MCPS Archives - Page 161 of 277

Thousands Donated to Local Teachers Through the Adopt-A-Teacher Facebook Group

Published August 14, 2023 at 3:29PM

In 2022, after seeing a similar Facebook group in Frederick County reach over 3,000 members, MCPS teachers Jennifer Wilson and Kate Stone decided to create a Montgomery County version that allows community members to “adopt” an MCPS teacher and support them buy purchasing items for the teacher off of the teacher’s Amazon wishlist. “People have always want to donate to teachers, so we just wanted to make it easier for them to be able to do it.” Wilson told us. In less than three days, the Facebook group had over 1,000 members. The group is still going strong with almost 4,000 members and thousands of dollars in donations to local teachers.

Here’s how it works: Teachers create and share their public wishlist in a post, making sure to include the wishlist link in a post. Teachers are encouraged to include information about themselves and the school they teach at. Community members then have the option to purchase one or more items from any wishlist they choose to support. Community members are encouraged to let the teacher know they purchased something from the wishlist. If they choose to, multiple people can adopt one teacher and one person can adopt multiple teachers. Everyone is encouraged to be nice to each other.

Details on This Year’s MCPS Back-to-School Fair at Wheaton Mall

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2023 at 1:38PM

Per Westfield: Westfield Wheaton will host the annual back-to-school fair in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 (two days before students in Montgomery County are scheduled to report back to school on Monday, August 28). The event will take place in The Streetery, the center’s outdoor event and dining space situated between Macy’s and the food court on Parking Level 2. Shoppers and members of the community will have the opportunity to enjoy family-friendly activities while learning more about the school system, county programs and receiving free curriculum resources.

This year’s 2023 Back-to-School Fair promises to be an even more dynamic and informative event. “We are so excited and look forward to welcoming families to the new school year,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight. “As we begin our new school year, we are reminded of the importance of our partnerships with families and community and we say, ‘All Together Now”; an excellent example is our continued partnership with Westfield Wheaton to bring these valuable resources and information to our community. We encourage all MCPS families to engage with the more than 100 offices, businesses and organizations at the fair as we prepare for an amazing school year at MCPS.”

Statement from the Montgomery County Board of Education Regarding Sexual Harassment Allegations

By Patrick Herron

Published August 13, 2023 at 9:50AM

On August 4th, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney. On August 11th, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.”

#Statement from @MCPS Board of Education regarding investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Paint Branch High principal. #FULL STORY: https://t.co/vApa0eSgtk pic.twitter.com/N8Gw9v5FDb

Watkins Mill Becomes First Maryland School to Earn Level 1 Status Within the NFHS School Honor Roll Program Three Years in a Row

By MCS Staff

Published August 12, 2023 at 1:19PM

Watkins Mill High School has become the first Maryland school to earn Level 1 Status within the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Honor Roll Program for the third straight year after recently earning the award for the upcoming school year.

The NFHS writes playing rules for high school sports and provides guidance on a multitude of national issues. They offer online education courses for high school coaches, officials, students, parents, and speech and music leaders through the NFHS Learning Center, and showcase high school sports and performing arts online through the NFHS Network. “Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that all students have an opportunity to enjoy healthy participation, achievement and good sportsmanship in education-based activities.”

County Leaders React to WaPo Article on Paint Branch High School Principal

By Patrick Herron

Published August 12, 2023 at 10:58AM

Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

On Friday, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.” Yesterday, several local leaders took to social media to share their thoughts on the situation:

Statement From Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, Chair of the Education and Culture Committee, Regarding Serious Allegations Related to MCPS Principal

By Patrick Herron

Published August 11, 2023 at 3:33PM | Updated August 11, 2023 at 4:05PM

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, chair of the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, released the following statement related to the serious allegations regarding a Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) principal detailed in The Washington Post today.

“I am deeply disturbed by the The Washington Post’s article released this morning related to allegations regarding a MCPS principal. The allegations are serious and concerning, and must be thoroughly, impartially and comprehensively investigated. MCPS should be clear with the County Council and the public about how this matter will be investigated and ensure that community members are aware of how they can report experiences that may be relevant to the investigation.

Paint Branch High School Principal on Extended Leave Pending Investigation, Per the Washington Post

By MCS Staff

Published August 11, 2023 at 1:31PM

Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

A Washington Post article released this morning alleges that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.”

Press Release: MCPS and MedStar Health Launch Innovative Sports Medicine Partnership

By MCS Staff

Published August 11, 2023 at 9:04AM

Montgomery County Public Schools (MPCS) and MedStar Health are announcing a new partnership to enhance the school system’s sports medicine program for scholastic athletics. Ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 school year, a newly-formed team of 12-month certified athletic trainers hired by MPCS has already begun working in all 25 of the county’s high schools. Their goal is to provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes across all athletic programs.

“We are very excited to launch our innovative sports medicine program, which includes a full-time certified athletic trainer in each of our 25 high schools,” said MCPS Systemwide Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Sullivan. “Thanks to the commitment to safety from our school leaders and partnership with the region’s largest health system, MedStar Health, we now have medical professionals on staff to assist with the assessment and treatment of student-athlete injuries, prevention, rehabilitation, and more.”

MCPS Welcomes New Spanish Language Communications Specialist, Edith Lozada

By MCS Staff

Published August 8, 2023 at 7:46PM

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is delighted to introduce Ms. Edith Lozada as the newly appointed Spanish Communications Specialist and Spanish Language Public Information Officer within the MCPS Department of Communications.

With a wealth of experience in the field of communication, Ms. Lozada brings with her an impressive track record as an Emmy Award-winning Bilingual Media Producer, driven by a passion for immersive storytelling and community-centered programming. Her academic journey includes acquiring a Bachelor’s in Mass Media Communication from the University of Puerto Rico.

Restaurants and Events Coming Soon to Wheaton Mall

By Patrick Herron

Published August 8, 2023 at 9:11AM | Updated August 8, 2023 at 10:25AM

Below is a list of businesses and events that are coming soon to Westfield Wheaton Mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Rd. Wise Guy Pizza: We first reported in June that […]

MCPS Athletics Launches Enhanced Sports Medicine Program That Includes Full-Time Athletic Trainers at Every High School

By MCS Staff

Published August 7, 2023 at 2:52PM

MCPS Athletics has announced that it is excited to launch an enhanced sports medicine program for the 2023-24 school year. Included in the program are full-time, 12-month certified athletic trainers in each high school and a partnership with MedStar Health.

Athletic trainers have been hired and have started working in all 25 MCPS high schools. A coordinator of health and safety, Mr. Shawn Hendi, has also been hired. Athletic trainers, now MCPS employees, will provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes and across the program.