Local Schools Representatives Talk Education To Goddard

Education was the focus of a colloquium presented Tuesday, Nov. 26, in the Building 3 Geott Auditorium. The event served as an opportunity for the various Maryland school administrations to present their science and mathematics initiatives to the Goddard community.

Dr. Robert Gabrys, Education Officer at Goddard hosted the ceremony. Al Diaz, center director, welcomed the presenters and spoke about NASA's new education initiative. "NASA is committed to serving the public and to inspiring the next generation of explorers as only NASA can," the center director stated in his opening remarks. "This new enterprise will need the efforts of all of us to help inspire," he added.

Photo by Chris Gunn/293
Education panel members, (lft) Dr. Eric Smith, Dr. Lee Summerville and Dr. Iris Metts

Prince George's County Public School Superintendent Dr. Iris Metts was the first presenter. She spoke of the need to raise standards and expectations so that all students are able to succeed.

Anne Arundel County Public School Superintendent Dr. Eric Smith presented next. He spoke of being new to the county and observing a very good school system at work. "We need a shift in Anne Arundel County in how we do our education business from very good to great," said Dr. Smith.

Dr. Lee Summerville, Science Coordinator for Howard County Public School System gave the final presentation. She spoke of Howard County's new focus in science and technology, which includes the introduction of new courses such as forensic science and marine biology. "We've added these courses because of student interest and student participation continues to increase," she added.

Following the presentations, the floor was opened for a question and answer session. At the end of the colloquium, Diaz presented a plaque to each panel member in appreciation of his or her contribution to the colloquium.

"Along with presenting their initiatives it was an excellent opportunity for these representatives to partner with the Goddard community," said Antoinette Wells, Education Program Specialist at Goddard. "We want Goddard employees to learn more about the school systems in their community at home and at work," added Wells.

There are 8400 Goddard civil servants and contractors who live in Maryland. About 15 percent of Goddard's employees live in Anne Arundel County, 13 percent live in Prince George's County and 12 percent reside in Howard County.

"We hear a lot about the bad concerning our local school systems," said Dr. Gabrys. "Hopefully today you have learned about the good things these school systems are doing as we continue to inspire the next generation of explorers," he concluded.