The new school year kicks off on Monday for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Here are five things you need to know about heading into the new year:Â Â
New safety initiatives on the way for MCPS
After a year of concerns over safety and security incidents occurring the district, several new safety measures are in the works including more restrictive cell phone environments for some middle and high schools, vape detection systems to be installed in high school bathrooms and a mandate requiring all high school students to wear their IDs. Â
Elementary schools had cameras installed over the past school year as well. All schools are expected to complete three emergency drills by Sept. 21 and an additional two by Oct. 25.
Former county police chief Marcus Jones, who now serves as the chief of the Department of Security and Compliance, told MoCo360 that he’s focusing on consistency in safety and security as the new year begins. MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor has said safety is the district’s No. 1 priority. Â
Montgomery County increases enforcement against dangerous driving near schools
As schools prepare to open, County Executive Marc Elrich announced increased law enforcement and also outreach to drivers who speed, run red lights and don’t stop for pedestrians, with a focus on areas around schools, according to a county news release. Â
The county police department’s Central Traffic Unit will be targeting dangerous behaviors around school zones, and the Automated Traffic Enforcement Unit will place speed cameras in and around schools, according to the release. All school buses are equipped with cameras to catch drivers illegally passing stopped school buses. Those caught violating the law will be fined.
Maryland drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when the stop arm is extended, and the red lights are flashing. Drivers can’t pass the bus from any direction until the stop signals are on and the bus is moving.
Last year, bus cameras caught more than 48,000 drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus, according to the release. Infractions caught by the camera carry a penalty of $250 for each violation. Violators who are stopped by a police officer face a fine of up to $570 and three points on their driver’s license.
The county transportation department has a Safe Routes to School program that encourages and enables children to walk and bicycle to school safely. The program has free resources for those who want to get involved.
MCPS back-to-school fair scheduled for Saturday
A back-to-school fair for the district is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Westfield Wheaton mall, 11160 Veirs Mill Road. According to the district, the event will include activities, entertainment and information on resources within the school system. The fair will also include a free immunization clinic and free health screenings.
The county transportation department will be at the event to engage with parents and families about safely traveling to school, according to a press release.
There will be free transportation to the event from six high schools, starting at 9 a.m., according to the shuttle schedule. More information can be found here.
FARMS applications need to be renewed
According to the county school’s website, 60 MCPS schools will operate under the Community Eligibility Provision, meaning all students enrolled in the school may receive breakfast and lunch at no cost regardless of income. But families who may qualify or have already qualified for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) need to apply or renew their applications.
Students may qualify for FARMS based on household size and income or if they are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), or Medicaid benefits, according to the MCPS website.
Students who qualify for reduced-price meals will eat for free, and their FARMS status is always confidential. Families can apply at MySchoolApps.com. Families who can’t apply online should contact their school or the Division of Food and Nutrition Services at 240-740-7400.
More information on the FARMS program can be found here.
County health department offers free vaccinations until end of SeptemberÂ
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Service is offering free vaccinations for school-aged children at locations throughout the county until the end of September.
Vaccine offerings include Tdap, Meningococcal (MCV4), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Varicella (chickenpox), which are part of the required vaccinations for students depending on grade, and Meningococcal B and COVID-19. Appointments can be scheduled here.