Dana Freeman, from Central High School in Capitol Heights, and Lauren Knights, from Parkdale High School in Riverdale Park, are PGCPS’s Scholars of the Week.
Dana, who has a 3.53 grade point average, participates in the International Baccalaureate program. She excels in studies that include chemistry II, geography II, World Literature, and Math 1/Pre-Calculus.
A member of the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Dana also participates in the Student Government Association and Yoga Club.
Dana has been accepted to Lincoln, North Carolina Central and Norfolk State universities with plans to major in political science and minor in African-American Studies.
Lauren has a 4.0 grade point average and has a course loads that includes History of American Foreign Policy, African History, History of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Introduction to International Politics.
As a dual enrollment student at Prince George’s Community College, Lauren has earned more than 28 college credits.
Lauren has worked as an intern for the U.S Court of Appeals and serves as an active lobbyist for the Prince George’s Regional Association of Student Governments.
In her spare time, the National Society of High School Scholars and National Honor Society member, helps organize forums for students and community-oriented police officers.
After college, Lauren plans to work in the United States intelligence community.
New School Calendar
PGCPS will begin the 2017-18 school year Sept. 6, and end on June 13.
In August, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order mandating local education agencies to develop a school calendar that starts after Labor Day and ends no later than June 15.
“Under the governor’s mandate, local boards of education can no longer implement a school calendar that reflects the unique needs of their school districts,” said Segun Eubanks, Board of Education chair. “I
strongly believe a pre-Labor Day school calendar is best for Prince George’s County.”
School CEO Kevin Maxwell added:
“As chief executive officer of the second-largest school district in the state, I am concerned about summer learning loss and our ability to schedule professional development and planning opportunities for teachers. More importantly, I am concerned about the basic needs that many families struggle to meet, such as regular nutritious meals and child care. We do not believe this mandate prioritizes children and families.”
School Bus Drivers Needed
PGCPS hiring officials are looking for school bus drivers.
Hiring takes place Wednesday, May 17 from 1 p.m to 5 p.m., at the Green Valley administrative offices in Temple Hills.
PGCPS bus drivers, who get paid training, provide the safe transportation of students and school personnel. Interested candidates who must be at least 21 years old, have to meet requirements including a high school diploma/GED, no more than 3 points in a 10-year driving history and at least five years driving experience.
Applicants must also be able to obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class A or B with passenger endorsement or Class B Learners Permit with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements. PGCPS offers bus drivers a starting salary of $18.41 per hour, with advancement opportunity up to $35.17 per hour.
Employees receive a comprehensive package of benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans.
Hiring School Nurses
A Registered School Nurse Job Fair will also be held Thursday, May 18 at the Green Valley administrative offices. Prospective applicants will receive an email invitation, which will include the time of interview and a list of necessary documents to be submitted. Preregistration forms can be obtained at www.pgcps.org
PGCPS Summer Programs
PGCPS Summer Programs offer students opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, credit recovery, or original credit.
Program availability will depend on enrollment, so students are urged to apply early.
For more details, contact the Summer Programs Office at 301‐808‐1124.
May 5: Student Transfer Deadline
Parents/guardians who wish to transfer their child from their neighborhood school to another PGCPS school have until Friday, May 5 to submit a transfer request.
Transfer requests may be submitted outside of the transfer season for the following reasons only:
• The student’s family moved to Prince George’s County after the transfer season ended;
• A student has health issues or another documented, compelling reason for changing schools that must be verified by PGCPS, an attending physician or health professional; or
• A family has moved to a new neighborhood and their children want to remain in their current school until the program or school year ends.