Activities

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Extra Duty Activity (EDA) Descriptions and Sponsors

AVID – M. Lewis

Name of EDA: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

Description of Activity: AVID is designed to meet the educational and social needs of students in the “middle” – students who, with support, have the potential to succeed in a rigorous course of study and go on to attend and graduate from a four-year college or university. AVID is not a remedial program for failing students, nor is it a program for gifted students who are underperforming. Through AVID, students – often from those groups most underrepresented on postsecondary campuses – are prepared to meet four year college entrance requirements by mastering college preparatory curricula. Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for college. AVID offers a rigorous program of instruction in academic “survival skills” and college entry level skills. The AVID program teaches students how to study, read for content, and take notes, and manage time. Students participate in collaborative study groups or tutorials led by tutors who use skillful questioning to bring students to a higher level of understanding.

 

Chess:  G. Lucas

Name of EDA: Chess Club

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the Chess Club sponsor plans, organizes, and coordinates chess club activities. The Chess Club sponsor teaches students chess strategies, supervises chess competitions, and encourages effective, positive social interactions among participants. The Chess Club sponsor should have advanced knowledge of and the ability to play and teach chess. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills are required. The sponsor should also have good organizational skills.

 

Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) : S Lawrence

Description of Activity: The Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) is an international association of students studying entrepreneurship, management, and marketing in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and services. Under the direction of the principal, the DECA advisor meets with students to elect club officers; provides networking opportunities with local businesses; participates in local, state, and national DECA conferences; conducts fund raisers; and participates in community service projects.

The DECA advisor must be a business education teacher and have a thorough knowledge of marketing, merchandising, and business management, and remain current on various trends in the business world. The advisor must also be well organized and detail oriented, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and excellent human relations skills, and be effective with students, staff, and community business persons especially when coordinating DECA fund raisers.

 

Drama –
Technical Theater:  A. Crawford 
Theater Production: E. Bateman

Name of EDA: Drama/Technical Theater

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the theater tech advisor serves as the faculty sponsor for the school’s technical theater services. The advisor is responsible for recruiting, teaching, coordinating, and managing student technicians. Students are given the opportunity to develop leadership and mentoring skills. Keeping an inventory of lighting, sound, and video equipment in various school performance venues is an essential part of the sponsor’s responsibilities. The theater tech advisor coordinates, manages, supports, and schedules various events throughout the school year. The sponsor also procures, manages, and maintains materials necessary for productions. The theater tech advisor must have a working knowledge of lighting, audio, video, and computers. Basic stagecraft and construction techniques are also necessary. The advisor must have a good grasp on any safety issues that may arise. Leadership skills, such as organization and team building, are also very important.

Future Business Leaders of America – (FBLA) – T. Brown

Name of EDA: Future Business Leaders of America

Description of Activity: The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest business career student organization in the world. The high school division has over 215,000 members. FBLA’s goals are to: develop competent, aggressive business leadership; strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work; create interest and understanding of American business enterprise; develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism; encourage and practice efficient money management; encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty; assist students in the establishment of occupational goals; and facilitate the transition from school to work. Under the direction of the principal, the FBLA advisor serves as the faculty sponsor for all FBLA activities at the school, regional, county, state, and national levels. Responsibilities include: coordinating registration and other organizational and administrative duties; scheduling and supervising club meetings and practices; coordinating curriculum for individual competitions, meetings, and team-building exercises; organizing fund raising activities; organizing community service projects; and serving as a chaperone for conferences and competitions.

