The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County Problem Solving Courts Truancy Reduction Court recently partnered with Carrollton Enterprise to collect school supplies and toiletries for students during its inaugural Back to School Drive on Friday, August 25, 2017 at the New Carrollton Shopping Center. Collections from the drive benefited Truancy Reduction Court participants and area students. Attendees received a backpack filled with school supplies, haircuts and enjoyed great food.
“It’s so important that all children have the resources they need to start the school year off with a fresh and positive attitude,” said the Honorable Sheila R. Tillerson Adams, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and Seventh Judicial Circuit. “The donations of school supplies will not only assist the parents but prepare our children for an exciting new school year. I would like to thank Problem Solving Courts Director Julisa Cunningham and Truancy Reduction Court Coordinator Lamont F. Heading, for partnering with Carrollton Enterprise to support the Prince George’s County community.”
In addition to school supplies, the Truancy Reduction Court will be collecting toiletries including combs, brushes, lip balms, hand lotion, body spray, deodorant, tissue, hand sanitizers, cleansing wipes and first aid kits. The collection will be year–round.
“For many students and parents in Truancy Reduction Court, it’s a challenge to purchase the necessary supplies for students as they return to school,” said Problem Solving Courts Director Julisa Cunningham. “I’m truly excited about this effort and the leadership of Lamont F. Heading, Truancy Reduction Court Coordinator, who worked hard to get our students ready for the new school year.”
In Maryland, the law requires children between the ages of 5 and 16 to attend school on a regular basis. The Honorable William D. Missouri, former Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and the Seventh Judicial Circuit, formed a committee to study the feasibility of Truancy Reduction Court in Prince George’s County and accepted the recommendation to institute the Truancy Reduction Court. In 2008, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County implemented Truancy Reduction Court. The goal of Truancy Reduction Court is to improve attendance and enhance achievement of students who have been adjudicated truant.
Please contact Lamont F. Heading, Truancy Reduction Court Coordinator, LFHeading@co.pg.md.us or 301.780.2052, for further information or to donate.