Silver Spring

Joan Shane, content specialist at Sligo Middle School, has been selected as the Maryland representative for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This is the highest honor given by the U.S. government for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching.

The award recognizes those teachers who have deep content knowledge of the subject they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program’s inception, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to the profession.

Shirley Yuan, second grade teacher and team leader at Flora M. Singer Elementary School in Silver Spring, is the winner of this year’s Shirley J. Lowrie “Thank You for Teaching” Award. Additional information below, courtesy of MCPS:

A 21-year veteran of MCPS, Yuan is described as a master of teaching. She has a calm and unique way of explaining concepts to her students in a way they fully understand. She naturally differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all learners without creating educational disparity. She is constantly coming up with new ways to present the curriculum to ensure all students are learning, and empowers students to find alternate ways to demonstrate their understanding.

Northwood High School has received the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. The RAMP designation recognizes schools committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-informed school counseling program in accordance with The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, and an exemplary educational environment.

Along with 100 other schools in 20 states, Northwood will be honored this summer during a special ceremony at the American School Counselor Association’s annual conference in Atlanta. Courtesy of MCPS.

On May 2, Argyle Middle School, in Silver Spring, re-dedicated and renamed its media center after Dr. Judith Docca, its former principal. The school held a ceremony honoring the former Board of Education member.

Argyle Principal James Allrich offered opening remarks, and other spoke on her life and legacy. Dr. Docca spent 38 years with MCPS—as a teacher, human relations specialist, assistant principal at Montgomery Blair High School and principal at Argyle Middle School. She was elected to four four-year terms on the Board of Education.