Shirley Yuan, second grade teacher and team leader at Flora M. Singer Elementary School in Silver Spring, is the winner of this year’s Shirley J. Lowrie “Thank You for Teaching” Award. Additional information below, courtesy of MCPS:
A 21-year veteran of MCPS, Yuan is described as a master of teaching. She has a calm and unique way of explaining concepts to her students in a way they fully understand. She naturally differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all learners without creating educational disparity. She is constantly coming up with new ways to present the curriculum to ensure all students are learning, and empowers students to find alternate ways to demonstrate their understanding.
Her classroom is highly structured. There are well established routines and expectations with no wasted minutes. She even reinforces concepts such as fact fluency, sight words and vocabulary during arrival, dismissal and transition times. Singer Elementary is a highly diverse school community, with a population of students who receive English Language Development services and an Elementary Learning Center, a self-contained special education program. Yuan’s class has a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Her classroom is always the first choice for as a host teacher for full inclusion. She modifies instruction and behavioral support strategies to foster student success. As a result of her efforts, multiple students have successfully transitioned from a self-contained special education program to being successful in the general education program.
Parents say she is patient, persistent and has an intuitive ability to understand the needs of every child. She never misses a chance to build bridges between students’ lives at home and in school. Yuan began her career as a first grade teacher at Rockview Elementary School, where she taught for 10 years. In 2011, she helped open Singer Elementary as the second grade team leader.
At both schools, she spearheaded the creation of variety shows, encouraging students to display their talents and unique skills. She has co-led Girls on the Run, PTA bingo nights, math and reading family nights and after-school homework clubs. For many years, she tutored at the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, also known as Saturday School. The “She does so much for everything because she loves and cares about all aspects of her job,” wrote a former colleague. “Going that extra step for anyone—student, colleagues and parents—is not extra for her. It is just who she is.”
Yuan received a $2,500 prize for being named the winner. The annual “Thank You for Teaching” awards are made possible through the Shirley J. Lowrie Memorial Fund, established at the Community Foundation for Montgomery County. Featured photo courtesy of MCPS.
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FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
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Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
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This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
