MCPS: Eight Things to Know For Thursday, November 17

Here are eight things to know for Thursday, Nov. 17. Get information about vital steps taken to support our school buses, another chance to learn about the budget process, the 2022-2023 winter athletics safety plan, how to make sure your voice is heard on the upcoming school calendar, upcoming ESL classes for parents, a call for more crossing guards, exciting wins for our students in sports and music, and reminders about the upcoming school closure.

1. New Measures Announced to Support School Bus Routes
   Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight announced new efforts this week to ensure student safety in the midst of the national challenge of recruiting bus operators. The district will reinstate a driver pay benefit for any bus operator who drives extra routes during a morning or afternoon shift, provide a “sweeper bus” to pick up any students remaining at bus stops experiencing cancellations, and partner with Community Engagement Officers who will receive notification of canceled or delayed routes, patrol those areas and help coordinate transportation. Read the full message

2. Join Us Virtually to Learn About the District’s Budget Process
   MCPS will host the second of three community budget information sessions Monday, Nov. 28. This is an opportunity to learn about how Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight plans to build her recommended operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The meeting will be held virtually from 6:30–8 p.m.

   Join us on Zoom
   Dial-in Option: 3017158592
   Webinar ID: 858 0599 3380
   Passcode: 551492

3. Learn About the MCPS Athletics Safety Plan for the Winter 2022-2023 Season
   This plan provides appropriate modifications of the initial Athletics Safety Plan to account for factors specific to large, indoor events. This season’s plan continues to address guiding principles, actions the department can take and the decision-making process. Read the Winter Athletics Safety Plan.

4. Provide Your Input on the 2023–2024 School Calendar
   We want to hear from you! Please share your input for next year’s school calendar. This quick survey seeks to gauge the community’s opinions on the calendar scenarios developed for the 2023–2024 school year. Staff will use your feedback to develop a final recommendation to be presented at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Share your input by Wednesday, Nov. 30. Access the survey.

5. MCPS to Host Virtual Conversations about ESL Classes for Parents
   MCPS will host a series of virtual conversations with the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) to discuss English as a Second Language classes available for adults. The conversations will be hosted in English, Chinese and Spanish. The LCMC is offering English as a Second Language classes free to MCPS parents and guardians. There will be virtual and in-person options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any parent for whom English is not their first language.Interest form for ESL classes

6. Crossing Guards Needed to Help Keep Our Community Safe
   The Montgomery County Police Department has openings for crossing guards. The position involves helping schoolchildren and other pedestrians cross the street, and providing traffic control at designated crossings. Click Here for hours, benefits and how to apply.

7. GOOD NEWS

   A Winning Fall Season for Student Athletes
   The Poolesville HS boys cross country team and the Damascus HS cheerleading team won their respective 2A State Championship titles over the weekend. This is the first-ever cheerleading championship title for MCPS. Congratulations to teams who also made it to the championship finals – Winston Churchill HS boys’ cross country and girls’ field hockey, Walter Johnson HS girls’ cross country, Poolesville girls’ cross country, and Sherwood High School’s cheerleading team which came in third. Walt Whitman girls soccer will play Quince Orchard at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Loyola University in the first-ever all-MCPS 4A state championship!!

   Marching Bands Win Top Honors at Regional/State Championships
   Thomas S. Wootton HS won the Maryland Marching Band Association (MMBA) Western Regional Championship in the Open-Small Class, while also earning awards for Best Color Guard, Best Overall Effect, Best Music Performance and Best Visual Performance. Quince Orchard HS won the Class 1A State Championship and Clarksburg HS won the Class 3A State Championship at the MMBA State Championships on Nov. 6. Quince Orchard also won the award for Best Music Performance in its class, while Clarksburg won Best Percussion, Best Color Guard, Best Visual Performance and Best Overall Effect in its class. Congratulations to all MCPS marching bands that competed this year: Montgomery Blair, Clarksburg, Quince Orchard, Rockville and Wootton!

8. Reminder: Schools and Offices Will be Closed Nov. 23, 24 and 25
   Also, a reminder that Nov. 21–22 are early release days. The Things to Know Thursday message will return on Dec. 2. In the meantime, visit our website for information you may need.

   • Stay Connected with MCPS During Inclement Weather
     MCPS offers numerous ways to learn about potential  school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals when there is inclement weather. Learn more about weather decisions and how to stay in touch with MCPS:
     Stay Connected
     How To Receive Emergency Information