The committee supports the Board’s efforts to engage the inspectors general and echoes their request to investigate the reported allegations following Jackson Lewis’ initial investigation. The committee will hold a meeting on this matter on Sept. 28, 2023. All committee meetings are open to the public and available to stream online. A detailed agenda and link to view will be released in advance.
The Montgomery County Board of Education issued a letter updating the Montgomery County Council’s Education and Culture Committee, confirming their intent to address community concerns for a “transparent, thorough, fair and expeditious process.” The full letter can be seen below:
“Dear Councilmembers Jawando, Albornoz, Mink,
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.
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)
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
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
2023 MCPS Football Schedule
4A West Division
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
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:
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.
Montgomery County Public Schools released the following community message on Thursday, August 24:
Welcome to 2023-2024 School Year