MCPS

Springbrook’s Akiel Russell Honored by Commanders as “Coach of The Week”

By MCS Staff

Springbrook High School head football coach Akiel Russell was selected the Washington Commanders Coach of the Week on Sept. 29.

Russell, 37, is a Springbrook graduate himself. After high school he went on to attend Delaware State, where he starred at defensive end and continued playing football im the American Indoor Football Association and Semi-Pro leagues before returning to Springbrook as an assistant coach in 2009. He became the school‘s head football coach this season after spending time with other programs in recent years.

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MCPS Athletics is Piloting Pickleball As New Corollary Sport at 11 High Schools

By MCS Staff

MCPS Athletics is piloting pickleball as a new corollary sport at 11 high schools this fall. USA Pickleball instructor Rob Campbell from MoCo Pickleball held a training session for coaches to prepare them for the season.

The schools that will field teams are: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Montgomery Blair, James Hubert Blake, Clarksburg, Richard Montgomery, John F. Kennedy, Quince Orchard, Sherwood, Springbrook, Watkins Mill and Wheaton. Watch the video below from the first week of competition as the Sports Insight crew visited Wheaton and Kennedy (courtesy of MCPS).

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MCPS is Holding Community Input Sessions on Petition to Rename Magruder High School

By MCS Staff

In February 2023, a petition was submitted to the Montgomery County Board of Education requesting that the Board consider renaming Col. Zadok Magruder High School, based on Col. Magruder being an enslaver (additional information here, per Montgomery History). According to a flyer put out by MCPS, The Board of Education accepted the petition and authorized further community engagement to determine the community interest in renaming the school.

Per the flyer, “The Magruder school community – students, families, staff, and alumni – are invited to participate in community dialogues to discuss the meaning the school name holds for them and how the school name affirms the school’s educational mission and values.” In-person and virtual sessions have already begun, with a list of all of them available (and additional info on the flyer) below:

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Springbrook High School Evacuating Due to Bomb Threat

By MCS Staff

1:58 Update: Springbrook High School has been cleared. Students, teachers and staff are returning to school.

According to police, “Springbrook High School is evacuating, following the report of a bomb threat. MCPD is investigating the validity of the threat. More information will be released as it becomes available.” This is the second high school that has evacuated today (Wednesday, October 25th), as Albert Einstein High School in Kensington evacuated this morning and was given clearance to return a couple hours later.

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Know a Great Teacher? Nominations Are Now Open For Several Local Awards Honoring Teachers and Administrators

By MCS Staff

Awards season is here for Montgomery County Public Schools as nominations are now open for several competitions to honor exceptional teachers and administrators. They can be seen below:

The Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award: The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. Nominees must have a minimum of six years of teaching experience, including at least three in MCPS. The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as its nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year award. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22

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12-Year-Old Identified as Individual Responsible for Multiple Bomb Threats

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Police released the following statement from Chief Marcus Jones regarding the person identified in school bomb threats (the statement by MCPD initially listed the incorrect high school, but has since been corrected):

“The person responsible for multiple bomb threats targeting Montgomery Blair High School and Oak View Elementary School has been identified. On October 13, 16, and 23, Montgomery County Public Schools received threats sent via email to Montgomery Blair High School. Similarly, on October 15, Oak View Elementary School was also targeted with a separate email threat. This reckless and dangerous behavior posed a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our schools and students.

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MCPD Responding to Reported Bomb Threat at Albert Einstein High School

By Patrick Herron

11:05am UPDATE: Albert Einstein HS has been cleared. Students, faculty, and staff are returning to the building. Once Newport Mill Rd. is open, parents can reunite with their child at the main office of Albert Einstein HS. 

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

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MCPS: Brian Hull to Serve as Acting Superintendent While Dr. Monifa McKnight on Leave

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Brian Hull is currently acting superintendent while Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight is out on medical leave. According to a report by MoCo360, Dr. McKnight has been absent from the office the past week and sent MCPS staff the following message, “I have been dealing with a medical condition that required hospitalization. I am home now, getting better every day, and looking forward to getting back to the office.” No timeframe has been announced for McKnight’s return.

Hull became Chief Operating Officer of MCPS in August 2022. The Chief Operating Officer oversees and supports all aspects of District Operations, Finance, and Human Resources and Development. According to MCPS, “The mission of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer is to provide the highest quality business operations and support services that are essential to the educational success of students through staff committed to fiscal and operational excellence and continuous improvement.” We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.

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The MoCoShow MCPS High School Football Week 9 Preview & Predictions

By Damon Anderson

Richard Montgomery (3-5) at Gaithersburg (7-1): Air vs Ground: A high-scoring showdown awaits as Richard Montgomery’s Anthony “Air Attack” goes head-to-head with Gaithersburg’s “Gideon Ground n’ Pound.” While a repeat of last week’s 64-50 spectacle may be a tall order, the stage is set for an epic clash. RM’s Dixon has been in sensational form all season, but don’t sleep on Gaithersburg’s underrated defense, led by ballhawk Michael Nwaogwugwu. With the Trojans boasting a more balanced offense and the ability to control time of possession, the ingredients seem to favor Gaithersburg as they aim to secure the 3 seed and their best record in 13 years. Prediction: Gaithersburg by 13

Sherwood (6-2) at Quince Orchard (8-0): Unexpected Showdown: While this matchup may have flown under the radar this season, don’t be too quick to dismiss Sherwood’s chances against an undefeated Quince Orchard on paper. After a closer-than-expected contest against Northwest, QO may have some adjustments to make. The teams haven’t faced each other for nine years, and that adds an element of intrigue. Sherwood could make things interesting early, but Quince Orchard is poised to take control as the game progresses. Prediction: Quince Orchard by 35

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