The mission of the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch (MSYR) is to provide disadvantaged and "at risk" youth with guidance and support in a healthy, safe and supportive residential setting, accompanied by caring staff and counselors, to assist them in becoming productive members of society. One way we try to accomplish this goal is by making education a top priority of the residents at the Ranch. Upon their arrival at the Ranch, each child is assessed using the PLATO educational system. After the assessment, the PLATO system sets up an individualized educational plan. This allows each child to learn at their own pace and helps to fill in any gaps in their education so that when they begin school they are on equal footing with their peers. In addition, the Ranch has tutors available after school each day, as well as an educational coordinator who is in constant communication with the schools to ensure that our kids receive all of the help they need to reach their potential.

In order to show the residents how important education is to their future, we hold an annual Education Auction and banquet. This event is designed to foster a love of learning in our boys that will serve them for a lifetime.

      The theme for this year’s banquet was “The 2009 Academic Awards” patterned after the Academy Awards.  In lieu of this year’s theme, our Executive Director, Mark Grover, designed movie posters featuring each of our residents.  The posters were very creative and incorporated each boy’s individual personality and goals as part of its design.  Each resident received an award for his academic achievement during the school year.

     The Fred Price Educational Auction was held immediately following the banquet. Our kids received 'Ranch Dollars' for their academic achievements (honor roll, attendance, improvement in grades, classroom effort, etc.). With these “dollars” the residents were able to bid on such items as athletic gear, gift cards, snack foods, televisions, DVD players and various other items. Professional auctioneer, Bob Biser, volunteered his time to auction off the prizes.  It was such a fun and exciting evening.

                                  

Summer at the Ranch

     Summer is a busy time at the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch.   The staff works very hard to plan and execute activities on a daily basis.  The boys will be going to Kings Dominion and Six Flags this summer.  For the baseball fans, they will be attending Orioles and Frederick Keys games.   For those who love the great outdoors there will be swimming and fishing.  In addition, there will be movies, skating, bowling, game nights, and trips to the mall.    One day Ms. Jenna and Ms. Ashley helped the boys tie-dye shirts.  The shirts turned out great!  And a few of our boys are attending summer school to give them a jump start on the upcoming school year.   Our goal for the boys is to build lots of memories…good ones!

 

Last modified: 07/10/09                                 Web hosting has been generously donated by IPower, Inc.