• CHAT Link
• Video Link
• Presentation (PPT format) Link
• Hamlett Slides and DEOD Vision

Quick recap

The meeting began with technical difficulties and introductions, followed by discussions on MCAP ISR reports and feedback collection methods. The group addressed various educational initiatives including a new charter school, boundary changes, and career advising programs, while also welcoming new representatives and introducing the MCPS Equity and Engagement Officer. The conversation ended with presentations on regional academic programming models, tutoring programs, and field trip funding protocols, with participants discussing implementation details and safety measures.

Summary

PTA Safety and Communication Updates

The meeting began with introductions and discussions about the National Museum of African American History and Culture trip, with Angela expressing concerns about safety due to past experiences. The group discussed the importance of considering the comfort levels of all participants, including chaperones, when planning such trips. Robyn mentioned the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Caribbean families and the need for support. The conversation then shifted to the distribution of contact lists for parent representatives at schools, with some members still needing to obtain these lists from their principals. The conversation ended with a reminder about the upcoming deadline for MCPS High School Choice programs applications and a brief discussion about information sharing through PTA meetings and school newsletters.

Board Meeting on Education Initiatives

The meeting began with Rhia and Kea introducing the agenda, which covered topics such as a new charter school, boundary study updates, career advising programs, and academic support initiatives. Wylea Chase announced her candidacy for an at-large seat on the Board of Education, emphasizing the importance of representation for Black children. Several new representatives introduced themselves and their schools. The conversation ended with a review of major themes from submitted questions, including student progress tracking, Smithsonian field trip concerns, equity issues, mental health, and special education services.

MCPS Equity Leadership Introduction

Dr. Nyah Hamlett, the newly appointed MCPS Equity and Engagement Officer, shared her personal and professional journey, emphasizing her commitment to equity and student success. She highlighted her background in education, including roles as a special education teacher, reading specialist, and superintendent in various districts, and her return to Montgomery County to lead equity efforts. Dr. Hamlett discussed her core values, including authenticity, vulnerability, and a focus on students’ potential rather than socioeconomic factors. She also introduced a decision-making protocol to balance input, feedback, and quick decisions, and stressed the importance of equity work, urging continuous practice, protection, and proof rather than mere proclamation.

Equity Division and MBLI Overview

Nyah presented an overview of the Division of Equity and Organizational Development, highlighting its role in embedding equity across all departments and initiatives. She emphasized the need for alignment and shared responsibility in equity efforts, introducing key staff members and outlining the division’s goals for developing adaptively strong leaders. The meeting then transitioned to a discussion about the MECCA Business Learning Institute, the first charter school in Montgomery County, presented by Tracey Cooper and LaChaundra Graham. They explained MBLI’s unique focus on business, leadership, and entrepreneurship for middle school students, emphasizing its career academy model and tuition-free status.

MBLI Academic Programs Overview

The meeting focused on MBLI’s academic programs and operations, presented by Dr. Shiree Slade and LaChaundra Graham. They outlined the school’s five educational components: Core, M-Core, Encore, Flex, and Service Learning, emphasizing business leadership and real-world readiness. The school requires uniforms and is temporarily located in Bethesda, with plans to move to Germantown in December 2025. LaChaundra explained the school’s open enrollment process, which accepts applications from October to December, with notifications sent in early January. She also addressed questions about assessments, special education support, and transportation, noting that MBLI uses district assessments and teacher-created tests, has a full special education staff, and plans to restart transportation services.

MCPS Six-Region Program Model

MCPS presented a plan to address inequities in academic programming access by implementing a six-region model starting in 2027-2028. The model aims to provide consistent access to regional programs across the county, with each region containing 4-5 high schools and parallel suites of programs. The presentation highlighted challenges including varying course offerings at local schools, transportation issues, and over 2,000 students remaining on waitlists annually. Jeannie emphasized that the plan focuses on equity, with resources and professional development to support teachers in delivering high-quality programs across regions. Jeannie explained that in-person meetings about school boundaries and Programs would be held in October and November, with opportunities for community input.

Regional High School Program Redesign

The meeting discussed the implementation of a new regional model for high school programs, which will offer six themes including medical science, technology, engineering, and math, international baccalaureate, and visual arts. Ebony explained that the programs were developed in collaboration with community and school staff, using feedback from over 12,000 submissions. She addressed questions about local programs, entry points, and sibling preferences, clarifying that local pathways will continue, students don’t have to apply to regional programs, and siblings may not attend the same schools under the new model. The transition to the regional model will begin in 2027, with continued community engagement and program development leading up to a final Board of Education vote in November.

MCPS Career Counseling

The meeting covered the MCPS Career Advising Program. The Career Advising Program, presented by Genevieve Floyd and Clifton Gadsden, provides individualized career counseling to students in grades 6-12, with coaches using a dialogic approach and focusing on four main components: building connections, career exploration, creating immersive career-curious school culture, and regular planning and data processes. The program is funded by the state and implemented in partnership with WorkSource Montgomery and Montgomery College.

Academic Support Programs Overview

The meeting covered updates on tutoring and academic support programs, with Jen Strouble highlighting the launch of 21st Century Learning Centers in November and a focus on high-dosage math tutoring across elementary and middle schools. Lakeisha Lashley, Executive Director of the George B. Thomas Learning Academy, detailed the program’s 39-year history, offering Saturday tutoring and enrichment activities at nine high schools, with services including SAT/ACT prep, career options, and STEM programs. The session concluded with a reminder that community members can participate in upcoming Q&A sessions on boundary studies and academic programs, with in-person sessions scheduled at various high schools across Montgomery County.

ACT-SO Program Updates

The meeting covered the ACT-SO program, and MCAP data. Revonne Johnson presented information on the ACT-SO program, emphasizing its opportunities for high school students and the need for recruitment.

Program Updates and Test Scores

Kea and Rhia discussed MCAP scores, noting overall proficiency rates and the importance of practice tests. Rhia also shared her child’s experience with the test and encouraged parents to find engaging books to help improve scores. The conversation ended with a discussion on comparing MCAP scores to other district tests and the challenge of the Maryland exam.

 Field Trip Funding Senate Approval

The meeting focused on the approval of field trip funding through a Senate bill, which will cover transportation and registration fees for students visiting four cultural museums. Libby Rogovoy explained that schools will receive a Google Form to request approval and track funding for field trips, which can include high schools this year. The group discussed protocols for safety and coordination with museums, including advance visits by staff and chaperones. Questions were addressed about bus vendors, scheduling around the shutdown, and the process for schools to apply for trips. The conversation ended with thanks to all participants and a reminder to confirm availability for the next meeting.

Byron Johns

Chair, NAACP-MC Parents’ Council

703.856.4354 mobile | Byron.Johns@AmericanSystems.com