Marsha L. Williams Advocate

Yesterday was a beautiful day for the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity Warrior 5K Fun Run/Walk. Proceeds from the 5K benefit all PHFH programs, including Veterans Critical Home Repairs & home builds. If you could not participate, you can still donate to PHFH.

"Patuxent Habitat for Humanity and the Warrior 5K Fun Run/Walk is being held June 10th at the Lexington Manor Passive Park. We would like to invite everyone to participate in our 5K fundraiser endeavor this year. Our Veteran Critical Repair Program has helped over 100 veterans and their families with critical home repairs.

You can register at www.patuxenthabitat.org or on the day of the event. Tickets are $35.00. For more information please email [email protected] or call 301-863-6227 x16 "

https://thebaynet.com/warrior-5k-fun-run-walk-fundraiser-to-support-veterans-and-affordable-housing/

Here are a few photos from yesterday's Nest Fest at GMHS. It was a fantastic & informative event.

Thank you to all of our educators for your hard work, dedication, and all you do for your students. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! What teacher inspired you? Who was your favorite teacher, and why? Show love to your favorite teacher(s).

On Tuesday, April 18, the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce held its 2023 Legislative Review Luncheon. As Chair of the Chamber, I was honored to be the MC. Thank you to Senator Jack Bailey and Delegates Matt Morgan and Todd Morgan for giving an overview of the 2023 legislative session & answering questions. Thank you to Chris Longmore, Chair of the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee for moderating the Q&A panel. I encourage all St. Mary's County businesses to join the Chamber. Also, if you haven't registered for the Business Awards Luncheon on May 10, 2023. The keynote speaker will be Sheriff Steve Hall. You can register for this event and join the Chamber by visiting the Chamber's website at smcchamber.com.

FYI
SMCPS has updated this year's school calendar.

Virtual instruction days will be April 21 & May 12. Both days are Two Hour Early Dismissal days.

The last day of school is now June 9. It will be a Two Hour Early Dismissal day.

I have been busy the past week and have neglected to post. This past Wednesday I attended the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Hickory Hills.

Have you taken the SMCPS 22-23 Calendar survey? SMCPS is seeking input in the pilot of virtual learning days, which could carry over to the 2023-2024 school year. What are your thoughts/concerns?

Calendar Survey - 2022-2023 Pilot We are seeking input from stakeholders in the pilot of potential virtual learning days in the school year calendar. Your input will be provided for St. Mary's County Public Schools and the Board of Education to consider.

On Saturday, I attended Scott Ostrow County Commissioner Town Hall. It was the first town hall that he or any Commissioner has held since I can remember. The town hall was well attended. People had the opportunity to share concerns, ideas, & resources. Thank you, Commissioner Ostrow, for being receptive and willing to listen. Hopefully, we will see concerns being addressed. I look forward to more town halls to come.

Today, I had the honor of being installed as President of St. Mary's County NAACP. Willie Flowers, President of the NAACP, Maryland State Conference, conducted my swearing-in. Once I was sworn in, I had the pleasure of installing the branch's new officers and members-at-large of the #7025.. I'm thankful that I have a great team. I look forward to serving and helping to advance the mission of the NAACP in St. Mary's County.

Thank you to my hubby for taking pictures.

Announcement - Please share

Rising 9th graders and their families are invited to join the St. Mary's County NAACP and St. Mary's County Public Schools staff for a program: “Stepping Up to High School.”
Learn the steps needed for success in high school. This program will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at St. Mary's County Library, 21677 FDR Blvd. Lexington Park, MD 20653.

I hope to see you there!

To all the amazing SMCPS school counselors, thank you for all you do. You are amazing and appreciated!

Kudos to the GMHS NJROTC whose annual inspection was held this morning. From my point of view, they did an outstanding job. Capt. Randle & Chief Mack are fantastic. We have so many great programs for SMCPS students and great teachers and staff. Also, congratulations to my cadet, who ranked up to E5 & is a member of the GMHS NJROTC drill team.

Tonight, my son & I attended the Tech Expo at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. I was glad to see so many students & parents/guardians at the event. The Tech Center has 21 career programs. We attended the Computer Aided Drafting & Design, Engineering, & Culinary Arts info sessions. We stopped by the Welding, Carpentry, & Graphic Communications classrooms. Current students were in all the classrooms showcasing the work they have done & answering questions. The Tech Expo was a very impressive & informative event.

Youth experience emotional pain, too. Please seek help if you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Have a safe & enjoyable winter break!

Best wishes for a safe and restful winter break! We look forward to welcoming our students back on January 3, 2023

All of the ballots have now been counted, and again, I want to thank all of you: Thank you to those who voted for me, those who supported me with both your time and your donations, those who listened to me, those who asked questions, and those who shared your concerns and suggestions. My candidacy and this race were better for it.

My campaign to serve on the Board of Education was to ensure that each St. Mary's County Public School student receives a high-quality education taught by highly-qualified educators in a safe school environment, no matter the zip code or financial status or whether the student has an IEP or 504 plan. Each child deserves a public education that will help prepare them for life after graduation.

While I wasn't elected, I have no regrets. I ran my campaign with honesty and integrity. I am proud of the bipartisan support I received. Though the campaign is over, I will continue to work with SMCPS & the Board of Education through the community organizations in which I am a member. I will continue to be an advocate for children and parents. Thank you.

The polls are now closed. While we are waiting for the results, I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. Thank you for your support. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for asking questions. Thank you for sharing your concerns and suggestions. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you.

In less than 3 hours, the polls will close. Before they do, i want to take this time to say thank you to my volunteers who were at the voting locations today. I also want to thank all who voted. If you haven't voted yet, there is still time. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. exercise your right to vote. today in the . by encouraging your family and friends to and . I need your vote.