SMOB 365 Archive

——————————————————————————-

Did you know: Parking Fees are standardized at all schools according to the following memo from the MCPS Chief Operating Officer? #SMOB365
Photo: Did you know: Parking Fees are standardized at all schools according to the following memo from the MCPS Chief Operating Officer? #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Meeting with MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr today to discuss the current state of affairs across our county’s schools. #SMOB365
Photo: Meeting with MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr today to discuss the current state of affairs across our county's schools. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Student Town Hall this morning at Paint Branch High School. Great feedback from everyone on school safety, the capital budget, and operating budget. See photo of our MCPS Superintendent utilizing Instagram to reach out to the community! #SMOB365
Photo: Student Town Hall this morning at Paint Branch High School. Great feedback from everyone on school safety, the capital budget, and operating budget. See photo of our MCPS Superintendent utilizing Instagram to reach out to the community! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Proud to hear the charge of the MCPS 2013 bell times workgroup. I cannot wait as a Board member to hear the recommendations they come up with. Good luck to them as we thank them for their dedication in helping to tackle this complex issue. #SMOB365
Photo: Proud to hear the charge of the MCPS 2013 bell times workgroup. I cannot wait as a Board member to hear the recommendations they come up with. Good luck to them as we thank them for their dedication in helping to tackle this complex issue. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Spent the day on Capital Hill with Board members from across the nation advocating for a re-authorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act and reforms to give local districts more control. Interesting address from Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on what to expect in reform for Obama’s 2nd term. Let’s hope education doesn’t become a “tertiary” priority as I heard a few times today. #SMOB365
Photo: Spent the day on Capital Hill with Board members from across the nation advocating for a re-authorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act and reforms to give local districts more control. Interesting address from Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on what to expect in reform for Obama's 2nd term. Let's hope education doesn't become a "tertiary" priority as I heard a few times today. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Third day of the National School Board’s Federal Relations Network convention on Capital Hill. Brushed up my knowledge on federal education legislation at some briefings today with the opportunity to network with other Board Members from across the nation. #SMOB365
Photo: Third day of the National School Board's Federal Relations Network convention on Capital Hill. Brushed up my knowledge on federal education legislation at some briefings today with the opportunity to network with other Board Members from across the nation. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Second day of National School Boards Association’s Federal Relations Network convention. Attended great hot topics briefings on the issues of local control, charter schools, homeschooling, the elementary and secondary education act, and title 1 funding. Interesting simulated debate over the idea that education in the USA gets to bad of a rap. Interesting perspectives on the achievement gap and a state of capital hill affairs from political analyst Norman Ornstein #NSBA #SMOB365
Photo: Second day of National School Boards Association's Federal Relations Network convention. Attended great hot topics briefings on the issues of local control, charter schools, homeschooling, the elementary and secondary education act, and title 1 funding. Interesting simulated debate over the idea that education in the USA gets to bad of a rap. Interesting perspectives on the achievement gap and a state of capital hill affairs from political analyst Norman Ornstein #NSBA #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Activities in Montgomery County Public School buildings will occur as scheduled Saturday, January 26, including administration of SAT tests. All community activities in school buildings will occur as scheduled.

——————————————————————————-

Montgomery County Public Schools will close early today (Jan. 25) due to emergency weather conditions. Schools will dismiss students two and one-half hours earlier than the regular closing time. Students in morning pre-kindergarten programs and morning half-day Head Start will be dismissed at 10:30 a.m. Afternoon pre-kindergarten and other early childhood programs are canceled. All school activities also are canceled. Day care programs in school buildings will remain open as scheduled. A decision about community activities in school buildings has not been made.

——————————————————————————-

——————————————————————————-

Montgomery County Public Schools will open two hours late today due to emergency weather conditions. Bus service will be provided on a two-hour-delayed schedule. Morning prekindergarten, morning half-day Head Start, other morning half-day programs and field trips are canceled. Other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 a.m. or earlier are canceled. Administrative offices are open on time. Day care programs in school buildings will remain open as scheduled.

——————————————————————————-

Board of Education’s final work session on the Superintendent’s recommended 2014 budget. I’ll be sending in the last of my Board Member questions by the 29th of this month.
Photo: Board of Education's final work session on the Superintendent's recommended 2014 budget. I'll be sending in the last of my Board Member questions by the 29th of this month.

——————————————————————————-

Take Ten taping today on student advocacy. Stay tuned. Great SAC meeting. Discussion on the budget, and technology changes. Solid feedback that will fuel my work. #SMOB365
Photo: Take Ten taping today on student advocacy. Stay tuned. Great SAC meeting. Discussion on the budget, and technology changes. Solid feedback that will fuel my work. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Supporting the Montgomery County Junior Councils Ledo pizza night while at an MCPS budget work session. Got to hear reports from the first half of MCPS departments and ask questions regarding the Superintendent’s funding request.
Photo: Supporting the Montgomery County Junior Councils Ledo pizza night while at an MCPS budget work session. Got to hear reports from the first half of MCPS departments and ask questions regarding the Superintendent's funding request.

——————————————————————————-

On today of all days I am blown away in my reflections. Not of what I have done but what we have done. The President today emphasized collective action as the conduit through which success flows. Each and every day everyone from my SAC staff to local SGA delegates work to improve this county and the resounding youth voice within it. Some of my greatest ideas have come from simply listening. Consider this the year’s half way point. We, together, have a long road to walk but I can assure you that we will walk it. What other choice would match the tenacity and resiliency of the youth for which we are made of! #SMOB365http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/17-year-old-john-mannes-helps-drive-montgomery-county-school-policy/2013/01/20/03df9ff6-5e8f-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_story.html
Photo: On today of all days I am blown away in my reflections. Not of what I have done but what we have done. The President today emphasized collective action as the conduit through which success flows. Each and every day everyone from my SAC staff to local SGA delegates work to improve this county and the resounding youth voice within it. Some of my greatest ideas have come from simply listening. Consider this the year's half way point. We, together, have a long road to walk but I can assure you that we will walk it. What other choice would match the tenacity and resiliency of the youth for which we are made of! #SMOB365</p><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/17-year-old-john-mannes-helps-drive-montgomery-county-school-policy/2013/01/20/03df9ff6-5e8f-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_story.html

——————————————————————————-

Dr.King memorial breakfast this morning with local leaders hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Great speakers and a wonderful tribute to Dr.King’s legacy. We have come a long way but we still have challenges facing us. In the wake of the re-election of America’s first African American President poverty and the achievement gap are as persistent as ever. #SMOB365
Photo: Dr.King memorial breakfast this morning with local leaders hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Great speakers and a wonderful tribute to Dr.King's legacy. We have come a long way but we still have challenges facing us. In the wake of the re-election of America's first African American President poverty and the achievement gap are as persistent as ever. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Minority Scholars Program retreat at the Smith Center this morning. I am truly flattered to see my peers so engaged in trying to make a difference in our school system. I spend my days at the administrative level combing through achievement gap data trying to make a change. Sometimes the strongest kind of change comes from the arms of our close to 150,000 students. Thank you to all of you for the work that you are doing. It does not go unnoticed. #SMOB365
Photo: Minority Scholars Program retreat at the Smith Center this morning. I am truly flattered to see my peers so engaged in trying to make a difference in our school system. I spend my days at the administrative level combing through achievement gap data trying to make a change. Sometimes the strongest kind of change comes from the arms of our close to 150,000 students. Thank you to all of you for the work that you are doing. It does not go unnoticed. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

MCJC President Prim Phoolsombat and MCR President Jeffrey He gave testimony to the Board today providing the student’s perspective on the proposed 2014 Operating Budget
Photo: MCJC President Prim Phoolsombat and MCR President Jeffrey He gave testimony to the Board today providing the student's perspective on the proposed 2014 Operating Budget

——————————————————————————-

BREAKING NEWS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCCRvRXbC-4

At the 4minute 30second mark Council Member Craig Rice commits to doubling the number of SROs in our county’s schools.

——————————————————————————-

Hearty discussion on school safety at the MCCPTA public safety forum. Great panelists from MCPS, the Board of Education, the County Council, and the Montgomery County Police Department. Discussion around public input; what can we do now to increase safety. How do we get there today and not tomorrow.
Photo: Hearty discussion on school safety at the MCCPTA public safety forum. Great panelists from MCPS, the Board of Education, the County Council, and the Montgomery County Police Department. Discussion around public input; what can we do now to increase safety. How do we get there today and not tomorrow.

