Charles Co. Board presents annual CCPS resolutions, honors 2020 award recipients at its Jan. 12 meeting

The Board of Education at its Jan. 12 virtual meeting recognized four annual Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) resolutions. The resolutions highlight Black History Month, Career and Technical Education Month, Gifted and Talented Education Month and National School Counseling Week.

The school system celebrates Black History Month annually in February. The 2021 theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity. Throughout the school year, as well as Black History Month, CCPS works to improve minority achievement in schools with a goal of eliminating achievement gaps. Black History Month activities focus on infusing African American history into classroom lessons and learning activities. Black History Month also highlights CCPS’ commitment to its 10 established minority achievement requirements. At the meeting, Board Member Elizabeth Brown read and presented the resolution.

The Association for Career and Technology Education recognizes February as Career and Technical Education Month. CCPS highlights its career and technical education (CTE) programs annually in February to emphasize the importance of the development of skills and leadership among students. CTE programs teach students skills and provide training for trades and specialized industries, as well as certifications required to enter the workforce. All Charles County public high schools, as well as the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center, have specialized CTE programs for students. CTE programs also provide students with leadership opportunities within their specialized program. Board Member Tajala Battle-Lockhart read and presented the resolution.

Gifted and Talented Education Month is celebrated annually in February, and highlights opportunities for students who demonstrate outstanding levels of achievement. Gifted and talented students are those who demonstrate outstanding talent and perform, or show the potential to perform at remarkably higher levels than their peers. CCPS screens students for gifted education services annually. Board Member Michael Lukas read and presented the resolution.

CCPS recognizes National School Counseling Week annually in February. For 2021, National School Counseling Week is Feb. 1-5. School counselors are recognized annually for the role they have in helping students plan for their future, achieve personal success and work toward academic achievement. School counselors work throughout the school year to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to graduate. The American School Counselor Association sponsors National School Counseling Week annually. Board Member David Hancock read and presented the resolution.

During the virtual employee and student recognition, the Board honored students and staff, including Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School Principal Orlena Whatley. Whatley is the 2020 CCPS Principal of the Year and Washington Post Principal of the Year award finalist.

Additionally, the Board honored three CCPS 2020 Support Staff Award recipients including Carol Jewell, secretary to the principal at North Point High School; Annemarie Murphy, secretary in school administration at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building; and Lisa Willis, kindergarten instructional assistant, Mary B. Neal Elementary School. Four other 2020 Support Staff Award recipients are set to be honored at the Board’s Feb. 9 meeting.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).
 
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