Resources for Addressing the Rise in Antisemitic Incidents

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resulted in a significant uptick of threats of violence, expressions of bigotry and antisemitism in Montgomery County and across the nation. These reports have raised anxiety and concerns about safety among students and staff, particularly Jewish students and their families. Students must feel safe in school to learn. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) condemns discrimination of any kind, threats of racist violence and any behavior that threatens the safety of our students, staff and community. Equity and respect are core values of MCPS. We expect students and staff to embrace these values and celebrate the diversity of our community, including our many faiths, traditions and cultures. 

If a student experiences or witnesses bullying or harassment, please inform a staff member and complete the bullying and harassment form. We also encourage you to review the MCPS Guidelines for Respecting Religious Diversity (linked below).

Related Resources

• Website: Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Prevention 
• Online Bullying Reporting Form 
• Printable Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form 

Guidelines for Respecting Religious Diversity

• Guidelines for Respecting Religious Diversity (English)
  Visit this page for the guide in other languages

Additional Resources: Recommended links for educators and parents:

Teaching Materials on Antisemitism and Racism

7 Ways for Parents and Teachers to Stop the Rise of Antisemitism

Recommended links for parents:

How to Talk to Children About Antisemitism

How 10,000 Menorahs Helped a Town Defeat Hate 

5 Tips for Talking to Children About Anti-Semitism

Hate Symbols

Long-Range Plan Addresses Student Math Performance

Nationally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had the greatest impact on mathematics performance than any other content area.

The MCPS mathematics program is designed to challenge students of all levels. The goal is for students to successfully complete Algebra 1 in Grades 7, 8 or 9, as appropriate, and be prepared for higher-level mathematics in high school, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes.

Intentional adjustments were made to the content and pacing of curriculum to adapt to the virtual schedule and to address unlearned content from the beginning of the pandemic. MCPS has developed a long-range plan to mitigate this. More information is available below.

Mathematics – 2.5 Year Mitigation of Learning Disruptions – Recovery Plan Overview

Mathematics – 2.5 Year Mitigation of Learning Disruptions – Recovery Plan

Student Service Learning Graduation Requirement

Middle school and high school students may continue earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours towards their graduation requirement by participating in SSL opportunities during the summer. There are a number of traditional in-person opportunities and virtual/remote opportunities that follow the temporarily amended guidelines posted on the SSL webpage. Current fifth grade students may begin participating in SSL opportunities starting on Thursday, June 17.

More information is provided below:

If you have any questions about the SSL program before the end of the school year, email your school’s SSL coordinator: middle schools and high schools. If you have any questions about the SSL program during the summer, email the MCPS SSL office.

Kindergarten Registration Open for 2021-2022 School Year

Registration is open for parents who wish to register their child for an MCPS kindergarten class for the 2021-2022 school year. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2021. For more information about eligibility guidelines, registrations or required documents to complete an application, call 240-740-4530 or visit the MCPS website.

Kindergarten Registration

Support the 10th Annual Give BACKpacks Campaign

Join us as MCPS kicks off the 10th annual Give BACKpacks campaign to raise funds, and coordinate the distribution of backpacks and school supplies to students in MCPS schools.

For just $10, you can provide a student with a backpack filled with school supplies. MCPS places orders throughout the summer with a goal of providing as many students as possible with a backpack and school supplies at the start of the school year. June, July and August are critical months to place orders.

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of people in our community during the 2020-2021 campaign, the district provided more than 26,000 supplies to students in need. This year, MCPS has set a goal to raise $300,000 to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students across our school system.

Help spread the word about this campaign by sharing the campaign flyer with colleagues, family, friends and community members. Every donation helps a student in need.

Learn more about Give BACKpacks.

National Safety Month Reminder for Gun Owners

According to the Montgomery County Police Department, there has been a significant surge in the demand for firearms in Montgomery County and across the nation. This month, as the U.S. commemorates National Safety Month, families are encouraged to review how to safely store firearms and have important conversations with their children about gun safety. Organizations like Project ChildSafe and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility provide a wealth of resources for parents, students and educators to have conversations about firearm safety and gun violence prevention. 

MCPL to Reopen 13 Branches Over the Next Two Weeks

Montgomery County Public Libraries reopened six branches on Tuesday, June 1, and will open an additional seven branches on June 14. The remaining branches will reopen on July 6, with the exception of the Germantown Library (closed for a refresh project) and Noyes Library for Young Children.

The hours at all branches will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Additional information will be posted on the MCPL website as it becomes available.

Learn more