Grants fund school’s new pre-K, resources for virtual learning

Monarch Academy Annapolis received two competitive grants from the state of Maryland: a $600,000 Prekindergarten Expansion Grant funding the school’s new full-day pre-K and a $173,997 Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund grant supporting the school’s efforts to reach students and families and build community during virtual learning.

 “We’re excited to make the most of these grants. Launching a pre-K is vital to Annapolis families and creates access and opportunity for student learning for our youngest learners during this challenging time,” said Rachel Amstutz, principal of Monarch Academy Annapolis. “The grants help us ensure our students continue to receive a strong education and essential social-emotional supports, while our teachers receive training and preparation for implementing distance learning.”

 The Prekindergarten Expansion Grant, awarded by the Maryland State Department of Education, funds 60 income-eligible seats for 4-year-old students. The program launched in September. Students may apply for available seats. The program will equip children with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond. Monarch Academy Annapolis offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which challenges students to think critically and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues.

 The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund grant supports resources and activities benefiting students, families and educators at Monarch Academy Annapolis during distance learning. Funding allows the school to purchase supplies for students and additional tools and training for teachers and administrators, including staff attending a Harvard University course this summer on teaching and learning in a distance learning environment. It also supports projects promoting collaboration between teachers, school counselors, and families.

 Awarded by the Maryland State Department of Education, the grant channels federal CARES Act funds to schools “that demonstrate unique strategies to address academic accessibility as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant recipients have presented creative strategies to support disengaged students, students with disabilities, teachers, and families in need,” according to a press release from Gov. Larry Hogan’s office.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought many challenges to life as we know it. Our new issue of Transformation highlights how The Children’s Guild Alliance has responded and continues to put kids first during these unprecedented times. We share stories about our staff and how they developed new ways to deliver education, services, and operations. Learn how our educators adapted to distance learning and connected with students and personalize their virtual learning.

 Join us as we reimagine The Kids First Celebration as a virtual event and redirect the funds raised to support our Chromebook campaign. Learn about our new Chromebook initiative established to provide every student with the technology they need to access online learning.

 Of special interest is our recent launch of food distribution centers in Annapolis and Washington, D.C. Recognizing the impact of the pandemic on food insecure communities, we have pivoted our services to ensure the families and communities we serve continue to be fed.

 We invite you to read this issue of Transformation and support and celebrate the very real ways The Children’s Guild Alliance is stepping up during these difficult times to meet the needs of the whole child.

The Children’s Guild Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving children, families and child-serving organizations, promoted Elizabeth Warmington Garcia to chief clinical officer. Previously, Garcia served as interim chief of children’s and community services for The Children’s Guild Alliance.

As chief clinical officer, Garcia will work 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 will implement 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.

“Elizabeth has a wealth of expertise and experience to lead The Children’s Guild Alliance’s clinical services,” said Andrew L. Ross, president and CEO of The Children’s Guild Alliance. “Elizabeth’s proven success in understanding the needs of children and families, training clinicians and developing quality clinical programs is exceptional. We are thrilled that she will now integrate our clinical services throughout the organization.” 

“Elizabeth has a wealth of expertise and experience to lead The Children’s Guild Alliance’s clinical services,” said Andrew L. Ross, president and CEO of The Children’s Guild Alliance. “Elizabeth’s proven success in understanding the needs of children and families, training clinicians and developing quality clinical programs is exceptional. We are thrilled that she will now integrate our clinical services throughout the organization.”

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.