Garrett College Foundation starts Rad Tech Fund for New Program

Dec 10, 2024

The Garrett College Foundation has created a new fund to support the College’s newest academic program.

Garrett College will launch an associate degree program in radiologic sciences in summer 2025. The new fund will support the greatest needs in preparing for the first cohort, which will include 15 full-time students who will comprise the first graduating class in spring 2027.

“It’s so considerate, generous, and significant for our new program,” Professor Christa Bowser, GC’s chief academic officer, said of the anonymous gift. “This is a program that our region needs, and we’re pleased we are going to be able to fulfill that need.

“Currently, the nearest program is an hour away, and the nearest in-state program is in Hagerstown,” added Bowser. “This program will serve a large portion of Western Maryland in addition to locations in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.”

Bowser also noted that jobs are plentiful – with the number of radiologic technologist positions across the nation growing 6 percent annually – and 2023 median pay was over $76,000 annually.

“That’s an extremely high median pay for a position with the associate’s degree as the entry-level educational requirement,” said Bowser.

Bowser said the College is currently developing an on-campus learning lab for the first student cohort, which will begin next June.

She also said the College has preliminary agreements with various hospital and clinical sites in both Maryland and West Virginia for the students to obtain their clinical experiences. The program includes 15 radiologic technology courses totaling 47 credits in the 70-credit degree.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Key Safety Tips from the Garrett County Health Department

Dec 10, 2024

The Environmental Health Office of the Garrett County Health Department would like to remind you that home heating appliances could be a source of poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon monoxide, or CO is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that can be fatal when inhaled. It is sometimes difficult to determine if carbon monoxide is the culprit because its symptoms are similar to the flu and allergies. Low levels can cause nausea, dizziness, weakness, and muscle aches. Higher doses can impair judgment, cause paralysis or coma, and potentially death. Carbon monoxide exposures especially affect unborn babies, infants, and people with anemia or a history of heart disease. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, there are more than 250 carbon monoxide deaths every year associated with the use of combustion appliances in the home. Every year nearly 5,000 people in the United States are treated in hospital emergency rooms for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential source of carbon monoxide. When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little carbon monoxide. Problems arise when fuel-burning appliances are inadequately maintained, improperly operated, or improperly vented.

Common sources of carbon monoxide include the following: gas, oil or wood-fueled appliances, furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, coal stoves, charcoal grills, cooking ranges, water heaters, kerosene heaters, portable generators, and automobiles left running in closed garages.

Kerosene space heaters are of particular concern in our county since many residents use this type of auxiliary heat during power outages caused by adverse weather and winter storms. Kerosene heaters should be used with extreme caution; they are not meant to be a primary source of heat. Make sure these heaters are vented to the outdoors and are equipped with oxygen depletion sensors. If you must use a gas or kerosene heater in an emergency, keep doors open to adjacent rooms of the house and crack open a few windows. This allows enough air for proper combustion and reduces deadly carbon monoxide levels.

The most important way to reduce the risk from carbon monoxide is to keep all fuel-burning devices well-maintained and inspected for safety. Experts recommend having your fuel-burning systems inspected by a trained professional every year. Always operate a fuel-burning device for its intended purpose, make sure it has been installed correctly, and remember to vent these devices outdoors.

There are carbon monoxide detectors you can install in your home for continuous monitoring of dangerous CO levels. These devices are similar in appearance to smoke detectors and are powered by household electrical current or self-contained batteries. They are available at most hardware or department stores, averaging in price from $20.00 to $40.00.

Most local fire departments can test carbon monoxide if you suspect that there is a potentially dangerous amount of CO present in your home. The Environmental Health office can direct you to the appropriate fire department if you are interested in having your home tested.

For more information concerning carbon monoxide safety tips or other indoor air quality concerns, please call Environmental Health at 301-334-7760.

Garrett Regional Medical Center welcomes Morgan Rush, PA-C, to Garrett Medical Group in McHenry

Dec 10, 2024

Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) welcomes Morgan Rush, PA-C, to WVU Medicine Garrett Medical Group in McHenry as the practice’s new physician assistant.

A Garrett County native, Rush received her Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies and her Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology with a medical pathway from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

During her physician assistant program at WVU Medicine, Rush completed the following clinical rotations: internal medicine, psychology and addiction medicine, dermatology, emergency medicine and urgent care, rural family medicine, surgery, women’s health OBGYN, pediatrics, and primary care family medicine.

