Montgomery County Public Schools

The school system’s 47 pupil personnel workers were recognized during Pupil Personnel Worker Week May 5–9 for the essential role they play in MCPS. Pupil personnel workers provide a bridge between home and school, serve as advocates for students and their families, and identify services and resources to help students succeed academically.

The Music Center at Strathmore opened its doors to all fifth grade students on May 7, 8 and 9, as the students attended performances by the Baltimore Symphony conducted by Carolyn Kuan. Many of these same students attended a concert of the National Philharmonic at Strathmore when they were second graders. The yearly interactive concerts are a collaborative effort of MCPS and Strathmore, with support from the Webber Family and Wachovia foundations.

The Board of Education's all-day business meeting will be webcast live starting at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 13. You need the free Windows MediaPlayer on your computer to view the meeting.

Be sure to watch the new edition of the MCPS TV show “Cover to Cover.” This month’s program features segments on a program that supports English language learners with interrupted education; the Superintendent’s Leadership Program, in which young leaders mentor their student peers; a profile of Ridgeview Middle School science teacher Autumn Moore; and an inside look at North Chevy Chase Elementary School.

More than 500 people attended the show and evening reception of the countywide Visual Art Center program, housed at Albert Einstein High School. Students displayed art of many styles to family and community members during the annual exhibition, and an estimated 1,000 or more students toured the show during the day. So far this year, 16 students in the program have won more than $650,000 in scholarships.

Superintendent Jerry D. Weast was honored by APQC, a nonprofit benchmarking and best practices organization, for leadership in education reform. In addition to Dr. Weast, three other individuals, including former Vice President Al Gore, received the C. Jackson Grayson Distinguished Quality Pioneer Medal. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in furthering quality in education, health care, public service or other nonprofit organizations.

A new organization of early childhood stakeholders, including the school system, is working to ensure that children from birth through age 5 are prepared for kindergarten success. The Montgomery County Early Care and Education Congress celebrated its kickoff event April 18. While 70 percent of all children entering kindergarten in the county demonstrate full readiness, only 55 percent of English language learners and 59 percent of FARMS students are fully ready.

Magnetic levitation vehicles, hovercraft and straw bridges—they were all part of the Takoma Park Middle School Science Expo. The annual event, which has taken place since about 1995, drew parents, staff, and students to the school to view student projects and competitions. Professionals in the fields of math, science and computer science also gave mini-seminars.