Candidates Sign Pledge Supporting Healthier Kids and Schools!

MCPS teachers Matt Slatkin and Shannon Spencer have been working to get MCPS students more active for years. They traveled to Annapolis along with Doctors to encourage the General Assembly to pass legislation bringing Maryland in alignment with best practices.

Experts from the Society of Health and Shape America recommend that elementary school children get at least 150 minutes of P.E. each week. Montgomery County is near the bottom in the state and currently only provides 35-45 minutes per week for Elementary School children. Our neighboring counties, Frederick and Howard counties, currently provide 90 minutes of Physical Education per week!

MCPS and the current Board of Education opposed the legislation, despite strong support in the community and now Shannon and Matt are taking a different approach. Instead of asking the the General Assembly, they hope to make a difference for kids by advocating closer to home. They have reached out to all of the Board of Education candidates to see if they would sign The Kids’ Health Pledge, ensuring our Elementary school students have access to at least 90 minutes a week of physical education, working towards a healthier environment within MCPS for students both physically and mentally.

Maria Blaeuer (District 1), Lynn Amano (District 3) have signed the pledge. Julie Reiley (at-large) declined to sign, but indicated that she was supportive of the goals of the pledge. Other candidates either did not sign, or declined to reply at all. Said Blaeuer “increasing PE time is developmentally appropriate for our youngest students, addresses inequities in access to sports and recreation programs, and works to improve both education and health outcomes over the long term.” According to Matt Slatkin, “Stephen Sugg’s primary campaign brought attention and awareness to this issue, which we hope will continue until MCPS does more to support student health.”

Recent Stories

John F. Kennedy High School entered into a shelter-in-place on Friday, April 19, after an incident involving a trespasser with a knife.

Montgomery County Police have announced that the department will be conducting increased traffic enforcement this weekend.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Darnestown Road and Vicars Way, between Turkeyfoot Road and Seneca Road in Darnestown on Friday, April 19.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 200blk of Perry Parkway near W. Diamond Ave., around 4pm on Friday, April 19, for the report of a collision.

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.

Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.

Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)

Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895

www.dayofthebook.com

Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival

Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director

[email protected]

301-949-9416 (text preferred)

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!!!

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