 Dear Friends,
As we enter a new school year, it's a time of both excitement and challenges for our students, families, school staff, and community..
This year, we're confronted with very disturbing reports of bullying and harassment that require our immediate attention, as well as ensuring our students who attend schools and neighborhoods impacted by Purple Line construction can safely get to and from school.
We are committed to addressing these and other issues together to ensure the success and well-being of our community.
I am honored to be your representative on the County Council. As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
 Councilmember Kate Stewart
(she, her) why pronouns
Recent reporting in the Washington Post uncovered disturbing allegations and has raised serious concerns regarding the MCPS appointed principal of Paint Branch High School. Although he has been placed on leave, the allegations reach back years and action should have been taken long ago.
I have spoken to MCPS’ Superintendent and have urged quick, transparent action to investigate what took place and the failures that resulted in years of inaction.
The County Council’s Education and Culture Committee will be conducting hearings on this matter in the coming weeks. As the Chair of the Government Operations Committee, once we receive the County Inspector General's report, I will hold a Committee meeting to ensure accountability and that needed changes are put in place.
As we get closer to the beginning of the school year, we know that the construction at Silver Spring International Middle School has caused substantial disruption to neighbors. Parents and faculty members have raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of their children, especially during school drop-off and pick-up. We are working closely with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and Principal Bilock on how to best route traffic and finalize a plan that prioritizes student safety. For families who can, we strongly encourage students to ride the bus or carpool to minimize the number of vehicles in the area during drop off and pick up.
I also recently went for a safety and accessibility walk with elected officials and Purple Line staff in Long Branch to identify areas needing access improvements and urged the staff to prioritize them.
If you have concerns with anything relating to Purple Line construction, please email outreach@purplelinemd.com and CC my office at Councilmember.Stewart@montgomerycountymd.gov describing the area that needs attention as specifically as possible so we can be aware of the concern and follow up.
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I am disappointed in the Moore Administration’s announcement on the future of the I-270/I-495 corridor. We had hoped that the Administration would take the opportunity to put forward a more holistic, equitable, and sustainable approach to improving how we move through our communities. However, the state continues to advance managed toll lanes without addressing or acknowledging the inherent inequities of toll lanes and potential safety concerns. This continuation of a flawed approach will not address long term transportation challenges for our residents or achieve our climate action targets. By MDOT’s own projections, this plan increases congestion in the evenings near the 270 exit to Old Georgetown Rd and deteriorates air quality from the status quo for many of my constituents. I am glad to see the announcement moderates the previous Administration’s plan by including mass transit options. The Moore-Miller Administration has been a receptive and dependable partner for our communities, and I am hopeful about the Administration’s commitment to community engagement. I am committed to continuing to work with the Administration to expand bus rapid transit and rideshare incentives, on improving our regional transit system, and to put in place solutions that benefit all commuters, our residents, and the environment.
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Recently, I presented a certificate of special recognition to a longtime resident of the Parkwood neighborhood, Paul Snyder. Paul's journey began before Parkwood's inception as a neighborhood. From serving in World War II to a career in finance, his life has been a testament to resilience. As a loyal Parkwood resident since 1951, he has observed the area's evolution. As he remains an active member of the community, Paul's positive impact continues to inspire us all.
This past Friday, my team and I visited Summit Hills in Silver Spring for their Back-to-School Community Event. It was a great opportunity to connect with residents and small business owners on how Montgomery County can better serve them.
 My office is seeking interns for the fall. Gain hands-on experience in local government and public service. Apply now!
Community Resources and Events
Don't miss out on the MCPS Back-to-School Fair! This event is open to all students and families, and it promises a day of fun, learning, and community engagement.
Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Westfield Wheaton Mall
What to Expect:Discover valuable insights about the school system and explore a range of county programs and services designed to enhance your educational experience.
Entertainment and Activities:Enjoy a lively atmosphere with free music, captivating entertainment, fabulous giveaways, and engaging youth activities that are sure to put a smile on your face!
Health and Wellness:Take advantage of the FREE immunization clinic available at the fair, ensuring your health is a top priority as you embark on the new school year.
Free Transportation:MCPS has got you covered! They’re offering FREE shuttle services to the event from the following high schools:
- Montgomery Blair
- Paint Branch
- Gaithersburg
- Richard Montgomery
The first shuttle departs from the high schools at 9:00 a.m., with the last shuttle leaving Westfield Wheaton at 2:00 p.m. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with your school community, learn about exciting offerings, and kickstart the school year on a high note.
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Maryland Childcare Scholarship Program
Applying for the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program is now quicker and simpler! The CCS program, previously known as Child Care Subsidy, offers essential assistance to eligible Maryland families for quality child care and early education.
What's New:
Fast Track Application: Receive child care expense assistance within three (3) business days.Up to 60 Days Support: Qualifying applicants can receive child care support while their application is processed.
Eligibility:
- Children under 13 or individuals aged 13-19 with qualifying disabilities.
- Maryland residents employed, in training, or attending school.
- CCS income guidelines apply.
- Proof of immunization or valid Exemption from Immunization documentation.
- Proof of child's U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status.
- Proof of identity for household members.
- Photo I.D. for the head of household.
- Parents don't need to be U.S. citizens.
For more details and application, visit Child Care Scholarship Program | Division of Early Childhood (marylandpublicschools.org)
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Are you looking for ways to give back to your community or get further engaged? Apply now for the Service Year Option Program or Maryland Corps!
The Service Year Option is an opportunity for those who recently completed high school, received their high school completion certificate or earned their GED in Maryland. Members will serve across the state of Maryland in organizations that will provide job training, mentorship and other resources to be successful all while earning $15 an hour plus focused professional development time each week.
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Maryland Corps is an opportunity for people of all ages interested in performing public and community service in Maryland. Like the Service Year Option, members will work in organizations that will provide job training and professional development, and earn a minimum of $15 dollars an hour.
To learn more and apply, visit this website.
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Dance Exchange’s Dance on OAC Cohort is a creative workforce development program facilitated by Dance Exchange as part of our Dance on and Organizing with Artists for Change Programs. The Cohort program supports artists currently working with or interested in working with adults across the aging spectrum. By providing opportunities for professional development and collaborative facilitation, the Cohort program is an investment in artists as leaders at the intersection of aging and the arts.
Apply at: 2023-24 Dance On OAC Cohort Application (jotform.com)
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 To lean more click on the image above.
 About our testing clinics
We offer testing to anyone who lives, works, or regularly visits Montgomery County.
We test people of all ages. If you bring young children, we may ask you to help them get tested.
Testing is free. If you have insurance, we will ask for your information, but there are no co-pays or deductibles. See our Notice of Privacy Practices for the information we collect.
We do not require a government ID or a doctor's order.
Our clinics provide nasal swab tests. You take the sample yourself. The tests are molecular tests, also called PCR tests. These diagnostic tests detect genetic material of the COVID-19 virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We do not offer antibody testing at our clinics.
 Submit an online request for help with food resources or call 311 (or 240-777-0311) . You can ask about free food and food delivery, SNAP (food stamps), food providers near you, and other resources in Montgomery County.
You can also call the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center at 240-777-4940 for information on food and other important needs. Staff who speak many languages are available to answer the phones Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and they will return messages within 24 to 48 hours.
 MC311 Customer Service Center is Montgomery County’s source for nonemergency government information and services. You can reach MC311 by calling 311 in the County or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY, from anywhere, Monday - Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Use the links on this page, or follow us on twitter @311MC311.
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For more community resources, check out Councilmember Kate Stewart's website.
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Office of Councilmember Kate Stewart
