Things to Know for
Thursday, May 19

Here are five things to know for Thursday, May 19. They include reminders about COVID-19, an upcoming mental health fair, online mental health and wellness resources, and an award recognition.

1. COVID-19 Case Rates Are Up
   Positive cases as reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Montgomery County Health and Human Services dashboard have increased. As of Wednesday, May 18, the county had more than 364 cases per 100,000 residents, putting our community in the “moderate” risk category. The Department of Health and Human Services has strongly encouraged (not required) that you wear a mask when out in the community, physically distance when you can, wash your hands frequently and stay up-to-date with your vaccines and boosters. Doing these simple things will help keep you healthy.

2. Masks Are an Important Tool in Classes with Three or More Positive Cases
   Consistent with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services recommendations, it is strongly recommended that all staff and students wear masks while indoors in schools and offices. While masking remains optional systemwide, in response to increased cases, specific classes, grade levels or schools may be required to remask for periods of time to reduce transmission. Our goal is to keep students, staff and our communities healthy and maintain in-person instruction. 

   Letters about positive cases that include advice about mask use are sent home as necessary. MCPS is also sending additional take-home rapid tests and masks to impacted schools. Students and staff who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters may be required to quarantine per guidance from the CDC, Maryland Department of Health and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

   REMINDER: Report any positive COVID-19 case via this link.

3. Mental Health Fair Set for May 31
   MCPS is hosting a mental health forum for families and students from 6:15–8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31 at Seneca Valley High School. The event will include a chance for parents to learn about mental health resources and services the school district has available to students. There will also be a resource fair, and breakout sessions on a range of topics, including signs of suicide and suicide prevention, anxiety and depression in students, restorative justice, trauma and its impact on the brain, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness and meditation.

   Seneca Valley is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.

   Learn more here.
   RSVP here.

4. Find Mental Health and Wellness Resources Online
   MCPS is committed to the physical, social and psychological well-being of its more than 160,000 students and 24,000 employees. You can find valuable district information and community resources for students, staff and families on the MCPS homepage. Learn more about the important positions that support mental health and wellness in MCPS and the investments made to support that work.

   • MCPS Homepage
   • MCPS Search
   • MCPS Mental Health and Wellness Resources by School

5. Argyle Middle School Principal Wins Maryland Principal of the Year Award
   James Allrich, principal of Argyle Middle School, has been named the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Principal of the Year 2023. MASSP recognizes outstanding Maryland middle level and high school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.

   Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level or high school principal to represent their state. From these state winners, three finalists are named as contenders for the National Principal of the Year award.

Montgomery County Public Schools