Montgomery County Public Schools

The curtain is rising on spring theater productions throughout the school system, at both middle schools and high schools. Many are taking place this month. From “The Wiz” to “Les Mis,” there’s something on stage for everyone.

Students created an African village as part of a unit on African kingdoms during the Middle Ages in Richard Sprecher’s social studies class at Julius West Middle School. Creating life-size replicas for each kingdom, such as a mosque for Mali, hut and rain forest trees for the Congo, and the great wall of Zimbabwe, is one of many creative ways schools are bringing history to life.

Seventh and eighth grade boys at Kingsview Middle School are learning a greater appreciation of reading through their involvement in the Guys Book Club. Led by student mentors from Northwest High School, club members meet once a week to read and discuss books. Involving caring and successful student role models has helped to increase membership.

The Board of Education's all-day business meeting will be webcast live starting at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 8. You need the free Windows MediaPlayer on your computer to view the meeting.

Celebrate the Month of the Young Child and ask MCPS staff your questions about school programs and services for children of all ages on April 26 at Westfield Shoppingtown Wheaton. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local agencies will also be on hand to provide resources for families, children’s activities, and entertainment.

Forty-six Wheaton High School parents have a new connection to their child’s school thanks to a recent Edline training sponsored by the Parent Academy. Edline, a web-based communication tool, allows teachers to update parents on student grades and assignments. Wheaton students provided one-on-one assistance at the workshop, which was conducted in Spanish by staff from the school and the Department of Communications’ Division of Family and Community Partnerships

Participants examine materials at a recent conference for educators of young children and elementary students, held at Arcola Elementary School. Educators attended workshops and sessions that focused on teaching diverse students and promoting equity in the classroom. The conference was co-sponsored by the University of Maryland Professional Development School Partnership and Montgomery County Public Schools.

Parents of Kensington Parkwood Elementary School students in grades 3–5 become students for a day as they participate in a "mock MSA" test together with their children. Sixty-seven parents participated in the morning mini-test, scoring the tests with their students. Parents had positive feedback and appreciated the opportunity to see what their children were expected to know and be able to do.