz, 255-3678.
