This Week’s Featured Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Network Educational View: The Importance of After School Programs

This week's featured Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Network's Educational View is from Denise M. Joseph, MA. The Importance of After School Programs

BIO:  Denise M. Joseph is an Education, Community and Youth Advocate that believes in helping youth to be powerful beyond measure. She is a K-16 Educator and has served as an 8th Grade English Teacher at a Charter School in DC and a substitute in Prince George’s County and Fairfax County School Systems. Denise is originally from Brooklyn, New York and attended University of Maryland, College Park for undergrad and Towson University for Graduate school. (@Parents4Joseph)

Pr. George’s BOE responds to adding 15 new employees

By Ovetta Wiggins

The Prince George’s County Board of Education released an e-mail statement Wednesday about its decision to hire 15 new employees to work for the school board.

The board voted 7-1 on May 9 to approve the emergency measure. School board member Donna Hathaway Beck (District 9) was opposed, and Carletta Fellows (District 7) was absent.

Hathaway Beck said previously that she didn't think that the measure qualified to be considered as an emergency. She said it didn't allow the public to have input on the spending.

“The Prince George’s County Board of Education voted to realign funds within their FY2014 operating budget to accommodate the addition of 15 new positions. The positions were created in response to HB 1107, Section 4-401, which charges the Board to “(1) raise the level of academic achievement of the students in the Prince George’s County Public School System, and (2) raise the level of engagement of the parents, students, and community as a whole,” the statement reads.

The hiring action, which was approved with no discussion, comes with a $145,000 one-month price tag for the remainder of the current fiscal year and is projected to cost the school system nearly $2 million next year.

The statement also said: “The addition of nine District Liaison positions will significantly improve the Board’s ability to raise the level of community and parental engagement in all Board districts. In addition, five new administrator positions will directly support schools by providing technical assistance and professional development that support efforts to raise student achievement. To accommodate the four new appointed members of the Board, staffing resources were realigned to cover the cost of adding these members, as well as add an additional secretarial position to provide administrative support.”

Audit: Prince George's County schools used stimulus funds for principals' watches, microwave ovens

A federal audit shows that Prince George's County schools misused nearly $167,000 in stimulus money on things like a microwave oven and mini fridge for a school administrator, engraved watches for principals and a legal book on the firing of school employees.

The audit by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of the Inspector General also found that Prince George's schools couldn't produce adequate paperwork to back up an additional $124,000 in stimulus expenses, including electric bills, over payments to vendors, catering end-of-year events and a mother-daughter tea.

The report reviewed how Prince George's and Baltimore City schools spent federal grant money in 2009 and 2010. It also found that Prince George's school teachers and officials were using tablet computers for personal use and had downloaded unauthorized applications, such as the games Angry Birds and Words With Friends, the Bible and instant messaging service Skype.

Those unallowed expenditures include $8,736 for 145 engraved watches and velvet bags to hold them, 100 engraved laser pens that doubled as USB drives and 150 personalized folders that were handed out during a 2011 principals' meeting. Prince George's schools also spent $525 for a trip to a skating rink for students who improved their behavior and $1,083 for a rental car that the school district can't provide a receipt for.

"We are aware of the draft audit report findings, and have responded with our comments," Prince George's County Public Schools spokesman Briant Coleman wrote in an email. "While we do not concur with a number of the findings, we do agree there is room for improvement and we will continue to work with [the U.S. Department of Education] to rectify this matter."

Prince George's County argued in a response to the government that $124,369 of the $166,606 in expenditures that auditors found to be unallowable were actually permitted under the rules of the grants. The county said it did indeed have documentation to back up $95,994 of the $123,889 in inadequately supported or unsupported expenditures.

Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker has pushed for more control over a school system that has lagged behind neighbors in test scores and has had trouble keeping superintendents. The General Assembly earlier this year passed a bill to allow Baker to appoint a superintendent from a list provided by an independent committee, as well as add new members to the school board.

A spokesman for Baker did not respond to a request for comment.

The audit recommends that Prince George's County return the money it wasn't authorized to spend and any money for which it can't provide proper documentation.

