Education

Student Taken Into Custody After Bringing Ghost Gun Part to Blair High School

By Patrick Herron

Today our security staff discovered that a student was in possession of one part of a ghost gun (not a complete operating firearm). As soon as this was discovered, our school security staff promptly intervened and followed our established safety protocols to address the situation immediately. The student’s parent was contacted, and the student was taken into custody by Montgomery County Police. As stated in the Montgomery County Public Schools’ Code of Conduct, having parts of a firearm on school property is illegal and prohibited.

I want to assure you that I take this incident very seriously, as the safety of all our students and staff is very important to me. We are committed to maintaining a secure and nurturing environment where all students can thrive academically and socially.

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U.S. News & World Report Releases its Maryland High School Rankings

By MCS Staff

U.S. News & World Report today announced its ‘2023-2024 Best High Schools’ rankings. The rankings evaluate nearly 18,000 public high schools at the national, state and local level. According to U.S. News & World Report, “This year’s rankings showcase the schools whose students demonstrate outstanding outcomes, surpassing the anticipated benchmarks, including achieving high graduation rates.” The top 20 ranked public high schools in Maryland can be seen below:

1. Poolesville High School (Poolesville, MD)

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2023 MoCoShow MCPS Football Preseason Top 10

By Damon Anderson

1. Quince Orchard: The Cougars closed out the 2022 season as back to back State Champions, winning their 5th overall State title. Once again, QO has reloaded adding to an already impressive roster led by Senior Defensive End Jaylen Harvey and Junior Running Back Iverson Howard.  Quince Orchard kicks of their season vs perennial playoff contender South County from Lorton, Virginia in the MoCoShow Co-Game of the Week

2. Damascus: The Swarmin’ Hornets capped off their 2022 campaign with their state tying 12th State Championship.  With Damascus returning  players like Junior Linebacker Michael Cooley and dropping back down to the 2A classification they are odds on favorite for a record breaking 13th championship. Damascus will start their season at home vs Einstein

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Police: Kennedy High School Currently in Lockdown Due to Bomb Threat

By Patrick Herron

We will post an update when additional information is available.

Kennedy High School is currently in lockdown as the result of a bomb threat. MCPD is on scene investigating the validity of this threat. More information will be released as it becomes available. #mcpd #mcpnews pic.twitter.com/6pYgDKG9Kq

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Metro introduces ‘Kids Ride Free’ lanes to help D.C. students use Metro to get to school

By MCS Staff

Metro is marking the first day of school for D.C. public school students with a new effort to help ensure a safe and stress-free trip to and from school. Starting today, students will see ‘Kids Ride Free’ signage directing them to use specific faregates at Metrorail stations most used by school children. Station Managers will be on hand to help students who may have issues with their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards. If a student does not have their card, the Station Manager will tap the student through the faregates and take note of the student’s school to give the D.C Public School System data to help ensure cards are distributed.

Students are reminded that their Kids Ride Free card from last school year will work until the end of September to allow time for distribution of this year’s cards. Metro has begun working with the District to make Kids Ride Free cards available in mobile wallets in the future to give give students with smartphones a convenient way to get to school without the risk of losing their physical cards. Stations with Kids Ride Free faregate lanes include:

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MCPS Begins the Year “Nearly Fully Staffed, With Abundance of Bus Drivers, and Student Literacy Scores on the Rise”

By MCS Staff

Per Montgomery County Public Schools: It is with great excitement that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) welcomes students, families, and staff to the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. As students and staff gather for another remarkable first day of school, MCPS is thrilled to introduce the BRAND NEW Cabin Branch Elementary School, the 211th school in MCPS, and to celebrate the opening of FOUR newly renovated school buildings across the county.

This year, our theme is “All Together Now: On the Pathway to A Bright Future.” We emphasize the remarkable unity that characterizes our county, enabling us to work collectively on behalf of students, families, and communities. Our community’s ability to come together has led to a significant increase in resources for our staff, students, and schools, thanks to the 8.4% operating budget increase for the school year. This investment has already had a substantial impact, with staff paychecks reflecting up to ten percent.

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Mrs. Estelle Moore Begins Her 50th Year Teaching in MCPS

By MCS Staff

Mrs. Estelle Moore has been teaching for a total of 53 years; three years in Pennsylvania and the last 50 in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Having taught in MCPS since 1973, she has worked at Harmony Hills Elementary School, East Silver Spring Elementary School, Piney Branch Elementary School, Broad Acres Elementary School, Brooke Grove Elementary School, and Cloverly Elementary School. She has been at Greencastle in Silver Spring for 30 years, where she currently teaches 2nd grade.

During her illustrious teaching career, she spent a year teaching in Japan and four months in Ghana. Mrs. Moore was also named MCPS Teacher of the Year over 30 years ago while teaching at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney. When asked what the biggest difference she has seen in her fifty years teaching in MCPS, Mrs. Moore said “The curriculum. It seems like every 3-5 years there has been a shift in the curriculum, but I feel in recent years it has come full circle in ways.” giving the example of phonemic awareness. When asked what’s still the same, she said “Students still need to know that you care. They need to hear their name in a positive way and to know that they matter.”

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Students at 58 MCPS Schools to Receive Breakfast and Lunch at No Cost, Regardless of Household Income

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPS: New for the 2023–2024 School Year, 58 MCPS schools will operate under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Students enrolled at these CEP schools may receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of household income. A list of the participating schools can be found here.  The Department of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) encourages all families with students enrolled at non-CEP schools to complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Application.

Visit the Division of Food and Nutrition Services web page for information on prices, how to add money to your child’s account and more. We look forward to opportunities for community and student feedback on new and current menu items this fall.

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