The Children’s Guild District of Columbia Public Charter School named Robert G. Seabrooks Jr. chair of the board of directors. Located in Northeast Washington, D.C., the school is an affiliate of The Children’s Guild Alliance and serves individual learners from gifted students to those with special education needs.

 A certified public accountant and lawyer, Seabrooks has been the resource allocation officer at the District of Columbia Department of General Services (DGS) since 2013 and manages an approximate $1 billion budget. Among his accomplishments is the establishment of DGS’s Sustainability Operating Budget, which was a key component to enable the agency to represent Washington, D.C., in receiving the C40 Cities Award for Global Leadership on Climate Change.

 From 2008 to 2013, Seabrooks was senior resource allocation analyst for the District of Columbia Department of Real Estate Services.

 “Although we are in challenging times, I look forward to and am excited to have the opportunity to  work with the board of The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, as there is no shortage of talent, vision or creativity on this board,” Seabrooks said. “I was drawn to The Children’s Guild and this board by the shared enthusiasm everyone has to give back to our community. Knowing that my efforts are going to directly impact underserved children provides no greater motivation. We as a board look forward to helping both the school and The Children’s Guild reach its fullest potential.”

 Dr. Andrew L. Ross president and CEO of The Children’s Guild Alliance says, “We are so very pleased to have the leadership of Rob at this time. His knowledge of the DC community and his passion for seeing that the needs of all children in our community are met makes him the ideal person to help us continue to grow The Children’s Guild DC Charter school. “

 Seabrooks earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Howard University and was a member of Beta Alpha Psi honors accounting fraternity. He went on to earn his law degree from Howard University School of Law and was a member of the Sigma Delta Tau legal fraternity.

Monarch Academy Annapolis, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, introduced Black History 365, a student extracurricular club that looks at the Black History 365 textbook presenting an inclusive account of American history, focusing on Black people, groups and cultures. Black History 365 meets virtually at no cost to students and will restart in January.

“Students walked away from the first session learning about ancient Africa along with the great kings and queens that ruled over vast kingdoms and empires,” said Lakisha and Woodly Thelusma, school parents and club organizers. “They were also introduced to many unique African animals, natural resources and the overall beauty of Africa; the enchantment and excitement seen in the eyes of the students communicate just how rich the experience has been for them.”

“Students must know their history,” the Thelusmas continued, “in order to shape their future just as the great Maya Angelou said, ‘You can’t really know where you are going, unless you know where you’ve been.’”

The Thelusmas are adapting the high school-level Black History 365 textbook for kindergarten and first grade students at Monarch Academy Annapolis. The club allows students to expand their cultural awareness, earn badges and advance to higher levels. School districts across the country, including Prince George’s County Public Schools, have adopted the Black History 365 curriculum.

“Monarch Academy Annapolis is so lucky to have Lakisha and Woodly Thelusma leading our Black History 365. They have stepped up to develop and implement an amazing club experience for our youngest learners,” said Kate McFaul, student support and club coordinator at Monarch Academy Annapolis. “We hope the parent partnership on this diversity project can pave the way for future projects that encourage empathy and understanding for diverse cultures.”

In addition, Monarch Academy Annapolis offers other extracurricular activities for students:

•  Mighty Milers club will help students stay active and learn health and wellness virtually this year. Monarch Academy Annapolis students join other students from Annapolis schools to participate in the club, led in partnership with Annapolis Recreation and Parks and United States Naval Academy midshipmen.
•  MESA (Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement) offers students a chance for the first time this year to participate in a national competition connected to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Twenty students in third grade—with plans to add students in fourth and fifth grades in the future—will participate in the teacher-led program.

Monarch Academy Annapolis also offers clubs for students interested in music, books, chess and other topics as well.

“At Monarch Annapolis, we strive to provide our students with a wide variety of extracurricular experiences that enrich their thinking and learning, provide the opportunity to meet new friends and extend school beyond our classrooms,” said Rachel Amstutz, principal of Monarch Academy Annapolis. “We are excited to continuously expand our club repertoire and that even in the virtual environment we have been able to create many exciting opportunities. At this point this year, over 160 students are engaging in our clubs, and they are having a blast.”

We are collectively living through one of the most sweeping health crises in our history. This issue of Transformation shares how The Children’s Guild Alliance has relied on empathy and action to persevere during these challenging times.

The holidays are difficult for many of our families, especially this year. We introduce our Holiday Gift Catalog and invite you to help us spread joy with an array of gifts from school supplies and daily essentials to gift certificates or a special experience such as a trip to the beach.

We are thankful for the success of our virtual Kids First Celebration and congratulate our 2020 Sadie Award recipients Guy and Nupur Parekh Flynn. We also congratulate the recipients of our 2020 Monarch Award, the highest honor bestowed upon our staff. Their dedication has been truly inspirational during a year of unforeseen stress and change.

Our staff continue to amaze us with their creativity and commitment. From virtual pep rallies to flexible mental health services, we are educating and caring for the whole child. We also welcome new staff members hired to build a more inclusive school culture.

Learn how The Guild is making the most of grants and special funding to launch preschool programs in Annapolis and College Park. We have also received grants to fund our community-building efforts during distance learning and support our ongoing food distribution program in Annapolis.

