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<FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>Hyattsville Middle School (HMS) is a valued destination for many students in the Prince George’s County Public School system due in part to its Creative and Performing Arts program (CPA). Although the CPA program is currently limited to 100 incoming students each year, every HMS student stands to benefit from the arts-based programming at the school. A 2010 evaluation of the CPA program found that it helped improve academic outcomes for all HMS students whether they were in the CPA program or not. Even for those with no direct association with the county’s public school system, our local public schools are a critical cornerstone to the well-being and attractiveness of our communities. It’s critical that the public continues to demonstrate its support of our schools and the CPA program. Please take a moment to write a letter to our many elected officials and to select PGCPS employees, letting them know how much you value HMS and the CPA Program.</FONT></FONT><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT><BR>
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<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>Unique letters will have the greatest impact, so we have not provided a form letter, but the following are some points you might choose to consider:</FONT></FONT></P>
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<DIV style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in" class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>Why do you value HMS, the CPA program, and/or our local schools?</FONT></FONT></DIV></LI>
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<DIV style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in" class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>How have HMS and/or the CPA program had a positive effect on your family?</FONT></FONT></DIV></LI>
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<DIV style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in" class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>What do the arts mean to your children and how have they enriched your child’s learning experience?</FONT></FONT></DIV></LI>
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<DIV style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in" class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>How does your community value the arts and how can the CPA strengthen this aspect of your community?</FONT></FONT></DIV></LI></UL>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>Please: </FONT></FONT></P>
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<DIV style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in" class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3>Ask the county to provide funding to expand the CPA program at HMS so that incoming 6th graders and a larger number of 7th and 8th grade students may directly participate in the program.</FONT></FONT></DIV></LI>
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<DIV style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in" class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Ask the county to ensure that all HMS 6th grade students have access to arts electives (e.g., dance, creative writing, and music) rather than general arts classes.</FONT></FONT></DIV></LI></UL>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>For those unfamiliar with it, the CPA program provides students with a concentration in one of six fields: dance, music, drama, visual arts, media production, and creative writing. Students must audition into the program of their choice. Audition applications and references must be submitted by March 12 of each year.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Again, please write to the following groups as you think best. Thank you.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Bart Lawrence (and thanks to Carter Ross)</FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Hyattsville, MD</FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><B><U><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><B><U><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><B><U><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><B><U><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>PGCPS</FONT></FONT></U></B></FONT></FONT></U></B></FONT></FONT></U></B> Board of Education:</FONT></FONT></U></B></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Verjeana</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT> M. Jacobs, Esq. </FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>verjeana</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT>.jacobs@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>BOE Chair, District 5</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Zabrina</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT> Epps, M.P.M.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>zabrina</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT>.epps@pgcps.org<SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>District 1</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Peggy Higgins, LCSW-C</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>peggy.higgins@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>District 2</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Amber Waller</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>amber.waller@pgcps.org<SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>District 3</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><B><U><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Key PGCPS Staff:</FONT></FONT></U></B></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Dr. Alvin L. Crawley</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Interim Superintendent of Schools</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>superintendent@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Helen Coley</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Area II Office</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>hcoley@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Chris Mills</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Instructional Director 9</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Chris.mills@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>A. Duane Arbogast, Ed.D.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Chief Academic Officer</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Acting Deputy Superintendent</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Duane.Arbogast@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Anita Lambert</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Coordinating Supervisor, Creative Arts Programs</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Anita.Lambert@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Lionel J. Harrell</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Supervisor, Instrumental Music Program</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>lionel.harrell@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Judith Hawkins</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Supervisor, Vocal and General Music Program</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>jhawkins@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Brenda T. Makle</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Visual Arts Supervisor</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>bmakle@pgcps.org</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><B><U><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George’s County Council (asterisks marks those on the Council Health, Education and Human Services Committee)</FONT></FONT></U></B></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Mary A. Lehman*</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George's County Council, District 1</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>CouncilDistrict1@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Will Campos*</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George's County Council, District 2</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>WACampos@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Eric Olson</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George's County Council Vice Chair, District 3</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>EOlson@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Andrea Harrison</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George’s County Council Chair, District 5</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>councildistrict5@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Obie</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT> Patterson*</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George's County Council, Vice Chair, District 8</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Councildistrict8@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Ingrid M. Turner, Esq.*</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George's County Council, District 4</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>MTurner@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><SPAN> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Derrick Leon Davis*</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Prince George's County Council, District 6</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>CouncilDistrict6@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><B><U><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>County Executive:</FONT></FONT></U></B></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>Rushern</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT> Baker</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3><FONT face=Calibri>countyexecutive@co.pg.md.us</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=ecxMsoNoSpacing><FONT size=3 face=Calibri> </FONT></P> <BR></DIV></DIV> </div></body>
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