1. Recent Update from the MCPS School System Medical Officer

During this active cold and flu season, here are some health updates and tips as we start the new year. Although we are in a better place  compared to last year’s season, with more tools to prevent severe illness, being aware of current health trends helps keep students and staff ready for teaching and learning. 

Read the recent message from the system medical officer to learn more about the following updates: 

1. Rates of COVID-19 and influenza (flu) continue to rise, contributing to increased hospital admissions for severe respiratory illness.

2. The Maryland Department of Health issued new masking guidance for health care settings related to increasing hospital admissions from respiratory infections.

3. Prevention, treatment and resources.

Read more. 

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2. MCPS’ New  External Affairs Senior Advisor  Nancy Navarro Will Play a Crucial Role in Advancing Priority Areas Within the District.

From fostering collaborations with various agencies to devising strategies aimed at bolstering the district’s outreach and engagement endeavors, Navarro’s support will reinforce the key priorities set by the MCPS Board of Education.

Read more. 

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MCPS to Host Two College Opportunities This Month 

Regional On-The-Spot College Admissions Event Set for Jan. 11

High school seniors are invited to participate in a regional on-the-spot admissions event from 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11 at Seneca Valley High School. Students will have the chance to interview with college representatives and receive on-the-spot admissions decisions. Read more.

Save-The-Date: Junior Day Set for Jan. 29

MCPS, in partnership with the NAACP-Montgomery County Parents’ Council and Johns Hopkins University, will host a Junior Day for rising minority seniors to learn about colleges, as part of the MCPS Out-of-School Time program. This event will take place from 9:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, at Wheaton High School. Read more.

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4. New MCPS TV Program, To The Point, Kicks Off with the MCPS Operating Budget

Tune in to the first episode of To The Point to learn more about where the $3+ billion  operating budget comes from and how it is spent. To The Point is a new talk show designed to do just that: get to the point about various MCPS programs, challenges and initiatives. You can watch the show on the MCPS TV YouTube channel and cable channels Comcast 34 & 1071 HD, Verizon 36 and RCN 89 & 1058 HD. 

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5. MCPS News This Week 

Sixteen MCPS Students Receive Full-Tuition Posse Scholarships

Sixteen students have been named recipients of full-tuition, four-year scholarships from the Posse Foundation. The Posse program identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential that may have been overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Learn More

WATCH: Sports Insight Episode 31 Student Athlete Leadership

Kickoff 2024 with another episode of Sports Insight featuring the MCPS Student-Athlete Leadership Council (SALC). In recent years, MCPS Athletics has put a greater emphasis on student-athlete leadership. This episode features student leaders in action and highlights how MCPS has become a model throughout the state and country. 

MCPS In The News

Sixteen MCPS Students Receive Full-Tuition Posse Scholarships

La importancia de fomentar la lectura a los niños

Fentanyl, opioid awareness video contest shows impact of the drug epidemic on county youth

Tony Award-Winning Actor Frost Graduates from Bowie State

Look Out for MCDOT’s Snowplows Painted By Middle Schoolers This Winter

Maryland high schooler hopes to encourage more young Black divers to try her sport

Local Students Win Top Prize in MCPS’s Speak Up, Save a Life Contest

Students Named to Maryland STEM Fellowship

MCPS Career Readiness Education Academy (CREA) is Breaking Records This Year