Walk to School Day demonstrated another great example of the amazing experiences we can create when we come together to rally behind our schools, students and their safety. And I want to thank you for investing in our school community in so many different ways.

At Glen Haven Elementary School, for example, principal Tara Strain, physical education teacher Mary Jo Stolte and counselor Rebecca H. Willis led an effort to gather the community at a local park so that everyone could safely walk to school together, supported by our police partners who ensured the proper precautions were in place on the roads.


Kusshi Sushi, a popular sushi and Japanese cuisine restaurant in Pike & Rose that has just opened its second MoCo location in Downtown Silver Spring (8512 Fenton Street), will be feeding the staff members of 48 different Montgomery County schools.

The restaurant posted a contest to social media offering to feed the staff of one MCPS school that would be randomly selected after participants tagged and MCPS teacher or school. 48 different schools were tagged and Kusshi co-owner Wesley Yao was going to start the process of randomly selecting a school. “When I saw how much each of those who entered wanted to win, I couldn’t choose just one…so we’re going to feed every school that was nominated.” Yao told us.


Donald De La Haye Jr., also known online as Deestroying, is a Costa Rican-American YouTuber with almost 5 million followers on the platform and millions more across other forms of social media. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he was a kicker for the team. On Friday, September 30th he was at Seneca Valley High School to watch the then-undefeated Screaming Eagles take on undefeated Quince Orchard High School (video below).

De La Haye is known for his videos demonstrating his kicking ability as well as his sports-related skits and vlogs talking about his life journey. He also made news while in college when the NCAA controversially banned him for profiting off his name and YouTube videos, which sparked reform for student athlete compensation and became a driver for the implementation of a fair and balanced set of rules for student-athletes to monetize their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).


On Wednesday it was announced in a letter to the community  by Gaithersburg High School Principal Cary Dimmick, Northwest High School Principal Scott Smith, and MCPS Systemwide Director of Athletics Jeff Sullivan that the Gaithersburg High School Athletic Specialist position and the Northwest High School head and assistant varsity football coach positions will be vacated following an investigation by MCPS of a physical altercation that occurred during the football game between the schools on September 16th.

On Thursday afternoon a petition was created anonymously in support of the reinstatement of Northwest head football coach Travis Hawkins. In four hours the petition has been signed by over 1,000 people.


The Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award: The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award honors a full-time kindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. Nominees must have a minimum of six years’ experience as an MCPS teacher. The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as its nominee for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year award. Submit applications to Maria Lopez-Silvero in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 16

 Montgomery County Public Schools Rising Star Teacher Award: The MCPS Rising Star Teacher Award honors a full-time pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who is in their first, second or third year of teaching. This award winner is a teacher who demonstrates a passion for the success of all students, creatively engages students in learning and contributes to a strong, positive partnership among students, staff, parents and the community. The winner will be recognized at a celebration in the spring and will receive a monetary award. Submit applications to Maria Lopez-Silvero in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 16


The following letter has been sent out to the Gaithersburg High School and Northwest High School communities by the principals of each school and Systemwide MCPS Director of Athletics:

Dear Gaithersburg and Northwest High School Communities,


Per MCPS: The Board of Education received a public presentation of the MCPS Antiracist Audit by independent auditors, Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. on Tuesday, Oct. 11. In 2020, Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, in her capacity as deputy superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), initiated a study of the district’s policies and practices to ensure MCPS had a clear understanding of how well the district was serving all students. With the Board’s support, Dr. McKnight sought a full understanding of the experiences of students, parents and educators in MCPS.

“I am pleased to have the affirmation of what we have known for years and what student performance data tells us—that students of color have a different experience in our school system,” said Superintendent McKnight. “If we are truly going to ensure that all students can succeed, then we must eliminate racism and bias in teaching and learning. As a result of this work, when we ask ourselves what will be different, the answer must be—we will be different.”


1. Quince Orchard 6-0 (LW 1): The Cougars shutout streak was ended by a game Richard Montgomery squad, but QO still dominated 56-7.  QB Savan Briggs went 6 out of 7 for 137 yds and 2 TDs. Up next, Homecoming vs Gaithersburg.

2. Blair 6-0 (LW 2): The Blazers are still hot, beating Rockville 27-13. RB Kam Reynolds ran for 96  yds and 2 TDs. They will travel to Sherwood next. 


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