"Friends of Justice do not wait until it is safe and popular to begin talking about injustices.
Friends of Justice confront injustices while it is still unsafe and unpopular to do so.
Friends of Justice take Her by the hand before the battle's won, not after."
Wade Mullen
Jennifer in the news, advocating for safety:
Jennifer in the news, advocating for safety:
- January 25, 2024, Fox 5 news, What Happened to MCPS?
- January 24, 2024, ABC news 7, Inspector General report finds MCPS had 'deficiencies' in handling misconduct complaints
- October 23, 2023, Fox 5 news, Second lawsuit filed against MCPS amidst principal's harassment and bullying investigation
- August 16, 2023, Fox 5 news, Parents say MCPS ignored complaints about principal for years
- August 16, 2023, MOCO360, MCPS superintendent promises ‘open communication’ in Beidleman investigation
- September 12, 2022, DC News Now, Former Whitman High School teacher sentenced to 3 years in prison for sexual abuse of students
- November 2021, The Black & White (Whitman's magazine) A History of Oversight: Sexual Abuse Cases Persist Despite MCPS Prevention Efforts
- February 25, 2020, WJLA7 - Montgomery Co. cops arrest MCPS students for allegedly raping 11-year-old girls off-campus
- February 21, 2020 - Live radio interview on the issues raised in this story: Hidden Predator Act would end statute of limitations on filing lawsuits in future cases Here is my written testimony given in Annapolis on the day prior to the interview.
- August 11, 2019 - Washington Post - School board majority in Maryland favors renewal of superintendent contract
- March 29, 2019 - Washington Post - A football locker room, a broomstick and a sex assault case roil a school. In reaction to this explosive story, I sent a letter to the County Executive and other leaders in the county. Read that letter here.
- January 23, 2019 - Salisbury Daily Time - Teachable moments': How to talk to kids about sexual abuse
- January 16, 2019 - MYMCMEDIA - Sexual Assault in Our Schools
- November 19, 2018 - WUSA9 - WUSA9 holds Darkness to Light training to recognize and prevent child sex abuse
- Novermber 7, 2018 - WUSA9 - 'God, make this stop' | Teens abused by best friend's dad share their harrowing experiences
- September 5, 2018 - Bethesda Beat - MCPS Child Abuse Report Draws Mixed Response
- September 4, 2018 - NBC4 - How to See Which Teachers Have Had Licenses Revoked
- August 20, 2018 - WUSA9 - Local child abuse prevention advocate blasts Catholic church
- July 16, 2018 - Chicago Unhearld - "Experts Weigh in on Efforts to Protect CPS Students From Sexual Abuse"
- April 17, 2018 - Kojo Nnamdi Show - Stopping Sexual Abuse Before It Starts: What Local Schools Are Doing To Keep Kids Safe
- April 2, 2018 - Washington Post - Three arrests at one elementary school alarm parents and raise safety questions
- February 22, 2018 - WJLA - Maryland bill to protect children may not be effective
- February 16, 2018 - Washington Post - Should teachers, doctors and social workers face jail time for failing to report child abuse?
- February 15, 2018 - NBC - Teacher Who Lost License in Fla. Went on to Teach in 2 Md. Districts
- January 8, 2018 - WJLA - Parents confront MCPS leaders, after lunch aide charged with possession of child porn
- January 8, 2018 - WTOP - ‘There’s no transparency’: Questions arise about child sex abuse in Montgomery Co. schools
- December 11, 2017 - NBC 4 - Community Hero Award (will post link ASAP)
- I was honored to be the recipient of the Community Hero Award, given by the Montgomery County Civic Federation. See page 5 of their newsletter.
- Click here to read the Civic Federations resolution and my thoughts on what MCPS needs to do.
- Click here to read my comments I delivered when I accepted the award.
- November 1, 2017 - Fox 5 - Concerned Md. parents wonder why they weren't notified sooner about illegal recording investigation
- August 31, 2017 - WAMU Radio - The Kojo Show - How Do We Stop Sexual Abuse At Local Schools?
