Per Montgomery County Public Schools:
Here are five things to know for Thursday, Sept. 15: information about COVID-19, a revised mobile device regulation and good news about two MCPS employees.

1. Revised Personal Mobile Device Policy in Place for MCPS Students
   The Montgomery County Board of Education has approved a revised regulation (COG-RA) concerning student possession and use of personal mobile devices. This update to the regulation aligns guidelines with current best practices and was developed collaboratively by a workgroup composed of staff, students and community members.
   Learn more

2. Scholarship Recognizing Academic Excellence to be Launched in October
   Applications will open soon for the newly created Ruth and Norman Rales–Patricia Baier O’Neill Scholarship Recognizing Academic Excellence. These $10,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors were announced earlier this year by the Norman R. Rales and Ruth Rales Foundation to honor the lives and contributions of Ruth and Norman Rales and Patricia O’Neill, who died Sept. 14, 2021, after having served the longest tenure in the history of the Montgomery County Board of Education.
   Learn more.

3. Understand Positive COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines
   It remains important that staff and families continue to report positive cases of COVID-19 via this online form. An updated isolation calculator can help you understand when it is OK to return to work or school.

4. Updated COVID-19 Boosters Are Now Available
   Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed updated COVID-19 booster vaccines. The vaccines are bivalent, which means they include protection against both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, and currently circulating strains of the Omicron variant (BA-4 and BA-5). Anyone older than 12 who is vaccinated against COVID-19 can receive a booster. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for ages 12 years and older. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for ages 18 years and older. Both booster vaccines must be given after an initial vaccine series, and can be given eight weeks after the last received dose of vaccine or booster.
   Where you can find these vaccines:
   The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is now offering updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines. This is now the only booster available for ages 12+ at county-sponsored clinics, including school-based clinics. Appointments are recommended. Maryland’s Vaccine Locator provides information on pharmacies and other locations offering booster appointments and a helpful FAQ on the new boosters.

5. GOOD NEWS: Watch Exciting Stories of Two MCPS Employees
   Roberto Castillo, an MCPS bus route supervisor, shares his story of career and advancement and commitment to students and Tracey Parker, a special education teacher at Judith A. Resnik Elementary School, talks about how she grew into her job through her love of the students.
   VIDEO: Roberto Castillo, Bus Route Supervisor
   VIDEO: Tracey Parker, Special Education Teacher

Montgomery County Public Schools

Per MCPD:
Montgomery County Schools Coming of Age: Bethesda as the Textbook Example will be a featured online presentation in the Montgomery History series of stories on the County’s past. The presentation will be available anytime online from Sept. 5-11.

This richly illustrated talk, in partnership with Bethesda Historical Society, will detail the ways that Bethesda schools set the pace for education in Montgomery County Public Schools. The discussion traces the history of County public schools to the early 1900s.

There is no charge to view the presentation. Advance registration is not required.

Starting on Monday, Sept. 5, the video can be seen at https://montgomeryhistory.org/mhconnected/watch/

Montgomery County Schools Coming of Age: Bethesda as the Textbook Example will be a featured online presentation in the Montgomery History series of stories on the County’s past. The presentation will be available anytime from today, Sept. 5-11. 💻➡️ https://t.co/7gRSPj30Dr pic.twitter.com/xJgrG0uATw

— Montgomery County MD (@MontgomeryCoMD) September 5, 2022

Update: The victim was initially described as 7-year-old female by Montgomery County Police; we now know that the she is 9-years-old and in the fourth grade. 
A 7-year-old girl was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday, August 30 while crossing the road in the 18600 block of Walkers Choice Rd. in Gaithersburg.  According to Montgomery County Police, the driver of the vehicle drove around a stopped MCPS school bus and hit the child. The school bus had its flashing red lights on at the time of the collision. The incident occurred at approximately 3:53pm and the driver remained on the scene. 

Per MCPD:
The preliminary on scene investigation has revealed that while a Montgomery County Public School bus was stopped at the location, dropping off students, with its red flashing lights activated, the driver of a vehicle drove around the school bus and struck a 7-year-old female who was attempting to cross the roadway.  The child was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene.

First reported by Caitlyn Peetz of Bethesda Magazine.

Per Montgomery County Public Schools:
“Dear MCPS Community,
Happy New Year!
The first day of school is a new beginning with unlimited potential and excitement for all that we will do together. As educators, we experience deep professional pride in the academic growth of our student scholars. Our community ensures the success of our school system, from our parents to  professionals in our buildings to committed community partners. Montgomery County is a community that invests in its excellent school system. The first day of school is a celebration of community, a community that will help us retain today’s spirit throughout the year. This is why our opening of schools theme is, “All together now, All for our students, staff and community.”

