Summer/Fall 2009

Dear Bowie High School Community:

              We have so many exciting things in store it is difficult to know where to start.   If you have ever thought you had just the suggestion to make schools better (if only the schools would listen) read on!

            As you may know, Bowie High School was named among the top 6% of high schools in the nation, by the prestigious Newsweek magazine.  But we are not resting on our laurels.  This year, Bowie High School will be really focused on listening to parents, students, and community members.  We want to do everything in our power to meet the needs of the over 3,000 students who come through our doors each day.  To do that, we need to hear from the experts--you.   This year, Bowie High School has formed ten committees to study what we can do to propel Bowie to even greater heights of success.  The ten committees are:

1) Administrative Discipline                                2) Increasing Student/Parent Accountability       

3) Planning lessons to Motivate students             4) Teaching the Whole Child     

5) Eliminating the negative effects of overcrowding        

6) Expanding Staff Efficiency/Effectiveness        7) Improving School Facilities                

8) Time/Paperwork/Duty Management               9) Integrating Technology Effectively

10) Teachers and Students Finding the Joy in What They Do.                 

        We will have school staff on each committee, but we need dedicated parents, students and community members who can serve on the committees as well.  Meetings will be on the second Monday of each month for a half an hour (from 2:45-3:15).  Suggestions and complaints are a start, but for real change to occur, we need parents and students to commit to action!  Join us!       

         Speaking of changes, we have made a few to our Orientation program this year.  Our Freshman Orientation is scheduled for August 20, 2009 from 7:45 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. at the Belair Annex.  As usual, we will cover a wealth of information for incoming students.  However, this year, due to popular demand, we are also hosting a sophomore orientation.  It will be held at the main building from 7:45 to 11:25 a.m.  Transportation is provided for students who normally ride buses to school. 

            For many parents, sending their children from a middle school to such a large high school can be a bit daunting.   No need to worry.  At Bowie High School we have a Zero Tolerance Policy for acts of violence or harassment.   To that end, we have asked several agencies to join us to speak with youth and their parents about how they can have a successful and peaceful school year.  We will be hosting our partners from the Prince George’s County Public School Security Division, Bowie Youth and Family Services, the Sheriff’s Department, Department of Juvenile Services, and the Prince George’s County Police Department at both orientations. 

            We have lots more in store for students and parents.  It promises to be a banner year!  I cannot wait!

                                                                                                                                        Your  Principal,

                                                                                                                                         Jane W. Spence