WESTOVER, MD (October 22, 2024) – The Title I Elementary Schools of Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) – Greenwood Elementary, Princess Anne Elementary, and Carter G. Woodson Elementary – recently hosted their annual curriculum-themed Trunk or Treat events, uniting students, families, and staff in a festive celebration of learning and community. These events, made possible through Title I funding and support from the community, are part of each school's commitment to fostering meaningful family engagement, promoting collaboration between home and school, and supporting student success both in the classroom and beyond.
Each school hosted a similar outdoor event, where students and their families had the opportunity to dress in costume and trick or treat, collecting not only candy and treats but also educational materials from the trunks of faculty and staff. Students and families received books, pencils, paper, art supplies, games, puzzles, and other tools to promote learning in the home. The events were designed to encourage family involvement, which is a key component of the Title I program and an essential element in improving educational outcomes for students.
The three events were a great success, with a combined total of over 1,366 attendees and 687 students represented.
• Princess Anne Elementary School: 305 attendees, 139 students represented
• Greenwood Elementary School: 482 attendees, 249 students represented
• Carter G. Woodson Elementary School: 579 attendees, 299 students represented
“SCPS is committed to fostering family connections through continued community engagement. The annual Trunk or Treat events at our Title I schools continue to bring families and schools together in a fun, educational atmosphere each fall," said Mrs. Tracie Bartemy, Director of Schools & Title I for SCPS. "Family engagement is a critical factor in improving student outcomes, and we’re proud to see such strong participation from our community. By providing not only treats but also educational resources, we are reinforcing the message that learning can happen everywhere, even in moments of celebration.”
Deputies from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office handed out treats and engaged with the Princess Anne community at Princess Anne Elementary School’s Curriculum Trunk or Treat.
A Princess Anne Elementary School family poses for a photo at the Title I school’s recent Curriculum Trunk or Treat event.
Princess Anne Elementary School students and families all had a wonderful time at the Title I school’s recent Curriculum Trunk or Treat event.
Principal of Greenwood Elementary School, Mrs. Kirstin Gibson (L) and SCPS’ Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Mr. Ted Gibson (R) distribute treats and learning materials at the Title I school’s Curriculum Trunk or Treat event.
Greenwood Elementary School students and families filled the parking lot, collecting treats and educational materials at the Title I school's recent Curriculum Trunk or Treat event.
Greenwood Elementary School’s Curriculum Trunk or Treat event was a great success with 482 people in attendance.
(L-R) Savannah Hoffman, Mindy Bentley, Brittany Derrickson, Lauren Beauchamp, Sarah Ward
The Kindergarten Team at Carter G. Woodson Elementary School dressed as characters from the movie “Inside Out 2” and passed out goodies at the Title I school’s recent Curriculum Trunk or Treat event.
Representatives from the US Coast Guard Station in Crisfield trailered and decorated a boat to participate in Carter G. Woodson Elementary School’s recent Curriculum Trunk or Treat event. Crew members distributed candy and engaged with hundreds of students and families.
Faculty at Carter G. Woodson Elementary (L-R) Jennifer Carey, Jill Price and Heather Tyler decked out their Trunk or Treat station with an 80's-era theme!
About Title I
Title I is a federal program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), designed to provide financial assistance to schools and school systems with high percentages of children from low-income families. The goal of Title I is to ensure that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and meet state academic standards.
Title I funds are used to support instructional programs, provide additional staffing, purchase educational materials, and implement initiatives that strengthen the academic achievement of students. A key component of Title I is its focus on family engagement, encouraging collaboration between schools and families to support student learning and development both in and out of the classroom. Schools receiving Title I funding are required to use a portion of the funds for activities and programs that actively involve parents and guardians, recognizing that family involvement is critical to improving student outcomes.