PCAC urges clearer calendar posting, more meaningful parent–teacher conferences as survey launches

The Parent and Community Advisory Council (PCAC) on Nov. 5 pressed Prince George’s County Public Schools leadership for clearer calendar communications and changes to how parent–teacher conferences are scheduled and run.

PCAC Chair Dolores Millhouse said PCAC is serving on the district calendar committee and that a public survey on options for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 calendars would be posted “in a couple of days.” She and other council members said the calendar survey and Family Institute notices have not consistently appeared on individual school homepages or the system calendar.

Dr. Sheila Jackson, presenting slides for the district’s family engagement team, described the Family Institute series (biweekly sessions) and said the department collects attendance data. “We actually collect data on all of the sessions, and I can share that,” she said, adding that virtual sessions attract parents from across the county. Jackson also reviewed resources including Capital Area Food Bank pantry locations and practical tips for parent–teacher conferences.

Multiple PCAC members described gaps in outreach. “I just pulled up a couple of schools’ websites, and it’s not on there,” PCAC member Akeembra Lawrence said when a district staffer earlier said materials were posted. Board liaison Member Walker said the board and staff would work to make a single parent landing page and suggested circulating a short, consistent flyer or two‑pager with talking points for advocacy day and other events.

Members asked for data on the effectiveness and barriers to parent–teacher conferences. “I can definitely look into it, for our district,” Jackson replied, saying she would ask the chief of schools for any available measures; she added that teachers’ outreach is used as one measurement of staff performance. PCAC members requested that schools make conferences more interactive and consider scheduling more or longer meetings for families who need more time.

District staff agreed to share the Family Institute attendance data and to check school homepages and the system calendar to ensure postings appear as intended. PCAC members also asked the district to centralize notices and to provide translated materials and one‑page summaries for distribution by PTAs, PTOs and parent leaders.

The council did not take formal action on the calendar or conference items at the meeting.