MCPS Archives - Page 161 of 275

MCPS: “Students and families may not choose to opt out of engaging with any instructional materials other than certain units within the state-mandated health curriculum as specifically permitted by Maryland law”; New Document With FAQs on Inclusive Texts Published By School System

Published June 30, 2023 at 3:08PM

We value the partnership we share with our parents, caregivers, community members, and stakeholders in providing our students with the best possible education, so that they emerge from MCPS college, career, and community ready. MCPS follows all Maryland and federal Department of Education laws and uses a process that aligns with the school system’s core values when choosing supplemental curriculum materials for students in all grades. We encourage all interested stakeholders to read the information provided here about the LGBTQ+ inclusive books that have been introduced as supplementary material for grade level standards instruction.

-Montgomery County Public Schools”

Recreational Cannabis Information: A Message from Montgomery County Public Schools

By Patrick Herron

Published June 30, 2023 at 3:07PM

Please remember that just because a substance is legal, does not mean it is safe. Alcohol, tobacco products, and cannabis pose greater potential harms to young people, whose brains and judgment are still developing. Due to the dangers of underage use, these products remain illegal for individuals under 21 years old.

For staff members, alcohol and cannabis use may impair work performance or judgment, and is not permitted during the workday, or at school sponsored activities and events that occur outside of the regularly scheduled workday. This behavior does not align with MCPS’ commitment to student safety and professional excellence and is a violation of the Employee Code of Conduct. Federal law requires public schools receiving federal funds to be drug-free settings, and additional federal restrictions on substance use for commercial vehicle drivers apply to our transportation staff.

MCPS Transportation Employees Enter Guilty Pleas for Misconduct in Office and Theft Scheme

By MCS Staff

Published June 30, 2023 at 2:18PM

From the Office of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney: Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Michael McAuliffe, defendant, Todd Michael Watkins, 56, of Jefferson, MD, pleaded guilty to one count of the misdemeanor charge of misconduct in office. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 11^th, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.

The defendant, Watkins, was appointed Director of the Montgomery County Public Schools Department of Transportation in 2009. Beginning in at least 2016 and continuing into September 2021, the defendant failed to properly manage the contract for the purchases of school buses and the use of purchasing cards in his department such that Charles Ewald, the Assistant Director of the Department of Transportation, was able to steal over $320,000.

MCPS Air Quality Message for Friday, June 30

By Patrick Herron

Published June 30, 2023 at 8:49AM

The CDC describes possible symptoms of and tips for reducing the effects of wildfire smoke pollutants. We encourage all students, family members, and staff to learn more about the possible health risks related to current conditions and how to protect their health.

MCPS Athletics will follow NCAA air quality recommendations for participation, which include exertional activities that are shortened and reduced intensity. Sensitive athletes will be moved indoors.

MCPS Things to Know: Inclusive Texts FAQ Sheet, Free Summer Meals Schedule, and more

By Patrick Herron

Published June 29, 2023 at 6:44PM

MCPS is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment and seeks to create opportunities where all students see themselves and their families in curriculum materials. In alignment with Board of Education Policy, MCPS has a responsibility to include instructional materials that reflect the diversity of the local and global community by exploring the aspirations, issues and achievements of men and women, people with disabilities, people from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, as well as those of diverse gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

As a reflection of our ongoing commitment to ensure our curriculum is inclusive and affirming of all students, the elementary and secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teams in the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs (OCIP) have approved a selection of more than 22 LGBTQ+-inclusive texts for use in the classroom.

Paint Branch’s Heather Podosek Announces Retirement in Letter to the Panther Community

By MCS Staff

Published June 29, 2023 at 5:29PM

Paint Branch Athletic Director Heather Podosek has retired from MCPS after 31 years. Podosek has been Athletic director since 2010, following two championships and 13 years as the girl’s head basketball coach. Earlier today, Podosek posted the following letter to the Paint Branch Athletics website saying goodbye to the Paint Branch community:

“Today is a emotional day for me as I retire from MCPS after 31 years, but it is also filled with reflection and gratitude! As I look back at my career (and all the stops along the way) which brought me to my “home” at Paint Branch, I will always be thankful for the guidance, patience and encouragement of the administrators, colleagues, coaches, students, and families that help me in my journey. You have been such a big part of shaping my career which is filled with love, laughter and happiness!

New Principal Named at Paint Branch High School, And More MCPS Administrative Appointments

By MCS Staff

Published June 27, 2023 at 8:27PM

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:

Pamela B. Wheeler-Taylor, currently Assistant Chief, Youth and Family Engagement Bureau, Metropolitan Police Department, as Chief Safety Officer, Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Large Crowds Protest Ahead of Today’s Board of Education Meeting

By MCS Staff

Published June 27, 2023 at 2:05PM

Large crowd (hundreds as of 1:30pm) are protesting outside of the Board of Education meeting at the Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville (850 Hungerford Drive). The protest stems from MCPS’ no-opt-out policy when it comes to the use of LGBTQ+ inclusive books in schools. Video of the protests can be seen below.

In anticipation of the public interest for the school board’s meeting, MCPS implemented safety measures ahead of today’s meeting. Per MCPS:

Who Am I? MoCo Edition

By MCS Staff

Published June 27, 2023 at 7:26AM

The Moco native played many sports growing up (baseball, basketball, football, and wrestling) while he was a student at Redland Middle School and Magruder High School. He was also a longtime counselor at Seneca Creek Day Camp before turning his attention to theater and participating in three productions per year.

In 2003, he starred as Luke in the first season of the Fox teen drama, The O.C. He has starred in many movies, television shows, and theatrical productions since then, including his role as Will Lexington in the ABC drama Nashville. He currently stars in Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Atticus Lincoln (Dr. Link)– a role he has played since 2018.

Free Summer Meals For Children 18 and Below Available at Various Locations Across The County

By MCS Staff

Published June 26, 2023 at 10:13PM | Updated July 4, 2023 at 9:26AM

The MCPS Summer Meals Program is designed to bridge the “nutrition gap” when school is out. Children 18 years old or younger can come to any of the open locations to receive a free nutritious meal during breakfast and lunch at no cost. Meals are served Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary, however, meals must be eaten at the location.

Summer food service meal sites available by clicking here: (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pM-VLHBPW5l43kIAHJsg0RCR42b6xO-DHS56zx7ihpk/edit#gid=540288845)

MCPS Implements Safety Measures For Tuesday’s Board of Education Meeting

By MCS Staff

Published June 26, 2023 at 4:03PM

Per MCPS: “Dear Montgomery County Community Members, Because of the interest in the upcoming Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the following safety measures will be implemented:

The agenda for the meeting can be seen here.