Chalkboard

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

McDonough sinks teeth into charity

Maurice J. McDonough High School's drama department will present the blood-pumping production of William McNulty's "Dracula" through Sunday at the school, 7165 Marshall Corner Road in Pomfret.

The version of the classic Bram Stoker novel was published in 2007 and with McDonough's talented young group of students and the direction of Jana Heyl, the drama department is having no problem with being the first to perform it in the area. The show will be staged at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time to the public. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and $7 for thespians. The show is not recommended for young children. Tickets can be purchased at www.mcdonoughdrama.com or at the door. For more information, call Heyl at 301-609-8198 or e-mail jheyl@ccboe.com.

The students will also be presenting "Dracula's Lair", a haunted cemetery in the back of the auditorium, in order to raise money or cans of nonperishable food for their charitable food drive, "Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat."

The lair will be open 30 minutes before and after the production for $1 or four cans of food.

St. Mary's Ryken takes on play

St. Mary's Ryken High School will stage "You Can't Take it With You" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday in the auditorium of Romuald Hall at 22600 Camp Calvert Road in Leonardtown. Tickets are $8. Go to www.smrhs.org.

School system to celebrate school psychologists

Charles County Public Schools will recognize school psychologists during Maryland School Psychology Week Nov. 9-13. The school system employs more than 31 school psychologists who help children succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

School psychologists collaborate with teachers, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home and school for all students.

School psychologists create solutions for each student and situation, bridging learning, social and emotional performance and use different strategies to address student needs. They also work individually to enhance students' achievement and school functioning.

Training requirements to become a school psychologist include a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours and a year-long internship. The training emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior and motivation.

For more information on what school psychologists do, go to the National Association of School Psychologists Web site, www.nasponline.org, or the public schools Web site at www2.ccboe.com/psychdept/index.cfm.

North Point to hold spaghetti dinner

North Point High School will hold a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 13 to benefit the SkillsUSA program.

Italian bread and desserts will also be available for purchase and carryouts will be available.

Tickets can be purchased in advance and are $12 for adults, $6 for children younger than 6. Limited tickets will be available at the door and are $17 for adults, $10 for children younger than 6.

For more information, call 301-753-1759 or e-mail Pam Jones, pjones@ccboe.com.