Montgomery County Public Schools

From testing to staffing to safety and security, the role of a school system’s central office is broad and critical to smooth day-to-day operations. Watch this month’s “Education Matters” on MCPS TV to learn how the central office provides a strong support structure that focuses on student achievement. Board of Education President Nancy Navarro visits with Chief Operating Officer Larry Bowers and Deputy Superintendent of Schools Frieda Lacey.

Come to an opera performance this month at one of eight elementary schools! Through the Creating Original Opera Program of the Metropolitan Opera Guild of New York, MCPS students each year form their own in-school opera production companies and take on the roles of their professional counterparts—writing, producing, managing and performing an original opera. This interdisciplinary project encourages students to use and reinforce skills in all subject areas.

Newsweek magazine has ranked six MCPS high schools in the top 100 in the nation – more than any other U.S. school district. The schools are Richard Montgomery, Thomas S. Wootton, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Walt Whitman, Walter Johnson, and Winston Churchill. All of the county’s eligible schools are counted among the top 3 percent in the country for their rigorous academic program. The ranking highlights MCPS efforts over eight years to encourage more students from every background to take challenging courses.

The school system honored six food service employees at the 23rd Annual Salute to School Food and Nutrition Services Personnel Day breakfast May 9. The day recognizes the dedication of employees, who provide more than 12 million meals each year to students.

Westland Middle School students won first prize at the North Atlantic regional jury for their vision of a school of the future. Under the guidance of technology education teacher John Swiatocha, they designed a model of a living classroom with solar photovoltaics, planted walls and fisheries to replenish the Chesapeake Bay. The team then participated in the National School Building Week jury in Washington, D.C., where they received a commendation.

High school students throughout the school system are preparing to take the Maryland High School Assessment (HSA) exams May 19–22. The tests, which measure school and individual student progress, are given in English, algebra, biology and government. Passing the HSA is a state requirement for graduation, starting with the Class of 2009.

Elementary and middle school students displayed their art work at an arts fair held at White Flint Mall. Choral groups from Broad Acres, Judith A. Resnik, Travilah and Cashell elementary schools also performed. MCPS students have an opportunity to participate in a wide range of visual and performing arts activities during the school year.

Career and technology education is being transformed to prepare students for college and career success. The Board of Education discussed the school system’s Career Pathways Programs at its May 13 meeting. Eleven career clusters and three foundations provide students with a range of options. Elements from the successful Advanced Engineering—Project Lead the Way and the Academy of Finance are driving redesign of other career programs.