Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

The Board of Education has proclaimed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, MCPS schools will be celebrating the unique culture and traditions of students, teachers, staff and community members who trace their roots to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Hispanics and Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group in MCPS, with 32 percent of the student population, representing 21 Spanish-speaking countries. MCPS resources to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month are available here. 

We want all MCPS students, parents and staff to celebrate with us! Share a picture that represents your Hispanic/Latinx heritage and MCPS may feature it in a virtual gallery. Email pictures to pio@mcpsmd.org. 

Enhanced Safety Measures Coming to MCPS Athletic Events, Beginning Friday, Sept. 23

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will implement a number of enhanced security measures at athletic events beginning this Friday, Sept. 23.

The move comes after an instance of unacceptable and abhorrent behavior during a recent varsity football game, including the inexcusable off-field altercations during the Sept. 16 matchup between Northwest and Gaithersburg high schools.

MCPS is committed to the safety and security of students, families and community members who want to enjoy various athletic contests, and will not tolerate the indefensible and violent behavior and actions that have occurred in the opening weeks of this fall season.

To ensure the safety of all spectators and game participants, beginning Sept. 23, the following tiered actions will go into effect at all high school games:

• Students of the participating schools will be allowed to attend with a valid ticket and with their student ID or Synergy verification of their schedule. All other school-aged spectators must be accompanied by an adult chaperone—this includes all elementary and middle school students and high school students from other schools. Adult chaperones must stay and supervise students for the duration of their stay at the game. Spectators are asked to be patient at the gate, as admission may take additional time.
• Students and spectators must sit in the stands during the game. While there will be potential gatherings at halftime and postgame, large gatherings will not be allowed during the game.
• There will be no re-entry and spectators will not be admitted after halftime.
• Backpacks will not be allowed.
• Only student-athletes, coaches, game officials, athletic department staff, and credentialed personnel and media are permitted on the sidelines.
• Event security personnel will use separate entrances, staggered exits and additional support in high-traffic areas.
• Inappropriate and unruly behavior may result in suspension from subsequent MCPS athletic activities.

These changes will be in effect for all high school athletic events for the remainder of the season.

Should other incidents occur, other tiered security interventions will be implemented. These could include spectator capacity limitations and game time/date adjustments. Additional actions will be based on the following criteria or guidelines:

• Level of anticipated spectator attendance.
• Historical rivalries between schools.
• Historical occurrence of incidents, including this year and previous years.
• Facility layout, including lighting, spectator seating and parking lot layout.
• Incidents in the community that may impact school and athletic event operations, which will be communicated through a collaborative process with police partners.

Any teams that engage in severe or inappropriate behaviors may be excluded from postseason competition or suspended for multiple games.

Don’t Miss Mental Health Awareness Week Oct. 10–15

MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA) will host free virtual events the week of Oct. 10–15 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of issues. The weeklong expo will feature daily themes, dynamic speakers and informational videos, as well as two live events: a Waymaking special on student mental health, and a resource fair and Q&A session.

The Waymaking mental health forum will be held from 6:30- 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The virtual resource fair and expert panel will be held from noon-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Virtual events will include pre-recorded videos and live interviews with experts on topics, including healthy habits, supporting positive school climate through equity and diversity, and supporting problem solving through appropriate use of social-emotional vocabulary. Experts are expected to speak on topics such as neurodiversity, exercise and wellness, yoga and pain management, substance use prevention and therapy dogs. Students may earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participation in virtual activities.

Sessions will be available in multiple languages.

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.

The Rales’ $10 million gift is the largest donation ever to the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation.

Annually, the program will award 200 scholarships worth $10,000 each to the highest achieving graduating seniors from low-to-moderate income households in Montgomery County to help ease the financial burden of attending college, beginning in 2023 through 2027. In total, 1,000 exceptional students will receive scholarships, in recognition of their hard work and achievement.

“As we remember Pat O’Neill’s towering legacy, I could not be more excited to see students begin to see the possibilities that these scholarships will offer as they prepare for college and their next steps,” said MCPS Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight. “This gift is an incredible statement on the power of education and a heartfelt commitment of support for our students.”

This scholarship honors the legacies of Ruth and Norman Rales, whose generosity and spirit of giving lives on through the Rales Foundation, and Patricia Baier O’Neill, who is remembered for her lifelong commitment to public service and to the children of Montgomery County. The Rales family has deep roots in Montgomery County, and the Rales Foundation has a history of philanthropic collaboration with MCPS. 

