[RP TownTalk] middle school

Thu Jun 14 11:59:03 UTC 2018

Thank you. 

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On Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Alan K. Thompson <akthompson at riverdaleparkmd.gov> wrote:

Hi Audrey,

I've put the text of a letter from the principal of William Wirt that was sent home with the students today at the end of this message.

It mentions a working group to address the issue, and representatives of our police department will be part of that working group.

We all share the goal of William Wirt being a safe place where children can learn, and we are moving as fast as we can to investigate and respond to the issues reported in the Washington Post article.

Sincerely,

Alan

"Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am writing to keep you informed of activities and issues that affect our school community. Communicating with parents and maintaining our sense of community is very important to me.

The Washington Post published an article Monday reporting allegations related to school safety and gang activity. I can assure you that gang-related activity is not tolerated at William Wirt Middle School. Any student found to be involved in gang-related fights or other disruptive behavior will face disciplinary sanctions up to expulsion. Any parent or teacher who believes their child or other students are participating in gang-related activities, both in and around William Wirt, should contact me immediately. You also can call the Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-772-4925 and anonymous tips can be shared with Crime Solvers by phoning 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Maintaining a safe school is our top priority and we are fortunate to have strong relationships with the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Office of School Security as well as comprehensive services for students and families, and community partnerships through the county’s Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative, including programs such as the Latin American Youth Center, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, AVID and other enrichment opportunities for students. 

If students need to speak with a trusted adult about school safety or need emotional support, William Wirt has full-time therapists to work with students on social/emotional issues and a crisis intervention resource teacher, who teaches "restorative practices" and problem-solving strategies to students. Our school also has a community resource advocate who serves as a liaison between the school community and the Prince George’s Social Services. 

I am very much aware of the allegations of gang-related activities, but there have been no confirmed gang-related incidents at our school this school year. I encourage students, parents, teachers and school staff to share their concerns so we can address those topics together in ways that best serve and support our students. I will discuss and listen to concerns with school staff at a meeting this week.   

All families are invited to attend our next monthly “Tea and Talk” parent meeting on Tuesday, June 19 at 9:30 a.m. Ms. Nora Morales, the school system’s Diversity Officer, school security and other staff will join us. Lastly, our Board of Education Member Lupi Quinteros-Grady and County Council representative Dannielle Glaros will convene a working group to look at this issue more deeply. 

I hope you will plan to attend as your input will help us now and as we plan for the next school year."

On Tue, Jun 12, 2018 at 5:09 PM, Audrey Bragg <abragg7393 at aol.com> wrote:

Thank you Alan.  I hope you will include the entire town in any actions taken and any information you receive. I think everyone in this town needs to help or do whatever they can to solve this serious problem.  Let's work together on this.  Nothing more important than the children.  We need to make sure they grow up. 

Audrey ward 2

-----Original Message-----

From: Alan K. Thompson <akthompson at riverdaleparkmd.gov>
To: Audrey Bragg <abragg7393 at aol.com>
Cc: towntalk <towntalk at riverdale-park.org>
Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 2:20 pm
Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] middle school

Dear Audrey,

This article was a shock to those of us on the Town Council as well, as it does not match our knowledge of conditions/issues at William Wirt.  We are aware of it and are working with the county to understand the situation and respond appropriately, within the limits of jurisdiction you mention.

Alan

On Tue, Jun 12, 2018 at 12:05 Audrey Bragg <abragg7393 at aol.com> wrote:

I was shocked to read about the MS13 gang taking over William Wirt Middle School in the Washington Post this morning.  That is the school where the children of Riverdale Park go to school.  Is our town doing anything to solve this problem.  I know it is county jurisdiction, but our children are our jurisdiction and we should be aware and demand that our children are safe.  Is anyone in this town working on this? 

Audrey Bragg, Ward 2

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-- 

Alan K. Thompson, Mayor

Town of Riverdale Park

5008 Queensbury Road, Riverdale Park, MD 20737

http://www.riverdaleparkmd.info

akthompson at riverdaleparkmd.gov

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