Watkins Mill High School has become the first Maryland school to earn Level 1 Status within the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Honor Roll Program for the third straight year after recently earning the award for the upcoming school year.

The NFHS writes playing rules for high school sports and provides guidance on a multitude of national issues. They offer online education courses for high school coaches, officials, students, parents, and speech and music leaders through the NFHS Learning Center, and showcase high school sports and performing arts online through the NFHS Network. “Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that all students have an opportunity to enjoy healthy participation, achievement and good sportsmanship in education-based activities.”


Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

On Friday, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.” Yesterday, several local leaders took to social media to share their thoughts on the situation:


Greg Roche, known as Roche in his 22 years with DC 101, has announced that he has been terminated from the station and was told the station will be going in a different direction. Roche has been with DC 101 since 2001 and is a resident of Montgomery County. His full post can be seen below (featured photo courtesy of Roche on Air on Facebook):

https://www.facebook.com/100058144205314/posts/692192246062243/?mibextid=cr9u03


Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, chair of the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, released the following statement related to the serious allegations regarding a Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) principal detailed in The Washington Post today.

I am deeply disturbed by the The Washington Post’s article released this morning related to allegations regarding a MCPS principal. The allegations are serious and concerning, and must be thoroughly, impartially and comprehensively investigated. MCPS should be clear with the County Council and the public about how this matter will be investigated and ensure that community members are aware of how they can report experiences that may be relevant to the investigation.


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.”


Pursuant to Section 49-62 of the Montgomery County Code (2014) as amended, the County Executive or his Designee shall conduct a virtual Public Hearing via the internet-based platform known as Zoom on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM, to consider an application from 5500 Westbard Avenue Block Civic Association (the “Applicant”), for the permanent closure of a public right of way at the northwestern terminus of Westbard Avenue at River Road in the Westbard area of Bethesda. The Applicant is requesting permanent closure of the public right of way from all vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicles, at the intersection. The petition also requests that a temporary closure remain in place until a permanent closure can be installed.

Completion of this registration form will include you in a mailing list to receive an invitation to participate in the Hearing. If you require special accommodations, please contact Tiara McCray at (240) 720-7862 or [email protected]. Registration for this Public Hearing will close on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM.


Today via social media, former Gaithersburg City Councilmember and current Montgomery County Councilmember, Laurie-Anne Sayles, announced her run for Congress. The full announcement and additional information on Sayles can be seen below:

Today, I’m announcing my run for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District because Washington needs to work for us — for families in Garrett County to Gaithersburg and everywhere in between. We’ve got a lot of work to do as a country, and I get the job done.


The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair returns this Friday, August 11th and will run through Saturday, August 19th. This will be the 74th annual fair and it’s third year back after having to cancel for the first time in its 70+ year history in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. Discount days at the fair include “Family Days” on Monday, Aug. 14, and Wednesday, Aug. 16, with $25 all-day rides, “Senior Day” on Tuesday, Aug. 15, that includes free admission to seniors 62+ until 5pm, and “Military Day” on Thursday, Aug. 17, which allows for free admission for active military in uniform or with a valid military ID through 5pm.

Make sure to join us opening night for the Fifth Annual Fair Foodie Awards, which will take place at 6pm at the seating tent across from the souvenir booth. Guest judges will include Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones and MoCoShow founder “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis.  Last year’s Foodie winners included Cajun Chicken on a Stick and Cotton Candy Lemonade.


Per Montgomery County: The Third Annual Montgomery County Children’s Business Fair will return to Rockville Town Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, to display the works and ideas of more than 55 young entrepreneurs. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

The fair is back after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The event was founded Tameka Montgomery of the Raising Entrepreneurs Podcast and a senior executive at the U.S. Small Business Administration.


Per Montgomery County: A free online home buying seminar sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. The seminar will be led by Bill Rozek from Embrace Home Loans.

Mr. Rozek will cover many topics that could lead to getting approved to purchase a home.


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