Information from MCPS will be shared and updated on this page of the Ridgeview Website. Please return to this site frequently for the most current information.
MCPS Parent Academy
The MCPS Parent Academy has kicked off its fall season on September 24. Parents/guardians and members of the community are invited to participate in these free workshops that provide information, resources, tools, and tips to support your child’s success in school. Don’t miss this season of workshops, which will be offered on a range of topics, including college and career planning, study skills, cyber safety and social media, and positive communication.
Parent Academy workshops are free. Childcare and interpretation services are provided upon request. A full list of courses is available on the Parent Academy website.
2019–2020 School Year Calendar
MCPS is developing the school calendar for the 2019–2020 school year. The Board of Education held a discussion at its business meeting on October 9, 2018, about the process, options, and challenges for developing the calendar and is considering two potential calendar scenarios.
As the district develops a calendar, it must start with several requirements from the state:
September 4–June 15: the permissible time frame for instruction
180: the minimum number of instructional days required
15: the number of state-mandated days that schools must be closed
3: the number of snow make-up days required at the end of the year (before June 14)
For a more detailed explanation of the calendar process, visit the 2019–2020 calendar webpage. The scenarios are posted on the MCPS website for public information and review. If you would like to offer comment on the calendar, please do so using the drop box provided on the calendar information webpage.
The Board will hold a final discussion and adopt a final calendar later this fall. You can stay engaged and informed in this process by visiting the Calendar webpage.
Mental Wellness Resource Fair
The Board of Education has proclaimed October MCPS Mental Health and Wellness Awareness Month. MCPS is hosting a Mental Health Fair on Saturday, October 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Julius West Middle School. Students, staff members, and the community can learn more about community and school resources that support students’ physical, social, and psychological well-being. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentservices
Students Invited to Become Vision Zero Ambassadors
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is seeking high school students to serve as Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to become road-safety leaders in their school and community through this school year. Interested students may apply here through November 5th, 2018.
Participate in the Annual Montgomery County Community Service Week
Get ready for a week chock-full of volunteer opportunities across the county in honor of Montgomery County’s 32nd annual Community Service Week, set for October 21‒28. There will be lots of ways for students and families to help a variety of local nonprofits, schools, and government agencies throughout the week, including many projects that meet the guidelines for MCPS student service learning hours.
Check the Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s online calendar of volunteer needs for the latest list of projects (and check back regularly as projects are being added daily). You may pick any or all that match your interests!
If you are part of a large group that would like to participate, or if you are affiliated with a nonprofit (including a school or PTA) that would like to host a project, e-mail or call the Volunteer Center at 240-777-2600 to learn how to get involved.
World of Montgomery Festival to Celebrate Cultural Diversity
The World of Montgomery Festival celebrates and showcases the rich cultural heritages of Montgomery County and the Washington, D.C., region. The festival will be held Sunday, October 21, at Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street in Rockville, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
MCPS is proud to be a partner in this year’s festival. The free event includes an international village, a global kitchen with chef demonstrations of traditional ethnic food, a craft market, a Parade of Cultures, two performance stages of traditional dance and music, connections through service, traditional arts, and fun interactive activities for the whole family. For more information, click here.
Provide Input on Important Board of Education Policy
The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking public comments on draft Board Policy KEA, Political Campaigns and Political Materials (KEA), and changing the policy name to Civic Engagement, Political Campaigns, and Political Materials. The revised and renamed policy reflects the Board's desire to allow students to receive excused absences for participation in civic engagement activities.
During the 2017–2018 school year, many MCPS students became involved in important issues confronting our country and even received national recognition for their engagement. As a result, students, families, and Board members expressed interest in supporting student participation in civic activities without impact on their attendance status. Currently, Policy KEA permits students in Grades 9-12 to participate in political campaign activity during school hours during the two-week period immediately prior to a primary or general election, at the request of the political candidate or organization with written parent/guardian consent, and written approval of the principal/designee. The public comment period for this policy will be limited to 30 days, until Friday, October 12, 2018. More information is provided here.
High School Application Programs Available on Parent Portal October 1
MCPS is offering a convenient way for parents/guardians to consider a student’s high school options for the following school year.
In addition to the themed and enriched and accelerated courses and programs available in students’ local high schools, students in Grades 8–11 may be eligible for high school application programs.
Beginning Monday, October 1, parents/guardians of students will be able to access and review high school application programs on the myMCPS parent portal. They will be able to sign on to the portal, go to the document library (on the left sidebar) and review the report that reads, “My Student’s High School Application Program Options for 2019–2020.” Each program will have a brief description, program website address, and the application address for those ready to apply. All programs have different eligibility requirements. Your child’s address, grade level, and current school may impact your student’s eligibility, so make sure your school has your current address.