As we begin the new year, MCPS, as demanded by our strategic plan, will have a laserlike focus on academics. Our educators will know how every student is performing; they will use data to meet student needs. We expect that our students will build on their knowledge, advance in their skill sets and find wonder in their learning. We have excellent teachers, support professionals and administrators committed to making this happen.

We will have challenges and we are ready for them. For students to perform at their best and achieve academic growth, they must be emotionally strong, physically safe and psychologically prepared for today’s world.

We will do this work through the lens of my three priorities:

• Building and rebuilding trust with students, staff and community

• Supporting mental health and well-being for all students and staff

• Returning the district’s focus to equitable teaching and learning

To our students, I issue this challenge: Embrace the fantastic opportunities offered to you at school. To everyone in our community, my challenge is this: Be a partner in this work. Together, we can ensure that tomorrow’s promise is brighter. On the first day of an  exciting new school year, the opportunity is here. Now is the time.

Readiness for school, readiness for graduation, for college or career, all of these things come together so that our students can thrive in their future. This is important work, and we know our community will be right there with us. All Together Now, All for Our Students, Staff and Community!

Sincerely,

Monifa B. McKnight, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools”

Montgomery County Public schools sent out the following community message from MCPS Medical Officer Patricia Kapunan, M.D. on Thursday, August 25:

Dear MCPS Community,
We are so excited to be back together next week for the new school year! As we return to shared spaces, the health and wellness of our students and staff remains a top priority. We have more tools, experience and knowledge than ever to help reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our school community. Here are some important things to know about vaccination, testing and masking as staff and students return to school:

COVID-19 Vaccination Helps Our School Community

Vaccines are an important way to lower individual risk of severe complications from COVID-19 infection. A high vaccine coverage rate helps reduce the overall burden of COVID-19 on the school community and helps keep learning going, as individuals with milder symptoms will miss fewer school or work days. We continue to strongly recommend students receive all recommended COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for which they are eligible. At this time, COVID-19 vaccination is required for staff unless approved for a medical exemption. We will continue to provide opportunities for students, staff and family members to receive COVID-19 vaccines atafter-school and weekend events.

Rapid Testing for COVID-19 for a Strong School Year Start

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is encouraging at-home rapid testing for COVID-19 as staff and students return to school. Testing is an important way to identify individuals actively positive for COVID-19 who should temporarily isolate in order to prevent further transmission and keep our school community as healthy as possible.

End-of-summer activities, such as returning from travel or getting together with larger groups, can increase the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Staff and students may consider testing even after school begins, following Labor Day holiday travel or after higher-risk social events that may coincide with the start of the school year. Testing is not mandatory. We are depending on our staff and families to consider their exposure risk, and test and report positive results accordingly.

Test kits will be available at schools, at the MCPS Annual Back-to-School Fair on Aug. 27, and upcoming school-based weekend vaccination clinics on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28. Free rapid test kits are also available to Montgomery County residents at most public library locations, or by mail for home delivery from the U.S. government. Only positive test results need to be reported using theMCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. Individuals who have a positive COVID-19 test should report their positive result and follow CDC guidelines for isolation.

Masking

As of today, the CDC COVID-19 Community Risk Level for Montgomery County is “low.”  At this time, masking is not mandatory in MCPS buildings or buses in most situations. Health room staff actively engaged in patient care or anyone assisting with medical procedures must follow infection control guidelines from the DHHS and the CDC, including wearing a mask when required.

In addition, masking may be temporarily required for individuals or groups, in certain circumstances:

• A student develops symptoms of COVID-19 during the school day and presents to the health room for evaluation
• A student has tested positive at school for COVID-19 and is awaiting pick-up
• In outbreak situations, as an alternative to quarantine for exposed individuals who do not have symptoms of COVID-19
• For students or staff recovering from COVID-19 who have completed at least five full days of isolation, and feel well enough to return to school or work.

Recommendations and requirements for masking can be expected to change during the school year, as COVID-19 data trends and science change. For individuals who cannot safely mask, other prevention measures will be used.

Please remember that all staff and students are supported in their decision to wear a mask for individual protection, at any risk level.  MCPS will continue to provide masks for staff and students for use during the school day.

The new school year is just around the corner! Let’s work together to keep our school community well, as we return with excitement, renewed purpose and joy.

Sincerely,

Patricia Kapunan, M.D.
MCPS Medical Officer

Per Montgomery County:
Students in need of school supplies can get free items on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the “Back to School Giveaway” at Fairland Recreational Park in Fairland. The event, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., is open to all.  Among the items to be distributed are backpacks, notebooks and pencils.

In addition to the distribution of school supplies, the event will have free sports physical assessments, music, Assurance wireless free phones and service, a moon bounce, food and refreshments.

The event will be at the picnic area of Fairland Recreational Park, which is located at 3928 Greencastle Rd. in Fairland. The Back to School Giveaway is being sponsored by CTO Health Services, a behavioral health agency in Silver Spring.

