Superintendent’s Corner
Superintendent’s Update
Dear MCPS Families, Staff, and Community,
As we approach the final stretch of the 2024–25 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the exciting events that lie ahead April is a time of renewed energy, growth, and celebration throughout Montgomery County Public Schools. The ever-longer days indicate that summer is near, and perhaps the warmer weather will be here to stay.
Across all our schools, students and staff are working hard to finish the academic year with focus and determination The season of SOL assessments and AP Exams is beginning, and I encourage our students to stay committed, ask questions, and continue giving their best effort as we head into the final weeks of learning, testing, and preparation for next year. I know we will finish strong, as we always do.
Spring Sports and Student Achievements
Spring sports are in full swing, and we are proud to cheer on our student-athletes as they compete with pride and sportsmanship. From lacrosse, soccer to track and field, tennis to baseball and softball our teams are representing their schools with excellence, and we’ve already seen several exciting wins and personal bests Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches for their dedication and success!
Graduation Season Approaching
We are also preparing for one of the most meaningful times of the year graduation. Please mark your calendars for these important dates as we honor the Class of 2025 and their accomplishments:
Auburn High School – May 24, 3:00 PM (on-site)
Blacksburg High School – May 24, 11:45 AM (Cassell Coliseum, VT)
Christiansburg High School – May 24, 8:30 AM (Cassell Coliseum, VT)
Eastern Montgomery High School – May 23, 6:30 PM (on-site)
We look forward to celebrating our graduates and their bright futures ahead!
CHS Renovation Update
We’re pleased to report that the Christiansburg High School renovation project is progressing nicely and on schedule. This transformation will provide modern, flexible learning spaces and upgraded facilities for generations of Blue Demons to come Thank you to our community for your continued support as we invest in the future of education in Montgomery County We anticipate having students move into the newly constructed section for the start of the new school year more information will follow in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to our students’ success Together, we’ll continue to build a strong, supportive, and inspiring educational environment for all
Sincerely,
Bernard F Bragen, Jr , Ed D
CHS Cosmetology Learning By Experience
https://youtube.com/shorts/N1ePtHg5Z24
The Christiansburg High School Cosmetology program is teaching preparing students for careers immediately after graduation. Students who pass the exam will be earn their cosmetology licenses. While training up their skills, the students offer a multitude of services to the public. If you're interested in booking an appointment reach out to rebeccafore@mcps.org.
Auburn National Golf Club
Students in the Auburn High School materials and processes class built their own mini golf holes.
Curriculum & Instruction Update
Dear Families,
As we enter the final quarter of the school year, many of us are beginning to think about summer warmer weather, more flexible schedules, child-care, and well-deserved breaks from the school-day routine. It’s also a time when questions about screen time, especially gaming, tend to surface. As a fellow parent and an educator, I understand both the appeal and the concerns that come with today’s digital world
The Good News First
Not all gaming is bad. In fact, when used in moderation and with purpose, video games can have some real benefits. Many games improve hand-eye coordination and even foster collaboration when kids play with their friends Gaming can create a sense of community and belonging, allowing students to connect with peers who share a common interest Students learn to analyze situations, anticipate opponents' moves, and adapt strategies, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Some educational games can reinforce academic skills in fun, engaging ways and let’s face it, sometimes our kids learn best when they don’t even realize they’re learning!
Certain types of games can also serve as creative outlets Games like Minecraft encourage building, design, and imagination Strategy-based games require planning and critical thinking. And for some children, especially those who may struggle in traditional learning settings, gaming can offer a sense of achievement and confidence.
But A Word of Caution
Of course, we also know that too much screen time, especially when it comes to gaming, can become a challenge. Extended hours in front of screens can interfere with sleep, physical activity, and family interactions. Some games, particularly those with aggressive or competitive content, can lead to frustration or behavioral changes if not managed carefully Be sure to check the settings on your child’s games and devices to ensure they are not interacting with strangers online, and talk regularly with them about digital safety and responsible behavior.
As we begin thinking about and planning for summer break, I encourage you to set clear boundaries around screen use Talk with your child about what they’re playing and why they enjoy it Set reasonable time limits and consider creating a daily routine that includes screen-free activities outdoor play, reading, creative projects, volunteering, or even exploring local camps and enrichment programs.
Finding the Balance
As with most things, the key is balance Allow your child the space to unwind and enjoy their favorite games, but also guide them toward a well-rounded summer experience Encourage face-to-face time with friends, family outings, and moments of boredom that spark creativity.
Curriculum & Instruction Update
Perhaps you and your family watched the 2023 movie Gran Turismo, which was based on a true story and follows Jann Mardenborough, a skilled Gran Turismo gamer who wins a series of virtual racing competitions that lead to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a professional race car driver His story is a compelling example of how gaming, when paired with determination and real-world opportunities, can open surprising doors While not every game leads to the racetrack, stories like this remind us of the potential that lies within our children’s interests when nurtured with balance and purpose.
In the coming weeks, our schools will be sharing information about summer learning opportunities both academic and enrichment-based to help support your child’s continued growth and success.