- August 25, 2017 - Washington Post - He was warned about getting too close to students. But this Maryland teacher was allowed to stay in the classroom.
- August 24, 2017 - NBC 4 - Unlicensed School Staffers Have Less to Lose If They Break Rules
- August 22, 2017 - Washington Post - More than 300 employees reported for abuse or neglect in one Md. school district
- August 4, 2017 - WTOP - Supporters of sexual abusers send damaging, confusing message to kids
- May 17, 2017 - Washington Post - Maryland school system posts 80 percent increase in reports of sexual harassment
- May 17, 2017 - NBC 4 - Rockville High Security Footage Increases Concerns About Staffing to Monitor Cameras
- May 7, 2017 - Washington Post - Abuse allegations lead to spike in teachers placed on leave in a Maryland suburb
- April 27, 2017 - Silver Chips - Blair Highschool Newspaper- Community seeks action against educator sexual misconduct - Evaluating the new MCPS Child Abuse and Neglect policy (PDF) - or - Weblink to paper
- April 4, 2017 - National Education Blog - Time for a Spotlight on Sexual Abuse in our Schools and the Failures to Report It
- March 24, 2017 - Washington Post - Threats and safety concerns follow Rockville High rape case
- March 16, 2017 - NBC News 4 - Virginia Superintendent Sends Letter About Teacher's 'Inappropriate Relationships' 2 Years After Instructor Resigned
- February 11, 2017 - We Support the Girls - Community Educational Event to end Child Sexual Abuse
- January 9, 2017 - Podcast episode 82 - Citizen Stewart - "Child Sexual Abuse in Schools with Jennifer Alvaro"
- November 22, 2016 - Fox 5 News: Social worker: Montgomery County Public Schools has a sex offender problem
- October 21, 2016 - NBC News 4 - Teacher Sexually Assaulted Student in Md. After Prior Guilty Plea in Va.
- August 31, 2016 - Bethesda Beat - MCPS Volunteers Required To Take Online Training in Spotting Child AbuseSchool system still needs more transparency, advocate says
- August 4, 2016 - Washington Post: School system sees rise in abuse reports amid increased efforts to protect kids
- July 22, 2016 - WTOP Radio - MCPS superintendent releases memo on student abuse and neglect
- July 20, 2016 - Washington Post: "School system adopts new policies after sexual abuse case roils community"
- April 1, 2016 - Washington Post- "For years, Pr. George’s didn’t strengthen school sex-abuse policies"
- February 17, 2016 - WUSA News 9 - "Maryland only State with No Criminal Penalty"
- February 11, 2016 - NBC News 4 - Live on 5 p.m. broadcast - How Parents Can talk to their kids about abuse.
- February 10, 2016 - Washington Post - Child-porn investigation widens at Prince George’s school
- October 2015 - BCC Tattler (MCPS High school Paper) - "MCPS Implements New Child Abuse and Neglect Policy"
- July 4, 2015 - Washington Post - "School district’s ‘infamous database’ for suspicious conduct scrapped."
- May 6, 2015 - WJLA News 7 - Counselor Crackdown: Preventing summer camp sex abuse
- May 1, 2015 - Washington Post - "Montgomery school leaders revise policy on reporting, preventing abuse."
- April 29, 2015 - Gazette Newspaper - "Proposed school child abuse policy open to public comment"
- February 27, 2015 - WUSA News 9 - "Child Sex Offenders in Montgomery County Public Schools"
- February 26, 2015 - WUSA News 9 - "Hundreds of Maryland teachers disciplined by the state."
- February 25, 2015 - Telemundo - "Mas de 20 empleados de escuelas de Montgomery investigados por abuso infantil".
- February 5, 2015 - Sentinel Newspaper - "Some say MCPS too slow".
- February 04, 2015 - Gazette Newspaper - "Montgomery Council education committee digs into school system child abuse plan."
