August 22, 2024
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
New state-of-the-art schools, transportation improvements, regional Autism center opening among 2024-25 school year highlights
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – As Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) prepares to kick off the 2024-25 school year on August 26, the district is advancing a range of initiatives designed to enhance experiences and outcomes for students, families and staff.
"Through thoughtful community engagement, we've listened and responded with purpose,” said Superintendent Millard House II, now in his second year leading the district. “Driven by community feedback, our transportation improvements, investment in new schools and focus on student safety and equity are about ensuring each student has the best experience possible, every day, while also positioning PGCPS for the future.”
For the 2024-2025 school year, changes aimed at enhancing the safe, efficient, and punctual transportation of students to and from school include standardization of school start and end times, adjustments to bus assignments and bus stop locations, an opt-out option for families who do not require transportation services, and improved functionality and reliability of the StopFinder app. While these changes will take time to perfect, we are diligently working to ensure families see progress on day one.
Additionally, in line with a focus on sustainability and the district’s Climate Change Action Plan, PGCPS will introduce 10 new electric school buses into its transportation fleet featuring zero tailpipe emissions and contributing to better air quality and reduced greenhouse gasses.
This school year marks the launch of a new Regional Autism Center at Pointer Ridge Elementary School. Originally slated for closure due to under enrollment, Pointer Ridge will now serve as a dedicated center for students with autism, demonstrating PGCPS's commitment to inclusivity and innovative special education solutions.
To support transportation changes that will see more students walking to school, PGCPS has added two Safe Passage Coordinators who will serve as liaisons between the school system, the County crossing guard unit, and community partners including police and the Department of Public Works and Transportation, to ensure pedestrian safety.
Safety inside of schools also remains a priority, with the continuation of changes implemented last school year, including clear backpacks for middle and high school students and security enhancement technology in all high schools and some middle schools.
The district is also introducing a new mass emergency alert system for the hearing impaired.
Building on the momentum of an unprecedented six new schools opened during the 2023-24 school year, the district will celebrate the opening of two new cutting-edge facilities: William Wirt Middle and Ellen Ochoa middle schools. Additionally, the district will soon break ground on eight new Blueprint Phase II schools, signaling the start of even more opportunities for students.
Following a four-year renovation, PGCPS is also reopening its STEM education hub Howard B. Owens Science Center with new learning spaces, including a new ‘mission control’ feature designed by NASA with control consoles that replicate those used in the Challenger spacecraft program.
8:20 - 8:55 a.m. - “First Day Walk with Superintendent House”
Tulip Grove Elementary School
2909 Trainor Lane Bowie, MD
Join us as we showcase pedestrian safety and transportation improvements. Media are invited to join Superintendent House and students for their “walk to school” to begin promptly at 8:20 a.m. Additionally, PGCPS community partner Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU) will make a special donation to the school.
9:10 - 9:35 a.m. - “Innovation in Special Education”
Pointer Ridge Regional Autism Center
1110 Parkington Lane, Bowie, MD
Originally slated for closure, Pointer Ridge Regional Autism Center now plays a vital role in addressing the needs of special education learners within the district. Join us as we tour a classroom and explore classroom sensory tools followed by a tour of the school’s sensory calming room. Superintendent House and ESFCU will present the school with a surprise to support the school’s sensory calming room needs.
10:05 - 11:10 a.m. - “National Excellence in JROTC”
Friendly High School
10000 Allentown Road Fort Washington, MD
Meet cadets from a top-performing JROTC program, part of the district’s nationally recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, plus a classroom tour and staff lunch powered by American College of Education (ACE)
11:40 - 12:45 p.m. - “Leading in Sustainability and Design”
Ellen Ochoa Middle School
5211 Flintridge Drive Landover Hills, MD
Tour the brand new Ellen Ochoa Middle School to preview industry-leading green features and unique learning environments. The district’s most recent school to be commissioned as a net-zero energy building, Ochoa features 160 geothermal wells and 1,200 solar panels, operating with nearly no energy cost.
—MEDIA CONTACT—
Meghan Thornton, Director of Communications
meghan.thornton@pgcps.org
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