County Executive Community Connections Newsletter: Special Edition

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Camp Springs Civic Association

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Community Survey Now Open for New Police Chief Search

Dear Prince Georgians:

As we begin our national search for a new Chief of Police, we want to hear from you regarding what you would like to see in our next Chief. Last week we announced that we would send out a community survey to gather feedback, and that survey is now available. You can access it online here (en español aquí).

This short survey is one of a few ways we will be reaching out in the coming weeks to give you an opportunity to provide your thoughts and feedback. We are all in this together and I hope that you will take a few minutes to complete this survey. All results must be submitted by Monday, August 17.

In addition, I want to address the recent decision by Dr. Goldson to implement a distance learning model this fall for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). If you missed Dr. Goldson’s announcement yesterday, you can find the most current information and updates on the PGCPS reopening page.

I know that this was a difficult, but thoughtful and collaborative process that led Dr. Goldson to make the determination that our Prince George’s County Public School students would begin the 2020-2021 school year in a distance learning posture. I am very concerned about the achievement gap, which has the opportunity to widen when our students are not in the classroom. I am also acutely aware that not every child has a parent, guardian or caregiver at home who has the resources and time to assist their student as they distance learn.

While we have those concerns, we are also concerned for the safety and well-being of our students, their parents and grandparents, our teachers, staff and administrators. We know that, while as a community we have done a tremendous job of slowing the spread of this virus and flattening the curve, COVID-19 is still very much with us. It is absolutely critical that we take the necessary steps to preserve life, and while I very much want for our students to have the opportunity to learn in the classroom this fall, the repercussions of placing our students, families and teachers at risk could have far reaching consequences.

Due to our concern about the potential widening of the achievement gap, my office has supported several summer enrichment programs that are providing young people opportunities to stay engaged over the summer. We allocated funding to support the PGCPS/Higher Achievement Virtual Summer Program for rising 8th grade students at the following schools: Martin Luther King Middle, Benjamin Stoddert Middle, Isaac Gourdine Middle, and Walker Mill Middle.

This four-week academic enrichment program started on July 13. Students will participate in two virtual sessions per week – one 75-minute session in math, one 75-minute session in English language arts – with live instruction from a trained Higher Achievement staff member. Participating students receive an interactive experience that includes: online games, academic skill building, academic content linked to current events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, individualized small group instruction, and an opportunity to engage with peers from their school in a supportive environment.

In addition, we partnered with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) to provide free online tutoring in the areas of language arts, math, ACT/SAT prep, as well as other resources to assist students over the summer break and as schools resume distance learning in the fall. The resources can be located on the PGCMLS website here, under the Activities and Educational Resources tab.

We also announced that our 2020 Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP), initially cancelled due to the pandemic, is now providing a number of paid virtual learning opportunities and limited in-person employment opportunities for young people ages 14-22. Applicants who applied earlier this year were given potential offers in a variety of programs. More information about the structure of this summer’s program can be found on the SYEP website.

Finally, I want to remind you about tomorrow’s distribution locations for our Stand Up & Deliver program. Through our partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and the Prince George’s County Council, we will distribute groceries to go on Friday, July 17 at 12:30 PM at five locations across the County: Creative Suitland in Suitland, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Capitol Heights, Turner A.M.E. Church in Hyattsville, and Walker Mill Baptist Church in Capitol Heights. Additional food distribution locations can be found on our website by clicking here.

Thank you, Prince Georgians, for your continued engagement. We will continue to provide you the latest updates, information and resources as we navigate these unprecedented times together.

Yours in service,

Angela Alsobrooks

Prince George’s County Executive

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Nearly 11,000 Prince Georgians Gain Health Coverage During COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Camp Springs Civic Association

Prince George's County: Subscribe MyPGC

 

NEARLY 58,000 MARYLANDERS GAIN HEALTH COVERAGE 

DURING TWO SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS  

 A total of nearly 58,000 Marylanders enrolled in health coverage during Maryland Health Connection’s two special enrollment periods that began in February and March and ended Wednesday, July 15.

The Maryland Health Insurance Easy Enrollment program launched Feb. 26 as the first of its kind in the nation. The Comptroller of Maryland asked state tax filers to check a box on their state tax return if they lacked health insurance and desired that information to be shared with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. Several states are in the process of looking at creating similar programs.

Since February:

  • More than 41,000 filers checked the box
  • More than 3,700 enrolled as of July 13

Final numbers are pending, because tax filers had until the July 15 tax filing deadline to check the box on their state tax form, and will have several weeks to enroll.

