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ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS RENEWS CHARTER SCHOOL STATUS OF MONARCH ACADEMY GLEN BURNIE

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS RENEWS CHARTER SCHOOL STATUS OF MONARCH ACADEMY GLEN BURNIE

BALTIMORE, MD, February 13, 2024 – The Children’s Guild is delighted to announce the renewal of Monarch Academy Glen Burnie’s charter status by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS). Each year, AACPS conducts a comprehensive on-site review of each of its charter and contract schools including interviews with parents, teachers, students, school leadership, and governing board members.  This renewal signifies the continued commitment of The Children’s Guild’s charter and contract schools to provide exceptional education and opportunities for its students.

“We are thrilled to receive the renewal of our charter school status by AACPS. This acknowledgment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and the broader community who support our mission of providing a high-quality education,” said Kim Jakovics, Principal, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie. “With this renewal, we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in education. The school remains committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.”

“Congratulations to The Monarch Academy Glen Burnie who strives for high academic standards and student performance outcomes,” explains Pat Crain, Director, Educational Options and School Climate, AACPS.  “Our mission is to provide a choice for parents and the community by providing innovative charter and contract school opportunities for students and we are committed to accountability and autonomy while supporting these schools to produce positive outcomes for students and families of Anne Arundel County.”

The Monarch Academy Schools are part of The Children’s Guild (TCG), founded in 1953 and celebrating its 70th anniversary.  TCG is a leading MidAtlantic nonprofit organization focused on helping students and families find success socially, emotionally, educationally, and developmentally through special education and charter schools, school-based mental health services, treatment foster care, autism services, family mental and behavioral health services, and workforce development programs.

Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, The Children’s Guild School of Prince George County, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Monarch Global Academy Laurel, Monarch Academy Annapolis, Monarch Preschool College Park, The Children’s Guild- Transformation Academy, The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC), Treatment Foster Care, and TranZed Apprenticeships.  For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/.

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Kim Jakovics, Principal at Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Recognized as Leader of the Year

Kim Jakovics, Principal at Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Recognized as Leader of the Year

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8th Grader also Recognized as Outstanding Student

GLEN BURNIE, MD, June 11, 2022 – Kim Jakovics, Principal for Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, has been recognized by the Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools with the Leader of the Year Award, and was also recognized yesterday by the Capital Gazette, Capital Style Magazine’s Best of Anne Arundel County Reader’s Choice Award with a similar honor. Kim has truly made a difference in so many of her students’ lives as principal of the school. Zaikiyah (Z) Weddington, who is in 8th grade at the Monarch Academy, was also honored as an Outstanding 8th Grader for being a role model and leader.

“We are so proud of Kim Jakovics and Zaikiyah Weddington for being recognized by these prestigious organizations for the values we live by at The Children’s Guild and Monarch Academy Glen Burnie,” said Jenny Livelli, President and CEO of The Children’s Guild, which operates Monarch Academy Glen Burnie as well as two other charter schools in Anne Arundel County and one in Washington, DC. “The mission of Monarch Academy Glen Burnie is to consciously create a safe, respectful and inclusive school community that educates, elevates and empowers ALL voices through authentic and equitable experiences. Kim leads that mission and Z is a wonderful example of the impact we have on our students.”

 The Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools awarded Zaikiyah (Z) Weddington with the Outstanding 8th Graders Award. One way Z showcased her leadership skills was during Black History Month. After realizing that there are typically a few historic figures students focus on, she collaborated with her teachers to craft a learning module to emphasize dozens of voices of African American Leaders. Under her guidance, all 8th grade students engaged in collaborative research and designed a puzzle-piece artistic display to share details from their chosen leader’s life and story.

According to John Paul Bennett, 8th Grade Humanities teacher, Z is a role model and leader in the school and has demonstrated consistent and significant academic progress while overcoming personal obstacles. Z’s impact on the school through this project is a perfect example of the way that Monarch Academy students can act as leaders of their own learning and impact the community around them.

“I have had a wonderful experience being a student at Monarch Academy, they have truly prepared me as I graduate and go on to high school,” said Z. “I’m honored that my teachers and peers see me as a role model and leader, I truly never felt that way at other schools and I have much more confidence now that my voice can be heard.”

In addition to Z’s Award, Kim Jakovics received the Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools Leader of the Year Award and the Capital Gazette, Capital Style Magazine’s Best of Anne Arundel County Reader’s Choice Award. Kim joined Monarch Academy Glen Burnie as principal in 2018 and has led the staff to put the child first with every decision the leaders and teachers make.

