August 2025

Looking For A Job?

Please read this message for a job with the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery!

I hope the 25-26 school year is off to a great start! I am an Education Specialist at the National Portrait Gallery who focuses on teens and growing the next generation of museum professionals. I have some great opportunities for area.

Last year's Teen Museum Council won a grant from the American Women's History Initiative Pool at the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum that is allowing us to develop a pilot program for a network of high school museum clubs. If there is a group of students passionate about History, Art or Civics at your school, we would love to see if we could start a club together in Spring of AY 2025-2026! Please email hammellsh@si.edu or call 202-710-8413 with inquiries.

Teen Museum Council is an intensive program for D.C.-area teens (grades  9–12) who are interested in developing leadership skills, learning about themselves through portraiture, art and making the Portrait Gallery an engaging place for teenagers. Teen Museum Council, also known as TMC, is a program for teens by teens to foster more interest in museums and create community for local teens. TMC members have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities. These include creating teen-centered events and participating in workshops and training sessions with professionals in the arts. In the process, they will gain experience at the museum while developing creative and critical thinking skills. Teen Museum Council meets in-person once a week during the school year and requires a year-long commitment. Students will receive community service hours for active participation and a $1000 honorarium at the conclusion of the academic year. The application has been extended to September 1st. Please share with interested teens in your lives! 

Have a great fall,

Sahtiya Hosoda Hammell

Sahtiya Hosoda Hammell (she/her/hers)

Education Specialist | Teen Programs

Smithsonian

National Portrait Gallery

hammellsh@si.edu  |  202.710.8413 cell | 202.633.5572

June 2025

Summer School

Students, please review your emails for the appointment link for summer school. 

Summer school registration begins on Thursday, June 5th!

To complete your registration, you must schedule an appointment with your School Counselor. During the meeting, we will:

• Discuss the courses you may need to take over the summer

  • Remember: Students can only take two classes for credit recovery and one class for an original credit.

• Review whether you are on track to be promoted to 11th grade

• Answer any questions you have about graduation requirements, credit checks, or other academic concerns

Each meeting is short and time-limited, so it’s important that you:

• Arrive on time - If you report to your appointment late, you will have to reschedule your appointment time.

• Come prepared with any questions you may have for your school counselor.

• Review your grades and academic progress in advance

Planning ahead will help us make the most of your appointment time.

April 2025

March 2025

The Close Up Foundation is proud to announce another year of partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools! Since 2021, we have worked together to create and deliver initiatives that increase students’ civic and political knowledge and efficacy. 

To launch an exciting season of programming ahead, we're inviting your students to join us on May 3 for a one-day Congressional Simulation at the University of Maryland. Students will take on the role of members of the House of Representatives to deliberate real-world legislation, review and amend bills, offer arguments for and against those bills, and vote “yea” or “nay” on each becoming law. 

Please see the flyer linked above for more details and what your students can expect; the short registration form is available on our website. Please share with students and teachers accordingly. And remember, participating students will earn 3 service-learning hours! 

We hope to see your students on May 3! 

Sincerely,

Close Up Foundation

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900

Arlington, VA 22203

800 CLOSE UP (256-7387) 

Annual PGCPS Latino Education Summit

Join Us for the 2nd Annual PGCPS Latino Education Summit is happening Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Prince George’s Community College. This year’s summit is designed for everyone—students, families, educators, and community members—offering valuable insights, resources, and networking opportunities for all. The summit will feature engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and interactive discussions on topics such as:

• How to Be an Ally

• What to Do After High School

• Trauma-Informed Practices

• Building a Career with PGCPS

• Effective Family Engagement Strategies for Latino Communities: A PTA Approach

• Honoring Our Diversity as PGCPS and so much more!

Registration (registration link) closes on March 18, 2025. Please review the flyers below for more info.

Summer Teen Employment Enrollment March 1-31

Enrollment for teen summer employment is open March 1st-31st. Click here for more information: https://tinyurl.com/52befz8x

Penn Foster Information Night - Virtual High School

Join us for a Penn Foster Information Night on March 18th at 5:00 PM via Zoom!

Learn about Penn Foster High School, a flexible, accredited online program designed to help students earn their diploma at their own pace. Penn Foster provides:

✅ Self-paced coursework

✅ Affordable tuition options

✅ Career-focused electives

✅ Support from certified instructors

Don't miss this opportunity to explore how Penn Foster can help students succeed!

📅 Date: March 18th

⏰ Time: 5:00 PM

💻 Location: Zoom Link Here!

