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Clarksburg High School was recently awarded a Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam grant to create a pressure-sensitive illuminated computer cable.

InvenTeams are teams of high school students, teachers and mentors that receive grants up to $10,000 to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. Clarksburg is one of only 16 high schools nationwide to be selected as an InvenTeam this year.

The Clarksburg team received $9,000.

Team sponsors are Sarah Costlow Debelius and Paul W. Koda. The sponsors attended training at MIT in June to help prepare the final proposal.

"Today's students are tomorrow's leaders. By encouraging a sustainable culture of invention in schools and communities, we hope to empower high school students to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math during high school, college and beyond. Further, our goal is to instill confidence in youth to solve problems they encounter," said Leigh Estabrooks, invention educator officer of the Lemelson-MIT Program, who manages the initiative. "

Over the next nine months, Clarksburg High School students will be creating a prototype of their pressure-sensitive illuminated computer cable invention they have named the Torch Cord.

They will work with several outside advisors and mentors, including individuals from Texas Instruments Inc. in Germantown and the law firm of Greenberg & Lieberman LLC in Washington, D.C., who will guide the students through the development of their invention.

CHS band Parents

selling blankets

The Clarksburg Band and Orchestra Parents are selling Clarksburg High School throw blankets to raise funds for the Instrumental Music Department.

The blankets are woven of 100 percent cotton and cost $40.

Only 50 blankets have been ordered for pre-holiday delivery. To order one, visit www.clarksburgmusic.org or contact instrumental music teacher Chuck Orifici at charles_a_orifici@mcpsmd.org

Montgomery College offers Saturday Discoveries

Saturday Discoveries, a one-day enrichment program for gifted and talented students in grades 4 and 5, is scheduled for Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. at Montgomery College, Takoma Park.

Students will have an opportunity to select four workshops that will cover a variety of topics, including art, chess, computer programming, creative writing and science.

For additional brochures or registration information, contact Workforce Development and Continuing Education at 240-567-7264 or 240-567-7917 or visit www.montgomerycollege.edu

/youth.

Parents invited to minority outreach meeting

The Damascus Cluster will meet 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Clearspring Elementary School to discuss ways to improve academic achievement of minority students.

The minority parent outreach meeting will provide parents with information that will assist them in supporting their children at home.

Refreshments will be served and babysitting will be provided.

Clearspring Elementary School is located at 9930 Moyer Road in Damascus.

Parent Academy

is coming to Damascus

Montgomery County Public School's Parent Academy invites all parents to attend a free parent workshop on "Helping Your Child Get Ready for MSAs" and "Understanding the HSAs and the Bridge Plan" at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at Baker Middle School.

Child care is available for children ages 4-12.

For additional information, visit the Parent Academy at www.mcpsparentacademy.org.

CHS offers informal

parent meetings

Clarksburg High School parents and guardians are invited to attend an informal gathering in the principal's conference room the third Thursday of each month from 8 to 9 a.m.

The get-together is an opportunity to engage in open dialogue with Principal James Koutsos and find out what is happening at the school. The school will provide a continental breakfast.

The next breakfast will be held Nov. 20.

Koutsos will also hold four evening ice cream socials in lieu of four of the breakfast meetings. The ice cream socials will occur once per quarter from 8 to 9 p.m. The next one is Dec. 4.

To attend, call Lana Ryan at 301-444-3008 so the school can plan sufficient refreshments.

Clarksburg High

boosters selling fruit

The Clarksburg High School Instrumental Music Program is holding its annual fruit sale.

This year boosters are partnering with Florida Indian River Groves to provide the fruit, which will be harvested and shipped the same day, organizers said.

Order formers are available in the main office of the high school, through any band or orchestra student or by contacting Chuck Orifici at charles_a_orifici@mcpsmd.org. Orders can be placed online at www.fruitorder.com with school code 256318.

Items appropriate for School Notes should be sent to Susan Singer-Bart at ssingerbart@gazette.net, by fax to 301-670-7182 or 301-670-7183, or mailed to School Notes, The Damascus/Clarksburg Gazette, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday for consideration for the following week's paper. Items will be used on a space-available basis.

Calling all students who want to quit smoking

Montgomery County high school students who want to quit smoking are invited to a Kick Ash Forum 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Dave and Busters in White Flint mall.

Deadline to register is Nov. 15.

The program, sponsored by Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, will include a free lunch buffet, game cards and raffle prizes. County Councilman Philip A. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg is scheduled to attend.

Register by calling Wendy Norcross 301 469-8678 or via e-mail at wenmick@aol.com.