MCPS Updates and Information

Changes to Elementary Schedule Coming November 11

During the October 27 Board of Education meeting, MCPS staff presented proposed changes to the elementary school schedule. These changes, which impact the Wednesday morning schedule for elementary students only, will take effect starting November 11 (the start of the second marking period). These changes were made in response to feedback the district has received from staff and families on screen time, instructional blocks and teacher planning. The goal of this schedule revision is to reduce screen time, provide time for students to receive special education or related services, work on their own or in small groups, and complete assignments. The changes are summarized below:

  • The revisions to the elementary schedule only affect the Wednesday morning instructional block between 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday afternoons are unchanged.
  • All students will continue to log in each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., and will meet with their teacher for a 30-minute class meeting.
  • There will be two learning blocks on Wednesday mornings. Block #1 follows the class meeting and is from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. During this time, students will work independently, with their teacher, or receive support or services.
  • At 10:15 a.m., students will reconnect with the entire class and teacher for closure, and to get clarification on what they will be doing during Block #2.
  • Block #2 is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. During the second block, students will engage in work that is either self-guided or will include support from paraeducators and related service providers.
  • The lunch and wellness break will remain from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday morning blocks will no longer focus on instruction in Benchmark Literacy and Eureka Math. They will include opportunities for students to engage in related content support, review, and enrichment.
  • Schedules for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, as well as Wednesday afternoons, will remain unchanged.

Please look for an e-mail the week of November 9 with specifics of what to expect beginning on Wednesday, November 11.

Activate Your ParentVue Account Today

In the coming weeks, MCPS will be reissuing ParentVue activation letters via e-mail and U.S. mail to families that have not yet set up their accounts. ParentVue is the new learning management system where you can get all of the information you need on how your child is doing in school.

When you are logged into ParentVUE you can:

  • See your child’s schedule;
  • Check your child’s grades (and report card);
  • Check your child’s assignments;
  • Send a message to your child’s teacher; and
  • Update your contact information.

And there is so much more. Soon you will be able to see a report on Student Service Learning Hours (SSL).

Don’t wait, activate your account today! Watch your e-mail or your U.S. mail for an activation letter. Support resources to help navigate the platform are also available in multiple languages online.

Board of Education to Hold Public Hearings in November on the Capital Improvements Program and Boundary Study

The Board of Education will hold several public hearings on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Capital Budget, Amendments to the FY 2021−2026 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), and Somerset and Westbrook Boundary Study in November. All public hearings will be held virtually. Testimony will be accepted in written or pre-recorded video/audio formats.

Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jack R. Smith released his recommended FY 2022 Capital Budget, Amendments to the FY 2021-2026 CIP and Somerset and Westbrook Boundary Study on Thursday, October 26, 2020.

Individuals who wish to provide input can sign up online. More information can be found at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/community/participation.aspx .

Let’s Talk Careers Speaker Series Open to Secondary Students

MCPS is launching Let’s Talk Careers, a monthly live speaker series highlighting MCPS alumni from a variety of fields, such as healthcare, entrepreneurship, and engineering, who will share their career journeys. The first talk will be Wednesday, November 18 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and will feature CAVA co-founders Ted Xenohristos, Ike Grigoropoulos, and Dimitri Moshovitis. Students can submit questions prior to the session here and live through YouTube chat.

National Hispanic College Fair to Be Held Virtually on November 17

The National Hispanic College Fair will be held virtually from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17. The fair is free and open to high school students and their parents/guardians, as well as school counselors. Students will have the opportunity to connect with colleges and universities that meet their goals; join group discussions, private chats and video chats with admissions counselors; and watch videos from college and university virtual booths. More information is available here.