Education Archives - Page 209 of 304

Minority Scholars Program Holding Annual Retreat on March 18

Published February 10, 2023 at 6:40AM

The Minority Scholars Program (MSP), a student-led initiative to help narrow the opportunity gap in MCPS, increase the academic success of minority students and foster positive relationships, will hold its 12th annual retreat on Saturday, March 18. This year’s theme is “We are the Blueprint: Dream About it, Scream About it, Be About It.” This event will be held from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Northwest High School, 13501 Richter Farm Road in Germantown.

Since its inception 17 years ago, MSP has worked to change the conversation around race, equity and the opportunity gap. MSP has been growing steadily and now has chapters in every MCPS high school, 24 middle schools and six elementary schools. Student leaders have spoken at county, state and national events, spreading the MSP model across the state and nation.

Students From Seneca Valley and Sherwood Team Up with CAVA to Serve Four-Course Meal; Raise Over $5200

By MCS Staff

Published February 10, 2023 at 6:37AM | Updated February 10, 2023 at 8:49AM

Working with industry leaders, hospitality and restaurant management students at Seneca Valley and Sherwood high schools served a four-course meal at a pop-up restaurant in Potomac on Feb. 3. The school was above to raise over $5,200 from the event (photos available below).

The dinner was an opportunity for the students to experience the 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 chefs from CAVA, the students designed, prepared and served the dinner at the Falls Road Golf Course Café on Friday.

DuFief Elementary School Welcomes Montgomery County Police Chief

By MCS Staff

Published February 10, 2023 at 6:30AM

On Feb. 3, DuFief Elementary School in North Potomac welcomed Montgomery County Chief of Police Marcus Jones to speak to students on community leadership. The school is celebrating Black History Month by looking at ways to serve the community through leadership.

Along with the parent community and the DuFief Diversity Committee, the month will include guest speakers, including Robert Frost Middle School students and students from the Thomas S. Wootton High School Minority Scholars Program. Featured photo: Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones speaks to students at DuFief Elementary School.

Second Family Forum on Fentanyl & Life Saving Narcan Training Set for Feb. 25

By MCS Staff

Published February 9, 2023 at 8:26PM

In partnership with Montgomery Goes Purple, MCPS invites families to come out Saturday, Feb. 25 for an event and discussion on Fentanyl. Panelists will share important information on the dangers and prevalence of illegally-made fentanyl, prevention tools and protective factors for students, and resources for treatment when needed. The event will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Northwood High School Auditorium, 919 University Blvd W. in Silver Spring.

Breakout discussions for students and parents/caregivers & students, resource fair, COVID-19 vaccinations and refreshments will be available. Panel and breakout sessions will be in English and Spanish. Hundreds attended the Fentanyl Family Forum that took place at Clarksburg High School on January 28th.

Board of Education Wraps up FY 2024 Operating Budget Work Sessions

By MCS Staff

Published February 9, 2023 at 8:19PM

Today, Thursday Feb. 9, the Board of Education held the final operating budget work session with MCPS Administration. The proposed budget is designed to improve literacy and math, recruit and keep diverse and high-quality employees, and keep schools safe and welcoming. Key adjustments to the budget include:

Up next, the board will vote to tentatively approve and adopt the proposed budget, and will then send it to the County Executive/ County Council. You can attend county public hearings starting in April. See the presentation video. Review the presentation slides

Free Construction Camp by National Association of Women in Construction is Open to Rising 7th–12th Grade Girls

By MCS Staff

Published February 9, 2023 at 9:44AM

The Greater Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction is hosting a free summer camp for rising 7th through 12th grade girls. The camp will be held from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. from July 31–Aug. 3 (no camp on Friday, Aug. 4) at Thomas Edison High School of Technology, 12501 Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring. Campers will participate in fun, hands-on activities, while learning about construction career opportunities, obtaining valuable skills and networking for internship opportunities. Participants will learn basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing, automotive and concrete skills, as well as other trade skills from men and women working in the industry. Register here.

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

By MCS Staff

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