1. MCPS Community Message Sent About Safety and Discipline

Following spring break, the district sent a countywide message confirming its commitment to the MCPS Student Code of Conduct as a vital tool to ensure safety and security in the district. Operationally, the MCPS Student Code of Conduct identifies a full range of prohibited behaviors. It outlines progressive consequences rooted in behavior intervention that should be rehabilitative, restorative, educational and administered fairly. Bottom line: It is an essential tool for maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment and takes a comprehensive approach to achieving this goal.
Read the full message here.

2. Get Ready For the 2024 Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, Montgomery County will experience a partial solar eclipse beginning at approximately 2:04 p.m. with maximum solar coverage at approximately 3:20 p.m. If you plan on being outside during this time, do not look directly at the sun without proper solar eclipse glasses as looking directly at the sun may cause eye injury. Schools that choose to take students outside have been directed to support students in practicing eclipse safety. Athletic competitions will delay start times to 4:45 p.m. if they are scheduled to begin before this time. Click here to review safety tips and family-friendly activities.

3. BOE Seeking Public Comment on Two Policies Regarding Homework and Board Appointments of MCPS Leaders

The Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to Policy IKB, Homework and a proposed new Policy GEA, Board Appointment of MCPS Leaders.

Draft amendments to Policy IKB and proposed Policy GEA have been available for comment since March 20, 2024. The comment period will close on April 24, 2024. The Board’s Policy Management Committee is tentatively scheduled to review public comments at its May 16, 2024 meeting. Read more. 

4. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources 

Learn More About the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

Watch the latest episode of To the Point to learn about the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and how it plans to positively impact MCPS and school systems across Maryland. The Blueprint’s five pillars include Early Childhood Education, High Quality and Diverse Teachers, College and Career Readiness, More Resources to Ensure All Students Are Successful, and Governance and Accountability. 

---

The Student Service Learning (SSL) Awards documentation deadline is Friday, April 5 to earn the High School Certificate of Meritorious Service for seniors who have 240 or more SSL hours and the Middle School Superintendent’s SSL Award for middle school students who have completed the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement for the first time. Visit the SSL website for information. 

---

RespectFest To Address Teen Violence and Relationships

RespectFest is a festival featuring online activities and an in-person event at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center on Sunday, April 7. RespectFest celebrates healthy relationships and raises awareness about unhealthy and abusive ones. Read more. 

---

Earth Day Event to Highlight First REACH Urban and Sustainability Farm 

Students are invited to participate in an Earth Day Urban Farm and Sustainability Hub volunteering and learning event starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22 at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School. 

RSVP here. 

Read more.

---

Come Out to the Youth Climate Summit April 13

Attention middle and high school students! MCPS is hosting the 3rd annual Youth Climate Summit from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Tilden Middle School. This event is designed to teach MCPS secondary students about climate change and equip them with the tools to create projects in their communities. Read more. 

5. Good News

NASA Astronauts Surprise Students at Rolling Terrace

Students at Rolling Terrace Elementary School received a big surprise just before spring break. Three National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts visited the school to talk about their experiences in our galaxy. Read more. 

---

In Case You Missed It: Youth Equity Events at MCPS

For two years, MCPS has partnered with Epic Art Universe to host Youth Equity Summits and smaller events called Kickbacks throughout the school year. These events give students a chance to hear firsthand accounts of the impacts of inequity, expand their network, and learn more about the work MCPS, Epic Art Universe and others are doing around equity.