Montgomery County Public Schools

Georgian Forest Elementary School staff prepare for the dinner they served the evening of Nov. 20 to the Georgian Forest community. Staff served as waiters at the sit-down dinner, provided by the school with the assistance of local area businesses. About 62 percent of the students at the school participate in the Free and Reduced-price Meals Program.

Ken Morris, a direct descendant of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, spoke to more than 120 White Oak Middle School students as part of the 2008 tour of the Frederick Douglass Dialogues. He shared information about Douglass’ impact on the abolitionist movement and emphasized the value of education through the example of Douglass, who was self-taught. White Oak’s Ambassadors Investing in Mentoring Program (AIM) hosted the event.

Three Study Circles met at the Damascus Recreation Center on Nov. 14—two from Damascus High School and one from Baker Middle School. In the program, trained facilitators help parents, students and staff build relationships, develop a better understanding of racial and ethnic barriers to student achievement, and plan steps to help all students succeed.

Are you among the more than 60 percent of secondary parents monitoring their child’s academic progress with ? This web-based system is a great way to stay on top of students’ school assignments, tests and grades. An added advantage is the ability to exchange e-mails with teachers.  Visit your child’s school for more information.

MCPS paraeducators new to the school system this year learned more about their roles and enhanced their repertoire of instructional strategies during an Oct. 17 orientation. These essential staff members assist teachers, reinforce instruction and provide individualized attention to students.

Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities are conducting on-the-spot admissions and scholarship events at MCPS high schools. The events began this month and run through March. Parents are invited to attend and hear about the schools’ academics and college life and to ask questions. For more information, including schedules, interested students should contact the resource counselor or college/career information coordinator at their school, or e-mail secondary counselor specialist .

For the fifth consecutive year, The Music Center at Strathmore has opened its doors to all second grade students. Special performances by the National Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Piotr Gajewski, feature an interactive, educational program. The concerts, pre-concert educational materials, transportation, and other supports are the result of a unique partnership among MCPS, the National Philharmonic and Strathmore. 

SHARP Suspension Programs celebrated its 10th anniversary Oct. 27. The grassroots, community-school partnerships in six Montgomery County locations offer support to suspended students through trained volunteers and mentors. The celebration was held at Sharp Street United Methodist Church, established as the first program site in March 1998.