——————————————————————————-

Policy Committee meeting today of the Montgomery County Board of Education. We are working to ensure equity in independent school purchases by private organizations and to maintain the integrity of our policies on community engagement and special education. #SMOB365
Photo: Policy Committee meeting today of the Montgomery County Board of Education. We are working to ensure equity in independent school purchases by private organizations and to maintain the integrity of our policies on community engagement and special education. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Great Community Day Town Hall at Seneca Valley High School today! Questions focused around the IB culture, drug and alcohol prevention and interventions. It was wonderful to see so many of my home cluster peers out engaging in this unique opportunity! #SMOB365
Photo: Great Community Day Town Hall at Seneca Valley High School today! Questions focused around the IB culture, drug and alcohol prevention and interventions. It was wonderful to see so many of my home cluster peers out engaging in this unique opportunity! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Good luck to everyone on their exams tomorrow! Feel free to comment or rant below, we are all in this together 🙂
Photo: Good luck to everyone on their exams tomorrow! Feel free to comment or rant below, we are all in this together :)

——————————————————————————-

The Board of Education and I met with the Board of Trustees for Montgomery College and the Directors of the Universities at Shady Grove. This was the first of such meetings. It was helpful in preparing for the implementation of ACES Achieving College Excellence and Success. We must continue to innovate to be ready for the world graduates will have to face in 2020, streamlining the High School and college transition must be done in a way that puts students first! #SMOB365
Photo: The Board of Education and I met with the Board of Trustees for Montgomery College and the Directors of the Universities at Shady Grove. This was the first of such meetings. It was helpful in preparing for the implementation of ACES Achieving College Excellence and Success. We must continue to innovate to be ready for the world graduates will have to face in 2020, streamlining the High School and college transition must be done in a way that puts students first! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Hectic but quite fulfilling day. Spent the morning reading “The Runaway Wok” to a class of excited (and incredibly cute) 1st graders at Rock Creek Forest Elementary School with some of my Board Colleagues, Congressman Chris VanHollen (on his birthday) and other local leaders for their annual Reading Rocks celebration. Thank you Charlie and all the other 5th grade patrols who kept us politicians in line 🙂 Successful Board meeting with the community to hear testimony on the proposed 2014 Operating Budget. Please be sure to come out on the 17th to CESC at 7pm to show your dedication to improving the quality of education in MCPS. I may not have a vote but that simply increases the weight of what we as students collectively say as it is our only form of direct advocacy as students! #SMOB365
Photo: Hectic but quite fulfilling day. Spent the morning reading "The Runaway Wok" to a class of excited (and incredibly cute) 1st graders at Rock Creek Forest Elementary School with some of my Board Colleagues, Congressman Chris VanHollen (on his birthday) and other local leaders for their annual Reading Rocks celebration. Thank you Charlie and all the other 5th grade patrols who kept us politicians in line :) Successful Board meeting with the community to hear testimony on the proposed 2014 Operating Budget. Please be sure to come out on the 17th to CESC at 7pm to show your dedication to improving the quality of education in MCPS. I may not have a vote but that simply increases the weight of what we as students collectively say as it is our only form of direct advocacy as students! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Really enjoyed hosting my colleagues on the Board at my home school Northwest High School to show them the hard work of my peers in the Ulysses Signature Advanced Research program. I have big shoes to fill during next semester’s presenting class. Shout out to Dr.Borenzweig for keeping this very unique program running!

Photo: Really enjoyed hosting my colleagues on the Board at my home school Northwest High School to show them the hard work of my peers in the Ulysses Signature Advanced Research program. I have big shoes to fill during next semester's presenting class. Shout out to Dr.Borenzweig for keeping this very unique program running!
DSC_0003 DSC_0007 DSC_0010 DSC_0017 DSC_0018 DSC_9963

——————————————————————————-

All day Board of Education meeting today. Really glad to have voted in favor of a motion to request $364,000 for school security improvements. Very meaningful discussion around Curriculum 2.0. Possible significant changes to current idea of “honors and non-honors” classes in MCPS. C 2.0 Acceleration is built around the idea of UCARE: understanding computing applying reasoning and engaging. Local school authorities utilize proficiency indicators to determine acceleration and enrichment. C 2.0 will act as a conduit for Common Core implementation. “We need to start taking a few big bites instead of a ton of small ones.” C 2.0 advocates say it will increase creativity and proper inclusion of all types of differentiation will reduce persistent gaps. Finally, there are rumors of an AP Engineering class on the horizon from College Board. Damascus was also approved for their booster club to fund a $110,000 new scoreboard. Interesting updates on the Educator Effectiveness act and how we will adapt our Professional Growth Systems and Peer Assistance and Review systems to meet new legal requirements without losing accountability and the integrity of our nationally recognized systems.
Photo: All day Board of Education meeting today. Really glad to have voted in favor of a motion to request $364,000 for school security improvements. Very meaningful discussion around Curriculum 2.0. Possible significant changes to current idea of "honors and non-honors" classes in MCPS. C 2.0 Acceleration is built around the idea of UCARE: understanding computing applying reasoning and engaging. Local school authorities utilize proficiency indicators to determine acceleration and enrichment. C 2.0 will act as a conduit for Common Core implementation. "We need to start taking a few big bites instead of a ton of small ones." C 2.0 advocates say it will increase creativity and proper inclusion of all types of differentiation will reduce persistent gaps. Finally, there are rumors of an AP Engineering class on the horizon from College Board. Damascus was also approved for their booster club to fund a $110,000 new scoreboard. Interesting updates on the Educator Effectiveness act and how we will adapt our Professional Growth Systems and Peer Assistance and Review systems to meet new legal requirements without losing accountability and the integrity of our nationally recognized systems.

——————————————————————————-

Exciting press recognition of a lot of our initiatives. Last week we saw the Coalition make headlines and now it is our countywide student run newspaper: “The MoCo Student” . Give this Rockville Patch story a read and be sure to catch up on some student news at mocostudent.org #SMOB365

http://rockville.patch.com/announcements/the-montgomery-county-student-a-site-for-every-student

——————————————————————————-

Montgomery County Education Association’s Annual Legislative Breakfast.
Photo: Montgomery County Education Association's Annual Legislative Breakfast.

——————————————————————————-

Montgomery County Education Association Annual Legislative Breakfast! Great brunch with our local legislators and union leaders. Lots of amazing students out as well speaking about the Dream Act and Marriage Equality and what it has meant for them. Favorite quote of the day “Get up and do something.” Annapolis for education! #4DaysToSession #SMOB365
Photo: Montgomery County Education Association Annual Legislative Breakfast! Great brunch with our local legislators and union leaders. Lots of amazing students out as well speaking about the Dream Act and Marriage Equality and what it has meant for them. Favorite quote of the day "Get up and do something." Annapolis for education! #4DaysToSession #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Check out the Montgomery County Students’ Coalition making headlines! Our work in unifying the youth voice is paying off! #SMOB365

http://www.gazette.net/article/20130103/NEWS/130109987/1022/montgomery-student-leaders-spread-strengthen-student-voice&template=gazette

——————————————————————————-

SMOB 365 is back for 2013! MCR Executive Board Meeting went very well. Great to hear the reports and the workshops were insightful. Also answered questions with past SEC admin Alex Abdun-Nabi and past SMOB Tim Hwang for prospective SMOB candidates!
Photo: SMOB 365 is back for 2013! MCR Executive Board Meeting went very well. Great to hear the reports and the workshops were insightful. Also answered questions with past SEC admin Alex Abdun-Nabi and past SMOB Tim Hwang for prospective SMOB candidates!

——————————————————————————-

Do you think volunteers as well as part and full time employees in authority positions should be held accountable for having “sexual” relations with students between the age of consent (16) and the age of majority (18) ?

http://washingtonexaminer.com/md.-bill-would-close-child-sex-loophole/article/2516985

——————————————————————————-

I appreciate what the Post is trying to do here but at the end of the day, I do not understand the connection between a proposed “three year hiatus” on standardized tests and a lack of attention to “closing the achievement gap.” The Post and its Editorial Board are not on the front lines implementing the new Common Core, Educator Effectiveness Act, and the new PARCC assessments. Even if their argument held up, the achievement gap will NOT be solved by standardized tests. That is as good as saying if we change what we are asking of students and all of a sudden they become capable of it, we have somehow closed the gaps. The gaps cannot be missed, they are there. Perhaps we ought to focus more on ACTUALLY closing them than bickering over tracking them. Let us worry about implementation before we worry about proving that our new tests are no longer compatible with our old teaching methods. I do not think there is a soul on the forefront of education reform who doesn’t want equitable performance.

