The Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Elementary School Naming Committee is inviting community feedback on the proposed names for the new Elementary School 23. In a recent meeting with the Board of Education of Charles County on February 13, the committee unveiled three potential names for the school, slated to open for the 2025-2026 academic year. The options, presented without preference, include Margaret Jamieson Thornton Elementary School, Ronald E. McNair Elementary School, and White Plains Elementary School.
Elementary School 23, the district’s 23rd elementary institution, is under construction off St. Charles Parkway at 5860 St. David Drive in White Plains. This strategic location is set to enhance the educational landscape of Charles County, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a nurturing environment for future generations.
Adhering to Board of Education Policy 7230, the naming process has been thorough and community-oriented. After considering over 50 submissions, the committee narrowed down the options to the three aforementioned names. These names were selected based on specific criteria outlined in the policy, ensuring that the chosen name would reflect the values and heritage of Charles County.
CCPS has launched a survey to gather public opinion and scheduled a virtual hearing for February 28. The feedback from these platforms will be crucial in the final decision-making process, with the Board of Education expected to make a final decision in the upcoming spring meeting. The presentation shared with the Board, detailing the naming process and the finalists, is available for public review on the CCPS website.
Registration for the virtual hearing, held at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom, is open to all interested parties. The hearing will also be live-streamed on the CCPS website, ensuring broad discussion access. Attendees are required to register in advance through a link provided by CCPS, and a Zoom account is necessary to participate in the hearing. This event represents a direct avenue for community members to voice their opinions on the name recommendations.
In addition to the virtual hearing, the community is encouraged to complete a brief survey on the CCPS website. This survey, closing at 11:59 p.m. on March 1, offers another opportunity for public input on the proposed names. The survey and hearing are part of a comprehensive effort to involve the community in a significant decision that will impact the identity and legacy of the new elementary school.
The school naming committee has emphasized that no new name suggestions are being accepted, with the submission deadline having passed on December 1, 2023. The focus now is on selecting the most appropriate name from the three finalists, which will significantly influence the school’s identity and connection with the community.
For more information on the naming process, to register for the virtual hearing, or to participate in the survey, visit the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/parents/redistricting-elementary-school. The involvement of the Charles County community is not only welcomed but integral to the naming process, underscoring the district’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration in shaping the educational landscape.
