5 Things to Know

MCPS Things to Know

Thursday, June 15

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1. Academic Resources 

Montgomery Virtual Academy 2023-2024 Application Reopening for Waitlist Status

The Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) application is reopening for families interested in placing their child on the waitlist. The primary focus of the MVA is to foster a safe, inclusive online learning environment that meets the individual needs of all students. The waitlist application period will run from June 26–July 28. Students on the waitlist will be considered for Semester 1 enrollment based on space availability. Interested families can submit an application on ParentVUE. 

Read the full message here: Montgomery Virtual Academy 2023-2024 WAITLIST Application Information 

Apply here: https://md-mcps.edupoint.com/PXP2_OEN_Login.aspx 

Free Online Resources for Practice, Prep and Review Available this Summer

Free online resources are available to support students who are not participating in summer tutoring or summer school. This document includes free academic resources and activities for elementary, middle and high school students to review content, practice skills and prepare for the 2023–2024 school year. 

Free Resource to Improve Students’ Reading and Spelling Skills 

MCPS is partnering with Open Source Phonics, a free phonics resource designed to help students and families practice reading and spelling skills at home. Families can access a free resource page with slides and videos to help their students practice skills. Visithttps://www.opensourcephonics.org/ for more information.

2. Updates, Save the Dates and Reminders

2023–2024 School Year Calendar Available 

The Board of Education recently approved the 2023-2024 school year calendar. Visit the MCPS website to view the traditional school year calendar and innovative school year calendar. 

Innovative Schools First Day of School
 

The first day of school for the two innovative calendar schools in MCPS, Arcola and Roscoe R. Nix elementary schools, will be Monday, July 10, 2023. 

For questions, contact the schools directly: 

Arcola ES: 301-287-8585

Roscoe R. Nix ES: 301-422-5070

Annual Back-to-School Fair  

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. There will be family-friendly activities, entertainment, an immunization clinic and more. Westfield Wheaton is located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Stay tuned to the website for updates throughout the summer.

Donate today to the GIVE BACKpacks Campaign 

Help students in need by donating to the 12th annual MCPS GIVE BACKpacks campaign to purchase backpacks and school supplies for MCPS students. 

For just $20, you can provide a student in need with a backpack filled with school supplies.

Learn more about GIVE BACKpacks.

Scotland Juneteenth Celebration

The annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival will begin the evening of June 17 with a Motown musical celebration at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club and conclude on June 19 with the Scotland Freedom Day Concert at The Anthem Theater at the Wharf in D.C.

Visit the event website for more information. 

3. Free Summer Activities and Resources Around the County 

Join the Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) Summer Reading Challenge 

Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge! offers kids and teens a chance to fill their summer with great books and fun activities. This year, the libraries are partnering with local organizations that embody kindness, friendship and unity within our community. The challenge will be from June 17 to Aug. 31. 

MCPS Summer Sundays at KID Museum

Any MCPS student and their family can visit KID Museum in Bethesda and participate in a workshop for free on Sundays through Aug. 27, 2023. General admission and workshop registration have timed entries and are subject to availability. If you are an MCPS family, visit https://kid-museum.org/visit/ for more information and to get a code for free registration.

Virtual Sessions Available on Financial Aid 

Get help completing the FAFSA application and other financial aid documents.

Montgomery College is offering two virtual sessions this month for students and families who need help completing documents or have any questions. Sessions will be held Tuesday June 20, from 2 –5 p.m., and Thursday, June 22, from 4 –7 p.m. Visit this website for more information and to register. 

4. Ways to Stay Connected

  • SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.  

  • WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89.

5. Bright Spots This Week

Wrapping up the 2022–2023 School Year 

Schools across the district are wrapping up the school year with activities and celebrations as we approach the last day of school on Friday, June 16. Schools, such as Earle B. Wood Middle School celebrated the end of the school year with a field day. 

AAA Honors Students’ Heroic Act 

AAA recognized Stone Mill Elementary School fifth-grade students and school patrols Matina Naum and Alex Rossoshek for their courageous actions. The two helped save a classmate who fell from a second-story banister.

County Health Officials and MCPS Leadership Recognize Sherwood High School Student  

Conor Pugh, Life Scout with Scouts of America Troop 262, and rising senior at Sherwood High School, was recognized by county health officials and MCPS. Pugh, who has Type 1 diabetes, assembled 60 diabetes kits to share with schools in the district. 

Honoring Retirees 

The Board of Education and Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight honored 2,659 retirees at the MCPS annual retirement recognition ceremony and reception on June 8 at Richard Montgomery High School.

Montgomery County Public Schools

Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

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