Montgomery County Public Schools sent out the following community message on Friday, March 4:
It is anticipated the Board of Education (BoE) will vote on a “mask optional” policy for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) at the upcoming March 8th meeting.
At the meeting, there will be discussion of relevant data in conjunction with federal, state and local guidance, and—absent a spike in cases or hospitalizations—it may be appropriate for masks to be optional in MCPS schools. The BoE will make that decision.
This discussion follows a recent decision by Maryland state to end a mask mandate for schools, along with revised masking Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention guidelines that no longer recommend universal mask-wearing in schools.
The changes to our mask policy will be welcome to some and it may be worrying to others. There will be students, teachers and administrators who want or need to continue to mask in our schools. We must respect that.
As a district, we expect our MCPS community to respect individual decisions about whether to mask or unmask at this time.Our staff and students must model kindness, acceptance and inclusivity. MCPS will work assiduously in communication with students, staff and families to ensure we all know the importance of respecting the individual decision to wear a mask or not wear a mask if the decision to make them optional occurs.
Transportation and Extracurricular Events
In addition, masks are expected to be optional on our school buses. We will continue to keep windows open when weather permits. At our sporting events and in-person performances, masks would also be optional.
Ongoing Virus Mitigation (Reducing Virus Spread)
The school district maintains a multi-layered COVID-19 mitigation strategy, including:
- rapid COVID home testing
- random and rapid in-school virus testing
- improved HVAC systems in all buildings
- vaccination clinics for all available age groups
- enhanced cleaning practices
- distribution of KN-95 masks throughout this school year
Also, quarantine and isolation periods have been reduced from 10 days to 5 days. These measures and county efforts to reduce virus spread have helped ensure a safe school environment. The CDC currently rates Montgomery County as “low” on its measurement of the impact of COVID-19 illness on the community.
Vaccination continues to be the most important way to stay safe and healthy. Please get vaccinated or boosted if you are eligible.
There are vaccination clinics at schools on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. Information about county vaccination sites can be found here.
MCPS will monitor virus conditions in our county and schools. Should there be a need to shift masking guidance, decisions will be made in collaboration with our local and state health partners, as well as the MCPS COVID-19 Advisory Team. The COVID-19 Data Dashboard will be an important resource.
We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.
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FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
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!!!
