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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision with rollover on Sunday, May 19, in Bethesda. According to MCFRS Battalion Chief Jason Blake, the incident occurred…
Montgomery County Police responded to a shooting on Sunday, May 19, in Clarksburg.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision with entrapment on Sunday, May 19 in Fairland.
Olney’s Fair Hill Shops shopping center began its summer concert series on May 9th and will continue through September 26th. The concerts take place on the second and fourth Thursday…
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
