Summer Adventures in Learning

Are you looking for a way to keep your child engaged and learning over the long summer break? Then consider the Summer Adventures in Learning Program! Twenty-six Title I MCPS elementary schools will offer a free, four-week-long summer learning opportunity for students in kindergarten through fifth grade from July 9 to August 2. The program features a four-hour instructional day of reading, language arts and mathematics. It is designed to reinforce what your child learned throughout the school year and provide a head start on the upcoming one. Bus transportation and free breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register for the program at your child’s school.

A similar program for middle school students also will be offered in July. Interested parents should contact the Middle School Extended Year Coordinator at their local middle school for more information.

Extended Learning Opportunities

Superintendent's Book Club Event Set for May 21

Superintendent Joshua Starr will host his second Book Club discussion of the school year on Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Dr., in Rockville.

The book club will discuss Cage-Busting Leadership by Frederick M. Hess. Joining Dr. Starr for the discussion will be the author, who is the director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute; Marc Cohen, principal at Seneca Valley High School; Bonnie Cullison, Delegate in the Maryland General Assembly, and Vice President for Programs of the NEA Foundation; and Ronnie Galvin, executive director of IMPACT Silver Spring. Parents, staff, students and community members who wish to be a part of the studio audience are asked to RSVP to pio@mcpsmd.org. Viewers at home can participate by watching online or on MCPS TV and sending questions by Twitter (using the hashtag #mcpsbookclub) and email (ask@mcpsbookclub.org).

Book Club

New Lineup of Parent Academy Workshops

Don’t miss the broad array of topics that will be covered this spring at the MCPS Parent Academy. These free workshops offer helpful tips and resources to parents on issues such as cybersafety and social media, effective parenting skills, and preparing for postsecondary education.

Workshop schedule and registration information

Donate to Drive for Supplies

Encourage your children to clean out their lockers, book bags, desks and closets and donate their usable school supplies to families in need through the annual Drive for Supplies campaign. Drive for Supplies also is an opportunity to educate students about recycling. The collected supplies are donated to MCPS schools, and local and international nonprofit groups.

Contact your child’s school to find out if the school is participating. For more information, call the Student Affairs Office at 301-444-8620 or visit the Drive for Supplies website.

Save the Date: Back to School Fair Set for Aug. 24

Make the MCPS Back-to-School Fair part of your fun this summer. The fair will be held Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville. The fair is a great way for families to learn about school system programs and services, while enjoying music, entertainment and children’s activities.

Back-to-School Fair Website

When is Graduation?

The 2013 high school commencement season is set to begin on Friday, May 24, and will end on Wednesday, June 12.

Graduation dates and locations for every high school

“Dig into Reading” This Summer

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) invites children from birth through age 18 to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Program, which will run June 1-August 11. Registration will be available online and at any MCPL library starting June 1. Various prizes, including book bags and USB flash drives, will be awarded upon completion of the program. Each child will also receive a Frederick Keys baseball ticket voucher. Participants can keep track of the books they read or have read to them online.

MCPL

2013 Summer Youth Programs

Montgomery College is offering more than 200 programs for youth from kindergarten through 12th grade on all three campuses (Rockville, Germantown and Takoma Park/Silver Spring). Classes include 3-D Geometry, Explore the Magic of Reading, Writing and Technology, Super Software Mania and It’s Up for Debate.

The summer program runs from June 17- August 16. Before- and after-care is provided to accommodate parent schedules. Some financial assistance is available to students who qualify for Free and Reduced-price Meals. The deadline to apply is May 24.

Register online

Summer Youth Programs brochure

2013 Special Education Parent Involvement Survey

Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services are asked to complete the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey this month. The survey was sent from the Maryland State Department of Education in April. The information you provide will help guide the state's efforts in improving special education and related services in public schools. The survey also can be completed online; instructions on how to do so are included in the packet. To learn more, visit www.marylandlearninglinks.org.