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-12-22/opinions/36017460_1_standardized-tests-basic-skills-common-sense

——————————————————————————-

Last SMOB event of the 2012 year in the form of a Think Tank visit to North Bethesda Middle School. Will be back next year (fingers crossed for the 21st) :p I can’t wait to continue to share with you the great things my team and I have planned for the spring. Happy Holidays!!
Photo: Last SMOB event of the 2012 year in the form of a Think Tank visit to North Bethesda Middle School. Will be back next year (fingers crossed for the 21st) :p I can't wait to continue to share with you the great things my team and I have planned for the spring. Happy Holidays!!

——————————————————————————-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKQrP-2U4ao&feature=player_embedded&noredirect=1 #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Meeting with MCPS Superintendent today was great. The more personal atmosphere really helps in having candid school system discussions. Today’s Student Advisory Council meeting was efficient as well: check out the Board for a peak at our spring goals! #SMOB365
Photo: Meeting with MCPS Superintendent today was great. The more personal atmosphere really helps in having candid school system discussions. Today's Student Advisory Council meeting was efficient as well: check out the Board for a peak at our spring goals! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Educational Think Tank visit at King middle school. Really love the hands on aspect to these visits. I enjoyed being accompanied by some wonderful students who really helped to foster the discussion. I cannot wait for the next visit! Maybe it will be your school 🙂
Photo: Educational Think Tank visit at King middle school. Really love the hands on aspect to these visits. I enjoyed being accompanied by some wonderful students who really helped to foster the discussion. I cannot wait for the next visit! Maybe it will be your school :)

——————————————————————————-

This should be interesting and relevant to every student in MCPS. What do you think about our Superintendent’s stance on standardized testing and education reform?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/montgomery-superintendent-joshua-starrs-prominence-injects-him-into-national-debate/2012/12/15/a3fa01d8-4572-11e2-8061-253bccfc7532_story.html #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Talking to BCC students after Thursday’s Think Tank. I am enjoying sifting through the data. Working on a way that school SGA’s will be able to run similar conversations to connect change-makers and us students! #SMOB365
Photo: Talking to BCC students after Thursday's Think Tank. I am enjoying sifting through the data. Working on a way that school SGA's will be able to run similar conversations to connect change-makers and us students! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

As a student who was in school at the time of both the DC Sniper and 9/11, the events today in Connecticut are incredibly unsettling. As a member of the Board, I feel for the students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community for which could never have planned for such an atrocity. This is a time to think back on education and its simplicity. We are here to learn. That is why over 22,000 p

eople do what they do in Montgomery County and many more educate around the world. The fact that someone would fathom disrupting such a collectivized organism is a symbol of a societal shift that we must eventually face. We may not have an answer to it, but education and our educated minds will be the ones searching for one. Let us not lose sight of the good in this world for it is what keeps us bound to the future; a future that must continue to invest in education so education can invest in it. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Great Educational Think Tank visit at BCC high school with some amazing students. Discussion focused around overcrowding, HS starting times, bussing, grading, and reporting! We are working on creating a local school based tool kit for independent discussions, stay posted! Also, another successful community day at Einstein high school tonight! The long hours sure pay off! #SMOB365
Photo: Great Educational Think Tank visit at BCC high school with some amazing students. Discussion focused around overcrowding, HS starting times, bussing, grading, and reporting! We are working on creating a local school based tool kit for independent discussions, stay posted! Also, another successful community day at Einstein high school tonight! The long hours sure pay off! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

  • Exploration and exploitation must be done hand in hand to produce success #HSB
    ‎”Why teach it when you can google it” vs “changing demographics of our customers” How do we keep education competitive? @mcpssuper

    ‎”Hubris is pathological” – Dr.Tushman #HarvardBusinessSchool addressing MOCO leaders and an uncertain future

——————————————————————————-

Today, our MCPS Superintendent, Dr.Starr, announced an official workgroup to sift through ideas for delayed school starting times. This is a tremendous step in the right direction and I am very happy that students, the largest stakeholders in the system will be a part of this discussion!
Photo: Today, our MCPS Superintendent, Dr.Starr, announced an official workgroup to sift through ideas for delayed school starting times. This is a tremendous step in the right direction and I am very happy that students, the largest stakeholders in the system will be a part of this discussion!

——————————————————————————-

Evening holiday reception with our Venable legal team! Stay posted for updates on the MCPS 2014 operating budget that was released today. Look at this powerpoint for a quick summary: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Byd0MPUeGvA3SXlfRU1Bd2NkM3c
Photo: Evening holiday reception with our Venable legal team! Stay posted for updates on the MCPS 2014 operating budget that was released today. Look at this powerpoint for a quick summary: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Byd0MPUeGvA3SXlfRU1Bd2NkM3c

——————————————————————————-

Great first Educational Think Tank visit at Clarksburg High school! Great ideas on everything from HS starting times to overcrowding to homework and back to accessibility and resources. Engaging discussion overall. #SMOB365
Photo: Great first Educational Think Tank visit at Clarksburg High school! Great ideas on everything from HS starting times to overcrowding to homework and back to accessibility and resources. Engaging discussion overall. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Montgomery County Executive’s Ball for the arts and humanities in Bethesda. What an experience to see so many leaders come behind a single mission to propel it to the spot it deserves in our county. #SMOB365
Photo: Montgomery County Executive's Ball for the arts and humanities in Bethesda. What an experience to see so many leaders come behind a single mission to propel it to the spot it deserves in our county. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Fantastical day! Started in Annapolis with a Q&A session with our Governor. Then I was able to make it out to the Seneca Valley High School production of Miracle on 34th street. Couldn’t not have been put together any better! #SMOB365
Photo: Fantastical day! Started in Annapolis with a Q&A session with our Governor. Then I was able to make it out to the Seneca Valley High School production of Miracle on 34th street. Couldn't not have been put together any better! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Very productive and intimate discussion between the Board of Education and Student Leaders this evening! Thank you to all those who came out and especially to my awesome team who made it all happen!
Photo: Very productive and intimate discussion between the Board of Education and Student Leaders this evening! Thank you to all those who came out and especially to my awesome team who made it all happen!

——————————————————————————-

Once in a lifetime experience today to ride around with Tomás, a bus driver from the Quince Orchard cluster as he made rounds to from the Clarksburg Depot around 5am to Lakelands Park, Quince Orchard High School and a few local elementary schools by 9am. Great opportunity to speak to our amazing service workers in action as they tackle hidden everyday problems. Interesting perspectives from the source on #AntiShadyGroveSelloff and #MCPSStartTimes. DID YOU KNOW: traffic lights are synchronized for school bus travel and efficiency to reduce diesel consumption? #SMOB365
Photo: Once in a lifetime experience today to ride around with Tomás, a bus driver from the Quince Orchard cluster as he made rounds to from the Clarksburg Depot around 5am to Lakelands Park, Quince Orchard High School and a few local elementary schools by 9am. Great opportunity to speak to our amazing service workers in action as they tackle hidden everyday problems. Interesting perspectives from the source on #AntiShadyGroveSelloff and #MCPSStartTimes. DID YOU KNOW: traffic lights are synchronized for school bus travel and efficiency to reduce diesel consumption? #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Finally got to meet up with the MCJC exec board to answer their questions today! Great to see the passion in our county’s middle school students!! Also I’m flattered to have attended the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awar

ds reception in Bethesda. Wonderful speech from Congressman Chris Van Hollen and JW Marriott as well as other local business leaders both big and small! Love the connection between Education and economic leaders! #SMOB365
Photo: Finally got to meet up with the MCJC exec board to answer their questions today! Great to see the passion in our county's middle school students!! Also I'm flattered to have attended the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's Business Awards reception in Bethesda. Wonderful speech from Congressman Chris Van Hollen and JW Marriott as well as other local business leaders both big and small! Love the connection between Education and economic leaders! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Great day! Board ceremony for leaving Board member Laura Berthiaume, re-elected members Chris Barclay and Phil Kauffman and finally the swearing in for Ms. Rebecca Smondrowski. MCR-SGA exec board as well! #SMOB365
Photo: Great day! Board ceremony for leaving Board member Laura Berthiaume, re-elected members Chris Barclay and Phil Kauffman and finally the swearing in for Ms. Rebecca Smondrowski. MCR-SGA exec board as well! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT0HLkcWvwQ&feature=plcp

Auditorium!