Student applicants must be MCPS graduating seniors who have taken rigorous courses and hold a weighted GPA of 4.69 as of their Sept. 1, 2022 transcript. Students will need to submit an essay that will be reviewed by a committee established by the Educational Foundation. Applicants must also demonstrate a household income of $108,000 or below to be eligible.

More information about the application process will be available in mid-October.

In Case You Missed It: COVID-19 Community Message

This COVID-19 update from the MCPS Medical Officer was emailed to the community on Friday, Sept. 16.

Here is an update on COVID-19 as we wrap-up the third week of school. Though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Risk Level for Montgomery County is “low,” we are seeing an expected modest rise in positive COVID-19 cases reported to MCPS, after summer travel and the return to school. The highest number of positive tests so far were reported last week, after Labor Day weekend. Fortunately, fewer positive cases are being reported this week.

Thank you to our staff and families for continuing to test when they have symptoms or after a possible exposure, for using the online tool to report positive COVID-19 test results, and for following CDC isolation guidelines. Core health strategies like staying home when sick and good hand-washing are also important for limiting the spread of infection. As our schedules get busier, remember the basics—rest, good nutrition and staying active all help to keep students healthy and ready to learn.

Please remember that while masking is optional, masks are temporarily required in some situations:

• Students presenting to the health room for evaluation of possible COVID-19 symptoms.
• Staff or students who test positive for COVID-19 at school or work.
• Staff or students with COVID-19 infection, after completing five days of isolation, who feel well enough to return to school or work (masks are worn until day 10).
• Individuals exposed during an outbreak, as an alternative to 10-day quarantine. Exposed staff and students do not need to quarantine as long as they are symptom free, and can safely wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.

Children who cannot wear a mask safely due to health considerations, young age or other factors, may need other preventive strategies in an outbreak. At any risk level, we respect an individual’s decision to wear a mask for their own health reasons or to protect another person.

Vaccination is still our most effective tool for preventing serious complications or death due to COVID-19, and can decrease the risk of becoming infected. The new updated COVID-19 boosters that also include protection against the latest Omicron subvariants are now available at county-sponsored clinics, including school-based vaccine clinics or at retail pharmacies or other locations.

Vigilance, preparation and prevention are necessary to support our commitment to safe, in-person learning. We continue to monitor data trends closely at the county and school levels with our public health partners, and encourage everyone to engage in prevention measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you again for your help and commitment to keeping our MCPS community healthy. 

Sincerely,

Patricia Kapunan, M.D., MPH

MCPS Medical Officer

MCPS Hosts Virtual Magnet Program Presentations

The Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services is broadcasting virtual middle school and high school magnet September presentations for parents/guardians and students to learn about the choice process and magnet programs. See below for details: 

Wednesday, Sept. 21 

High School Preview Night (English)  

Venues: 

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 7 p.m.
• Cable – 34 & HD 1071 (Comcast), 36 (Verizon), 89 (RCN) – 7 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstv – 7 p.m.

High School Preview Night (Spanish)  

Venues:

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 8 p.m. 
• Cable – 33 (Comcast), 35 (Verizon), 88 (RCN) – 7 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstvespanol – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 27

Northeast Consortium (NEC) (English)  

Venues: 

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 6 p.m.
• Cable – 34 & HD 1071 (Comcast), 36 (Verizon), 89 (RCN) – 6 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstv – 6 p.m.

Northeast Consortium (NEC) (Spanish)

Venues: 

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 7 p.m.
• Cable – 33 (Comcast), 35 (Verizon), 88 (RCN) – 6 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstvespanol – 6 p.m. 

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Downcounty Consortium (DCC) (English)  

Venues:

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 6 p.m.
• Cable – 34 & HD 1071 (Comcast), 36 (Verizon), 89 (RCN) – 6 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstv – 6 p.m. 

Downcounty Consortium (DCC) (Spanish)  

Venues:

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 7 p.m.
• Cable – 33 (Comcast), 35 (Verizon), 88 (RCN) – 6 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstvespanol – 6 p.m. 

Thursday, Sept. 29

Middle School Magnet Consortia (MSMC) (English)  

Venues:

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 6 p.m.
• Cable – 34 & HD 1071 (Comcast), 36 (Verizon), 89 (RCN) – 6 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstv – 6 p.m. 

