Montgomery County Public Schools

With the final construction dust settled and the finishing touches completed, the community of Silver Creek Middle School celebrated their dedication ceremony, filled with musical presentations, speeches and tours of the 4-story, 163,000 sq. ft environmentally-friendly school building.

More than 11,000 MCPS students received diplomas in commencement ceremonies that began on May 29 and ended on June 8. A variety of commencement speakers—ranging from elected officials to journalists—spoke at the ceremonies. Parents and students were invited to submit their favorite graduation snapshots to be included in the graduation coverage.

Dozens of students from Glenallan Elementary School recently participated in a BioBlitz. During a BioBlitz, members of the community and scientists work together to collect data on the diversity of living things in a specified area. Led by local experts from DEP, County Parks, MCPS, and the Audubon Naturalist Society, Glenallan students explored Brookside Nature Center for fish and macroinvertebrates and then a terrestrial station for plants, mammals and other terrestrial animals.

The Montgomery County Board of Education will hold its business meeting on June 12. Closed session will begin at 8:30 a.m. and public items will start at 10 a.m. Watch live on Comcast Channel 34, Verizon Channel 36 and RCN Channel 88.

The Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Jack R. Smith honored 672 retirees at the annual retirement recognition and reception on June 7 at Richard Montgomery High School. Certificates of appreciation were presented to thank retirees for their dedicated service to MCPS students.

The School Energy and Recycling Team has announced the winners of the annual Watt’s Up? poster contest. Contestants were asked to create and submit original artwork that demonstrated the importance of conserving energy and recycling. The contest was open to students in K–12 and to staff. First and second place winning entries will be on display at the Rockville Memorial Library throughout June.

Ana Brito works with MCPS Hispanic students through Ayuda Especial, a program she founded more that 20 years ago that offers classes, tutoring, and support. The Board of Education honored Brito and 16 other individuals and organizations during its 12th annual awards ceremony Oct. 23.  Find out more about these outstanding citizens who are making a difference in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Washington Grove Elementary School celebrated its 125th Anniversary with games, presentations, and a family picnic on Saturday, June 2. More than 100 alumni, parents, community members, former and current staff members attended the event. In recognition of the school’s 125 years of outstanding service, June 2 was declared Washington Grove Elementary School Day in the City of Gaithersburg and the 3rd District of Montgomery County. Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman presented the school with a Proclamation and County Councilmember Sidney Katz presented a certificate of appreciation.