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: 7:45 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

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

9th Grade: Tanya Parris-Andrews (tanya.parris@pgcps.org)

10th Grade: Robyn Jones (robyn.jones@pgcps.org)

11th Grade: Dr. Vivian Powers (vivian.powers@pgcps.org)

12th Grade: Christopher Jackson (christo.jackson@pgcps.org)

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

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

9-12 A-G - Valerie Johnson (valerie.alston@pgcps.org)

9-12 H-O - Tomeco Dates (tomeco.dates@pgcps.org)

9-12 P-Z - Dr. Monet Hawkins (monet.hawkins@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.

On February 28th, Largo High School's name was prominently mentioned in the community, as a result of event that required a temporary lockdown. As of result of this event, many people, within, and outside of our community, called into question Largo's improvement efforts. That week, was arguably one of the most challenging of the year.

In many cases, people will take an isolated event, and make it "the narrative." There have been 23 weeks of school, in which Largo High School experienced one challenging week out of 23, which translates to four percent ratio of challenge. Conversely, 96% of the year has gone as expected or better, which would be considered successful. The challenge with this way of thinking is that it minimizes the efforts and accomplishments of others connected to the community who consistently give their best. Moreover, it can taint our efforts to by making is minor -major. With labels carelessly tossed about, we mischaracterize our students and staff, who in more cases than not, are doing the right thing. This is why it is important for us to tell the right story.

Telling the right story holds immense significance as narratives shape perceptions, beliefs, and actions. Whether in personal interactions, marketing endeavors, or historical accounts, the story's accuracy and relevance are pivotal. The right story can inspire, educate, and unite people, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse backgrounds. It can influence decisions, driving positive change or perpetuating harmful stereotypes. In business, storytelling cultivates brand identity and loyalty, effectively conveying values and resonating with audiences. Moreover, the responsibility to tell the right story carries ethical implications, requiring diligence in research and presentation to uphold truth and integrity. Ultimately, the power of storytelling lies not just in its ability to entertain, but in its capacity to shape the our present and our future, making it essential to ensure that the stories we tell are authentic, meaningful, and inclusive.

Largo High School's story is still being told. Our aim, for our students, staff, and community, is to tell a good story. Our story is not perfect, but one of redemption, continuous improvement, and hope. It is a story that inspires our students, and staff, and one that I hope inspires you as well.

-Principal Lewis

As we delve into the month of March, we embark on a journey of celebration, reflection, and empowerment. March marks the observance of International Women's Month, a time to honor the invaluable contributions and remarkable achievements of women across the globe. As educators entrusted with shaping the minds of our future leaders, it is imperative that we recognize the significance of this month and its impact on our school community.

Our community features an extraordinary blend of talented women leaders, each bringing their unique perspectives, expertise, and passion to the forefront of our educational mission. I am filled with tremendous pride knowing that our staff includes exemplary female leaders, educators, mentors, and role models who continue to inspire and empower our students daily.

In celebrating International Women's Month, let us not only honor the achievements of women past and present but also reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students, feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue their dreams.

As we embark on this month-long celebration, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence.

Wishing the women of the Largo High School community a meaningful and inspiring International Women's Month!

Here is the the most recent playoff update as of Friday, March 8:

The Largo Boys' Basketball Team continues to dance, netting a recent victory over Gwynn Park, which qualified them for the "Elite 8" of the 2A division. The team will host Thomas Stone (Charles County) tonight at 7 pm at Largo High School. The game is sold out! For those who will be in attendance, we ask that you respect the game, players, and officials. Also the Boys' team was featured in the Washington Post. Please click the link below to the article:

Cam Ward leads Largo past Gwynn Park into Maryland 2A quarterfinals

In other news, our Lady Lions' basketball team had a heart-breaking end to their season losing to Gwynn Park on Thursday night. The girls fought hard until the very end and never gave up. They had an amazing season, and are poised for a similar, or deeper run next year.

We are appealing to senior parents who have not yet paid their dues. The funds are past due, and need to come in as soon as possible. Please reach out to one of the following senior class representatives to resolve any outstanding accounts:

• Tomisha King, Lead Class Sponsor (Tomisha.King@pgcps.org)
• Christopher Jackson, 12th Grade Administrator (Christo.Jackson@pgcps.org)
• Marie Butler, School Bookkeeper (Marie.Butler@pgcps,org)

Payments can be made via MySchoolBucks, or in-person via cash or money order. These payments are critical to ensuring that Largo High School is able to meet all of our contractural obligations with our vendors who are supporting our school with each of our activities. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter (if applicable).

