PTSA INFORMATION AND NEWS
Learn more about important topics and converstation at WCHS hosted by our PTSA Leadership through the PTSA Conversation Series: Click Here: Link
If there are other topics that you would like the PTSA to cover in its Conversation Series, please email your ideas to WCHS PTSA President Jacqui Coleman Snead at [email protected]
WCHS PTSA Announces Slate of Board Candidates for 2025-2026
The WCHS PTSA Nominating Committee is pleased to forward the below nominations for officer and chairperson positions for the 2025-2026 school year.
Officers:
President – Jacqueline Coleman Snead
1st Vice President/President-Elect – Melissa Adler
2nd Vice President/Membership – Amy Quackenboss
Treasurer – Lingyi Zhang
Corresponding Secretary – Susan Lifsey
Recording Secretary – Anne Glynn
MCCPTA Delegate – Heather Zhao
MCCPTA Delegate – Amy Xiaohui Hou
Chairpersons:
Reflections Art Contest Chairperson – Vicky Lee
Special Education Chairperson – Kris Petrie
Student Engagement Chairperson – Kimberly King
Teacher Events Chairperson – Cindy Chi
Website Chairperson – Haixia Du
PTSA members will vote to approve the slate of candidates at the WCHS PTSA General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th at 7:00pm. The meeting will be hybrid format, virtual and in-person in the WCHS Media Center.
PTSA Bylaws Update
It is time to update the WCHS PTSA Bylaws. PTSA members will vote to approve the bylaws at the General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th. PTSA members may submit questions, comments, or amendments to the bylaws for consideration prior to the vote.
Members, please review the BYLAWS and submit any questions, comments, or amendments for consideration by May 16th to Melissa Adler, WCHS PTSA 1st Vice President/President-Elect at: wchsptsa.PresidentElect@gmail.
MCCPTA Shining Star Awards
Nomination Deadline is Sunday, May 20, 2025
We all know volunteers who go above and beyond on behalf of our children and schools, as well as staff, students, individuals, and businesses that make service to our youth a priority. It’s time to honor them and let them know how much their efforts are appreciated!
Nominations are open in the following categories:
- PTA Lifetime Achievement Award
- PTSA President of the Year
- Partners in Education Award
- Principal of the Year
- Advocacy Award
- Student Advocate of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
- Support Staff of the Year
- Special Education Educators of the Year
- Special Education Educator of the Year
- Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year
- Special Education Specialist of the Year
- Special Education Advocate of the Year
- Student Advocate for Special Education of the Year Award
Awards will be presented at the MCCPTA Celebration of Excellence Event on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
MCPS to Host Math Curriculum Nights
The MCPS Elementary and Secondary Mathematics teams also hosting Curriculum Nights, which will include information on math curricular resources, course programming for Grades K–12 and upcoming changes from the Maryland State Department of Education regarding Integrated Math. Attendees will also participate in learning experiences from the Eureka Math and Illustrative Math curricula.
Recordings will be available on the mathematics website on Monday, April 7, in English and Spanish.
Update on MCPS Boundary Study and High School Programs Study
Winston Churchill High School IS INCLUDED in the boundary study scope for the opening of the new Crown High School in Gaithersburg.
Boundary Study Update:
Updated FAQs and new community engagement sessions can be found on the boundary study website. That webpage is the key place for the most updated information as the project progresses.
MCPS invites you to participate in upcoming engagement sessions focused on the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School, the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School. These sessions will cover the initial options for each study and share how potential changes may affect families with middle and high school students. Please RSVP to attend any meeting.
Crown Boundary Study Engagement Options
Virtual Sessions:
- Monday, 6/2/25, 11:00am-12:00pm – Zoom Link
- Monday, 6/2/25, 12:00pm-1:00pm – Zoom Link
- Monday, 6/2/25, 6:30pm-7:30pm – Zoom Link
- Monday, 6/2/25, 7:30pm-8:30pm – Zoom Link
In-Person Sessions:
- Tuesday, 6/3/25, 6:30pm-7:30pm – Northwest HS
- Tuesday, 6/3/25, 7:30pm-8:30pm – Northwest HS
- Wednesday, 6/4/25, 6:30pm-7:30pm – Richard Montgomery HS
- Wednesday, 6/4/25, 7:30pm-8:30om – Richard Montgomery HS
High School Programs Survey: Your input is vital for the Academic Programs Analysis! MCPS is working to ensure that all high school students have equitable access to high-quality academic programs that meet our community’s needs. Some programs are available at students’ home schools, while others require travel.
