Superintendent's Update

Dear CCPS Families,

As we embark on the spring season, here are some important updates from our district.

Spring Athletic Competitions:

I am pleased to announce that our spring athletic competitions have begun. Our student-athletes have been working hard to represent our schools with pride and sportsmanship. Please join me in supporting them as they compete and strive for excellence.

Spring Break:

As we approach next week, I want to remind you that spring break is coming. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together and recharge. Whether traveling or enjoying activities closer to home, I encourage you to make the most of this time with your loved ones.

YES Youth Prevention Rally:

I am thrilled to report that the YES Youth Prevention Rally, held earlier this week, was a resounding success. Our students showed incredible enthusiasm and dedication to promoting positive choices and healthy lifestyles. I commend them for their commitment to making a difference in our community.

BEPAC's Principal for a Day:

Additionally, I am pleased to share that BEPAC's Principal for a Day event, which took place this week, was a tremendous success. This program provides valuable insights into the daily operations of our schools and fosters meaningful connections between our administrators, community leaders, and students. We look forward to continuing this initiative at the beginning of next week.

As always, I am grateful for your ongoing support and partnership in our shared mission to provide the best possible educational experience for all our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable spring break.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Lawson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

On March 19 and 20, CCPS hosted several educational leaders from school districts across Maryland to highlight our outstanding work in our English Language Arts program. CCPS has been named a Literacy Lab for Maryland due to our student performance on state assessments. Our visitors traveled to several schools to observe instruction and our program. Additionally, our Coordinators of English Language Arts, Rhonda Asplen and Sherry Eichinger-Wilson, facilitated an orientation for the visitors to help them understand the components of our literacy programs. Finally, several teachers participated in a panel discussion to respond to questions from our visitors. We are proud of our ELA program and our student performance.

The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends people with respiratory virus symptoms that are not better explained by another cause (allergies, common cold) stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both resolution of fever AND overall symptoms are getting better. This recommendation addresses the period of greatest infectiousness and highest viral load for most people, which is typically in the first few days of illness and when symptoms, including fever, are worst. This is similar to longstanding recommendations for other respiratory illnesses, including influenza.

*Note - CCPS will be treating Covid just like Flu or any other illness. Staff and students may return to work after 24 hours fever free and with symptoms improving.

Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services during the week of February 12, 2024. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by May 24, 2024. The survey may also be completed online. Please look for details in your survey packet. Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in your local school system. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other children across the state of Maryland. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.

Ticketing website -

https://rshsmd.booktix.net/view/18/3c51628e584ca728/

The Office of Multilingual Education will host Daniel Cortes ESQ through Zoom on April 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Cortes is an assistant professor of law at Villanova University. He will provide information on accessing post-secondary education in Spanish. Topics will include financial aid, in-state tuition, and applying for grants.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is May 9, 2024. This year, we are asking staff to raise awareness of the importance of children’s mental health by wearing green or the CCPS green ribbon shirt on May 9th. The CCPS green ribbon shirt can be purchased through SchoolCashOnline, and all orders must be submitted by March 24, 2024. Shirts will be delivered directly to your school location before May 9th. Please contact Kristen Lehr (kblehr@ccps.org) or Jessica Janusz-Grimes (jrjanusz-grimes@ccps.org) with any questions.

Email: pio@ccps.org
Website: www.ccps.org
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