Greetings from the Ridge,

There are a few items I would like to share with you.

• Yesterday, MRHS students participated in a presentation by motivational speaker Marc Mero.  We would like to thank the PTSA and Boosters for their generous contributions, which make it possible to bring exceptional opportunities such as this to MRHS.  The “Champion of Choices” program focuses on many timely and significant challenges students experience including bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse prevention, goal setting, dreaming big, and achieving your highest potential.

During a 60-minute production, Marc presents a powerful, candid and moving message that encourages students and adults to make meaningful choices, set goals and pursue their passions. Marc’s personal and entertaining stories about his own positive and negative choices inspire students to choose to be champions.

• The second semester is well underway.  Please take a moment to check in with your student and replenish any school supplies that are worn out or missing.  It is also a good time to log in to the parent portal and check your student’s grades.

• Earlier this week, Dr. Martirano sent out an email outlining the HCPSS response to the Coronavirus.  It is important to note that these measures are precautionary; to date, there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Maryland. 

At this point, the best solution for combating this virus is a good defense. Howard County Health Department (HCHD) officials have shared several recommendations to ensure that we are taking appropriate and effective actions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of all person-to-person viruses. These precautions also have been shared by the CDC, and include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Staying home when you are sick
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces

Our school nurses have established protocols for students who come to the health room with a fever, including providing them with a mask if they are showing flu-like symptoms and/or there is reason to believe that they could have come in contact with somebody who may have contracted the Coronavirus.

We also should continue to remind students of the strategies listed above to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs. Students are permitted to bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer to school. Additionally, hand sanitizer is available in every school’s cafeteria for student and staff use.

• Fist-bump Fridays are in full swing at MRHS.  Administrators are greeting students as they enter the building and between classes with a fist-bump.  It is a great way to make sure we are all connecting with each other.  We have encouraged all our staff to join us with Fist Bump Fridays.  We completely enjoy doing this every Friday, it starts our day out with a smile.

I hope that you have a great weekend.  Thank you for sending us your best every single day.

Tammy Goldeisen