MCPS: Five Things to Know for Thursday, December 8

Montgomery County Public Schools sent out the following community message on Thursday, December 8:
“Get information about Flu/RSV guidance, how to watch the upcoming operating budget presentation live, new Board of Education leadership and more.

1. Board Approves School Year Calendar that Allows for More Professional Days and Fewer Disruptions
The Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 school year calendar at its Dec. 6 business meeting. The new calendar offers an increased focus on professional development for teachers, while aiming to limit instructional disruptions.

2. Tune in to Superintendent’s Operating Budget Presentation Dec. 19
Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight will deliver a presentation on her Recommended Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 on Dec.19. Hear how the district plans to invest in students’ academic experience and look ahead to leadership’s priorities and goals for the next school year. Watch live via the MCPS Homepage or MCPS TV Channels (En Español Comcast 33, Verizon 35, RCN 88)

3. MCPS Board of Education Welcomes New Members and Appoints New Leadership
Newly elected members Grace Rivera-Oven (District 1), Julie Yang (District 3) and re-elected members Brenda Wolff (District 5) and Karla Silvestre (At-Large) were ceremonially sworn inon Thursday, Dec. 1, at Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville. Ms. Silvestre (At-Large) and Shebra Evans (District 4) will now lead the Board as president and vice president, respectively.

4. Flu/RSV Guidance
MCPS continues to work with the local health department to closely monitor local disease trends and provide support to schools and worksites. COVID-19 and influenza rates have increased in our region. We continue to reinforce good infection control and health behaviors that help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Check out fact sheets from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and MDH’s resource pages for influenzaand Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

5. GOOD NEWS: Students Spend Time with First Ladies Jill Biden and Brigitte Macron During France State Visit
More than 100 Silver Spring International Middle School students had the opportunity to participate in the state visit for French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden invited the students, who are a part of the French Immersion Program, to greet the first ladies, participate in a poetry reading, and engage with them over an interactive book device in the library at the Planet Word museum in Washington, D.C.