Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 17, 2021 – Councilmember Craig Rice and Councilmember Will Jawando made the following statement about the safety and wellbeing of students attending Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS):
“As MCPS students continue to acclimate to a return to full time, in-person classes, we know the number of incidents of inappropriate student behavior has increased. While this is a national trend, the safety of our students remains our top priority. We have been engaged with the leadership of MCPS and are working in coordination with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as these incidents have increased.
“To that end, residents and families should know that our police officers are responding to serious incidents quickly and responsibly. While recent policy changes include no longer positioning police officers inside school buildings, community engagement officers still work with our schools and are present at large school events such as football games as an increased security measure. Further, serious incidents still require school administrators to call 911 and request police response. We commend MCPD for their rapid response time to these incidents and support MCPS in holding anyone who brings a weapon to school accountable for their actions while working to understand and address the underlying issues at play.
“Together, we convened the Student Wellbeing and Action Group (SWAG) this past summer to be proactive in addressing our students’ wellbeing and safety. As we examine the root causes of these incidents, we know that our students need increased availability of mental health supports in our schools to help them through these difficult times. This will be achieved through very specific resources devoted to their wellbeing. MCPS is planning for an additional 50 social workers in our schools and implementation of trauma-informed care supports. They are also providing professional development to staff for the continued expansion and implementation of the restorative justice process when working with our students. Restorative justice places an emphasis on repairing the harm inflicted and building community and accountability rather than administering a punitive response.
“We truly appreciate the work of SWAG in identifying the resources needed for our students. As always, our students know what they need and are the best advocates for changing the culture in schools to create a supportive educational environment. Working our way back to normalcy after this period of intense trauma will be achieved through the collaboration and ongoing communication between students, the dedicated MCPS staff, and our committed DHHS staff and MCPD officers who are working together to ensure our students and staff feel safe and respected.”
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
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!!!
