The High Road School of Prince George’s County (High School) is a Type 1 educational program serving the instructional and behavioral needs of emotionally disturbed adolescents and young adults in a supportive and structured environment. With over 20 years of company experience informing all of our practices and procedures, our programs are custom‐designed to focus on personalized academic and behavioral goals so that students may either return to a less restrictive setting as quickly as possible or graduate from our school as equipped as possible to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Because we enroll only high‐school‐aged students, we’re able to target the most age‐appropriate and relevant areas of study and training, like our Transition Program, to prepare students for young adulthood in society at large, and our “School‐to‐Work” Program, to prepare them for future careers most suited to their particular aptitudes and abilities.

Our school is designed and prepared to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of each of our students.  In addition to our Special Education Teachers, we employ several on-site social workers to provide emotional support to our students and parents alike.  In addition, supplemental reading instruction is provided by a reading specialist and our certified Speech/Language and Occupational Therapists work with students as per their IEP (Individual Education Plan).

Throughout it all, our comprehensive, school‐wide behavioral management system expertly addresses the special needs of our student population by providing supplementary services as needed and delivering one‐on‐one instruction and attention within a time‐proven, truly effective educational model. With the greatest strengths of our program working on behalf of all of our students every day — like our small class sizes, our computer‐enhanced tutorials, and our interactive and individualized approach to learning —we’re able to lead our students toward success in all facets of their lives, in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Parent/guardian support and involvement make a great deal of difference in a student’s ability to succeed.  As a result, our school is committed to providing opportunities for families to attend meetings, trainings and events throughout the school year.

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Mark Your Calendars

April 26, 2012 - 7th Annual Fine Arts Festival
May 10, 2012 - Regional Career Fair
May 18, 2012 - Junior/Senior Prom
June 11, 2012 - Graduation

Students Working

Turkey Thickett is a recreation center in Northeast Washington, D.C.  Students participating in this partnership are James Gaskins, William Davenport, Davon Pope, Carlos Thompson, and Malik White.  Our students help clean up the recreation center as well as set up activity rooms for upcoming events at the rec.

Team Building

Recently, the students in the 11th and 12th grades along with our social workers and Ms. McGinnis, Director visited the YMCA in Bethesda, Maryland.  Communication, teamwork and trust were the call of the day.  The students participated in an array of activates to bring the group together.  These unique activities pushed our students to go outside their comfort zone.  At the end of the program, all participants formulated a new found bond.

Celebrating Student Success 

The staff of the High Road School are please to acknowledge 3 students for there accomplishments since the start of the school year.   Darren Johnson and Vishon Jones were voted (by the staff) as Students of the Month for September.  Anthonay Brown was voted (by the staff) as Most Improved Student.  We are so proud of their hard work and dedication.

2011 Michael Cardin Scholarship Winners

The Michael Cardin Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Michael Cardin in memory of his extraordinary volunteerism and his support in the service of children with special needs.  The purpose of this fund is to provide financial assistance to students in non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.

Each year, MANSEF (Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities) award deserving students attending non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.  This year, 35 individuals were awarded scholarships by the Michael Cardin Scholarship Committee.  Four of those students attend High Road Schools within the Southern Maryland Region.  Our High Road School Student Winners along with the other scholarship recipients were honored at the MANSEF Annual Awards Luncheon on June 6, 2011 with Myrna Cardin and Nancy Grasmick, Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent, in attendance.

Douglas Argueta (High Road Academy – Lanham) received a scholarship for the C.A.S. Driving School.  As noted by his social worker, Ms. Jasmine McWain, “…he has proven to be a student that is focused and determined on succeeding…”  Learning how to drive will provide Douglas the independence to pursue his long-term career goals beyond high school.

Catheil Jackson (High Road Upper School – Beltsville) was awarded a scholarship to attend the Child Care Certification Training Class at Prince George’s Community College.  This 90 hour training course will allow Catheil to pursue employment in a Daycare Center.  As Catheil stated, “…my goal is to work with infants in daycare.  My plans are to stay focused and on the right track…to help them and teach them the important things in life.” 