- January / February 2015 - Bethesda Magazine "Grading Joshua Starr"
- December 17, 2014 - Washington Post - "Montgomery County to probe handling of school abuse allegations."
- December 12, 2014 - Gazette Newspaper - "Rockville program highlights child abuse prevention, discussion"
- December 11, 2014 - El Tiempo Latino - "Accion frente a denuncias de abuso sexual en Maryland"
- December 10. 2014 - WJLA News 7 - "MCPS parents, educators determined to spot, prevent sexual abuse of children"
- December 7, 2014 - Fox 5 Morning show - Live interview regarding sexual abuse in schools
- December 3, 2014 - Gazette - Montgomery schools work group examining child abuse policies, processes
- November 26, 2014 - WJLA News 7 - "Convicted peeping Tom re-arrested for molesting family dog, still employed by MCPS"
- November 14, 2014 - Washington Post - "Parents concerned about handling of inappropriate contact with students"
- November 2, 2014 - WJLA News 7 - "Alleged middle school ‘butt grabber’ worked in 58 MCPS schools; arrest record includes previous sexual assaults."
Advocating for change in Montgomery County Maryland Public Schools:
In 2012, I began searching for information regarding the prevention of child sexual abuse in Montgomery County, Maryland public schools (MCPS); a school system I graduated from and where my children are currently enrolled. Little did I imagine then path this would lead me on, Read / watch the media stories I have been featured in (links above) to see my advocacy on making schools safer for all children. I began by doing an internet search via the MCPS website. When I could not find the information I was looking for (policies, codes of conduct, information on background checks, information on basic prevention tools), I started making phone calls. When I was transferred from one department to another and received conflicting and incomplete information at every turn, I knew I had to do more. Meanwhile, the media was reporting on one case after another of sexual abuse by MCPS employees & contractors in schools. So, I started writing letters. Letter 1, sent 10/13/13 // Letter 2, sent 1/31/14 // Letter 3, sent 2/10/14 // Letter 4, sent 6/19/14. A positive outcome of this outreach and advocacy was the MCPS responding and creating a "Child Abuse and Neglect Work Group" to begin to address these issues. The group was changed in February 2015 from Work Group to Advisory Group. The last work group meeting was held in June of 2015. After a year of requests for the next meeting date, and being told it would be "soon", in August of 2016, all information regarding the work group has disappeared off the website. Neither myself nor the other parent representative on the work group was told we had been disbanded and repeated requests for meetings and information have gone unanswered. In December of 2016, Dr. Smith (superintendent of schools) did meet with me and another parent in a face to face meeting. Distressingly, no action has been taken despite our pointing out flaws, loopholes and mismanagement which leave children in danger.
To be clear, it is my position that while some positive changes and actions have been implemented, much remains undone. Worse, there is still no transparency in the process. Abuse can only thrive in an atmosphere of secrecy. I will continue to advocate for transparency and action to protect our children.
On 4/5/19, I sent a letter to the county Executive, Marc Elrich, demanding action to protect our children. Copies were sent to the County Council, BOE, State BOE and Governor's office. Read the letter by clicking here. On 8/17/23, I sent an updated version of this same letter to the same people. Read the update by clicking here.
On 3/14/18 I sent an email with a letter to the Superintendent of schools, the entire BOE, the county council and county executive - this letter details the steps they need to take to protect our children. Here is the email
Good Morning Dr. Smith,
In a recent Washington Post article regarding the long standing sexual harassment of students by a math teacher at Blair high school, your spokesperson stated MCPS found the allegations credible.
He went on to state the following, "One of the things we’re trying to figure out is: How did we get here? Where could we have made a better decision or taken more action?” spokesman Derek Turner said. “We want to know how to prevent this from ever happening again.”
To those of us who have been bringing these issues to your attention and in fact, the attention of the school system for 6 years now, reading that statement was a sad confirmation. A confirmation the schools are still grossly mishandling this entire issue. A confirmation you are still leaving children in danger. This is not an accusation or speculation. One only has to read recent headlines to see what is occurring.
