5 Things to Know

1. Next Family Forum on Fentanyl & Life-Saving Narcan Training Set for Feb. 25
   In partnership with Montgomery Goes Purple, MCPS invites families to come out Saturday, Feb. 25 for an event and discussion on fentanyl. Panelists will share important information on the dangers and prevalence of illegally made fentanyl, prevention tools and protective factors for students, and resources for treatment when needed. The event will be from 9:30–11:30 a.m. in the Northwood High School auditorium, 919 University Blvd West in Silver Spring. Breakout discussions for students and parents/caregivers and students, resource fair, COVID-19 vaccinations and refreshments will be available. Panel and breakout sessions will be in English and Spanish. 
   RSVP
   Fentanyl Resources 

2. Nominations Open for Distinguished Service to Public Education Awards
   The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking nominations for its 26th Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards are sponsored by the Board to recognize and show appreciation to individuals, groups and organizations that have made exemplary contributions to public education in Montgomery County. Visit the Board’s Distinguished Service Awards website for categories and more information on how to nominate someone. Completed nomination forms must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 16.
   

3. Board of Education Seeking Comment on Two Policies
   The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking comments on two policies—Policy ABC, Parent and Family Involvement, and Policy BBB, Ethics.
   
   On Policy ABC, the Board is seeking comments on proposed amendments to update processes for parent/guardian engagement in decisions affecting their students and their students’ schools. The policy has been available for comment since Feb. 9, 2023. The public comment period will extend through Thursday, April 20. The draft amendments propose—

• Revisions to align with updated National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and findings from the MCPS Anti-Racist Audit final report.

• A name change to Policy ABC, Family-School Partnerships, to establish inclusive, culturally responsive and anti-racist processes for parent/guardian engagement in decisions affecting their students and their students’ schools.

  Language translations will be posted as soon as they are available.
  Read draft Policy ABC.
  Submit comments on Policy ABC.
  
  The Board has proposed technical amendments to Board Policy BBB, Ethics, to comply with recent changes to Maryland Ethics Law and the State Ethics Commission’s Model Policy. Additionally, the Board is seeking comments on additional revisions recommended by the Board’s Ethics Panel that provide clarification regarding gifts, teacher gifts and lobbying. The draft policy has been available for comment since Feb. 8, 2023. The public comment period will extend through March 4, 2023.
  Submit comments on Policy BBB.
  Policies for Public Comment webpage
  

4. Black History Month MCPS Stories: Margaret Simons 
   This Black History Month, we are sharing MCPS stories. This week, MCPS is highlighting former student Margaret Simons as she shares her experience during the era of school segregation and integration. Simons attended Carver High School before transferring to integrate Gaithersburg High School. Watch her story. 
   

5. Spotlighting Our Great Students and Staff
   

• When they are not playing basketball or performing at games, students from the Thomas S. Wootton High School basketball team and the poms squad volunteer their time at Fallsmead Elementary School. Watch how they are making a difference through the Wootton Cares reading and mentoring program.
  

• More than 100 students in grades 6-11 participated in a taste testing for school menu items. During the Taste of MCPS, students and staff evaluated innovative concepts and sampled new flavors. Their feedback will be incorporated in the menu development process for the next school year.

Montgomery County Public Schools