Ira, Class of 2009:
"It (Teen Summit) proved to be an exciting and informative time for approximately
75 students and several staff members and administrators.We all came together to share our thoughts and feelings about the good things that have occurred during
our time at Hammond High. We also discussed how we would like to see improvements made to better the students’ high school learning experiences.
During our time together they were able to hear about the things that we felt were most important when it came to teaching, student-teacher relationships, and the responsibilities of the staff and students. The many suggestions from the students ranged from improving the outward appearance of the school building to creating ways to boost school morale and school spirit. These ideas gave the staff things to consider to help them better meet the needs of the students and to help Hammond become an even better school overall. Much appreciation is owed to Mr.Burke for initiating Hammond’s first annual Teen Summit because it has created a positive
step towards bettering our school as a whole."

Julia, Class of 2008:
"I think the idea to have a Teen Summit was the best thing that has happened to
our school since I have been here. It gave us students the chance to have positive input into what our school will become. It was great to participate with a very
diverse group of kids and the administrators and faculty involvement made us
feel that our ideas would actually be put to use next year. It was a great experience and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on our school and community."

Scott, Class of 2008:
"Both the idea to hold the Summit and the ideas that resulted from it will be highly beneficial to Hammond High School.A cross-section of the student population was able to share their thoughts in a constructive manner in order to benefit the school
in a positive way. I thought the “homework” was essential to the running of the
event. However, I feel a few aspects of the summit could have been adjusted. I wish there had been more time to discuss the importance/ratings of the expected student and teacher behaviors. There was inadequate time for my group to discuss ratings, reasons and indicators for each behavior. This time could have been taken from the sessions after lunch. Also, the breakfast and lunch breaks, although enjoyable,
could have been shortened to allow for more discussion time or to shorten the
overall schedule. The Teen Summit was excellent because it allowed me to have a direct impact on our school's environment and potential. Sharing my opinions and hearing the opinions of others opened many opportunities to advance Hammond's students and staff. It is truly my hope that our efforts at the Summit will make a definite impact in the upcoming school year."

Leah, Class of 2009:
"As a result of the Teen Summit activity and opportunity we were given and able to participate in a few weeks ago, I was able to in take a lot of great motivation for the 2007-2008 Hammond High School (school) year. The program was extremely well thought out with a very comfortable environment (the school itself) and a great development of communication skills between students and teachers. It was extremely interesting to find that through many of the activities the thoughts and opinions as to certain matters concerning the school were very similar amongst everyone. To me, it is very important that we continue with this process. The
Summit (during the summer) was a great experience but I personally, (and
hopefully the community as well) would really like to see our hard efforts and work go to good work. It is important to build and develop the ideal school that not just faculty, but the students, their parents, and community in general have in mind."

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Hammond High School
8800 Guilford Road, Columbia, Maryland 21046
PHONE: 410.313.7615; FAX: 410.313.7632
A Howard County, Maryland Public School

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