PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Zina McGowan-Thomas, Public Information Officer, 301-475-5511, ext. 193

CONGRESSMAN HOYER SECURES $487,000

FOR SMCPS STEM INITIATIVE

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools is the beneficiary of $487,000 in federal funds secured by U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) through an Omnibus Appropriations bill recently passed by Congress.  Congressman Hoyer will visit the SMCPS Middle STEM Academy at Spring Ridge Middle School on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at 1:15 p.m. to make a formal presentation.

These funds will be used to support the St. Mary's County Public Schools Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Academies that currently exist at Lexington Park Elementary School , Spring Ridge Middle School , and Great Mills High School . Through this specialized program, students with advanced skills and interests in these areas of study receive instruction in state-of-the-art classrooms, research laboratories, and e-learning labs. The school system has been working with the Patuxent Partnership, a consortium of members and associates from industry, government, and academia, to develop mentorships for students.

“We are committed to STEM education today and in the long run for our students and community,” said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools.  “We thank Congressman Hoyer for his continued support as we make sure this important endeavor is successfully implemented.”

-30-