I am delighted to welcome you back to the start of a new and exciting school year! As we prepare to open our doors on August 13, 2024, I am enthusiastic and optimistic about the incredible journey ahead.
Our schools are more than just buildings; they are vibrant communities where our children grow, learn, and discover their passions Each new school year brings fresh opportunities for students to explore their interests, build lasting friendships, and achieve their full potential I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child in our district receives the highest quality education in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Over the summer, our dedicated teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to prepare for our students' return They have engaged in professional development, planned innovative lessons, and created welcoming classrooms Additionally, many of our buildings received upgrades and enhancements this summer. Our staff’s dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and I am grateful for their unwavering commitment to our students' success.
As parents, you play an essential role in your children's education Your support and involvement are key to their academic and personal growth I encourage you to stay connected with your child's teachers and community and actively participate in school events and activities. Together, we can create a strong partnership that fosters a love of learning and a sense of belonging for every student
This year, we will continue to focus on academic excellence, social-emotional wellbeing, and inclusivity. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive. With that in mind, please remember that cell phone use is prohibited during school hours
Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education I look forward to working together to make this school year a remarkable and fulfilling experience for all. Welcome back, and let's make this year the best one yet!
Warmest regards,
Bernard F Bagen, Jr Superintendent
Off and out of Sight New Student Cell Phone Policy
MCPS has implemented a new policy requiring students to power off and store their cell phones out of sight during the school day This includes other devices like smartwatches and headphones. These devices may only be used with prior written permission from the school’s principal. Some exceptions will apply.
MCPS wants to create an environment where all students can learn and achieve By eliminating cell phones, MCPS hopes to limit distractions in the classroom and foster the best learning environment possible
You can view the full student cell phone policy here:
Back to School Information from the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association has some tips for heading back to school with a healthy heart and mind. Take a look at the link below:
https://drive google com/file/d/1op8aQ2sRIM6CEsgTu_83prPKRF89tus0/view?usp=sharing
New Faces in New Places
Megan Hawley has recently taken on the role of principal at Margaret Beeks Elementary School, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective from her previous position at Auburn Elementary School We are excited to welcome her to her new position and look forward to the positive impact she will make
Carrie Webb is the new principal at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School, bringing with her an impressive 30-year tenure in elementary education Before this role, Carrie served with in both Prince William County Schools and Manassas City Schools, Her commitment to student success and her leadership skills are expected to significantly benefit the Gilbert Linkous Elementary School community.
Ann Mitchell has been appointed as the new Director of Elementary Education for MCPS. She is currently the principal at Falling Branch Elementary School. Her experience and leadership abilities make her the perfect fit for this position. She will begin this new position following the hiring of the next principal at FBES
Summer Projects Around MCPS
MCPS staff worked hard this summer to complete summer projects in time for the return to school on August 13 Check out Dr Bragen’s video showing off a few of work
Bus Routes
Bus routes for the 2024-2025 school year are posted on the MCPS website. Make sure your student knows where to go on the first day of school. Check out the link below for the full list of bus stops
https://www mcps org/departments/transportation
What’s Cookin’?
Breakfast and lunch menus for August and September are available on the MCPS Website Sodexo has crafted unique menus that offer many choices for each meal
https://www mcps org/departments/school-nutrition
Safe Gun Storage
In April, the MCPS School Board passed a resolution requiring MCPS to notify its families of their responsibility to safely secure guns out of the reach of children
Virginia Code 18.2-56.2. states:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a 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 ”
A copy of the notification sent to MCPS families is on the next page
Safe Gun Storage Letter
Dear Families,
Since 2020, firearms have been the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U S , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Firearm-related deaths have risen among children and teens since the pandemic began, increasing by 46% from 2019 to 2022 Also, suicides by firearm have increased over the past decade In 2022, 43% of all suicide deaths among children and teens involved firearms * Most of these deaths, as well as many firearm-related injuries, can be prevented through secure firearm storage.
Recently, the Montgomery County School Board passed a resolution directing me to work to increase awareness among our students, families, and staff about the importance of secure gun storage. Providing our students and staff in Montgomery County Public Schools with a safe educational environment remains our top priority students cannot learn if they do not feel safe.
Virginia law prohibits anyone from recklessly leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of 14.
Secure storage means keeping guns unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition Parents often think that kids don’t know where firearms are kept, or trust that kids won’t touch the firearms unsupervised, but research shows both of these assumptions are usually wrong
Use trigger locks or cable locks to prevent a firearm from firing Some locking devices offer a keypad while others can be opened with the owner’s fingerprint (known as biometric) There are affordable, with biometric cases starting as low as $80 There is also a potential $300 reimbursement (Virginia Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit) for the purchase of a gun safe
In addition to these practices, it is important to engage children and adolescents in conversations about the dangers associated with using firearms and what to do and not do in the event they access a firearm. Also ask about unsecured guns in other homes your children visit.**
All students and members of our school community deserve to feel safe. It is on all of us to work together to prevent firearm violence and to avoid the harm and tragedy that shootings of any kind can cause in the spaces in which we live, learn, work, and play.
Thank you for being a partner in these efforts
Sincerely,
Bernard F Bragen Jr , Superintendent
*Data sources: The Impact of Gun Violence on Children and Adolescents (KFF, Feb 2024) and Child and Teen Firearm Mortality in the U S and Peer Countries (KFF, Jul 2023)
