Happy October!
I hope that you and your family are well. Although we have been administering thousands of standardized assessments to our Blazers, we have enjoyed many school activities. Our seniors went to Smokey Glen Farm for a day of outdoor activities, fun, and unity. Last week, our Counseling Department hosted our first Outdoor College & Career Fair. This week, we hosted our Extracurricular Activities Fair and enjoyed Homecoming Spirit Week events led by our Student Government Association.
We are at the halfway point in the first marking period and Interim Reports will be posted on ParentVue. Please check your teens' Interim Report and celebrate their achievement or meet with your teen's counselor to collaborate on a plan for improvement.
With the first full month of school behind us, our All-In Honors initiative in 9th-grade core content area courses is in full swing. Blair students produced the following mini-documentary (see the link below) on our work. I want to thank Mr. Culver, our Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, for sharing our vision and mission in the documentary.
Finally, I hope that you can support our PTSA fundraiser below to ensure that we have the needed outdoor furniture for our Blazers.
As always, I appreciate your support.
Renay Johnson
Proud Principal
PLEASE SUPPORT OUTDOOR LUNCH FOR BLAIR STUDENTS
Our students have been enjoying expanded outdoor lunch activities. But we do not have enough tables. As it gets colder, students won’t be able to sit on the ground to eat and the school will need heaters for outdoor lunch. MCPS won’t supply heaters or additional tables.
The PTSA wants to help Blair but needs $13,000 in parent donations to pay for sturdy, weather-resistant tables and outdoor heaters, that students will be able to enjoy for several years.
If you’d like to help, go to https://blairptsa.org/donate/ to make a tax-deductible donation to the PTSA to support the purchase of tables and heaters and other PTSA programs for Blair students.
The PTSA welcomes everyone, and membership is free. If you haven’t already joined, go to https://blairptsa.org/join/join
Blair's PTSA Annual Citrus Sale
The Blair PTSA annual citrus sale is underway. This fundraiser supports MiniGrants, After Prom or Student Celebrations, and Staff Appreciation.
This year once again, all orders will be placed online; fruit shipped directly to your home in the first half of December. (Orders received before late October have a pre-Thanksgiving delivery option.)
Place orders online at blaircitrus.com through Nov. 19.
Buy some for your household! Send a holiday gift to a loved one! Support Blair's great students and staff!
The PTSA also has a long-standing tradition of encouraging families to share fruit with our local Shepherd's Table organization. See details and their address at the landing page of blaircitrus.com. Address any questions via the PTSA’s Leadership page, attn Fundraising: Citrus Sale Committee Chair.
Counseling Department News
The School Counseling Department can't believe it's already October! We are well into the application season with Seniors (with over 300 transcript requests so far!), getting ready to meet with our 9th grade students, and just had a successful College & Career Fair for our community! In a continued effort to support our families with undivided attention and respect to their time, we ask that you ensure you schedule an appointment with us as a Parent prior to coming into Blair. While at times we may be available, more often we are supporting students or within meetings that can become delayed when addressing questions from individuals that have stopped by without an appointment. Your support during this time would be greatly appreciated and we will always do our best to support you!
Please review our October Newsletter here, and our College/Career October Newsletter here. We also have our video update here! We hope to see you at our future events!
All links (linked above in sentence):
School Counseling Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y04dO620cec3-gly1VdPsgjSDBmMp9X_/view?usp=sharing
College/Career Newsletter: https://bit.ly/mbhscollegecareernewsoct21
Video: https://www.loom.com/share/23d187822f0d47f288dda32598048f28
Blair's Preschool Program
Montgomery Blair High School's Pre-K program focuses on all four types of development; Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social, and language development of its students as well as pre-emergent writing, reading, math, science, and social studies skills. Under the direction of the Child Development Teacher, high school students plan and implement lessons that are developmentally appropriate. As preschoolers and high schoolers work together, they learn from each other.
We currently have preschool openings and will begin our program on October 18. Preschool is open Monday through Thursday-- 7:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. through the middle of May. The price of the program is $600 for the school year. To enroll, parents can email Denae_N_Guzan@mcpsmd.org or call 301-649-2800 for more information!
Here is our webpage below which includes all the forms required for enrollment.
Thank you so much for your support!
Denae Guzan
Child Development Teacher
Montgomery Blair High School
Vaccination Requirements Student-Athletes
Beginning Monday, Nov. 15, the start of the winter sports season, all high school and eligible middle school student-athletes will be required to submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to participation. This requirement applies to the winter and spring sports seasons, as well as all out- of-season activities conducted through MCPS Athletics. This requirement is supported by the COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics, which includes representation from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, along with multiple MCPS departments. This requirement also aligns with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.
Click Here For Our Testing Information
PSAT/SAT
On Wednesday, October 13, Montgomery Blair High School is excited to host College Readiness Day! The PSAT will be offered to all Grade 10 and Grade 11 students, at no cost to students. Grade 9 and grade 12 students who choose not to take the SAT will have access to virtual workshops via zoom that will assist them in exploring life after high school. October 13 is a delayed opening. Students who will test or those relying on bus transportation can have breakfast from 7:30-7:40. Test takers should report to their assigned locations by 7:45. Students, relying on bus transportation in the morning, will report to the Auditorium to access the virtual learning activities with their charged Chromebook. Please see the PSAT/SAT community letter for specific details per grade level.
Bell Schedule:
Warning Bell: 7:37 am – 7:40 am
Testing Block: 7:45 am – 12:00 pm (PSAT/SAT)
Lunch: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Period 7: 1:06 pm – 2:30 pm
Period 9: 2:35 pm – 3:20 pm
SAT Payment online
Pre-registered Seniors who have previously taken the SAT will have to pay $55.00 to retake it. It is FREE for Seniors who have pre-registered and will be taking it for the first time. Please pay now: Online Payment
Calculators
The PSAT and SAT have calculator sections in the test. Your student will need to bring a scientific calculator on October 13 Testing Day. If you need a calculator for PSAT/SAT Day, please reserve one by completing the following form by October 8: Reserve a Calculator
If you have any questions please contact Ms. Pettis-Jones or Ms. Carrillo.
Online Digital Tools
Each year, Montgomery County Public Schools adds new Online Digital Tools to its suite of electronic resources for teachers and students. At the high school level, many tools are appropriate for student use with parental consent, for students aged 13 and above. Some Online Digital Tools, for example, TalkingPoints, help families engage with teachers to help remind students of upcoming assignments. Other examples of highly regarded Online Digital Tools include Khan Academy and Quizlet.
In order for your students to use Online Digital Tools requiring Affirmative Parental Consent, please use this electronic permission form (text is in English and Spanish).
Advanced Placement Exams Information
AP Exam Registration is now open! Please review the resources below to make sure your student is registered for AP Exams before the November 5 deadline!
- Presentation slides - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zwl24hnHanP0Bx7r4oyDW8IkUxbt76TrKe7-yqC1LFw/edit?usp=sharing
- Registration letter - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twfamEVQocI7YnMXT0cEAVTHABiPi_Si/view?usp=sharing
- BTSN Meeting recording - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qTa33ZRq7GT9X73Q0xne6xEvEDMBAN-i/view?usp=sharing
Seal of Biliteracy
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE UPDATE.
It is the link to register for the test:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19WpN4fpFxlXrOOgbDiHIsvtO5WR5WZKSzDWiaWsohkQ/edit?usp=sharing
ACES
English:
Are you a current 10th grader who wants to go to college? Consider applying to the ACES Program! ACES stands for Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success. Students admitted to the ACES Program receive the following services for FREE! One-on-one college application support; Financial aid and scholarship assistance; Preparation for college entrance exams; Career exploration…..and MUCH MORE! The last day to submit an ACES application is January 14, 2022! For more information and to apply to the ACES program, please visit our website at www.acesmontgomery.org. If you have further questions please send an email message at aces@montgomerycollege.edu
Spanish:
¿Estás actualmente en el décimo grado con deseos de ir a la universidad? ¡Debes de considerar solicitar al programa ACES! ACES significa Lograr la excelencia y el éxito universitario. ¡Los estudiantes aceptados al Programa ACES reciben los siguientes servicios GRATIS! Asistencia individual para la solicitud de ingreso a la universidad, Ayuda financiera y asistencia para becas, Preparación para los exámenes de ingreso a la universidad, Exploración de carreras, ¡Y mucho más! El ultimo dia para solicitar es el 14 de enero 2022!