For more details, please contact Mrs. Ruiz at stacy.kline@pgcps.org.

Fashion Without Borders - DuVal's Multicultural Fashion Show

We are excited to announce an upcoming event that celebrates the vibrant diversity of our school community— “Fashion Without Borders,” a multicultural fashion show that will showcase the rich cultures and traditions represented at DuVal High School. This event will be a unique opportunity for students, parents, and faculty to come together, celebrate our heritage, and share the beauty of our unique backgrounds.

We are excited to propose this event for an evening from April 28 to May 2, 2025. This celebration will showcase a vibrant blend of fashion, music, and storytelling, highlighting our school community's diverse nationalities and cultures. We invite students, parents, and faculty members to participate in various ways: become models, contribute light refreshments or snacks from your cultural background, or join the event coordination team. Whether you wear your cultural attire, assist in organizing the event, or help create a fun and inclusive atmosphere, your involvement is essential to making this celebration truly special!

We invite you to participate in this exciting and meaningful event, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and inclusivity at DuVal High School. Together, we can create an unforgettable evening of celebration, unity, and pride.

Are you interested in participating? If so, please reply to this email at duvalhighschoolptsa@gmail.com.

We will soon begin our kickoff meeting to organize the event, and your participation will be key to making this a successful and fun experience for everyone.

Let’s come together to showcase the beauty of diversity and celebrate what makes DuVal High School so unique. We look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards,
Gail L. Anderson
DuVal High School PTSA
duvalhighschoolptsa@gmail.com

Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP): Apply Now!

Are you looking forward to learning new skills this summer and getting paid? The Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) is now accepting applications from March 1st to March 31st!

Click here for more information and to apply.

The SYEP offers county youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 the chance to gain enriching and constructive summer work experiences with community organizations, private sector companies, and government agencies.

Through this program, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Learn valuable job skills while working

• Access professional development opportunities

• Gain exposure to a wide range of careers

• Participate in job readiness training

• Network with industry leaders

• Build positive working relationships

• Earn pay for meaningful and rewarding work experiences

The program runs from July 1 until August 8.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to develop new skills and gain valuable work experience!

February 2025

Quarter Grade Appeal Information

Click here for more information!

Center For Minorities in Science and Engineering 2025 STEM Expo!

🚀 Come to the STEM Expo for a day of discovery, innovation, and fun! 🔬✨

The Center For Minorities in Science and Engineering invite you and your family to the 2025 STEM Expo at the University of Maryland, College Park, on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

This free event is designed for 3rd-12th grade students and their families to engage with hands-on STEM workshops, campus tours, and speakers. This year’s theme, “Innovating for a Greener Tomorrow,” focuses on sustainability and environmental awareness in shaping our future.

Event Highlights:

Interactive STEM workshops

✅ College and STEM career preparation

✅ Interactive STEM workshops

✅ Tracks designed for parents and guardians

✅ STEM summer camp information

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in a fun and engaging environment.

🔗 Register today: Eventbrite Link

For more information, visit the webpage. If you have any questions, please direct them to Abeku Abercrombie (aabercro@umd.edu) or to India Alexander (ialexand@umd.edu). 

Exciting Internship Opportunity: Civic and Activism Remote Internship

Attention Duval High School students! TurnUp, a non-profit organization focused on youth civic education and empowerment, is offering a free, remote internship opportunity. This internship is designed to help you develop professional skills while engaging in important civic and activism work.

Key Details:

Fully Remote: Flexible schedule with start dates every month.

Free of Cost: No fees or expenses to participate.

Community Service: Earn hours and valuable experience.

Certifications: Eligible for awards like The President’s Volunteer Service Award.

College Benefits: Strengthen your resume and gain college recommendation letters.

This program has been successfully helping students grow since 2019, with a unique curriculum and expert speakers. You’ll work with students from across the country and develop skills to become more capable and responsible citizens.

How to Apply:

The application is rolling—apply anytime!

Use this link to apply: bit.ly/tuinternship

For more details, check out the flyer and program description provided here: Flyer, Program Description, and Website.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Internship Director, Nancy Shapiro at nancyshapiro@turnup.us.

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to make a difference and grow!

January 2025

Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Program at the University of Maryland, College Park

We are Hana Lee and Bren Maglaqui, the Vice Presidents of Community Education at the Asian American Student Union (AASU) at the University of Maryland, College Park. We are writing to pass on an exciting educational leadership opportunity to your high school students.

