Around Crofton: 'Pirates' net treasure for Crofton Meadows Elementary School

With swashbuckling sea songs setting the mood in the hallways, Crofton Meadows Elementary School was taken over by pirates during its most recent fundraiser, a pirate-themed math-a-thon. Decked out with eye patches and skull and crossbone bandanas students took part in a treasure hunt that required them to solve math problems.

In one fifth-grade class, students were provided with the size of the ship's sleeping quarters and the size of the average pirate and charged with figuring out how many pirates the ship could sleep. At another table, students used an assortment of different shaped plastic puzzle pieces to construct a rectangular flag.

"Students are using fractions, geometry and finding averages and means," said Valerie Smith, fifth-grade teacher. "They are relying on a mixture of all of their math skills to solve their challenges." Each correct answer led the children closer to their treasure - an ice cream party in the cafeteria.

Prior to the event, students collected pledges for each of the 25 math problems they would tackle. For every $25 students received in pledges, they received an entry to win the grand prize which was a combination TV/DVD player. Fifth-grader Christian Riva was the lucky grand prize winner. Additionally top fundraiser Kenny Newell will be "Principal for the Day." Judy Poole, who came in second place, will be "Teacher for the Day."

"We were thrilled with the response we had for this fundraiser," said Cindy Drabick, president of the school's PTA. "We raised almost $13,000 and involved all of the children in a fun-filled learning environment that revolved around math." Cindy noted that the money raised will be used to fund the PTA operating budget and supplement the school's technology purchases.

The Crofton Rotary Club is searching for individuals interested in a professional study exchange in the Czech Republic. This unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity is open to those ages 25 to 40 with several years of experience in their full-time occupation. The month-long exchange program will take place in May 2010 and each team member will receive a round-trip ticket to the Czech Republic. Local Rotary members in the host country will provide meals, lodging and group travel within their Rotary district. Team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships and exchange ideas. For additional details and an application, call Rankin Lusby at 410-721-2591 or Ed White at 410-451-1900. The deadline for all applications is Dec. 1, 2009.

The Crofton Town Club promotes fellowship among neighbors and orients newcomers to the area. Serving a wide array of interests, the club sponsors children's activities, adult evenings out, monthly book club meetings and volunteer opportunities. At 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Town Club is hosting a free yoga class at Crofton Yoga. To attend, R.S.V.P. by tomorrow to vp@croftontownclub.com. The Town Club's Moms-N-Tots group will meet for a play date at 10:45 on Nov. 18 at Christ United Methodist Church in Crofton. New members are always welcome. Prospective members may attend one event for free before they join. For more information, visit www.croftontownclub.com.

Students from Arundel High School's band, chorus, orchestra and marching color guard are selling citrus fruits to support their spring performance trip to Boston, Mass. A good (and good for you) holiday gift idea, the fruit can be sent locally or to 48 states. For more information, visit www.arundelband.org.

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