Throughout her career Kim has created a dynamic learning community that extends beyond the classroom. Kim supports learning experiences that give students opportunities to be active participants in their education. One such example is a recent 5th grade environmental literacy program where students were working on a biodiversity study at the school and at a nearby waterfront. They conducted a survey, made a plan, worked with the Department of Natural Resources and received a grant to continue the work. This is a great example of the way Kim supports the teachers as they engage students in their learning.

“Our school promotes high achievement, character growth and teamwork through a focus on arts and technology, culture and character, and leadership and school improvement,” said Kim Jakovics. “It is my honor to instill these characteristics into our students and I am humbled to represent the wonderful work our entire staff does and be recognized as the leader of the school.”

Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, founded in 2009, is a tuition-free, publicly funded charter school open to kindergarten through eighth grade students in Anne Arundel County regardless of testing or screening. For more information, click here. For the full virtual tour of the school click on the video on the home page.

The Monarch Academy Glen Burnie is part of The Children’s Guild, a nonprofit organization serving children, families and child-serving organizations since 1953. The Children’s Guild programs are guided by Transformation Education, an organizational philosophy that fosters a culture of flexibility. This culture creates management and staff who are agile thinkers. This assures children are treated as individuals and taught the way they learn best.

Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild, Inc., Baltimore Campus, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, The Children’s Guild – Prince George Campus, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Monarch Academy Global – Laurel, Monarch Academy Annapolis, The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Treatment Foster Care, The Children’s Guild- Transformation Academy, Monarch Preschool College Park, TranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships. For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/.

The Children’s Guild Releases 2021 Annual Report

The Children’s Guild Releases 2021 Annual Report

The firsts we achieved, the service we undertook, the recognition we earned, and the funds we raised to better serve communities made 2021 a year to remember for The Children’s Guild. Join us to reflect on an inspiring year by checking out our 2021 Annual Report.
 
The new look and feel of the Annual Report helps to better demonstrate the exciting things happening in The Children’s Guild. The successes we experienced in 2021 are celebrated by our participating families and communities, and our talented and highly trained staff across all our schools and programs. And they’re made possible by the generous support from our donors and board of directors.
 
This presentation shares some of the amazing stories from 2021, including the opening of Transformation Academy, the expanded services offered by many of our schools and programs, The Children’s Guild, Inc., Baltimore Campus’ success in statewide competition, and many other stories. Also included in this report is an overview of our 2021 financials.
 
During this past year, we have grown and expanded our influence and impact. The Children’s Guild will continue to provide individualized transformational experiences that help ensure children, families, and their communities thrive. 2021 put us a step closer to achieving our vision: generations of curious and courageous children, healthy families, and thriving communities. The impact that The Children’s Guild made in 2021 will continue to move us to do big things for those we serve in 2022.
 
Experience the 2021 Annual Report presentation today!

The Honorable Carl O. Snowden And Charles James From The Caucus Of African American Leaders Will Speak At Monarch Academy Glen Burnie About Equity Work

The Honorable Carl O. Snowden And Charles James From The Caucus Of African American Leaders Will Speak At Monarch Academy Glen Burnie About Equity Work

Civil rights activist and politician the Sr and Honorable Carl Snowden will visit Monarch Academy Glen Burnie along with Elder Charles E. James, who is on the Caucus of African American Leaders to address the school’s teachers and discuss needs for equity in education from their perspective. Snowden and James will visit the school on Wednesday, March 9th from 3-4 pm in the café of the Monarch Academy Glen Burnie campus, 6730 Baymeadow Dr, Glen Burnie, MD 21060.

The Monarch Academy is part of The Children’s Guild, a nonprofit organization serving children, families and child-serving organizations whose mission is helping children and families to thrive. One of the ways they provide these critical services is to bring in experts to help educate their team. The Children’s Guild recognizes that it is important for their staff community to come together and celebrate diversity as well as talk about difficult topics. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not simply things to check off; they are core to The Children’s Guild’s mission of transforming the lives of those it serves.

“We look forward to welcoming Elder James and the Honorable Carl Snowden to speak with our staff about their work in our district and state. Their focus will be on education and the necessary work of schools to provide equitable educational experiences,” said Kim Jakovics, Principal. “Monarch Academy Glen Burnie believes that learning for children and adults must include the incorporation of experts as they deepen our understanding of complex issues.”

