Dear Parents and Community Members,

Welcome to Montgomery County Public Schools.  The mission of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is to be a community of excellence that develops each student’s full potential to be a lifelong learner and a productive global citizen. The Montgomery County School District has a vision that values a high performing learning culture, cultivates positive relationships, has high expectations for achievement and accountability, ensures the physical safety and emotional well-being of all individuals, and values continuous learning. We have a dedicated staff of professional educators and support staff who strive to ensure the best possible educational experience for all students. We are proud of our curriculum and instructional programs and the fact that all schools are accredited.

The location of Montgomery County provides many occasions for learning experiences in the classroom and beyond the school building. An association with Virginia Tech, Radford University, New River Community College, and other area cultural organizations provides unique learning opportunities. Recently we added the College Zone program that allows enrolled students to earn college level credits while taking high school classes.  In addition, there are dual credit course offerings, Advanced Placement courses, virtual classrooms, business internships, and the Campus Transition Program that allows special education students to attend college while they are still students in Montgomery County Schools.  From kindergarten to grade 12, the staff is committed to providing excellent academic programs of instruction along with exceptional offerings in the area of fine arts. Our extracurricular organizations and athletic programs also provide numerous opportunities for students to expand their interests beyond the classroom. National and state recognitions for our staff and programs reflect the commitment to excellence in Montgomery County Schools.

In June 2010, we will complete construction on a new elementary school for the Elliston Lafayette and Shawsville communities that will open in the fall of 2010. We are also planning to begin construction this year on a new elementary school for the Price’s Fork community that should open in the fall of 2011. Work will continue in collaboration with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors to improve and prepare our facilities in order to meet the educational demands of the future.

We look forward to another successful school year and invite you to visit any of our schools. You are also invited to participate in our parent organizations, Booster clubs, or to simply contact one of our schools if you would like to volunteer or offer assistance.

Thank you in advance for your support. I hope you have a great 2009-2010 school year.

Sincerely,

Walter L. Shannon
Interim Superintendent