News Release: Focus on the Fundamentals: PGCPS to Kick Off New School Year with ‘Blueprint’ for Success

August 29, 2019
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will begin the 2019-20 school year on Sept. 3 with a new Chief Executive Officer and a $53 million investment in student success.

On the first day of school, CEO Dr. Monica Goldson will visit five schools to highlight priorities under The Blueprint for PGCPS, a historic investment in teaching and learning: Suitland and Largo high schools, International High School at Largo, and Montpelier and William Beanes elementary schools. 

The Blueprint invests in schools to expand access to full-day prekindergarten programs, student support services and extended learning time. In addition to enhanced teacher compensation, the funding also supports special education enhancements and a new digital literacy immersion program for students who struggle with reading.

“I am excited about the possibilities this school year brings to improve our students’ experience in every classroom and every school,” said Dr. Goldson, who was appointed by Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks in June to a full term as CEO after serving a year in the interim role. “We are helping students before they walk through our schoolhouse doors by expanding social and emotional supports. The Blueprint for PGCPS is an investment in high-quality education across Prince George’s County Public Schools.”

Dr. Goldson will begin the day at Suitland where she started her career 28 years ago as a high school mathematics teacher. She will then travel to nearby William Beanes to highlight the Blueprint academic investments and community schools initiative. From there, she will visit Montpelier in Laurel, one of 17 schools with expanded prekindergarten programs this year.   

Finally, Dr. Goldson will join faculty and staff at Largo High School and International High School at Largo for lunch. 

New this year:

• Local churches will host Dr. Goldson on Sept. 1 as she requests support from parents and community members for the upcoming year. She will attend Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington (7:30 a.m.) and back-to-school services at Reid Temple AME in Glenn Dale (11:15 a.m.) and First Baptist Church of Glenarden (6:30 p.m.). 
• 22 new principalshave joined Team PGCPS.
• Dr. Goldson has challenged principals to “go back to the classroom” this fall and teach a class to students.
• New social media sites will help students and families stay connected. Dr. Goldson joined Twitter over the summer (@DrMonicaCEO) and PGCPS en Espanol will launch in September.

The first day of school schedule is as follows:

7 a.m.

Suitland High School 
5200 Silver Hill Road, Suitland

Dr. Goldson starts her first year as CEO by returning to the school where she started her career as a mathematics teacher.

8:30 a.m.

William Beanes Elementary School 
5108 Dianna Drive, Suitland

Dr. Goldson will highlight academic investments, such as a new digital literacy immersion program for struggling readers and the community schools initiative, designed to provide students with supports inside and outside the classroom.

10 a.m.

Montpelier Elementary School 
9200 Muirkirk Road, Laurel

Dr. Goldson will showcase the expansion of access to early childhood education, helping to ensure a strong academic foundation for more young learners.

11:30 a.m.

Largo High School International High School at Largo 
505 Largo Road, Largo

Dr. Goldson will recognize the important role of educators throughout the school year and highlight recent compensation improvements to recruit and retain the best employees.

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