Superintendent's Corner May 2025

Superintendent’s Corner

May 2025

Superintendent’s Update Dear MCPS Community, As the end of the 2024-2025 school year approaches, I want to reflect on all that we have accomplished together and to thank you, our students, families, educators, staff, and community partners, for your commitment, resilience, and unwavering support.

This year has been filled with moments of growth, innovation, and learning. Our students have achieved great things inside and outside the classroom, from academic milestones and artistic performances to athletic achievements and community engagement. Behind each success is a team of dedicated teachers, support staff, administrators, and families working in partnership to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

We’ve continued to make strides in our strategic priorities, yet we know there is still more work ahead. We remain committed to listening, improving, and growing as a district to meet the evolving needs of our students and staff.

As summer approaches, I encourage our students to rest, recharge, and explore.

Whether it's through reading, volunteering, pursuing a passion, or spending time with loved ones, I hope this break offers space for joy and discovery. Thank you to our educators and staff for your tireless efforts this year. Your dedication is vital to the success of MCPS. We are already looking ahead to the 2025-2026 school year with excitement. Our focus remains clear in supporting every student to reach their full potential and preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and enriching summer.

Sincerely,

Bernard F. Bragen, Jr. Ed.D Superintendent

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Celebrating Service MCPS recently recognized 41 retirees for their combined 1,003.5 years of service to MCPS. The annual MCPS Retirement Dinner allowed for fellowship, stories and a big “thank you” for years of dedication to MCPS students.

EMHS Class of 2025 Leave Its Mark Every year, the EMHS graduating class paints a mural in the building.

These murals help paint the picture of each graduating class. This video shows off the progress being made on the EMHS Class of 2025 mural.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Z6IroL7l1eo

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Curriculum & Instruction Update A Fond Farewell and a Last Word of Encouragement to Families Dear Families, As this school year winds down and summer peeks just around the corner, I want to share some personal news: after more than thirty wonderful years in public education, I will be retiring at the end of this school year. Serving students, working alongside educators, and supporting families has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life. I am deeply grateful for every partnership, every challenge, and every success we’ve shared along the way.

Over the decades, I’ve learned countless lessons, but one in particular has stayed with me—one I hope you’ll carry with you, too: no matter how busy life gets, the time you spend with your children is the most powerful gift you can give them.

I know this isn’t easy. So many parents are juggling long hours, multiple jobs, and endless responsibilities. I’ve met parents who felt guilt for not being able to volunteer at school, attend every performance, or make every bedtime story. But I’ve also seen how even small, meaningful moments can make a world of difference in a child’s life.

With summer approaching, now is the perfect time to think creatively about how to carve out time together. You don’t need a lavish vacation or expensive camp experiences to make this summer count. Here are a few simple, memorable ways to connect as a family: Start a family book club: Pick a book you can all enjoy and set aside time each week to read and talk about it together. Our local libraries offer free summer reading programs with prizes and activities.

Cook a meal together once a week: Let your child help plan the menu, shop for ingredients, and prepare the meal. It’s a great way to build skills and share conversation in the kitchen.

Go on mini adventures: Whether it’s a bike ride on the Huckleberry Trail, a picnic in one of our county’s beautiful parks, or a walk through a different neighborhood, getting outside together—even for an hour—can refresh and reconnect you.

Create tech-free time: Designate a time each evening where everyone unplugs.

Play a board game, chase lightning bugs, or simply talk about your day. These small rituals build lifelong bonds.

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Curriculum & Instruction Update Give children a chance to lead: Ask them what they’d love to do this summer— and follow their lead when possible. When children of any age feel heard and valued, their confidence soars.

You don't have to be perfect, and you certainly don’t have to do it all. But if there’s one thing I’ve seen time and time again, it’s that the presence of a caring adult—especially a parent—can help a child flourish, no matter the circumstance.

As I step into retirement, I do so with immense hope for the future of our children.

You—our families—are the most important educators in your child’s life. Thank you for your partnership, your perseverance, and your unwavering love for your children.

Wishing you a joyful, connected, and restful summer.

Sincerely, Barbara M. Wickham, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

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Teacher Appreciation Week MCPS recently celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week across the division.

Our dedicated teachers and staff play a vital role to the success of MCPS and we’re proud to have a great team leading the charge in education. Thank you teachers, for all that you do.

https://youtu.be/l2CfA4JSPfE

Choose Respect In alignment with the MCPS Hate Speech Policy, the MCPS Administration Team is encouraging our students to use kind words, and to build bridges, not barriers with word choice.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/mcps/Boar d.nsf/goto?open&id=DE4R8G6CC20A

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Equity Update May Moments: Celebrating Heritage, History & Heroes May is a special month in our schools and communities—a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of our country and honor the people who’ve helped shape it.

From cultural pride to national remembrance, there are many reasons to come together this month to learn, appreciate, and reflect.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month During May, we celebrate the amazing cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

From the Pacific Islands to East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, AANHPI people have helped shape America in countless ways—from building the transcontinental railroad to inspiring art, music, and innovation.

Did you know? The first Japanese immigrant arrived in the U.S. in May 1843, and over 15,000 Chinese workers helped build the railroad completed on May 10, 1869! Today, over 20 million AANHPI Americans call the U.S. home.

Jewish American Heritage Month Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a time to recognize the rich culture, traditions, and achievements of Jewish Americans throughout history. From science and education to civil rights and the arts, Jewish Americans have contributed so much to our country.

This month also helps us understand and stand up against antisemitism by learning about Jewish history, identity, and community life.

Let’s celebrate the creativity, strength, and spirit of Jewish Americans—past and present!

Haitian Heritage Month May is also Haitian Heritage Month! It's a joyful celebration of Haiti’s vibrant culture, powerful history, and the strong Haitian communities across the U.S. Haitian culture blends African, Taino, and French traditions, reflected in their colorful art, music, dancing, food, and language. May 18 is Haitian Flag Day, a major celebration both in Haiti and here in the U.S., especially in places like Florida and New York.

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Equity Update Let’s join in the celebration and learn about the first Black republic in the world to gain independence!

Memorial Day – Honoring Our Heroes At the end of the month, we pause for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. This is a day to remember and honor the brave men and women who died serving in the U.S. military. From its origins after the Civil War to today, Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

Families often visit memorials, attend parades, or simply take a moment of silence to reflect. It’s also a great opportunity to talk with kids about gratitude and the importance of service.

Let’s Celebrate, Learn, and Reflect This May From honoring heritage to remembering heroes, May is full of meaningful moments. In our classrooms, hallways, and homes, we invite everyone to explore new cultures, share stories, and appreciate the strength found in diversity.

Together, we make our school community a place where every voice matters.

Resources: nps.gov/subjects/aapiheritage jewishheritagemonth.gov nationaltoday.com/haitian-heritage-month asomf.org/the-history-of-memorial-day As I prepare to retire from my role as Director of Equity and Diversity, I am filled with deep gratitude for the journey we've taken together. It has been a true honor to stand beside you in this meaningful work—listening, learning, and leading with both purpose and heart.

Guylene Wood-Setzer

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Be The First To Know MCPS has a new app. Download the “MCPS - VA” app for the latest alerts and happenings around MCPS. You can follow specific school and district alerts, school calendars and more.

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.

Jocelyn Lucas - AHS Anthony Du - BHS Samuel Seife - CHS McKinzie Starkey - EMHS

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