Monarch Global Academy, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, named Latrice Wiggins assistant principal. In her position, Wiggins will support school parent groups and coach teachers to build their instructional capacity.

“I have an earnest love of learning, as I believe knowledge is power. I love helping schools grow, teachers teach and students learn,” Wiggins said. “I’m excited to be part of this new school year and what it will bring for the students and staff at Monarch Global Academy.”

Wiggins brings 11 years of experience in education. Prior to joining Monarch Global Academy, she taught reading at Meade Heights Elementary School in Severn and Tyler Heights Elementary School in Annapolis. Previously, she taught third and fourth grades at Germantown Elementary School in Annapolis, an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School, and Van Bokkelen Elementary School in Severn.

She holds a certification in educational leadership from Goucher University. Wiggins earned her master’s degree in reading education from Bowie State University and bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida A&M University.

“We’re thrilled that Latrice will join us this year at Monarch Global Academy. Her passion for quality education, contagious energy and positive attitude will contribute to the transformative school culture our students, families and teachers have come to expect,” said Kathy Lane, chief of educational services for The Children’s Guild Alliance and Monarch Global Academy.

Monarch Academy charter and contract schools are affiliate members of The Children’s Guild Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving children, families and child-serving organizations and dedicated to transforming how America educates and cares for its children through education, behavioral health and national training and consultation services. Affiliates of The Children’s Guild Alliance include The Children’s Guild, The Academy for Working Students (TAWS), TranZed Apprenticeships, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, Transformation Education Institute, National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN), Conference Center at The Children’s Guild Alliance and The National Children’s Guild Fund. (www.childrensguild.org)

Today, Monarch Academy Annapolis celebrated the school’s new outdoor classroom, nature-inspired play space for younger children and webbed climbing structure, basketball court, and soccer field for older students with a dedication ceremony.

Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County executive, addressed the dedication ceremony and commended Monarch Academy Annapolis for their work to promote outdoor exercise, play, and learning. The new outdoor spaces were made possible through a $500,000 grant from Anne Arundel County.

“Our new outdoor classroom and play spaces will inspire our children and empower them to grow as learners, as people and as global citizens,” said Andrew L. Ross, president and CEO of The Children’s Guild Alliance, which operates Monarch Academy Annapolis. “The spaces support our curriculum themes of asking who we are, how the world works and how we can share our planet.”

This week, students from The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore and The Children’s Guild’s Academy group homes practiced their baseball throwing, catching and batting skills and played a game under the direction of professional baseball players with League of Dreams, which provides baseball experiences for children unable to compete in traditional leagues.

This amazing baseball clinic took place at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore and included David Hess, Orioles right-handed pitcher; Trey Mancini, Orioles infielder/outfielder; John Wasdin, Orioles bullpen coach; Adam Kolarek, Dodger left-handed pitcher; Mike Bordick, League of Dreams chairman, Orioles Hall of Famer and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network broadcaster; and Frank Kolarek, League of Dreams president and founder, University of Maryland baseball alumnus.

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The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County, which serves children and youth with behavioral, emotional and learning disabilities including children on the autism spectrum, named Ahmed Evans assistant principal. Evans brings more than 18 years of experience in education.

“We do important work at The Children’s Guild, helping students with disabilities explore, learn and grow, and I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to help lead the school and provide the best educational experience for these children,” Evans said.

Previously, Evans served as the head of school for Monarch Academy Baltimore, a public charter school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. He has held positions as acting principal, academic dean and academic resource coordinator in Prince George’s County Public Schools.

He previously served as assistant principal in a District of Columbia public school and associate principal for Francis Hammond Middle School in Virginia. Evans also held positions as a social studies department chair for Blue Ridge International Academy and as a teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina.

Evans earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in social science from Johnson C. Smith University.

“Ahmed has been a leader in our schools for several years, so I am confident his positive spirit, high energy and skilled leadership will enhance our high-quality learning environment at The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County. We’re grateful to have him on our team,” said Kathy Lane, chief of educational services for The Children’s Guild Alliance.

The Children’s Guild Schools are affiliate members of The Children’s Guild Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving children, families and child-serving organizations and dedicated to transforming how America educates and cares for its children through education, behavioral health and national training and consultation services. Affiliates of The Children’s Guild Alliance include Monarch Academy charter and contract schools, The Academy for Working Students (TAWS), TranZed Apprenticeships, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, Transformation Education Institute, National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN), Conference Center at The Children’s Guild Alliance and The National Children’s Guild Fund. (www.childrensguild.org)