Engaging Students in Conversations About the Capitol Building Invasion, Riots and the Election

As the nation continues to reflect on and discuss the invasion at the U.S. Capitol building and ongoing threats of violence as we approach Inauguration Day, MCPS remains steadfast in its commitment to teach students about and modeling civility and respect for our democracy.

Schools are providing ongoing support for students as well as an opportunity for students to learn and have conversations about the election process, inauguration, race and other challenging global and national issues. School leaders have been provided a variety of resources to assist teachers, support staff, and administrators as they engage in these conversations and/or address questions from students. Some of the resources speak specifically to the unfolding news surrounding the transfer of power following the riots at the Capitol on January 6. Others provide historical context and background about the significance and meaning of inauguration. Teachers will use their professional judgement to identify age-appropriate resources to use with students. 

Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about these issues and can find some helpful tips in the following resources:

Discovery Education. Inauguration Day resources for 6-8 grade and 9-12 grade students, including historic images, inaugural speeches and current political events. Some topics: 

• Video: Inauguration Day: The Peaceful Transfer of Power (1:08)
• The Inauguration Infographic
• Images of past presidential inaugurations
• Video: Holidays and Special Days: Inauguration Day (8:06, can be viewed as 4 brief segments) 
• Video: The News: Historical Inaugural Perspectives (5:36)

Our White House: Presidential Inauguration Celebration Kit. Explore this site for a variety of activities and readings on topics about the Oath of Office, why January 20, inaugural parades and others. 

Elevate the Discourse: MCPS Guide to Facilitating Conversations About Race & Other Challenging Issues

The Wednesday schedule for secondary students will be adjusted to provide an opportunity for students to learn and witness the democratic process in real time. Schools will share information about the schedule adjustments directly with families. 

Board of Education Votes to Remain in Virtual Learning Until March 15

On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Board of Education voted to delay the start of returning small groups of students for in-person instruction from February 1, 2021 to March 15, 2021, on the condition that health metrics are met or health guidance is adjusted as a result of vaccine distribution. The COVID-19 new case rate and test positivity in the county remain significantly above the thresholds adopted by the county and state.

{Read the Resolution}

We understand that many MCPS families will be disappointed that we are unable to return to in-person instruction on February 1. The safety of students and staff has, and will continue to, guide our return to in-person learning. The current numbers simply do not support a return at this time. 

We remain committed to enhancing the virtual learning experience for our students. During the Board meeting, MCPS staff shared several improvements that will be made in the coming weeks that will improve the learning experiences for all students, with a focus on the secondary level. These improvements include:

• Focused outreach services for struggling students
• Greater use of the Wednesday virtual check-in day for students who need academic and social-emotional support 
• At the secondary level, providing opportunities to request an abbreviated schedule to lighten course load and take a course over the summer or in future semesters instead
• Relaxing restrictions to allow students to take up to two courses Credit/No Credit (also known as Pass/Fail) instead of a letter grade
• Providing additional instructional times that may involve Saturdays, including for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses
• Tutoring and homework help options
• Providing additional professional development for staff to help strengthen the virtual learning experience

In order to take advantage of some of these options, students/parents will need to consult with their school counselor to make any schedule adjustments for the second semester and to ensure progress toward graduation requirements and post-secondary planning.

These adjustments for the second semester are in addition to adjustments that are already in place with curriculum, assessments and grading for the second marking period.

Additionally, MCPS continues to plan for the fall sports season and will provide updates regarding interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities in the coming weeks.

{Read the Resolution}

What’s Ahead

We must all continue to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. The Board will meet again on Feb. 23, 2021, to determine if metrics can be met by March 15 for a safe return to in-person learning.  More information will be shared with the community following the Feb. 23 Board of Education decision. Over the next few weeks, MCPS will continue working with school administrators to finalize what in-person experiences will look like once students return to school buildings. Thank you for your continued support of our students.

Let’s Talk Careers Coming Jan. 27

 Let’s Talk Careers has two events coming up. The first, from 10–11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, focuses on the bioscience field. The second, from 10–11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, features speakers in arts and entertainment.

Let’s Talk Careers is a monthly live speaker series hosted by MCPS students who talk with professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs from a variety of fields about their career journeys.