Learn More about the Middle School Magnet Consortium

Parents of Grade 4 students are invited to an informational meeting to learn about the three Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) school options and the Choice process. The Choice process takes place in the fall of a student’s Grade 5 year. The meeting will take place on Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. at Wheaton High School, 12601 Dalewood Dr. in Silver Spring.

Middle School Magnet Consortium

Student Auto and Computer Sale Set for May 11

Don’t miss the final student-run sale of the school year! Students in the MCPS Automotive Trades Foundation and Information Technology Foundation programs will sell refurbished cars and computers from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Thomas Edison High School of Technology, 12501 Dalewood Dr. in Silver Spring. The items for sale are tested by students as part of their classroom studies.

For information on the cars, call Mike Snyder at 301-929-2164. For more information on the computers, call John Brewer at 301-929-6975. Proceeds will benefit the Montgomery Students Automotive Trades and Information Technology foundations.

Automotive Trades Foundation

Information Technology Foundation

Libraries to Host ADHD Programs This Month

Montgomery County Public Libraries, in partnership with Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), will host free workshops for parents on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The sessions will take place:

Thursday, May 2
Germantown Library
19840 Century Blvd, Germantown
7-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4
Marilyn J. Praisner Library
14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
1-2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 7
Quince Orchard Library
15831 Quince Orchard Blvd
Gaithersburg, MD
7-8:30 p.m.

Registration is available online.

Montgomery County Public Libraries

Don’t Forget

All Student Service Learning hours (SSL) completed during the second semester must be turned into your child’s SSL coordinator no later than June 7.

Student Service Learning

Registration for 2013 high school and elementary summer school programs is underway. For high school programs, students should register through their school-based counselor. The first session runs from June 24-July 12; the second session runs from July 16-August 2. Visit the high school summer school website for more details.

For elementary programs, parents must use the mail-in registration form that is available on the elementary summer school website. The session starts on July 9 and ends August 2.

College Fair Events Coming This Month

MCPS students and parents are encouraged to attend three events in April that will help them prepare for college:

The annual Montgomery County National College Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18, at the Agricultural Center, 16 Chestnut St. in Gaithersburg. This free event will feature representatives from dozens of colleges and universities, and provides resources to students and parents navigating the college admissions process. The fair runs 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on both days as well as from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The fair is free and open to all students in grades 8-12 and their parents. More information.

The College Preparation and Scholarship Fair will be held on Saturday, April 27, 1-4 p.m. at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), 9630 Gudelsky Dr. in Rockville. The fair is targeted to students in Grades 6-10 and their parents. College students (MCPS graduates), representatives from colleges and universities, and individuals representing a variety of careers will be available to offer insight and answer questions. There will be workshop sessions on several topics, as well as information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Students and families also will have an opportunity to tour the USG campus. Registration is recommended, as space is limited. Register through the MCPS Parent Academy website or call 301-279-3100.

Maximizing the High School Experience
On Tuesday, April 30, the MCPS Parent Academy will host a workshop on how students can earn college credits and participate in internships while in high school. During the session, parents will learn about strategies, experiences and opportunities for students to maximize their high school experience. The workshop is 7-8:30 p.m. at Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School, 11800 Monticello Avenue in Silver Spring.

Parent Academy

Stay Informed About the MCPS FY 2014 Operating Budget

The Montgomery County Council will hold public hearings on the operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 (July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014), which includes the budget for Montgomery County Public Schools. This is a chance to share your thoughts about how our schools are funded with county leaders. The hearings will be held:

• Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Thursday, April 11, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

To testify at one of these hearings, call 240-777-7803.

The Montgomery County Board of Education has requested a $2.2 billion budget for FY 2014, an increase of $57.5 million over the current budget. The Board's request is just $10 million-less than 0.7 percent-above the mandatory state funding floor. Learn more about the Board's request on the MCPS Budget Website.

