5 Things to Know

Thursday, Jan. 12

English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

1. Age-Appropriate and Grade-Level Inclusive Books to be Added to MCPS Schools

As a reflection of our ongoing commitment to ensure our curriculum is inclusive and affirming of all students, MCPS has approved a selection of LGBTQ+-inclusive texts for use in the classroom. Reading stories that reflect the diversity of our school community and world encourages respect and empathy for all. As with all curriculum resources, there is an expectation that teachers utilize the texts as a part of instruction. It is important to note that using the materials is optional as it is standard practice that teachers have a choice regarding which materials to use. A link of approved texts is included in the Curriculum section of the MCPS LGBTQ+ webpage that includes a list of approved texts.

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and Service Opportunity

Montgomery County is hosting its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday tribute and celebration from 4–5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 at The Music Center at Strathmore.
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is hosting its annual MLK Day of Service from noon–3 p.m. on Jan. 16, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road in North Bethesda. Students can earn up to three Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending and participating. A full listing of local and remote opportunities to join an MLK Day of Service event is available here.

3. How to Pay for College Virtual Meeting Set for Jan. 19

If your child has Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or qualifies for the Maryland Dream Act, we invite you to ask your questions about options for paying for college during a virtual forum co-hosted by MCPS and Montgomery College. The virtual conversation will be in Spanish at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. Submit questions and register at:https://bit.ly/Pagarporlauniversidad

4. Students and Staff Spotlight This Week

MCPS teacher Dion Jones was surprised with the Milken Educator Award on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at a vibrant schoolwide assembly. Jones, a third grade teacher at Fairland Elementary School, is among 40 elementary educators across the nation to receive the Milken Educator Award during the 2022-2023 school year and the only one selected in the state of Maryland.

Four MCPS students were recognized as Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars. The search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Congratulations to Nathan Shan, Josh Wang, and Celine Wu from Montgomery Blair High School and Andrew Yuan at Poolesville High School.

5. MCPS in the News

For the latest information and news visit the MCPS News Center

Montgomery County Public Schools

Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org