Things to Know
for Thursday, Sept. 22

Here are seven things to know for Thursday, Sept. 22. They include information about new safety rules at MCPS athletic events, a student call for respect, free ESL classes for parents, information about Rockville Goes Purple, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and good news about an MCPS music teacher.

Watch video: https://youtu.be/78RPq1Krso8

1. Student-Athlete Leaders Call for Respectful Behavior at all MCPS Events
   The core values of the MCPS athletics program teach and reinforce respect and sportsmanship, academic excellence, integrity and character, spirited and safe competition, and equity and access. See this video in which MCPS students ask that spectators, athletes and adults reinforce these values by saying no to unruly and disrespectful behavior. 
   Follow these simple guidelines:

   • Applaud student-athletes for their efforts.
   • Accept the decisions of officials and coaches.
   • Appreciate all participants for their commitment.
   • Support school personnel in conducting a spirited and safe contest.
   • Maintain composure when breaks seem to go against your team.
   • Respect the rights of other spectators.
   • Reward sportsmanlike behavior through cheering.
   • Focus attention on the positive aspects of competition.
   • Encourage student-athletes by showing enthusiasm and positive recognition.
   • Demonstrate concern for the safety and welfare of student-athletes.

   • Report any negative or discriminatory comments or behaviors to school personnel.

   Students are asking fellow students for their input on how to keep games safe (Student Survey).

2. Enhanced Security Measures Announced for Athletic Events
   MCPS will implement a number of enhanced security measures at athletic events beginning tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 23. The district is committed to the safety and security of students, families and community members who want to enjoy various athletic contests, and will not tolerate the indefensible and violent behavior and actions that have occurred in the opening weeks of this fall season. These tiered actions will go into effect at all high school games beginning Sept. 23.

3. Olympian Tony Hoffman to Give Sept. 27 Talk About Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery
   Rockville Goes Purple will feature Tony Hoffman, an all-star athlete who went from prison to the Olympics. A former pro BMX rider and coach, Tony shares his story and the connection between his mental health, substance use and recovery, and explains what students, families, schools and communities can do to prevent or treat mental health and substance use disorders. This event is free and open to the public.
   When: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6-8:30 p.m.
   Where: Richard Montgomery High School Auditorium
   How: Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
   

4. Literacy Council Offers Free ESL Classes for MCPS Parents
   In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language classes for MCPS parents. The classes will be held virtually and in-person, and there are options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language. Parents can complete this interest form to receive a placement test.
   Parents with questions regarding class availability and the sign-up process should email Kevin Ralph from LCMC at kevin@lcmcmd.org or call 240-665-0471.

5. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
   The Board of Education has proclaimed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, MCPS schools will be celebrating the unique culture and traditions of students, teachers, staff and community members who trace their roots to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
   Learn more here.

6. Revised Personal Mobile Device Regulation in Place for MCPS Students
   The Montgomery County Board of Education has approved a revised regulation (COG-RA) concerning student possession and use of personal mobile devices. This update to the regulation aligns guidelines with current best practices and was developed collaboratively by a workgroup composed of staff, students and community members.
   Learn more.

7. GOOD NEWS: Kennedy High Music Teacher Wins Professional Achievement Award
   Congrats to Amanda Herold, instrumental music teacher at John F. Kennedy High School for being selected by the National Association for Music Education for the Professional Achievement Award, which recognized her outstanding dedication and commitment to the field of music education during her time as an undergraduate at Gettysburg College. You can read more about her award here and here.

Montgomery County Public Schools