Maryland Department of Education spokesman Bill Reinhard said the state is providing more information and working with the federal government to resolve the findings of the audit and wouldn't comment further until that process is complete.

abrownfield@washingtonexaminer.com

Statement from the Board of Education regarding the earlier departure of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley

April 25, 2013

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:

Office of Communications

301-952-6001

communications@pgcps.org

On Thursday, April 25, Prince George's County Public Schools Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley notified the Board of Education of his intent to resign effective June 3, 2013. The Board has accepted Dr. Crawley's resignation. 

Statement from the Board of Education regarding the earlier departure of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley:“

 

We are saddened by Dr. Crawley’s decision to leave early; however, due to the passage of the recent legislation changing the governance structure of our school system, we fully understand. We regretfully accept Dr. Crawley’s resignation and express our gratitude and appreciation for his consistent dedication to student achievement.”

 

Statement from Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley: “It is with mixed emotions that I submit my letter of resignation effective June 3, 2013. I have enjoyed my tenure as Interim Superintendent of Schools and appreciate the support of our Board, staff, parents, students, and members of the community. I am very proud of the accomplishments we have achieved during my tenure.”

Background: Dr. Crawley was hired in August of 2012 under a contract that was set to expire on June 30, 2013. Maryland House Bill 1107, which passed on April 9, 2013, significantly changes the governance structure of PGCPS by giving the County Executive the authority to appoint the Superintendent of Schools as well as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Education.

Mrs. Kimberly K. Parker, discusses THREE WAYS TO DISCOVER YOUR CHILD

On the path of self discovery, I’ve arrived at many conclusions. One is that no two children are alike. While they may be cut from the same parental cloth, they are uniquely designed. It was many years after having my second child that this became truth for me. Sure, there were telltale signs from as early as the second day of his birth, but somehow my desire to duplicate my older son overshadowed the indicators.

The dichotomy between my two sons knocked me off my feet! One is night; the other is day. One is peanut butter; the other is jelly. One goes along with the program; the other is the program. One is ebb; the other is flow. I just could not adjust! The nearly immediate transition of mind, body, and soul…literally...challenged me beyond belief. Throw in an unexpected bout of post-partum depression and you have the making of disaster. “This was not a part of the plan,” I would often think.

I was overwhelmed and often found myself wishing, hoping, praying, and even verbally expressing, “Why can’t you be like your brother?” I’m not proud of that at all. In fact, the mere typing of those words caused my stomach to drop. Sadly, I know I’m not alone. I’ve engaged with enough moms and dads who, too, are guilty of harboring that thought..

For the first six years of his life, we bumped heads. Exhausted, I began to search for answers. It was not long before I discovered the solutions began and ended with me. I had to change my approach, accept his uniqueness, address, his individuality, and ensure he was appreciated. I had to discover who my son truly was and, most importantly, who he was not. Below are three initial ways I accomplished this goal:

• I discovered his learning style: Statistics show that a large majority of children are classified as linguistic learners. That is, they learn best by using syntax (the study of rules), phonology (the study of sound), semantics (the study of meanings), and pragmatics (which deals with logic). My younger son, on the other hand, is without question a bodily-kinesthetic/musical learner. In short, he learns best by moving so I no longer harp on him to sit down.
• I discovered his love language: Dr. Gary Chapman became one of my best friends when I got hold of his book The Five Love Languages. He shares that words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, and physical touch are ways we can help another person feel loved. I discovered that my son’s love languages are receiving gifts and physical touch. No wonder he hugs me a hundred times a day and expects a treat just as often. Genius!
• I discovered his personality type: For many years, I thought there were just two personality types: A and B. Boy was I wrong! I discovered that there are over 16 personality types. Not only is my son a true type A, he is also somewhat of a type ENFP and an ESFP. I was…and still am…totally amazed.

Since I’ve made these discoveries, my relationship with my son has blossomed! Taking the time to learn about him also taught me so much about myself. The greatest lesson I learned was to never compare him with his brother or anyone else, for that matter. He is who he is because God uniquely designed him! I love you, Son!