On March 16, the marketplace also opened a special enrollment period in response to the coronavirus pandemic. With support from Gov. Larry Hogan and participating insurance providers, Maryland held one of the longest special enrollment periods in the nation.

“Maryland Health Connection was quickly able to respond to this global crisis and help our Maryland families get the health coverage they need,” says Michele Eberle, executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

Since March 16 when the coronavirus special enrollment period began, 54,028 enrolled. Of those:

  • 35 percent purchased private plans
  • 65 percent enrolled in Medicaid
  • 90 percent of enrollees received free or reduced cost coverage
  • Prince George’s County had the highest enrollment with 10,897; Montgomery County had nearly as many, with 10,594
  • Ages 18-34 made up 35 percent of enrollments
  • Nearly a third were self-reported Black/African American, the largest group of enrollees

Marylanders who have lost health coverage due to job loss or have experienced other major life changes may still be eligible to enroll through Maryland Health Connection within 60 days of the loss of coverage.  Those who qualify for Medicaid may enroll any time of year.

To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov or download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. For free consumer assistance, call 855-642-8572 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Help is available in more than 200 languages through the call center, as well as Relay service for the deaf and hard of hearing. Trained navigators and brokers statewide offer free help enrolling by phone.

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Maryland Health Benefit Exchange: (MHBE) is a public corporation and independent unit of the state government. It was established in 2011 in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) and is responsible for the administration of Maryland Health Connection.

Maryland Health Connection: One of every six Marylanders receive their health coverage through Maryland Health Connection (MHC), the state-based health insurance marketplace. Residents can compare and enroll in health insurance as well as determine eligibility for Medicaid or financial help with private plans.

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PGCPS to Open with Distance Learning this Fall

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Camp Springs Civic Association

PGCPS Announcements - Anuncios

Dear Prince George’s County Public Schools Community,

When I was chosen to lead Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), I committed to putting our children first. Now, especially during these times, my focus on these core values remains the same. As we continue to live amid a global pandemic, our best approach to keeping our community safe is to continue with full distance learning for the first two quarters of the 2020-21 school year.

We did not reach this decision without consulting a range of parents, teachers, administrators and the PGCPS Reopening Task Force. Coupled with a recent parent, teacher and administrator survey that showed a strong preference for the distance learning model, we are confident this is the best approach for the PGCPS community.

As we work to enhance our distance learning model, we will provide more live instruction in addition to pre-recorded lessons. All students will be equipped with their own digital device to support our district-wide goal. We are also improving instructional supports for students, both individually and in small groups, in core subject areas and increasing access to social and emotional learning opportunities. Families will have more resources through Parent Support Centers to assist with technology support and other aspects of distance learning. All schools will serve as student meal sites and offer twice-weekly pickups. Additionally, PGCPS will continue to invest in helping to close the digital divide by providing devices and internet connectivity.

Next week, PGCPS will release a report outlining how the school system will support all students, in particular English language learners, those with special needs and youth from families with low-income, during the distance learning phase. A special Board of Education meeting will be held in late July to review the plan.

I understand that there is no perfect solution. Our next steps will be guided by our goal of protecting and enriching the entire PGCPS community. Please visit the Reopen PGCPS website for the latest information.

While this is not the school year we could have imagined, I am still looking forward to upholding a learning and working environment where students, employees and families can thrive. We will get through this together and come out of this stronger. I thank you for your collaboration and for your commitment.

Sincerely,

Dr. Monica Goldson
Chief Executive Officer

PGCPS iniciará con aprendizaje a distancia en el otoño

Estimada comunidad de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George:

Cuando fui elegida para liderar a las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George (PGCPS), me comprometí a poner a nuestros niños en primer lugar. Ahora, especialmente en estos momentos, mi énfasis en estos valores fundamentales sigue siendo el mismo. Mientras continuamos viviendo en medio de una pandemia global, nuestra mejor estrategia para mantener segura a nuestra comunidad es la de continuar con el aprendizaje a distancia durante los dos primeros trimestres del año escolar 2020-2021.

Esta decisión no la tomamos sin antes consultar a diversos padres, maestros y administradores, así como al Grupo de Trabajo para la Reapertura de PGCPS. Junto con una reciente encuesta realizada a los padres, los maestros y los administradores, se demostró una gran preferencia por la continuación del modelo de aprendizaje a distancia, estamos seguros de que este es el mejor planteamiento para la comunidad de PGCPS.