Speakers for the Jan. 27 event will be:

•       Dr. Gavin Imperato, Medical Officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
•       Dr. Katharina Maisel, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland Fischell Department of Bioengineering
•       Dr. Stephanie Chung, Lasker Tenure-Track Investigator, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health
•       Mr. Aubrey Watkins, Director, Scientific & Technical Assessments, Emergent Biosolutions

Speakers for the Feb. 3 event will be:

•       Mr. Lewis Black, comedian and actor from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and voice from the movie, Inside Out
•       Mr. Brian King Joseph, violinist and contestant on America’s Got Talent
•       Ms. Tatiana Weschler, actor, singer and songwriter

Students can submit questions prior to the sessions here and live through YouTube chat.

You can watch here or on MCPS-TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 89).

2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, Week of Service Set

Montgomery County is hosting the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday tribute and celebration in a virtual program at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18. “In His and Their Own Words: Reflecting Our Past While Forecasting the Future” will honor Dr. King’s life through dramatic readings and musical and dance performances.

This year’s event will include remarks by County Executive Marc Elrich and President of County Council Tom Hucker and introductory program remarks by Director Office of Human Rights James Stowe. Montgomery County Council Members will recite brief excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches and four students will share personal letters addressed to “Dear Martin” in their own words. The virtual event will feature an interactive segment that will allow the viewing audience to create MLK-inspired art in real time, while enjoying uplifting thought-provoking performances by Chelsey Green, Dem Raider Boyz and the Akhmedova Ballet Academy.

As a finale, world-renowned jazz musician and Montgomery County native Marcus Johnson will end with a special performance. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours by watching the celebration and participating in an advocacy and reflection exercise as part of an MLK Week of Service districtwide SSL opportunity. More details are available on the MLK Student Service Learning project page.  

The event, produced by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee and the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, will be available on County Cable Montgomery at Comcast/RCN channel 6 and HD channel 996 or Verizon channel 30 and County Cable Facebook. 

Registration is encouraged to receive a reminder email with the direct link to the event and instructions on how to participate in the live interactive part of the show. For more information, visit the event registration page  or the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights website.    

In addition, each year, MCPS works with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center to promote service opportunities and acts of kindness. In recognition of the MLK Week of Service—which is being held from Saturday, Jan. 16, through Sunday, Jan. 24—schools are encouraged to host a virtual schoolwide or class-wide service event. Volunteer opportunities are available here, and staff can submit school projects here.

Delta Sigma Theta Hosting Zoom MLK Program on Jan. 18 

The Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is facilitating a program on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, “Real Talk in a Virtual World.” The program will be held via Zoom from 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18. There will be presentations from speakers including Jeff Menzise, research associate professor at Morgan State University, who will discuss mental health support during the pandemic; certified running coach Erica Woods; and estate planning and probate attorney Shakisha A. Morgan with The Griffin Firm. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

SMOB Nominations Open Until January 28

The Montgomery County Board of Education and MCPS are seeking nominations for the 44th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). Eligible students are current 10th and 11th grade MCPS students and must be residents of Montgomery County. The 44th SMOB will serve a one-year term from July 2021 through June 2022.

Information on the SMOB election process can be found on the MCPS webpage here. The information includes a video of the SMOB 101 event that shared details about what the SMOB is, the role and work of the SMOB, how to become a candidate and the election process.

The SMOB candidate filing period is open until Jan. 28, 2021. Nomination forms are on page 29 of the SMOB Election Protocols and can be submitted electronically to Shella Cherry, director, MCPS Student Leadership and Extracurricular Activities, by email at no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021.

Montgomery Parks Launches Virtual Bingo Game

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is hosting Virtual Winter Bingo, a safe, fun way for residents to enjoy and explore the parks this winter. 

To participate, residents can download a bingo card, filled with 24 winter activities. There is one card for January, and a separate card for February. Complete five activity squares in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row to collect bingo. Individuals who submit photos of the completed activities will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 Active Montgomery credit that can be used for Montgomery Parks’ classes, programs or facility rentals.

January activities include hiking, plogging (picking up litter while jogging), locating natural elements, art, historic features and park facilities. For more information and complete program rules, visit MoCoParks.org/January Bingo.