MCPS Community Message: Six Things to Know for Thursday, April 21

Per MCPS:

Here are the key things to know for Thursday, April 21. They include an important message about mental health and wellness from Interim Superintendent Dr. McKnight, upcoming community engagement events, summer program registration and more.

1. 1. Welcome Back from Spring Break
      Earlier this week, Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight sent a letter to the community on the importance of community well-being and mental health. The message included resources MCPS has and is working toward to support the mental health and social-emotional health of students and staff as we bring the school year to a strong close.

   2. Get the Shot: Vaccination Is Essential to Remaining Vigilant and Combatting  COVID-19 Spread in our Community
      Individuals 5 and older are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. They are free, safe and readily available. MCPS is hosting vaccine clinics on Saturday, April 30;  the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services also has ongoing vaccine opportunities. Learn more on the MCPS website and the DHHS website.

   3. May 2 Save the Date: Out-of-School Time Wellness Day
      As part of a districtwide day devoted to wellness, students are encouraged to participate in one of many out-of-school time opportunities that focus on physical, mental and emotional well-being. Activities include fitness, yoga, dance, art and music. Both virtual and in person opportunities are available. For more information, please visit the OST webpage. MCPS staff will have many of the same opportunities and will receive more information soon.

   4. More than 200 Come Together for  Community Engagement Event with Dr. McKnight;Next Event April 27
      The first of three events, called All Together Now: Putting Our Students First, was Wednesday, April 20 at Gaithersburg High School; two more events are set for April 27 and May 7. These events are bringing together families, students, staff and the community to discuss the district’s strengths, priorities and opportunities for how MCPS can better serve its students.
      The next events will be held:

      • Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Walter Johnson High School cafeteria, 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda

      • Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m., Paint Branch High School cafeteria, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville

      RSVP is encouraged. Limited MCPS bus transportation will be provided.

   5. Registration for Most MCPS Summer Programs Now Open
      MCPS will offer free programs for elementary, middle and high school students this summer. Most programs will be in July, and high school credit courses and the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program in Title I elementary schools will be offered during June, July and August. Generally, in-person programs will take place in the morning through midday. Afternoon programs sponsored by county and municipal agencies and outside providers will be available in some schools. Learn more here, or visit the Summer Programs website.

   6. Watch Live: Champions for Children Event on Thursday, April 28
      Who will be the MCPS Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023? Three finalists will be celebrated during the annual Champions of Children program, which begins at 6:30 p.m. They are:

      • Irma Najarro, dual-language fourth-grade teacher at Washington Grove Elementary School
      • Michael Edwards, world studies and global humanities sixth-grade teacher at Julius West Middle School
      • Johnathan Dunn, choral teacher at Sherwood High School

You can watch the big announcement via the MCPS website, MCPS YouTube channel or on MCPS-TV on cable (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 88).