Carver Educational Services Center
850 Hungerford Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20850

Link to RSVP (No Password Needed):http://tpilot.mcps.k12.md.us/tpilot/schools/sga/boeStudLeadMtg.tp3

Link To Directions to CESC:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/boe/meetings/MAPtoCESC.pdfHAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD! The annual meeting grants students the opportunity to directly express their educational concerns and make real differences in their educational communities.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT0HLkcWvwQ&feature=plcp

——————————————————————————-

NEWS UPDATE!
Nancy Navarro Elected President of Montgomery County Council | Nancy Navarro
www.councilmembernavarro.com
ROCKVILLE, December 4, 2012—The Montgomery County Council today

——————————————————————————-

Education Matters taping today with BOE President Brandman and a great diverse group of students. Solid way to engage us and get the system pondering what it’s really like to be a student! (If you missed this oportunity come out Thursday at 7pm to CESC to discuss issues with the entire Board. Stay posted on MCPS iTV for airing soon! #SMOB365
Photo: Education Matters taping today with BOE President Brandman and a great diverse group of students. Solid way to engage us and get the system pondering what it's really like to be a student! (If you missed this oportunity come out Thursday at 7pm to CESC to discuss issues with the entire Board. Stay posted on MCPS iTV for airing soon! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Busy week ahead, can’t wait to get rolling though! Spent today catching up on a plethora of emails from YOU! Keep them coming! Stay posted for updates about the Board of Education’s meeting with student leaders this Thursday December 6th at 7pm at MCPS Central Office. #SMOB365
Photo: Busy week ahead, can't wait to get rolling though! Spent today catching up on a plethora of emails from YOU! Keep them coming! Stay posted for updates about the Board of Education's meeting with student leaders this Thursday December 6th at 7pm at MCPS Central Office. #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Good luck to all test takers tomorrow! Remember to just relax; a good state of mind will do wonders to your performance 🙂

——————————————————————————-

Community day with our Superintendent concluding at Shady Grove middle school with a parent and principal meeting followed up by a question and answer session with Dr.Starr. It makes me very proud to see so much community activism! #SMOB365
Photo: Community day with our Superintendent concluding at Shady Grove middle school with a parent and principal meeting followed up by a question and answer session with Dr.Starr. It makes me very proud to see so much community activism! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Meeting tonight with the Montgomery County Students’ Coalition went well. They are hard at work on approving their platform. Also met with our Superintendent for a working lunch this afternoon! #SMOB365
Photo: Meeting tonight with the Montgomery County Students' Coalition went well. They are hard at work on approving their platform. Also met with our Superintendent for a working lunch this afternoon! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Hectic day today! Great first middle school town hall at Redland gave our highschool town halls a run for their money! Spent my afternoon in an assortment of Central Office department meetings with MCPS staff! #SMOB365
Photo: Hectic day today! Great first middle school town hall at Redland gave our highschool town halls a run for their money! Spent my afternoon in an assortment of Central Office department meetings with MCPS staff! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Akash Shah from SAC and I working with MCPS to produce and film an ad for the upcoming BOE meeting with students @CESC Dec. 6th at 7pm. Stay posted next week for a peak on your morning announcements!
Photo: Akash Shah from SAC and I working with MCPS to produce and film an ad for the upcoming BOE meeting with students @CESC Dec. 6th at 7pm. Stay posted next week for a peak on your morning announcements!

——————————————————————————-

Met tonight with both student leaders and community leaders to discuss the current state of local politics. Wonderful event in honor of Maryland State Delegate Susan Lee!
Photo: Met tonight with both student leaders and community leaders to discuss the current state of local politics. Wonderful event in honor of Maryland State Delegate Susan Lee!

——————————————————————————-

Efficient Board meeting today to approve the Superintendent’s amendments to Capital Improvements. Thank you so much to the Board for the WONDERFUL cake and “happy birthday” song!! #SMOB365
Photo: Efficient Board meeting today to approve the Superintendent's amendments to Capital Improvements. Thank you so much to the Board for the WONDERFUL cake and "happy birthday" song!! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

MCR GA today at Rockville High School! Wonderful to see close to 150 students from around the county engaging in youth advocacy! Thank you to Jeff He, MCR President and the rest of MCR for the invite.
Photo: MCR GA today at Rockville High School! Wonderful to see close to 150 students from around the county engaging in youth advocacy! Thank you to Jeff He, MCR President and the rest of MCR for the invite.

——————————————————————————-

Great day today! Wonderful student town hall at Einstein HS followed by a Core Values Community Conversation at RM and a MoCo Delegation priorities hearing! Meat and potatoes kind of day! #SMOB365
Photo: Great day today! Wonderful student town hall at Einstein HS followed by a Core Values Community Conversation at RM and a MoCo Delegation priorities hearing! Meat and potatoes kind of day! #SMOB365

——————————————————————————-

Long “all day” business meeting today with the Board of Education. A lost voice couldn’t keep me out of the debate over the MCPS calendar and an update on the new state disciplinary regulations aimed at reducing suspensions for insubordinat

ion. In addition NEWS UPDATE: Great news out of the County Council today; The County Council unanimously approved the allocation of “E-Rate” funds for use to get Wifi in all schools and Prometheans in all elementary schools! It is now up to us as a Board to make our polices fit with our updated infrastructure.
Photo: Long "all day" business meeting today with the Board of Education. A lost voice couldn't keep me out of the debate over the MCPS calendar and an update on the new state disciplinary regulations aimed at reducing suspensions for insubordination. In addition NEWS UPDATE: Great news out of the County Council today; The County Council unanimously approved the allocation of "E-Rate" funds for use to get Wifi in all schools and Prometheans in all elementary schools! It is now up to us as a Board to make our polices fit with our updated infrastructure.

——————————————————————————-

Spellbinding State of the Schools speech this morning from our Superintendent: Dr. Joshua Starr. (View full speech here:http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/superintendent/stateoftheschools/ ) – “One learns how to solve problems

by solving problems, not by being tested on the theoretical steps of problem-solving”.”We are building a brighter future for our children together. This is an exciting time. We have an opportunity to change public education so that it truly serves ALL of our students and helps prepare them for THEIR future.” – Later in my day I attended the heartfelt tribute ceremony to the opening of the new Paint Branch High School. To finish out on my day’s journey, I joined the rest of the Board in leading the first of two community forums on the CIP (Capital Improvements for school construction) amendments and was able to hear great community feedback. Ready to begin tomorrow’s BOE business meeting. There is lots in store. Check out the agenda here:http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/meetings/agenda/2011-12/2012-1113/111312.pdf
Photo: Spellbinding State of the Schools speech this morning from our Superintendent: Dr. Joshua Starr. (View full speech here: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/superintendent/stateoftheschools/ ) - "One learns how to solve problems by solving problems, not by being tested on the theoretical steps of problem-solving"."We are building a brighter future for our children together. This is an exciting time. We have an opportunity to change public education so that it truly serves ALL of our students and helps prepare them for THEIR future." - Later in my day I attended the heartfelt tribute ceremony to the opening of the new Paint Branch High School. To finish out on my day's journey, I joined the rest of the Board in leading the first of two community forums on the CIP (Capital Improvements for school construction) amendments and was able to hear great community feedback. Ready to begin tomorrow's BOE business meeting. There is lots in store. Check out the agenda here: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/meetings/agenda/2011-12/2012-1113/111312.pdf

——————————————————————————-

Wonderful Veterans Day tribute on a beautiful Sunday morning in downtown Gaithersburg backed up by an amazing high school band and JROTC performance. It will be an afternoon to remember. I highly encourage attendance next Veterans Day at this event and others around the county as we all pay tribute to our Nation’s Veterans.
Photo: Wonderful Veterans Day tribute on a beautiful Sunday morning in downtown Gaithersburg backed up by an amazing high school band and JROTC performance. It will be an afternoon to remember. I highly encourage attendance next Veterans Day at this event and others around the county as we all pay tribute to our Nation's Veterans.

