1. Applications Open Soon for High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs

On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to apply for Regional/Countywide Special Programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for career readiness programs. Information sessions will be available for students and families, and all dates can be found on the special programs webpage.

Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 3. Programs-At-A-Glance, eligibility, frequently asked questions and October open house dates are available on this website.

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2. Mental Health Awareness Week Set for Oct. 30–Nov. 4

MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA) will host free events the week of Oct. 30–Nov. 4 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of issues. A culminating virtual resource fair and expert panel will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4.

From 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Richard Montgomery High School, former professional football player turned mental health expert and advocate, Dr. Jay Barnett, will speak in-person to students about the importance of mental health, breaking down stigma and seeking help. Read more.

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3. Save the Dates: Upcoming District Events and Opportunities

Gaithersburg Wellness Fair: Families are invited to a FREE wellness fair from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7  at Gaithersburg High School. The fair will be hosted by the Gaithersburg community schools. Join us for family fun, health resources, yoga, face painting and more! The high school is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg.

Out-of-School Time Oct. 9: If you need somewhere for your student to go on Oct. 9 when school is out, KID Museum and MCPS are here to help. Students in Grades 2-5 can spend the day at the museum’s Bethesda Metro Center or Davis Library locations from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The cost is $5.

• Register for Bethesda Metro Center location.
• Register for Davis Library location.

The Second Annual Latina Legacy Conference will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.14 at the Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. The free event empowers and inspires Latina female high school students. To register, interested students should reach out to their school’s representative on this list by Monday, Oct. 9.

The National Hispanic College Fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 at the Bohrer Park Community Center in Gaithersburg. Students can register with their high school’s college and career information coordinator by Wednesday, Oct. 11. More information

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4. Speak Up, Save a Life PSA Contest for Students

The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office is hosting a contest that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. The contest is open to students in Grades 6-12. The top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500. Prizes are being donated by Magnolia Plumbing in honor of two young men who lost their lives to illicit fentanyl. Students can earn up to 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Visit the contest webpage for more information.

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5. Good News This Week

The Leadership Training Institute Turns 30

For three decades, John F. Kennedy High School’s signature program, the Leadership Training Institute (LTI), has empowered students through rigorous interdisciplinary experiential learning, community service projects and leadership theory and application. Hear from current and past students on how this program is changing lives.

Stone Mill Elementary School National Blue Ribbon Win

Hear from the principal and district leaders about the recent recognition.

Walk to School Day

Students strolled to success at Brooke Grove Elementary School for National Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 4! These kids are helping Montgomery County’s Vision Zero goal to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries and contribute to a healthy planet.

Clarksburg, Walt Whitman High Chorus Students Perform at World Culture Festival

On Sept. 29, 250 chorus students from Clarksburg and Walt Whitman high schools performed at the 2023 World Culture Festival. Nearly one million people from more than 180 countries are estimated to have participated in the three-day celebration of unity, diversity and peace on the National Mall.