Student Voices Help Shape Future Planning at PGCPS

PGRASG photo courtesy of Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC student Mikal Witherspoon

Three student leaders from the Prince George’s County Regional Association of Student Governments (PGRASG) recently joined a focus group hosted by the Strategic Planning and Resource Management Office to reflect on the 2024 Climate Survey findings and share their experiences in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS).

Representing schools across the district, Tony F. of Bladensburg High School, Marley H. of College Park Academy, and Micah T. of Oxon Hill High School spoke candidly about the strengths and challenges they see in their learning environments.

One focus group question asked: “Does your school environment respect differences among students, such as cultural and physical differences?” Tony from Bladensburg responded:

“I think our school does an amazing job including people. There are so many clubs — I couldn’t even name them all. Everybody loves clubs. I’m in debate club, and we also have Bible studies. We have a large number of Muslim students who have a space in the library to pray during the day and can leave class with permission to do so.”

Students praised several aspects of their schools, including:

• Clean Facilities: Marley noted that cleanliness was a point of pride at her school. Students credited custodial staff for maintaining high standards.
  
  
• Supportive Teachers: Educators who are approachable, offer additional help, and make lessons engaging stood out as key strengths.
  
  
• Inclusive Culture: Student-led organizations such as the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Asian American and Pacific Islander club, and African Student Association, along with cultural celebrations, help foster a sense of belonging.
  
  

Still, students were forthright about areas that need improvement:

• Safety Protocols: While appreciative of security efforts, students voiced concern about inconsistent checks, peer behavior affecting safety, and the emotional toll of lockdowns and threats.
  
  
• Transportation: Limited bus routes and delays continue to disrupt routines and access to school activities.
  
  
• Facilities Maintenance: Mold, leaky roofs, and inadequate restroom supplies were common complaints.
  
  
• Extracurricular Barriers: High costs, lack of transportation, and limited facilities make participation in some clubs and activities difficult.
  
  
• Staffing Shortages: Gaps in teaching staff — especially in core subjects — are impacting student learning.
  
  

“We value the voices and experiences of our students, as they help inform our direction and strategic planning,” said Tiffanie Horsley, Strategic Transformation Partner. “Each student contributes their unique brilliance to the success of our district.”

To learn more about the progress PGCPS is making in these areas and others, visit the Strategic Planning website and view the latest summary reports.

Note: This blog is based on an AI-generated summary of the focus group discussion and may not reflect the views of all PGCPS students.