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The Falcon News
Volume 4, Edition 9, October 8, 2023
Book Fair Tip: Set up an eWallet Account
Dear Families,
The PTA-sponsored Scholastic Book Fair is next week! Save your student(s) and yourself some stress and set up an eWallet today.
This free, digital account lets you set a spending budget so your student(s) can shop the fair without worrying about losing track of a check or cash. You can easily add funds online and invite family and friends to help support your student’s good reading habits.
Best of all, these funds never expire—a new eWallet account is required for every fair, but unspent funds from past fairs can be transferred over.
Note, student eWallets are not the same as teacher/classroom eWallets. You can add funds to a teacher’s eWallet to help support their classroom library instead of buying a specific book. However, teachers cannot pay for student purchases.
Any questions? Contact PTA Book Fair Co-chair, Karin Lee at klee.fres@gmail.com.
MCPS NEWS
Mental Health Awareness Week Set for Oct. 30–Nov. 4
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA) will host free events the week of Oct. 30–Nov. 4 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of issues. A culminating virtual resource fair and expert panel will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4.
From 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Richard Montgomery High School, former professional football player turned mental health expert and advocate, Dr. Jay Barnett, will speak in-person to students about the importance of mental health, breaking down stigma and seeking help. Read more.
Speak Up, Save a Life PSA Contest for Students
The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office is hosting a contest that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. The contest is open to students in Grades 6-12. The top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500. Prizes are being donated by Magnolia Plumbing in honor of two young men who lost their lives to illicit fentanyl. Students can earn up to 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Visit the contest webpage for more information.
Applications Open Soon for High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs
On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to apply for Regional/Countywide Special Programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for career readiness programs. Information sessions will be available for students and families, and all dates can be found on the special programs webpage.
Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 3. Programs-At-A-Glance, eligibility, frequently asked questions and October open house dates are available on this website.