Rush has an extensive background in volunteering and serving her community with the following organizations: American Red Cross, Relay for Life, Youth Athletics, Make a Wish Program, Be the Match, ‘Healthy People, Healthy Places’ Program, Center for ActiveWV Program, and the WV Vacs Program.

She also worked for both the Human Performance Lab and WVU Exercise Physiology Program at WVU Health Sciences Center and Ruby Memorial Hospital as a clinical associate in addition to being involved in breast cancer research.

Rush is now a full-time primary care provider at the WVU Medicine Garrett Medical Group McHenry office at 24441 Garrett Highway. She is available Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment with her at the McHenry office, contact 301-387-8718.

For more information on Garrett Regional Medical Center, visit wvumedicine.org/Garrett.

New Study: Maryland Sees Unprecedented Surge in Holiday Crypto Scams – Record $93.9 Million Lost

Dec 10, 2024

Originally published by Social Catfish.

A new study shows crypto scams are surging this holiday season and Maryland ranks No. 13 in the nation, losing a record $93.9 million last year and No. 9 with 22.5 victims per 100,000 residents.

Inboxes and social media feeds are being flooded with crypto scams exploiting pain points that arise during the holidays. This includes big discounts on gifts and travel; preying on lonely people with romance scams; and offering time-sensitive investment opportunities. Crypto is the currency of choice for scammers as it is harder for authorities to track.

Reverse search company Social Catfish today released a study on the State of Online Scams 2024 using the most recent data from the FBI, FTC and trends from millions of users on its website.

Key Findings:
Americans lost a record $3.96 billion to crypto scams last year.

Crypto scams accounted for nearly 33% of the record $12.5 billion lost to all online scams.

Millennial and Gen-Z online scam victims grew by 10% last year largely due to crypto trading.

87% of all investment scams involved crypto.

4 Most Common Holiday Crypto Scams and How to Avoid Them

1) Holiday Shopping Scams: Fake e-commerce websites that look legitimate advertise huge holiday discounts if customers pay in crypto.

How to Avoid: The URL will be one letter off and will not have “HTTPS” security protocol.

2) Holiday Crypto Giveaways: Well-known companies appear to offer a 10,000 bitcoin giveaway but participants first have to send an amount of crypto to “verify” their wallet. It is a scam.

How to Avoid: Legitimate companies will never ask for money upfront.

3) Holiday Investment Scams: Fraudsters promote crypto holiday investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns only if the person invests right now during the holidays.

How to Avoid: Perform a reverse search to verify the identities of the people involved.

4) Holiday Travel Scams: Scammers advertise vacation packages, hotels, and flights with super low prices if payment is made in crypto.

How to Avoid: Book travel through reputable platforms with a credit card, not crypto.

Wisp Resort’s New Free Learn to Ski and Ride Program

Dec 9, 2024

Are you ready to learn to love winter and explore the slopes, but hesitant because you’ve never tried skiing or snowboarding? Wisp Resort has launched a game-changing initiative for beginners: the Ace’s Free Learn to Ski/Ride Program. This program offers first-time skiers or boarders aged 8 and older a completely free introduction to the sport, making it easier than ever to experience the thrill of the slopes.

Mr. Helmuth ‘Ace’ Heise brought skiing to the state of Maryland and a new found passion for the winters in Garrett County. Wisp Resort exists today because of the dedication and personal efforts of Ace himself.

Learning to ski or ride can often feel intimidating due to the cost and uncertainty of investing in equipment and lessons. By removing these barriers, Wisp Resort encourages new adventurers to fall in love with winter sports. The program aligns with Wisp’s mission to foster community engagement and make outdoor recreation accessible to everyone.

The Ace’s program provides:

• Free Lessons for First Timers: This program is open to first-time skiers and snowboarders ages 8 and up.
• Three Lesson Program: Reserve the first lesson from December 20, 2024 or daily through January 12, 2025. Second and third lessons are available throughout the season by reservation.
• $69 Season Pass: After Completing all three lessons, graduates will earn a $69 season pass, valid for the remainder of the 2024-25 winter season.
• Exclusive Equipment Offer: In addition to the season pass, graduates can purchase a Rossignol equipment package at an exclusive discounted rate.
• Discounted Pass for 2025-26 Winter Season: Graduates from the Ace’s Free Learn to Ski/Ride Program are eligible for a 2025-26 season pass for only $199!