Future Educators Association:       T. Robinson

Name of EDA: Future Educators Association

Description of Activity: The Future Educators Association (FEA) is an international program for middle and high school students interested in exploring careers in education. The program is similar to the Future Teachers of America, an activity that existed prior to 1969, under the auspices of the National Educators Association. The FEA’s goals are to: strive to interest students in the education profession; recruit future educators with diverse ethnic, racial, social, and economic backgrounds; promote academic excellence; promote a positive image of education to students, parents, and the community; and encourage members to be positive role models. Under the direction of the principal, the FEA advisor serves as a facilitator for students to introduce them to the teaching profession. Responsibilities include: planning and conducting regularly scheduled association meetings; providing advice and guidance to student members; overseeing the election and installation of officers; collaborating with local elementary and middle schools; participating in local and national conferences; recruiting members; and supporting teachers at the school. The FEA advisor must have knowledge of the National Educators Association’s (Phi Delta Kappa) goals and guidelines. A desire to work with students in the school, community, and outside of the community is a necessity.

Instrumental Music:     H. Barnes

Name of EDA: Instrumental Music

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the instrumental music sponsor is responsible for organizing and directing instrumental musical events throughout the school year. This includes: directing a music program that is an extension of the regular school instrumental music program and/or an independent after-school program; recruiting, teaching, and supervising instrumental students; selecting instructional materials; and maintaining musical instruments and other related equipment. The instrumental music sponsor must be able to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents. A thorough knowledge of music theory and the ability to read music in order to teach students how to play a variety of musical instruments is required. Knowledge of music literature and its appropriateness for different instructional levels and student abilities is required. The instrumental music sponsor should be able to demonstrate his/her ability to arrange and conduct music and rehearse ensembles. The ability to maintain and repair instruments is a necessity.

It’s Academic -    D. Powell-Murphy

Name of EDA: It’s Academic

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the It’s Academic sponsor is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the club. It’s Academic, a locally-produced television show, showcases Maryland high schools that participate in academic competitions. It’s Academic clubs meet to train teams whose competitive skills and breadth of knowledge will strengthen and refine the students’ higher-order thinking and recall skills. Sponsors are required to have knowledge of local, state, national, and international events and culture. The sponsor should be knowledgeable in a broad range of academic subjects, possess strong leadership skills, and be able to create a positive rapport with students to spark their enthusiasm for It’s Academic.

Literary Magazine- D. Powell-Murphy

Name of EDA: Literary Magazine

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the literary magazine sponsor serves as the faculty sponsor for the school literary magazine. The sponsor: plans, organizes, and conducts club meetings; provides advice, oversight, guidance, and instruction to magazine staff in creating, editing, evaluating, publishing, and soliciting original writing and artwork; assists students in obtaining funding for the magazine’s publication and overseeing its distribution. The literary magazine sponsor must have excellent command of written and spoken English, demonstrated computer skills, and in-depth knowledge of publication forms and styles.

Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) – 

Name of EDA: Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)

Description of Activity: Maryland’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program is a structured, K – 12, pre-college program designed to prepare students for academic and professional careers in mathematics, engineering, science, and technology. The program’s goals are to: increase the number of engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and related professionals at technical and management levels; and serve as a driving force in encouraging and assisting minorities and females in achieving success in these fields. Creating partnerships with colleges and universities, school systems, business and industry, government, community organizations, and parents and alumni, the MESA program includes: weekly MESA meetings; field trips; science fairs, engineering projects, and math competitions; Saturday academies; summer programs; career counseling, academic tutoring, and mentoring; computer/technology instruction; communication skills instruction; incentive awards; and workshops and training for teachers.

National Art Honors Society – M. Gerstenberg-Kline

Name of EDA: National Honor Societies (NHSs)

Description of Activity: National Honor Societies are nationally affiliated organizations that exist to recognize outstanding students in a particular field (e.g., vocational) or academic area (e.g, foreign language, art). More than just honor rolls, NHSs serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character within a certain discipline. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further though active involvement in school activities and community service. Under the direction of the principal, NHSs advisors serve as faculty sponsors/advisors for school chapters. Advisors maintain national charter standards, establish a selection and review process for the school, plan and execute activities, and conduct monthly meetings that enrich the students’ educational experience and enhance their contributions to the school and community. NHSs advisors must have an interest in furthering the scholastic, citizenship, and leadership skills of students in an academic area or discipline. Sponsors must possess excellent communication and organizational skills. They must also be effective in human relations and be able to communicate well with students, parents, and teachers.

