The Board of Education presented six resolutions to Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students and staff at its Feb. 13 meeting. The Board votes annually to accept resolutions. The following resolutions were presented:
- Black History Month;
- Career and Technology Education Month;
- Fine and Performing Arts Month;
- Gifted and Talented Education Month;
- Read Across America (Charles County); and
- Women’s History Month.
The school system highlights Black History Month annually in February. The theme for 2018 is African Americans in Times of War. Schools coordinate activities that infuse African-American history into classroom lessons and events. Accepting the resolution at the Board meeting were Corrine Reed, fifth grade, Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School; Tysean Sanders, fifth grade, Mitchell; and Nina Bulls, fifth grade, J.P. Ryon Elementary School. Board Member Margaret Marshall presented the resolution.
The Association for Career and Technology Education designates February as Career and Technology Education Month. CCPS highlights its career and technology education programs Feb. 1-28 to focus on student development of skills, leadership and efficiency consistent with an exemplar work ethic. The month also focuses on the development of a strong work force. Accepting the resolution at the meeting were students enrolled in Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs at North Point High School and the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. They were Keith Gascon, electrical construction instructor, North Point; Nathan Kavlick, North Point senior, electrical construction program; Maya Poindexter, North Point senior, culinary arts program; John Young, HVAC instructor, Stethem; Cody Akers, Stethem senior, HVAC program; Kevin Frank, Stethem senior, HVAC program; and Cameron Harris, Stethem junior, HVAC program. Board Chairman Barbara Palko presented the resolution.
CCPS recognizes Fine and Performing Arts Month in March annually. Fine and performing arts programs provide students with a well-rounded education and are essential in the development of education in music, theater and visual arts. Fine and Performing Arts Month celebrates the impact of fine arts education and programs in student development and achievement. Siobhan O’Brien, chorus teacher at Matthew Henson Middle School, accepted the resolution from Board Member Victoria Kelly.
Gifted and Talented Education Month is celebrated annually in February and highlights programs and opportunities for students who demonstrate outstanding levels of achievement. Gifted and talented students are defined as those who demonstrate outstanding talent and perform, or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to their peers. Mary H. Matula Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Jessica Meador, learning resource teacher Christina Caron and fifth grader Garrett Carson accepted the resolution from Board Member Michael Lukas.
The National Education Association has proclaimed March 2 as Read Across America, an event that focuses on reading. The school system coordinates a local event each year with Read Across America known as Read Across Charles County. Read Across Charles County will be celebrated on Friday, March 2. During Read Across Charles County, schools invite guest readers to read to students and explore literacy activities. Reading proficiency for all students is a priority for CCPS. Ryon students William Burke, third grade, and Tanya Burke, fifth grade, accepted the resolution. Joining the students was Lauren Washington, Ryon reading resource teacher, and Karen Wagner, Reading Recovery teacher, T.C. Martin Elementary School. Board Member Mark Crawford presented the resolution.
The U.S. Congress and Maryland Legislature have designated March as Women’s History Month. This year, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Commission for Women and the Charles County Commission for Women are celebrating the Maryland Women’s History Month with the theme of Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. CCPS acknowledges the significant role women play in history and the workplace, and encourages schools to incorporate women’s history into instructional learning activities throughout the school year. Accepting the resolution at the meeting was Maxine Somerville, president of the Charles County Commission for Women, and O’Brien. Board Member Virginia McGraw presented the resolution.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 26,900 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 prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
