PGCPS is still in need of hundreds of teachers, and elementary educators are needed by Aug. 3, says a schools retention adviser.
So far, several interested applicants have been able to attend a series of drive-thru events to submit their paperwork and to meet school personnel. For details, go to pgcps.org/teachwithus.
Compulsory Attendance
Maryland state law allows three exceptions to the attendance requirement regarding kindergarten-eligible students. They are for immaturity; attendance in a licensed child-care center; or attendance in a registered family day-care home.
Parents or guardians who want an exemption to the law for their kindergarten-eligible child must complete a Request for Waiver and submit it to the Office of Pupil Accounting. Questions about this process should be directed to pasb.enrollment@pgcps.org or 301-952-6300.
Vendor Programs
PGCPS announced that two additional vendors, Champions and Sanbridge Early Learning Center, have been selected to provide school-age childcare for selected sites, while the AlphaBEST Education program services will be expanded to additional schools.
Parents should contact the vendor representatives to demonstrate their interest in using those services. More specific instructions regarding enrollment will be distributed once the site capacities are determined by MSDE – Office of Child Care.
Back-to-School Immunizations
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 8/31/2021
Bladensburg High School
4200 57th Ave, Bladensburg, MD 20710
Preschool for 3–Year–Olds
The program, which provides a preschool learning opportunity for non-disabled three-year-oldchildren, helps them and their peers how to learn and play together, build self-esteem, and develop acceptance of others.
All children will have access to a developmentally appropriate curriculum which includes learning centers for activities such as dramatic play, exploration of sand and water, computer learning, math/science, art and writing.
For more information, call 301-925-1985.
Over Two Decades of Service
LaTanya S. Sothern@LaTanyaSothern
Ms. Sothern will complete year 24 and begin 25 continuous years of service as a professional educator in @pgcps. “It’s truly my life’s work and legacy, and I have ZERO regrets about the journey. Looking forward to changing, innovating, and transforming this school year,” Sothernsaid in a recent PGCPS tweet.
Homework Support
The Homework Support Suite is available for students in grades k-12 while learning from home or on the go. Access live tutoring in English and Spanish, practice tests for college entrance, databases, and research tools.
Parents and teachers are especially encouraged to check out PGCPS’ resources that include:
“Brainfuse HelpNow.” The program involves live tutoring in English and Spanish from 1 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. Students will be able to practice long division, improve reading comprehension, and learn other key skills. To participate, students need to submit a writing sample to the Writing Lab and get feedback to help better organize and present thoughts and information.
Another offering entails “PebbleGo,” which helps teach research skills to K-3 students and includes built-in reading and research tools such as leveled text, consistent navigation, fun educational games, and spoken-word audio that models correct pronunciation and fluency.
Library Closings
The Hillcrest Heights Branch Library will be closed beginning Monday, Aug. 30 for construction, and will reopen this fall.
The last day of service is Saturday, Aug. 28. The book drop will be closed during this time. Please contact Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451 with any questions.
Also, the temporary Hyattsville Branch Library is closed in preparation for relocation to the new branch building. Stay tuned for an announcement about the grand opening in the coming months.