Category: School Page 1 of 4

The Prince George’s County Health Department is pleased to announce the launch of its highly anticipated back-to-school flu and immunization clinic initiative, which aims to prioritize the health and well-being of students as they prepare to return to the classroom for the upcoming school year.

The Health Department offers comprehensive services, including routine childhood immunizations to protect against childhood diseases, and COVID-19 vaccinations. Also, flu shots will be available for County residents aged six months and older. Services are offered to residents with limited or no health insurance. Additionally, the clinics operate on a sliding fee scale based on income, ensuring every child can access essential vaccines regardless of their financial situation.

The Health Department remains steadfast in ensuring every child can access the necessary vaccines for a successful school year. This year, the Health Department is offering extended weekend and evening hours for the back-to-school clinics.

Health Department Immunization Back-to-School Clinic Schedule:

1. The Cheverly Health Center (3003 Hospital Drive, Cheverly, MD 20785) offers back-to-school immunizations:

• Mondays – Fridays
  9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Extended Evening Hours:
  Tuesday, September 5 – Friday, September 8
  Tuesday, September 12 – Friday, September 15
  4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Extended Weekend Hours:
  Saturday, September 9
  Saturday, September 16
  9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

2. The Maternal and Child Health Center at Laurel (14207 Park Center Drive, Suite 102, Laurel, MD 20707) offers back-to-school immunizations:

• Mondays – Fridays
  10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Health Department 2023-2024 Flu Clinic Schedule:

1. Wednesday, October 4, 2023
   St. Vincent Pallotti High School
   113 St Mary’s Place
   Laurel, MD 20707
   9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
2. Thursday, October 5, 2023
   Greenbelt Community Center
   15 Crescent Road
   Greenbelt, MD 20770
   10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3. Thursday, October 12, 2023
   Springhill Lake Recreation Center
   6101 Cherrywood Lane
   Greenbelt, MD 20770
   1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
4. Cheverly Health Department
   3003 Hospital Drive
   Cheverly, MD 20785
   Mondays – Fridays
   9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Health Department’s back-to-school immunization clinics are by appointment only. To make an appointment, please visit the immunization clinic scheduling portal. Parents or legal guardians must bring a copy of all your child’s immunization (shots) records. For additional information, visit the Health Department website here:  health.mypgc.us/Immunizations

Our local elementary school children often cross busy and unsafe intersections as they go to school. These intersections don’t have crossing guards to help them crossing these intersections. If you know anyone looking to take part-time crossing guard jobs, please let them know. Details are in the flyer.

At last Tuesday’s meeting, the Council approved a letter to the Prince George’s County Executive and the Chief Executive Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools requesting Crossing Guards for Hollywood Elementary School. The Prince George’s Police Department manages the crossing guard program, and in the past, City staff reached out to PGPD multiple times on this matter but without any effect. We hope this letter to the County Executive and the PGCPS CEO, Dr. Goldson, will make a difference.

Hollywood Elementary School

Yesterday, the PG County school system announced to take all classes to virtual until January 14.

The statement reads “In light of the stark rise in COVID-19 cases throughout our school system, all students will transition to virtual learning, effective Monday, December 20 through Thursday, December 23. Winter Break will proceed as scheduled, Friday, December 24 through Friday, December 31, and virtual learning will continue Monday, January 3 through Friday, January 14. In-person learning will resume Tuesday, January 18, following the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday; students in the K-6 Virtual Learning Program will return Monday, January 31.

Over the past few days, I have remained in daily contact with the Prince George’s County Health Department regarding appropriate steps for maintaining safe environments across more than 200 school communities. Educators, administrators and support staff must be able to deliver in-person instruction and other activities in conditions that prioritize their own health, as well as the wellbeing of the school community. The increased positivity rates have significantly challenged the ability to do so, causing anxiety among many school communities and disruption to the school day.”

Earlier, the PGCPS closed 3 schools, until January due to COVID infections

At tomorrow’s Council meeting, the Council will consider approving a letter with its concerns about school bus transportation.

There have been many reports of buses not picking up students or being chronically late to bring or return students from the school. This critical situation is a public safety issue, prevents students from learning, and is a disruption to all students in the school.

Recently a group of parents sent a petition from over 350 County residents who are concerned about the current situation. Currently, the school board has brought together a task force that is looking at the issue both in the short and long term.

The letter asks (1) to evaluate and ensure proper use of the app called “Here Comes the Bus (2) to ensure all bus drivers understand their rout (3) to coordinate with school, administration to ensure attendance policies do not wrongfully punish students whose day is disrupted by a late bus (4) to ensure that all students whose bus is late still have the option to eat breakfast

Earlier this week, Dr. Monica Goldson was selected to be the permanent CEO for Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Goldson was assigned to the post as an interim CEO after the controversial severance package for departing CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell was voted on by the board July 12, last year.

She has served as Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning since 2016. In this role, she led school support initiatives in the areas of curriculum and instruction, special education, testing, college and career readiness and student services, according to the school board. Prior to Deputy Superintendent, she served as Chief Operating Officer.

Goldson will oversee preparations for the 2018-19 school year and join forces with the Board of Education on the school system’s five focus areas: academic excellence, high-performing workforce, safe and supportive environments, family and community engagement and organizational effectiveness.

Prince George’s County Public Schools are nationally recognized for innovative programs and initiatives that provide students with unique learning opportunities, including arts integration, environmental and financial literacy and language immersion.

Not only a product of the county schools, Goldson has spent her entire 27-year career in Prince George’s County Public Schools, steadily climbing the ranks from the classroom to district leadership. Goldson began her career at Suitland High School as a mathematics teacher. She served as assistant principal for Forestville and Frederick Douglass high schools and principal of Frederick Douglass and Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High schools.