News Release

Montgomery County Public Schools Acknowledge the Accomplishments of Students and Staff Through Various Activities and Celebrations in March

Montgomery County Public Schools will be celebrating and acknowledging the efforts of students and staff during many activities planned for the month of March. March is National Professional Social Work Month. This year’s theme, Building on Strengths: Help Starts Here, focuses on the important strengths inherent in each individual student, his or her family, and community. This month provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important work being done by school social workers and visiting teachers. School social workers are noted for their contributions in prevention and intervention services; assessment and screening; counseling services and crisis intervention; consultation, collaboration, and advocacy; parent/family and community services; promoting educational equity; and reducing barriers to learning.

As March is Youth Art and Music in Our Schools month, schools in Montgomery County will be hosting a number of activities and presentations to celebrate fine arts programs. Last night, the School Board heard a musical presentation from sixth grade band students at Christiansburg Middle School. The Board also received artwork from several schools. A full listing of fine arts events is listed on the MCPS website at www.mcps.org. The purpose of these celebrations is to raise awareness of the importance of music and art education for all children and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to these programs.

“Our staff in the fine arts and social work department is exceptional. Their talent, commitment, and creativity have enabled us to provide the highest quality of services to our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson.

March is also Women’s History Month. To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Library of Virginia has mailed the 2008 Virginia Women in History poster and curriculum to Virginia social studies teachers. The poster highlights state and national contributions of eight Virginia women and includes a short biography of each honoree.