Superintendent Presents 2nd Annual MCPS State of the Schools

November 11, 2013

Hundreds Attend "Building Our Future Together" Event

More than 750 people, including community and business leaders, parents and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff, attended the 2nd annual State of the Schools event on Monday, November 11, 2013.

At the event, Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr shared his vision for how the district will prepare all students for success in the 21st century. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to provide opportunities for students today and in the future. The State of the Schools also provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together to support MCPS and celebrate the accomplishments and talents of MCPS students.

“Preparing all students to thrive in their future requires a communitywide effort,” said Dr. Starr. “The State of the Schools is a chance to bring our stakeholders together to plan for the future and celebrate and support our outstanding students.”

Before Dr. Starr’s address, parents, community leaders, and business and nonprofit partners had the opportunity view student artwork, enjoy student musical performances and watch student dancing. More than 100 students from 39 MCPS schools participated in the event.

The 2013 State of the Schools—Building Our Future Together—was made possible by the support of Strathmore and the Glenstone. Their support builds on the existing partnerships these organizations already have with MCPS. Since the Music Center opened in 2005, the Strathmore Student Concert Series has presented concerts featuring the National Philharmonic to thousands of MCPS student each year. This year, more than 20,000 second- and fifth-grade students will visit Strathmore for the concerts.

Glenstone began a partnership with the district in 2011 that allows hundreds of MCPS teachers and students to visit the museum and view one of the country’s most notable collections of modern art. This partnership is expected to expand in the coming years.

The 2013 State of the Schools was also made possible through donations from partners including Pepco, International Baccalaureate, Comcast, Hess Construction and Engineering, and the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education.

“I am so grateful to all of the partners that made the State of the Schools possible,” Dr. Starr said. “Their support not only allows us to host this event, but also helps support the educational dreams of our students.”

All proceeds from the event will be used to support the mission of the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation, particularly the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program. The ACES program is a collaborative effort by MCPS, Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove to improve college enrollment and completion for students underrepresented in higher education. Learn more on the ACES website.

Video and pictures of the event will be posted on the State of the Schools website in the coming days.

Read Dr. Starr's speech

View the 2013 State of the School's program

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