Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Interim Superintendent Monique Felder, Ph.D. issued the following community message on Friday, March 22:
Dear Students, Staff, and Families,
As spring blooms around us, signaling the end of winter’s grasp, I am delighted to reconnect with each of you as we approach Spring Break. This period offers us a valuable opportunity to pause, rejuvenate, and gear up for the remainder of the school year.
Returning to Montgomery County Public Schools fills me with immense joy and gratitude. As educators, we share a profound belief in the potential of every student, encapsulated in our guiding principle: “All Means All.” This philosophy reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that each student, irrespective of background, receives the support needed to learn, excel, and thrive.
Central to our mission is a relentless pursuit of student achievement and excellence, which propels our ongoing efforts in teaching and learning. We recognize that guiding students towards success requires continuous reflection, assessment, and adaptation to meet their evolving needs.
To all our dedicated staff, including teachers, administrators, bus drivers, paraeducators, cafeteria workers, custodians, security staff, administrative assistants, and beyond, I extend my deepest appreciation for your unwavering commitment to our students’ growth and success. Your passion, dedication, and hard work are the driving force behind our educational mission and the cornerstone of our educational community. Your resilience and dedication are truly inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for all that you do. As we approach Spring Break, I encourage each of you to take time for self-care, reflection, and rejuvenation. Your well-being is essential to your ability to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our students.
During this upcoming spring break, I urge students to take time to reflect and recalibrate. While relaxation and leisure activities are vital, dedicating oneself wholeheartedly to your school work lays the foundation for a promising future. Academic endeavors lay a solid foundation for future success. Each class attended, assignment completed, and skill mastered brings students closer to their goals. Let’s encourage them to embrace a mindset of dedication and determination, utilizing all of the support systems available to them to navigate their academic journey.
To families, I extend a heartfelt request to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of all our staff members. Together, they form a robust support network crucial for academic achievement and preparedness for life’s challenges.
As we celebrate this season of renewal, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to student support. Whether it’s through the guidance of teachers, the encouragement of parents, or the camaraderie of peers, we all play a vital role in fostering an environment conducive to academic success.
May this well-deserved break offer moments of relaxation and reflection, so we can return refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
In service to our children,
Monique Felder, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent