|
I had a powerful visit to Northwood High School, where I spoke and took questions on various topics impacting our youth. Student Member of the Board of Education candidate Delina Kebede facilitated a very engaging discussion with students about fentanyl and its deadly and unfortunate impact on Montgomery County Public Schools students, mental health resources, rent stabilization, housing concerns, LGBTQ rights, and much more.
I’m thankful for the time I spent with students, teachers, Principal Dr. Jonathan Garrick, Assistant Principal Joseph Bostic, and the entire Northwood team. I was especially thrilled to tour the school’s Wellness Center, which provides opportunities for students and their families to receive support in key areas, such as physical and emotional health, pro-social activities, and concrete services. We are in the process of expanding Wellness Centers to every MCPS high school.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando Speaks with a Group of Students at Northwood High School)
Recognizing January as National Mentoring Month
I was honored to present a proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month in Montgomery County. This topic is near and dear to my heart, and I have taken a lot of time to reflect and recognize my mentors' impact on me. I am who I am today because of those who took the time to guide and mentor me. We honored Mentor Maryland DC, Future Link, and the YMCA as representatives of the many mentoring organizations in our county that are changing lives every day.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando Recognizes National Mentoring Month)
First Education and Culture Committee Meeting
January marked the first Education and Culture committee meeting. I’m honored to chair the E&C committee, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow members, Councilmembers Albornoz and Mink. I spent my first term on the committee, where I was immensely proud of the work we accomplished for our schools, libraries, and Arts organizations.
At our first meeting, we received a financial update from MCPS, and discussed the capital budget and our expectations for transparency and accountability. I appreciate Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight, Board of Education President Karla Silvestre, and MCPS staff for their work on behalf of our students.
The committee meeting was successful in laying the groundwork for how the Council and school system can work together to equip our schools to meet the needs of our students, teachers, and community.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando leads the first Education and Culture Committee Meeting with Montgomery County Public Schools Officials)
Opioids Negatively Impacting our Youth
I stood somberly alongside county leaders as we heard the devastating impact illicit fentanyl and other drugs are having on our county youth. “We must all work together to save our county’s children,” that was the call to action from MCPS Superintendent Dr. McKnight on the ongoing opioid crisis in our county.
The statistics are staggering. There has been a 78% increase in overdoses among our county’s youth under the age of 21 from 2021 to 2022. Drugs are on the rise in availability in our community, and illegal opioids, often laced with fentanyl, negatively impact our MCPS students.
Elena Suarez, the mother of Collette Russ, an MCPS class of 2019 graduate, shared her personal tragedy of losing her daughter to a fatal overdose. Collette died from a fentanyl overdose at 19. She was a young, joyful, and caring person who faced mental health challenges. Elena called for explicit action to address mental health issues. “There is a horrible stigma attached to addiction and disorders. We need more compassion,” said Suarez.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando stands alongside MCPS and county leaders as they present the findings of how opioids are negatively impacting our youth)
We all have a role in engaging our youth and preventing drug use. As the Education and Culture Committee Chair, I support the coordinated effort among our school and community leaders and law enforcement as we work on awareness and prevention.
If you see something, say something. Here’s how you can help.
Other resources here:
S.O.U.L Surviving Our Ultimate Loss
Montgomery County Goes Purple
Public Safety Update
I participated in Councilmember Kristin Mink’s Community Listening Session on Public Safety in White Oak in the wake of recent tragedies. The event brought together residents, community organizers and non-profit leaders, law enforcement, the County Executive and County Council staff, elected leaders from the County Council, the legislative District 20 state delegation, the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, and a representative from Rep. Jamie Raskin’s office.
We all deserve to feel and be safe in our homes and communities, and the community coming together is how we are going to get there, working together. I thank the many people who shared their time, concerns, and wisdom at this gathering.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando participates in the Community Listening Session on Public Safety in White Oak)
Purple Line Updates
I joined fellow Councilmembers on a tour of the Purple Line and received progress updates on the line from Bethesda to Takoma Langley Park Bus Depot. This additional transit line will add a much-needed East-West connection for our county.
The Purple Line is an extensive infrastructure project that will create significant opportunities for residents and businesses. During the construction, I remain vigilant to ensure existing businesses and residents are not displaced.
Be sure to stay updated on the Purple Line here.
(Caption: Councilmembers Jawando and Katz look on at updates on the construction of the anticipated Purple Line)
Wes Moore Inauguration
January 18th, 2023, will forever be a historic day for Maryland and the nation as we swore into office our state’s first Black governor and first South Asian American lieutenant governor! I’m thankful to have witnessed history as Wes Moore, and Aruna Miller were sworn in.
Maryland is destined for great things under the leadership of the Moore-Miller Administration. I’m so thankful for the leadership that Wes Moore and Aruna Miller will deliver to our state.
Congratulations to the 63rd Governor, Wes Moore, and 10th Lieutenant Governor, Aruna Miller!
(Caption: Governor Wes Moore and his family on inauguration day)
Serving in the Legacy of MLK
It was a memorable day celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I had the honor of living out Dr. King’s legacy by giving back to our fantastic community at multiple service events. I’m so thankful for my time spent at Interfaith Works alongside Governor Wes Moore, state and local leaders, and various community partners as I helped with projects to improve accommodations for the homeless.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando stands alongside Governor Wes Moore, Interfaith Works CEO Courtney Hall, and County Executive Marc Elrich)
I was thrilled to join and speak at Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s Annual MLK Day of Service. I loved helping the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. fill toiletry bags for underserved girls at Montgomery County Public Schools high schools and help volunteers in the packaging of more than 80,000 meals for U.S. Hunger. All the meals will stay here right in the county. Thank you, Dr. King, for your lasting legacy and impact on our community.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando helps volunteers on MLK Day to package food for U.S. Hunger)
Lunar New Year
I had a blast celebrating the Lunar New Year with my Council colleagues and state and municipal leaders, including our new Maryland Secretary of State, Susan Lee. This year CCACC organized its annual Lunar New Year community event in partnership with the Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. May the year of the rabbit bring stronger connections with your loved ones, friends, and colleagues!
(Caption: Councilmembers address the CCACC Lunar New Year Celebration)
Recognizing Braille Literacy Month
I was honored to join the Montgomery County Public Libraries Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Sligo Creek Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD) to celebrate and support blind and visually impaired members of our community.
I presented a proclamation celebrating Braille Literacy Month with part of the text in braille. Thank you to Diana Garcia-Mejia for preparing the Braille for the celebration. Diana is an MCPS teacher who specializes in teaching students with visual disabilities. She is also the 2018 NFB Teacher of the Year!
Learning Braille is a phenomenal way to support Braille readers and expand language access. I commend those who have taken the time to learn this invaluable skill and use it as a way to make our community accessible to all.
(Caption: Councilmember Jawando Recognizes Braille Literacy Month)
As always, please be in touch if I can be of assistance by emailing me at Councilmember.Jawando@montgomerycountymd.gov or calling my office at 240-777-7811.
|