The application deadline is Friday, November 2. If you need help accessing the parent portal, contact your student’s current school. More information is provided here.
MCPS Online Resources
MCPS Homework Resources (Online Databases for Students)Please email or ask Mrs. Portocarrero-Pitt (P2) or Mrs. Green, Media Assistant in the Media Center for home access login and passwords.
The most recent list of login/passwords will be shared with staff and students.
Help Us Improve How You Get MCPS Information
How do you like to receive news and information? What MCPS news is important to you? Take this survey and tell us about your communication preferences. Your responses will be used to improve how you get information from MCPS.
Stay Informed with MCPS QuickNotes
MCPS QuickNotes is a bimonthly newsletter that provides MCPS families with important news and information about MCPS programs and activities, plus emergency information. MCPS QuickNotes is offered in seven languages: English, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Amharic. Visit news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ to read the latest edition.
Changes to the MCPS Curriculum
MCPS is making changes to the K–8 curriculum for English and mathematics. The district is in the process of evaluating and selecting new curriculum and instructional materials and during the next several months, MCPS will work with staff, members of the community, and other partners to gather feedback and outline the selection process. Parents/guardians and members of the community can ask questions and share their thoughts on the process by completing a brief survey. Please visit the website for regular updates on the curriculum selection process. You can read the message from the chief academic officer here.
Give Input on the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
MCPS wants your input as it works on developing the superintendent of school’s recommended operating budget for Fiscal Year 2020. Take this survey and tell us which strategies, programs, and efforts are working and not working to improve outcomes for all students.
Student Rights and Responsibilities and Code of Conduct
In order to ensure a safe, productive, and positive learning environment, MCPS publishes two documents that help students, parents/guardians, and staff understand school rules and regulations; the expectations for student conduct; and the possible consequences for violating the rules. A Student’s Guide to Rights and Responsibilities is an overview of the rights and responsibilities students enjoy in MCPS and a summary of the laws and regulations that affect students. The MCPS Code of Conduct provides an overview of discipline procedures and protocols and the range of consequences students could face for violating various policies, regulations, and rules. The guide also discusses the MCPS philosophy to discipline. All families received a copy of these documents and are encouraged to review them with your child(ren). The documents are available online. They can be found here:
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights/.
Saturday School
The George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. kicks off its 2018–2019 season of Saturday School on Saturday, September 15. Saturday School is a low-cost tutoring and mentoring program that provides a sixth day of learning and helps MCPS students enhance their mastery of core academic subjects. Students who are in need of additional academic support can attend sessions at 1 of 12 locations across Montgomery County. Classes begin on Saturday, September 15 and will end in May. Registration is $40 for students who receive Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMS) services and $85 for non-FARMS students. For more information visit George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy.
New Season of Homework Hotline Live!
For 33 years, Homework Hotline Live (HHL) has helped tens of thousands of students in kindergarten through Grade 12 by offering free after-school homework help from MCPS teachers. HHL uses the web, a mobile app, and cable TV to offer students live one-on-one homework help. When HHL is on TV, students can telephone in questions and see and hear the teachers while working through problems together.
HHL kicked off its 2018–2019 season on September 5 online. Homework Hotline Live on TV will start Tuesday, September 25
from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on MCPS-TV. Students can call HHL for help from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; or submit online questions from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Mondays. During the TV broadcast, all questions will be answered on-air. Questions submitted at other times will receive an online response.
The free Homework Hotline Live mobile app, is still available for Apple iOS and Android devices! Students can use the Homework Hotline Live app to watch the TV broadcast live, call-in for homework help with one-button dialing, or submit a question online using the app’s “Ask Us” feature. Students can attach a picture of their homework problem to their “Ask Us” question, as well. The HHL app also features numerous homework help tools and links.
Students have several ways to reach HHL:
· Call: 301-279-3234
· Web: AskHHL.org
· Homework Hotline Live app
· Text: 724-427-5445 (7244-ASK-HHL)
· E-mail: question@AskHHL.org
Watch Homework Hotline Live on MCPS-TV, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., starting September 25:
· Comcast 33
· Verizon Fios 35
· RCN 88
· AskHHL.org
· YouTube (search: AskHHL)
· Homework Hotline Live app
Parents
RMS INFORMATION
Information from RMS will be shared and updated on this page of the Ridgeview Website. Please return to this site frequently for the most current information.