Carl Snowden was raised in Annapolis, Maryland, where he attended Annapolis Elementary School. As a student, Snowden was greatly influenced by The Autobiography of Malcolm X. In 1970, Snowden, along with fourteen other students, was expelled from Annapolis High School after they boycotted classes to protest the school’s lack of African American teachers and African American studies courses. Local benefactors raised funds for him to attend the private Key School. While still a young adult, Snowden organized an African American group called VOTE.

Snowden has campaigned for numerous local candidates, including Janet S. Owens, the first woman elected as county executive in Anne Arundel County, Maryland; and Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen. Snowden, who spearheaded a successful two-year $800 thousand capital fund campaign to create the first Coretta Scott King Memorial Garden and the first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in the State of Maryland. Snowden was honored with an award at the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Dinner in Glen Burnie, Maryland in 2011.

Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild, Inc., Baltimore Campus, DC Public Charter School, The Janet and Frank Kelly Autism Center, Monarch Academy public charter and contract schools, The Outpatient Mental Health Center, Treatment Foster Care, The Children’s Guild- Transformation Academy, The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County, Monarch Preschool College Park, TranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships. For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/

The Children’s Guild Announces New Autism School and Holds Open Houses

The Children’s Guild Announces New Autism School and Holds Open Houses

The Children’s Guild will open The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy, a new non-public school providing special education services to children on the autism spectrum, on Oct. 18, 2021. Transformation Academy’s primary goal is to prepare students for transition into adulthood by focusing on functional life skills and activities of daily living beginning at a young age. By offering wrap-around services, we strive to make life better for the students and their families by meeting each student where they are and maximizing their level of independence.

Located at 6802 McClean Blvd., in Baltimore, The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy is a 12-month, day school for students ages 5-21, whose primary diagnosis is autism but may have co-existing diagnoses of sensory processing disorder, a specific learning disability, a health impairment or multiple disabilities. At Transformation Academy, we know that our students are more than their diagnoses and we strive to educate and support families in their hopes for their child as a family member and a member of the community.

The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy will hold open houses for interested families on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We work with children on the autism spectrum whose needs cannot be met in public schools,” said Sarah Weitzel, speech language pathologist and clinical supervisor for The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy. Our primary purpose is to prepare students for transition into adulthood. We focus on functional life skills and activities of daily living and offer wrap-around services that make life better for the students, to maximize their level of independence.”

Instructional areas are determined by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and may include communication skills, self-care, functional academics, fine and gross motor skills and behavior and socialization skills. The school offers a community-based component and introduces students to job, recreation and leisure skills. Referrals are made through the student’s local public school system, and funding is through local and state boards of education.

The open houses are walk-in friendly, and no preregistration is required. All COVID-19 safety precautions will be in effect. For more information, visit www.childrensguildschools.org/transformation-academy or email Sarah Weitzel at WeitzelS@ChildrensGuild.org.

Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild School of BaltimoreThe Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s CountyThe Janet and Frank Kelly Autism CenterMonarch Academy public charter and contract schools, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter SchoolThe Outpatient Mental Health CenterThe Academy: Therapeutic Group HomesTreatment Foster CareThe Children’s Guild: Transformation AcademyMonarch Preschool College ParkTranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships.

Monarch Academy Annapolis eSchool Success Story

Monarch Academy Annapolis eSchool Success Story

The Monarch Academy Annapolis eSchool was featured in the Capital Gazette this week. The article by Rachel Pacella reports the success of the program has led the eSchool to continue this Fall.

The eSchool@MAA is a blended distance learning program option for pre-K through fifth grade students that was developed in the Summer of 2020. Instruction is 80% virtual and up to 20% in-classroom and provides the same rigorous programs and services as other county schools.  

In the Capital Gazette article, Adrianne Womack, a parent of a special needs student was quoted saying, “Sometimes I have tears, not of sadness, of joy,” she said because the program has made learning so much more fun for her kids. 

The eSchool will continue permanently when Anne Arundel County Public Schools are back in the classroom with hybrid and/or fully in-person learning. The program is available to any student in AACo. that applies to one of the Monarch Academies. 

This school year 106 students were enrolled, the school has a capacity to accept up to 150 students for the Fall of 2021. Read the entire Capital Gazette article here: https://bit.ly/3uGzOO4

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