1. Join Us for a Virtual Operating Budget Forum on Oct. 19

Join MCPS leadership to learn more about the 2024–2025 operating budget from 6:30–8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19. This event will be a virtual forum about the process for the upcoming budget, and will include breakout sessions to engage in discussion. This event will be livestreamed on the MCPS homepage. Click here to attend.

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2. Applications for Montgomery Virtual Academy Due Nov. 3

Rising Grades 2-12 students can now apply to the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) during two admission periods in alignment with the MCPS Regional/Countywide School Application Programs. The first round will run from Tuesday, Oct. 10 through Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 and is for entry into the 2024–2025 school year, as well as the waitlist for Semester 2 of the current 2023–2024 school year. The second round, which will run from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9, 2024, is for the waitlist for the 2024–2025 school year. 

The MVA is a full-time online learning environment that uses a blended instructional model that uses both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) instruction. For more information, visit the MVA webpage. 

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3. District Events and Opportunities 

Get Ready for National Bus Safety Week, Oct. 16–21

Join us next week Oct. 16–21 as we emphasize the importance of school bus safety and say thank you to all who transport Montgomery County Public Schools students during National Bus Safety Week.

Our nearly 2,000 bus attendants and bus operators are tasked with an enormous responsibility to safely transport our students to and from more than 230 schools, field trips and school-sponsored activities.

It is important to remind our students, staff, and families about school bus safety, including expectations for students when they are entering and exiting, as well as riding the school bus. This is also an opportunity to highlight the Maryland school bus laws for motorists to ensure they are aware of when and how to stop for school buses to ensure the safety of our students. 

Read more. 

Outdoor Education to Celebrate 60th Anniversary

The MCPS Outdoor Environmental Education Program will celebrate its 60th anniversary from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. Hear from Joe Howard, the founder of MCPS Outdoor Education, and from former students who chose environmentally focused careers; learn more about the natural world and environmental stewardship; explore Maryland agriculture; participate in a reforestation project and decorate a pumpkin to take home.

The event will be held at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center at 5110 Meadowside Lane in Rockville. Visit the event website for more information.

Join Us Oct. 21 at the Following Events

The STEAM Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts And Mathematics (STEAM) in the county. Families can participate in hands-on activities, talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances. The event will be held 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wheaton High School, 12401 Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring.

The Girls’ Summit will be held  9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Clarksburg High School. This event will provide informative workshops for middle and high school girls on a variety of current topics. Join us for a chance to network, participate in fun activities, learn valuable skills and enjoy a fashion show presented by White House Black Market celebrating diverse body types! Sessions will be provided in English and Spanish, and will be organized by grade level. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be available. Clarksburg is located at 22500 Wims Road in Clarksburg.

RSVP

Col. Zadok Magruder High School is hosting this year’s Marching Band Showcase at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Twelve high school bands will be participating: Clarksburg, Damascus, James Hubert Blake, Paint Branch, Seneca Valley, Rockville, Springbrook, Montgomery Blair, John F. Kennedy, Watkins Mill, Albert Einstein and Magruder. Magruder High School is located at 5939 Muncaster Mill Road in Rockville.

Athletics

The MCPS County Championships season is here! MCPS athletics looks forward to hosting fans at these events. 

Cross Country – Oct. 21, 2023 at Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg. Meet information can be found in the  Fan Focus. 

Field Hockey – Oct. 23, 2023 at Paint Branch HS, 6 p.m. 

Soccer – Oct. 23, 2023 at Seneca Valley HS

• Boys’ 5:30 p.m.

• Girls’ 7:15 p.m.

County Championships

Cheerleading – Nov. 1, 2023 at Montgomery Blair HS

• Division III – 2 p.m.

• Division II – 5 p.m.

• Division I – 8 p.m.

Girls’ Volleyball – Oct. 30, 2023 at Quince Orchard HS, 6 p.m. 

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4. Information about COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Vaccines

Get ready for cough and cold season! The new COVID-19 vaccine approved on Sept. 11 is now available at local retail pharmacies and some doctors’ offices. You can find an appointment for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines through https://www.vaccines.gov/. Certain individuals, including infants and older adults, may also qualify for the RSV vaccine and should consult their health care provider.

Visit our website for more information about this season’s vaccines.

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5. Good News 

MCPS Moment: MCPS Piloting Pickleball

MCPS Athletics is piloting pickleball as a new sport at 11 high schools this fall. USA Pickleball Instructor Rob Campbell from MoCo Pickleball held a training session for coaches to prepare them for the season. 

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MCPS teachers and staff routinely participate in opportunities to grow professionally. This week, staff across the district participated in a professional development day learning and collaborating to develop new strategies to help our students grow.