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). To date, she has written three books and has helped nine children between the ages of nine and nineteen write and publish books of their own. This summer, she is offering “The Ultimate Writing Experience!” For more information visit www.writingmomma.com and click on Writing Programs. Kimberly is a professional writer, author, publisher, and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

What Is School Reform?

According to Project Appleseed, a Parents Advocating Challenging Education (PACE) located in St. Louis, Missouri.

School reform is......

Many schools in the United States are in the process of education reform. Changes in school policy are being considered as economic, social, and technological forces make new demands on what students need to know to be successful. This page explains some of the major aspects of education reform and offers parents guidelines for personal involvement. Parent participation is an important part of successful education reform--a process that will affect both parent and child.

Parents, Educators, and Community Leaders Show Up for Budget Session

Greetings Engaged Parents, Dedicated Educators, and the Informed Community,

As many of you know, yesterday (October 25, 2011) the Superintendent of PGCPS hosted a second public hearing/session on the 2012-2013 school budget. I am happy to report this session saw a dramatic increase in the number of concern citizens, parents, teachers, and community stakeholders in attendance.

I want to commend each of you who took the time out of your schedule to attend the meeting in person or to observe on TV, or via webcast. The superintendent acknowledged this was the largest turnout in his six year tenure for a budget hearing/session.

Throughout the evening speaker after speaker (over 20) passionately talked about educational programs, services, and infrastructural concerns they wanted to see as a priority in this year’s budget process. At one point, citizens in attendance who did not get a chance to speak because they were unable to register due to a technical glitch were extended an opportunity to voice their concerns and priorities for the 2012-2013 budget.

Tonight’s overall theme centered on two major areas, academic enrichment programs such as Music Education and the Arts and Teacher satisfaction. Those speaking in support of music education and arts included parents, teachers and community stakeholders. Anxiety over potential loss of funding for these programs served as a sense of urgency for many. Speakers summarized that the loss of music education and the arts would have an impact across all grade levels.

A number of teachers informed members of the school leadership that the funding for these programs are often earmarked for reductions, but suggested there is inadequate funding currently and as a result it has limited options for students aspiring to engage in music, arts and foreign language. In some instances, students are forced to choose between music and a foreign language, because they cannot have both. Worries mentioned most often by supporters of music education and the arts included but were not limited to: (1) Limitations of options for students in the arts programs; (2) Overcrowding in classrooms; (3) Request to expand the music education program; (4) Replacement of worn or damaged musical instruments; and (5) Return of the Kennedy Center Concert Program.

The presentations by several members of the Prince George’s County Educator’s Association (PGCEA) outlined several concerns for their membership. Most alarming to those present, was the information that teacher morale is at an all-time low according the PGCEA representatives. PGCEA representatives stated the following sentiments from their members: (1) Impossible working conditions; (2) Concerns about job security; (3) Compensation; (4) Increase work demands; and (5) Reductions and lost of stipends.

In closing, the Dr. Hite applauded the turnout, thanked those in attendance and reminded the audience that he has not proposed any formal budget suggestions to the Board of Education at this time. He stated the turnout suggests that parents and members of the community are engaged and that the system would be incorporating additional forms of technology to connect parents to the budgeting process (It appears they are getting the message!)

As a side note there is a Board of Education meeting on October 27, 2011 starting at 7pm. If you can attend, please do so, however, if you are unable to be present, please follow the proceedings on channels 96 Comcast and 38 on Verizon. You can also view the meeting via webcast. Also, please join me as I will be Tweeting my thoughts, views and comments during the meeting.


Regards,

Michael Robinson, Ed.D.

“Student achievement and increase school performance are linked by the support of engaged parents, dedicated educators, and the informed community.”

A Retro Interview with Mr. Ernest Moore: An Engaged Parent

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Parent Talk...Talks with Eileen Collins An Engage Parent and 2010 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award Semifinalist

Parent Talk discusses community engagement with Eileen Collins, President of Laurel PTA and the 2010 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award Semifinalist.

