Countdown!

3 days until DEPARTURE! hope you're all getting excited!
Here's a message from Robby May (KIPP coordinator):

Dear Terps,

In just three short days, you will be on the peanut field of KIPP Gaston! My name is Robby May and I will be your intern coordinator while you are on our campus. Since I asked all of you to write a short bio for me, I am sending you a short official bio of myself: J

Robby May is a 2009 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Frostburg State University, in the mountains of Western Maryland. He has a Bachelors degree in Social Science, concentrating in Political Science and 20th Century History, with Secondary Education Certification. Additionally, Mr. May has a Master’s in Education from Drexel University concentrating in School Administration. He is a certified teacher in grades 6-12 Social Studies in the State of North Carolina. He graduated as the University's top student in the Social Science Dept. and received a perfect score on his PRAXIS Social Studies teaching examination.
Prior to coming to GCP, Mr. May student student taught 7th grade geography  11th/12th grade AP US History and AP Psychology, in Western Maryland. Currently, he is in his third year teaching at KIPP Gaston College Preparatory where he teaches 8^th Grade Political Science & Economics. Additionally, he is the Founding Director of KIPP Gaston’s Show Choirs: the AcoustiCats (middle school), KIPP Infusion (high school) and Southern Sensations (Men’s Chorus). The Show Choir program now has over 60 members and has won awards at the Kings Dominion Choral Festival. He is a 2006 graduate of Westmar High School in Lonaconing, MD. He has been a lifetime Boy Scout, and is an Eagle Scout, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a summer Christian camp director, and former student member of the Allegany County Board of Education. He is also actively involved with the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) program.
Mr. May has first hand experience working in the government working as an intern for Governor Robert Ehrlich of Maryland, paging in the Maryland General Assembly, and interning for President Barrack Obama at the White House. 

Enough about me! From reading your biographies, I cannot wait to get to work with their awesome diverse group of young men and women. We cannot wait for your arrival! Over the past several years, University of Maryland Interns have made a huge impact during their short time here each year helping the staff with so many jobs and tasks.
When you arrive on Wednesday, students will guide you on a tour around campus and you will have some time to sit and observe in classrooms. At the end of day, I will lead you in a short orientation to your time at GCP and answer any questions you may have. Throughout your time here, I look forward to leading reflection time with you as well as pulling in some special guests to meet and have Q&A with you.
In preparation, I have prepared a packet for you that tells you a little bit about KIPP and KIPP Gaston. It is attached. I would ask that you please take time to read over it before arriving on Wednesday. No need to print it out, as I will have copies for you on arrival….just read over it J
Additionally, and completely optional, I would highly encourage you to read the book Word Hard. Be Nice about KIPP. I know you can’t read it all before, but it will provide you will a much greater understanding into KIPP….and generally is an AWESOME book. It is available in ereader/Kindle format.
I hope all of you are excited…..you are going to have an AMAZING week and I am positive you will learn a lot. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions prior to your arrival.
See you on the peanut field!

Best,

Robby May   

8th Grade Political Science & Economics

Founding Director of Show Choir and Young Men’s Choir

KIPP Middle School Social Studies Community Leader

KIPP Gaston College Preparatory – Pride High School