American University President Sylvia Burwell will be stepping down from the position following this upcoming school year after six years at the school. The news was shared by the University in a memorandum earlier this week. The full memorandum can be seen below followed by a video from Burwell making the announcement:

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend our gratitude to President Sylvia Burwell for her dedicated leadership and service to the American University community. For the past six years, during some of the most consequential times in higher education and our broader world, Sylvia provided bold direction, personal caring, and an optimistic vision for American University. As she prepares to step down in June 2024, we will commemorate the many achievements during her tenure while continuing our vital work to building American University’s great future.


Montgomery County Public Schools (MPCS) and MedStar Health are announcing a new partnership to enhance the school system’s sports medicine program for scholastic athletics. Ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 school year, a newly-formed team of 12-month certified athletic trainers hired by MPCS has already begun working in all 25 of the county’s high schools. Their goal is to provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes across all athletic programs.

“We are very excited to launch our innovative sports medicine program, which includes a full-time certified athletic trainer in each of our 25 high schools,” said MCPS Systemwide Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Sullivan. “Thanks to the commitment to safety from our school leaders and partnership with the region’s largest health system, MedStar Health, we now have medical professionals on staff to assist with the assessment and treatment of student-athlete injuries, prevention, rehabilitation, and more.”


Phylicia Rashad will be stepping down as dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at the end of this upcoming school year (2023/24). A reason for her impending departure was not provided, but Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick announced her decision and praised her work at the school since arriving in 2021. Rashad is perhaps best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992) and is an accomplished actress having appeared on various television shows, Broadway productions, and movies through the years. The full statement by Howard’s President can be seen below:

“Dear Howard University Community, I am writing to express my deep thanks and gratitude to Dean Phylicia Rashad of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, as she has informed me that she will be stepping down as dean at the end of her term following the 2023-2024 academic year.


Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is delighted to introduce Ms. Edith Lozada as the newly appointed Spanish Communications Specialist and Spanish Language Public Information Officer within the MCPS Department of Communications.

With a wealth of experience in the field of communication, Ms. Lozada brings with her an impressive track record as an Emmy Award-winning Bilingual Media Producer, driven by a passion for immersive storytelling and community-centered programming. Her academic journey includes acquiring a Bachelor’s in Mass Media Communication from the University of Puerto Rico.


MCPS Athletics has announced that it is excited to launch an enhanced sports medicine program for the 2023-24 school year. Included in the program are full-time, 12-month certified athletic trainers in each high school and a partnership with MedStar Health.

Athletic trainers have been hired and have started working in all 25 MCPS high schools. A coordinator of health and safety, Mr. Shawn Hendi, has also been hired. Athletic trainers, now MCPS employees, will provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes and across the program.


The Maryland Park Service graduated 33 young Marylanders from the Conservation Jobs Corps after four weeks of job training, conservation education, hard work, and fun. A celebration and ceremony was held August 1 at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County with the Acting Superintendent of the Maryland Park Service, Ranger Angela Crenshaw, as the keynote speaker.

The Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps is a summer program that provides opportunities for youth ages 14-17 and young adults ages 18-20 to complete hands-on projects throughout Maryland’s State Parks. They engage in tasks that benefit communities and public lands while learning about public service and stewardship, and participate in exciting outdoor activities, including camping and wildlife observation.


As MCPS prepares for the first day of tryouts and practices on August 9, 2023, here is is some important information for the fall sports season. High School Fall Sports Registration:

Registration for high school fall sports is available through ParentVUE. Tryouts and practices for high schools start on August 9, 2023; details regarding tryout/practice logistics are available through the local school and team(s). Systemwide resources are available on the MCPS Athletics webpage.


Earlier this year, 20 MCPS students earned National Merit Scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Today, an additional eight Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students have earned college- and university-sponsored National Merit Scholarships, bringing the MCPS total for college- and university-sponsored scholarships to 28.

Each sponsoring college or university selected scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. The additional winners, their sponsoring university or college, and their intended career fields are:


School immunizations—The Maryland Department of Health released updated school vaccine requirements for the 2023-2024 school year. Families of incoming kindergarten students, new students, and 7th and 8th graders may need additional vaccines to start the school year. For students whose required vaccines are incomplete, updated vaccine records must be submitted by the first day of school; proof of exemption or a vaccination visit must be submitted within 20 days. School staff are reviewing records and contacting families of students with incomplete vaccination records. Not sure if your student is up to date? Contact your child’s health care provider or access their immunization records online. Students 18 years old and younger eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may obtain free vaccines through the county’s Immunization Program.

School Health Forms—Returning students may need certain forms if they have a health condition that requires medication, other health support or accommodations, or an emergency health plan at school (for example, asthma, food allergies or a seizure disorder). Common forms include:


The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the award of more than $200,000 in competitive grants to support learning experiences and educational opportunities focused on environmental issues. Funding for the educational programs is provided by the state’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant and Aquatic Resources Education Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Grant funding is awarded for Fiscal Year 2024 to the following organizations, pending final approval by federal partners:


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