Para más información y para solicitar al programa ACES, visite nuestro sitio web en www.acesmontgomery.org.
Si tiene preguntas, envía correo electrónico aces@montgomerycollege.edu
Thank you!
M
Mónica Burgos, LMSW she/her
ACES Academic Coach
Montgomery College
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Arts Center
930 King Street | CF 150
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 240-567-3894
Cell: 240-863-8165
Media Center News
The media center staff is so excited to see our "old students" in person and our 9th and 10th graders, many for the first time! It's amazing what a year and a half does for height increases in kids!
The Pandemic has created so many disruptions in supplies, even among booksellers, so it has taken us a while to put new books on the shelf. As of yesterday, we have uploaded a huge selection of books that are available for students to check out. We've posted the list of hard copy, eBooks and audiobooks on our website. Directions for using Sora for eBooks and Audiobooks are right here.
You may remember our very popular book giveaways last year. Thanks to a generous (anonymous) donor we received a $2,000 grant last year and purchase lots of books in the hopes that our students would want to continue to read for pleasure outside of school. We are thrilled to announce our First Book Giveaway for October 2021 Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. Please forward this link to your child. Supplies are limited for these titles.
We look forward to seeing more of you as the year goes on. As before, if you need help with your ParentVUE account, use this form to provide the information we need to help you with your account. Remember, parents need a parent-level account to access parent-level information and receive emails and communications directed at parents!
Where is my Teen?
We receive many calls and visits from parents looking for their teens after school. Here are a few safety tips for parents:
1. Speak with your teen about their after-school plans. School dismisses at 2:30 p.m. for students who have 8 class periods, and 3:20 p.m. for students with 9 class periods. After school, students must be under the direct supervision of a staff member or participating in a school-sponsored activity to remain in the building.
2. Make sure your teen has their cell phone charged and turned on after school and is checking phone messages.
3. Cell phones have a locator function, have your teen turn it on so that you can know their location.
4. Students without cell phones, can come to the main office to call their family or ask a staff member for assistance. Our main office is open until 3:50 p.m. daily.
A Safe Place For Teens After School? Blair After School Recreation Program: REC ZONE IS BACK!
Student Service Learning (SSL) Requirements
SSL Verification forms can be turned in at the main office or emailed to SSLatMBHS@gmail.com.
Click HERE to follow directions on how to check your SSL hours.
Search the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website for opportunities. A graduation cap indicates that it meets the SSL guidelines.
For questions about SSL hours email Beth_S_Sanchez@mcpsmd.org
Beth Sanchez
Academy and SSL Coordinator
Montgomery Blair High School
Check out Blair Academies
Learn about SSL Updates and Opportunities
Parent Community Coordinator(PCC) Faye Nabavian
The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card is for Montgomery County residents ages 5 to 18 (older if still in high school). Please email Ms. Nabavian If you like to receive one at farzaneh_nabavian@mcpsmd.org, include your name, student ID number, and a contact cell number.
If you or someone you know needs resources and seasonal items, please refer them to Kindness Corner at Blair High School. Together, we provide resources and supplies to our students and families, through Kindness Corner and county and federal resources.
Please visit the resources page at https://blairpcc.weebly.com/
Kindness Corner at Blair is grateful to many for their generous contributions and we continue to collect gift cards and other items through the kindness corner registry.
Please contact Faye Nabavian with any questions.
Cell: 240-506-8576
Email: farzaneh_nabavian@mcpsmd.org
MCPS Substitutes are Needed:
MCPS is seeking substitute teachers! Substitute teaching is an excellent way to learn about our schools while allowing principals and teachers to get to know you. To qualify as a substitute teacher, each applicant must present proof of the completion of the minimum of an associate's degree or 60 college credits from an accredited institution.
