Published on: Wednesday, October 14, 2009

By Brian Hooks

Last week, Superintendent of Schools Dr. William R. Hite Jr. gave the Third Annual State of the School System Address to a crowd of more than 1,000 in Upper Marlboro. Joined by County Executive Jack B. Johnson, elected officials, Board of Education members, students, families, and community members, Dr. Hite shared information on student achievement, supporting services, and the new school system commitments in Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Hite pointed out increased Maryland State Assessment scores and Adequate Yearly Progress achievements, and set out an agenda of accountability for every school in the county.

The night marked the third State of the School System address for the county, and the first for Superintendent Hite, who was appointed in April.

“If we don’t provide the conditions for [the] students to be successful in our system, those students lose an opportunity later in life,” said Hite.

In 2008, MSA scores in the county rose or stayed the same in all but one grade level for each category of reading and math. Sixteen of the 30 high schools met AYP, while 39 elementary and middle schools no longer have the need for “School Improvement” status, under the provisions of No Child Left Behind.

“99.8 percent of [PGCPS teachers] are considered ‘satisfactory or above,’” Hite said. “So until we have 99.8 percent of our student achievement at levels of proficiency, we have work to do.”

County Executive Jack B. Johnson gave an impromptu speech before the gathering. “Nothing is more important than having the right person who is committed and can lead in the tough times because, ultimately, tough times don’t last – but tough people do,” said Johnson, adding, “Dr. Hite, you are that man.”

Verjeana Jacobs, chairman of the Prince George’s County Board of Education, stressed a need for teachers and staff to uphold high levels of “customer service.”

“We’ve decided that equitable investments are they key to ensure that every single child in Prince George’s County [is] career-ready and college-ready,” Jacobs said.

Two county products were also on-hand to tell their success stories, Rosaryville Elementary School sixth grader Taivion Boone, and 2009 Parkdale High School graduate Rafael Lovo Panameno.

Boone, 11, upstaged everyone who spoke Tuesday night. “When I was asked to speak this evening, I asked ‘Why me?’ Then I started thinking about how much I had in common with President Barack Obama,” said Boone, to an ovation of approval. “But if any of you know him personally, let him know that his job is safe.”

Boone said his teachers have continually built on his core skills throughout his time at Rosaryville, allowing him to earn honor roll status. “My fifth-grade teachers set high expectations as they pushed and challenged us – they made my brain sweat.”

Panameno, 19, was enrolled into Parkdale four years ago. He moved to the area from El Salvador with his family and did not know any English. He completed the school’s English for Speakers of Other Languages program in two years, rather than the usual four years. From there, he was able to complete three Advanced Placement courses and graduate with a 4.0 grade point average.

“Many people have asked me if [Parkdale] prepared me for life as a college student, and I have to say yes. The quality of instruction that I received was excellent, and I find that I am ahead of my peers who are beginning their studies,” Panameno said.

Panameno is currently on a full scholarship and a fellow at the University of Maryland, where he studies engineering.

For more information, visit www1.pgcps.org.