At Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, the Montgomery County BOE voted 7-1 to adopt a policy that will allow MCPS to shift to virtual instruction instead of canceling classes for traditional snow days. The policy went into effect immediately and covers the remainder of the current school year.
The BOE says the reason for possible virtual learning days is to prevent having to extend the school year.
Montgomery County Public Schools has released a survey about the possibility of virtual learning on days when schools are closed due to inclement weather. The survey must be completed by Monday, January 31 at noon.
Per the Maryland State Department of Education, all school systems are required to have at least 180 instructional days per year. With inclement weather, multiple school system closures may require adjustments to the school year calendar (e.g., extending the year, using other identified days). MCPS is planning for options that allow for virtual instruction on inclement weather closure days. While virtual instruction cannot replace time in the classroom, MCPS believes it is essential to continue to provide access to learning opportunities. Your feedback on this intent will help inform the district’s implementation plan.
MCPS has sent out a message to the community highlighting ten things you need to know for Thursday, January 27th. The full message can be seen below.
Per MCPS:
MCPS Athletics has sent a letter to the community include welcoming back spectators at 25% capacity starting on 1/29, and updates on overnight travel as well as an updated Return to RAISE Plan.
The full letter can be seen below:
Per Montgomery County:
Dear Magruder High School Families,
Jesus Guadalupe-Santaclaya is currently being held without bond after being arrested for bringing an AR-style rifle on to Gaithersburg High School property back on January 14.
The rifle was a privately made firearm (ghost gun.)
MCPS has sent a message to the community with information and next steps following the shooting at Magruder High School on Friday, January 21.
The full message can be seen below:
-Initially not a call for police because it was called in as an injured person.
-First law enforcement at the scene was a Sheriff’s Deputy assigned as a community engagement officer for Magruder.
According to WTOP’s Mike Murillo, alleged Magruder High School shooter Steven Alston Jr will remain held without bond. Alston Jr. appeared in front of a judge earlier today in Montgomery County District Court.
Friday’s shooting at Magruder High School was the first active shooting incident in the history of MCPS.
Montgomery County Public school students and staff members are being asked to wear Magruder High School’s colors – navy blue, grey, and white, on Tuesday to help unify the community after a 10th grade student was shot inside of the high school this past Friday.
Steven Alston Jr., a 17-year-old junior at Magruder High School, is facing charges of attempted 2nd degree murder, 1st degree assault, and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property, after allegedly shooting a fellow classmate in the school’s bathroom. Alston is currently being held without bond is expected to appear in court today, according to FOX5.
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Friday 21 January