Buck Lodge Middle School pupils ‘caught caring’

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006

Adelphi’s Buck Lodge Middle School pupils were recognized for intact school uniforms and a helping hand to school faculty and custodians. Throughout the year, Buck Lodge teachers, administrators, janitors — even bus drivers — will award pupils in the newly instituted Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program.

Helping pupils carry books, cleaning up after lunch or keeping school shirts tucked in during the day earns students coupons.

Every few weeks, program organizer Barbara Klein dumps the coupons into a basket and picks the names of students who win various prizes.

This month’s winners will get to watch a movie and eat popcorn for their efforts at the Adelphi school. The winners were Christopher Turcios, Kirubei Haile, Fernando Pacheco Fernandez, Hilkyn Rodriguez, Edgar Nolasco, Elvia Quinteros, Joselyn Mejia, Nwakaega Amaechina, Moises Selgado, Katherine Leon, Duane Higgins, Christopher Hernandez, Dayana Perez, Marlene Porras, Adony Andrade and Crystal Scott.

Offering pizza, ice cream, soda and movie time, Klein said, has made the program a popular one among the school’s 12- and 13-year-olds.

‘‘It’s going very well,” she said, adding that Citizens National Bank donated funds toward the PBIS program. ‘‘I think it really is making a difference.”

Mayor hosts fundraiserfor Rett research

College Park Mayor Stephen Brayman will host a fundraiser for Rett syndrome research 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the American Legion Post 217 building, 9218 Baltimore Ave. in College Park.

Brayman’s daughter, Skyler, 2, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome — a genetic disorder that stunts motor development and communication skills — last year. Money collected for the dinner will go to Rett syndrome research, Brayman said.

The event will be part of the International Rett Syndrome Association’s Night of 1,000 Angels, a fundraising effort across the country.

For information, call the Legion Post at 301-441-2783.

High Point student amongfeatured county authors

High Point High School student Tafisha Edwards is one of six Prince George’s County students who will be featured in ‘‘Out Loud: A Collection of Stories, Poems and Graphic Novels by the First Place Write-a-Book Winners.”

The Prince George’s schools publication, which began in the early 1960s, gives aspiring writers public exposure and the opportunity to show off their literary talent and colorful imagination.

‘‘Out Loud,” created with the help of Capital Bookfest, is available at all county libraries. The Bookfest’s theme for 2006 is ‘‘Strengthening families through reading,” bringing parents and their children together by hosting family-friendly events that include children’s literary activities, readings and workshops. More than 100 authors and literacy groups will sell their products and services during this year’s Bookfest, which hosts events at county Borders Books stores.

Providing teenagers with the chance to distribute their ideas and writings throughout Prince George’s always attracts the brightest students, said Kwame Alexander, Capital Bookfest co-producer.

‘‘We believe that it is important for students to make the connection between expressing themselves through writing and actually having their ideas published for a general audience to appreciate,” Alexander said. ‘‘Not to mention how exciting and rewarding it is to be an author, to have a book of your work on the shelves.”

Science Fair workshopslated for October

Parents and students befuddled by upcoming science projects are invited to Prince George’s County Public Libraries Upper Marlboro branch at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23 for the annual science fair project workshop.

Teachers and school administrators will show parents how to assist their children with science fair projects critical to semester grades.

For more information, call 301-627-9330.

Congressman to hostcollege fair in Hyattsville

Congressman Albert R. Wynn (Md.-4) will host the 12th annual College Fair and Financial Aid workshop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road.

More than 140 colleges and universities are scheduled to attend the free event.

Vocational schools, lending institutions and representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and Maryland’s Higher Education Commission.

Second annual Trading Post to be held in Beltsville

The Beltsville Recreation Council will hold its second annual Children’s Trading Post at 8 a.m. Oct. 14 at the Beltsville Community Center, 3900 Sellman Road. Organizers encourage residents to buy children’s toys, books, video games and clothes. Those interested in selling children’s goods should contact the community center at 301-937-6613.

Residents can also donate items to be sold by organizers.

Proceeds will help fund the Beltsville Day Festival, a free health fair, jazz concerts and other programs. Residents can reserve a space with a table and chairs for $10.