Kindergarten Orientation Season Underway

The 2013 Kindergarten orientation season kicks off this month. During orientation, parents and students will meet the school principal, kindergarten teachers and other staff members.

The sessions-scheduled at every elementary school between April 3 and May 24-are for children who will be five years old by September 1, 2013 and their parents. Parents should call their home school to make an appointment to register for that school's specific date(s). Parents who are not sure which elementary school serves their area should contact the Boundaries Office at 240-314-4710 or access the School Assignment Locator on the MCPS website. For more information, call the Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services at 301-230-0691.

2013 Kindergarten Orientation Schedule

Kindergarten Information

Take the "5th Grade Challenge"

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Foundation invites you to join local dignitaries and community leaders for a night of fun and celebration at one of three "Are You Ready for the 5th Grade Challenge?" events in April. The events will test local celebrity contestants on their knowledge of Grade 5 facts. Students from 68 MCPS elementary schools will participate in the events. Proceeds will directly support the mission of the MCPS Foundation, which provides grants, programs and scholarships that improve educational opportunities for MCPS students. The "5th Grade Challenge" events will be held:

• Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m., at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus
• Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m., at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda
• Monday, April 29, 6 p.m., at the Olney Theater Center for the Arts, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Road in Olney

For more information and ticket information visit this website.

Elementary Immersion Program Applications Now Available

MCPS offers elementary foreign language immersion programs in Chinese, French and Spanish. The programs begin in kindergarten. The application deadline for the 2013-2014 school year is April 12. For more information about elementary immersion programs and to download the Immersion Interest Form, or visit the Special Programs website.

Summer School Registration Begins April 3

Registration for 2013 high school and elementary summer school programs begins April 3.

For high school programs, students should register through their school-based counselor. Programs will be offered at four locations: John F. Kennedy, Rockville, Seneca Valley and Springbrook high schools. The first session runs from June 24-July 12; the second session runs from July 16-August 2. Visit the high school summer school website for more details on the registration process.

For elementary programs, parents must use the mail-in registration form that is available on the elementary summer school website. The program will be offered at Bethesda, Fairland, Germantown and Rock View elementary schools. The session starts on July 9 and ends August 2.

Parents should contact the Summer School Coordinator at their child's school for information on The Middle School Program, which is operated independently of the Regional Summer School Program.

Summer School 2013

Learn about High School and Middle School Options

Parents of Grade 7 students who live in or attend middle schools in the Northeast Consortium (NEC) are invited to attend an informational meeting about high school Consortia options, application programs and the Choice process. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 22, at Springbrook High School, 201 Valleybrook Dr. in Silver Spring.

Parents of Grade 7 students in the Downcounty Consortium (DCC) are invited to attend a similar informational meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 29, at Wheaton High School, 12601 Dalewood Dr. in Silver Spring.

The Choice process takes place in the fall of a student's eighth grade year. Parents of Grade 4 students who live in or attend school in the Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) are invited to attend an informational meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Wheaton High School. During the meeting, parents will learn about Consortia options, application programs and the Choice process. The Choice process takes place in the fall of a student's fifth grade year.

More information is available on the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services website.

Deadline to Accept or Appeal Highly Gifted Center Decisions is April 12

The deadline to accept an invitation to a program or to submit a Level I appeal is Friday, April 12. Appeal letters can be faxed to 301-649-8155 or mailed to: Division of Consortia Choice, Spring Mill Field Office, 11721 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902. Appeal decisions will be made in early May.

Highly Gifted Centers

Board of Education Seeks Comment on Two Policies

On March 12, the Board of Education tentatively adopted Policy ABA, Community Involvement, and Policy IGN, Combating Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. Policy ABA reflects the Board's commitment to fostering and supporting community interest and involvement in MCPS. Policy IGN provides a framework for creating and maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning, and working within MCPS that is free of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants. You can read the draft policies on the MCPS website.

