Mrs. Kimberly K. Parker, discusses NOTE TO SELF: GIVE MORE

NOTE TO SELF: GIVE MORE

For nearly 27 years I’ve consistently kept a journal. At times my only confidant in the wee hours of the morning, the empty pages struggle to capture dislodged thoughts. There are neither limits nor boundaries to restrict my scribbling of elation, pity, or “What in the world am I going to cook for dinner tonight?” In the end, room is made for clarity sake; I feel lighter and capable of taking on the day.

I find great solace in journaling in my closet…literally. I just can’t wait to sit on the pillow located behind the door and extend my legs over my shoes and sneakers. Now and again, I’ll begin by revisiting what I’ve written in the past. Page after page reports how I’ve grown or where I’m stagnant. Both my accomplishments and dreams deferred serves as a guide for next steps and inspire me to always seek change from within.

I have noticed a common thread laced throughout my scribbling of late. My note to self is simply to give more. Far be it from me to mislead you into thinking I am rolling in material possessions and that my bank accounts can support such a charge. On the contrary, in the past three years my family has experienced employment terminations, an up-side-down mortgage, college tuition, and the insatiable palates of three growing children. In spite of that, my desire to give more greets me every waking morning.

Giving has been germane to my existence for as long as I can remember. Some think I exercise this principle to a fault. Others ask the question, “Well, what have they done for you lately?” But, I’m not dismayed. There is great satisfaction in blessing others and knowing that small acts of kindness enhances lives. In fact, I’m just paying it forward because both strangers and relatives alike consistently give to me and my family.

Excitedly I anticipate the opportunities to give more in unlimited fashion! Whether it’s doing hair for my girlfriend who has four daughters, teaching children how to write effectively, blogging more for this great parental engagement network, or springing a new recipe on my family, there’s no stopping me. I will take heed to my note to self. I will give more.

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. Leave a comment about this blog below and visit Kimberly’s website at www.writingmomma.com. Once there, sign up to receive her monthly newsletter. In return, Kimberly will give you a collection of her inspirational postcards “Keep It Moving with Kimberly!” while supplies last. Kimberly is a professional writer, author, publisher, and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Overview and 3A Framework; Organizing for Effective Parent Engagement

Boost Student Performance with Literacy Programs Buck Lodge Middle School (BLMS) has the largest Hispanic students in Prince Georges County Public Schools in Maryland. This translates to the highest concentration of second language learners. After reviewing scores on the Maryland State Assessments, the school decided to focus on increasing student’s reading scores. In partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. and the Tellin’ Stories Project of Teaching for Change the school staff reached out to families and involved them in literacy activities, 25 Book Reading Challenge, and school events to help enforce the importance of literacy both at home and school. The results were:

Over 300 students met the 25 Book Challenge
50 students read over 50 books
Overall student reading scores went up by 7.7%
Hispanic student scores increased by 12.1%
LEP scores increased by 19.3%

Special Education student scores went up by 11.2% in 2009 from the previous year

The act of engaging families in this school-wide effort led parents to feel empowered and increased their ability to monitor and support learning at home. This engagement did not only pertain to an increase in reading outcomes, but also an increase in family participation at school events, decision-making, advocacy and volunteerism.

For more information email Susan Shaffer, President of Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. at mailto:sshaffer@maec.org or visit http://www.americaspromise.org/Resources/ParentEngagement/Community-Examples.aspx

Announcements from around Prince George's County, MD and Beyond

Happy Holidays!

In this message you will find announcements about:

· Prince George’s County Planning Department of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) public meeting on December 13, 2011 to discuss the Purple Line Light Rail Transit (TONIGHT @ 6:30 PM)

· 2011 Holiday Basketball Camp - Lake Arbor Community Center – December 27, 2011 – December 30, 2011 (information below & flyer attached)

· Ardmore Elementary School’s Request for Judges for their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Science Fair on January 19, 2012 . Judge attendance confirmation needed by January 6, 2012. (see letter attached for details & contact information)

· Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet ($) on January 15, 2012 with keynote speaker: Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. (flyer with ticket information attached)

· SPEAK! Oratory League 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition on January 16, 2012 (flyer attached)

· The 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast will be held on Monday, January 16, 2012. with keynote speaker: Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown

· Maryland State Department of Education Press Release: MARYLAND PARENT INVOLVEMENT MATTERS AWARD PROGRAM ISSUES CALL FOR 2012 NOMINATIONS. Nominations must be postmarked by January 31, 2012.