Ashley Pannell (High Road School – Capitol Heights) is a graduate of the Class of 2010 who originally won the Michael Cardin Scholarship in 2010.  This year, she once again was awarded the scholarship to continue her college career at Washing Adventist University.  Along with attending classes, Ashley also works at her local CVS Pharmacy.  She also continues to stay in touch with the staff that helped her achieve her high school goals at the High Road School of Prince George’s County.

Aaron Robinson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) received a scholarship to attend Salisbury University to pursue a career in Nursing.  In his own words, “My goals are to help and be of service to the community…”  In her recommendation letter, Ms. Erica Robinson Newby, Social Worker shared that through his outstanding leadership and clear sense of purpose, Aaron has earned her “deepest respect”.

Dominic Wilson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) was awarded a scholarship to attend Prince George’s Community College to reach her childhood dreams of becoming a nurse.  Ms. Carmen McGinnis, Director, reflected on Dominic in her recommendation letter. Specifically, she stated, “She is very hard working and diligent about her academic studies.  As a result, Dominic has consistently earned honor roil since her 9th grade year”.
 
We are extremely proud of our winners and wish them the best of luck in the programs that they will be attending this summer and into the fall.

Angels

A poem written by Michael Goroum
 
Glistening moonlight
Leaving no shadow in fright. 
Blessed by the Angels above
Snowy white, just like a dove
The pure white soul, a white knight
To protect the love with its light
Soon become a judgment night
When the night soon falls, the Angel feels the sorrow
While wanting to live tomorrow

A Parent's Perspective

An Open Letter from Veronica Pannell

Please click here for letter

A Graduation Retrospective

Ashley Pannell graduated from High Road School of Prince George’s County in 2010.  When she first enrolled at High Road School, she was a shy and reserved student.  She was so shy that she would avoid attending field trips in her first year. Her lack of attendance also affected her grades.  Ashley has had numerous absences throughout her high school career due to medical and mental health issues.  She has struggled with depression and anxiety; however, she has made tremendous progress in utilizing positive coping skills to manage her disability and excel in school.

When she began her second year, she summoned up courage to speak to Ms. McGinnis, Director of the program, about how she could earn sufficient credits to graduate on time.  She realized that her grades were not a true reflection of her academic skills.  She and Ms. McGinnis formulated a plan so that she could graduate on time.  Ashley took independent study courses and worked on her academic courses after school.  When the High School Assessments became a mandatory graduation requirement, she studied hard and passed on the first time they were administered. 

As her grades improved, Ashley became more involved in extra curricular activities.  The staff witnessed tremendous growth in Ashley over the years, in both emotional and academic areas.   She has really blossomed into a confident young woman, demonstrating a friendly and positive personality.  She has challenged herself to step out of her comfort zone, to try new things, and to push herself toward excellence. She is able to build friendships and to have positive relationships with both teachers and students.  She has shown the ability to handle challenging situations and to seek out appropriate supports in her life. 

Ashley is an intelligent young woman and consistently earned honor roll status.  She completed challenging assignments in all of her classes and always put forth her best effort.  She was extremely helpful around the classroom with special duties assigned by her teachers.  She also volunteered to help other students with difficult assignments.  She has served as a peer tutor for some students with low reading ability.  She is patient and takes this job very seriously. 

Ashley is currently completing her first year of college at Washington Adventist University.  In 2010, she was awarded a financial scholarship from the Michael Cardin Scholarship program.  Because she continues to excel in her students, she was awarded another scholarship for the upcoming school year.  The staff at High Road School is very proud of Ashley’s achievement and look forward to many great things to come!

