Montgomery County Police announced that New Hampshire Estates Elementary School at 8720 Carroll Avenue in Silver Spring was placed on a lockdown earlier this morning. According to MCPD, “At approximately 8:30 a.m. New Hampshire Estates ES went into lockdown as the result of a police investigation in the area. The lockdown lasted approximately 30 mins. until police verified there was no threat to the school or community. The lockdown has been lifted.”

At approximately 8:30 a.m. New Hampshire Estates ES went into lockdown as the result of a police investigation in the area.


Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight will present her Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Operating Budget recommendation on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.

WHAT: Superintendent’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Recommended Operating Budget Presentation


Thirty-three students from six high schools will participate in a fellowship program enabling them to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The Sandra Lee Heyman Foundation named the fellows, who will meet with STEM leaders, visit leading STEM institutions in the Washington, D.C. area, and access peers and mentors to support career exploration in STEM. Winning MCPS students and schools are:

Winston Churchill High School


The North Bethesda Middle School seventh and eighth grade chorus students were the middle school winners of the 97.1 WASH-FM Christmas Choir Competition, presented by The Nutcracker at the Washington Ballet. Radio station staff selected three finalists based on singing quality, originality, creativity and musicality. Supporters voted for their favorite choir on the WASH-FM website.

The North Bethesda students sang a Ukrainian version of Carol of the Bells, which was arranged by music teacher Jason McFeaters. The school recently performed the song at its choral concert on Wednesday, December 14th, held at Walter Johnson High School. For winning the competition, the school’s choral program will receive $2,500, and will perform at the Warner Theater on Saturday, Dec. 17, as part of the Washington Ballet’s presentation of The Nutcracker. The recording is also being aired on 97.1 throughout the holiday season.


The Board of Education has approved agreements with the employee associations that allow for a 3.35 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all permanent employees and substitute teachers, a step increase for eligible employees, and a longevity increase for eligible supporting services employees. The pay increases will go into effect on Dec. 17, 2022. Look for the increase in your Jan. 13, 2023, paycheck.

SEIU employees will receive—


Students at North Bethesda Middle School enjoyed a visit from Kwame Alexander, poet, educator and New York Times bestselling author of 36 books. Students asked questions about his books, writing process and the new TV series Crossover that will be out on Disney+.

Alexander was born in Manhattan, New York, and grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. His father was a scholar and book publisher and his mother was an educator. Alexander’s picture book Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, was selected for the 2014 “Michigan Reads! One State, One Children’s Book” program. He won a 2020 Newberry Honor for his illustrated poem The Undefeated. Alexander also runs the Bookinaday program to introduce children to writing and publishing.


Per MCPS: Due to a  recent change in a Maryland law, students will not be charged to participate in dual-enrollment programs. Montgomery College will refund students who have paid tuition for college courses taken this fall. Students taking college courses during the remainder of this school year will not be charged tuition, but may be responsible for other college costs, such as textbooks or fees. Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, all eligible students may take approved college courses at no cost. FAQ Below:



Per MCPS: COVID-19 rates have been increasing in the Washington, D.C. region, according to the county health department. Within our school system, we have also seen the anticipated rise in COVID-19 cases since the return from Thanksgiving. As we head into winter break, here are a few reminders:

Additional information per MCPS: While Montgomery County is currently at a “low” COVID-19 community risk level, any increase is a cause for concern and careful monitoring. There are multiple steps we can take to reduce the impact of respiratory infections on our community, especially severe illness:


The Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) held a business meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. During the meeting, the Board elected new officers, adopted the 2023-2024 school year calendar, and discussed an overview of the superintendent’s recommended fiscal year 2024 operating budget. The agenda for the meeting, with related links, can be viewed on the Board website. Watch the meeting recording.

Election of Board Officers: Karla Silvestre was selected by her colleagues to serve as president of the Board. Shebra L. Evans was selected vice president. Both officers will serve a one-year term.


Per MCPS: Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and County partners to discuss dangerous trend in substance use and how the school community is responding. This will include a demonstration of administering Narcan, a medicine that counteracts the effects of an Opioid overdose.

MCPS continues to work diligently alongside local government authorities and community partners on a comprehensive and coordinated approach to this dangerous epidemic. This effort is part of a series of outreach efforts to raise awareness to parents and caregivers to educate themselves and foster conversations with children about the dangers of drug use, specifically fentanyl and how to avoid use, family expectations around use, and the availability of help and support.


1. Quince Orchard 14-0The Cougars defeated Flowers from PG county, in the 4A State title game, 32-7.  RB Iverson Howard had 195 yards rushing and 2 TDs and DE Jaylen Harvey 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble & a blocked punt, in the win.  QO won their 5th overall State Championship and their 3rd in 5 years. With the victory Head Coach John Kelley earned his 100th victory.  

2. Damascus 13-1The Swarmin’ Hornets beat Oakdale from Frederick county, in the 3A State title game  21-14. RB Dillion Dunathan had 228 yards rushing and 2 TDs and DT Will Terry had 6 tackles and 1 sack in the win. Damascus won their 12th State championship, tying Seneca Valley & Dunbar for the most all time in Maryland.      


View More Stories