5 Things to Know
Thursday, April 27
1. Speaking Out About Racism and Hate
The rise of incidents of hate, bias, racism, antisemitism and LGBTQ+ prejudice has grown significantly in recent months. In an address today, Thursday, April 27, Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight spoke on this and its impact on the county’s children and school system. Read full speech
2. Montgomery County Community Invited to Education Budget Forums
On Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday May 17, join Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight and Montgomery College President Dr. Jermaine Williams for a community discussion on education spending. Leaders will answer questions about the County Executive’s $6.8 billion budget proposal, which includes proposed operating budgets for MCPS and Montgomery College.
You can attend in person on May 2 or virtually on May 17. RSVP
In-Person Details:
May 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Wheaton High School Cafeteria
12401 Dalewood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906
Virtual Information:
Zoom webinar: https://mcpstv-org.zoom.us/j/81629122344.
Telephone: 301-715-8592
Webinar ID: 816 2912 2344
3. Health and Wellness Fair Set for April 29
On Saturday, April 29, parents/guardians, students, staff and community members are invited to a Health and Wellness Fair at Col. Zadok Magruder High School from 9 a.m.–noon. Attendees can choose from more than two dozen educational sessions and activities for adults and students in English and Spanish. Topics include:
- Mental health and wellness
- Self-care and time management for students
- Emergency response
- Safety at home and at school
- Refusal skills & “escape hatch” planning
- Narcan training
- Trauma and mental health
- How to have tough conversations
- Zumba
- Sports and Wellness
Magruder High School is located at 5939 Muncaster Mill Road in Rockville.
4.Applications Open for First Student Climate Action Council
Are you currently an MCPS student in grades 8-11 who is passionate about sustainability and combating climate change? Applications are now open for the Student Climate Action Council. The newly created council of students will work to:
- Create the MCPS Climate Action Plan.
- Advise the Board of Education and superintendent on sustainability/climate action.
- Solicit, review and fund student sustainability projects in MCPS schools.
- Partner with the schools and students in their area to promote, support and empower sustainability initiatives, and work on other priorities they choose.
5.Join Us at the Special Education Parent Community Resource Fair
On Saturday, April 29, the first Special Education Parent Community Resource Fair will be held at Gaithersburg High School. The resource fair will be held from 9 a.m.–noon, and will include a guest speaker, valuable community resources and vendors, and fun children’s activities, including a moon bounce, crafts and face painting.
Registration is preferred, but not required. Register.
Gaithersburg High School is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg.
Bright Spots This Week
Clarksburg High School Educator Named MCPS Teacher of the Year
Shannon McKenzie, child development teacher at Clarksburg High School, was named the 2023–2024 MCPS Teacher of the Year during the annual Champions for Children awards celebration. She will now go on to compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Thirteen Students Win National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
Thirteen MCPS students from five high schools have been awarded National Merit corporate-sponsored scholarships financed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. About 840 high school seniors across the country have been chosen to receive corporate-sponsored National Merit scholarships financed by about 107 corporations, company foundations and other business organizations.
Washington Post Awards Honor Argyle Principal, Clarksburg Music Teacher
James Allrich, principal at Argyle Middle School, is the MCPS finalist for The Washington Post Principal of the Year. Charles Orifici, instrumental music teacher at Clarksburg High School, is the MCPS finalist for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year.
MCPS Recognized for Music Education
MCPS has been named a 2023 Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation! The list recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders and their support for music education.
MCPS Moment: Youth Climate Summit
Over 250 students attended the MCPS Youth Climate Summit at Tilden Middle School on Earth Day April 22. The event featured speakers and workshops on climate change. Electric buses from the MCPS fleet were also parked outside for demonstration.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
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