The Yuri Kochiyama High School Leadership Program is AASU’s annual commitment to the community education of our local BIPOC youth, specifically highlighting the experiences of various Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) communities. 

Named for Japanese American activist Yuri Kochiyama, this program is a five-week, hybrid program that will be held every Sunday afternoon from 12:00 - 2:00PM designed for sophomores and juniors who are of BIPOC-identifying background (seniors and freshmen may apply and be accepted, if space is available). Every other week, sessions will be held in-person at the University of Maryland, College Park. 

Starting on Sunday, February 16th, and recurring weekly, BIPOC high school youth across the DMV will learn about the history of Asian American activism, strengthen their sense of identity through learning about cross-racial and intersectional community building, and develop peer solidarity with other BIPOC-identifying individuals at UMD and other high schoolers. Students in the program will be exposed to Asian American history, mental health, intersectional issues, and more.

Students will submit their applications to bit.ly/yklp2025.

Please see the attached flyer and images for more information on the program and how to apply. 

bit.ly/yk2025info 

bit.ly/yk2025insta

Spots are limited and applications close Monday, February 10th at 11:59pm.

Please contact this email (ykleadershipprogram@gmail.com) if you have any questions. Thank you so much for your time!

Sincerely,

Hana Lee & Bren Maglaqui

Vice Presidents of Community Education at the Asian American Student Union

umd.aasu@gmail.com | Facebook | Instagram

Remember that consciousness is power. Tomorrow's world is yours to build.

 -Yuri Kochiyama (1921-2014)

ACCUPLACER Registration Has Opened!

Are you a student interested in taking the ACCUPLACER exam? Please read this message from Mr. Park, our Testing Coordinator!

-

PGCPS is offering students the opportunity to earn college credit, while still in high school, through the Dual Enrollment Program.  PGCPS will pay tuition for all students dually enrolled in qualified courses at any Maryland public college or university.

In order to participate in the Dual Enrollment Program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a Prince George's County Public School, AND

• Be enrolled in 11th or 12th grade, AND

• Have a minimum 2.6 cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) with prior qualifying test scores (ACCUPLACER, SAT, or ACT) for their desired institution (minimum admissions test score requirements vary at each college) OR have a minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA.

We will be administering the ACCUPLACER during the week of February 24th to 10th and 11th grade students who have the required GPA (cumulative 2.6 or higher) only.  If you would like to take the ACCUPLACER, you must register by Friday, February 14, 2025 by filling out the form below.  You must be signed into your school account.

2024-2025 DuVal HS Spring ACCUPLACER Registration

Any student who registers but does not meet the criteria listed above will NOT be scheduled to take the ACCUPLACER.

Students who have a minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA or students who have already met the qualifying test scores (for example, they took the ACCUPLACER last year and got the scores they needed) do NOT have to take the ACCUPLACER again, unless they want to.

Getting a higher score on the ACCUPLACER may open up more courses for them to take in Dual Enrollment.  Getting a lower score will not hurt them since they will use their highest score.

For more information about Dual Enrollment, go to PGCPS Dual Enrollment.

For more information about ACCUPLACER, go to https://studentportal.accuplacer.org.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!  Thank you!

-Mr. Park, augustine.park@pgcps.org

Unfiltered: An Empowerment Group For Our Students

The Bright Futures Group Homes for Youth, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding at-risk and high-risk youth into their communities, feeling confident and capable of a brighter future for themselves. This upcoming Saturday, February 1st , BFGHY is hosting a group discussion for teens to talk openly about various life related topics they may face in their lives, ranging from school, home, friendships, and more. A licensed therapist will be present to provide teens with constructive feedback and different coping strategies they may use for help. Their mission is to build safe and secured environments for all youth within our communities, including our students at DuVal High School.

For more information, please contact Zhané McKnight at zhane@brightfuturesghy.org. 

Brr, it's cold outside. Do you need a coat?

Do you or a family member need a cost for this winter season? If so, Good Intentions is proud to announce three distribution events, open to everyone in need of a winter coat. Here are the details:

• Trinity Moravian Church
  Date: January 25, 2025
  Time: Starts at 9 AM
  Address: 7011 Good Luck Rd, New Carrollton, MD

• Colmar Manor Community Center
  Date: January 26, 2025
  Time: Starts at 9 AM
  Address: 3701 Lawrence St, Colmar Manor, MD

• North Brentwood Community Center
  Date: January 27-28, 2025
  Time: Pick-up from 2 PM - 9 PM
  Address: 4012 Webster St, North Brentwood, MD

These events are free, and coats will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last!

