Things to Know
for Thursday, Sept. 1

Here are 10 things to know for Thursday, Sept. 1. They include information about bus and pedestrian safety, a video about the new Harriet R. Tubman Elementary School, information about transportation for athletes, ParentVUE, how to apply for free and reduced-price meals and more.

1. See the Sights and Sounds of the First Day of School!
   MCPS-TV captured exciting moments of students and staff on their first day of school in 2022:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4nMKf273AE
   See a gallery of the first day of school photos.
2. What’s in a Name? Harriet R. Tubman Elementary School
   Montgomery County Public School's 210th school is named in honor of Harriet Tubman, an American hero, freedom fighter and social activist. This video details her many accomplishments and aspects of her life: https://youtu.be/2wxxGcCRswE
3. Respect the Bus! Know the Rules and Be Safe
   Students are traveling to and from school. When you are driving and come upon an MCPS bus with the red lights flashing and the stop arm and signs out, you must stop! It’s the law and it just may save a life.
   Learn more in this video: https://youtu.be/H8CMKOZDu6g?t=4
   Learn more about bus safety.
4. Pedestrian Safety: It’s Not a Race, Get There Safe
   

   Know how to be safe when walking to school. Use crosswalks, wait for the walk signal and be visible. Learn more in this video: https://youtu.be/8MbZjml4v-U
   See tips for walkers, cyclists and drivers.

5. MCPS Waymaking: A Discussion About MPX
   

   In this episode of MCPS Waymaking, Kimberly Townsend, Senior Administrator with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and MCPS School System Medical Officer Patricia Kapunan join Dr. Christina Chester to discuss the Monkeypox virus or MPX, and ways we can help prevent its spread. https://youtu.be/mkdq9v8PuQk

   • The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children website: “What is Monkeypox?”
   • CDC – Information about Monkeypox for Teens and Young Adults
6. MCPS Athletics: Understand the Rules Concerning Transportation
   MCPS buses are available for teams to utilize throughout the season for off-site games or events, assuming there are available drivers and buses and based on the game time. It is important to note that, due to buses making runs afterschool for students, buses are not available during the hours of 1:35-4:35 p.m. from Monday-Friday. This constraint, along with the convenience of leaving later and coming home earlier, results in instances when parent or student drivers may be preferred. If parent or student drivers are being considered for transportation to off-site events, each student’s parents/guardians have the option to opt out of allowing their student to drive with parent or student drivers. Parents are required to select which mode(s) of transportation they consent to allowing their student-athlete to utilize during the season. This information is used to assist in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the decision on the mode of transportation is made utilizing a collaborative process based on the availability of buses and the consent and preferences of parents/guardians for each team. Transportation to and from practices is the responsibility of each student-athlete and family. Please consult your coach or athletics specialist for additional information. Learn more in the MCPS Athletics R.A.I.S.E. Newsletter (English) and (Spanish)
7. Learn More About Student Service Learning
   Student Service Learning, or SSL, is an important graduation requirement. Check out these important September 2022 SSL updates to learn more about SSL opportunities, forms and how secondary students can stay up to date on their SSL record and activity.
   Watch SSL in action: https://youtu.be/8k1QheMdl-8
8. State Mandated Health Curriculum Updated
   The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) now requires students in the class of 2025 and beyond to complete a 1.0 health education graduation requirement. Health education content includes data and resources for various populations across units, including LGBTQ+ community members.
   Individual schools have sent information home offering parents and guardians the ability to review the curriculum with a health teacher and to learn when during health education various subjects are covered. Families may only opt-out of the family life and human sexuality unit in compliance with state law.
   MSDE designates mandated content for Health Education A and Health Education B through the MSDE Health Education Curriculum Framework.
   
9. Apply Online Now for Free and Reduced-Price Meals Benefits
   Families of students who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can now apply for assistance for school meals. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive free breakfast and lunch meals.
   Apply here.
   Learn more about the program.
10. Sign Up For ParentVUE to Stay in Touch With Your School
    Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account at the beginning of the school year. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom and more.
    ParentVUE provides a way to view school-related information and data for students. Register for athletics, special programs, communicate with teachers and verify your student information annually.
    ParentVUE also allows access to Canvas/MyMCPSClassroom, a digital learning platform. Parents and guardians can view instructional information and resources, and get alerts about assignments and grades.

Montgomery County Public Schools