Participants must register online for the program and select a session date. Spots are limited, so early sign-up is highly recommended. The Ace’s program is offered on select dates throughout the season, making it a flexible option for busy schedules.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Garrett County, the Ace’s program is an excellent opportunity to try something new!

For more details and to sign up, visit the Ace’s Free Learn-to-Ski/Ride Program page.

MSDE Releases Updated Star Ratings for the 2023-24 School Year

Dec 6, 2024

Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has received updated report card data, star ratings, and informational resources for the 2023-24 school year from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). GCPS, along with the rest of the state, has experienced a slight change in its star ratings.

Schools earn between one and five stars based on the percentage of points earned across a series of indicators. The indicators for all schools are Academic Achievement, Academic Progress, Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency, and School Quality and Student Success. For high schools, the indicators above are used in addition to the Graduation Rate and Readiness for Postsecondary Success. Achieving English language proficiency was not factored into GCPS scoring due to the minimal population of multilingual learners within GCPS.

GCPS has attained the following results for the 2023-24 school year: two (2) Five-star schools – Accident and Crellin Elementary Schools; six (6) four-star schools – Grantsville, Route 40, and Yough Glades Elementary Schools, Swan Meadow School, Northern Middle School, and Northern High School; and four (4) three-star schools – Broad Ford and Friendsville Elementary School, Southern Middle School, and Southern High School. Eight schools earned the top two ratings of four or five stars, marking 67% of GCPS schools, while only 41% of schools state-wide attained such results. Of note, three of the GCPS three-star rated schools are just shy of achieving the four-star rating, less than two percentage points away from a four-star rating.

“We are proud of the progress GCPS has made, as reflected in the individual school results across the county,” stated Dr. Brenda McCartney, GCPS Superintendent. “However, we recognize that there is still work to be done. Our commitment to continuous improvement remains strong, and we will intensify our efforts to enhance academic outcomes and address the challenge of chronic absenteeism more effectively.”

This is the fifth year of School Report Cards and the star ratings system. To view county or school-specific data, please visit the Maryland Report Card: https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/. Additionally, School Improvement Plans are available on each school’s website. The individual plans are available under the “About Us” tab.

Only 24.9% of Maryland Business Owners Are Under 40, 6th Fewest in the Nation

Dec 6, 2024

Originally published by Simply Business.

If you’ve noticed a trend of coworkers leaving their jobs to start their own companies, you’re not alone. Business ownership among younger Americans is on the rise, especially in certain parts of the country.

Traditionally, older Americans have been more likely to own businesses, thanks to greater experience, financial resources, and professional networks. However, entrepreneurship is increasingly attracting younger Americans, who now view it as a viable career path. Although they may have less capital, younger adults often have fewer financial obligations—such as mortgages or family expenses—making it easier to take on the risks of starting a business. Additionally, their skills and interests tend to align well with new opportunities in the digital economy, which often require lower startup costs.

Over the past several years, economic and workforce shifts have fueled record-high levels of new business applications, reflecting a surge of entrepreneurial interest among younger workers. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly three out of every 10 business owners nationwide are under 40, and just over 6% of workers under 40 now run their own businesses.

Rates of Business Ownership Among Young Adults

Business ownership for Americans under 40 is at a 20-year high

Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data | Image Credit: Simply Business

This rise in entrepreneurship among young Americans marks a reversal of trends seen throughout the early 2000s and following the Great Recession. From 2001 to 2015, the share of business owners under 40 declined from 30.7% to a low of 25.3%.

Part of the decrease was driven by the nation’s aging workforce. As older generations continued working longer, younger workers naturally accounted for a smaller share of business owners, even as their overall numbers remained relatively stable.

Another factor at play was that business ownership among young adults has been especially sensitive to macroeconomic conditions. Leading up to the Great Recession, the share of workers under 40 who owned businesses rose, peaking at 6.4% in 2004 and 2005. However, as the economy slowed and entered recession, young business ownership rates fell, reaching a low of 5.2% by 2015.

Since 2015, however, both the share of business owners under 40 and the percentage of young workers who own businesses have risen sharply. In 2023, business owners under 40 comprised 29.3% of all owners, and 6.4% of young workers were business owners—the highest levels in approximately two decades. This resurgence aligns with economic growth, increased self-employment opportunities, and the rise of digital platforms that have lowered barriers to entrepreneurship, particularly for young people.

