Montgomery County Public Schools

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. 

Billie-Jean Bensen, principal of Hoover Middle School in Potomac, is known for building positive relationships with students, staff and parents. She digs deep into data to determine how to help individual students succeed. In recognition of her excellence, Bensen received the 2009 Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award, given annually by MCPS to a principal who exemplifies the values of Dr. Mark Mann, former principal of Parkland Middle School.

The Board of Education's business meeting will be webcast and cablecast live at 6 p.m., Mon., October 26. 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).

Three scientists went back to middle school on October 5 to share their passion and expertise with students. Experts on oceans, dinosaurs, and fossils visited Takoma Park Middle School in Silver Spring to explain how they conduct research and help students understand what it takes to become a scientist. The event kicked off the Washington, D.C., area’s Meet the Scientist Month.

The Montgomery County Board of Education honored 16 individuals and organizations with its annual Distinguished Service to Public Education Awards at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 20. The awards, which recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and to Montgomery County Public Schools, were given to community individuals, community groups, businesses, MCPS staff, school volunteers, and an individual pioneer.

MCPS is now posting news and information on Twitter, the popular messaging service. Sign up for a free Twitter account to follow our updates on your computer or on your cell or other mobile device. MCPS updates will include school system news, emergency messages, important reminders, event information, and more.