MCPS to Require that Employees Submit Proof of Vaccination or Participate in Weekly COVID-19 Testing and Other Safety Measures the School System Will Take

In the community message releases today by MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight, MCPS touches on measures it will take in order to protect students, teachers, staff and the community.

Below is the letter to the community by MCPS superintendent, Monifa McKnight:

Dear MCPS Community:

The Montgomery County Board of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are committed to providing students with the world-class education they deserve, addressing their social, emotional and academic needs. This commitment is shared by teachers, administrators, supporting services staff, parents and the community.

The health and safety of our students and staff must remain a priority. Although COVID-19 remains with us, MCPS intends to carry out its commitment to deliver in-person instruction, five days a week, for all of our students. We have developed a plan to ensure a safe return to school and will continue to be proactive in the face of continuously changing circumstances. The success of this plan also depends on individual actions, so we strongly encourage every person who is able to be vaccinated to do so before the start of the school year.

We have faced unprecedented challenges the past school year, but we are more determined than ever to provide our students with a high-quality education in a safe environment. We commit to the following measures in order to protect our students, teachers, staff and the community:

  • Require that face masks be worn in all school buildings, buses and MCPS facilities, regardless of vaccination status
  • Require that employees submit proof of vaccination or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing
  • Encourage the use of outdoor spaces for unmasked educational, recreational and social experiences for our students
  • Facilitate continuity of educational services for students who are unable to attend in-person instruction due to the need to quarantine
  • Provide opportunities for individuals to engage in proactive preventative measures, such as frequent hand-washing
  • Remind students and staff that they must stay home when experiencing any possible symptoms of COVID-19
  • Ensure school facilities will be regularly sanitized, equipped with cleaning supplies, and ventilation and air quality monitored
  • Provide in-school COVID-19 pool testing for random samples of students in prekindergarten through 6th grade, since students younger than 12 are not eligible to receive the vaccine
  • Communicate clearly, concisely and in a timely manner with families and staff as information becomes available
  • Respond to changing conditions so that our students will not experience major disruptions in their education

By working together, we can ensure our students can safely learn and thrive as they return to school. They are supported by the most talented and dedicated workforce in the nation, and we continue to applaud their efforts. Our commitments to the entire MCPS community are critical steps to achieving a successful start to the school year for all students.

VISIT THE FALL REOPENING WEBSITE

READ THE REOPENING GUIDE

Sincerely,

Brenda Wolff, president, Montgomery County Board of Education

Monifa B. McKnight, Ed.D., interim superintendent of schools

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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!!!

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