The Board is seeking your input on the revised policies. Individuals who wish to provide comments on either policy should respond in writing by May 7. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 122, Rockville, Maryland 20850 or sent by email to the Board of Education at boe@mcpsmd.org. All responses will be shared with the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools.

Student Emerging Leaders Program Deadline is May 3

The Student Emerging Leaders Program, a partnership of MCPS and the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education (MCBRE), is designed to nurture student interest in national, state and local government by inspiring students to become the next generation of black and Hispanic leaders. The program engages students through a mentoring relationship, peer-to-peer meetings and student debate.

Current 9th graders (rising sophomores) can read more about the program and apply for the 2013-2014 year here.

The application deadline is Friday, May 3.

Election for Student Member of the Board to be Held April 24

Remind your secondary students to vote in the upcoming election for the new Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) on Wednesday, April 24.

The two finalists are Justin Kim, a junior at Poolesville High School, and Andrew Zhang, a junior at Richard Montgomery High School. Visit the SMOB website for more information and to read their platforms.

Earn SSL Hours While Helping the Environment

Earth Day is April 22 and MCPS students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours while participating in worthwhile activities with family and friends. Visit the Montgomery Serves website for a complete list of Earth Day activities.

Play Ball With The Miracle League

The Montgomery County Recreation Department is accepting registrations for the Miracle League. The Miracle League provides opportunities for children with special needs to play baseball. The league fosters a supportive environment that provides every player with the opportunity to hit the ball, run the bases and be a winner. The field, located on the Washington Miracle Fields in South Germantown Park, is made of a cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other ambulatory assistance devices. Visit the Department of Recreation's website for more information.

Board of Education Approves Budget Request for Next School Year

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved a $2.23 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Operating Budget for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The budget represents a 2.65 percent increase over the current budget and is less than 0.7 percent above the minimum funding floor required by state law.

The budget is focused on three key areas-managing the district's continued enrollment growth, re-energizing efforts to narrow the achievement gap, and preparing for the future. The budget invests in strategic areas, including mathematics instruction, middle schools, professional development and more.

County Executive Isiah Leggett is expected to release his FY 2014 budget recommendation on March 15. The County Council will hold several public hearings in advance of approving a final budget for MCPS in May. Stay engaged and informed on the budget by visiting the MCPS Budget website and let your voice be heard.

Press Release on the Budget

2013 Parent Engagement Survey

This month, a random sampling of MCPS parents will be asked to complete a confidential, online survey that focuses on their perception of their child's school and education. If you are selected, you will receive a notice in the mail with instructions on how to complete the survey online. The information you provide will help our schools better understand your involvement in your child's education and improve connections between schools and families.

The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. It will be available March 1 through May 24. Contact the Office of Shared Accountability at 301-279-3848 for more information.

College Prep Fair to be Held April 27

A free College Preparation and Scholarship Fair will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), 9630 Gudelsky Dr. in Rockville. The fair is targeted to students in grades 6-10 and their parents. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet representatives from various colleges and universities, learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities and attend informative breakout sessions. There also will be a tour of the USG campus.

Registration is recommended and can be completed through the MCPS Parent Academy website. Contact the Division of Family and Community Partnerships at 301-279-3100 for more information.

Superintendent's Leadership Program Seeks Applicants

All rising seniors with a 3.2 grade point average and higher are invited to apply for the Superintendent's Leadership Program, an honors leadership and career development program that helps prepare students for college and the workforce.

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 15. Students that are accepted into the program will participate in an internship, seminars, community service activities and meetings with local leaders. Students also will earn two honors credits per semester.

Visit the website for more information and an application.

Community Days with Superintendent Starr

Superintendent Starr's next Community Day event will take place on Monday, March 11, in the Northeast Consortium (Blake, Paint Branch and Springbrook clusters) and the Sherwood cluster. The Community Day events are an opportunity for Dr. Starr t spend a day meeting with staff, visiting schools, and hearing from parents. Community Day will culminate with a Town Hall meeting at James Hubert Blake High School at 7:30 p.m., where the public can ask questions and share thoughts and ideas.

