MCPS Announces Community Engagement Officer 2.0 Plan Will be “Coming Soon” in Community Message

MCPS sent out a community message with “key things to know for Thursday, March 31.”

They include important COVID-19 reminders about spring break, a notice that kindergarten registration is now open, upcoming community engagement events, an update on community engagement officers, w and more.

  1. Spring Break Begins Monday, April 11
    Remain Vigilant: COVID-19 is Still With Us

    We are all looking forward to Spring Break; we’ll have more time with family and friends, some of us may travel or gather for events. In order to safely return to school on April 19, following spring break, why not build yourself a COVID-19 Spring Break Safety Checklist? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following reminders of things you can choose to do during spring break to help yourself avoid COVID-19.

    • Get vaccinated and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines, get the booster if you are eligible.
    • Consider wearing a mask, especially in public spaces or if you have increased risk for illness.
    • Stay six feet away from others.
    • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces and crowds.
    • Test to prevent spread to others.
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes.
    • Clean and disinfect.
    • Monitor your health daily.
    • If you are sick, follow recommendations for quarantine and isolation.
    • Take precautions when you travel.

    It’s up to all of us to take care of ourselves so our community can stay healthy.

  2. REMINDER: COVID-19 Rapid Take-Home Test Kits:
    • On Monday, April 18, families are asked to test all MCPS students using MCPS-provided rapid take-home test kits and report positive cases via our online form. If the test is positive, stay home and follow quarantine and isolation guidelines. If your child has COVID-19 symptoms or is sick, stay home. The same guidance is for staff who also are receiving the take-home test kits. Test on April 18, the day before we return to school and report any positive cases.
      Reminder: COVID-19 symptoms are cough, sore throat, fever with a temperature of 100.4 or higher, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing. Use this helpful student health checklist.

      Distribution:
      MCPS is distributing COVID-19 rapid take-home test kits  through April 6. Check your child’s backpack.

      Directions for Use of COVID-19 Test Kits:
      VIDEO: Directions for use of COVID-19 rapid test kit
      Learn more at this website and review the flyers:
      Englishespañol  /  中文  /  françaisPortuguês한국어tiếng Việtአማርኛ
      (Reminder: these are nasal (nose) rapid test kits; please follow the directions included in the kits.)

    • Testing in Schools: Say Yes to the Test
      MCPS has in-school random testing for asymptomatic students and rapid testing for students who show COVID-19 symptoms. Parents must give permission for this testing by completing this form. Learn more about in-school COVID-19 testing.
    • Vaccinations: Individuals 5 and older are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. They are free, safe and readily available. MCPS hosts vaccine clinics every weekend. Learn more.
  3. Kindergarten Registration Now Open for 2022-2023 School Year
    Registration is open for parents who wish to register their child for an MCPS kindergarten class for the 2022-2023 school year. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2022. For more information about eligibility guidelines, registrations or required documents to complete an application, call 240-740-4006 or visit the MCPS Kindergarten registration website.
  4. Community Engagement Officer 2.0 Plan Coming Soon
    The new Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program will represent an innovative approach to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment that benefits all students and staff. This new plan has been informed through collaboration between Montgomery County Police (MCPD) and MCPS and includes community input gathered through focus groups with students, staff, parents and multiple community stakeholder groups. We’ve had the opportunity to share elements of the plan in several public meetings including with the Board of Education and Montgomery County Council. There will be continued opportunities to gather feedback and assess on an ongoing basis.
  5. Putting Our Students First: Community Conversations Set for April, May
    Join Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight for three community conversations, All Together Now: Putting Our Students First, set for April and May. These events will bring together families, students, staff and the community to discuss the district’s strengths, priorities and opportunities for how MCPS can better serve its students.
    The events will be held:

    • Wednesday, April 20, 7 p.m., Gaithersburg High School cafeteria, 101 Education Boulevard, Gaithersburg
    • Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Walter Johnson High School cafeteria, 6400 Rock Spring Dr., Bethesda
    • Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m., Paint Branch High School cafeteria, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville

    RSVP to attend is encouraged.

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.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list