MCPS urges students to take the COVID-19 test before returning to school after the spring break

Montgomery County’s public school directors are urging students traveling during the spring break to take a COVID-19 test before returning to the classroom next week.

In a message before the week-long break, the district first urged families and students not to travel. However, if they did, they should be given a test to “limit the possible spread of COVID-19 in our schools”.

To aid the effort, the district postponed its next phase of reopening for two days from April 6th to April 8th.

All students in the district attend classes virtually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

On Thursday, the 20,000 students who have already returned to school will return, along with the next group of approximately 20,000 preschoolers, fourth through sixth grades, high school graduates, and vocational and technical education programs.

The next phase includes remaining career programs, preschool kindergarten, fourth through sixth grades, and high school graduates.

The final group of students – 7th through 11th grades – is expected to return on April 19th.

In total, around 60,000 students decided to return to buildings this school year. The remaining 100,000 will continue with fully virtual classes.

Bayard Rustin’s director wins the Edward Shirley Award

Rachel DuBois, principal of Bayard Rustin Elementary School in Rockville, was recently named a Dr. Edward Shirley Prize for Excellence in the Administration and Supervision of Educational Institutions.

The award is presented annually by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) to an administrator who has “outstanding leadership skills and achievements in the areas of goal-directed leadership, classroom or system-wide leadership, human resource development, resource management, interpersonal skills, professional engagement and inclusion Communities and stakeholders, ”said a press release from MCPS.

DuBois has been in education for 21 years and was the director of Piney Branch Elementary School for six years before being named director of Bayard Rustin when it opened in 2018.

In its press release, MCPS wrote that DuBois is a role model for inclusivity and “works hard to make every student, employee and family feel a part”.

She’s also working to promote a positive school culture, wrote MCPS.

“She has an exceptional ability to intrinsically motivate students and has built relationships that reflect the philosophy that every student needs a champion in their life,” wrote MCPS. “She is an advocate for children and demonstrates this through guidance that ensures staff have the resources and professional development they need to continue to serve the students well.”

DuBois is recognized during an MCAAP meeting in May.