Education Archives - Page 201 of 295

MoCo Rec Department Collecting New or Gently Used Items for Project Prom Dress

Published February 9, 2023 at 9:25AM

Montgomery County Recreation is working to ensure the dream of attending prom can come true for all high school students. To ease the financial obstacle, the department is collecting gently used and new dresses, suits and accessories for “Praisner’s Project Prom Dress” giveaway event on Saturday, April 15, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville. Dresses, suits and accessories can be donated at the recreation center until March 15 during the following hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The center is located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. Three other community centers are also collecting items and have specific donation drop-off dates (see below).

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, any high school student can visit the Praisner community center, show their school ID card, shop the racks and select an outfit for free.

Martin Luther King III Sends His Thanks to MCPS

By MCS Staff

Published February 9, 2023 at 8:47AM

Martin Luther King III, the oldest son of civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, recorded the video below for MCPS students and staff sharing appreciation for their service, acknowledging the challenges of the past few years, and encouraging acts of service and expressions of gratitude:

Kingsview MS Counselor Katie Mendelson Named Maryland State Middle School Counselor of The Year

By MCS Staff

Published February 9, 2023 at 8:14AM | Updated February 10, 2023 at 1:56PM

Katie Mendelson, school counselor at Kingsview Middle School, has been named Maryland State Middle School Counselor of the Year. She was surprised with the news during an announcement at the school on Feb. 6. Middle school requires a delicate blend of skills to carefully use “push and pull;” two opposing forces to ensure the success of all students,” Kingsview Principal Dyan Harrison wrote in her recommendation letter. “Katie Mendelson masterfully exemplifies these skills in her role as school counselor (video of the surprise announcement available below).

“As you enter Ms. Mendelson’s office it is clear to see how much she values students and recognizes the importance of her impact as a school counselor. Deemed “a safe space” by students, the office is intentionally filled with positive messages, soft lighting and a comfortable couch. There is no doubt that you have entered a safe-haven free of judgment and full of love,” Harrison wrote.

Three Finalists Named for MCPS Teacher of the Year

By MCS Staff

Published February 8, 2023 at 10:18PM

Three teachers have been named finalists for the 2023–2024 MCPS Teacher of the Year. They are: Megan Anderson, fifth grade teacher at Chevy Chase Elementary School; Eunju (April) Moon, sixth grade English teacher at Ridgeview Middle School; and Shannon McKenzie, child development teacher at Clarksburg High School. Read more about the finalists:

Megan Anderson is a fifth grade teacher and team leader at Chevy Chase Elementary School. She is National Board Certified, holds a master’s degree in elementary education and is dually certified in bilingual special education. An educator for 23 years, 16 of them in MCPS, Anderson instills a belief in her students that with a growth mindset and hard work, they can accomplish anything. Backed by her dual certification, she is skilled in modifying, accommodating and differentiating learning, while teaching students to become independent, critical thinkers. As a result, her students become risk takers, confident readers and high achievers.

MCPS: Mid-Year Roundup from Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight

By Patrick Herron

Published February 8, 2023 at 9:06PM

Student report cards went home earlier this week and, while report cards are an essential measure of how our students are doing, the work of MCPS is about so much more than grades. Today I am thrilled to share this “Mid-Year Roundup” to highlight some of our work and challenges, which reflect our collective commitment to learning.

We started the 2022-23 school year with nearly 160,000 students. We opened our 210th School – Harriet Tubman Elementary. And, in the face of significant hiring challenges across the country, MCPS began the school year 99% staffed! Read More

Antisemitic Flyers Posted at Northwood High School’s Athletic Field

By Patrick Herron

Published February 8, 2023 at 5:39PM

Northwood High School at 919 University Blvd W in Silver Spring has recently been the victim of two incidents of hate and antisemitic vandalism of their athletic field, according to a community letter from Northwood Principal Jonathan Garrick. In the letter, Garrick said, “this has included the posting of organized and professionally created flyers containing horrific hate speech. This matter is currently under investigation by Montgomery County Police and our Community Engagement Officer Russell Larson.” According to Montgomery County Police, a report was taken on Thursday, February 2, but additional details on the investigation are unavailable at this time.

We are asking assistance from the community to please report any similar flyer postings within the immediate community to Officer Larson at [email protected]. If, when using Northwood facilities, community members see any postings or vandalism to contact me as soon as possible as well ([email protected]). Our entire community stands united that this hatred will never be allowed and those committing it will face severe consequences.

Board of Education Approves Four Administrative Appointments

By MCS Staff

Published February 7, 2023 at 3:48PM

The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:

• Dr. Tamitha E. Campbell, currently Acting Director, Office of School Support and Well-Being, Office of the Deputy Superintendent, as Director, Office of School Support and Well-Being, Office of the Deputy Superintendent

Agenda for Board of Education Business Meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023

By MCS Staff

Published February 7, 2023 at 10:04AM

The Board of Education will hold its business meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Closed session will begin at 9:00 a.m. Public agenda items will begin at 11:00 a.m. The meeting will be cablecast live on Comcast Channel 34 (HD 1071), Verizon Channel 36, RCN channel 89, and the MCPS website

The agenda, with related materials attached, can be found on the Board of Education’s BoardDocs site (please visit this link for the most up-to-date agenda)

Head Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach at Magruder High School Announces Retirement After 30 Years

By Patrick Herron

Published February 6, 2023 at 1:48PM

Head Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach at Magruder High School Scott Zanni announced his retirement today. Zanni has been coaching high school volleyball for 30 years, with the last 27 being at Magruder in Derwood. In 2019, the Magruder Varsity Girls team won the 3A state championship with a 25-0 record. Below is the resignation letter he submitted to Magruder Principal Dr. Leroy Evans:

“After 30 rewarding years serving as a high school volleyball coach, I have decided the time is right for me to retire as the varsity volleyball coach at Colonel Zadok Magruder High School. Coaching student athletes has been among the most gratifying and enjoyable experiences of my life and I will be forever thankful. However, I believe now is the time for me to step away from a sport that has given me so much and take on new challenges and new experiences, both inside and outside of Montgomery County Public Schools.

MoCo EmpowHER Spring Leadership Institute for Middle School Students

By MCS Staff

Published February 6, 2023 at 8:33AM

Applications for MoCo EmpowHER’s Spring Leadership Institute are now open. All MCPS middle school students, regardless of gender identity, are invited to apply. The application can be found here along with more information regarding this opportunity. The Spring Leadership Institute will meet bi-weekly on Saturdays over Zoom from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. The application is due on February 12th by 11:59 P.M.

Detailed information regarding the Leadership Institute can be found at mocoempowher.org. This is a great opportunity to meet other middle school students from around the county, discuss important and relevant issues, and to enhance your leadership skills in a safe and encouraging space! If you have any questions regarding the Spring Leadership Institute application process, you may reach out to MoCo EmpowHER’s Leadership Institute Co-Directors Mridhula Birdy ([email protected]) and Aneela Shemsu ([email protected]).

MCPS Car and Computer Sale is on February 11; Car Inventory Now Available

By MCS Staff

Published February 6, 2023 at 8:28AM

Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9–11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Damascus High School. The school is located 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus.

The cars and computers are refurbished and reconditioned by the students as part of their classroom and lab studies. The sales provide students with the opportunity to practice their sales skills, earn Student Service Learning hours, and develop a deeper appreciation for community involvement.