The Most Popular Industries for Young Business Owners

Business owners under 40 are highly concentrated in digital and creative fields

Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data | Image Credit: Simply Business

In contrast, certain industries with higher barriers to entry—such as licensing requirements, significant startup capital, or large operating expenses—remain less common choices for young business owners. Fields like wholesale trade, finance and insurance, professional services, and health care have the lowest shares of owners under 40. In addition to high entry costs, these sectors tend to operate more traditionally, offering fewer opportunities for the flexible, online-driven work models that many young workers now favor.

Young Business Ownership by State & City

Young business owners are concentrated in parts of the Mountain West, Midwest, and South

Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data | Image Credit: Simply Business

Many of these states benefit from lower living costs and have seen recent increases in their young populations, creating favorable conditions for younger entrepreneurs. In contrast, the Northeast—with higher costs and fewer young workers—reports some of the nation’s lowest levels of young business ownership. The five states with the smallest share of business owners under 40 are all in New England.

This pattern is reflected in major metropolitan areas as well. Among large metro areas, Birmingham, AL, has the highest concentration of young business owners at 37.1%, followed by Fresno, CA (36.8%), and Austin, TX (36.4%). Other cities with high rates of young business ownership include Oklahoma City, OK, and Grand Rapids, MI, each at 35.2%. Conversely, major metros in the Northeast, including Hartford, CT; Washington, D.C.; Boston, MA; and Baltimore, MD, all report rates below 25%.

For young adults aiming to be their own boss, this report highlights the cities and sectors where their peers are finding success. Digital and creative industries, with lower barriers to entry, tend to attract more young entrepreneurs, while affordable cities—especially in the South—allow them to invest more in their businesses than in simply making ends meet. These insights reveal where young business owners are thriving and suggest where similar opportunities might exist.

Here is a summary of the data for Maryland:

• Share of all business owners who are under 40: 24.9%
• Share of all workers who are under 40: 43.0%
• Share of workers under 40 who are business owners: 5.0%
• Share of all workers who are business owners: 8.6%
• Total business owners under 40: 72,718
• Total business owners: 291,874
• Total workers under 40: 1,468,523
• Total workers: 3,412,162

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Share of all business owners who are under 40: 29.3%
• Share of all workers who are under 40: 46.3%
• Share of workers under 40 who are business owners: 6.4%
• Share of all workers who are business owners: 10.2%
• Total business owners under 40: 5,271,643
• Total business owners: 17,991,919
• Total workers under 40: 81,891,336
• Total workers: 176,873,526

Methodology

The data used in this analysis comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey PUMS 1-Year Estimates. To determine the locations with the most young business owners, researchers at Simply Business calculated the share of all adult business owners who are under 40 years old. In the event of a tie, the location with the larger total number of business owners under 40 was ranked higher. For relevance and improved comparability across geographies, individuals who did not work or report income in the past 12 months were excluded from the analysis. Additionally, metropolitan areas were grouped into the following cohorts by population size: small (less than 350,000), midsize (350,000–1,000,000), and large (more than 1,000,000).

‘Seasonal Decorator’: Survey Reveals Maryland’s Top Festive Gig

Dec 6, 2024

Originally published by career.io.

The festive season isn’t just about family gatherings, parties, and exchanging gifts—it’s also a time of plenty for part-time work opportunities, many of which come with a dose of holiday cheer. From donning the iconic red suit of Santa Claus or playing a jolly elf in a local mall to lending a hand at a Christmas tree farm or assisting a photographer with festive portraits, holiday jobs can be as joyful as the season itself.

career.io, an all-in-one platform for career guidance and success, surveyed 3,000 part-time workers to uncover the most coveted festive jobs in Maryland this festive season – the ones that spark excitement and are likely to face the fiercest competition.  The top 10 were as follows:

#1 Seasonal Decorator
Transforming homes, businesses, and public spaces into winter wonderlands is a coveted job for the creative and detail-oriented. Seasonal decorators get to unleash their artistic flair, from stringing twinkling lights to arranging stunning holiday displays, making every space picture-perfect for the festivities.

#2 Holiday Tour Guide
Holiday tours offer visitors a chance to explore seasonal attractions, from light displays to historic holiday traditions. Tour guides get to share the magic of the season with eager tourists, making their job a blend of storytelling, hospitality, and holiday cheer.

