Largo Principal's Parent Press

The Largo Principal's Parent Press is a bi-weekly communication newsletter that will be used to keep parents in the know about events, happenings, and updates at Largo High School straight from Principal Lewis' desk.

Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.

***Students can enter the building beginning at 7:00 a.m and are expected to be in their first class at 7:30 a.m..***

Please find contact information for each of Largo High School's Administrators:

9th Grade: Christopher Jackson (christo.jackson@pgcps.org)

10th Grade: Tanya Parris-Andrews (tanya.parris@pgcps.org)

11th Grade: Robyn Jones (robyn.jones@pgcps.org)

12th Grade: Dr. Vivian Powers (vivian.powers@pgcps.org)

Immersion Programs: Denise Cabrera (denise.cabrera@pgcps.org)

Please find contact information for each of Largo High School's Professional School Counselors:

9th Grade: Gisele Wilmore (Onboarding)

10th Grade: Valerie Johnson (valerie.alston@pgcps.org)

11th Grade: Tomeco Dates (tomeco.dates@pgcps.org)

12th Grade: Dr. Monet Hawkins (monet.hawkins@pgcps.org)

Please find contact information for each of Largo High School's Talent Ready Coordinator:

All grades: Tomisha King (tomisha.king@pgcps.org)

Please find contact information for each of Largo High School's IEP Facilitator (Special Education Chair):

All grades: Nicole.Bonham@pgcps.org

When reaching out to a PGCPS member via email or phone, they have 48 hours to reply to your inquiry. Please see the information below for where to share your concerns:

Admin Concern: Step 1: Grade level administrator-----Step 2: Principal----- Step 3: Instructional Director

Scheduling Concern: Step 1: Counselor--- Step 2: Grade level administrator--- Step 3: Principal

Special Education Concern: Step 1: Case Manager--- Step 2: IEP Facilitator--- Step 3: Principal

Teacher Concern: Step 1: Teacher-----Step 2: Grade level administrator----- Step 3: Principal

Our goal is to meet your needs to the best of our ability with the resources that are available to us. Please use processes above to give Largo every opportunity to work with you for the best school experience possible.

Largo High School personnel have 48 hours to respond to emails and return phone calls. Please allow that process to complete itself before reminder emails and escalatory measures are enacted. We appreciate your support of this process.

As we prepare for this school year, one of the biggest adjustments that we will navigate through as a community is PGCPS’ transition from SchoolMax to Synergy. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, families will now use ParentVUE, in place of Family Portal, to access important information about their students. ParentVUE is the portal that allows parents and guardians to view information about their student, including classroom assignments and scores, attendance, transcripts, graduation status and more. In ParentVUE, families can also update their phone numbers and emergency contact information and access the Online Registration (OLR) Application. A PGCPS ParentVUE account is needed to complete the required Online Registration (OLR) Application to register your student in PGCPS. This application is completed for students new to PGCPS, transferring within the county, or returning to PGCPS. You may access the ParentVUE link below:

Parent VUE Link

This year, Veterans Day was observed on Monday, November 11th. We hope you took a moment to share the importance of this day with your children, teaching them the value of service and sacrifice.

To all veterans in our Largo community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your service. Your commitment inspires us and reminds us of the strength and unity that define our country.

Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) has released report cards in Synergy as of November 18. Report cards are designed to provide a clear picture of your student’s academic progress, highlighting their strengths and areas for growth. They serve as a valuable tool for families to celebrate achievements and support their child's learning journey. Hard copies of the report cards will be distributed to students on November 26. We encourage families to review the report cards together and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns. Let’s continue working together to support student success!

The grade change window for Quarter 1 has been pushed back. Parents and students will now submit grade change requests between December 2 and December 6. Please connect with your student(s)' grade level administrator for questions about this process.

Students who walk home are encouraged to watch their comportment if they are at or on the campus of Prince George's Community College. Largo students should refrain from being on their campus, unless they are connected to Talent Ready or Dual Enrollment. Misbehavior while on their campus, may be subject to discipline aligned to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Please communicate this expectation to your children, especially, if they are students who walk home.

American Education Week, observed from November 18-22, is a time to celebrate the dedication of educators, the support of families, and the commitment of students to lifelong learning. This week highlights the importance of partnerships between schools and families in building strong educational foundations. Parents are encouraged to participate in various school activities to connect with teachers, understand their child’s learning environment, and celebrate the achievements of our students. Together, we can inspire success and strengthen our community!

Friday, November 15, our Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) conducted a Learning Walk at Largo. This walk was designed to provide parents and community members with a firsthand look at our instructional practices, classroom environments, and the student experience at Largo. We were joined by more than 10 parents, who provided feedback aligned to the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching, specifically, looking at the Classroom Environment, and Instructional Activities. Here is some of the feedback that parents shared based on their experience:

Glows:

• All visited environments were respectful
• Student work was posted
• Teachers took pride in their work
• Teachers exhibiting patience and were assistive
• Teachers using diverse practices to reach learners

Grows:

• Challenges with end to end instruction
• Cell phone usages with students
• Balance between devices and human interaction
• More experiences with peer-reviewed assessment

The feedback is being used to assist our teachers with growth from the parent lens, but also parents are more informed about how to assist Largo with advocating for its needs in the broader community.

