Page 67 - BigConversationsDismantlingRacism

ATTACHMENT 9: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Letter to Editor

Our public school system is important to each and every one of us in Southern Maryland. It is,
without a doubt, the largest single investment that we make in the future of our children and our
community. The Big Conversation Partnership for Dismantling Racism & Privilege in Southern
Maryland invites you to attend a communitywide civil conversation on “Progress and Challenges
in Our Schools”. This free event is scheduled for Sunday, January 13, 2019, 2:00 - 5:00 PM at
Patuxent High School, 12485 Southern Connector Boulevard, Lusby, MD 20657.
Information and discussion will include perceived and actual needs and challenges in the public
schools in regards to: achievement, diversity, equity, teacher recruitment and retention, discipline,
curriculum content, student outcomes, and workforce and community engagement.

Panelists, who will share their insight on our progress to date and challenges still ahead, include: Dr.
Daniel Curry, Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS), Dr. Janice Walthour,
President St Mary’s Branch NAACP and retired educator, Guffrie M. Smith, Jr, retired teacher and
administrator in CCPS for 33 years and seven years with Maryland State Department of Education,
and Col. Will Wiggins, USA (Ret), CEO Remnant Center of Excellence, as well as other invited
representatives (community members and students).

You, as a concerned community member, will have the opportunity to join together in facilitated
small-group conversation to share your thoughts, stories, and concerns related to these issues. Small
group results will then be reported back to the larger assembly.

This Big Conversation on local education affects all of us: taxpayers, parents, grandparents,
educators, students and businesses. Come join the conversation and bring a friend! For additional
information contact The Big Conversation at by email at bigcon@gmail.com or 410-326-4948.
Website: http://www.middlehamandstpeters.org/christian-formation/big-conversation/

This event is sponsored by the Big Conversation Partnership for Dismantling Racism & Privilege in
Southern Maryland, including: Middleham and St. Peter’s Episcopal Parish, All Saints Episcopal
Church, Emmanuel SDA Church, Patuxent Friends Meeting (Quakers), Calvert County Public
Schools, Calvert Library, Calvert County Branch NAACP, St. Mary’s County Branch NAACP,
Mediation Centers of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Concerned Black Women of Calvert County
and Harriet Elizabeth Brown Scholars.

Lauretta Grier, St. Leonard
Dusty and Vicki Rhoades,
Solomons

Contributors are members of the steering committee for The Big Conversation Partnership on
Dismantling Racism and Privilege in Southern Maryland.

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