——————————————————————————-

School Visits! (See Pic)King Middle School
North Bethesda Middle School
Paint Branch High School
Bethesda Chevy Chase High School

Clarksburg High School
Blair High School*Dates Coming Soon!
——————————————————————————-

Crazy day today! The day began with a wonderful meeting with our Maryland State Senate and House delegations. Was able to convey along with the rest of the Board, a desire to give MCPS the flexibility it needs from Federal programs to allow

 us to keep doing the amazing work that we do. As the evening approached, I met with the MCPS department of Long Range Planning for a Facilities and Boundaries hearing. We covered everything from the Superintendents recommended CIP (Capital Improvements Plan – covers school construction and modernizations) to plans to modernize Seneca Valley High School and move some excess growth from the Northwest Cluster back into the new school zone. Finally, thank you to MCJC for giving me the opportunity to conference call in to their monthly Executive Board meeting tonight. You all are fantastic and I am sorry I couldn’t be there in person for the report! – Announcing school visits tomorrow 🙂 #SMOB365
Photo: Crazy day today! The day began with a wonderful meeting with our Maryland State Senate and House delegations. Was able to convey along with the rest of the Board, a desire to give MCPS the flexibility it needs from Federal programs to allow us to keep doing the amazing work that we do. As the evening approached, I met with the MCPS department of Long Range Planning for a Facilities and Boundaries hearing. We covered everything from the Superintendents recommended CIP (Capital Improvements Plan - covers school construction and modernizations) to plans to modernize Seneca Valley High School and move some excess growth from the Northwest Cluster back into the new school zone. Finally, thank you to MCJC for giving me the opportunity to conference call in to their monthly Executive Board meeting tonight. You all are fantastic and I am sorry I couldn't be there in person for the report! - Announcing school visits tomorrow :) #SMOB365
——————————————————————————-
Four more years for Obama and the media just called that “Question 7” for gambling expansion is passed. Other questions are to close to call.As of now in the BOE races: Phil Kauffman, Christopher Barclay, and Rebecca Smondrowski are currently leading. Stay posted to your local news for updates!
Question 6, marriage equality, officially passes in MD as well! – UPDATE 12:07am
 Dream Act as well! – UPDATE 12:21am
——————————————————————————-
MCR – SGA Exec Board today. Interesting debate over possible changes to drivers education as we know it. Stay tuned for updates. Thank you to our county’s high school countywide SGA organization for granting me time to update them on current Board of Education events! (As a side note, sorry for not having pictures for the last few days, believe me, Im on it like ballot counters in Florida!)
——————————————————————————-
A story all to usual to us all? Has this truly become the “normal”. Share your experience below about the 1st quarter of your given year. Shout out to Jessica Li and Christina McCann via (The MOCO Student) for writing this wonderful reflective article. #SMOB365
http://mocostudent.org/2012/11/04/schools-outstill-so-stressed-out/
——————————————————————————-
Make sure to get out and vote tomorrow. Like this status if you or someone you know is voting for the first time tomorrow!
Photo: Make sure to get out and vote tomorrow. Like this status if you or someone you know is voting for the first time tomorrow!
——————————————————————————-
Get ready for the 2013 Annapolis Legislative Session. Two Montgomery County Education bills are discussed below including Board Member pay and the size of the MCPS Board of Education.http://www.gazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20121101%2FNEWS%2F711019813%2F1007%2Fnews&source=RSS&&template=PrinterFriendlygaz
Photo: Get ready for the 2013 Annapolis Legislative Session. Two Montgomery County Education bills are discussed below including Board Member pay and the size of the MCPS Board of Education. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>http://www.gazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121101/NEWS/711019813/1007/news&source=RSS&&template=PrinterFriendlygaz
——————————————————————————
Schools and administrative offices are open on Wednesday, October 31. Power has been restored to all schools.
——————————————————————————
No school once again and all admin offices closed for MCPS for Tuesday October 30th. Stay safe and stay indoors. Good luck to those without power. #SMOB365http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/government/tuesday-closures-spread-as-sandy-moves-in/article_7407b771-77f4-56ad-919d-8d2d33c11a16.html
——————————————————————————
Montgomery County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30, due to emergency weather conditions. All school and community activities in school buildings are canceled. Administrative offices are closed Monday October 29.
——————————————————————————
Out with some of the top youth advocates in Montgomery County! Day started with a Maryland Youth Advisory Council meeting, followed by a chance to hear our Governor, Martin O’Malley play a concert in tribute to get out the vote initiatives!
——————————————————————————
MCCPTA discussion around collaborative work that can be done to support education in MCPS. Core values “4 a’s” input was gathered that will be sifted through as the BOE comes closer to a final draft. #SMOB365
Photo: MCCPTA discussion around collaborative work that can be done to support education in MCPS. Core values "4 a's" input was gathered that will be sifted through as the BOE comes closer to a final draft. #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
2nd Student Advisory Council meeting of the year tonight. Wholesome debate around current school issues including the County’s “OLO” report and the new council 8 week plan. Thank you to all of those who made it out including At-Large reps from around the county!
Photo: 2nd Student Advisory Council meeting of the year tonight. Wholesome debate around current school issues including the County's "OLO" report and the new council 8 week plan. Thank you to all of those who made it out including At-Large reps from around the county!
——————————————————————————
BOE meeting today. Approved a resolution to add “In-House” counsel to the MCPS staff. Further a resolution was made to honor the Principal of QO High School for the Mark Mann Principal of the year award. Stay tuned for info about the new MCPS core values draft. Also very honorable statements from my colleagues about SMOB voting rights. #LongDay #SMOB365
Photo: BOE meeting today. Approved a resolution to add "In-House" counsel to the MCPS staff. Further a resolution was made to honor the Principal of QO High School for the Mark Mann Principal of the year award. Stay tuned for info about the new MCPS core values draft. Also very honorable statements from my colleagues about SMOB voting rights. #LongDay #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Want to learn more about what’s happening in our school system? Want to make a submission about a project your school is undertaking, a perspective you’d like to share, and/or insights you have about our current system to the one and only county-wide student run online news site? Check out
http://mocostudent.org/We’d love to hear from you!
Photo: Want to learn more about what's happening in our school system? Want to make a submission about a project your school is undertaking, a perspective you'd like to share, and/or insights you have about our current system to the one and only county-wide student run online news site? Check out<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> http://mocostudent.org/</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>We'd love to hear from you!
——————————————————————————

http://northpotomac.patch.com/articles/germantown-middle-schoolers-demo-iphone-app-in-vegasMajor props to these wonderfully talented students from the Germantown Cluster (Clemente Middle School). I could swear I was watching college students present the “next big thing”. I think I can speak for the Board in saying we are very proud (personally almost blown away) at the work you have done. Stay at it! (For those of you with time, check out the video from the link below) #SMOB365

——————————————————————————
Troop 209 of Silver Spring trying for their civic engagement merit badge. Could not be more thrilled to talk to them about MCPS and the BOE. I’ll proudly wear the T-Shirt (scouts honor)! #SMOB365
Photo: Troop 209 of Silver Spring trying for their civic engagement merit badge. Could not be more thrilled to talk to them about MCPS and the BOE. I'll proudly wear the T-Shirt (scouts honor)! #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Want to have a say in the priority issues of the SMOB’s Student Advisory Council? Fill out this short survey for a chance to get a mystery prize! Comment below with your name and your school to be eligible! #SMOB365http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K375KHC
——————————————————————————
20th Anniversary of Rosa Parks MS. Great to see alumni and founding staff! (YES that is actually a dolphin mascot in the background) Good luck to all on those PSATs tomorrow!
Photo: 20th Anniversary of Rosa Parks MS. Great to see alumni and founding staff! (YES that is actually a dolphin mascot in the background) Good luck to all on those PSATs tomorrow!
——————————————————————————
A day in the life: met with MOCO business leaders, Lt.Gov Brown, Tom Ridge, Lockheed Martin and Marriott execs. THEME: “Strong education creates strong leaders”. Student Town Hall with MCPS Super Northwest High School Finally NAACP Parents Council “Kick Off” was a massive success.Richard Montgomery Hs High School #SMOB365
Photo: A day in the life: met with MOCO business leaders, Lt.Gov Brown, Tom Ridge, Lockheed Martin and Marriott execs. THEME: "Strong education creates strong leaders". Student Town Hall with MCPS Super Northwest High School Finally NAACP Parents Council "Kick Off" was a massive success. Richard Montgomery Hs High School #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/new-common-application-will-be-a-stickler-for-essays/HARSH NEWS FOR ANY JUNIORS OUT THERE! Read this article for more info on the college “Common App” changes for next year. Opinions? #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Chilly night out at the Montgomery County marching band competition! Some UNBELIEVABLE talent out tonight! Good luck to all 🙂
Photo: Chilly night out at the Montgomery County marching band competition! Some UNBELIEVABLE talent out tonight! Good luck to all :)
——————————————————————————
Dinner with SEIU Local 500 Union last night. Cheers all around as it is announced that the NATS lived to fight another day. Major respect and appreciation for MCPS service workers! #SMOB365
Photo: Dinner with SEIU Local 500 Union last night. Cheers all around as it is announced that the NATS lived to fight another day. Major respect and appreciation for MCPS service workers! #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Meeting today with the County Council about youth issues at their annual forum. Disappointed by the lack of clarity on a large majority of questions and the continued divide between the Board of Education and the County Council.A few fact notations:1) Meeting was pushed back to October away from budget season.
2) Carroll County Public School officials have stated that placing buses at school

