Superintendent’s Superintendent’s Corner Corner
Superintendent’s Update Superintendent’s Update
Dear MCPS Community,
Thank you for welcoming me back to Montgomery County Public Schools. This division is filled with great schools, staff, students, and families. In the last few weeks, I’ve been reminded of how special this school district is Montgomery County is where I began and ended my career in education, so it’s special for me to help lead the district that provided me with so many wonderful memories and experiences. I continue to be amazed at the talent and dedication of the staff and the enthusiasm of the students.
During this time of transition, I am excited and honored to lead our division. One of the many strengths of MCPS is our community’s commitment to education. Every person plays a vital role in helping prepare our students, and I look forward to connecting and engaging with all stakeholders in our community.
My focus will be on building upon the solid foundation already in place. I'll work to ensure our students have the tools and resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. I am dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels welcome, excited, and ready to learn.
Together, we can make the 2025-2026 school year one filled with joy, creativity, and growth. Thank you for entrusting me with your students, and I look forward to the continued success of MCPS.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lois T. Graham Acting Superintendent
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pcQoLLyqpQw
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ee4blGkbqO8
Curriculum & Instruction Update Curriculum & Instruction Update
Learning in Focus: A Message from the Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
As we transition into the fall season, this is a great time to check in on our students and their progress. We recognize that parents play a vital role in their child's education and development. At MCPS, we are dedicated to building strong partnerships with you. Together, we can create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every student can grow and thrive.
To help you stay connected, we encourage you to use the PowerSchool Parent Portal to review your child’s academic progress. September 12 marks the midpoint of the first nine-week grading period, making it an ideal time to log in and review your child's grades and assignments. If you have any questions or concerns about the start of the year, please don't hesitate to contact your child's teachers. Open communication is key to a successful school year.
As you work with and support your children, here are three key areas where your support can make a significant difference:
Prioritize Regular Attendance: September is Student Attendance Awareness Month for a good reason. Consistent school attendance is the foundation for academic achievement and personal growth. When students are in school, they can fully engage in classroom lessons and activities. They develop social skills through daily interactions with peers and teachers, which helps them learn to communicate, collaborate, and build relationships. Finally, regular attendance builds a sense of routine and responsibility that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Encourage Active Participation: Beyond just showing up, we want to see students actively involved in their learning. Encourage your child to ask questions, participate in discussions, and embrace the learning process. Our cell phone-free environment helps students focus on their work and engage more fully with their peers and teachers.
Curriculum & Instruction Update Curriculum & Instruction Update
Embrace Extracurricular Activities: School is about more than just academics. Encourage your child to join a sports team, a club, or other extracurricular activity. These opportunities allow students to discover new interests, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.
By prioritizing a focus on active learning, we can work together to support the success of all students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda C. Weidner
Interim Assistant Superintendent
Code of Conduct
Over the summer, the MCPS School Board approved changes to the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.
A summary of the major changes is below:
The definition of possession includes “Holding items for someone” (Substance Abuse-Use and/or Possession of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs)
The definition of distribution includes “Sharing items between students” (Substance Abuse-Use and/or Possession of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs)
Threat Assessments now encompass threats made outside school hours
Law enforcement K-9 searches may be conducted on vehicles, lockers, and unattended bags
The policy includes “bullets, shells, or other ammunition” as weapons violations
The full Code of Conduct can be found at: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/mcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CT9QEW65CC39
manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of fourteen. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.”
https://www.mcps.org/page/gun-safety
Kipps Shares Heartfelt Message
https://www youtube com/watch?v=AnkihEtefCI
Equity Update Equity Update
As we begin the school year, September offers us a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect on the diverse stories and shared values that define our nation. This month, our students and staff have the chance to learn about the resilience, bravery, and collective heritage that make the United States a strong and vibrant country.
Here are a few important observances we can reflect on this month: Patriot Day is observed annually to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. It’s a day to reflect on the immense courage of first responders, the unwavering strength of communities, and the importance of coming together during moments of hardship. We remember those we lost and reaffirm our commitment to unity and resilience
September 12th is National Police Woman's Day. We recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of women in law enforcement. This day highlights the bravery, dedication, and service of policewomen who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. It also underscores the progress made toward gender equality in policing and encourages continued support for women pursuing careers in this field.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of the rich histories, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This year's theme, "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," provides a powerful framework for our classrooms. It emphasizes the shared history that connects Hispanic and Latine communities, honors their past achievements, and looks toward their ongoing influence in shaping our future. National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15th to October 15th each year.
We encourage all students and families to join us in honoring these observances and to reflect on the diverse heritage that enriches our school community and our country.
Stacie Wright Director of Equity and Diversity
Be The First To Know
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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.
Laura Altizer - AHS
Eliana Carson - BHS
Jasmyn Charlton - CHS
Cyrus Underwood - EMHS