· The American Society of Interior Designers Foundation’s (ASID) announcement of 2012 scholarships and awards. All applications are due by March 12, 2012. (Scroll down for further information)

Governor O’Malley Appoints Nakia Ngwala to Maryland Citizens Review Board for Children

Springdale, MD December 13, 2011: Governor Martin O’Malley appointed Nakia T. Ngwala as a member of the Prince George’s County Citizens’ Review Board for Children Number Seven for a term of four years from July 1, 2011.

The Citizen Review Board for Children (CRBC) reviews cases of children in foster care to evaluate what progress has been made towards their permanent placement. Cases are reviewed in pursuant to priorities established by the Prince George's County Department of Social Services and the State Citizens Review Board for Children and contained in a memorandum of agreement. For each child reviewed, a recommendation is sent to the County Department of Social Services and the local juvenile court. With concurrence of the Social Services Administration, the State Board may establish categories of foster children for whom a satisfactory permanent arrangement has been made and who may be exempt from local review. The children’s legislative action committee (CLAC) is the legislative committee under the authority of State Board charged with implementing CRBC’s legislative agenda.

Each local review board has seven members. They are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms in accordance with Code Family Law Article, secs. 5-540 through 5-547.

Nakia T. Ngwala is a public servant and a published columnist who has written subjects on economic development and education. Her articles have been published in The Sentinel, the Gazette, the Bowie-Blade, and the Baltimore Sun newspapers. She is one of the pioneers who pushed for the creation of a Preschool Task Force in Prince George’s County. She is the former President of the Ardmore-Springdale Civic Association (ASCA); Chair of the Bellehaven Action Plan Committee; Member of the United States 2010 Census Complete Count Committee in Prince George’s County; Enterprise Woods Community Liaison for the Art in Public Places, Public Art Project Advisory Committee, Prince George’s County; Committee Member/Community Liaison for the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System Steering Committee. She currently serves as Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Prince George’s County. She lives in Springdale with husband Mayi Ngwala and their two sons.

For more information about CRBC, please visit http://dhr.maryland.gov/crbc.

Schwartz selected as senior vice president by national association

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 -- Schwartz selected as senior vice president by national association

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As community colleges work to develop a national road map to guide their work into a new era of change and work to answer President Obama's call to raise college graduation rates, they will need skilled leadership and support. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has selected Dr. Gail M. Schwartz as senior vice president for academic, innovation and student success to help lead that effort.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111215/DC23114)

"I am thrilled to assume this role during this extraordinarily exciting time for community colleges," said Schwartz. "I look forward to working with President Bumphus, the 21st Century Commission and the association's membership, as we work toward meeting the President's 2020 completion goal."

Schwartz comes to AACC from the U.S. Department of Education, where she has served as senior advisor for community colleges since 2006 within the Office of Vocational and Adult Education. She crafted a vision for the department's community college outreach and led efforts on student access, completion and retention issues.

She also served as director of the Division of Academic and Technical Education at the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult Education. She administered the $1.1 billion Carl D. Perkins Career & Technical Education State Grant Program. She also served as the director of the Discretionary Programs and Innovation Group, as director of the New American High Schools Initiative and director of the Office of Correctional Education.

From 1983-1990, Schwartz served as project director and faculty at George Washington University, where she designed graduate-level teacher training curriculum, taught graduate level courses, coordinated interdisciplinary programs and managed federal grants.

She worked as the training and staff development coordinator for the District of Columbia Department of Human Services Youth Services Administration and as diagnostic team coordinator and instructor. She also worked as vocational development coordinator for Prince George's County Maryland Public Schools.

Schwartz earned a doctorate in education in 1989 and a master of arts degree in special education in 1983 from George Washington University. She earned her bachelor of science degree at Ohio State University.

AACC President and CEO Walter G. Bumphus, who assumed leadership of the association last January, says the addition to his senior leadership team reflects the growing importance and visibility of community colleges. "Community colleges are increasingly regarded as central players in U.S. economic recovery and global competitiveness. Dr. Schwartz understands our colleges and will bring solid experience and dynamic leadership to our work."

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Association of Community Colleges is the leading advocacy organization representing close to 1,200 community, junior and technical colleges nationwide. Community colleges are the largest sector of higher education, enrolling more than 13 million credit and non-credit students each year. To learn more about the AACC, visit www.aacc.nche.edu

SOURCE American Association of Community Colleges

Obama, Family Attend 'Christmas In Washington'

WASHINGTON -- The Obamas celebrated the holiday season with musical stars Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and the Band Perry at the 30th annual "Christmas in Washington" concert Sunday night.

