Things to Know
for Thursday, Oct. 20

Here are six things to know for Thursday, Oct. 20. You will find information about sports championships, an updated bus information dashboard, a celebration of our transportation staff, a news feature about how one school tackled football team recruitment and some reminders. 

1. Bus Transportation Dashboard Updated
   Want to know if your child’s route is delayed or canceled? Visit the MCPS Transportation Updates dashboard and type in your child’s four-digit route number. The dashboard has been redesigned, information is now updated every 15 minutes. Canceling a bus route is a last resort, but when it occurs, affected families are automatically contacted by a system ConnectEd email.
   If your child’s route is delayed or canceled, here is how we let you know:

   Impacted routes are published the day before or the morning of by 6:15 a.m.	Information published on MCPS website and ConnectEd message is sent to families
   Department of Transportation continues to identify possible drivers for impacted route	Bus route information dashboard updated every 15 minutes until 9:30 a.m.
   Updates for afternoon routes	Bus route information dashboard updated by 1:30 p.m.

   
   Principals and MCPS leadership are also notified of any route disruptions.
   See the Bus Route Information Dashboard.

2. It is National School Bus Safety Week–Meet Some of The Great Staff from Our Transportation Department
   MCPS transportation staff are, first and foremost, extraordinary people, who are also dedicated, professional and eager to serve students with a safe, efficient ride to school.
   You can meet a few of the hard-working staff we have featured on social media as we celebrate National School Bus Safety Week.
   Meet: Driver Bertha Reyes, Attendant Barbara Busby, Mechanic Jose Lopez
   Want to join this great team? We have openings! Visit this site to apply

3. Athletics Championships Season Begins for Many Sports
   The fall sports season is almost over and championships are beginning.. It’s an exciting time for student-athletes and spectators. From soccer to field hockey, volleyball, cheerleading, golf and more, there is a full schedule of events for all sports lovers. Check out this abbreviated listing here.

4. Latino Health Equity Workgroup to Host Adolescent Mental Health Panel Tonight, Oct. 20
   The Latino Health Equity Workgroup is hosting a virtual conversation in Spanish to address common misconceptions and stigma related to mental health in youth and provide information on community resources. The conversation will be tonight, Oct. 20 from 6-7 p.m. Parents can register to join the Zoom webinar or watch live on Facebook on MCPS en Español, Montgomery County en Español, Latino Health Initiative or Identity.
   Participants can ask questions during the live event or in the Zoom webinar. 

5. In The News:
   Featured in The Washington Post: Washington Post reporter Michael Errigo tells the story of the unique approach coaches at Clarksburg High School took to tackle the loss of experienced players. Many students from the football program graduated earlier this year.
   See how they did it by reading the article here.

6. Closing Notes: Reminders

   • Anonymous Safe Schools Tipline
     To support a safe environment, we frequently say, “If you see something, say something. The Maryland Safe Schools Tipline is an anonymous and free reporting system available to students, teachers, school staff members, parents and the general public to report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233)
     Learn more.

   • Mental Health Awareness Week a Success
     MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association hosted free virtual events Oct. 10-15 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on issues that are important to them. Review all the great resources presented.

   • Free Tutoring Available to All MCPS Students

     • FEV Tutor
       More information in English and Spanish
       Offers tutoring without cameras for students in grades 3-12 who learn best without a camera.
       To set up tutoring: mcps@fevtutor.com 

     • Tutor Me Education
       More information in English and Spanish
       To set up tutoring: MCPS@tutormeeducation.com or 240-618-2549

   • Earn SSL Hours by Supporting Emancipation Day in Maryland
     Emancipation Day celebrations will take place at Button Farm Living History Center on Oct. 29, from noon–3 p.m. and at  Sandy Spring Slave Museum on Nov. 5, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Students can earn Student Service Learning hours for attending.

Montgomery County Public Schools