#3 Seasonal Sales Associate
Retail stores come alive during the festive rush, and seasonal sales associates are at the heart of it all. Helping customers find the perfect gift while managing the bustling energy of holiday shopping makes this role both dynamic and rewarding.

#4 Holiday Market Vendor
Holiday markets are a treasure trove of unique gifts and treats, and vendors play a central role in this seasonal tradition. Selling handcrafted items or festive snacks, these roles allow individuals to share their creations and be part of the holiday buzz.

#5 Christmas Tree Farm Helper
For outdoor enthusiasts, helping at a Christmas tree farm combines the festive spirit with a touch of nature. Whether assisting families in picking the perfect tree or trimming and preparing it for the journey home, this role is as rewarding as it is rustic.

#6 Gift Wrapper
For those who find joy in the meticulous art of gift presentation, being a seasonal gift wrapper is a dream job, and it emerged in 6th place overall. Wrapping presents with precision and flair, these people play a vital role in ensuring that gifts are as beautiful on the outside as they are thoughtful within, all while basking in the holiday atmosphere.

#7 Party/Event Host
The life of any holiday gathering, party and event hosts have the enviable job of keeping the festive cheer alive. From planning activities to orchestrating smooth-running events, they combine organizational skills with charisma to create memorable experiences for attendees.

#8 Toy Store Associate
There’s something magical about working in a toy store during the holidays. Associates are surrounded by the season’s hottest toys, endless wish lists, and excited children, making this role perfect for those who thrive on the energy and joy of gift shopping.

#9 Santa Claus and Elf Roles
Few jobs encapsulate the spirit of the festive season quite like playing Santa Claus or a cheerful elf. These roles bring smiles to countless children and adults, making it a dream gig for those who love spreading holiday joy. The opportunity to embody the magic of Christmas, coupled with the nostalgia and cheer these roles evoke, ensures fierce competition for this iconic seasonal work.

#10 Festive Photographer Assistant
Helping capture magical holiday memories, festive photographer assistants work behind the scenes to ensure every photo session runs smoothly. From setting up props to calming camera-shy kids, this job is perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced, cheerful environments.

Click the image to enlarge.

career.io’s survey didn’t just uncover the most coveted holiday jobs – it also revealed what Maryland seasonal workers value most from their part-time jobs:

Seasonal Perks
When it comes to what excites workers most about holiday gigs, seeing families smile topped the list at 32%. Whether it’s watching a child’s face light up while meeting Santa or helping families find the perfect Christmas tree, this simple joy is what many workers treasure most. Close behind, discounted holiday gifts (29%) proved a practical draw, with employees enjoying the chance to save on their shopping lists. Meanwhile, playing Christmas music all day (14%) and indulging in unlimited Christmas snacks (13%) added a dose of festive fun, with wearing festive outfits (12%) rounding out the perks that make seasonal jobs feel special.

Holiday Workplaces
If employers want to spread goodwill among their holiday workforce, the survey made it clear: extra holiday pay is the ultimate gesture, winning 41% of votes. Whether it’s a seasonal bonus or overtime rates, cash is king when it comes to festive job satisfaction. For 30% of respondents, gift cards or bonuses were nearly as appealing, offering a tangible token of appreciation. Flexible schedules for shopping or family time (13%) came in as a valued perk for those juggling work and festivities, while a festive office party (8%) and surprise Secret Santa gift (8%) added a sprinkling of holiday spirit.

Festive Touches
What makes working through the holidays more enjoyable? Survey participants overwhelmingly chose a hot cocoa and cookie station in the breakroom (34%) as the ultimate mood-booster. Holiday music playing softly in the background (22%) and a sparkling Christmas tree in the lobby (21%) followed close behind, showing that simple seasonal touches can make a big difference. Meanwhile, Ugly Sweater Day (12%) and desk decorations (11%) offered lighter, more interactive ways to bring cheer to the workplace.

Party Pitfalls
Not everything about the holiday season is merry and bright—workplace holiday parties can present their own set of challenges. Tied at 24%, Secret Santa gift exchanges and the struggle of making small talk with coworkers were the most commonly cited awkward moments. However, for 34% of respondents, the clear winner for cringe-worthy activities was being forced to participate in cheesy games. Surprisingly, avoiding the mistletoe (19%) rounded out the list, proving that not every festive tradition translates well to the workplace.

