Montgomery County Public Schools

In the wake of the horrific tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, we in MCPS and the greater Montgomery County community are heartbroken. Collectively, we extend our thoughts and condolences to the Robb Elementary School families and community. We are all impacted by this violence, which generates questions and concerns about our own safety and the safety of our loved ones as we travel to and from work and school and live our everyday lives. The reality is that we must all remain vigilant and work together to do everything in our power to keep our students and staff safe. Safety is our top priority.

MCPS parents, staff and community members are invited to the 8th annual Special Education Summit, Leading the Way Today, Partnering for a Better Tomorrow. The summit will be held virtually from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. The summit is free and will include breakout sessions on a variety of parenting topics. Topics include: supporting math skills at home; dyslexia explained; advancing the skills of prekindergarten children at home; understanding your child’s IEP; supporting students with autism, and cooperation strategies for parents of children aged 1-12. The keynote speaker is Patricia Crain de Galarce, Ed.D., director of the Center for Inclusive and Special Education, and associate dean in the Graduate School of Education at Lesley University.

MCPS hosted its annual Pride Town Hall at Walter Johnson High School on May 21. More than 150 students, staff, youth service providers, families and community members attended and participated in workshops and a resource fair.

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 share information with MCPS staff, and to learn about mental health resources and services the school district has available to students. Seneca Valley High School is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Dr., Germantown.

The 21st Annual Superintendent's All-County Fine Arts Awards Gala will he held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 23 at Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Dr., Germantown. The gala highlights the contributions and achievements of high school students in Fine Arts programs across MCPS.

The annual Pride Town Hall will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 21 at Walter Johnson High School. Students and their families, staff, youth service providers and community members are welcome to attend. The event will feature workshops and a resource fair. The keynote speaker is Gavin Grimm, a nationally known advocate for transgender rights. Walter Johnson is located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda. Shuttle service will be available starting at 8 a.m. from Seneca Valley and Paint Branch high schools.

MCPS is committed to ensuring schools have the resources and programs in place to foster a culture of well-being and to effectively respond to those in crisis. A student survey has been developed to help schools in identifying high-needs areas for students. All students in kindergarten through 11th grade will take an age-appropriate survey between May 26 and June 17 to gather feedback on their well-being.   Any parent who does not want their child to take the survey must complete and submit this by May 25.

Parents are invited to a virtual conversation about comprehensive MCPS well-being, safety and security initiatives on Wednesday, May 25 at 7 p.m.  During this virtual event, which will be held in Spanish, parents will engage in conversations on creating safe and equitable schools for all students. Participants will also learn more about the Community Engagement Officer program enhancements and resources available to support student’s mental health and social well-being.