Prince George’s County Public Schools began the 2018-19 academic year with new leadership under interim CEO Monica Goldson, and the school family and community are encouraged to support Goldson’s journey and mission to restore pride in the county’s schools.
Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, County Executive Rushern Baker and State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks have joined Goldson in taking an up-close look at PGCPS’ newest investments and programs.
Highlights have included the new Tulip Grove Elementary — a $26 million major renovation and addition featuring geothermal heating, natural light and industry-leading design; a backpack giveaway at Columbia Park Elementary School; a student-led tour of innovative programs at Parkdale High School; and lunch at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School, where Goldson was founding principal.
Other back-to-school highlights boasts $3 million in new smart boards, iPads and other technology, more than $1 million shifted from the central office to the schools and 20 additional schools to incorporate arts integration.
In addition, PGCPS launched a new school bus tracking app that provides families with bus location and estimated time of arrival, as well as a Youth Apprenticeship Program designed to provide high school career academy students real-world experience in carpentry, plumbing and other fields.
‘Back-to-School Night’
“Back-to-School Night” offers an opportunity for parents to see classrooms, meet staff and get to know other parents. Here are a few upcoming gatherings:
Adelphi Elementary
Pre-K through second grade: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17
Grades three through six: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20
Beltsville Academy
Grades six to eight, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 13
Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High
All grades, 6 p.m. to 8: 30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27
Mattaponi Elementary
All grades, 6 p.m.to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20
New Tracking App
PGCPS encourages parents to download the new “Here Comes the Bus” mobile app for bus locations and transportation updates.
“In today’s technology-driven world, we want to provide parents with more information at their fingertips,” Goldson said. “When you’re wondering if your child’s bus made it to school or when the bus will arrive, there’s an app for that.”
The app uses global positioning system (GPS) technology to locate and track buses and offers real-time information on the exact location. Parents can track multiple buses and find out exactly when children arrive at school or home.
Parents can customize settings in the app to receive push notifications alerting them when the bus is near or advising of a delay or schedule change.
For instructions on how to download the app, go to http://ow.ly/ey0r30lDSTg.
Career Fair
PGCPS is looking to hire automotive service attendants, trades helpers and mechanics.
The “Central Garage Job Fair” will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, at Bladensburg High School.
Preregistration is required. For more information, call 301-780-2191.
Bus Driver Fair
A Bus Driver Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15 at Bladensburg High School.
PGCPS bus drivers provide the safe transportation of students and school personnel. Interested candidates must meet the following requirements:
Driving records are mandatory to interview. The records must be dated no earlier than 30 days ago and include the following for residents in each jurisdiction:
• Maryland – Complete history
• D.C.: 10-year history
• Virginia – Seven-year history
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Interested parties must also must meet these requirements:
• High school diploma/GED
• No more than 3 points in 10-year driving history
• Satisfactory past driving record
• At least 21 years old
• At least five years driving experience
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A or B with passenger endorsement or Class B Learners Permit with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements
• Ability to meet special training and qualifications determined by PGCPS