Holiday Work Schedule
When it comes to working over the holidays, most survey participants had a clear favorite: no work between Christmas and New Year’s (61%). The idea of an uninterrupted week to relax and recharge dominated the responses. For those willing to compromise, half days in December (23%) offered a more manageable approach, while working weekends to take weekdays off (16%) appealed to a smaller but flexible group.

“Holiday jobs aren’t just about earning extra income—they’re about connecting with the joy and spirit of the season in a meaningful way,” says Amanda Augustine, career expert at career.io. “Our survey shows that when employers prioritize thoughtful perks and a little festive cheer, it creates a win-win for both workers and businesses during the busiest time of the year.”

Free Chromebooks for Income-Qualified Garrett County Households

Dec 6, 2024

Garrett County Government, in partnership with the Ruth Enlow Libraries, continues to offer free Chromebooks to income-qualifying households in Garrett County. This program seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing families with essential tools for educational and professional success.

To date, the Garrett County Government Broadband team has distributed over 1,400 of the 1,900 available Chromebooks to eligible families. The Chromebooks are available while supplies last. Limit one Chromebook per household address in Maryland.

“We believe that access to technology is essential in today’s digital world. Through this effort, we want to connect Garrett County residents with the means to enhance their educational, professional, and personal opportunities,” said Cheryl DeBerry, Broadband & Energy Manager for Garrett County Government and program coordinator.

To be eligible for a free Chromebook, households must have at least one full-time resident whose income falls within the income guidelines of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The income qualification levels are based on household size, ranging from $30,120 for a single-person household up to $94,680 for a seven-person household. Documentation such as government-issued identification, proof of residence, and income verification is required at the distribution sites. Income can be verified by participation in various federal programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, etc.

A simple application form is also required. Paper copies are available at the libraries or for download and print here: https://bit.ly/46DjMrM

Visit one of the Ruth Enlow Library branches during open hours to pick up the Chromebook:

Accident Library

• 106 S. North Street, Accident, MD 21520
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/accident
• Phone: 301-746-8792

Friendsville Library 

• 315 Chestnut St, Friendsville, MD 21531
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/friendsville
• Phone: 301-746-5663

Grantsville Library

• 102 Parkview Drive, Grantsville, MD 21536
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/grantsville
• Phone: 301-895-5298

Kitzmiller Library

• 288 W. Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD 21538
• Open Hours: https://www.relib.net/kitzmiller
• Phone: 301-334-8091

Oakland Library

• 6 N 2nd St Ext, Oakland, MD 21550
• Open Hours: http://relib.net/oakland
• Phone: 301-334-3996

The Chromebook distribution program is made possible through a Connected Devices Grant from the Office of Statewide Broadband at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development in partnership with the Ruth Enlow Libraries of Garrett County.

For more information on acceptable verification documents or any questions about the program, please visit https://www.garrettcounty.org/broadband/devices or contact 301-914-1543.

Maryland State Department of Education Releases Annual Maryland School Report Record

Dec 4, 2024

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released the state, district, and school-level results for the 2024 Maryland School Report Card on December 3, 2024.

Maryland report card data indicates school performance under the Maryland Accountability System for the 2023-24 academic year. School ratings increased overall compared to the 2022-23 academic year. This year’s results showed that 41 percent of schools earned the top two ratings of four or five stars, and 83 percent received three or more stars. During the 2022-23 academic year, 38 percent of schools earned the top two ratings and 80 percent received three or more stars.

In February, Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools announced the formation of an Assessment and Accountability Task Force to examine the state’s assessment and accountability systems to strengthen connections between school ratings and student achievement.

“Over the last five years, the Maryland School Report Card has provided insight into factors that influence school success and student achievement,” said Dr. Wright. “However, as we move forward, we will be exploring ways to ensure that our accountability system evaluates schools in clear, streamlined ways that educators, administrators and families can easily understand.”

“We are encouraged to see growth and an increase in schools demonstrating four- and five-star ratings and the number on the Maryland Report Card indicating progress in school quality and student achievement in public schools,” said Dr. Joshua Michael, State Board President. “The Board is committed to improving transparency and accountability through the Maryland Report Card to better answer the question, ‘How are our public schools doing?'”

School star ratings are based on multiple indicators, including non-academic measures. Elementary and middle school indicators are: Academic Achievement, Academic Progress, Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency, and School Quality and Student Success.