s is NOT innovative and they wish that it NEVER happened in their district.
3) Montgomery County Public Library budget is about 26 Million, a 25% cut to their budget is in no way comparable to a 10% cut to a 2.1 BILLION Public Schools budget.
4) There has been cuts in local education funding since 2002 so the “2009 Recession” does not provide a full explanation for cuts.
5) State and Federal funding is not a replacement for County funding.
6) A large percentage of this years increase over “Maintenance of Effort” was a result of the teacher Pension Shift imposed by the STATE government.
——————————————————————————
Thank you to the Montgomery County Regional SGA (MCR) for giving me time to speak at their General Assembly today. It was great answering questions from students at almost every high school countywide! #SMOB365
Photo: Thank you to the Montgomery County Regional SGA (MCR) for giving me time to speak at their General Assembly today. It was great answering questions from students at almost every high school countywide! #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Met this afternoon with “At-Large” school representatives to the Student Advisory Council. The group seems very dedicated to giving me good feedback throughout the year! #SMOB365
Photo: Met this afternoon with "At-Large" school representatives to the Student Advisory Council. The group seems very dedicated to giving me good feedback throughout the year! #SMOB365
——————————————————————————

The Montgomery County Council’s Youth Town Hall is right around the corner on October 10th 2012. The Montgomery County Council, is hosting this event ( you may remember last year’s) in an attemp

t to give youth and students a forum to speak and ask questions regarding relevant topics that affect us on a daily basis. The event will be held in the Council Office Building in Rockville, 100 Maryland Ave. The meeting, in the Council’s Third Floor Hearing Room, will start at 7 p.m. A pre-meeting reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the building’s second-floor cafeteria. The meeting will be televised on cable.The RSVP phone number is 240-777-7931.There are a myriad of issues that can be discussed. If you need help coming up with questions or want to run something by me, feel free to send me a quick email or message with that information.THE EVENT LINK:https://www.facebook.com/events/430106527051885/I would really appreciate it if you could spread this link around. You can status it, tweet it, or email it. Also if you want to invite friends directly on Facebook it would be great, just message me and I can make you a temporary event page admin.In addition, I put together the following promotional video to be sent around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2yChvVZ-A4&feature=plcpPlease status, tweet and message it around.Look for it on your morning announcements! (If you are on your schools TV news crew I would love to get into contact about getting it aired if it has not already)For schools without TV shows and middle schools, any work that can be done in rallying up attendance within SGA’s and other clubs is very helpful. The more students we have come out (even if they do not speak) shows our commitment as youth to the pressing issues in our county. We do not get very many opportunities like this.
——————————————————————————
Maryland Association of Boards of Education day 2! Fun walk on the Ocean City Boardwalk with other state BOE members. Heard state super speak this morning. MD State Senator Nancy King honored!
Photo: Maryland Association of Boards of Education day 2! Fun walk on the Ocean City Boardwalk  with other state BOE members. Heard state super speak this morning. MD State Senator Nancy King honored!
——————————————————————————
Indescribable day at the Maryland Association of Board’s of Education conference in Ocean City. Board Walk on the Boardwalk tomorrow!Shutout to MCJC for allowing me to Skype into their exec board. #MABE2012 @MABE_News
——————————————————————————
All across the county, volunteer student tutors and adults are gearing up for another year of the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy.
Photo: All across the county, volunteer student tutors and adults are gearing up for another year of the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy.
——————————————————————————
Effective meeting with the MCAAP administrators union today. We gathered valuable input on our core values draft and budget interests.
Photo: Effective meeting with the MCAAP administrators union today. We gathered valuable input on our core values draft and budget interests.
——————————————————————————
Video clip from NBC’s Education Nation. My colleague and MCPS Board of Education Vice President Chris Barclay joins North Carolina’s Governor and the Mayor of Los Angeles in discussing National, State, and local perspectives on education reform. VERY interesting watch. #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Tweets from today’s Board of Education meeting. Good progress made in the short meeting. Also, effective work session before the meeting to discuss year long goals and what we as a system expect from our MCPS Superintendent. #SMOB365
Photo: Tweets from today's Board of Education meeting. Good progress made in the short meeting. Also, effective work session before the meeting to discuss year long goals and what we as a system expect from our MCPS Superintendent. #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Live Twitter event tomorrow on issues discussed at the MCPS Board of Education meeting from my perspective. Looking forward to piloting the new “share-point” system developed in order to allow Board Members to go paperless at meetings. If you are not already, follow SMOB365 on twitter @ https://twitter.com/JohnMannes #SMOB365
Photo: Live Twitter event tomorrow on issues discussed at the MCPS Board of Education meeting from my perspective. Looking forward to piloting the new "share-point" system developed in order to allow Board Members to go paperless at meetings.  If you are not already, follow SMOB365 on twitter @ https://twitter.com/JohnMannes #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Policy Committee meeting today. Good discussion on drug prevention, school responses to students with food allergies, and state ethics on financial disclosure. #SMOB365
Photo: Policy Committee meeting today. Good discussion on drug prevention, school responses to students with food allergies, and state ethics on financial disclosure. #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Today was the first meeting of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council. Went out today to their meeting and saw tons of Montgomery County representation. Really a great sight to see! MYAC works on issue advocacy for student issues directly with the Maryland Governors Office.
Photo: Today was the first meeting of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council. Went out today to their meeting and saw tons of Montgomery County representation. Really a great sight to see! MYAC works on issue advocacy for student issues directly with the Maryland Governors Office.
——————————————————————————
Montgomery County Junior Councils is an AWESOME organization! Thank you for giving me the time to report the middle school issues to your students and run a workshop on innovation! Can’t wait for the first General Assembly on October 17th!
Photo: Montgomery County Junior Councils is an AWESOME organization! Thank you for giving me the time to report the middle school issues to your students and run a workshop on innovation! Can't wait for the first General Assembly on October 17th!
——————————————————————————
Meeting with the MCEA teacher’s union. Fantastic open discussion on core values and collective interests!
Photo: Meeting with the MCEA teacher's union. Fantastic open discussion on core values and collective interests!
——————————————————————————

20th anniversary event of Career Partnership day with Junior Achievement. Great program & people! The organization works to get youth involved in internships and to close the gap between the education and business world. Junior Achievement

runs a program similar to Outdoor Education in which students attend a multi-day out of classroom experience to discover Financial Literacy through hands on work. It is a possibility that we may see such a program in Montgomery County in the coming years.
Photo: 20th anniversary event of Career Partnership day with Junior Achievement. Great program & people! The organization works to get youth involved in internships and to close the gap between the education and business world. Junior Achievement runs a program similar to Outdoor Education in which students attend a multi-day out of classroom experience to discover Financial Literacy through hands on work. It is a possibility that we may see such a program in Montgomery County in the coming years.
——————————————————————————
The end result of today’s MCPS SMOB Board of Education live Twitter event. Some of the days tweets put to motion! #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Live Twitter event tomorrow on issues discussed at the MCPS Board of Education meeting from my perspective. School modernization and tech purchases will be highlights. If you are not already, follow SMOB365 on twitter @ https://twitter.com/JohnMannes #SMOB365
Photo: Live Twitter event tomorrow on issues discussed at the MCPS Board of Education meeting from my perspective. School modernization and tech purchases will be highlights. If you are not already, follow SMOB365 on twitter @ https://twitter.com/JohnMannes    #SMOB365
——————————————————————————

What do you think of the plan to put Promethean Boards in every elementary school classroom in Montgomery County and wireless networking in every classroom countywide? Check out the Gazette’s interpretation below and the official memorandum

