Parents Help Charter School Teachers Settle Into New Building

by Sidney Thomas

Special to Upper Marlboro Patch

Parents from Imagine Foundations Public Charter School worked this summer to prepare their new building for the upcoming school year that begins next week.

The charter school outgrew its previous location on Brown Station Road and moved to the site formerly occupied by the Queen Anne School at 14111 Oak Grove Road in Upper Marlboro. 

Anthony Barnes, whose son has attended Imagine since kindergarten, is elated about the move. 

"We're looking forward to the new location and everything that it offers," Barnes said. "The kids are going to have access to an upgraded gymnasium, cafeteria, and science lab -- it's a great opportunity."

In an interview, Barnes said he thought about transferring his son to another school because of overcrowding at the old building: "We didn't move him because we were extremely satisfied with his academic progress at Imagine."

Barnes is among many parents who are pleased with the Imagine curriculum, which emphasizes language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and fine arts. A recent school survey shows that 91 percent of parents are satisfied with the quality of education their children receive at Imagine.

"We are very excited to move to a location that is larger and more conducive to our educational programs and extracurricular activities," said Imagine Principal Chenee' Dwarte. "At Imagine Foundations, we have very involved parents. Whenever we need support and reach out and ask for it, our parents provide whatever we need."

An email was sent to parents requesting their help with the unpacking of boxes and the organization of classrooms. In response, the volunteers set up desks and chairs, decorated bulletin boards, connected computers, and distributed textbooks, Dwarte said.

"We had over 20 parents come out and support us," she continued. "They came in comfortable clothes ready to assist wherever they were needed. As a result, teachers will be prepared for their students on August 22 (the first day of classes). I would like to personally thank all of our parents who supported this effort."