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.
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:
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.
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.
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.”
James Allrich, principal at Argyle Middle School, is the MCPS finalist for The Washington Post Principal of the Year. Additional information on Allrich below, per MCPS:
In the six years James Allrich has been principal at Argyle Middle School, he has been recognized as a student-centered leader, a fierce social-emotional advocate, a visionary on equitable and anti-racist practices and a community builder. Students are always at the forefront of his decision-making. He often reminds them: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Charles Orifici, instrumental music teacher at Clarksburg High School, is the MCPS finalist for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year. More on Charles Orifici below, per MCPS:
For 25 years, Charles Orifici has been teaching instrumental music, 24 of them in MCPS. Since opening Clarksburg High School in 2006, he built the instrumental music program into one of the hardest working and successful school marching bands, culminating in this past fall’s Maryland Marching Band Association competition, where the band went undefeated.
The New Orleans Saints drafted Damascus alumnus Bryan Bresee with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bresee graduated from Damascus High School in 2019 and went on to Clemson University where he was a second-team All-ACC selection.
Per the New Orleans Saints, “Bresee, a 6-foot-5, 305-pounder from Damascus, Md., was a former No. 1 recruit in the country who burst onto the scene as a Freshman All-American in 2020. Bresee became the second ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in Clemson history. He has tallied 64 tackles (15.0 for loss), 9.0 sacks, and four pass breakups in 915 snaps from scrimmage over 26 games in his college career.”
All Together Now / Speaking Out Against Racism and Hate Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight / April 27, 2023:
“Thank you, Ms. Pyles. Good afternoon everyone.
Per MCPS: The rise of incidents of hate, bias, racism, antisemitism and LGBTQ+ prejudice has grown significantly in recent months. In an address at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight will speak on this and its impact on the county’s children and school system. She will characterize the problem, issue a collective call to action and announce actions the school district will take moving forward.
The address will be streamed live on the MCPS-TV YouTube page and MCPS website.
Bryan Bresee, a 6’5, 298 lb defensive tackle is projected by many as a first round pick in tonight’s NFL Draft. The Clemson Tigers lineman graduated from Damascus High School in 2019. He is the former No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2020, and played three years at Clemson, missing significant time in 2021 with an ACL tear.
Widely projected to be drafted within the first two rounds, mock drafts see Bresee going anywhere from the middle of the first round to the middle of the second round. NFL.com has a second round projection on him. Per NFL.com: