Education Advisory Committee

Minutes Education Advisory Committee (EAC) February 28, 2022 Virtual Meeting Attendees Members Present Absent David Toledo, Dist 4 X Vilay Senthep, Dist 1 X Susan Miller, Dist 1 X Dawn Powers, Dist 2 X Melissa Day, Dist 3 X Rose Greene-Colby, Dist 3 X Carolyn Bernache, Dist 4 X Tessie Aikara, Dist 4 X Carson Peters, Dist 4 X Daniel Levin, UMD X Also Present Kiaisha Barber, Staff Liaison Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Angela Sun, TECP Katie Ko, TECP Jane Quackenbush, TECP Call to Order Mr. Toledo called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Old Business Approval of the January Meeting Minutes The Committee reviewed the meeting minutes from the January 24, 2022 meeting. Mr. Toledo motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Second by Ms. Aikara. All members in favor; no opposed. Motion carries, 7-0-0. Tutoring Resources: The Every Child Project (TECP) Presentation Ms. Sun, Ms. Ko, and Ms. Quackenbush provided a presentation to the Committee that included an overview of the TECP program. The mission of the TECP is to provide accessible tutoring to students in Maryland from the ages of K-12. The tutoring model is one on one virtual tutoring over Zoom, focusing on core subjects Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, and Writing. Students in need of tutoring complete an online form that is submitted to the tutors and a tutor can select a student based on the student’s subject need. All tutors are current University of Maryland College Park students or recent graduates. There are currently 5 tutors interested in collaborating with the EAC to take on middle or high school students, providing tutoring in primarily English or reading comprehension. Some tutors were also comfortable with tutoring in Algebra, Geometry, Science and Spanish. Mr. Toledo asked a question on whether tutors were provided background checks and was informed the program does not require tutors to have background checks conducted. If background checks are needed, the tutors have to pay out of pocket. Another question was in regards to funding and some funding is provided through the University of Maryland. Ms. Barber asked questions regarding how students sign up for tutoring and the location of the students participating in the program. Most of the students are in Prince Georges County, but some are in Montgomery and Howard County. Most tutors work with 1 student at a time, but some tutors work with multiple students. Ms. Peters asked a question in regards to checking with the University of Maryland Office of Community Engagement to see if funding can be provided to help with the costs of providing background checks. EAC Education Grants The Committee reviewed the following grant application: Hollywood Elementary – $8,000 to purchase electronic support items such as power adapters, iPad chargers, and surge protectors. The Committee discussed the need for these items due to COVID-19 and virtual learning and if these items would be covered by the County. Mr. Toledo was able to find information from a PGCPS Employee that devices issued to students can be replaced for free in the first offense and starting with the second offense, charges are applied. Schools have to budget for extra supplies and if not budgeted, schools cannot purchase the supplies. Surge protectors are not covered by the County. Ms. Bernache motioned to approve the grant and to include the information received from PGCPS. Mr. Toledo amended the motion for the school to report the number of items used at the end of the year and seconded the motion. All members were in favor, no opposed. Motion carries, 7-0-0. Paint Branch – Submitted a revised grant request for $8,000 to use the funding for the purchase of Chinese artwork and artifacts, art supplies like rice paper, Chinese brushes and Chinese paints for students to learn Chinese calligraphy. The Committee decided to send the grant request back to Paint Branch and request the school to provide a more detailed itemized budget for the $8,000 and more specific outcomes related to student learning. The EAC grants for Hollywood and Cherokee Lane will be presented at the March 8th City Council meeting. School Recognition Letter and Next Steps The Committee reviewed the drafted letter that will be provided to the school principals. The Committee decided to have the signs dropped off at the schools and have the school choose a recipient of recognition and ask the student’s parent/guardian to pick up the sign to display at home. The Committee will start with schools that have the highest student enrollment. Spring Book Distribution Plan Mr. Toledo suggested Brunch with a Bunny for the book distribution, but there would be mostly younger children attending that event. Mr. Toledo will contact the Recreation Board to see if they will allow the EAC to set up a table to distribute books. Ms. Peters suggested Maryland Day as an option and the new City’s event planner, Kevin Blackerby is able to coordinate obtaining a table for the Committee. Ms. Barber informed the Committee of the City’s book giveaway for Black History Month. School Supply Purchase The Committee normally purchases school supplies for elementary, but discussed adding supplies for middle and high schools. Hand sanitizer was suggested as an item to include in the school supply purchase. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled on March 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Adjournment Ms. Bernache adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m.