The event will be held rain or shine. For more information about the Back to School Giveaway, call 240-455-6584.

Montgomery County Public Schools Community Message:
Here are four things to know for Thursday, Aug. 11. They include information from the MCPS Athletics department, Free and Reduced-price Meals information, free immunizations and vaccinations at the Back-to-School Fair, and other important events.

1. MCPS Athletics R.A.I.S.E. Update Newsletter

   See the latest newsletter from the MCPS Athletics department. It includes information about high school and middle school sports registration and how MCPS is addressing a shortage of certified athletic trainers. A Spanish version is available here.

2. Free Immunizations and COVID-19 Vaccinations Available at the Back-to-School Fair, Saturday, Aug. 27

   MCPS students and their families are invited to kick off the new school year at the Back-to-School Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Westfield Wheaton mall. Learn more about the event. Visit the Back-to-School Fair website to make an appointment for vaccinations or immunizations.

3. Apply Online Now for Free and Reduced Price Meals Benefits

   Families of students who may qualify for Free or Reduced-price Meals can now apply for assistance for school meals. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive free breakfast and lunch meals. Apply here. Learn more about the program.

4. Return-to-School Events in Rockville, Germantown and Silver Spring

   On Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Northwest High School will host a clusterwide event featuring activities, games, and MCPS and PTA resources. Learn more here.

   On Aug. 21, from noon to 4 p.m., Rockville High School will host Rockville Day, a back-to-school bash also with activities and community partner support. Learn more here.

   On Aug. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Springbrook High School is hosting a Well-Being Fair. This event will be filled with parent sessions on social-emotional support; information for parents of students receiving ESOL services, and awareness of student social media responsibility. Vendors will include school athletics, booster clubs, the PTSA, Montgomery County Recreation and Fidos for Freedom.

Montgomery County Public Schools

Per Montgomery County Public Schools:
Dear MCPS Community,
Yesterday,  the President and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declared a Public Health Emergency due to ongoing outbreaks of human monkeypox (“MPX” or “MPV”) across the United States, including Maryland.  We are very aware of the concerns in the MCPS community and plan to provide more information updates as we approach the new school year.  At this time, MCPS and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are communicating on a near-daily basis to monitor the evolving public health situation, and to collaborate efforts to ensure the MCPS community is informed and prepared.

The Maryland Department of Health issued a statement on August 2, which includes details about case counts, testing and vaccination strategy, and contact tracing efforts. As of that date, there were 129 confirmed cases of MPX in the state of Maryland.  Information about the Montgomery County public health response is available on the DHHS website, as are instructions on pre-registration for vaccination for eligible individuals.  County residents and medical providers can contact the Montgomery County Communicable Disease Control team at 240-777-1755 with questions about county services.

Below are links to more information about MPX, including how it spreads, symptoms, prevention and treatment.  In contrast to the early days of COVID-19, we know more about MPX, how it spreads and affects humans, and about the available vaccines and treatments.  Individuals at a higher risk of being exposed to MPX should be vaccinated, take additional precautions to protect themselves, and seek a medical provider’s advice if they are concerned for symptoms of MPX.

We encourage all MCPS community members to learn more about MPX. At this time the risk of transmission in the general public is low, but the time is right to learn more about MPX, how to prevent transmission and what to do if you believe you have been exposed.

Sincerely,

Patricia Kapunan, MD
MCPS Medical Officer

RESOURCES

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Monkeypox:
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

Maryland Department of Health: “Human Monkeypox”
https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/Pages/monkeypox.aspx#mokeypoxResource

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services: “Monkeypox (MPX)”
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/RightNav/Monkeypox.html

Rise and Shine: A child health resource for parents and family members from Children’s National Hospital: “Everything you need to know about monkeypox”
https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-monkeypox/

HealthyChildren.org: The Parenting Website of the American Academy of Pediatrics: ”What is monkeypox?”
https://www.healthychildren.org/english/health-issues/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pages/what-is-monkeypox.aspx

• Organizational structures and how an organization functions.
• Employer expectations in a typical workplace environment.
• Career options, starting salaries, degrees, certifications or experiences required in a specific field.
• Professional and transferable technical skills determined by the business community.
• Technical and professional transferable skills that apply to any job.

As part of their programs, two Summer RISE students had the opportunity to interview County Executive Elrich as one of their assignments in the County Executive’s Office.

Sophia Stern from Blair High School in Silver Spring and Timaya Pulliam from Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring each spent their RISE experiences shadowing the County’s communications staff. They learned about media relations, speechwriting, issues management and social media.

Sophia’s interview with the County Executive can be viewed at https://youtu.be/6VH-Vmxwctc.

Timaya’s interview with the County Executive can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Qc-f5qEay7c.