Mientras trabajamos para mejorar nuestro modelo de aprendizaje a distancia, ofreceremos más instrucción en vivo, además de las lecciones pregrabadas. A todos los estudiantes se les dará un dispositivo digital para respaldar nuestra meta a nivel de todo el distrito. Asimismo, estamos mejorando nuestros recursos de instrucción para los estudiantes en las asignaturas básicas, tanto de forma individual como en grupos pequeños, y estamos incrementando el acceso a oportunidades de aprendizaje social y emocional.

Las familias contarán con más recursos mediante los centros de apoyo para los padres para darles apoyo tecnológico y otros aspectos del aprendizaje a distancia. Todas las escuelas ofrecerán comidas para los estudiantes y estas se podrán recoger dos veces a la semana. Adicionalmente, PGCPS continuará invirtiendo en ayudar a cerrar la brecha digital, proporcionando dispositivos y conectividad a internet.

La próxima semana, PGCPS emitirá un informe describiendo cómo apoyará el sistema escolar a todos los estudiantes, en particular a los aprendices de inglés, aquellos con necesidades especiales y a los jóvenes de familias de bajos recursos durante la fase de aprendizaje a distancia. A finales de julio se llevará a cabo una reunión especial de la Junta de Educación para revisar el plan.

Comprendo que no hay una solución perfecta. Nuestros próximos pasos estarán guiados por nuestra meta de proteger y enriquecer a toda la comunidad de PGCPS. Por favor, visite la página de internet de reapertura de PGCPS para obtener la información más actualizada.

Aunque este no es el año escolar que imaginábamos, aún espero con ansias tener un entorno de aprendizaje donde los estudiantes, maestros y familias puedan prosperar. Superaremos esto juntos y saldremos adelante más fuertes. Gracias por su colaboración y su compromiso.

Atentamente,

Dra. Monica Goldson
Directora ejecutiva

PGCPS s’ouvrira avec un modèle d’enseignement à distance cet automne

Chère communauté des Écoles publiques du comté de Prince George,

Lorsque j’ai été choisie pour diriger les Écoles publiques du comté de Prince George (PGCPS), je me suis engagée à faire passer nos enfants en premier. Aujourd’hui, surtout en ces temps difficiles, ma priorité pour ces valeurs fondamentales reste la même. Alors que nous continuons à vivre au milieu d’une pandémie mondiale, notre meilleure approche pour assurer la sécurité de notre communauté est de poursuivre l’enseignement à distance pendant les deux premiers trimestres de l’année scolaire 2020-21.

Nous n’avons pas pris cette décision sans avoir consulté une série de parents, d’enseignants, d’administrateurs et le Groupe de travail sur la réouverture de PGCPS. Compte tenu d’une récente enquête auprès des parents, des enseignants et des administrateurs qui a montré une forte préférence pour le modèle d’enseignement à distance, nous sommes convaincus qu’il s’agit de la meilleure approche pour la communauté de PGCPS.

Alors que nous travaillons à l’amélioration de notre modèle d’enseignement à distance, nous fournirons davantage d’enseignement en direct en plus des leçons préenregistrées. Tous les élèves seront équipés de leur propre appareil numérique pour soutenir notre objectif à l’échelle du district. Nous améliorons également le soutien pédagogique aux élèves, individuellement et en petits groupes, dans les matières principales et augmentons l’accès aux possibilités d’apprentissage social et émotionnel. Les familles disposeront de plus de ressources par l’intermédiaire des centres de soutien aux parents pour les aider en matière de soutien technologique et d’autres aspects de l’enseignement à distance. Toutes les écoles offriront des lieux de repas aux élèves et proposeront des récupérations deux fois par semaine. En outre, PGCPS continuera d’investir pour contribuer à réduire la fracture numérique en fournissant des appareils et une connectivité Internet.

La semaine prochaine, PGCPS publiera un rapport décrivant comment le système scolaire soutiendra tous les élèves, en particulier les apprenants de l’anglais, ceux ayant des besoins spéciaux et les jeunes issus de familles à faible revenu, pendant la phase d’apprentissage à distance. Une réunion spéciale de la Commission de l’éducation se tiendra fin juillet pour examiner le plan.

Je comprends qu’il n’y a pas de solution parfaite. Nos prochaines étapes seront guidées par notre objectif de protéger et d’enrichir l’ensemble de la communauté de PGCPS. Veuillez consulter le site web de la réouverture de PGCPS pour obtenir les dernières informations.

Bien que ce ne soit pas l’année scolaire que nous aurions pu imaginer, je me réjouis toujours de maintenir un environnement d’apprentissage et de travail où les élèves, les employés et les familles peuvent s’épanouir. Nous traverserons cette période ensemble et en sortirons plus forts. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration et de votre engagement.

Cordialement,

Dr. Monica Goldson
Directrice exécutive

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