MCPS Archives - Page 175 of 278

MCPS: Special Education Parents Asked to Complete State Survey

Published May 4, 2023 at 8:58PM

Per MCPS: Parents or guardians of children aged 3 to 21 who are receiving special education and related services through their local school are encouraged to participate in the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey by Friday, May 19.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has mailed the survey to all parents/guardians of students with an IEP in Montgomery County. The information provided will help guide the state’s efforts in improving special education and related services in public schools. There are two options to complete the survey:

MCPS is Piloting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 3:40PM

Last month, as part of a pilot program, the first set of public electric vehicle charging stations for MCPS was installed at the Carver Educational Service Center in Rockville. The stations were installed at no cost to MCPS through a partnership with one of its electric utility providers, Pepco, an Exelon company. The installation is one of the actions MCPS is taking to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the region and the school system, as identified in Board of Education Policy ECA, Sustainability. This updated policy was unanimously adopted by the Board on June 28, 2022. Emissions from on-road transportation, such as from cars and buses, accounted for 36% of 2018 GHG emissions in the county. Increasing the number of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is a goal for the county and the school system.

Additional pilot charging stations will be installed at Gaithersburg Middle School and are expected to be operational in July. These stations are available to be used by MCPS staff, students and the general public. Both locations will have Level 2 chargers that can charge a vehicle’s electric battery from empty in 4-10 hours, or a plug-in hybrid battery from empty in 1-2 hours. The cost per kWh is $0.18. There are three ways to pay:

MCPS: African American Students Honored for Achievement, Leadership

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 7:08AM

Per MCPS: The Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) honored 27 graduating seniors during its annual Distinguished African-American Scholars and Community Leaders Awards Ceremony on April 26. The event was held at Rockville High School.

Distinguished Scholars and Community Leaders are committed to leadership in their high schools and communities; are passionate and committed to their education and demonstrate a deliberate pursuit of academic excellence; and are talented, positive and motivated. The keynote speaker was Brian Stockton, MCPS chief of staff. The 2023 honorees are:

Board of Education to Recognize 17 Individuals, Organizations for Distinguished Service

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 12:50PM

The Montgomery County Board of Education has announced its recipients for the 26th Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards were established by the Board of Education to recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Nominations were received from the general community, as well as community organizations, businesses, Board members and MCPS staff. This year’s Distinguished Service Award winners are:

Individual Pioneer

Installation of Vape Detectors Begins at Six MCPS High Schools This Week

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 7:38AM

Earlier this month, MCPS announced that vape detectors were in the process of being installed in the bathrooms of a “limited number of high schools.” Student journalists Hannah Lee, Claire Yu, and Avery Wang, of Richard Montgomery’s RM Tide newspaper, have reported that installations begin this week at six MCPS High Schools: John F. Kennedy, Northwood , Paint Branch, Quince Orchard, Richard Montgomery, and Walt Whitman. The detectors will remain until at least the end of the school year.

Per MCPS: “Vape detectors are in the process of being installed in the bathrooms of a limited number of high school schools. These detectors will help to identify any instances of vaping or smoking in the bathrooms, allowing us to take appropriate action to prevent harm to our students’ health and safety.”

Edison Cosmetology Students Will Open Salon on Thursday, May 4 For One-Day Fundraiser

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 7:41AM

Students enrolled in all MCPS comprehensive high schools may apply for enrollment in one of Thomas Edison’s eighteen highly acclaimed career and technology education programs. The Cosmetology students will be opening the Edison Salon (12051 Dalewood Dr. Silver Spring MD 20906) on Thursday, May 4 to hold a SkillsUSA fundraiser catered to moms for Mother’s Day.

MCPS Countywide Art Show at Montgomery Mall This Month

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 7:02AM

Two art shows showcasing the work of MCPS students will soon be open in Montgomery County– Westfield Montgomery Mall and Rockville Memorial Library. More information on each below:

The MCPS Countywide Art Show at Westfield Montgomery Mall will be available during mall hours from May 2–May 21. The elementary showcase will run from May 2–7; the middle school showcase will be available from May 9–14, and the high school showcase will be open from May 16–21.

Over 200 Students Attend Youth Climate Summit

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 6:52AM

On Saturday, April 22, more than 200 students attended the second annual Youth Climate Summit at Tilden Middle School. Students heard updates on MCPS’ environmental sustainability work; took part in workshops led by MCPS youth and environmental leaders, and created future plans for protecting the environment. See the video below:

MCPS: Art Contest Invites Students to Speak Out Against Hate

By MCS Staff

Published May 1, 2023 at 6:50AM

Per MCPS: To combat a rise in hateful speech across the country, MCPS is inviting students in Grades 3–12 to create 2D visual artwork that speaks out against hate and advocates for acceptance of all people.

MCPS will showcase entries on its website and award first, second and third places to students at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Winners will have their work displayed at the Superintendent’s Fine Arts Celebration, in the Board of Education room and their school will receive a print of the artwork for display. Artwork will be judged based on creativity, craftsmanship and composition. Submissions are due Friday, May 12. Submission Form.

MCPS and Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) Reach Tentative Agreement on Two-Year Wage Increase

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 3:56PM

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) have reached a tentative agreement on wage increases over a two-year period. If the County Council fully funds the MCPS budget proposal, the following increases would take effect beginning July 1, 2023, for MCEA unit members:

For the 2023-2024 school year, the salary for teachers would increase by $5,602 for 10-month employees and $6,583 for 12-month employees, with a step increase for those eligible employees. The new salaries would range from $59,640 to $124,416 for 10-month employees; and from $70,078 to $146,189 for 12-month positions depending on experience and years of service.

Robert Frost Middle School Wins Maryland/DC Science Bowl Regional Championship, Currently Competing in National Finals

By Patrick Herron

Published April 28, 2023 at 9:07AM

Led by team captain Meghna Singh, members Cody Gao, Lucas Kim, Zoe Gorbachev, and Kiran Oliver remained undefeated throughout the morning’s round-robin style competition before advancing to the final round. After an intense final round, Frost defeated Takoma Park Middle School, sending them home with second place, while Herbert Hoover Middle School placed in third.

“As the defending champion, there were a lot of expectations for us to live up to, and I’m glad we didn’t disappoint.” said Meghna Singh. “This year was really special because it was the first time we had competed in person after COVID.”