A couple weeks ago, Jill Ortman-Fouse informed me she spoke to you about my concerns and you had instructed staff to "analyse" what had gone on. I'm not quite clear on what that means so I took the opportunity to draft some recommendations for what the school system should be doing.
I've attached 10 recommendations for you, the BOE, the county council and Ike Leggett to review.
I would appreciate a timely response.
As always, please feel free to email or call me should you have any questions.
Thank you,
Jennifer Alvaro
Click here to read the letter.
In 2012, I began searching for information regarding the prevention of child sexual abuse in Montgomery County, Maryland public schools (MCPS); a school system I graduated from and where my children are currently enrolled. Little did I imagine then path this would lead me on, Read / watch the media stories I have been featured in (links above) to see my advocacy on making schools safer for all children. I began by doing an internet search via the MCPS website. When I could not find the information I was looking for (policies, codes of conduct, information on background checks, information on basic prevention tools), I started making phone calls. When I was transferred from one department to another and received conflicting and incomplete information at every turn, I knew I had to do more. Meanwhile, the media was reporting on one case after another of sexual abuse by MCPS employees & contractors in schools. So, I started writing letters. Letter 1, sent 10/13/13 // Letter 2, sent 1/31/14 // Letter 3, sent 2/10/14 // Letter 4, sent 6/19/14. A positive outcome of this outreach and advocacy was the MCPS responding and creating a "Child Abuse and Neglect Work Group" to begin to address these issues. The group was changed in February 2015 from Work Group to Advisory Group. The last work group meeting was held in June of 2015. After a year of requests for the next meeting date, and being told it would be "soon", in August of 2016, all information regarding the work group has disappeared off the website. Neither myself nor the other parent representative on the work group was told we had been disbanded and repeated requests for meetings and information have gone unanswered. In December of 2016, Dr. Smith (superintendent of schools) did meet with me and another parent in a face to face meeting. Distressingly, no action has been taken despite our pointing out flaws, loopholes and mismanagement which leave children in danger.
To be clear, it is my position that while some positive changes and actions have been implemented, much remains undone. Worse, there is still no transparency in the process. Abuse can only thrive in an atmosphere of secrecy. I will continue to advocate for transparency and action to protect our children.
On 4/5/19, I sent a letter to the county Executive, Marc Elrich, demanding action to protect our children. Copies were sent to the County Council, BOE, State BOE and Governor's office. Read the letter by clicking here. On 8/17/23, I sent an updated version of this same letter to the same people. Read the update by clicking here.
On 3/14/18 I sent an email with a letter to the Superintendent of schools, the entire BOE, the county council and county executive - this letter details the steps they need to take to protect our children. Here is the email
Good Morning Dr. Smith,
In a recent Washington Post article regarding the long standing sexual harassment of students by a math teacher at Blair high school, your spokesperson stated MCPS found the allegations credible.
He went on to state the following, "One of the things we’re trying to figure out is: How did we get here? Where could we have made a better decision or taken more action?” spokesman Derek Turner said. “We want to know how to prevent this from ever happening again.”
To those of us who have been bringing these issues to your attention and in fact, the attention of the school system for 6 years now, reading that statement was a sad confirmation. A confirmation the schools are still grossly mishandling this entire issue. A confirmation you are still leaving children in danger. This is not an accusation or speculation. One only has to read recent headlines to see what is occurring.
A couple weeks ago, Jill Ortman-Fouse informed me she spoke to you about my concerns and you had instructed staff to "analyse" what had gone on. I'm not quite clear on what that means so I took the opportunity to draft some recommendations for what the school system should be doing.
I've attached 10 recommendations for you, the BOE, the county council and Ike Leggett to review.
I would appreciate a timely response.
As always, please feel free to email or call me should you have any questions.
Thank you,
Jennifer Alvaro
Click here to read the letter.