MCPS Archives - Page 196 of 278

MoCo Board of Education Adopts Option for Virtual Learning on Inclement Weather Days for School Year 2022–2023

Published January 24, 2023 at 2:24PM

The Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) held a business meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023. During the meeting, the Board adopted an option for virtual learning on inclement weather days for school year 2022–2023; discussed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initial implementation plan; issued an Open Meetings Act (OMA) statement; and made three administrative appointments. The agenda for the meeting, with related links, can be viewed on the Board website. Watch the meeting recording.

Virtual Instruction on Inclement Weather Days: The Board voted to approve an option for virtual learning on inclement weather days for school year 2022–2023 that allows for the transition to virtual learning when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather, or other days that may interrupt regular in-person operations. The plan must now be approved by the Maryland State Department of Education prior to being implemented. Read the memorandum to the Board. View the PowerPoint Presentation

Antisemitic Flyers Left at Homes in Kensington Over the Weekend

By Patrick Herron

Published January 24, 2023 at 11:19AM | Updated January 24, 2023 at 1:20PM

Antisemitic flyers were found in the yards of several homes in Kensington on Sunday morning. According to a report by WUSA9, the flyers were placed in Ziploc bags that contained rice, and several of the homes targeted had mezuzahs (parchment inscribed with Hebrew verses from the Torah) displayed. Montgomery County Police has not released any information regarding the incident or suspects. In a statement on Monday, County Executive Marc Elrich said, “These attacks are meant to instill fear to weaken and divide our communities, but these are generating more support for our Jewish neighbors. We are united and are showing those who are pedaling hate that these antisemitic attempts at community disruption won’t be tolerated.”

Over the weekend it was reported drawings of a swastikas were found on desks at three Montgomery County Public Schools, including Silver Creek Middle School in Kensington on Thursday. In a statement released Saturday night, MCPS and the Board of Education said, “In each case, students and the staff addressed the vile impact of the hateful images, worked to immediately remove the drawings, and in each case, appropriate discipline in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct was assigned. More important than disciplinary action, however, is what we do in response. As we fight these repeated acts of hate, we must challenge one another to learn and understand what antisemitism, hatred, and racism are and the harm they cause.”

‘99 Things You Never Knew About Watkins Mill’

By MCS Staff

Published January 23, 2023 at 9:05AM | Updated October 3, 2025 at 8:37AM

In addition to photos of old classmates and teachers, old yearbooks are always a great source of fun information about the time they were made. We had the chance to look through a 1999 edition of Watkins Mill High School’s yearbook, called “Grinder”, and came across a fun little article titled ‘99 Things You Never Knew About Watkins Mill.’ Some references will only be understood by students/staff that were at the school during that time, but most are fun facts about the Watkins Mill Wolverines that many can enjoy. Check them out below:

5. WM was featured in U.S. News and World Report, for being a school of the future.

Update: Swastikas Drawn on Desks at Three Separate Schools Over the Past Week; Statement From MCPS Condemning Antisemitism

By Patrick Herron

Published January 21, 2023 at 9:45PM

These specific three instances are not the first this year in which the Jewish community in our county and our schools have experienced acts of antisemitic hate or bias. We must do more, and we will. In collaboration with advocates such as the Jewish Community Relations Council, we will continue our efforts to educate our students about antisemitism. Our schools have held and will continue to hold restorative conversations with students and staff, and schools have held community meetings to discuss incidents, but honest and forthright conversations must continue. As a community, we must speak loudly and together against antisemitism and all acts of hate and racism. We must be inclusive and welcoming of everyone in our diverse and vibrant community. Our differences make us stronger and better and make our community an exciting place to live; there is no room for hate.

To learn and to do so at high levels, all students must feel physically and, yes, emotionally safe. When they experience anxiety because of acts of hatred, they can’t be at their best in their classroom. We must embrace the work necessary to ensure our scholars are in safe and welcoming school environments.

Drawing of Swastika Found at Middle School

By Patrick Herron

Published January 21, 2023 at 11:42AM

A drawing of a swastika was found on a desk at Silver Creek Middle School at 3701 Saul Rd in Kensington on Thursday. The school sent out the following message to the community on Friday:

Our highest priority is the safety and security of our students. As a No Place for Hate school, we find this behavior to be unacceptable and against the core values we embrace at Silver Creek. As such, students who engage in this type of behavior will be given appropriate disciplinary actions aligned with the MCPS student code of conduct.”