National Honor Society – S. Cohn and R. Gorman

Name of EDA: National Technical Honor Societies (NHS)

School Level: Middle and High

Description of Activity: National Honor Societies are nationally affiliated organizations that exist to recognize outstanding students in a particular field (e.g., vocational) or academic area (e.g, foreign language, art). More than just honor rolls, NHSs serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character within a certain discipline. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further though active involvement in school activities and community service. Under the direction of the principal, NHSs advisors serve as faculty sponsors/advisors for school chapters. Advisors maintain national charter standards, establish a selection and review process for the school, plan and execute activities, and conduct monthly meetings that enrich the students’ educational experience and enhance their contributions to the school and community. NHSs advisors must have an interest in furthering the scholastic, citizenship, and leadership skills of students in an academic area or discipline. Sponsors must possess excellent communication and organizational skills. They must also be effective in human relations and be able to communicate well with students, parents, and teachers.

National Technical Honor Society – S. Lawrence

Name of EDA: National Technical Honor Societies (NTHS)

School Level: Middle and High

Description of Activity: National Honor Societies are nationally affiliated organizations that exist to recognize outstanding students in a particular field (e.g., vocational) or academic area (e.g, foreign language, art). More than just honor rolls, NHSs serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character within a certain discipline. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further though active involvement in school activities and community service. Under the direction of the principal, NHSs advisors serve as faculty sponsors/advisors for school chapters. Advisors maintain national charter standards, establish a selection and review process for the school, plan and execute activities, and conduct monthly meetings that enrich the students’ educational experience and enhance their contributions to the school and community. NHSs advisors must have an interest in furthering the scholastic, citizenship, and leadership skills of students in an academic area or discipline. Sponsors must possess excellent communication and organizational skills. They must also be effective in human relations and be able to communicate well with students, parents, and teachers.

Newspaper- S. Lawrence

Name of EDA: School Newspaper

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the newspaper advisor serves as faculty sponsor for the school newspaper and plans, organizes, and coordinates activities and lessons associated with the production and distribution of a school newspaper. The advisor is responsible for integrating the use of technology while teaching the principles and practices of standard and scholastic journalism and newspaper production. A minimum of three issues per school year, with a minimum of four to eight pages per issue, should be produced. The newspaper advisor should have knowledge of the principles and practices of scholastic journalism, which include researching, interviewing, writing, and editing. Thorough knowledge of technology and the procedures used to produce a newspaper are necessary. The advisor should also be able to work with a variety of students who possess different levels of ability.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-

Name of EDA: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fair Coordinator

Description of Activity: The purpose of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fair is to improve student achievement in science and math. The STEM Fair engages students in developing and designing solutions to real-world problems through the use of the scientific method. The real-world learning process of the scientific method empowers students to further question, problem-solve, and identify career options. Through this process, students are encouraged to consider their impact on the world around them and to become positive members of society. Participation in a STEM Fair: provides students with the opportunity to improve their time-management, organizational, writing, and math skills; fosters further inquiry into scientific concepts and processes; and improves social skills as students present their projects. Under the direction of the principal, the STEM Fair sponsor plans, supervises, and conducts a variety of STEM Fair related activities and events. The sponsor assists students with their projects, provides resources to science teachers, and communicates with parents about the STEM Fair. The sponsor also assists teachers with the implementation of STEM related curriculum. This includes assisting the principal with maintaining and monitoring the inventory of science materials housed by the school and communicating changes to STEM curriculum. The sponsor must: have an in-depth knowledge of the scientific method, engineering design process and be able to write research reports; possess excellent organizational, and oral and written communication skills. The sponsor must have a flexible schedule and be able to commit to after school, weekend, and evening events.