This is a reminder that the Largo PTSO will be having its monthly meeting Tuesdaym November 19 at 6:30 p.m. in room 100. PTSO meetings occur on the third Tuesday of each month. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Largo Business Department has been busy! Friday, November 15, Largo students attend of the Women in Business Conference at The University of Maryland College Park. At the conference, Largo students participated in competitions, where Braelyn Johnson and her team won the competition on business strategy.

Additionally, Saturday, November 16, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) participated in the Region 4 Regional Competition at Laurel High School. Largo placed in four areas of competition. Next, FBLA will be preparing for the state FBLA competition, which will be held at the Baltimore Inner Harbor in February. Shoutout to Mr. Shelton, Ms. Childs, and Dr. Clarke for their work in supporting our future business leaders.

The article "The Impact of Holiday Breaks on Youth Behavior, Online Safety and Mental Health" sheds light on some of the dynamics of how students experience changes during the holidays. Specifically, the article shares that "For many students, school serves as a source of comfort, routine, and security. However, during the holidays, several challenges can arise that may include increased anxiety. These challenges often stem from changes in routine and increased isolation."

Know that changes in students' behavior is often connected to a root cause that needs to be addressed in making sure that they feel safe in order to bring about permanent and sustainable change. For more information for how to support your child, feel free to read the article below:

Link to: The Impact of Holiday Breaks on Youth Behavior, Online Safety and Mental Health

As we enter this season of gratitude, we challenge you to take a moment to share something you’re thankful for with your student or a member of our team. Whether it’s a quick story about a time you were helped, or just a simple note of gratitutde, thankfulness goes a long way. Let’s spread positivity and reflection throughout our Lion community.

The first marking period has concluded, and it’s a key time for you to help student(s) solidify their learning, and lean into setting goals to get better. Here are some areas where you may apply attention:

Work with students on:

1. Review Progress and Set Goals: Take time with each student to discuss their grades, attendance, and any areas for improvement. Use this as an opportunity to help them set attainable goals for the second quarter.
2. Reinforce Study Skills: As students prepare for end-of-quarter assessments, emphasize study strategies, time management, and self-advocacy skills to equip them for upcoming challenges.
3. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize both academic and personal growth, whether it’s improved grades, class participation, or positive behavior. Small acknowledgments can motivate students to keep up the momentum into the next quarter.

Please find the link below to our student news program, "Den News." Please find the link to episode seven below:

Episode 7 SY24-25

Please see the following updates from the 9th grade team:

• Assess your student(s)' progress to see if they are on track to earn 5 credits (two must be English and Math).
• Speak with freshmen about decision making. Remind them that is a hard to recover from a bad start.

Please see the following updates from Assistant Principal Parris-Andrews:

• AP Parris-Andrews will be meeting with the 10th grade team to evaluate and determine supports needed for students in need or intervention and setting up conferences with families and students. Be on the lookout for more information.
• 10th Grade will be looking to ramp up its community service efforts. Please connect with AP Parris-Andrews or 10th Grade Counselor Mrs. Johnson for opportunities to get hours.

Please see the following updates from AP Robyn Jones:

SAT- The first week in March- The SAT is an exam used for college entrance and scholarship opportunities.

PRACTICE SAT 1

PRACTICE SAT 2

Service Learning Opportunity: CLASS OF 2026 TURKEY TROT

All students need 24 Service Learning Hours for Graduation. Only 28 students have their full hours (on record). Our goal is 100% of the Class of 2026 will complete their Service Learning Hour requirement by June 2025.

Join the Class of 2026 Remind Group:

Please join REMIND.COM. Send a text message to "@22dcgc" for class text and email updates.

Please see the following updates from our Senior Leadership Team:

• Senior package payments are currently being received. Please speak with Dr. Powers, Ms. Locker, or Mrs. Bonham to make your payments. Packages can also be paid on the MySchoolBucks platform.

Please see updates below from Immersion Dean Denise Cabrera, and dates connected to program events connected our Language Immersion Program:

• November 22: Testing Spanish Immersion - DELE Test

No updates for Talent Ready at this time.

Ms. Shana Gaston, Secretary for Family and Community Engagement, is your direct link to providing you with support. Ms. Gaston can be reached at Shana.Gaston@pgcps.org

Save the Dates:

• November 26: Release of Physical Report Cards for First Quarter
• November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break - PGCPS Schools and Offices Closed
• December 12: Basketball Season Begins
• December 16 -20: Largo Winter Spirit Week
• December 18: Progress Reports Released Online
• December 20: Student 3-Hour Early Release Day
• December 23 - January 3: Winter Break - PGCPS Schools and Offices Closed

Did you miss an edition of the Principal's Press? Don't worry. We've you got covered. Go back and review any of the previous editions of Principal Lewis' letter by clicking the links below:

August 20, 2024

September 6, 2024

September 20, 2024

October 5, 2024

October 27, 2024

Email: Albert.Lewis@pgcps.org
Website: https://schools.pgcps.org/largo/
Location: 505 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 808-8880
Twitter: @Albert_TLewis