Wishing you a strong finish to the school year and a safe, balanced, and joyful summer ahead
All the best,
Barbara M Wickham, Ed D Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Book Fair With Local Flare
Gilbert Linkous Elementary School partnered with Blacksburg Books to provide GLES families with a local book fair experience. The books choices were hand picked according to student interests. The event was capped off with a family social with book choices for the entire family and meals provided by Hethwood Market.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YBmZy-AOGWw
Future Chefs Take Center Stove
The MCPS Nutrition team in partnership with Sodexo hosted the Future Chefs competition at Christiansburg High School. Fourth and fifth grade students put their skills to the test by making their favorite recipe. The winning meal...Pizza Chicken!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcF1DCIW6bE
Equity Update
April Celebrations: Honoring Heritage, Culture & Inclusion
April is a month of celebration, reflection, and appreciation as we recognize the diverse cultural and historical observances that enrich our school community From honoring the contributions of Arab Americans to embracing the renewal of Vaisakhi, the advocacy of Deaf History Month, and the traditions of Passover and Easter, this month offers an opportunity to learn and celebrate together.
National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM)
This month, we honor the culture, history, and contributions of Arab Americans, whose ancestry spans 22 nations across the Middle East and North Africa. Arab Americans have impacted fields such as education, technology, medicine, and the arts.
Each year, cultural institutions, schools, and public officials recognize this month with proclamations, events, and educational initiatives. The Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, remains the only cultural institution in the U.S. dedicated to preserving Arab American history.
Vaisakhi: A Celebration of Renewal and Community
Originally a harvest festival in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, Vaisakhi became a significant religious event in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, the Sikh brotherhood Today, Sikh communities celebrate with colorful parades, processions, and religious ceremonies, with many choosing this special day to be baptized into the Sikh faith
For Hindus, Vaisakhi marks the start of the solar new year and is observed with charitable acts, social gatherings, and ritual bathing in rivers The festival is a time of renewal, gratitude, and togetherness, reminding us of the importance of tradition and community
National Deaf History Month
National Deaf History Month recognizes the history, achievements, and contributions of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community While not yet a federally recognized holiday, it serves as a time to raise awareness about accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy
Key milestones include:
1817 – The founding of the American School for the Deaf, the first public school for deaf students, in West Hartford, Connecticut
1864 – The establishment of Gallaudet University, the first and only higher education institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, by President Abraham Lincoln.
1988 – The “Deaf President Now” movement, which led to the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, marked a turning point in deaf advocacy. The observance began in 1996 when two deaf employees at a Washington, D.C., library started teaching sign language to colleagues. Since then, advocacy organizations have worked to increase awareness and federal recognition. This month, students are encouraged to explore the rich history of the deaf community, learn about American Sign Language (ASL), and support efforts to build a more inclusive society.
Equity Update
Passover: A Celebration of Freedom and Family
Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish spring festival that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt over 3,000 years ago It is a time for storytelling, reflection, and togetherness
One of the most important traditions of Passover is the seder, a special home service featuring a festive meal Families and friends gather on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, guided by the Haggadah, which recounts the Israelites' journey to freedom through prayers, readings, rituals, and songs
A key element of Passover is the prohibition against eating chametz (leavened bread) Instead, Jewish families eat matzah, an unleavened bread symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt
The festival lasts seven or eight days, depending on community customs In Israel and for most Reform Jews, it is celebrated for seven days, while many other Jewish communities observe it for eight
Easter: A Celebration of Hope and Renewal
Easter, also known as Pascha, is the most significant Christian feast, commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. This joyous occasion follows Lent, a forty-day period of fasting and reflection.
While Easter is central to Christian faith, its celebrations have expanded beyond religious observance. Many cultures blend sacred traditions with festive customs, including decorating Easter eggs, organizing egg hunts, and gathering with family.
In many countries, Easter is a public holiday, with nations like Australia, Germany, and Ireland also observing Easter Monday. The holiday’s message of hope, renewal, and love resonates across generations, offering a time for reflection and celebration.
Celebrating Diversity in Our Schools
As we honor these important cultural and historical observances, let’s take time to learn, appreciate, and foster respect for the traditions that shape our diverse school community
Whether through classroom discussions, family conversations, or school events, April offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural fabric of our world
EMES Zen Den Makes Headlines
The new “Zen Den” at Eastern Montgomery Elementary School is providing students and staff a place to help their mental and emotional wellbeing. Check out this story from WDBJ7 below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZxdtMcY-l4
Seniors of the Month
Congratulations to our Seniors of the Month. These students were recognized for their hard work at a recent school board meeting.
Auburn High School – Benjamin Watson
Blacksburg High School – Grace Lafon
Christiansburg High School - Abigail Hewitt
Eastern Montgomery High School – will be recognized next month
Celebrating Stellar Staff
Congratulations to Dawn LaPuasa! She was named the MCPS Operational Leader of the Year. Dawn currently serves as the supervisor of personnel for MCPS.
Congratulations to Dr. Megan Hawley! She was named the MCPS Instructional Leader of the Year. She currently serves as the principal at Margaret Beeks Elementary School.