With spring break just around the corner, it's a great opportunity for high school students to recharge, explore, and even learn something new. Here are a few suggestions to make the most of this time:

1. Explore Local Opportunities: Encourage your teen to take advantage of local museums, parks, or events happening in your community. It's a chance to appreciate their surroundings and perhaps discover something new.

2. Volunteer: Spring break can be a perfect time for your teen to give back to the community and earn service learning hours. Look for volunteer opportunities at local charities, animal shelters, or community centers. It's not only fulfilling but also looks great on college and career applications.

3. Pursue Passion Projects: Whether it's writing, painting, coding, or cooking, spring break offers uninterrupted time to dive into hobbies and passion projects. Encourage your teen to dedicate time to something they love or have been wanting to try.

4. Prepare for Upcoming Exams or College Applications: For juniors and seniors, spring break can be an excellent time to study for upcoming exams or work on college applications. For freshmen and sophomores, they will be heading into standardized testing season. Setting aside a few hours each day for focused studying can help set students up for success.

5. Travel or Explore Virtually: If travel is an option, consider planning a family trip. Whether it's a road trip to a nearby destination or exploring a new city, traveling can be a memorable experience. If traveling isn't possible, encourage your teen to explore new cultures and places virtually through documentaries, online tours, or cultural activities.

6. Relax and Recharge: Finally, remind your teen that it's okay to take some time to relax and recharge. High school can be demanding, and spring break offers a chance to rest and rejuvenate for the remainder of the semester.

Regardless of how they choose to spend their spring break, encourage your teen to make the most of this time and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As we approach the end of the school year, your support plays a crucial role in your child's success. Here are a few ways you can help them thrive:

1. Establish a Routine: Encourage consistent study habits and a healthy balance between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and relaxation.

2. Communicate Openly: Maintain open lines of communication with your child about their academic progress, challenges, and goals. Offer guidance and support where needed.

3. Provide a Supportive Environment: Create a conducive environment for studying at home with minimal distractions. Offer encouragement and praise for their efforts.

4. Set Realistic Expectations: Help your child set achievable goals for the end of the school year, considering their strengths and limitations.

5. Offer Assistance: Be available to assist with homework, projects, or studying when needed, but also encourage independence and problem-solving skills.

6. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.

By working together and providing the necessary support, we can help our students finish the school year strong.

Largo High School has an immediate opening for a Secretary I. The candidate we are looking for should be able display:

• Excellent Organizational Skills
• Effective Ability to Multitask
• Exemplary Customer Service Skills
• Effective Attention to Detail
• Proficiency Across Various Software Platforms
• Other Duties As Assigned

If you or someone you know may be an ideal candidate for this position, we encourage you to apply at https://www.pgcps.org/offices/humanresources/careers.

Mangos Language Learning app allows a person to learn over 70 world languages in a fun and efficient way with real-life conversations, native-speaker audio and cultural context. Our students can access the app through their LINK account which is a result of the partnership between Prince George's County Public Schools and Prince George’s Memorial Library system. Our parents can access the app through the Online resources at the public library’s website. Reach out to Mrs. Biscette, Largo Library Media Specialist, at jessie.simmons@pgcps.org with any help request.

Mrs. Nicole Mintz, Parent Engagement Assistant, is your direct link to providing you with support. Mrs. Mintz provides parents with issues ranging from helping you to access SchoolMax to providing workshops to help our parents navigate our school and school system. Mrs. Mintz can be reached at Nicole.Mintz@pgcps.org.

Within the next 2 Weeks:

• March 11 - First Day of Ramadan
• March 22 - End of the Third Quarter
• March 25 - April 1 - PGCPS Spring Break - Schools Closed for Teachers and Students

Save the Dates:

• April 1 - April Fools Day
• April 2 - Professional Day for Teachers (1/2 Day Asynchronous for students)
• April 9.- Last Day of Ramadan
• April 10 - Eid Al Fitr - PGCPS Schools and Offices are Closed
• April 18 - 3rd Quarter Report Cards are Released
• April 27 - Progress Reports for Seniors Released

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 25, 2023

September 10, 2023

September 26, 2023

October 6, 2023

October 18, 2023

November 1, 2023

November 17, 2023

December 3, 2023

December 22, 2023

January 18, 2024

February 9, 2024

February 23, 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