President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson attended the concert to benefit the Children's National Medical Center.

The concert of Christmas carols and songs_ which took place at the National Building Museum_ was hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.

In honor of the "season to celebrate miracles," Obama spoke about the story of Jesus' birth during his brief remarks to the crowd.

He said the story of Jesus Christ has changed the world by teaching basic values such as loving one another, helping and serving the less fortunate, forgiving, drawing closer to family, being grateful and keeping faith.

"Those are values that are shared by all faiths," Obama said. "So tonight let us all rededicate ourselves to each other, and in that spirit, from my family to yours: Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America."

Before the concert, the Obamas greeted patients of the children's medical center dressed as elves and presented them with a basket of children's books. Obama playfully struggled to lift the basket and asked the elves to help him place it under a Christmas tree.

Other entertainers included the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, Washington Youth Choir, American Family Choir, United States Army Band Herald Trumpets, Ian Fraser and the Christmas in Washington Orchestra.

The concert will air Friday on TNT.

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS)

Prince George's County Public Schools recently announced their e-alert enrollment has reached 70,000. We are encouraging all members of the network who have not enrolled in PGCPS' e-alert program to do so quickly. This is a great way to stay informed.

Below, find the information regarding how to enroll.


communications@pgcps.org

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) announced today a record-high enrollment of 69,868 in its new e-Alert system. The enrollment campaign goal was 50,000 by Jan. 1. However, as a result of an aggressive marketing campaign, the school district easily surpassed the goal. The e-Alert system made its official debut in November.

Parents, students, employees and community members can get real-time information by clicking on the PGCPS Alerts button on the school system’s website (www.pgcps.org). Alerts can be sent to a cell phone or an email address.

“Our number one priority is the safety of our students,” said Superintendent of Schools William R. Hite Jr. “This system allows us to communicate emergency information faster and keep the public informed about the latest events taking place in our school district.”
For more information about this topic, visit www.pgcps.org.

The Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award

The Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award Program Issues Call For 2012 Nominations The Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award (PIMA) program is the first of its kind in the nation to shine a spotlight on parents and those with legal responsibility for a child who have had a positive impact on public schools and to encourage all parents to get involved in whatever way they can. The slogan is Choose Your Seat, Get Involved. Shawna Capotosto Named 2011 Statewide Winner Of Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award Video: 2011 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award, May 20, 2011 The 2011 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award celebrates parents from across the state who give their time and effort to better schools. See the winners from each district across Maryland at the gala in Anne Arundel County, and celebrate the statewide honoree, Shawna Capotosto from Frederick County! 2011 Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award Semifinalists

Contact Information Maryland State Department of Education Division of Student, Family, and School Services Program Improvement and Family Support Branch 200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410-767-0286

SPEAK! seeking 2nd-college level orators to honor the legacy of Dr. King at oratory competition

Nonprofit Public Speaking Organization to Host 2012 Student Oratory Competition in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

BOWIE, MD – SPEAK! MD Oratory League, Inc. is challenging area students from VA, MD and DC in grades 2 through college to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by presenting excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches (Grades 2-5) and original oratory based on grade appropriate pre-selected questions (Grades 6 - college). Orators will participate in the second annual Dr. MLK Oratory Competition on Monday, January 16, 2012 at the Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, MD at 1 p.m.

Community/business leaders have volunteered to judge the orator’s presentations. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners at each level – elementary, middle school, high school and college - will earn cash awards sponsored by Paper Tiger of Alexandria, VA, The Links of Prince Georges County, MD, Attorney Vanessa Scott of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan LLP of Washington, DC, and Frontline Security Services of Landover, MD.
We are grateful to have Mrs. Edith Johnson, Vice President of E.M. Johnson and Associates, an architectural firm in Washington, DC serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the SPEAK! 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition – the premier event for young people to honor the legacy of Dr. King.

To learn more about SPEAK! MD Oratory League, Inc., please, call 1-877-773-2530 or visit the SPEAK! website at www.mdoratoryleague.org.

REGISTRATION is open NOW at www.mdoratoryleague.org.
WE challenge the community to be a supportive audience for our young orators. Tickets to this event may also be purchased online. SPEAK!, SPEAK!, SPEAK!

The Importance of Parental Engagement for Student Success