MCPS, MD: Strengthening Youth and School Community: A Focus on School Health Education and Well-Being. - Purpose: Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is the largest school district in Maryland serving over 161,000 students, and rich in diversity that values equity and inclusion. Within the 211 schools, our students speak over 160 languages with a robust combination of socio economic status, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, academic, social and emotional experiences. MCPS strives to support our students and staff alike with promotion towards wellness while fostering inclusive and supportive school communities. Health risks and challenges that our youth in the nation and world are facing everyday including those related to sexual health, substance use, mental health, and violence are nothing new or foreign to MCPS. With those focus areas in the forefront along with representation from LGBTQ+ identities, students from racial and ethnic minority groups, and students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, MCPS is requesting the support of funding through the DASH grant to implement the identified strategies and partnerships that will enhance, and continually improve health education and increase access to health services for all of our students through cooperative collaborations with stakeholders. Outcomes of Component 1, Tier 2: The primary objective of the program is to gather data outlined by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance and School Health Profiles which will drive our work and continue to foster partnerships with local district and outside stakeholder groups. With MCPS’ location boarding DC, there are an abundance of resources and opportunities for continuing partnerships and developments of new ones. Initiatives and strategies will be aimed at improving youth health outcomes and reducing behaviors that have been identified as risky. In addition, the program will assist with advocating for the well-being of our students and staff alike in alignment with the Antiracist System Audit work addressing institutional racism in MCPS. These efforts can help improve students' overall health outcomes and academic success by addressing priority health risks with sexual health, substance use, mental health, and violence. Program outcomes include 1) MCPS will develop a strategic plan for identifying and preparing for effective and successful What Works In Schools grant implementation; 2) Enhance the skills-based health education program for secondary students; 3) Increase student utilization of Health Services for on-campus and community clinics; 4) MCPS will establish safe and supportive school environments and support the mental health and well-being of students and staff; 5) MCPS will establish and maintain a School Health Council (SHC) and collaborations across the district and implement youth, family, school, and community engagement strategies; and 6) Conduct Youth Risk Behavior Survey to include up to 16 questions, developed by CDC, related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) on our 2025, 2027, and 2029 YRBS questionnaires, and conduct School Health Profiles district-wide at the secondary level in 2026 and 2028.
