Who's ever heard of students enjoying science so much they miss it?

Antionette Murray hears it a lot -- in the summer, running into her students at the grocery store, or getting calls from parents whose children are too old for her Murray Educational Services' science and technology enrichment courses.

"We really develop a relationship. They miss science," she said.

Murray, a former preschool and elementary school teacher, and her team of nine employees (all with experience in education) teach supplementary science and technology courses for a fee to preschool- and elementary school-aged children during the school year and run a science-themed summer camp.

Why science and technology? Because it's an area where students generally perform lower, Murray said, and there is a need for extra help.

During a recent "Digital Explorers" class at Young Care, in Columbia, preschoolers learned computer skills such as how to maneuver the mouse and shut down the computer.

The students also worked with software to work on computer puzzles and draw digital pictures.

"The word 'can't' is used a lot," teacher Tammy Reid said, adding that she and Murray encourage students to say they need help rather than saying they can't do something.

Murray charges $42 per month for preschool students, $105 for an eight-week session for elementary-aged children and $200 a week for the summer session, which includes materials and food.

For those parents who would like their children to get extra help with science, but cannot afford the cost, Murray said she is working on getting grants to provide scholarships to students who are eligible.

More information can be found at www.murrayeducationalservices.org.

* Marriotts Ridge High School's theater department will stage Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10. In conjunction with the play, the school's National Art Honor Society will present a British Tea Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Tickets for tea are $10 and include an original tea cup. For tickets, contact Jean Jurney at 301-864-5628 or e-mail jcjurney@verizon.net. The school is at 12100 Woodford Drive, in Marriottsville.

* Howard Community College will be holding three information sessions for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering. The sessions will be held: Monday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. in the media center at Wilde Lake High School (5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia); Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. in the media center at Oakland Mills High School (9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia); and Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6:15 p.m. at the Rouse Co. Foundation Student Services Hall at the college (10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia). For more information, call 410-772-4599.

* The Glenelg High School Marching Unit is holding its Holiday Citrus Fruit Sale. This month they are offering pink grapefruit, navel oranges, tangerines and a variety pack. Orders are due by Nov. 26 for fruit to be picked up at the school Dec. 13. Order forms are available from the Glenelg High School office, by contacting Cindy Desrochers at 410-489-4977, e-mailing fruitsales@glenelgbands.com, or by downloading the form from www.glenelgbands.com. The school is at 14025 Burntwoods Road, in Glenelg.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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