Superintendent's Corner

This past weekend we celebrated our high school graduations at the division's four high schools - Auburn High School, Blacksburg High School, Christiansburg High School, and Eastern Montgomery High School. We could not be more proud of the achievements of our senior Class of 2023. We know they will have the brightest futures in whatever direction the next phase of their lives leads. In our other schools in the county, the end of the school year culminated with promotion ceremonies and celebrations for those students moving on to next-level schools. I congratulate everyone on completing another successful year in Montgomery County Public Schools.

The arrival of summer for children and staff provides a respite from the structured daily routines that school affords. It provides opportunities for families and children to engage in activities not possible during the school year. The warmer weather also opens up a plethora of outdoor activities that are only possible in the summer months. We hope that, as families, you can take advantage of these unique summer opportunities and find that ever-elusive commodity of fun as a family. When my children were school-aged, I always found that summer was a special time that enabled our family to grow closer as we engaged in outdoor and beach activities. I hope all our school families can engage in similar activities this summer and enjoy each other's company.

I look forward to seeing everyone again in August when we begin the new school year.

Have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Bernie Bragen

Simple things like building a lego castle or visiting the park are just a few sun summer activities.

Here is a list of 100 free summer activities for kids of all ages.

I am collecting input from the community about my time in Montgomery County and areas of opportunity for the 2023-24 school year through a Stakeholder Survey. I will use the feedback provided as part of my reflection on the last six months in Montgomery County. Thank you for taking the time to provide your input.

Roofing Projects at Belview Elementary and Christiansburg Elementary

Throughout the summer, you will notice exciting work happening at Belview and Christiansburg Elementary Schools. As a final component of each school’s renovation, partial roof replacement work will begin early in June and will be completed before the next school year begins.

Division Completing Master Facilities Plan

Montgomery County Public Schools is currently seeking members for the MCPS Facilities Planning Committee. This committee will be engaged in evaluation and planning through analysis of building needs, technology, and safety to ensure MCPS is prepared to meet future enrollment needs. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please complete this form by June 2.

Do you ever wonder why your child’s teacher always asks you to ensure that your student reads at home? Why is reading so important?

Studies have shown that a regular reading routine:

• sharpens vocabulary,

• improves IQ and knowledge acquisition,

• develops imagination,

• improves memory and concentration,

• reduces the brain's rate of decline as we age, and

• expands emotional intelligence and well-being.

The act of reading, particularly engaged reading, is a powerful predictor of school and life success. It is the best predictor of who goes to college regardless of socioeconomic background. Consider creating a reading routine for your children, and give them an incentivized reading assignment over the summer. Keep summer reading interesting for your children by encouraging them to read a wide variety of materials such as novels, short stories, a book of poetry, nonfiction, or even a play, depending upon the age of your child. Consider modeling for your children by turning off the TV and having each person read his or her book. For older students, read the same book your child is reading and discuss it. Keep lots of reading material around the house. Writing improves reading comprehension, so be sure to have your children keep a reading journal or write a summary of what they read. From reading calendars to book clubs - if you google 'summer reading programs' - the options are endless.

Check out the article, Get Serious About Summer Reading, and Find a Book, for resources that may support your child’s reading efforts.

We hope you and your family enjoy a few good books together this summer!

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community. The theme for 2023 announced by Federal Asian Pacific American Council is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.”

5 facts to know about AAPI Heritage History Month.

• Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month was originally a week; it was President Jimmy Carter who signed it into law in 1978, designating a week to celebrate the AAPI community.

• President George H. W. Bush signed a bill in 1990 that extended the week into the full month, and President Barack Obama changed the name to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2009.

• According to the 2020 Census, there are 24 million people in the United States who fall under the umbrella of AAPI, and Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic group in America.

• Lawmakers chose May because of its historical significance for the AAPI community. It commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States, as well as Golden Spike Day (May 10, 1869), which marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese laborers.

Email: berniebragen@mcps.org
Website: www.MCPS.org
Location: 750 Imperial Street, Christiansburg, VA, USA
Phone: (540)382-5100
Twitter: @MCPSSupt