Two things Eileen Collins takes seriously-play and the power of positive thinking. You may wonder how serious can a person can be if they live by those two things” Well, just ask the community of Laurel Elementary School and the city of Laurel. When Eileen took it upon herself to spearhead an effort to replace the outdated playground equipment at the school, she took on a roller coaster ride of challenges and obstacles. But rather than close her eyes and wish the ride was over, she took every turn and dip in stride and at the end- KaBOOM!- To everyone’s delight, the long hours of meetings and grant writing, raising funds, and coordinating volunteers turned into a playground!

Always one to keep the play going and getting others in the game, Eileen went back to the city of Laurel to encourage them to apply as a KaBOOM! Playful City USA. And when the city won the award, she chaired the celebration planning committee. In September 2009, the Celebration of Play Day was attended by over 300 people and included Raven LeRon McCain, outdoor games and, of course, Eileen, who was right in the thick of it, which has resulted in events like the Popcorn Fridays fundraiser to support an after school arts program and the school’s spring musical “We Haz Jazz,” with Eileen at the lead, there’s a never a rainy day where she’s not signing “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.”

When: 12/05/2010

Time: 8:30pm-9:30pm (EST)

Call in number: 1 (914) 803-4591

Website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal

Parent Talk and Joe Murchison of Side By Side Discuss Community Engagement

Parent Talk discusses community engagement with Joe Murchison, Side by Side executive director. In 2004, the Laurel Clergy Association launched an initiative to help Laurel children and families by supporting the area’s Prince George’s County public schools. It paired individual schools and churches with the idea that the churches could furnish the schools with volunteers and other aid. In 2007 that initiative took on a more formal shape as a nonprofit organization, Side by Side, Inc. The group obtained tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) status in 2009

BIO

Joe Murchison was a journalist for almost three decades, the last 17 of them as editor of the Laurel Leader newspaper. After leaving journalism in 2007, he wrote a book and worked for a marketing firm. In 2009 he helped found and became executive director of Side by Side, Inc., a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Prince George's County public schools and their families in the Laurel area. Side by Side hosts a monthly Family Academy for families from seven elementary schools, with parent workshops in English and Spanish, enrichment activities for children and a free meal for the families. It also runs a homework club three afternoons a week at a Laurel apartment complex and has a tutoring program in which adult volunteers work one-on-one with elementary students in need of extra help.

There Is No Letter “I” In The Word Success

I recently had the opportunity to view a re-broadcast of the November 11, 2010 Board of Education meeting. It was interesting to hear the farewell comments from Board members. I was disappointed that none of the current Board members thanked former employees who have lost their jobs or those remaining employees who were furloughed over the past two years for their hard work and dedication. According to a member of the BOE, PGCPS has become a leader in education reform. Such a lofty accomplishment did not come without the sacrifices of former and current employees and their families.

It is because of the work of many of those who are no longer in the system that the reforms have moved forward. The work of those men and women were ignored by members of the Board. I am ashamed that the amazing work of hundreds of people who were forced to leave their jobs due to reasons out of their control were not acknowledged by one single Board member. The failure of the BOE to recognize these individuals may not symbolize a sense of superiority on behalf of the BOE or the current school administration, but supposes a sense of aloofness or worst a disdain for those who do not have a voice.

Whatever successes this administration or BOE champions it did not come without the support and hard work of parents and families. Parents in this system have lost avenues to become engaged. Parents have seen doors closed in their faces. Attempts to silence their voices have reached epic proportions ranging from the lost of Parent Liaisons to the elimination of parental engagement programs and services. However, parents continued to push for an active role in the educational process. Parents and members of the community have respectfully demanded their concerns are addressed. As payment for their support parents only expect a high performing school district with academic rigor and sustainable student achievement through all grade levels.

Finally, parents want a responsive BOE and not one that practices what I call "The Tin Ear Approach". During what I can best describe as an “I” party, the BOE and this current administration failed to acknowledge any role in the successes of Prince George's County Public Schools other than their own.

Please consider joining me and my guest panel on a special Parent Talk, as we examine some of the challenges confronting our school system and how the new BOE will tackle these issues.