Silver Spring International Middle School

August 15, 2025

Dear Silver Spring International Middle School Community,

We are looking forward to welcoming you back for another great year at SSIMS! We know parents have a few important questions on their minds: What’s going on with construction? Is my child safe? How will this impact the start of school? The short answer: your child is safe, our staff is ready, and we are making important improvements to the building for students and staff.

We’ve added a new gymnasium and are continuing to make upgrades inside the building. These enhancements will give students more space to learn, move, and thrive. While the finishing touches will carry into the fall, we’ve worked closely with our contractors to ensure that all school areas are safe, clearly marked, and accessible from day one.

Safety Comes First
The safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority throughout any school-based construction. MCPS Facilities staff are on site daily, working closely with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Purple Line team and our MCPS contractor to make sure all areas remain safe, clearly marked, and accessible.

Here are a few important details:

• Parking loops ready – We expect both the upper and lower parking loops to be open for use starting the week of August 18. Some finishing touches—like landscaping and light pole installation—will follow.

• Visitors and new enrollments – Please enter through the gymnasium. Follow posted signage for directions.

• Inside the building – Classrooms are being prepared now so that teachers can set up the week of August 18. Final work in the new addition will continue through the first week of school, and all learning spaces will be ready for students by August 25.

• New main entrance – Our new front entrance will be open for the first day of school for students! While some masonry work above the entryway will continue into the fall, the entrance will remain open and safe for everyone.

• Wayne Avenue improvements – Construction will continue along Wayne Avenue this fall, including the addition of a new ramp and stairs at the historic entrance. Safe, well-marked pathways will remain in place for students and families at all times.

Please know that our MCPS facilities team and contractors are working diligently and in close coordination to complete all work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Every decision is made with our students and staff in mind, because we know that safe, well-maintained spaces are essential to a positive teaching and learning experience.