LA PLATA, Md. (Aug. 22, 2016)—Travel through time with the Board of Education in a three-part educational lecture series exploring the history of the Board—and education in Charles County—over the past 100 years.
The Board is celebrating its 100-year anniversary and has planned three presentations, starting with "Education: Then and Now" from 6-9 p.m., Sept. 1 at the Port Tobacco Courthouse and One-room Schoolhouse. The presentation begins at 6:15 p.m., followed by breakout sessions including a trip to the Port Tobacco one-room school, discussion about the changes in education, a hands-on lesson and more.
Segregation and desegregation will be the focus of the second 100th anniversary presentation on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17 at the McConchie one-room school located at the Charles County Fairgrounds. Hear from teachers and students who attended segregated schools or went through desegregation—and how it impacted them. Several sessions are planned, and a schedule will be posted outside the one-room school during the Fair.
The Board will wrap up its educational series showing how the school system handles disasters—tornadoes, hurricanes and more—with a show at the James E. Richmond Science Center. See the special presentation, "When Disaster Strikes, We are Ready," at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 1. The James E. Richmond Science Center is located inside St. Charles High School.
About the 100-year anniversary
The Board of Education of Charles County, along with Boards of Education across Maryland, was legally organized as a Public Body Corporate in 1916. Previously, a Board of School Commissioners governed the county's schools, most of which were one-room schoolhouses. The first Board meeting minutes reflecting the change were taken Oct. 17, 1916, and signed by Superintendent of Schools Thomas M. Carpenter.
Between now and October, the Board will host a number of activities, including a three-part educational lecture series, an interactive history and event search, historic displays, and a reception recognizing the contributions of past Board members.
The Board is asking the public to share their stories and photos with the Board through email (boardmail@ccboe.com), the Charles County Board of Education Facebook page or its 100-year anniversary website at http://www.ccboe.com/100years/.
The public also can follow the Board's centennial celebration news by following @ccps on Twitter and using #ccboe100.