Five Things to Know this Week at MCPS: Mental health awareness, operating budget, good news and more

1. Schools Recognize Mental Health Awareness Week

Schools across Montgomery County kicked off Mental Health Awareness Week with a variety of activities for students, staff and the community. A virtual resource fair and panel this Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. will offer information on MCPS mental health resources, providers and community partners to students and their families.

• Video message from district leaders
• School activities
• Amplifier student magazine focuses on student mental health

2. We Want to Hear from You! Join Us for Upcoming Operating Budget Forums on Nov. 2 and Nov. 14

Your voice matters and we are eager to hear your insight! Join us for the next virtual Operating Budget Forum. Participate in a collaborative initiative brought to you by Board of Education members and MCPS leadership.

RSVP to let us know you’ll be attending.

• TONIGHT, Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30–8 p.m., virtual forum. This event will be livestreamed on the MCPS homepage. Meeting link
• Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8, virtual. Meeting link

There is also a forum on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Gaithersburg High School, open to students only.

3. Application Deadline Extended to Nov. 8 for High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs

Grade 8 students can apply to 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. All dates can be found on the special programs webpage.

Applications are due by Wednesday, Nov. 8. Programs-At-A-Glance, eligibility, frequently asked questions and open house dates are available on this website.

Applications for the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) for the 2024-2025 school are due Friday, Nov. 3. Applications for the waitlist for Semester 2 of the Virtual Academy’s 2023-2024 year are also due on Nov. 3. Applications submitted after Nov. 3, 2023, but by Feb. 9, 2024, will be added to the 2024-2025 waitlist. Visit the MVA website for more information.

4. Events and Opportunities

Join Our Transportation Team

MCPS is hosting a job fair for bus drivers, bus attendants and mechanics from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. The fair will be held at the Shady Grove Transportation Depot, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Read more.

FREE English Classes available to MCPS Parents

The Class to Community (C2C) organization offers free English as a Second Language (ESL), GED and college prep, and digital literacy classes. Visit the C2C website for more information

Enrollment form

A Chance to Win Cash and Earn SSL Hours

Enter the Speak Up, Save a Life PSA Contest. 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.

5. Bright Spots This Week

Students Learn How to Write and Present Board of Education Testimony

High school students attended a one-day workshop to learn how to write and present Board of Education (BOE) testimony in front of Board members to effectively advocate for the changes they want to see in their schools. Read more.

The fall county championship season wrapped up this week. Check out the list of teams who came out on top.

MCPS, in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a Student Environment Volunteer Day on Nov. 1 at Gaithersburg High School. Read more.

Nearly 200 middle school students participated in the Montgomery County Junior Council’s (MCJC) first General Assembly of the year. first county general assembly this school year. to represent their schools and let their voice be heard. Learn more about student leadership opportunities.