MCPS Community Message: 10 Things to Know for Feb. 10th

Here are seven things you need to know for Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. They include the appointment of a permanent superintendent, information about the school well-being, safety and security review, an antiracist audit update, information about COVID-19 rapid take-home test kits and more.

    1. Board of Education Appoints Next Superintendent, in a Historic Announcement
      Dr. Monifa B. McKnight was named permanent superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools on Tuesday, Feb. 8. She is the first woman and second African-American to lead the school district. Dr. McKnight will move from her interim position into the permanent role as MCPS superintendent as of July 1, 2022. She has 23 years experience as a public school educator and administrator, the vast majority of which have been in MCPS.

Read Dr. McKnight’s message to the community.

  1. No MCPS Schools Entering 10-Day Virtual Learning Period
    No additional schools will  transition to virtual learning next week. MCPS will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and  school operations on in-person learning and, if necessary, identify schools for temporary virtual learning.
  2. MCPS Conducting Thorough Review of Well-Being, Safety and Security in All Schools
    In recent weeks, district staff have engaged numerous key stakeholders to inform this work and have also presented to the Board of Education and Montgomery County Council in public meetings. The four key areas of focus include:

    • Mental Health and Social-Emotional Well-Being
    • Creating Safe and Equitable School Environments
    • Safety, Security, and Community Engagement Officer Program Enhancements
    • Joint Incident Command Framework

    The workgroup will bring proposals for discussion and consideration to the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 24.

    Stakeholders guiding this work include:

    • High school principals and current Community Engagement Officers
    • Middle school principal cabinet & elementary leadership from administrator employee association
    • 230 students from all middle and high schools
    • Already established advisory groups: Reimagining School Safety and Students Well-Being (RSSSW) Steering Committee and the Student Well-being Action Group (SWAG), which include community representatives
    • Employee association representatives (MCAAP, MCEA, SEIU), including association leadership
    • Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services staff and Montgomery County Police Department representatives

    Read more.

  3. Antiracist Audit Survey: More Information
    On Feb. 2, Dr. McKnight shared this update on the ongoing work and commitment to address racial and systemic barriers in the school district. An update was sent to families to provide more information about what to expect for the upcoming surveys.

  4. COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Tests Being Distributed
    MCPS will distribute 190,000 rapid test kits to all students and staff.  These rapid test kits will be distributed through March, starting with 50,000 test kits that will be sent home during February. Staff and parents of students are reminded to report positive results through the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Tool.
  5. Board of Education Receives MCPS Operations Update
    At its Feb. 8 meeting, board members heard from MCPS staff who shared updates around COVID-19 impacts. Positive COVID-19 cases across the district have dropped significantly.  The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is now providing case investigators to provide COVID-19 follow-up for MCPS students and staff. MCPS has hired more substitutes and is seeing fewer unfilled substitute positions. MCPS has served all bus routes since January 21, 2022.
  6. Spectator Limitations Adjusted at MCPS Extracurricular Events
    Spectator limitations were adjusted from 25 percent of facility capacity to 50 percent of facility capacity for all indoor extracurricular events. They remain at that level. Masks are still required inside all MCPS schools and facilities. Review COVID-19 athletics information at this website. You may also refer to the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Athletics newsletter.

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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.

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