Montgomery County Public Schools

Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School has won a national award for its exemplary arts education program. Drew was one of five schools in the nation chosen as John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National Schools of Distinction in Arts Education. The school is one of three Arts Integration Model Elementary Schools in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Public Schools’ 2008 Annual Report to the Community is now available on the Web. This review of the highlights and accomplishments of the past school year—now in a shorter and more readable form—includes information about student achievement and the parents, staff, students and community members who play a vital role in the excellent teaching and learning that occur in our schools.

Students who participated in this year’s Congressional Black Caucus attended a national town hall meeting that focused on the foreclosure crisis. They also had an opportunity to meet African American members of Congress and other leaders, attend sessions and work with mentors from the business community. A congressional reception for participants will be held in January.

Arcola and Monocacy Elementary Schools were honored Sept. 23 for recycling at least 50 percent of their waste by the Montgomery County Council. Councilmember George Leventhal, chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee, presented proclamations to the schools.

The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy (Saturday School) opens for the 2008–2009 school year on Saturday, Oct. 4. Saturday School is a tutoring and mentoring program that enhances the academic performance of students in all grades. On Saturday mornings, certified teachers and volunteer tutors work with students to teach successful learning/studying strategies. The program has 12 centers in schools throughout Montgomery County.

Felecia Jackson’s family of 15 has a new home in Poolesville, thanks in part to MCPS staff. Lakelands Park MS teacher Eric Kuhn brought the Jackson family’s story to ABC-TV’s “Extreme Home Makeover,” which featured Jackson, her four children and her sister’s 10 children on its season premiere Sept. 28. MCPS staff were among the many people who pitched in to help build the house.

MyLunchMoney.com, a convenient online service, is now available for parents to make prepayments to a student’s cafeteria account using a credit or debit card. Once an account is established, parents can check balances, view purchases, set up recurring payments and receive low balance notification. To sign up, go to and click on “Enroll Now.” For more information, visit the Food and Nutrition Services website.

Registration is open for free MCPS Parent Academy workshops taking place this fall. Workshop topics include cybersafety, helping children succeed in middle school and understanding the special education process. Coordinated by the Department of Family and Community Partnerships (DFCP) in the Office of Communications and Family Outreach, the Parent Academy was created to empower all parents as advocates and partners in their children's education.