Parent Advisory CommitteeEach school selects a parent representative and alternate to serve on the system-wide Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). This group meets three times during the school year at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building. Parent representatives meet with the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent and other administrators to learn more about the instructional program, budget process, safety and security measures in the schools, and other issues pertinent to the daily operation of the public school system. Topics for meetings are garnered from the suggestions of the parents, as well as addressing issues in the system. Parent representatives share the information with their school's parent group(s). Charles County Association of Student Councils (CCASC)The Charles County Association of Student Councils is an organization consisting of student leaders from the county's five high schools and seven middle schools. These students meet throughout the year to discuss issues and concerns and provide input to school system leaders on programs and policies. CCASC also provides an opportunity for students to improve their leadership skills by presenting leadership workshops for middle school students and coordinating the Senior Citizens' Prom, an annual event co-sponsored by the Greater Waldorf Jaycees and the Charles County Department of Community Services. CCASC members also participate in activities sponsored by the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC). These events include a state conference on legislative issues and a state convention. CCASC officers for the 2008-09 school year are: Kristin Qualters, La Plata High School, president; Bradley Tipper, La Plata, first vice president; Ashlei Logan, Thomas Stone High School, second vice president; Lacey White, La Plata, secretary; and Gaston Lopez, Mattawoman Middle School, middle school liaison. Diane Berringer, a rising senior at McDonough High School, is the student member of the Board of Education of Charles County for the 2008-09 school year. Student Discipline HearingsParents who wish to request a review of the recommendation made by the Superintendent's Hearing Officer at a Suspension to the Superintendent Hearing may do so in writing to James Cornette at Charles County Public Schools, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646. The parent will then be contacted with a date and time for a review conference. Approval to Distribute Information to SchoolsOutside agencies, businesses, and organizations may request approval to distribute information to schools by submitting a request in writing to Patty Dorsey at Charles County Public Schools, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646. Include a copy of the information to be distributed along with the intended audience (i.e., elementary students only, all schools, name (s) of particular school(s). Please submit request one month before desired distribution date to allow ample time for review. Out-of-County/Out-of-State Field TripsThe Office of School Administration and Operations, on behalf of the Deputy Superintendent, must approve all out of county/out of state field trips. All requests are processed through the principal on the appropriate form and sent to Patty Dorsey for final approval. Please allow sufficient time for processing (at least a month). Note: the school system continues the moratorium on all system sponsored international field trips this school year including the summer of 2008. The administration will continue to monitor world events as it affects student travel and will adjust policy accordingly. School Emergency Response PlansThe Superintendent assures parents and students that every school has an emergency response plan ready to implement if the need arises. Each school is equipped with an emergency kit that contains each student's emergency contact information as well as equipment to assist school administrators in the event a serious situation occurs that requires the evacuation of the school. School system officials have immediate and open communication to the sheriff's office and other local authorities. Superintendent Richmond states, "The safety of our students and staff is our first priority." School officials work closely with the Charles County Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Police, county government and other local authorities at all times, and especially now during the current national emphasis on homeland security, to ensure the safety of our schools. The superintendent, deputy superintendent and staff from the office of school administration and operations meet quarterly with Sheriff Davis, the state police and staff to review the collaborative programs that exist through the ongoing partnership between the school system and the sheriff's office and the state police. School System Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing PolicyParents are advised to create an emergency plan for their children in the event weather conditions or other events cause an early dismissal or delayed opening of schools. It is important to discuss plans with your children so they will know what to do if schools close early. We also remind parents that weather conditions can vary from one part of the county to another. Conditions such as icy roads or flooding may cause a delayed opening or early closing although roads appear safe in certain areas. The school system works in conjunction with other local agencies (sheriff's office, county roads, state police, and weather service) in making a determination regarding a change in the school system schedule. We ask parents to monitor radio and television stations for the latest information on school closing decisions in the case of inclement weather. The decision to close early or delay the opening of schools is made as early as possible, and no later than 5:00 a.m. Information is released to all Washington metropolitan area radio and television stations as soon as a decision is made. No announcement is made when schools are open. Parents may also call the 24-hour information line at 301-934-7410 or 301-932-6656 to hear updated information on school closings, delayed openings and early dismissals. Also, please check out the inclement weather section of this website for more information. The schedule for delayed openings is as follows:One-Hour Delay
Two-Hour Delay
Early Closings - decision made by 10:30 a.m.
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