MCPS: Five Things to Know for Thursday, September 15

Per Montgomery County Public Schools:
Here are five things to know for Thursday, Sept. 15: information about COVID-19, a revised mobile device regulation and good news about two MCPS employees.

1. Revised Personal Mobile Device Policy in Place for MCPS Students
   The Montgomery County Board of Education has approved a revised regulation (COG-RA) concerning student possession and use of personal mobile devices. This update to the regulation aligns guidelines with current best practices and was developed collaboratively by a workgroup composed of staff, students and community members.
   Learn more

2. Scholarship Recognizing Academic Excellence to be Launched in October
   Applications will open soon for the newly created Ruth and Norman Rales–Patricia Baier O’Neill Scholarship Recognizing Academic Excellence. These $10,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors were announced earlier this year by the Norman R. Rales and Ruth Rales Foundation to honor the lives and contributions of Ruth and Norman Rales and Patricia O’Neill, who died Sept. 14, 2021, after having served the longest tenure in the history of the Montgomery County Board of Education.
   Learn more.

3. Understand Positive COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines
   It remains important that staff and families continue to report positive cases of COVID-19 via this online form. An updated isolation calculator can help you understand when it is OK to return to work or school.

4. Updated COVID-19 Boosters Are Now Available
   Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed updated COVID-19 booster vaccines. The vaccines are bivalent, which means they include protection against both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, and currently circulating strains of the Omicron variant (BA-4 and BA-5). Anyone older than 12 who is vaccinated against COVID-19 can receive a booster. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for ages 12 years and older. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for ages 18 years and older. Both booster vaccines must be given after an initial vaccine series, and can be given eight weeks after the last received dose of vaccine or booster.
   Where you can find these vaccines:
   The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is now offering updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines. This is now the only booster available for ages 12+ at county-sponsored clinics, including school-based clinics. Appointments are recommended. Maryland’s Vaccine Locator provides information on pharmacies and other locations offering booster appointments and a helpful FAQ on the new boosters.

5. GOOD NEWS: Watch Exciting Stories of Two MCPS Employees
   Roberto Castillo, an MCPS bus route supervisor, shares his story of career and advancement and commitment to students and Tracey Parker, a special education teacher at Judith A. Resnik Elementary School, talks about how she grew into her job through her love of the students.
   VIDEO: Roberto Castillo, Bus Route Supervisor
   VIDEO: Tracey Parker, Special Education Teacher

Montgomery County Public Schools