MCPS Things to Know: Superintendent search, kindergarten registration, CEO program, hate-bias update, and more

Patrick Herron March 14, 2024 at 7:25pm

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) released the following community message on Thursday, March 14:

1. BOE Launches Search for Next Superintendent

The Montgomery County Board of Education has launched a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, who will assume the role on July 1, 2024. In its commitment to secure the best candidate to lead the school system and prepare students for success in college, career and community, the Board will hire a search firm to recruit and vet the candidates. While the Board selects the firm, it will begin a conversation with the community about the most important characteristics in a new superintendent.

The Board is hosting three in-person town halls the first week of April:

April 2-Seneca Valley High School, 6 p.m.

April 3-Richard Montgomery High School, 6 p.m.

April 4-Wheaton High School, 6 p.m.

A virtual forum is being planned. A date and time have not yet been finalized.

2. Kindergarten Registration Opens Monday, March 18

Kindergarten registration opens on Monday, March 18 for the 2024-2025 school year. Children who will be five by Sept. 1, 2024 are eligible. Based on community feedback, current kindergarten classes will not be canceled to hold orientations this year. Schools will determine appropriate options to welcome incoming kindergarten students and families.

Registration will be online through the ParentVUE portal. If your family is new to MCPS, you will need to create a ParentVue account here. For more information about eligibility and the registration process, visit the MCPS Kindergarten Enrollment webpage or contact your local elementary school.

3. Join a Virtual Interactive Session on the Community Engagement Officer Program Starting March 18

The MCPS Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management invites high school families to join us for an interactive virtual community engagement session to delve into the MCPS Community Engagement Officer (CEO) 2.0 program. CEOs are sworn officers from the Montgomery County Police Department who work directly with schools. This session offers an opportunity to learn about the program, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversation. Meetings will take place via Zoom from 6-7 p.m. on March 18, 19 and 20 on assigned dates for each high school cluster. Click here to review the flyer and register for a session here .

4. Update On Districtwide Approach to Educating, Preventing and Addressing Hate-Bias

MCPS convened an action team to work with internal and external stakeholders to develop a Districtwide Approach to Educating, Preventing and Addressing Hate-Bias to build on the district’s foundation to combat incidents of hate-bias. This framework and group’s work will be shared with the Board of Education on Tuesday, March 19. Click here to watch a video message providing a brief overview.

5. A Chance to Let Your Voice Be Heard: Districtwide Survey Deadline Extended

MCPS is inviting ALL students, staff and parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district and/or experience working at MCPS.

The deadline to complete surveys has been extended to Friday, March 22.

Click here for more information and to access the survey.

MCPS students will receive time during the school day to fill out their surveys.

6. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources

Reminder: Register for the Upcoming National College Fair

The 2024 Montgomery County National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fair will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19 and 20, at the Maryland SoccerPlex and Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse in Germantown, from 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. for students in Grade 11. On Tuesday, the fair is open to all high school students and their families from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. Read more.

Career Day For Students Set For April 10

MCPS will host a “Grow Your Own” career day from 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, April 10, at Northwest High School when students are off from school. High school students are invited to learn about job opportunities and careers available in Montgomery County and take advantage of on-the-spot job interviews. Please RSVP by April 1.

Visit the Out-of-School-Time website to learn more about opportunities offered through the year.

Come Out to the Next Youth Climate Summit April 10

Attention middle and high school students! MCPS is hosting the 3rd annual Youth Climate Summit from 8:30 a.m.-3:35 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Tilden Middle School. Read more.

Game Changer Conference Set for April 20; Essay Contest Deadline: April 10

Calling all parents/caregivers of young male students Grades 4-12! Register your student for the spring 2024 Game Changer conference and help empower and ignite their path to success. The conference will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Universities at Shady Grove, 8 a.m-2 p.m. Transportation may be available through MCPS from your area. Registration closes Wednesday, April 3. Spaces are limited.

7. MCPS News

Three Finalists Selected for Supporting Services Employee of the Year

Three supporting services employees have been named finalists for the 2024 Supporting Services Employee of the Year. This year’s annual awards are recognizing Chaula Butterworth, paraeducator, Farmland Elementary School; Robin McCue, administrative secretary III, Department of Athletics, and Bruno Smith, building service manager III, Mill Creek Towne Elementary School.