MCPS Archives - Page 5 of 43

Message from Interim Superintendent Dr. McKnight Concerning School Safety in Montgomery County Public Schools

Published May 30, 2022 at 2:47PM

The details emerging concerning how the gunman gained access to the school and the police response have raised questions across the country about school safety. At this time, not all facts are known, but I want to share with you what we do in MCPS to ensure safety and to be prepared against these types of attacks. Our preparedness is rooted in four key areas.

The questions now being asked about the police response during the school shooting in Texas, and specifically, the time it allegedly took to enter the classroom, have prompted a conversation with our police partners. We have since reaffirmed with Montgomery County Police that their policy and training regarding an active shooter situation is that the first responding officer(s) would immediately move to preserve life. This is accomplished by actively engaging any suspect who may demonstrate imminent harm to any student or staff member inside or outside any school in Montgomery County. Our allied law enforcement partners also support this approach.

MCPS

Memorial Day Message from MCPS

By Patrick Herron

Published May 27, 2022 at 4:13PM

American flag Memorial day background

MCPS and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommend that staff and students who are traveling or attending large gatherings over Memorial Day weekend take a COVID-19 test prior to returning to school. Rapid tests are available at all schools for families who need them. Schools will be distributing tests as needed following the Memorial Day holiday. Staff and students are encouraged to report positive COVID-19 cases via this link.

MCPS wishes you a safe and healthy holiday weekend.

MCPS

Weather Information Message from Montgomery County Public Schools

By Patrick Herron

Published May 27, 2022 at 9:46AM

MCPS sent the following community message on Friday morning: “Dear MCPS Families, The national weather service is predicting possible severe weather for Montgomery County throughout the day. MCPS, in times […]

Derwood

Update on Magruder High School Shooting, Suspect to be Tried as an Adult

By Patrick Herron

Published May 26, 2022 at 4:44PM

Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the honorable Judge David Boynton ruled defendant, Steven Alston, will be tried as an adult. The 17-year-old is facing attempted first-degree murder and other charges for the shooting inside Magruder High School on January 21^st, 2022 that wounded a fellow student, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. He faces more than 100 years in prison if convicted. According to charging documents, “Alston advised he took the handgun to school because he was worried he was going to get jumped.”

Alston was apprehended in a classroom in school after the incident took place and while the school was in lockdown. A privately manufactured firearm (ghost gun) was found nearby inside the school, which is believed to be the gun used by Alston. Police Chief Marcus Jones noted at a press conference that there were several students in the bathroom at the time of the shooting, and nobody called 9-1-1.

MCPS

MCPS Mourns the Loss of Life in Texas School Shooting / Commits to a Safe Environment in Our Schools

By Patrick Herron

Published May 25, 2022 at 6:44PM

MCPS has a renewed agreement with local partners that strengthens the relationship with our Community Engagement Officers, which is a significant step in ensuring the physical safety of our school buildings.

Mental Health and Wellness Safety

MCPS

Statement on Texas School Shooting from Montgomery County Board of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools

By Patrick Herron

Published May 24, 2022 at 9:23PM

Violence in any form is intolerable. Violence against children and those who are called to teach, serve and protect them, in the place they are meant to be the most safe, is unbearable. Tonight we hold our children extra close as we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ending senseless gun violence and to providing for the safety, security and wellbeing of our entire school community

Together we are committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff. Each of us has a role to play in ending the violence that has again, stolen our peace, and shortened young and innocent lives too soon.

MCPS

Montgomery County Expands Local Cable Programming by Adding New MCPS-TV High-Definition Cable Channel on Comcast

By Patrick Herron

Published May 22, 2022 at 10:48AM

The new HD channel joins four other County HD channels and nine standard-definition (SD) channels available through Xfinity TV. The channels are part of the Connect Montgomery Alliance (CMA) that provides a variety of programming focused on local issues.

MCPS-TV airs mental health awareness programs such as “Mindful Moments” and “MCPS Waymaking,” as well as live coverage of County Board of Education meetings and Superintendent’s Community Conversations.

Education

MCPS: Five Things to Know For Thursday, May 19

By Patrick Herron

Published May 19, 2022 at 5:16PM

Letters about positive cases that include advice about mask use are sent home as necessary. MCPS is also sending additional take-home rapid tests and masks to impacted schools. Students and staff who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters may be required to quarantine per guidance from the CDC, Maryland Department of Health and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

Seneca Valley is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.

MCPS

Weather Information Message for Monday, May 16 From MCPS

By Patrick Herron

Published May 16, 2022 at 12:29PM

Montgomery County Public Schools are preparing for expected severe weather this afternoon. At this time, MCPS will not be dismissing students early, however they could activate a Shelter-in-Place if warranted. This morning Howard County Public Schools announced they would close three hour early today. MCPS sent the following community message on Monday at noon:

Education

MCPS Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight to be Paid Annual Salary of $320,000

By Patrick Herron

Published May 11, 2022 at 4:34PM | Updated May 11, 2022 at 4:58PM

On Tuesday, the Montgomery County’s Board of Education approved a four-year contract that finalizes Monifa B. McKnight as superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools and will pay her an annual base salary of $320,000. According to a report by the Washington Post, the contract will require McKnight, who currently resides in Prince George’s County, to relocate to Montgomery County “as soon as possible”, but no later than June 30, 2022, with the BOE paying up to $15,000 in relocation costs. McKnight and her family currently reside in Prince George’s County. McKnight will receive 30 days of paid annual leave and an additional 25 days for sick/personal leave, as well as a vehicle paid BOE. You can view the full contract here.

On Tuesday McKnight sent out a community message announcing a 3.35% cost of living adjustment and step wage increases for eligible MCPS employees.

MCPS

MCPS Community Message: Superintendent Dr. McKnight Announces 3.35% Costs of Living Adjustment and Step Wage Increases for Those Eligible

By Patrick Herron

Published May 10, 2022 at 7:09PM | Updated May 10, 2022 at 8:22PM

Through resolve, flexibility and agility, MCPS staff members have been heroes in our community during unprecedented and challenging times. Over the last year, our staff has operated on virtual and hybrid platforms before returning full-time to the classroom this school year. These new employee agreements recognize these efforts, and it is a privilege to provide our employees with the compensation and conditions that acknowledge their significant achievements. It is my hope that these new agreements represent one more way we are working to recognize, reward and retain our educators and staff, while providing much deserved further incentive to continue to serve our community.

These agreements maintain MCPS’ status as a premier destination for all employees. The new agreements include a 3.35% cost-of-living increase and a salary step increase, which combine to equal, effectively, an over 6% increase in the salaries of our employees. This is the highest increase, reached in the shortest amount of time, in more than a decade. Also included in the agreements is a commitment to professional development to support the desire of our teachers to perform at their best, enhancements that are directed toward administrators who have committed the greatest number of years of service to our students and community, and a renewed focus on employee well-being. All of this combines to serve as further proof of the high value we place on our employees and their contributions to our schools.