September 12, 1999
County Executive Janet S. Owens, as well as county Councilwoman A. Shirley Murphy, state Sen. Philip C. Jimeno and delegates Joan Cadden and John R. Leopold joined me in a tour of some of the communities that were hit. My community of Silver Sands had never experienced such a terrible storm. We were very grateful for the concern and help.
Ms. Owens promised to look into possible grant funds for those who suffered damages and severe hardships of removal that could not be handled by clean-up crews. BGE responded to some of the concerns about limbs in the wires, and will work with the community to ensure better communication.
Again, thank you public works, utilities and all agencies who worked to help us in our time of need.
Mary Rosso
Annapolis
The writer represents the 31st Legislative District in the Maryland House of Delegates.
Glenwood seniors got their due
Just like a tree grows in Brooklyn, the senior citizens' spirit grows in Annapolis. Our senior citizens at Glenwood wanted a crab feast, and thanks to the people who remembered those who paved the way for them, they had a wonderful feast and a wonderful day.
Thank God for Sen. John C. Astle and delegates Michael E. Busch, Richard "Dick" D'Amato, Virginia P. Clagett and Annapolis Mayor Dean L. Johnson. They saw to it that our senior citizens had a day to remember.
The spirit continues to grow because of people and businesses such as Edward Legum, Lowe's Hotel, Coca-Cola, Graul's, Sam's Club, Cantler's Riverside Inn, Bay Ridge Spirits, Katcef Brothers, Inc., Lonnie Brown, The Reese Brothers and Red Hot and Blue. Also, Connie Turner contacted the many volunteers who helped make the day a success. Their contributions told the seniors that they are valued for their past contributions.
Thanks also to the Glenwood tenants who contributed and volunteered, such as Nick Farraro, Mr. Parnell "the music man" and the Glenwood Tenants Association, which will continue to hold events like this under the leadership of Eunice Best.
Of course, this crab feast had the blessing of Annapolis Housing Authority Director Patricia Croslan and senior director Renee Kneppar. I would be remiss if I did not thank our cooks, Harry Tyler and Sherman Offer.
Joseph "Zastro" Simms
Pasadena
SAT scores not as good as some say
It would appear that the Anne Arundel County Board of Education spin doctors were busy again. This time they were putting a positive spin on the average countywide SAT scores of this year's graduating class even though the scores were, at best, pitiful and have remained virtually unchanged in five years. It would also appear that The Sun uncritically accepted the data offered by Superintendent Carol S. Parham.
Both the average verbal and average math SAT scores moved within just a four-point spread between their minimum and maximum during that five year-period (verbal, 506-510; math, 504-508) with no trend developed in either.
Even the cited 26-point gain from the average combined score for 1993-94 only moved from 63.06 percent of the possible 1600 points to 65.69 percent.
Nonetheless, the Anne Arundel County Board of Education and superintendent of schools are crow as though something has been accomplished. Mediocrity is proudly spoken of by the school system's administration. Never mind the cost to taxpayers. Never mind the expectations of parents.
It could be valuable for The Sun to examine the effect policies of the State Board of Education on various school boards.One potential contributing factor for low SAT scores might be counterproductive policies and regulations at the state level.
Another might be the appallingly low academic standards and expectations of the state and county. One extraordinary example is the Anne Arundel County Board of Education policy 608.01 Section III, recently cited to me by county Board of Education President Carlesa R. Finney.
Under this policy, a student with high homework and quiz grades might pass a course even if he failed the final examination. The policy apparently states that the final examination shall constitute 20 percent of the student's grade. Homework, class participation and quizzes total 80 percent of the grade.
Should not a failing final examination grade earn a failing course grade? Should not the policy be modified to state that an "E" in a final examination will result in the student being awarded an "E" for the course and to receive no credit for the course? Might not such a change in policy drive some students to undertake the effort of actually learning the material and, as a result, perform better in examinations such as the SAT?
As long as the state and county maintainself-defeating policies, raising SAT scores will be a long uphill battle.
Frederick C. Guill
Crownsville
