By Abijah Hines of Watkins Mill High School’s student newspaper, The Current

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has decided to re-record the pregame announcements after its initial recording fifteen years ago with an added Spanish version. Having been only updated once before, in 2021, the pregame announcements have been an integral part of MCPS. The announcements serve as a way for both the athletes and spectators to know how to conduct themselves at games and to remind everyone that they are there to support and respect the athletes and officials.


Statement from the Montgomery County Board of Education on FY2024 Operating Budget: “The Board of Education thanks the Montgomery County Council for their ongoing support of Montgomery County Public Schools’ students, families, and staff. We are appreciative of both how hard you worked to reach a decision and your commitment to compensating our teachers, administrators and staff who support our students each and every day.  We are a community united in support of our public school system and the Board applauds the County Council’s recent action on the recordation tax, which will help fund school construction.

The Board of Education looks forward to our continuing partnership with the County Council as we address the needs of our students and families. We are thankful to live in a community that values the importance of public education and understands the critical role a high-quality public school system plays in the continued vitality of the county.”


After the unexpected passing of Wheaton High School LFI student Sarah Gilbert, the school wanted to honor her and her memory by having general ed students, SCB, and LFI students all working together for inclusion in their Unified Field Day event that will take place on Tuesday, May 23. Sarah is fondly remembered as always wanting to be included in every activity and every conversation.

In 2019, Wheaton High School staff wanted to have an event to showcase School Community Based (SBC) and Learning For Independence (LFI) students’ talents in a way that would bring the community together.  Planning took place, however the pandemic came and shut everything down. Now, a few years later, nearby schools Springbrook, Kennedy, and Einstein have enthusiastically accepted Wheaton’s invitation to join in the excitement! For the past 6 weeks, students from leadership classes have been working with and coaching students in the SCB and LFI programs with their events.


Nearly 12,000 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students are expected to receive their diplomas during commencement ceremonies scheduled between Wednesday, May 31, and Thursday, June 15. Graduation ceremonies will take place on individual high school campuses, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., and on the campuses of Mount St. Mary’s University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

On May 31, the first seniors to cross the stage will be Poolesville High School, who will graduate at Mount St. Mary’s, and Thomas S. Wootton High School, who will graduate at DAR.


Gaithersburg High School hosted its annual Special Education Prom on Thursday, May 18 from 4-6pm. SGA sponsor Nilda Keres told us the event was founded in 2018 when the school noticed that many students with special needs weren’t attending general prom. “This was a chance to have a prom where students can just be themselves.” Keres said (photos below).

“This is my favorite time of year and event to plan. The students have such a great time and that’s what this is all about.” Keres told us. Students attending the prom were able to get ready during the day, with other students from the school’s cosmetology program doing their hair and makeup during the school day. There was no cost to any of the students and this year, Gaithersburg invited students from nearby Watkins Mill High School, providing a bus for Watkins Mill to get to GHS. The funding for the event was provided by the Gaithersburg SGA.


Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar, currently the principal at Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, has been named Director of School Administration and Instructional Leadership of Frederick County Public Schools.

Per FCPS: Dr. Afie Mirshah-Nayar comes to FCPS from Montgomery County Public Schools where she currently serves as a high school principal. She has worked in the field of education for 23 years. During her career her focus has been on the education of high school students. Her professional experiences include both school-based and central office-based positions. Dr. Mirshah-Nayar served as principal of two Maryland schools, Largo High and Paint Branch High. In addition, she has served as the president of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals. She earned a doctorate degree from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree from American University, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and an administrative certification from Hood College.


Courtney Osbourne, a teacher at Newport Mill Middle School, was presented a $5,000 grant from Washington Gas as part of an Eco-Challenge grant from WUSA-9 and the Smithsonian Science Education Center. The funding will go toward creating a sustainable food garden and pollinator meditation garden with a composting section. The school will work with Silver Spring Impact to make the garden a reality. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps. Watch the video below:


Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park was one of 300 schools in 36 states to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded $1.5 million in library grants. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.

“We can’t wait to get audio books and more engaging nonfiction books added to our collection with this grant,” said Greg D’Addario, Rolling Terrace media specialist.


MCPS had more than 25 student winners in the Maryland History Day competition, held May 6 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the culmination of a year-long program from Maryland Humanities. The following students will advance to the National History Day competition:

Poolesville High School:


Winston Churchill High School senior Sebastian Tulin will receive the Ida F. Haimovicz Visual Arts Award for 2022–2023. This honor includes a $1,500 prize and a solo exhibition at the Betty Mae Kramer Gallery in Silver Spring.

Sebastian’s exhibition, Surrounded by Solitude, will be on display on Fridays through July 14. Gallery hours are Fridays from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The Betty Mae Kramer Gallery and Music Room is located in the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place in Silver Spring. Read more about Sebastian.


Fifth grade MCPS student Ava Gerson is the 2023 Who Was? History Bee Champion for the Northeast Region!

In January, more than 200 third, fourth and fifth graders at Seven Locks Elementary School competed in the first round of multiple-choice questions on people and events from the Penguin Press’ “Who Was?” history series. The top two students in each class then competed in a formal bee assembly. Ava beat 17 students and moved on to the individual essay competition. Her work was selected as the winner for the Northeast region.


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