The Links Offering Scholarships to MCPS Students

By MCS Staff

Published January 21, 2023 at 10:05AM

The Silver Spring Chapter Scholarship Program of The Links is offering scholarships to students who enroll at a four-year college or university, graduate or professional school, two-year community college or technical school.

Founded in 1946, The Links, Inc. is an international non-profit and volunteer service organization of women committed to sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans. The Silver Spring chapter was chartered in 1972. Completed applications should be sent by email. The deadline is 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7. The Links Scholarship Application

Police Release Additional Information on Friday’s Lockdown at Albert Einstein High School; BB Gun Located by Officers

By Patrick Herron

Published January 20, 2023 at 7:43PM | Updated January 20, 2023 at 10:21PM

Updated at 9:20PM: MCPD released the following updated summary of events with new information regarding the lockdown and subsequent arrest of a student at Albert Einstein High School this afternoon. The original news release stated that the student taken into custody during the investigation was not being charged criminally.

“At approximately 1:54 p.m. today, Montgomery County Police received a report of a student with a gun inside of Albert Einstein High School, located at 11135 Newport Mill Rd. in Kensington.

Albert Einstein High School Currently on Lockdown for Report of Weapon on Campus

By Patrick Herron

Published January 20, 2023 at 3:19PM | Updated January 20, 2023 at 3:46PM

Albert Einstein HS is currently on lockdown following the report of a weapon on campus. Montgomery County Police is investigating the validity of the report. #MCPD #MCPNews pic.twitter.com/0XzJXQs1z3

— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) January 20, 2023

Kayla DiCello, Northwest HS Alumna, Named SEC Specialist of the Week (Gymnastics)

By MCS Staff

Published January 20, 2023 at 8:25AM | Updated January 30, 2023 at 3:21PM

Kayla DiCello, a freshman from Boyds who recently graduated from Northwest High School in Germantown, was recently named the “SEC Specialist of the Week” a week after being named the “SEC Freshman of the Week.” DiCello won the all-around in the quad meet against Ball State, Lindenwood and West Virginia with a top score of 39.475. DiCello’s score was the highest all-around mark among SEC freshmen, second among nation’s freshmen and tied for nation’s 10th highest for the opening weekend.

She is now one of seven Gators to win the all-around in their first meet since 1986. DiCello tied with Trinity Thomas (2019) for Florida’s top all-around in the first collegiate meet. She shared second place on balance beam with teammate Ellie Lazzari at 9.90, and also captured third place on bars (9.925) and floor (9.875). In July DiCello was selected to compete at the upcoming Pan American Championships. In August, DiCello competed at the National Championships. She finished finished fourth in the all-around and third on balance beam.

MCPS: Five Things to Know For Thursday Jan. 19.

By MCS Staff

Published January 19, 2023 at 7:09PM

1. Fentanyl Awareness: Family Forum Set for Jan. 28: In partnership with MCPS, Montgomery Goes Purple invites families to come out Saturday, Jan. 28 for an event and discussion on this deadly drug. Panelists will share important information on the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl, prevention tools and protective factors for students, and resources for treatment when needed. The event will be from 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. in the Clarksburg High School cafeteria, 22500 Wims Road in Clarksburg. The event will also be livestreamed on the MCPS homepage.

Thursday News Conference with School and County Leaders and Advocates

Seneca Valley and Sherwood High School Students and Teachers Partner with CAVA to Create an Elegant Pop Up Restaurant in Potomac for One Night Only

By MCS Staff

Published January 19, 2023 at 8:55AM

Seneca Valley and Sherwood High School students have partnered with restaurant industry leaders to gain first-hand experience creating an elegant pop up restaurant for one night in Potomac. The event will be the culmination of months of planning between MCPS students, hospitality program teachers Melissa North and Lisa Gilbert, and the Foundation for Hospitality & Restaurant Managements’ (FHRM) Student Professional Development Committee.

“Success starts with a spark,” said Ted Xenohristos, Chief Concept Officer & Founder of CAVA, “And, we’re here to light the match!” The dinner is an opportunity for the students to experience firsthand the wide variety of activities necessary to stage a sophisticated experience—from social media and ticket sales to front-of-house management and heart-of-house hustle. With a team of CAVA chefs, the students will design, prepare and serve a four-course gourmet dinner at the Falls Road Golf Course Café on February 3, 2023.