Welcome Back, and Happy New Year! 

January 2, 2023

Dear MCPS Community,

I hope you and your families are enjoying this warm, sunny New Year, and that you’ve had a chance to relax and reflect throughout the winter break.  My personal resolution for 2023 is to continually recommit to the importance of the work we do together in service to our students and ultimately for the future of our community.

In a message sent before winter break, we asked that you remain vigilant and aware of the potential impact of the respiratory diseases (Influenza, RSV and COVID-19) circulating in our community. These illnesses may pose a combined challenge to our local healthcare system across our region following the holiday season. We need everyone’s help to reduce the impact on school operations in these first few weeks following winter break. Remember, protective measures still apply – keeping up with vaccinations, practicing healthy habits to prevent the spread of illness, and staying home if you are sick. 

While we are excited to be back in school and for learning to continue on Tuesday, Jan. 3, we can only do this if we take care of ourselves and each other. 

As noted in a message from our Chief Operating Officer, the impact of staff call-outs due to illness may affect bus routes or may mean we have substitute teachers in some classrooms. We will continue to provide updates and communicate regarding any changes; when we do we will provide that information as necessary via ConnectED, on social media, and on the MCPS homepage. Also, the Bus Dashboard is updated every morning and throughout the day with any delays or cancellations. 

Now, as we look ahead, let’s continue as we started our school year, namely, “All Together Now.” We will meet our challenges and grow as a community through a deep sense of collaboration and togetherness. I know you share this same commitment. 

All year long, I have experienced optimism, resilience, and perseverance in all my school visits. Staff and students yearn for a return to normal, and we are well on our way to that. There is renewed excitement and I am so pleased to see this happen.

To each and every one of you in Montgomery County, I wish you all my very best wishes for the new year and the remainder of the school year.

In partnership,

Dr. Monifa B. McKnight
Superintendent of Schools