Student Council - R. Gorman

Name of EDA: Student Council

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the Student Council advisor promotes student leadership and involvement. The advisor facilitates communication between students, faculty, and school administration and coordinates school wide service and spirit projects. The Student Council advisor advocates involvement in the Baltimore County Student Councils and Maryland Association of Student Councils and attends meetings, workshops, and conventions for those organizations. The Student Council advisor should have knowledge of the student representation process and be able to guide students in leadership development. A positive rapport with students is important, as is the ability to communicate effectively. Fund raising and event- planning skills are also necessary.

Student Service Learning- L. Jones

Name of EDA: Student Service Learning (SSL)

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the Student Service- Learning Coordinator provides advice, guidance, and information to students, parents, and school staff about the SSL graduation requirement and about opportunities within the school and community to fulfill the requirement. The coordinator reviews and approves service projects proposed by individual students and modifications to curricular infused projects. Upon completion of the projects, the coordinator reviews and files the reflection forms and records hours earned, ensuring requirements are met. An end-of-year report is submitted to the Office of Service-Learning. The SSL coordinator must have knowledge of the program, which includes curricular infusion, independent project requirements, and the seven best practices of SSL. Computer skills, especially on the STARS program, are required to record students’ hours. Effective communication skills are necessary when dealing with students, parents, school staff, and the community.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)- 

Name of EDA: Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the Students Against Destructive Decisions sponsor facilitates the design and implementation of programs for students to make their school community aware of issues such as AIDS, tobacco, impaired driving, underage drinking, drug use, teen violence, depression, suicide, teen pregnancy, gang violence, bullying, and stress management. SADD’s approach involves young people delivering education and prevention messages to their peers through school wide and community wide activities and campaigns in response to the needs of their particular locations. The SADD sponsor should have knowledge of the different behaviors that affect teenagers and be aware of the resources available. Experience in sponsoring this type of club is helpful. Organizational skills are important, and the SADD sponsor should be able to communicate effectively with students and adults.

Technology Liaison- N. Chambers

Name of EDA: Technology Liaison

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the technology liaison is responsible for supporting the use of technology in the school. This includes: assisting school members with technology-related resources such as hardware and/or software; ensuring that professional development is available to teachers and staff; maintaining an accurate school inventory of technology equipment and software licensing for the completion of the required MSDE online inventory; and updating the BCPS inventory when new equipment is received or old equipment is removed. The technology liaison must possess a strong knowledge of the PC and the school’s server and have the ability to troubleshoot effectively. Familiarity with, and ability to, operate and use hardware and/or software, and awareness of various technological resources is necessary to the position. Technology liaisons should be members of the school team that plans, designs, and implements the strategies for integrating technology into School Improvement Plan goals. The technology liaison must be able to demonstrate oral and written communication skills, as well as effective human relation competencies. Skill in performing effectively under time constraints is also necessary. The technology liaison also works closely with the Office of Instructional Technology and the Department of Technology, and shares technology-related information with the administration, faculty, staff, and students throughout the school year. The technology liaison should be organized, willing to learn, able to delegate when necessary, and be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.

 

Yearbook – A. Crawford

Name of EDA: Yearbook

Description of Activity: Under the direction of the principal, the yearbook sponsor serves as faculty advisor for the school yearbook staff. The sponsor teaches students about layout, design, journalistic writing, photography, publication software, copyediting, proofreading, business operations, and other aspects of yearbook production and distribution. The sponsor guides students in determining yearbook content and reviews the work of yearbook staff to ensure that it meets journalistic standards. The yearbook sponsor coordinates and oversees all business-related operations including processing orders, depositing money, paying bills, promotion, and sales. The sponsor responds to parent and community inquiries regarding the yearbook including ads, senior and underclass portraits, and sales. The yearbook sponsor must have knowledge of publication software and familiarity with layout and design. Strong proofreading and editing skills are necessary. Organizational skills are important, and the yearbook sponsor should be able to communicate effectively with students and adults.