2025 Dr. Jean Mosee Young Writers Contest

The Metropolitan (DC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated cordially invites students in grades 6 - 12 to participate in the 2025 Dr. Jean Mosee Young Writers Contest. The purpose of this contest is to encourage writing among middle and high school students, especially students of color, and to publicly recognize their literary talents. We are excited to extend this invitation and to partner with you to help students stretch their imagination, exercise writing skills, and compete to win cash prizes. The contest deadline is February 9, 2025.

Students should submit their work online: www.metrodclinks.org/young-writers.

Please review the 2025 YWC Rules & Guidelines and a contest flyer below for teachers, administrators, and students. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Lauren Dillon Geraldo and Allison Hill

STY Facet Co-chairs

Metropolitan DC Chapter of The Links, Incorporated  

Website Facebook Instagram

Need to Schedule a Peer Mediation?

Click here to access the Google Form to request a mediation. Be honest and thorough in your answers. For any questions or concerns, contact Ms. James at a.jamesgarner@pgcps.org for more information!

Schools & Offices Closed Tuesday, January 7 - Code Yellow

All Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, January 7, due to inclement weather.

Code Yellow: Only emergency staff members report to work.

Please stay tuned to email, text alerts, the PGCPS website (pgcps.org), and our social media channels for the latest information.

Schools & Offices Closed Monday, January 6 - Code Red

All Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) schools and offices will be closed Monday, January 6, due to inclement weather.

Code Red: The school system is closed for all personnel.

Please stay tuned to email, text alerts, the PGCPS website (pgcps.org), and our social media channels for the latest information.

December 2024

2025 Teen Entrepreneurship Challenge at Penn State

Please review the text below for more information!

Do you have a student who is interested in Youth Entrepreneurship and could benefit from mentorship? If so, the 2025 Teen Entrepreneurship Challenge at Penn State, Lehigh Campus is accepting applications.

Event Highlights:

Date: July 27– August 2

Location: Berks PSU

What to Expect:

• Innovative Workshops: Hands-on sessions designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, mentors, and fellow young entrepreneurs.

• Pitch Competitions: Showcase your business ideas to a panel of experts and potential investors.

This year, we are gearing up for another dynamic and inspiring event. Our team is working diligently to bring together a lineup of exceptional keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and unparalleled opportunities.

Complete the Interest Form for more details. 

For additional information, email the LaunchBox Team at LVLaunchBox@psu.edu.

Big thank you to Ms. McCall, our Community School Coordinator, for providing the information!

CTE Application Deadline Has Been Extended!

The CTE Application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, December 31, 2024. If you are interested in joining a CTE program, please click here to complete the Google form. The original site is experiencing issues--please make sure the Google Form is completed.

If you have any questions regarding CTE application or the Google Form, please contact cte.programs@pgcps.org.

Luminis Health "Be-Lite" 

Mental Health Program

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or dealing with anxiety or depression? You are not alone, and help is here. 

Luminis Health is offering after school discussions on anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, marijuana and vaping.  This program will provide:

• Tools to manage stress 

• Guidance on coping with depression

• A safe space to talk and connect with others who understand

Sessions begin immediately following dismissal in Room 90. Click the links below to sign up. Your mental health is important. Let's work on it together. Students who participate will have an opportunity to earn Service Learning Hours.

Links to Sign Up:

Why So Sad?:  A Discussion on Anxiety and Depression (12/2 to 12/6)

LGBTQIA+: Support Group for Community Members & Allies (12/9 to 12/13)

It’s Legal!: A Discussion on Marijuana Use & Vaping (12/16 to 12/20)

Bringing the Lessons Home: Holocaust Education for the Community - 2025 Spring Classes

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is offering a transformative program for high school students: Bringing the Lessons Home: Holocaust Education for the Community (BTLH). This 14-week training course (February–June 2025) introduces students to Holocaust history and trains them to become Ambassador Docents for the Museum.

Who can apply: High school students (9th–12th grade)

When: Saturdays, Feb 22–June 14, 2025 (9:00 am – 2:00 pm)

What’s involved:

• Study Holocaust history

• Serve as Museum tour guides

• Earn up to 50 community service hours

• Potential for leadership program and 120 more service hours

Application Deadline: Monday, February 10, 2025

Click here for the application.

For more details or questions, contact Jamil Miller at jrmiller@ushmm.org or (202) 230-6107.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

www.ushmm.org