Montgomery Community Media

On Thursday, Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles asked private schools to consider a return to fully-virtual instruction. In a letter, Gayles said a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the county will make it hard to maintain the current low rate of transmission in schools. He also cited that as of Tuesday, the […]

On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Board of Education voted unanimously to tentatively approve a phased-in return to in-person learning beginning Jan. 12, 2021. A final vote is scheduled for Dec. 3. In-person learning will only begin if public health conditions allow it. On Friday, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) officials presented a matrix that shows […]

It’s unclear what authority Montgomery County has to make broad school closures if COVID-19 conditions get worse, Emergency Management Director Dr. Earl Stoddard said at a county council meeting Tuesday.  On July 31, Montgomery County was launched into a week-long back and forth with the state when County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles issued an […]

A former Wootton High School football coach was arrested Monday and charged with sexual abuse of two student players. Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) detectives charged Christopher Papadopoulos, 26, of Gaithersburg with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and four counts of fourth degree sexual offense, according to online case records. Papadopoulos was […]

Gov. Larry Hogan announced Thursday that all 24 Maryland jurisdictions have state-approved plans to bring at least some students back into school buildings this fall.  On Aug. 27 Hogan said eight school systems did not include any in-person learning in their fall semester plans, which he said was not acceptable. “It is essential that we […]

Gov. Larry Hogan announced Thursday that thanks to improving COVID-19 metrics, all jurisdictions in Maryland are able to safely reopen schools for in-person learning. State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon agreed with Hogan and said school systems should re-evaluate their plans by the end of the first quarter, especially those that plan to stay virtual into […]

The Maryland State Board of Education is tabling a discussion about live instruction requirements for the fall semester until Sept. 1, one day after the first day of school for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).  On Monday, Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon recommended that the board approve a requirement that schools offer an average […]

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) begins the school year on Aug. 31 with virtual-only classes for more than 166,000 students.  However, child care providers, who are already registered within the school system, will use MCPS classrooms to provide their services and support students who enroll in the program. Students enrolled in these programs known as […]

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is hosting a live, virtual conversation about its new draft plan for the fall semester Wednesday evening.  Officials will address questions from the school community. Residents can watch live on YouTube and on TV on Channels 21 and 995, the MCPS website, and on Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN […]

Montgomery County residents rallied against the ordered closure of private schools by County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles at a protest Wednesday. It was organized by the “Open Montgomery County, MD Private Schools” Facebook group. Parents say their private schools are taking reopening seriously and are following CDC and state guidelines. During the protest, Gayles […]