Students who receive free and reduced-priced lunches in Howard County boosted their test scores on the 2006 Maryland School Assessments. And local principals attribute the increase to a variety of reading and math support programs, as well as volunteer efforts among parents, PTA and community groups.
“Everyone can succeed, and that?s how we go about education here,” said Stephen Wallis, principal of Harper?s Choice Middle School in Columbia.
The school has 23.8 percent of its students receiving free- or reduced-priced lunches, according to a profile on the system?s Web site at www.hcpss.org.
Children from low-income homes are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
Before- and after-school reading and math programs are also helping students achieve, said Wallis.
“It?s a schoolwide effort,” Wallis.
Howard County police, senior citizens and parent volunteers also come to the school on a regular basis to help students with schoolwork.
“The students have really formed a bond with them, and it helps keep them off the streets,” he said.
At Bryant Woods Elementary School in Columbia, Principal Sean Martin cited the school?s Bridges After-School Program, which helps students with reading and math skills as playing a role in student achievement.
“We are going to continue to build upon our success,” he said.
At Bryant Woods, 48.7 percent of its students receive free or reduced-priced lunches.
During a recent news conference, Sandra Erickson, chief academic and administrative officer for the school system, said about the scores, “We?re pleased to see continuous progress.”
