As Maryland’s first rounds of winter weather brought confusion and frustration for many families this week, both Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) issued messages explaining their decision-making processes. While both districts emphasized safety, forecasts, and lessons learned, the tone and content of their communications revealed notably different approaches.
PeerBlooms began as a simple idea rooted in personal experience and a deep desire for inclusion. Founder and President Eddie Ding, a student at Thomas Wootton High School, had spent four years working with neurodivergent children and young people with disabilities through camps, nonprofits, and University of Maryland-based programs. Those experiences revealed a clear gap in access to opportunities and support, even as he saw the strengths and passions these students displayed when given a chance to belong. Eddie’s mission is also shaped by his relationship with his older sister, who has a disability and often faced challenges with everyday tasks. Growing up beside her strengthened his belief that inclusion should be the norm rather than the exception.
The Class 4A state championship lived up to its billing Friday night as top-ranked Quince Orchard edged Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School 26–21 at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Our own Damon Anderson was on the sideline providing live updates as the Cougars completed another championship season in dramatic fashion. Photos below by Phil Fabrizio.
MCPS issued a statement Friday evening saying its decision to open under Code Green was based on weather data, road assessments, and input from transportation and facilities teams that showed only light snow with limited expected impact.
A 17-year-old student was arrested at Northwood High School on Friday morning after officers responding to a report of an altercation found a loaded, 3D-printed privately manufactured firearm in the student’s waistband.
The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) has released its first round of endorsements for the 2026 primary election, naming candidates for County Executive, County Council, and the Board of Education who will appear on the organization’s well-known Apple Ballot. The selections follow an extensive, months-long process led by educators across the county.
Montgomery County Public Schools has officially unveiled its redesigned MCPS Athletics website, offering a fresh look and a more user-friendly experience for athletes, families, and fans across the county. The updated platform brings together all the essential information the community relies on, like schedules, ticket details, sports registration, and health and safety resources, while adding new features that showcase the depth of MCPS athletics.
UPDATE: The hold at Northwood High School has been lifted. The school has returned to normal operations. MCPS has placed Northwood High School in Rockville on lockdown Friday morning after […]
MCPS has announced that it will be “Code Green”, which means “Normal Operations for Friday, Dec. 5. Schools and Offices Opening On Time.”
Students in Montgomery County Public Schools’ Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation programs are gearing up for their first public sale of the school year, taking place this Saturday, December 6, from 9am to 11am at Gaithersburg High School. The event will feature a wide selection of student-refurbished used cars along with professionally reconditioned computers, all restored as part of hands-on career training. List of cars available below.
Now in its third year, Watkins Mill alumnus Joseph Hooks’ 480 Club’s Student Athlete Mentor Program (SAMP) has become one of Montgomery County’s most impactful youth-led initiatives for leadership development, community building, and violence prevention. The program pairs high school student-athletes with younger students through athletic mentorship, social-emotional learning, and consistent peer support. What began as a school-based effort is now influencing sports culture across the Clarksburg, Northwest, and Watkins Mill clusters and extending into community sports programs throughout the region.