High school indicators are: Academic Achievement, Graduation Rate, Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency, Readiness for Postsecondary Success, and School Quality and Student Success. Schools earn between one and five stars based on the percentage of points earned across indicators.

Assessment and Accountability Task Force Recommendations

Recommendations from the 30-member task force — composed of key Maryland education stakeholders and led by the nonprofit National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment — were shared during Tuesday’s meeting:

• Create a single coherent system that meets federal requirements and reflects state priorities.​
• Explore ways to streamline and simplify the system without diminishing quality or comprehensiveness. ​
• Support meaningful comparisons of school performance but explore ways to offer limited flexibility. ​
• Prioritize implementing changes to the system but provide longitudinal comparability where possible​.

The accountability system recommendations include basing the Academic Achievement indicator exclusively on English language arts and mathematics proficiency; adopting a student growth measure; continuing to include only the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate and five-year extended graduation rate; and developing a framework that builds on the current definition of College and Career Readiness while incentivizing additional post-high school opportunities. The task force also recommended establishing common performance levels for indicators, such as a scale of one to four.

As Maryland moves towards implementing a new assessment system by the 2026-27 school year, the task force recommended prioritizing clarity and coherence in reporting results, and helping schools and districts leverage assessment results through comprehensive communications.

Maryland School Report Card Resources

The Maryland School Report Card includes a downloadable report for each school and disaggregated data for each student group. Disaggregated results show that multilingual learners, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities perform lower as compared to the overall student population.

Informational resources are available on the Maryland Report Card website to help families, educators, and community members understand and analyze the school report cards. The tools include a user guide and one-page documents that summarize calculations for elementary, middle, and high schools.

In addition to star ratings, the Maryland Report Card website provides information on a wide variety of data including enrollment, attendance, performance on state assessments, performance on college readiness assessments, graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment in colleges.

Garrett County Sees One of Maryland’s Largest Drops in Teen Births Over 5 Years

Dec 4, 2024

Originally published by BadCredit.org.

Whether it’s planned or not, having a baby while you’re still a teenager can have far-reaching effects not just on the rest of your life, but on your financial future. When you’re not yet 20, you’ll potentially either have just left school or be in college or some form of higher education – if you’re lucky. Some teens don’t make it that far academically. The lack of higher education has a massive impact on how much young people can earn because, if they can’t make a decent living, they will barely be able to look after themselves, let alone a child. The long-term economic repercussions extend well beyond the initial years of parenthood, affecting education, job prospects, and financial security.

BadCredit.org conducted a study of five years of teen birth data to identify which counties in America have the highest and lowest rates of teen births over this time period. The study found that, overall, the number of teen births across the whole country has dropped by 6 births per 1,000 people over five years, which shows that health messaging is getting through. And the county that shows the biggest decline in teen births is Brooks, Texas, with a reduction of 36 births per 1,000 people. That’s a decrease from 88 births per 1,000 in 2020 to 52 in 2024, suggesting highly effective interventions, such as comprehensive sex education and access to contraceptive methods.

However, some counties have a way to go. Hamilton County in Kansas, had an increase of 10 births per 1,000, going from 36 teen births in 2020 to 46 in 2024, while Cochran, Texas, had an increase of 9 per 1,000, going from 35 in 2020 to 44 in 2024.

In Maryland, the study revealed that Dorchester County saw the most substantial decline in teen births, with a 10% drop. The top 10 counties were as follows:

1. Dorchester: -10%
2. Baltimore City: -9%
3. Somerset: -8%
4. Washington: -7%
5. Garrett: -6%
6. Prince George’s: -5%
7. Worcester: -5%
8. Anne Arundel: -4%
9. Caroline: -4%
10. Cecil: -4%

The state of Maryland itself experienced a drop of 4% in teen births over 5 years, in 43rd place overall, when compared with other states.

The top 5 best-performing states over 5 years were:

1. New Mexico: -11%
2. Texas: -10%
3. West Virginia: -10%
4. Oklahoma: -9%
5. Arizona: -8%

“It’s tough to get out of financial difficulties if you start at a disadvantage, like having a child during your teenage years,” says Jon McDonald, senior editor at BadCredit.org. “There’s no question that more access to sex education, healthcare, and contraception can really help counter the number of teen pregnancies, and in turn, this can help young people get off to a better start in their future life and career, and hopefully a stronger financial future.”