Substitute teachers are temporary employees and are on an on call basis. An automated substitute calling system helps you manage your work schedule by allowing you to call at any time, day or night, to find jobs. This system is telephone and internet accessible. The system uses your subject area and location preferences to offer you jobs on the days you have selected and allows you to change the days you work.
Substitute Teacher Rates: Daily hourly rate of pay $18.79- Long Term rate $26.81.
If you hold a valid Maryland professional eligibility certificate or standard advanced professional certificate, the daily hourly rate of pay is $19.97-Long Term rate $28.45. In order to qualify for this higher rate of pay, you must submit a copy of your valid Maryland certificate.
https://mcps.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=200051E
University of Maryland Programs for Students
The University of Maryland's Iribe Initiative for Inclusion & Diversity in Computing & the Maryland Center for Women in Computing in partnership with Reboot Representation, Code: Black, and UMD's Chapter of the Association of Women in Computing invites students to several events at the University of Maryland's in-person or virtual options.
Register Today at https://go.umd.edu/i4c_FallRegister! If you have any questions please contact me at (301) 405-7615 or i4c_k12@umd.edu.
Please see or slide deck of our flyers: https://go.umd.edu/i4c_2021OutreachFlyers
Blair Information
If you do not receive log-in information for your teen, please contact Ms. Melissa Young, Latino Achievement Coordinator, Melissa_Young@mcpsmd.org or Ms. Andrea Lamphier, Media Specialist, Andrea_Lamphier@mcpsmd.org.
Student Schedules:
Student schedules will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE on Monday, August 23. Parents and students will need to log in to the report using the student’s ID and password. Report Link: https://studentschedule.mcpsmd.org
Scheduling, Transcript, Social Emotional Wellness Questions, Contact Your Teen's Counselor
School Counseling Department: 301-649-2810
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/mbhs-schoolcounseling-team/home/mbhs-school-counseling-team
All Things College and Career: Contact Carmen Salazar, College and Career Coordinator. Carmen_A_Salazar@mcpsmd.org
Melissa Young, is our MyMCPS/Synergy Parent Portal Staff Liaison, Melissa_Young@mcpsmd.org
Health Room: Full Time School Nurse: Anisa Harris, Anisa_Harris@mcpsmd.org
Health Room Tech: Angela Romero, Angela_Romero@mcpsmd.org
Principal's Administrative Secretary, Claudine Biggs, Claudine_Biggs@mcpsmd.org
Attendance Office: Roxanne Fus, Roxanne_F_Fus@mcpsmd.org
Blair Security Office: Darryl Cooper, Security Team Leader, Darryl_J_Cooper@mcpsmd.org
Financial Specialist: Donna Franklin, Donna_M_Franklin@mcpsmd.org
Parent Community Coordinator: Faye Nabavian, Farzaneh_Nabavian@mcpsmd.org
Pupil Personnel Worker: Ramona Washington, Ramona_L_Washington@mcpsmd.org
MBHS ADMINISTRATION:
Renay Johnson: Principal, Renay_C_Johnson@mcpsmd.org
Joseph Fanning: Grade 12, Administrator, Joseph_M_Fanning@mcpsmd.org
Tracy Pettis-Jones: Grade 11, Administrator, Tracy_Pettis-Jones@mcpsmd.org
Lavina Carrillo: Grade 10, Administrator A-L, Lavina_Carrillo@mcpsmd.org
Candace Wilkerson: Grade 10, Administrator M-Z, Candance_L_Wilkerson@mcpsmd.org
Adriana Burgos-Ojeda: Grade 9, Administrator A-L, Adriana_Burgos-Ojeda@mcpsmd.org
Winter Bingham: Grade 9, Administrator M-Z, Winter_A_Bingham@mcpsmd.org
Peter Ostrander: Magnet & CAP Programs, Peter_M_Ostrander@mcpsmd.org
James Funk: School Business Administrator, James_W_Funk@mcpsmd.org
Montgomery Blair High School
Website: https://mbhs.edu/
Location: 51 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: 301-649-2800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Montgomery-Blair-High-School-1631578030396596/
Twitter: @blairprincipal