Montgomery County Public Schools

The Board of Education will hold a public work session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, to discuss the recently proposed six-year Capital Improvements Program. The meeting will be broadcast on the MCPS website and cable TV. The $1.49 billion plan includes the construction of two new schools and the expansion of nine schools. The public is invited to comment at public hearings on November 11 and 12. Final action is scheduled for Nov. 19.

Raymond Myrtle, principal of Highland Elementary School, received the U.S. Department of Education’s Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership at the Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Program on Nov. 3 in Washington, D.C. Myrtle was among only eight principals nationwide to receive the award. Highland students, the majority of whom are learning English and are impacted by poverty, were honored this year with the Blue Ribbon Award for achieving at the highest levels on state assessments.

Finding the right job at MCPS has just become easier and more accessible. The new MCPS Careers website enables anyone with an Internet-connected computer to see the list of job openings at any time. The jobs list is searchable and is updated whenever a new position is available. Job seekers also can create an account to receive alerts when a job they’re interested in is posted.

Students, parents, and staff at Stedwick ES traveled around the globe without ever leaving school groups. To prepare for their school’s World’s Fair night on Oct. 15, first through fifth graders researched various countries and presented exhibits based on their studies. The celebration included stories, food, and entertainment from different cultures.

Refresh your algebra skills while learning tips and strategies to help your child succeed in algebra at a special MCPS Parent Academy workshop hosted by Mike DeGraba, the Math Dude from the award-winning MCPS Instructional TV series.  The free workshop will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, at Kingsview Middle School. Interpretation services and child care are provided.

Nearly 300 students, parents, and family members gathered at Wheaton High School on Oct. 22 for the third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration and Parent Resource Night. The evening featured a wealth of information for parents provided by the school system and local government and community organizations. Participants enjoyed entertainment by the Wheaton HS jazz band and a Salvadorian dance group, and local businesses generously donated free school supplies, refreshments, and raffle prizes.

Many high school students will be taking the SAT on Saturday, Nov. 7. To prepare, students can use Final Prep, a free online course available to all MCPS high school students. FinalPrep is available for the SAT and the ACT and is ideal for use during the final week prior to taking either of the two tests. Completing the prep course will take about 2 ½ hours, but it can be taken in sections.

Nine schools would be expanded and a new elementary school and middle school would be built according to a recommended Capital Improvements Program announced on October 28 by Superintendent Jerry D. Weast. The six-year plan totals $1.49 billion. It also includes roof replacements, Americans with Disability Act compliance efforts, and upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The Board of Education will hold a public work session on the plan on Nov. 5 and public hearings on Nov.11 and 12.