This survey is collecting input to help decide which programs should be available to all students within a reasonable distance. Whether your kids are in high school now or not yet there, MCPS wants to hear from you! Please take a moment to fill out a brief SURVEY that should take no more than five minutes. The survey will be open until May 15, 2025.
Tell MCPS What You Think About AI Usage in School
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform various industries, its role in education is rapidly expanding. AI presents significant opportunities for improving student outcomes and creating efficiencies for staff. However, with these advancements come challenges that require thoughtful consideration, including ethical use, data privacy and equitable access. Given AI’s growing presence in classrooms and administrative processes, MCPS is developing AI usage guidelines.
MCPS is seeking input on the development of regulations and guidelines for the use of AI in schools. Whether you are a parent/guardian or community member, current or former student, teacher or staff member, your perspective is essential in ensuring AI is used effectively, responsibly and ethically to support teaching and learning. Here is a short video with an overview of AI. Fill out the survey.
Resources:
 BOE to Update Cell Phone Policy LEARN MORE about the BOE’s plan to evaluate and update the MCPS cell phone/PMD policy. |
BOE Weighs in on Proposed Maryland Bills Affecting Schools and Services
LEARN MORE about the formal positions the BOE took during its February 20th meeting concerning proposed bills that may affect schools and services.
| BOE Appoints 8 to New MCPS Leadership Posts On February 4th, the BOE approved 8 high-profile MCPS appointments and approved Superintendent Taylor’s Recommended Operating Budget. MEETING RECORDING SUMMARY OF APPOINTMENTS |
MCCPTA Seeks Members for the Nominating Committee (25-26)
The Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (“MCCPTA”) seeks members for its Nominating Committee to find qualified candidates to serve on the MCCPTA Board of Directors.
Superintendent Taylor Releases FY 2026 Recommended Operating Budget Superintendent Taylor presented the Recommended Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget request to the Board of Education. He proposed a $3.61 billion Operating Budget for FY 2026. LEARN MORE |
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| MCCPTA Advocacy Priorities (2024-2025) LEARN MORE about the priorities the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (“MCCPTA”) will focus on this school year. |
MCCPTA TECH CORNER: Consider Smartphone Alternatives for Your Kids
There has been a lot of media recently regarding the dangers and harms of smartphone use on children’s mental, emotional and physical health, as well as detriment to their developmental and academic outcomes. However, some children may need to be able to communicate with family and friends. Thankfully, there are many alternatives to smartphones that don’t carry the same risks! Wait Until 8th, an organization that recommends delaying smartphones until at least the end of 8th grade, put together a list of smartphone alternatives for parents to consider. Another resource parents can use is this “Phone Options Matrix” that compares the features of different phones to help guide this major family decision (the matrix is also available in Spanish).
| INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PTSA? |
| Hello Bulldog Families! The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Winston Churchill HS provides comprehensive support to the students, teachers, staff, and members of our community. Our membership drive is our primary fundraiser providing ninety percent (90%) of our endowment for the school year. Without your membership, we cannot continue to support all of the meaningful services that we provide. Please view the Membership Tab for important information on the PTSA and how to join. Interested in WCHS sprit wear? Here is the LINK to the WCHS PTSA store on AtoZ for people to purchase memberships and spirit wear. Please reach out to Susan Lifsey at [email protected] for any questions around spirt wear. |
Contact Us
Have questions about the PTSA or any of the PTSA’s Programs? Contact PTSA President, Jacqueline Coleman Snead, at w[email protected].
Have ideas for the PTSA website? Please reach out the Website Chair, Stacey Curtiss, at [email protected]