Things to Know
for Thursday, October 6

Here are seven things to know for Thursday, Oct. 6. They include a request for student input on the school calendar, an eighth-grade common application for high school programs, an athletic trainer update, mental health week reminder and other important upcoming items.

  1. mental health weekBe Sure to Tune In to Mental Health Awareness Week, Oct. 10–15
    MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will host free virtual events Oct. 10–15 to allow youth and families to hear from mental health experts on issues that are important to them. The weeklong expo will feature daily themes, dynamic speakers and informational videos, and two live events: a Waymaking Special on Student Mental Health and a resource fair and Q&A session on Saturday, October 15.
    Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week.
    See mental health information and resources.

  1. calendarStudent Input Sought on the 2023–2024 School Calendar

    The process for community input for next year’s school calendar is underway. The survey seeks to gauge the community’s interests as calendar scenarios are developed for the 2023–2024 school year. Staff will present the scenarios at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Share your interests by Thursday, Oct. 13, and encourage your students to complete the survey as well so their voices are heard.
    Take the survey.

  1. MCPS Eighth Grade Application for High School Programs to be Released on Friday, Oct. 7
    MCPS offers several academic programs to help students achieve their college and career goals. In addition to rigorous college and career readiness programs at their local high school, Grade 8 students may be eligible to apply for regional or countywide programs. The application for eighth-grade students is available in multiple languages in ParentVue. A student eligibility report will also be available in the StudentVue and ParentVue documents folders. In addition, for Grade 9–11 students, the interest form for upper grade college and career readiness part-time programs will be available Friday, Oct. 7, on the MCPS Special Programs website. The deadline to submit interest for both programs is Friday, Nov. 4.
    Parents and students are encouraged to attend open houses to learn more. Visit the MCPS Special Programs website for meeting dates and times.

  2. Get Smart on Dangerous Internet Challenges
    Many youth view or participate in fad challenges circulating on the internet or social media. While some can be considered harmless, silly or entertaining, others involve activities that can lead to significant injury. Common Sense Media and the American Academy of Pediatrics offer helpful advice on why these challenges appeal to kids and how to support them in making safe decisions.

  3. Update: Filling Athletic Trainer Positions
    There continues to be a shortage of athletic trainers impacting MCPS and school districts across the state. Schools without a full-time athletic trainer receive part-time in-person coverage, as well as other resources and support such as telehealth, coach consulting, injury management and training room office hours. Community members who wish to refer qualified candidates should contact Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, director of systemwide athletics, or Mrs. Angela McIntosh-Davis, director of procurement. More information is available in the latest R.A.I.S.E. Update and FAQ document.

  4. Board of Education Extends Comment Period on Community Involvement Policy
    The Montgomery County Board of Education has extended the comment period on proposed amendments to Board Policy ABA, Community Involvement, to update guidelines and practices for engagement related to Board decisions. The policy has been available for comment since March 30, 2022. The public comment period will be open until Friday, Nov. 4.

  5. Important Upcoming Item:

    • Board of Education to Receive Antiracist Audit Report
      Watch the Board of Education business meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at noon. The presentation will be live on Comcast 34, (1071 HD), Verizon 36, RCN 88, the MCPS website, and the MCPS YouTube page. Learn about the antiracist audit.

Montgomery County Public Schools



Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

Montgomery County Public Schools