Seneca Valley High School Achieves LEED Silver Certification

At more than 439,000 square feet, Seneca Valley High School is the largest MCPS project to have achieved certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system, the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Points are assessed during project design and after construction to achieve a final rating of Certified, Silver or Gold. With Seneca Valley’s Silver certification, the total number of MCPS schools with LEED certification is 37.

“Seneca Valley High School students and families prioritized environmental consciousness throughout the design process for their new building, noting that we must all play our role in ensuring a safe and sustainable future for our children and our community,” said Dr. Marc Cohen, principal at Seneca Valley.

The landscaping reflects an intention to capture as much rainwater on site as possible. Fourteen bioretention facilities are spread around campus. Special soils and deep-rooted plants in these areas allow stormwater to be reabsorbed into the ground, rather than running off to erode local streams. Thirteen underground sand filters help clean and retain the water so that there is no increase in run-off and 90% of the average annual rainfall is treated.

Studies have shown that daylit spaces in schools contribute to accelerated learning, so all of the school’s teaching spaces have natural light and a view to the outside. The number of windows in the classrooms and in other instructional spaces is a deliberate design element used by Moseley Architects to bring natural light into areas where students learn. High-level windows bring light, but not glare thanks to special glazing. Attention to lighting outside the school was also a priority to prevent light pollution and to avoid spilling light onto neighboring properties.

Indoor air quality is also a vital element of a healthy school. Paints, carpets, furniture and other materials have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A dedicated outdoor air system brings in fresh air using high-performance filters.

Finally, another quality that may not be immediately visible in new schools is control of sound. The LEED for Schools rating system has a requirement for acoustic control, not just in spaces like the music room or auditorium, but also in classrooms, where understanding the speaker (especially when wearing a mask) is critical to learning.

As part of its ongoing commitment to increasing sustainability, all future MCPS construction projects will meet two newer environmental standards: a new version of the International Green Construction Code, and registration with the new Green Globes rating system, which requires an on-site visit of the project before final certification.

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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!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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