Things to Know
for Thursday, Dec. 1

Here are six things to know for Thursday, Dec. 1. Get information about a Walking School Bus initiative, an upcoming mental health forum, how to stay involved in the operating budget process, a retirement celebration for longtime Board of Education member Dr. Judith Docca, reminders about inclement weather information, and two football teams making it to this year’s state championship. 

1. MCPS and MCDOT Collaborate on Walking School Bus Initiative
   The MCPS Department of Transportation and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Safe Routes to School are looking for adult volunteers to help energize a safe and fun way for children to get physical activity as they walk to and from school with supervision.

   The Walking School Bus program allows for students to walk along a set route with one or more adults leading the way, picking children up at designated stops along a predetermined route and walking them to school.

   Interested adult volunteers can sign up to request more information and to speak with an MCPS and/or MCDOT representative about starting this program in their school community. FLYER 

2. MCPS to Host Mental Health Forum
   MCPS will host a mental health forum for students and families on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Your Story Matters will focus on the topic and its impact on African American, Asian and Hispanic communities. The event will include panel discussions and workshops. The event will be held in person from 6–8:30 p.m. at Richard Montgomery High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. RSVP 

3. Next Opportunity to get Involved in District Operating Budget Process
   Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight and MCPS budget and finance leaders wrapped up the final budget information session this week. Three sessions were held in person and virtually to help school community members and stakeholders understand how the budget comes together and where the funds come from. To stay involved, you can attend Board of Education public hearings on the operating budget on Jan. 11 and Jan. 17 and attend county government budget forums to better understand where the school district’s funds fit in the overall county budget. Watch the Nov. 28 budget forum.

4. Dr. Judith Docca Retiring After 49 Years of Commitment to MCPS and the Community
   MCPS held a retirement celebration for longtime Board of Education Member Dr. Judith Docca. Dr. Docca’s career with MCPS began at Gaithersburg High School as a teacher. She also served as a human relations specialist, assistant principal at Montgomery Blair High School and principal at Argyle Middle School. She has spent the last 16 years serving as an elected Board member. Thank you, Dr. Docca. 

5. A Reminder to Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
   MCPS offers numerous ways to learn about potential school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals when there is inclement weather. 

   • ConnectED System Email and Text Messages
     Please make sure emergency contact information on file at your child’s school is up to date.
   • AlertMCPS and MCPS Alerta (Spanish)
     Receive text messages or emails from MCPS during weather-related emergencies and other major events that impact school system operations. Parents can also sign up to receive alerts specific to their child’s school.
     Subscribe to AlertMCPS
   • MCPS homepage
     www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
   • MCPS cable channels
   • Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89
   • Recorded information
     301-279-3673
   • Ask MCPS
     240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish.
   • Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in English and Spanish
     http://twitter.com/mcps
     https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
     https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd
     https://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol
     https://www.instagram.com/mcps_md
   • Local radio and TV stations

6. GOOD NEWS

   Two High School Football Teams to the State Championship Finals this Week!
   Quince Orchard (QO) High School advanced to the 4A State Championship Finals and Damascus High School made it to the 3A State Football Championship. QO will play Charles Herbert Flowers High School today, Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. Damascus will take on Oakdale High School on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Both games will be played at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis. Congratulations to both teams on this amazing achievement! 

Montgomery County Public Schools