Interim Superintendent to Deliver FY 2023 Budget Presentation on Dec. 16
Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight will unveil her Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Operating Budget at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16. Her presentation will be streamed live on the MCPS website, MCPS TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 89) and on YouTube.
Forum on Student Safety and Security Set for Dec. 13
MCPS’ top priority is the safety and security of students. Join us for a virtual community forum—Safety, Security and Well-Being of Our Students—from 7–8:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13.
Learn about MCPS’ commitment to health-related, psychological and physical student safety. Hear from a panel of experts and community partners, ask questions and share feedback.
Questions can be submitted in advance here.
Watch here.
FROM MCPS:
Now is the time to nominate your favorite teachers, supporting services staff and administrators. Deadlines are fast approaching, so review the awards below and nominate the staff members who mean the most to you. The awards are:
The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award: The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award honors a full-time kindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. Nominees must have a minimum of six years’ experience as an MCPS teacher. The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as its nominee for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year award. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 17
The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award: This award recognizes a full-time teacher in prekindergarten through Grade 12 who instills in students a desire to learn and achieve. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years teaching experience, three of which must be in MCPS. This teacher also must understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem. He or she will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter and possess the ability to share it effectively with students. The nominee fosters cooperative relationships with his/her colleagues and the community and demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 17
The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award: This award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. In presenting these awards, The Washington Post Company Educational Foundation hopes to encourage excellence in school leadership and contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area. Nominations may be submitted by teachers, students, former students, parents, administrators or the general public. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 17
Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision: Given annually to recognize an outstanding MCPS administrator or supervisor, eligible nominees include principals, assistant principals, school business administrators, directors, supervisors and other administrator and supervisory positions within the MCAAP/MCBOA unit. Nominations can come from MCPS staff, colleagues, friends, parents and community members. Self-nominations are also accepted. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022
The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: This award honors extraordinary elementary school teachers who have a deep dedication to the teaching profession. These elementary school teachers, prekindergarten through Grade 5, must work directly with students in the classroom on a daily basis, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, and effectively communicate that subject matter to students. The nominee should be a teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 17
The Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: Established in 1991, this award honors MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. These qualities were exemplified by Mark Mann, a former principal of Parkland Junior High School, who died in 1988. Nominations made in previous years may be resubmitted. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 17
Supporting Services Employee of the Year: This award honors a supporting services employee who has made an outstanding contribution to MCPS. Nominees should extend themselves beyond basic required duties and contribute to students and the school community by enhancing student learning, creating positive relationships, and making school or the office a better place. Nominees must be active support professionals with a minimum of three years of service with MCPS. Administrators, teachers, other support professionals, students and community members can nominate. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22.
Recent Stories
The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs has announced it will join the national celebration of “National Vietnam Veterans Day” on Friday, March 29.
The Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant program is helping Gaithersburg neighborhood associations make improvements in their communities by providing dollar-for-dollar matching grants.
A $50,000 Bonus Match 5 lottery ticket was sold for the Thursday, March 28 drawing at a Rockville Giant. Full story below courtesy of the Maryland Lottery:
Montgomery Parks has released its schedule of events and programs that will take place in April.
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.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
Bethesda Film Fest
The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.