Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Carey M. Wright returned home to Prince George's County with visits to the three public schools she once attended. Accompanied by PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II, State Board of Education President Dr. Joshua Michael, and other state and district leaders, she toured classrooms, engaged with students, and reflected on the school system that helped shape her early years.
Dr. Wright began her day at Carrollton Elementary, reconnecting with the school where her academic journey began. She visited early childhood and primary classrooms, observing instruction and engaging with students and staff.
At Charles Carroll Middle School, guests toured classrooms and the Family Resource Center, and had the opportunity to meet and speak with students. The visit concluded in the school's media center, where Community School Coordinator Frank Anthony Bryant introduced community partners and local businesses that have made a meaningful impact on students and families.
"Today was the perfect example of what happens when preparation meets opportunity," said Bryant. "In just our first year working together, the collaboration between our principal and the Community Schools team has already created powerful momentum.”
At DuVal High School, Air Force JROTC cadets in crisp uniforms formally saluted “The Honorable Dr. Carey M. Wright” and guests, setting the tone for a visit centered on college and career readiness.
Attendees toured Aerospace & Aviation Program classrooms and heard directly from students engaged in a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways - including culinary arts, the Teacher Academy of Maryland, ProStart, AFJROTC, interactive media production, computer information systems, the Networking CISCO Academy, and Project Lead the Way. Students shared how these programs are equipping them with real-world skills, opening doors to internships, scholarships, industry-recognized certifications, and professional connections.
The day concluded at Charles Herbert Flowers High School where community members, educators, and families attended a Maryland State Department of Education forum focused on public engagement and feedback.
Dr. Wright addressed community members, educators, and families, answering questions about the Blueprint for Maryland's Future five-pillar plan for continuous transformation through increasing access to high-quality early childhood education; elevating the teaching profession; providing equitable college and career readiness opportunities; closing achievement gaps for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and those from low-income families through tailored resources; and strengthening governance and accountability. Questions regarding Pre-K, teacher retention, and improving student literacy were also addressed, including exploring the need for an adolescent literacy policy.
The forum offered parents end-of-year and summer tips, encouraging reflection on student progress and planning engaging activities like daily reading. Dr. Wright also announced plans to expand MSDE website resources offering grade-level parent support and engagement ideas.