October 27, 2015
Dear Members of the Dora Kennedy Community:
In recent days, some of you may have participated in discussions or viewed media reports surrounding allegations of student abuse at Dora Kennedy French Immersion. I’m writing to you today to share the steps we are taking to address this situation.
First, please know that PGCPS continues its full investigation into the alleged incidents. While I would like to provide you with the details of the exact steps we have taken, I am bound by the district’s confidentiality measures that are designed to protect both the families and the employees involved. If information becomes available that we can share, you have my committment that I will do so in a quick and transparent manner.
Second, effective immediately, Mrs. Clara Yancey will serve as acting principal of Dora Kennedy French Immersion. We feel it was best to make this change, so that we can be assured we are moving forward on a path that is guided by fairness, integrity, and transparency for everyone. Mrs. Clara Yancey is a retired principal from Prince George’s County Public Schools with a distinguished and proven record as an effective instructional leader. She is a seasoned administrator with decades of professional experience and extensive expertise across a full suite of academic disciplines. Please be assured that the academic environment will continue to thrive Mrs. Yancey’s leadership.
Dora Kennedy French Immersion school community is strong and impactful because of parents and guardians just like you. In the coming days, there may be some tough conversations and the potential for unwanted attention on our school. Like always, I know that we will forge ahead in a supportive and compassionate way that keeps student success at the center of our thinking.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me at 301-669-6060.
Sincerely,
Helen Coley, Ed.D
Area 2 Associate Superintendent
Prince George's County Advocates for Better Schools 