WALDORF, Md., May 15, 2025 — Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is celebrating Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) Month in May, recognizing the vital role PPWs play in supporting student success. These professionals provide resources to help students thrive academically and socially, with a mission to enable them to reach their fullest potential and become productive members of society. Several CCPS schools are enhancing these efforts through the FLEX mentorship program, where middle school students mentor elementary school students under PPW guidance.
The FLEX program, now in its third year at Berry Elementary and Mattawoman Middle School, fosters leadership and interpersonal skills. “This is our third year doing our FLEX Mentorship Program together with Berry Elementary School and Mattawoman Middle School,” said Justine Jewell, PPW at Berry, Diggs, and Gale-Bailey elementary schools. “We continue to provide our student members this leadership opportunity to build interpersonal relationships, set goals and build confidence so that they can show up as the best version of themselves each day.”
Jewell collaborates with Tiara King-Phillips, PPW at Mattawoman, to train student mentors over four sessions in the fall. These mentors meet bi-weekly with their mentees through the school year, fostering meaningful connections. The program’s success has spurred expansion, with two additional schools adopting FLEX this year. “We are proud that our program has grown and two of our PPW colleagues have also implemented their own FLEX mentorship program to meet the needs of their [school] community,” Jewell said.
Pam Jenkins, PPW at Milton M. Somers Middle School, and Donna McPherson, PPW at Dr. Thomas L. Higdon, T.C. Martin, and Walter J. Mitchell elementary schools, launched FLEX at Somers and Mitchell. “It went great,” Jenkins said. “Big thanks to Justine and [King-Phillips] KP for helping to guide us and being willing to share so much of their program framework with us.” Their efforts tailored the mentorship model to their schools’ unique needs, extending the program’s reach across CCPS.
PPWs at CCPS serve as critical links between students, families, and schools, addressing barriers to learning such as behavioral challenges, attendance issues, and social-emotional needs. They coordinate resources like counseling, community partnerships, and academic support to ensure students have the tools to succeed. The FLEX program complements these efforts by empowering older students to serve as role models, building confidence and responsibility while supporting younger peers.
The expansion of FLEX reflects CCPS’s commitment to innovative programs that promote student growth. By pairing middle school mentors with elementary students, the program creates a supportive network that encourages goal-setting and self-esteem. Mentors learn leadership skills, while mentees gain guidance from relatable role models, all facilitated by PPWs who ensure the program’s structure and impact.
CCPS’s recognition of PPW Month highlights the district’s appreciation for these professionals’ dedication. Their work extends beyond the classroom, impacting families and communities by fostering environments where students can thrive. The FLEX program’s growth to additional schools demonstrates the collaborative spirit among PPWs, who share resources and expertise to maximize student outcomes.
The mentorship initiative aligns with CCPS’s broader goals of preparing students for future success. By investing in programs like FLEX, the district strengthens its support system, ensuring students have access to both academic and personal development opportunities. As PPW Month continues, CCPS encourages community appreciation for the tireless efforts of its PPWs in shaping the next generation.
