Superintendent's Community Messages 2017-18
Commitment to our Core Values
A Message from Superintendent Jack R.Smith Ph.D.
August 22, 2017
Dear MCPS Staff:
As we spend these last few days of summer preparing for the first day of school, let us pause for a moment and think about our roles in relation to the students and families we serve. Our students come to us from a vast range of economic circumstances; they come speaking languages from around the world; and they come from many different races and cultures. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we care for them and teach them in ways that communicate clearly that they are both safe and valued in our classrooms, this school system and our community. They must know that we, the staff of MCPS, are completely committed to their welfare and learning.
School Closure
A Message from Superintendent Jack R. Smith Regarding Today's School Closure
January 17, 2018
Dear MCPS Community,
I am writing to share the circumstances that caused us to close schools for students after initially announcing a two-hour delay this morning. Typically, we are able to make a decision about school closure by 5:00 a.m. Occasionally, we announce a two-hour delay by 5:00 a.m. with a note that we are still assessing weather conditions to determine if a closure is warranted. Updates with any changes to a decision are usually communicated by 7:00 a.m. Today, we did not do that, as all weather forecasts pointed to snow tapering off early in the day with little snow accumulation. Most school districts in the region, including MCPS, therefore announced a two-hour delay.
Makeup-Day Plan
Montgomery County Public Schools Weather Make-Up Day Plan
January 23, 2018
Dear MCPS Community,
I want to provide you with an update on the school calendar for the remainder of the school year. As you know, recent inclement weather forced Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to close schools on two days (January 4 and January 17). The 2017-2018 MCPS school calendar includes 182 instruction days, two above the minimum required in the state of Maryland. Therefore, our two weather closures can be absorbed without a modification to the calendar.
Emergency Preparedness
A Message from Superintendent Jack R.Smith Ph.D.
February 15, 2018
Dear Community:
The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has deeply saddened and shaken us all. The thoughts of the entire Montgomery County Public Schools family are with the families who are grieving in the wake of this tragedy.
Safe and Secure Schools
A Message from Superintendent Jack R.Smith Ph.D.
February 28, 2018
Dear Colleagues:
Though two weeks have passed since the horrific tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the impact remains fresh in the minds and hearts of our school communities. Many of you have heard from students and families about their anxieties, fears and concerns for their safety. I cannot thank you enough for listening to and comforting our students during this time. Your support has been, and continues to be, vital in helping them process what is happening in the world around them.
A Message from Superintendent Jack R. Smith: Employee Arrest
March 20, 2018
Dear MCPS Community:
As you may be aware, Steven Katz, a substitute teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), was arrested on Friday, March 16, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor and fourth degree sexual offense stemming from inappropriate contact with a Cloverly Elementary School student.