Photo: What do you think of the plan to put Promethean Boards in every elementary school classroom in Montgomery County and wireless networking in every classroom countywide? Check out the Gazette's interpretation below and the official memorandum at this link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/105343645/Starr-Revises-Memo-for-Surprise-Purchase-of-2-000-Promethean-Boards</p><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>http://www.gazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120906/NEWS/709069850/1022/-145-million-technology-plan-proposed-for-montgomery-schools&&template=PrinterFriendlygaz
——————————————————————————
Great meeting yesterday with the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association. Please message this page if you are interested in seeking an “At-Large” slot on the Student Advisory Council to represent your views and your school!
Photo: Great meeting yesterday with the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association. Please message this page if you are interested in seeking an "At-Large" slot on the Student Advisory Council to represent your views and your school!
——————————————————————————
Great to see students out at the MCCPTA meeting today with our Superintendent. #SMOB365
Photo: Great to see students out at the MCCPTA meeting today with our Superintendent. #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Great core values discussion to create a working draft to present to stakeholders. Looking forward to these upcoming meetings!
Photo: Great core values discussion to create a working draft to present to stakeholders. Looking forward to these upcoming meetings!
——————————————————————————
Out at the Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade this afternoon. Wonderful event. Hope everyone is enjoying this well deserved Labor Day holiday!
Photo: Out at the Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade this afternoon. Wonderful event. Hope everyone is enjoying this well deserved Labor Day holiday!
——————————————————————————
A quick video I made in support of Montgomery County’s athletic teams. Fall football season begins this evening and 1000s throughout our community are having a “night under the lights”. Come out and support your local team! Like or share this video on your own timeline to spread the word! #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Great discussions at Briggs Chaney Middle School on relationships, community, bullying & responsibility @mcpssuper @DelegateZucker
Photo: Great discussions at Briggs Chaney Middle School on relationships, community, bullying & responsibility @mcpssuper @DelegateZucker
——————————————————————————
Thank you Christina McCann for this photo of today’s Student Advisory Council meeting! Fantastic opener as we discussed action goals, innovative ideas, and the Montgomery County educational structure. Thank you to all of my AMAZING staff who made it possible!
Photo: Thank you Christina McCann for this photo of today's Student Advisory Council meeting! Fantastic opener as we discussed action goals, innovative ideas, and the Montgomery County educational structure. Thank you to all of my AMAZING staff who made it possible!
——————————————————————————
Paint Branch High School (New Building) visit: Awesome facility, engaged students & teachers, and warm apple pie; all a Board of Education member could ask for! @mcpssuper
Photo: Paint Branch High School (New Building) visit: Awesome facility, engaged students & teachers, and warm apple pie; all a Board of Education member could ask for! @mcpssuper
——————————————————————————

Fantastic press conference and following tour this morning at newly built and opened Flora M. Singer Elementary School. It was great to see students engaged in an MCPS building that featured state of the art technology, vegetated roofing, a

nd an ultra transparent layout. Congratulations to the more than 149,000 students across 202 schools who began their school year today and a massive thank you to the parents, teachers, administrators, and community members for putting in the time to make this all possible!
Photo: Fantastic press conference and following tour this morning at newly built and opened Flora M. Singer Elementary School. It was great to see students engaged in an MCPS building that featured state of the art technology, vegetated roofing, and an ultra transparent layout. Congratulations to the more than 149,000 students across 202 schools who began their school year today and a massive thank you to the parents, teachers, administrators, and community members for putting in the time to make this all possible!
——————————————————————————
Great night out hearing from Montgomery County Politicians about what can be expected for the future. Great efforts on all sides in keeping youth involved and engaged. #SMOB365
Photo: Great night out hearing from Montgomery County Politicians about what can be expected for the future. Great efforts on all sides in keeping youth involved and engaged.  #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Conference calls this evening with Student Advisory Council staff in preparation for next year! Loving the innovative ideas being brought to the table. Getting ready for round two tomorrow! #SMOB365
Photo: Conference calls this evening with Student Advisory Council staff in preparation for next year! Loving the innovative ideas being brought to the table. Getting ready for round two tomorrow! #SMOB365
——————————————————————————
Great afternoon meeting today with Student Board Members from across the state. Shout out to MABE for putting on such a fantastic event!
Photo: Great afternoon meeting today with Student Board Members from across the state. Shout out to MABE for putting on such a fantastic event!
——————————————————————————
Fantastic montage of the responses to the Student Advisory Council application question: “What is life”. All of the applicants this year have been incredibly competitive, each bringing unique skills to their applications. Tomorrow evening the first round of appointments will be released. Please keep in mind that the final deadline for all applications to be submitted is September 1st 2012. Good luck to everyone!!
Photo: Fantastic montage of the responses to the Student Advisory Council application question: "What is life". All of the applicants this year have been incredibly competitive, each bringing unique skills to their applications. Tomorrow evening the first round of appointments will be released. Please keep in mind that the final deadline for all applications to be submitted is September 1st 2012. Good luck to everyone!!
——————————————————————————

Wow. Whirlwind of a day today. Started off with an early morning “Voices in Education” Gazette interview that covered an expansive overview of my plans for next year on the Board. Right after, I had breakfast with Ben Feshbach, (Wootton, 10

th), to discuss plans for a series of “Educational Think Tank” discussions next year at various schools with students from across Montgomery County, both middle and high school. The picture as seen above is from today’s core values workgroup with the Board of Education, Superintendent, and Executive Staff @ Richard Montgomery High School. We spent time debating MCPS’s guiding tenants and had an extensive discussion on the merits of collaboration vs engagement and social-justice vs equity. Finished off this very hectic day with a dinner meeting with our Superintendent, Dr.Starr, about his plans, goals, and outlook for next year.
Photo: Wow. Whirlwind of a day today. Started off with an early morning "Voices in Education" Gazette interview that covered an expansive overview of my plans for next year on the Board. Right after, I had breakfast with Ben Feshbach, (Wootton, 10th), to discuss plans for a series of "Educational Think Tank" discussions next year at various schools with students from across Montgomery County, both middle and high school. The picture as seen above is from today's core values workgroup with the Board of Education, Superintendent, and Executive Staff @ Richard Montgomery High School. We spent time debating MCPS's guiding tenants and had an extensive discussion on the merits of collaboration vs engagement and social-justice vs equity. Finished off this very hectic day with a dinner meeting with our Superintendent, Dr.Starr, about his plans, goals, and outlook for next year.
——————————————————————————
In the fashion of my other afternoon meetings this week, I had a chance today to sit down with the Montgomery County Council to discuss plans of working together for this next year. We discussed state-wide testing, closing the achievement gap, and core values. The County Council is the Organization dedicated to allocating funds for MCPS’s 2.13 billion dollar operating budget.
Photo: In the fashion of my other afternoon meetings this week, I had a chance today to sit down with the Montgomery County Council to discuss plans of working together for this next year. We discussed state-wide testing, closing the achievement gap, and core values. The County Council is the Organization dedicated to allocating funds for MCPS's 2.13 billion dollar operating budget.
——————————————————————————
Policy Council meeting this afternoon with Board members and MCPS Executive Staff. We discussed changes to current policy on school fundraising and ethics as they relate to the school community.
Photo: Policy Council meeting this afternoon with Board members and MCPS Executive Staff. We discussed changes to current policy on school fundraising and ethics as they relate to the school community.
——————————————————————————
Did you know that school-wide Student Governments have the right to make recommendations to Principals concerning their school and are entitled to a response within five school days. Find fun facts like this and more @http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/polindex.shtm
Photo: Did you know that school-wide Student Governments have the right to make recommendations to Principals concerning their school and are entitled to a response within five school days. Find fun facts like this and more @ http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/polindex.shtm
——————————————————————————
Meeting with the Montgomery County Planning Board this evening to discuss future plans to collaborate on acquiring land for schools that integrates park assets, such as fields to enrich local communities.
Photo: Meeting with the Montgomery County Planning Board this evening to discuss future plans to collaborate on acquiring land for schools that integrates park assets, such as fields to enrich local communities.
——————————————————————————
Check out these new MCPS computers coming to a school near you. From a quick first glance, they are loaded with Windows 7 and a handy SD card slot.
Photo: Check out these new MCPS computers coming to a school near you. From a quick first glance, they are loaded with Windows 7 and a handy SD card slot.
——————————————————————————