This issue of Transformation highlights how The Guild has transformed its approach during COVID-19 to meet the needs of our students. As you read these stories, join us in celebrating learning, giving, and putting “kids first”.

Elizabeth Warmington Garcia, chief clinical officer of The Children’s Guild Alliance, received the 2020 Professional Achievement Award from Case Western Reserve University and was inducted into the Mandel School Hall of Achievement, which recognizes “outstanding alumni, faculty, partners and friends who have greatly impacted the school and the fields of social work and nonprofit management,” according to the school website.

 “Garcia has dedicated her career to serving children and families. She contributes a valuable perspective, having developed skills in both the micro and the macro aspects of the social work field,” according to the website.

 As chief clinical officer of The Children’s Guild Alliance, Garcia works with the clinical leadership throughout the organization, including the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Expanded School-Based Mental Health program, Treatment Foster Care program, residential treatment and the schools. Garcia implements program models and best practice interventions to ensure the continued success of treatment outcomes for children and families.

 As a licensed clinical social worker, Garcia brings more than 25 years of experience providing clinical services as well as managing behavioral health and out-of-home care for children and families.

 Garcia joined The Children’s Guild Alliance in 2011 as director of behavioral health services. She has spearheaded the growth of school-based mental health services into six counties and 90 schools. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland and chairs the Clinical Learning Community. Before joining The Children’s Guild Alliance, Garcia was division director for Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau in Cleveland, Ohio.

 Garcia holds two master’s degrees in social work and nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University. She received her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College.

Monarch Academy Annapolis, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, received a $50,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative to fund healthy meal distributions free to school families and Annapolis residents. The school partners with the Maryland Food Bank and Bridge Church of Annapolis to provide meals.

 As part of the effort and in recognition of Thanksgiving, Monarch Academy Annapolis and volunteers distributed 325 turkeys totaling 6,000 pounds to 295 families in Annapolis on Thursday, Nov. 19.

 “Monarch Academy Annapolis values the whole child and looks beyond test scores,” said Rachel Amstutz, principal of Monarch Academy Annapolis. “This is evident in our individualized learning models, our mental health services for students and our efforts to ensure all students get healthy meals, have clean clothes to wear and are productive members of their communities.”

 Monarch Academy Annapolis distributes about 250 meals per week. Meals include fresh produce and are funded through The Children’s Guild Alliance which includes monetary contributions from donors. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 “Fresh produce is especially important in food insecure areas and often hard for people to access, yet so important for good health,” said Kathy Lane, chief of educational services for The Children’s Guild Alliance, which operates Monarch Academy Annapolis. “During these challenging COVID-19 times, Monarch Academy Annapolis wants to ensure not just that our children are still learning but that they continue to be well fed.”

 The grant source, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative, received $50 million allocated by Gov. Larry Hogan to help nonprofit organizations with critical operations that have been financially affected by COVID-19 and Maryland’s state of emergency.

Monarch Academy Annapolis, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, named Miguel Vicente as bilingual student recruitment and community engagement liaison and Keith Rowel as family and student support specialist. Vicente and Rowel will work to support families and contribute to the building of an inclusive school culture. 

Keith Rowel

Monarch Academy Annapolis, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, named Miguel Vicente as bilingual student recruitment and community engagement liaison and Keith Rowel as family and student support specialist. Vicente and Rowel will work to support families and contribute to the building of an inclusive school culture.

Monarch Academy Annapolis restructured and expanded its staffing model to increase proactive supports for students and families and to grow family partnerships.

“In order to ensure maximum success for our students we must educate their hearts and minds, attend to their social-emotional wellness and authentically collaborate with families and our community,” said Principal Rachel Amstutz. “With a richly diverse student body, we are honored to have Miguel and Keith join our team. They each bring years of experience and a deep passion for the work in which we are engaged. They will help us serve all of our students and families, celebrate diversity, build bridges within our community, provide a high level of targeted support and to connect with and engage our families in their child’s education and development.”

As bilingual student recruitment and community engagement liaison, Vicente will work to build an inclusive and culturally informed support network for school families, encouraging family advocacy and facilitating a sense of community. With over 10 years of experience working with Latino nonprofit organizations, Vicente was executive director of Education Based Latino Outreach in Baltimore and previously served with Baltimore County Public Library, Maryland Relay and Morgan State University.

“We’re transforming Monarch Academy Annapolis into an inclusive hub within the community for the Hispanic families of Annapolis,” Vicente said. “As a Spanish speaker, I have the privilege of reaching out to Spanish-speaking families, making them feel welcome at Monarch Academy Annapolis and working toward the success of all of our children, families, teachers and administrators.”

As family and student support specialist, Rowel will support students and families through the school’s Student Support Center and collaborate with the staff to recommend interventions and strategies to help students learn and grow. Previously, Rowel taught for the Anne Arundel County Health Department’s Strengthening Families program for which he received a citation from the county executive. He brings nearly 15 years of experience with Head Start supporting children from low-income families. He also directs music at First Baptist Church of Annapolis and volunteers in the Annapolis community.

“I consider it to be an absolute honor to have this unique opportunity to pour back into the Monarch Academy Annapolis families and communities,” Rowel said. “MAA has a spirit of unity that is driven from the heart of diversity. Having cultural differences is what makes learning so awesome. It is because of diversity that we get to have a bird’s eye view of a whole different world in which we live.”