Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, don’t miss this special Q&A with Julie Yang, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education.

And, meet Jessica Wang, a volunteer-turned-paraeducator at Burtonsville Elementary School known for her creative math groups, sweet celebrations and strong bonds with students. Read her story.

MCPS is also marking AAPI and Jewish American Heritage Month with Zoom webinars that are open to students, staff and community members. Students can earn up to two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours per event.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
Exploring AAPI Experiences
Thursday, May 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Registration Link
Flyer

Jewish American Heritage Month
Exploring Jewish Diversity
Wednesday, May 28, 5-6:30 p.m.
Registration Link
Flyer

Graduations Begin May 28 

Thousands of MCPS graduates in the Class of 2025 will begin receiving their diplomas starting Wednesday, May 28 at Wheaton High School, followed on May 29 with Winston Churchill and Quince Orchard high schools, RICA and Blair Ewing. They will continue through Thursday, June 12. Ceremonies will take place on individual high school campuses, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., at XFINITY Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, and on the campuses of Mount St. Mary’s University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

See the dates, locations, times and speakers for every MCPS school. 

Boundary Study Engagement Sessions Set for May, June

The MCPS community is invited to participate in upcoming engagement sessions focused on the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School, the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School. These sessions will cover the initial options for each study and share how potential changes may affect families with middle and high school students. The meetings will last about one hour. 

See the opportunities to attend a virtual or in-person session.

Board of Education Seeks Applicants for Ethics Panel

The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking to fill a vacancy on its five-member Ethics Panel. The vacancy is for a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2025. Members serve without compensation.

As noted in Board Policy, BBB, Ethics, among the panel’s responsibilities are: approving financial disclosure forms; interpreting the Board of Education’s Ethics Policy and issuing advisory opinions concerning its application and conducting hearings on complaints filed regarding an alleged violation.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest along with a resumé or other documentation by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 9. Please send a letter of interest and resumé by mail or email to Tom Lockman, Montgomery County Board of Education, 15 West Gude Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. More information is available here.

Reminders

High School Programs Survey: In case you missed it, MCPS is conducting a study to ensure that high school students have equitable access to high-quality academic programs that reflect student needs. The district wants to hear from all families, including those whose children are not yet in high school. Please complete this short survey, which will take no more than five minutes. 

Pride Community Day: Set for 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1 at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway in Bethesda. Open to all ages, this event will include a variety of activities, including trivia, bingo, arts and crafts, and story time for younger students. There will also be resource tables staffed by community organizations. 

SSL Hours Due May 30: Students who have completed Student Service Learning (SSL) hours since June 1, 2024, must submit the required SSL Activity Verification Form to their school’s SSL coordinator by May 30.

The Latest From the News Page

We’re continually updating our news page with happenings around the district, so make sure you bookmark this site to keep up with the latest: 

Students Awarded $2 Million in Scholarships: The Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation honored nearly 200 students, including 170 recipients of the $10,000 Ruth and Norman Rales-Patricia Baier O’Neill Scholarship Recognizing Academic Excellence. 

Burtonsville Breaks Ground: MCPS held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 19 to celebrate the start of construction for the new Burtonsville Elementary School, expected to open for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. 

Gilbert Games: Wheaton High School hosted the third annual Gilbert Games on May 20. Honoring the legacy of former student Sarah Gilbert, this unique celebration brings together students of all abilities for a day of inclusion, encouragement and spirited competition.

Heroes Among Us: The staff of Col. Zadok Magruder High School was honored by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services for saving the life of a paraeducator and assistant football coach, who experienced cardiac arrest following a student-staff basketball game.