Students at the F. B. Gwynn Educational Center welcomed a series of special guests who visited the school to read books written by African American authors or books that highlighted Black culture and discussed notable figures in history.
Alison Cheney, community engagement coordinator at Gwynn, and school staff put together a day of reading so that students could hear stories read by community members, representatives from the Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), Board of Education of Charles County members, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff and Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D.
“We started the initiative last year and it was well received by parents and the school and thought it was really important to do it again this year,” Cheney said. “Not only is reading important but especially during Black History Month to celebrate culture and diversity and the things that bring us together as a community and school system.”
Navarro visited classrooms and read “Hair Love,” by Matthew A. Cherry, a story about a little girl who learns to embrace her natural hair through self-love and confidence, and “I Promise,” by NBA great LeBron James. “The best part is going out to schools and spending time with little ones and having fun as I read,” Navarro said. “I’m so proud that today at Gwynn they are celebrating Black History Month by reading books written by African American writers that have great messages in their stories.”
“I enjoyed all of it,” Santana Jenifer, a first-grade student, said about Navarro’s reading.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).