PGCPS Newsroom: Engage. Inform. Connect.

Scholar of the Week: DaMarr Savoy, Gwynn Park High School

Meet DaMarr Savoy, a senior in the IT Academy at Gwynn Park High School who is also dual enrolled at Prince George’s Community College and University of Maryland College Park!

Hailing from what he calls an "academically competitive" family, DaMarr is well on his way to the top of the leaderboard! With a 4.25 GPA, he is working toward graduating at the top of his class with future goals to own a tech business.

Additionally, DaMarr is a member of the Air Force Junior ROTC and has earned several accolades including the National Retired Enlisted Association Award, National Sojourners Award and Principal’s Award for exceptional leadership. When he's not studying, DaMarr enjoys helping his family and taking road trips.

PG13 Episode 6: "Living the Dream"

The PG13 film crew takes a unique look at how sports, family, and relationships intersect in this feature piece on Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. Coach Dalawn Parrish.

PG13 Episode 5: "Time to Dance"

In the County's biggest game of the year, the Wise Pumas and Flowers Jaguars square off for regional supremacy. Get an up close look at sports, family, community and brotherhood!

Teachers Share Their "Why"

Teachers at Mary Harris "Mother" Jones Elementary School discuss their "why" including parent engagement, social emotional learning and rising to the occasion of virtual learning! Click the images to view videos.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: "Hispanic Heroes"

For Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proudly recognizing the diverse tapestry of Hispanic heritage and invaluable contributions of Hispanic Heroes (Héroes hispanos) in the PGCPS community! Head over to the PGCPS en español Facebook page to meet our heroes and sheroes.

Tapping Into Tech for Safer Classrooms

As part of our COVID-19 mitigation strategy, we are using new disinfection robots to deep clean schools and office buildings. UV-C technology kills coronavirus, flu, MRSA and more — and because the robots sanitize the room before employees clean, it also helps keep our team safe. When a COVID-19 case is detected, the robots can fully disinfect a standard sized classroom in three minutes.

Learn more about our layered COVID-19 prevention strategies to stop the spread of COVID-19 and minimize disruptions to school.  

PG13 Episode 4: "Emotional Roller Coaster"

Free Math Tutoring for Students in Grades 3-12

PGCPS has partnered with Carnegie Learning to offer free after school and Saturday math tutoring sessions for students in grades 3-12. Tutors are able to identify and close skill gaps and accelerate learning while helping build students' academic confidence!

How to Sign Up:
1) Log into CLEVER
2) Select the Tutoring App
3) Set up your profile
4) BOOK a Session

Watch a Video on how to access the Tutoring Platform!

Elementary Students (Grades 3-5)
Mon- Thur 3-6 p.m. & 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays 

Middle and High School Students (Grades 6-12)
4-7 p.m. Mon- Thur and 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturdays

For Tutoring questions: help@carnegielearning.com or 877.401.2527

PG13 Episode 3: "The Wise Way"

The athletic accomplishments are impressive, but the standards set at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School encompass much more. This week, we learn about both and the culture that has been built.

Technology Device Reminders

Please be reminded of proper handling of PGCPS-issued technology devices. Chromebooks should be used and stored on a flat surface. Please avoid eating or drinking near your computer to prevent damage. Do not use unapproved accessories or place foreign objects into the ports. Avoid placing anything on the keyboard before closing the lid or placing heavy objects on top of the device. For questions or concerns about your device, please contact your school for support.

Seeking Nominees: Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Oversight Panel

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a historic education reform plan to close student achievement gaps, raise teacher salaries and transform our education system over the next decade. To ensure proper implementation, a state panel is being established to guide and approve education reform plans for each jurisdiction across the State.

Prince George's County seeks residents who are passionate about education reform and have a strong understanding of the needs of our school system to serve on the state panel and oversee implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

To be considered, residents should submit a resume and cover letter stating why they want to serve and what they would bring to the panel by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 to intergovernmentalaffairs@co.pg.md.us.

CEO Dr. Monica Goldson Discusses Supporting Undocumented Students

CEO Dr. Monica Goldson discusses PGCPS' critical and ongoing work to support, educate and integrate undocumented students on the "What I Want to Know" podcast with Kevin P. Chavous. Listen

PG13 Episode 2: "Gametime"

High school football series PG13 is back! This week, get an up close look as the excitement of the season and the reality of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic converge. Plus, a current Washington Football Team member returns to support a former coach for a triumphant night in Greenbelt. 

Board of Education Meeting Thursday, Sept. 23

The Prince George's County Board of Education will meet Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. More information

Hispanic Heritage Month: Fiesta del Sur

Attend a fun day with music, entertainment, food trucks, games and activities for the entire family. Entertainers include Ballet Folklore from El Salvador, Singer Beverly Perez, musical bands Bachata VIP and Grupo Miel. Limited to the first 100 people.

PG13 High School Football Series Returns

Our high school football series PG13 returns this week as players prepare for the season after last year's cancellation. This season, tune in Mondays as we take you on and off the field with teams, coaches, players, fans and families. All 13 episodes will be broadcast on PGCPS social media channels, the PGCPS website and PGCPS-TV 96 (Comcast) and 38 (Verizon). 

PGCPS Celebrates Constitution Day!

On Friday, September 17, students across the school system will participate in civics-focused activities for Constitution Day, a systemwide priority dedicated to teaching the ideals of democracy. Each year, Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. 

How to Get Meals for Virtual Learners 

Did you know that free meals will be available to students enrolled in virtual learning! Meal boxes will contain breakfast and lunch for five days and will be available for pick up on Fridays from 3 - 4  p.m. at schools listed below.

Parents and guardians can pick up meals following these guidelines.

1. Select a distribution school of choice
2. Wear masks in accordance with PGCPS policies
3. Present student ID or report card or each student
4. Complete a meal pick- up enrollment form for each student at the first visit.

For the first week of school, a multi-meal bag containing meals for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday may be picked up on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 3 – 4 p.m.

The weekly Friday Meal distribution will start on Friday, Sept. 10

VIEW DISTRIBUTION SITES

Meal pick up days are subject to change due to inclement weather, holidays or school closures. The PGCPS website will have current updates on meal distribution sites.

Watch: First Day of School Video

PGCPS In the News

• Prince George's County Board of Education to resume in-person meetings - WJLA 7, October 14, 2021
• Global prize awarded to Prince George's County teacher - FOX 5, October 14, 2021
• Who Must Quarantine? Prince George's Schools Update COVID-19 Policies - NBC 4, October 1, 2021
• Prince George’s Co. school bus spotted on the streets of Germany - WTOP, September 26, 2021
• PGCPS is disinfecting classrooms with UBTECH Adibot robots - WJLA 7, September 23, 2021
• Deadline for schools to apply for COVID-19 testing funding extended - The Center Square/Maryland, September 23, 2021
• Montgomery, Prince George’ Counties Schools Update Vaccination and COVID Protocols - dcist, September 10, 2021