Things to Know for Thursday, April 28

Here are six things to know for Thursday, April 28. They include COVID-19 process update, upcoming community engagement events with Dr. McKnight, summer program registration and more.

  1. LIVE TONIGHT! 6:30 p.m. See Who Will Be the MCPS Teacher of the Year
    You can watch the big announcement via the MCPS website, MCPS YouTube channel or on MCPS-TV on cable (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 88).
    Three finalists will be celebrated during the annual Champions of Children program, which begins at 6:30 p.m. They are:

    • Irma Najarro, dual-language fourth-grade teacher at Washington Grove Elementary School
    • Michael Edwards, world studies and global humanities sixth-grade teacher at Julius West Middle School
    • Johnathan Dunn, choral teacher at Sherwood High School
  2. Contact Tracing No Longer Necessary in MCPS Schools
    Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), universal contact tracing is no longer necessary in schools and childcare programs.
    Effective May 2, 2022:

    • MCPS will no longer identify or individually notify individuals who are in close contact with students or staff members who test positive for COVID-19.
    • Messages will be sent out at the classroom, grade or school level as appropriate to inform the community of positive cases at individual schools.
    • Daily cases by school will continue to be reported on the COVID-19 Dashboard.

    Learn more here.

  3. Registration for Most MCPS Summer Programs Now Open
    MCPS will offer free programs for elementary, middle and high school students this summer. Most programs will be in July, and high school credit courses and the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program in Title I elementary schools will be offered in June, July and August. Generally, in-person programs will take place in the morning through midday. Afternoon programs sponsored by county and municipal agencies and outside providers will be available in some schools. Learn more here or visit the Summer Programs website.

  4. tableNearly 400 Attended the Community Engagement Event with Dr. McKnight; Next Event Is May 7
    The second of three events called All Together Now: Putting Our Students First, was Wednesday, April 27 at Walter Johnson High School; one more event is set for May 7. These conversations are bringing together families, students, staff and the community to discuss the district’s strengths, priorities and opportunities for how MCPS can better serve its students.

    The last event will be held:

    • Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m., Paint Branch High School cafeteria, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville (This event will include free COVID-19 vaccinations.)

    RSVP is encouraged. Limited MCPS bus transportation will be provided.

  5. May 2 Save the Date: Out-of-School Time Wellness Day
    As part of a districtwide day devoted to wellness, students are encouraged to participate in one of many out-of-school time opportunities that focus on physical, mental and emotional well-being. Activities include fitness, yoga, dance, art and music. Virtual and in-person opportunities are available. For more information, visit this webpage.

  6. Celebrate Reading at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 21
    The 2022 Gaithersburg Book Festival is coming May 21. Join this annual celebration of books, authors and literary excellence at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendance and parking are free. Visit the website.

Montgomery County Public Schools



Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

Montgomery County Public Schools