Free childcare and interpretation services will be available at the Town Hall meeting. For more information, visit the Superintendent's page or call 301-279-3100.

Know a School Counselor Who Deserves Recognition?

Pay tribute to your child's school counselor by nominating him or her for the MCPS School Counselor of the Year Award. This award will recognize one outstanding counselor from elementary, middle, and high school. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 15. Counselors may be nominated by school administrators, staff members, parents, and students. The criteria and nomination packet can be found on the School Counseling Services Website.

Give Your Time, Make a Big Difference

Spring Break is a great time for students to get involved in a service-learning project and earn Student Service Learning hours. Check out the organizations and opportunities that are already approved for MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Also, don't forget that all service hours performed during the second semester must be turned into the school's SSL coordinator no later than June 7.

Student Service Learning

Leadership, Community Service Program Open to High School Students

High school students are invited to apply for a summer and fall program with Youth Leadership Montgomery (YLM). The program helps students develop leadership skills and community awareness. Up to 25 students will be chosen to attend a one-week residential camp in August at Washington College in Chestertown, Md., and meet with YLM for seven sessions in the fall.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Fri., March 29. The cost for both programs is $895, and financial assistance is available to qualified students.

More information

Youth Community Leadership Awards

The Youth Community Leadership Awards identify, reward and promote outstanding community service efforts and demonstrations of leadership by high school students. Five $1,000 scholarships are available to MCPS students in the 12th grade who have completed a minimum of 260 hours of community service by the end of the last semester of their junior year. The application deadline is Friday, March 15.

Apply Now

2013 Mother 2 Daughter Financial Summit

The Financial Literacy Organization for Women and Girls (FLOW) is hosting a free financial summit, "Empowering Girls to be Money-Wise" for mothers and their daughters on Saturday, March 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 4-H National Youth Conference Center, 7100 Connecticut Ave. in Washington, D.C. The summit is targeted to girls ages 10-17 and will provide tools and strategies to help girls make better money decisions, achieve higher goals, and reach their full economic potential.

Registration is required. Contact FLOW at 561-809-9473 for more information.

2013 Mother 2 Daughter Financial Summit

Thomas Edison High School Community Fair

Thomas Edison High School of Technology will hold a community fair on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 12501 Dalewood Dr. in Silver Spring. There will be games, a moon bounce, dunk tank and several other fun-filled activities for the family. There also will be a flea market and silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the SkillsUSA program at Edison.

Contact Pamela Crow at 301-929-2181 or at Pamela_L_Crow@mcpsmd.org for more information.

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County Seeks Applicants

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is recruiting MCPS high school sophomores to serve on its Board of Trustees. FOLMC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen, promote, support and advocate for the public library system. This is an opportunity for students to experience a leadership and educational role and have a positive influence on the library system. The application deadline is Monday, April 1.

Visit www.folmc.org for more information.

Don't Forget...

Applications for the Elementary Immersion Program are due on Friday, April 12. Elementary immersion programs begin in kindergarten and are offered in Chinese, French and Spanish. Notification letters will be mailed to parents in May. Visit the Special Programs website for more information.

The Second Annual Montgomery Serves Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday, April 29, at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The Montgomery Serves Awards recognize individuals, groups and organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary volunteerism. The event is free and open to the public, however, seating is limited and registration is required. Visit www.montgomeryserves.org for more information.

Dr. Starr's final Student Town Hall meeting of the school year will take place on Thursday, April 11 at Gaithersburg Middle School. Encourage your secondary students to submit questions in advance via email (pio@mcpsmd.org) and Twitter (using hashtag #studenttownhall). You can watch previous student town halls on the MCPS website at www.mcpsstudenttownhall.org.