A sick-out by 21 of Charles County’s 276 school bus drivers caused little disruption today as bus contractors filled positions with substitute drivers and combined routes. The longest delay for students was approximately 30 minutes, according to Mike Heim, transportation director for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). “The vast majority of bus drivers in Charles County came to work this afternoon and fulfilled their commitment to our students. Bus drivers care about our students and work hard to build positive relationships with them. Many bus drivers refer to students as ‘my kids,’ and I appreciate that they didn’t let them Read more…
The holiday season often resonates the spirit of giving and doing for others among Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students and staff. Students are eager to lend a hand and take pride in supporting efforts and programs that help those in their school communities. From collecting donations for food pantries or family gift baskets to caroling at veterans’ homes and senior citizen nursing facilities, CCPS students and staff spent this holiday season focused on being the difference for others. At the elementary school level, students collected warm items for their peers such as coats, hats and scarves and even donated Read more…
The Board of Education is holding an executive session at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building as permitted by the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Sections 3-305 and 3-103 of the General Provisions Article to discuss personnel matters, specifically the Superintendent’s mid-year evaluation. The session is closed to the public. Charles County Public Schools provides 26,300 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and Read more…
All Charles County public schools will be closed for winter break from Wednesday, Dec. 23 through Friday, Jan. 1. Schools reopen for students on Monday, Jan. 4. Administrative offices are closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during winter break. The following is the indoor pool schedule for Henry E. Lackey and North Point high schools and the Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center at St. Charles High School: Wednesday, Dec. 23, open from 1 to 8 p.m.; Closed Dec. 24 and Read more…
The Board of Education honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees during the Dec. 8 meeting for being the difference in the lives of children and their commitment to the school system. Honored were Luanne Cochran, Rebecca Irwin, Pauline Johnson, Dan Meltsner and Ashley Valenzuela. Cochran is an instructional resource teacher at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School and was selected for recognition by Barnhart Principal Troy Barnes for ensuring all students are successful and supported in learning. Cochran has been teaching for 37 years and provides individual and group instruction for struggling students. She coordinates necessary interventions to ensure Read more…
The Board of Education honored five students on Tuesday, Dec. 8 for excellence in academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility. Honored were Tyrone Hudson, fifth grade, C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School; Aliyona Naves, fifth grade, Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School; Raelynn Hood, fifth grade, T.C. Martin Elementary School; Tremaine Barrow, eighth grade, John Hanson Middle School; and Courtney Alvey, senior, Henry E. Lackey High School. Hudson was honored by the Board in the area of personal responsibility and was chosen for recognition for demonstrating an outstanding work ethic in the classroom and with extracurricular activities. He has attended Barnhart Read more…
Since the 1990s, Christine Mais has been a staple in the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) office of school administration. She is a go-to resource for several school system staff and administrators because she is well known for giving more than 100 percent to any task. If she isn’t at her desk, she is at a school volunteering with students or in the community, helping with one of the many organizations she supports. Her commitment to the school system, children and the Charles County community are evident in all that she does. For this commitment, Mais was recently named the Read more…
Three Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) high school seniors were recently selected to serve as student pages in the 2016 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Page program. The program gives students the opportunity to work with the General Assembly for two weeks during the 2016 legislative session. The students who will serve as student pages are Shelby Lawanson, Westlake High School; Justin Ryan, La Plata High School; and Dennis Whitley IV of North Point High School. Franklin Olmsted of Maurice J. McDonough High School was selected as the Student Page Alternate. The opportunity to serve in the legislative page program is Read more…
The Charles County Public Schools Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (JROTC) program provides student cadets with learning opportunities that are deeply rooted in military traditions. These traditions range from participating in the Color Guard and drill meets to serving as leaders in their school communities. For the 175 senior cadets enrolled in the program at Charles County’s seven high schools, the Colonel Donald M. Wade Joint Services Military Ball is a tradition held annually to honor and celebrate their participation in JROTC. This year’s ball was held Dec. 4 at North Point High School, and is the ninth annual event Read more…
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released local school system and school-level data today for PARCC, Maryland’s new middle and elementary school assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy and mathematics. More than 30 percent of Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) elementary students in grades 3-5 of the PARCC English Language Arts/Literacy assessment last spring scored at a level of 4 and 5 combined. Levels 4 and 5 are the highest levels on the PARCC five-point scale. Additionally, more than 30 percent of Charles County’s middle students reached Level 4 and 5 combined in English Language Arts/Literacy. More than 30 percent Read more…