Create With Kindness​ Grant Helps PTAs Educate Families On Safe Use Of Social Media

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Guilford Park High School Parent Teacher Student Association has been chosen as one of 87 nationwide winners of the Create with Kindness grant, which is provided by the National Parent Teacher Association.

The grant provides PTAs/PTSAs with the funding needed to host interactive programs that bring families together to discuss their online experiences and equip families with practical information and resources to enhance digital safety, according to the Howard County Public School System.

GPHS students, families and staff members used the grant funding to host a PTSA-sponsored, student-led and staff-supported event about the positive and safe use of social media. The grant also is sponsored by TikTok.

“So often, the conversation around social media centers on its negative aspects. This event, however, showed our students how it can also be a powerful tool for good,” said GPHS Principal Josh Wasilewski.

The event featured a panel of speakers including Savannah DeLullo, social media influencer; Kyle Schofield, GPHS school counselor; Madison Bryant, GPHS student; and Ashley Oliver, Baltimore Ravens Social Media Coordinator.

“Being the first students at a new school has its challenges but it has also provided phenomenal opportunities for leadership,” said Howard County Board of Education member Meg Ricks and GPHS parent. “I was so impressed with how the students took ownership of the event and made sure it was interesting and informative for both students and parents.”

Three HCPSS PTAs/PTSAs were 2024-2025 grant winners including River Hill High School PTSA, Long Reach High School PTSA and Cradlerock Elementary PTA.