First official Board meeting today. Was able to vote for an introduced “green initiative” that would require the superintendent of schools to develop and recommend to the Board of Education a plan to reduce the system’s carbon footprint

. I was also able to provide input on the system’s guiding tenants and core values, have breakfast with newly appointed staff, and vote in my first closed session. Looking forward to our next meeting on July 30th. Feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions about the meeting.
Photo: First official Board meeting today. Was able to vote for an introduced "green initiative" that would require the superintendent of schools to develop and recommend to the Board of Education a plan to reduce  the  system’s  carbon  footprint. I was also able to provide input on the system's guiding tenants and core values, have breakfast with newly appointed staff, and vote in my first closed session. Looking forward to our next meeting on July 30th. Feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions about the meeting.
——————————————————————————
Spoke at the “Drive for Supplies” Press Conference today at Richard Montgomery High School. Shout-out to all the wonderful volunteers who made it all possible!
Photo: Spoke at the "Drive for Supplies" Press Conference today at Richard Montgomery High School. Shout-out to all the wonderful volunteers who made it all possible!
——————————————————————————

Great time this afternoon meeting with members of the Montgomery County Regional Student Government, our county’s high school student advocacy organization. We spoke about many issues from the state of high school testing all the way to the

 current “attendance intervention” initiative. It was a fantastic opportunity to gather input and debate out various perspectives. Glad that they agreed to join us in next years Montgomery County Students’ Coalition.
Photo: Great time this afternoon meeting with members of the Montgomery County Regional Student Government, our county's high school student advocacy organization. We spoke about many issues from the state of high school testing all the way to the current "attendance intervention" initiative. It was a fantastic opportunity to gather input and debate out various perspectives. Glad that they agreed to join us in next years Montgomery County Students' Coalition.
——————————————————————————
Had a fantastic lunch today with representatives from the Montgomery County Junior Councils. Enjoyed speaking with them about current middle school issues facing our county’s students.
Photo: Had a fantastic lunch today with representatives from the Montgomery County Junior Councils. Enjoyed speaking with them about current middle school issues facing our county's students.
——————————————————————————
The next Board of Education meeting is coming up on July 17th at 10am at the Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville Maryland. Stop by to hear straight from the source about issues ranging from possible steps to reduce MCPS’s Carbon Footprint to Scholarship Awards. If you have any questions about the meeting, feel free to message me through this page. Hope to see you there!
Photo: The next Board of Education meeting is coming up on July 17th at 10am at the Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville Maryland. Stop by to hear straight from the source about issues ranging from possible steps to reduce MCPS's Carbon Footprint to Scholarship Awards. If you have any questions about the meeting, feel free to message me through this page. Hope to see you there!
——————————————————————————

Worked on outlining strategy for next year’s approach to increased voting rights for the Student Member. This has been a major goal of the Board for a while. Last year’s legislative platform produced by the Board of Education supported the

addition of voting rights that would allow future SMOB’s to vote on issues that involve the Budget and Collective Bargoning so that the Student Member could have more of a say in issues that directly impact our daily school lives. Ultimately, however the Maryland State Legislature failed to come to an agreement on the issue. I will keep you all posted on what is decided in the coming weeks.
Photo: Worked on outlining strategy for next year's approach to increased voting rights for the Student Member. This has been a major goal of the Board for a while. Last year's legislative platform produced by the Board of Education supported the addition of voting rights that would allow future SMOB's to vote on issues that involve the Budget and Collective Bargoning so that the Student Member could have more of a say in issues that directly impact our daily school lives. Ultimately, however the Maryland State Legislature failed to come to an agreement on the issue. I will keep you all posted on what is decided in the coming weeks.
——————————————————————————
Loreta Knight adminesters the oath of office to student member of the board John Mannes © 20012 Montgomery County Public Schools
Photo: Loreta Knight adminesters the oath of office to student member of the board John Mannes © 20012 Montgomery County Public Schools
——————————————————————————

I cannot thank everyone enough for their uplifting and complete support over the past months. My family and friends and the work of the community members of this amazing county deserve great recognition. I am proud to take on this new role

and I look forward to both the challenges and rewards of working as the next Student Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education.’ “John Mannes, a rising senior at Northwest High School, was sworn in as the 35th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) on Monday, July 9, 2012, at the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville. Mr. Mannes was sworn in by Clerk of the Court Loretta Knight”.’“I look forward to working with the Board of Education and the Superintendent on the important issues we will be facing in the coming year,” Mr. Mannes said. “I appreciate the support of MCPS students and I am committed to making their voices heard during my time as SMOB.”’ ‘
Photo: I cannot thank everyone enough for their uplifting and complete support over the past months. My family and friends and the work of the community members of this amazing county deserve great recognition. I am proud to take on this new role and I look forward to both the challenges and rewards of working as the next Student Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>' "John Mannes, a rising senior at Northwest High School, was sworn in as the 35th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) on Monday, July 9, 2012, at the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville. Mr. Mannes was sworn in by Clerk of the Court Loretta Knight".</p><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>'“I look forward to working with the Board of Education and the Superintendent on the important issues we will be facing in the coming year,” Mr. Mannes said. “I appreciate the support of MCPS students and I am committed to making their voices heard during my time as SMOB.”' '
——————————————————————————

Starting next week, letters will be going out to various county wide student advocacy organizations in an attempt to build the Montgomery County Students’ Coalition that will act as the lobbying wing of the outreach based Student Advisory C

ouncil. If you know of an organization fighting for a local student related issue, please email me personally at John_B_Mannes@mcpsmd.org so we can work to implement you into the council design.
Photo: Starting next week, letters will be going out to various county wide student advocacy organizations in an attempt to build the Montgomery County Students' Coalition that will act as the lobbying wing of the outreach based Student Advisory Council. If you know of an organization fighting for a local student related issue, please email me personally at John_B_Mannes@mcpsmd.org so we can work to implement you into the council design.
——————————————————————————
Interesting article from the Gazette, after reading, what are your opinions on a possible alternative that would allow suspended and expelled students to continue their education, but at a site that would not interfere with the education of others?
http://www.gazette.net/article/20120705/OPINION/707059888/-1/bad-behavior-shouldn-t-earn-a-day-off&template=gazette
Photo: Interesting article from the Gazette, after reading, what are your opinions on a possible alternative that would allow suspended and expelled students to continue their education, but at a site that would not interfere with the education of others?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> http://www.gazette.net/article/20120705/OPINION/707059888/-1/bad-behavior-shouldn-t-earn-a-day-off&template=gazette
——————————————————————————
And the date is set, the SMOB swearing in has been re-scheduled to this Monday, July 9th at the Montgomery County Circuit Court House in Rockville. Stay posted for pictures from the day. This event will not be a ceremony but look for the actual ceremony to be re-scheduled sometime in the coming weeks!
Photo: And the date is set, the SMOB swearing in has been re-scheduled to this Monday, July 9th at the Montgomery County Circuit Court House in Rockville. Stay posted for pictures from the day. This event will not be a ceremony but look for the actual ceremony to be re-scheduled sometime in the coming weeks!
——————————————————————————

Spent this very hot July 4th holiday reading through some of the Board of Education’s reference materials in preparation for my first Board meeting. Hope everyone had a great 4th, stay posted on the MCPS website and TV network tomorrow, sch

ools will be opening up with selected closures in locations still lacking power. Elementary regional summer school, ELO/SAIL, Middle School Extended Year programs and Extended School Year programs for special education students will open on Monday, July 9.
Photo: Spent this very hot July 4th holiday reading through some of the Board of Education's reference materials in preparation for my first Board meeting. Hope everyone had a great 4th, stay posted on the MCPS website and TV network tomorrow, schools will be opening up with selected closures in locations still lacking power. Elementary regional summer school, ELO/SAIL, Middle School Extended Year programs and Extended School Year programs for special education students will open on Monday, July 9.
——————————————————————————
And we’re off…well sort of…SMOB swearing-in ceremony was canceled today due to the aftermath of the thunderstorm equivalent of “snowpocalypse”. Good luck to everyone out there who still doesn’t have power. As of now all MCPS offices and programs are closed until after the July 4th holiday.
Photo: And we're off...well sort of...SMOB swearing-in ceremony was canceled today due to the aftermath of the thunderstorm equivalent of "snowpocalypse". Good luck to everyone out there who still doesn't have power. As of now all MCPS offices and programs are closed until after the July 4th holiday.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.