Middle School Magnet Consortia (MSMC) (Spanish)  

Venues:

• montgomeryschoolsmd.org – 7 p.m.
• Cable – 33 (Comcast), 35 (Verizon), 88 (RCN) – 6 p.m.
• YouTube – YouTube.com/mcpstvespanol – 6 p.m. 

147 Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

MCPS has 147 semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship competition. The semifinalists will compete nationally for scholarships that will be announced in the spring. The competition is sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

The MCPS semifinalists come from 13 high schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Montgomery Blair, Winston Churchill, Col. Zadok Magruder, Northwest, Poolesville, Richard Montgomery, Sherwood, Springbrook, Walter Johnson, Wheaton, Walt Whitman and Thomas S. Wootton.

Finalists will be considered for $2,500 National Merit scholarships, plus additional corporate-sponsored and college/university-sponsored scholarships that will be announced later in the school year.

See the list.

LGBTQ+ Youth Town Hall on Oct. 4 to Be Presented in Spanish

An LGBTQ+ Youth Town Hall will be held from 6:30–8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4. This event will be presented in Spanish. 

This event, Providing Healthy Support Systems to Our Latino LGBTQ+ Youth, is for families, parents and guardians, extended family members, mental health professionals and service providers who care for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Click here to register.

Nonprofits: Apply Now for Student-Refurbished Computer Lab

Nonprofits: Apply Now for Student-Refurbished Computer Lab

The Montgomery County Students Information Technology Foundation, Inc. (ITF) will award a refurbished computer lab to a Montgomery County (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The lab will consist of six reconditioned desktop computers with operating systems, flat panel LCD monitors, keyboards, mice and one printer.

Applications can be found on the ITF webpage. Interested parties can also email Kelly Johnson or call 240-740-2051 with questions. Completed applications must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 5. The gifting ceremony will be Thursday, Nov. 17, at Clarksburg High School.

2022 Computer Gifting Application

The ITF is a nonprofit organization within Montgomery County established by the business and professional community and MCPS. The foundation uses computer donations to teach students how to operate and repair computer systems. Students earn valuable computer certifications that prepare them for educational opportunities or direct entry into the information technology job market.

Virtual Latinx Career Panel to Kick Off National Hispanic College Fair

The National Hispanic College Fair will be held on Oct. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. To kick off the fair, MCPS is inviting all students in 8th through 12th grades to a virtual career panel with Latinx professionals to talk about their experiences in different career fields. Pre-registration is required.  

During the panel, professionals working in various careers will share insights about their responsibilities, education and experiences to acquaint students with different career opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to earn two SSL hours by completing a reflection exercise after the panel. 

The virtual career panel will be held via Zoom. Students can register using this link. 

The panelists include:

• Reinaldo Santiago, Ed.D,  Deputy Director, Center for Hispanic Policy Research
• Karla Silvestre, Director of Community Engagement, Montgomery College and Vice President, Montgomery County Board of Education
• Tiffany Vega Gibson, President and Founder, La Vega Management
• Aaron J. Reyna, President, Reyna Consulting Firm
• Jorge Cariga, Senior Student Development Specialist, Saint Elizabeth University
• Sara Chaves, LMSW, Managing Counselor, Heartly House
• Carlos Mellot, UniServ Director, Washington County Teachers Association
• Marcelo Quiñones, Esq., Supervising Attorney, County of Santa Clara, California
• Iraina Briganty, LCSW-C, Program Director, Sheppard Pratt
• J. Alex Chunga, Assistant Director of Laboratories, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
• Jessica Berrellez, Executive Officer, Office of Digital Transformation – FDA

Literacy Council Offers Free ESL Classes for MCPS Parents

In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for MCPS parents.

The classes will be held virtually and in person, and there will be options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language. Parents can complete this interest form to receive a placement test.

Parents with questions regarding the availability of classes and sign up process should contact Kevin Ralph from LCMC at kevin@lcmcmd.org or call 240-665-0471.

National C-SPAN Documentary Video Competition Open to Secondary Students

Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to participate in C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary StudentCam competition, which encourages them to think critically about issues that affect our communities.

This year, students are being asked to create a five- to six-minute video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “If you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your first priority and why?”

The submission deadline is Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. C-SPAN awards prizes to the top 150 student documentaries. Teachers listed as advisers on one of the top 50 winning films will also receive a cash award.

StudentCam competition