Montgomery County Public Schools

The Board of Education will hold public hearings on the Superintendent’s recommended Capital Improvements Program for FY 2011–2016 and recommended boundary changes for East Silver Spring, Piney Branch, Sligo Creek, and Takoma Park elementary schools on Wed., Nov. 11, and Thurs., Nov. 12. The hearings will take place at 7 p.m. at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, and will be webcast and televised live on channels 34 (Comcast), 36 (Verizon), and 89 (RCN).

Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 19-23, was celebrated in many MCPS schools through activities related to making healthy, safe choices and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Forest Oak MS held assemblies featuring city of Gaithersburg council members and the Gaithersburg HS band and cheerleaders. Stonegate ES students rallied around the themes, “I’m Too Smart to Start” and “Sock It to Bad Choices.” Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest drug prevention program, reaching millions of Americans each year.

The Board of Education's business meeting will be webcast and cablecast live at 

10 a.m., Tues., November 10. You need the free Windows MediaPlayer on your computer to view the meeting and you can watch on TV on Cable channels 34 (Comcast), 36 (Verizon), and 89 (RCN).

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.