LA PLATA, Md. (Dec. 1, 2025) — State’s Attorney Tony Covington announced a new collaboration between his office, Charles County Public Schools and Stella’s Girls Inc. to pilot the Chronic Absenteeism Termination (CAT) Program at Glymont Middle School in Indian Head.
The 10-week incentive-based initiative, which began this month, targets students identified as at risk of chronic truancy. Participants are paired with a dedicated CAT team that includes a facilitator, pupil personnel worker, site coordinator, school counselors, mentors and other staff members.
Teams meet regularly with each student in a non-punitive setting to identify obstacles to regular attendance — such as transportation issues, family responsibilities, health concerns or anxiety — and develop personalized weekly goals. Students who meet attendance and participation benchmarks earn rewards designed to encourage continued progress.
Covington emphasized that the program focuses on early intervention to keep students engaged in school before truancy escalates to the point of court involvement.
“Regular attendance is directly linked to academic success, graduation rates and future employment outcomes. In Charles County Public Schools, chronic absenteeism — defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days — affects thousands of students annually and has been a priority issue for both educators and prosecutors.
By partnering with Stella’s Girls Inc., a local nonprofit focused on empowerment and mentorship for young women, the program also incorporates gender-specific support elements, though it is open to all Glymont Middle School students identified through the school system’s early warning data.Participation is open to students of any gender who are qualified and are selected. Stella’s Girls started as an organization focused on girls and has since broadened their scope and support all youth.
School officials at Glymont, part of the Indian Head community along the Potomac River in western Charles County, report that serves approximately 450 students in grades six through eight, welcomed the additional resources. Principal Lisa Moore Dr. Orlena T. Whatley said the structured support and positive incentives have already generated enthusiasm among participating families.
If the pilot proves successful, Covington and Superintendent Maria V. Navarro indicated the CAT model could expand to additional middle schools and possibly high schools across the district in the coming school year.