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Working Towards the Future 

The High Road School of Prince George's County continues to put an emphasis in providing work opportunities for our students in a variety of fields and work environments.  Ms. Faulkner, Transition Coordinator, is proud to announce the following business partnerships
 
Volunteers of America
Building Hope
Turkey Thicket
ABC Cleaning Services
Trade Prep
Country Inn & Suites
PAL-People Animals Love
Tasty Occasions
Green Scheme 
Please click here for more information

The Maryland National Park and Planning Commission
Please click here for more information

A Future Hair Stylist

Wanda's Hair Salon is one of our many business partnerships which help provide work experience to our students.  In this case, Tia has been working with Ms. Wanda, herself, at the salon.  Tia, has been learning quite a bit and has some on job experience including washing clients hair.  Ms. Wanda has been very happy with Tia's performance thus far.

Child Care Program Presentation

Recently, Erin Olsen from Prince George's Community College came to present the Child Care program to our students.  She spoke to a small group of 11th -12th grade female students.  She provided them with information about working and/or owning a child care center.  The students were very interested and asked several questions about tuition, books, schedules and salaries.  Ms. Olsen informed them that they could start the program in January (provided they are at least 18 years of age).  Ms. Olsen will be returning in January to provide assistance with their enrollment.

A Busy Fall

The first couple of months have been full of opportunities for students to think about and prepare for their lives after high school.  The students have had an array events including College Tours and Guest Speakers including:
 
Bowie State University College Tour
National College
Erin Olsen, PG Community College

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Tip Off Is Coming

The 2012 High Road Basketball Season is getting set to tip off.  Check back for additional details and game results throughout the season.

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Mark Your Calendars

April 26, 2012 - 7th Annual Fine Arts Festival
May 10, 2012 - Regional Career Fair
May 18, 2012 - Junior/Senior Prom
June 11, 2012 - Graduation

2011 Michael Cardin Scholarship Winners

Five Students of High Road Schools earn Scholarships
Please click here for more information

The Michael Cardin Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Michael Cardin in memory of his extraordinary volunteerism and his support in the service of children with special needs.  The purpose of this fund is to provide financial assistance to students in non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.

Each year, MANSEF (Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities) award deserving students attending non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.  This year, 35 individuals were awarded scholarships by the Michael Cardin Scholarship Committee.  Four of those students attend High Road Schools within the Southern Maryland Region.  Our High Road School Student Winners along with the other scholarship recipients were honored at the MANSEF Annual Awards Luncheon on June 6, 2011 with Myrna Cardin and Nancy Grasmick, Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent, in attendance.

Douglas Argueta (High Road Academy – Lanham) received a scholarship for the C.A.S. Driving School.  As noted by his social worker, Ms. Jasmine McWain, “…he has proven to be a student that is focused and determined on succeeding…”  Learning how to drive will provide Douglas the independence to pursue his long-term career goals beyond high school.

Catheil Jackson (High Road Upper School – Beltsville) was awarded a scholarship to attend the Child Care Certification Training Class at Prince George’s Community College.  This 90 hour training course will allow Catheil to pursue employment in a Daycare Center.  As Catheil stated, “…my goal is to work with infants in daycare.  My plans are to stay focused and on the right track…to help them and teach them the important things in life.” 

Ashley Pannell (High Road School – Capitol Heights) is a graduate of the Class of 2010 who originally won the Michael Cardin Scholarship in 2010.  This year, she once again was awarded the scholarship to continue her college career at Washing Adventist University.  Along with attending classes, Ashley also works at her local CVS Pharmacy.  She also continues to stay in touch with the staff that helped her achieve her high school goals at the High Road School of Prince George’s County.

Aaron Robinson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) received a scholarship to attend Salisbury University to pursue a career in Nursing.  In his own words, “My goals are to help and be of service to the community…”  In her recommendation letter, Ms. Erica Robinson Newby, Social Worker shared that through his outstanding leadership and clear sense of purpose, Aaron has earned her “deepest respect”.

Dominic Wilson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) was awarded a scholarship to attend Prince George’s Community College to reach her childhood dreams of becoming a nurse.  Ms. Carmen McGinnis, Director, reflected on Dominic in her recommendation letter. Specifically, she stated, “She is very hard working and diligent about her academic studies.  As a result, Dominic has consistently earned honor roil since her 9th grade year”.
 
We are extremely proud of our winners and wish them the best of luck in the programs that they will be attending this summer and into the fall.