Education

Per MCPS: As a reflection of our ongoing commitment to ensure our curriculum is inclusive and affirming of all students, MCPS has approved a selection of LGBTQ+-inclusive texts for use in the classroom. Reading stories that reflect the diversity of our school community and world encourages respect and empathy for all.

As with all curriculum resources, there is an expectation that teachers utilize the texts as a part of instruction. It is important to note that using the materials is optional as it is standard practice that teachers have a choice regarding which materials to use. A link of approved texts is included in the Curriculum section of the MCPS LGBTQ+ webpage that includes a list of approved texts.


Silver Spring

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating, Liz Rivera Guzman, a missing 15-year-old from Silver Spring.  Guzman was last seen on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at approximately 3:22 p.m., in the 800 block of University Boulevard East.

Guzman is approximately 5-feet, 2-inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. She has red hair, brown eyes and a birthmark on the right side of her face. She was last seen wearing a black sweater, pink pants and carrying a black Adidas backpack.  Police and family are concerned for her welfare.


Silver Spring

At approximately 10:36 a.m., 3rd District officers responded to the intersection of Fenton St. and Ellsworth Dr. for the report of shots fired.  The preliminary investigation by detectives determined that two Black males were shooting at one another.


Event

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will honor County U.S. Uniformed Service members and veterans with detailed virtual tributes displayed on the County’s website to mark Black History Month in February. The tributes will include photos, background information and details of accomplishments during their military careers and afterward.

Detailed tributes will also be displayed throughout February at Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The Black History Month display is free to view any time the Civic Building is open to the public. The Black History Month tribute will be displayed online at https://tinyurl.com/y2cn8h24.


Traffic

North and southbound Route 355 are closed between Halpine Road and Congressional Plaza in Rockville as the result of fire rescue activity, according to Montgomery County Police. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and to expect significant delays.

Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue services reports that a vehicle was on fire and had burning fuel running into the roadway. The fire has been extinguished and there are no injuries reported. We will post an update when additional information becomes available. Video below:


MoCo Government

“Sports is the largest participatory activity in Montgomery County and participants not only learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship but involvement also leads to higher levels of physical fitness, confidence, self-esteem, and academic success,” said Robin Riley, director of Montgomery County Recreation. “This committee will advocate for enhanced sports opportunities and exceptional facilities ensuring youth have access to recreational sports programs. We look forward to working with community stakeholders and collaborators to develop a roadmap for identifying opportunities to expand programming.”


Takoma Park

Update: Olivia Woods has been located

On 1-11-23 at 8:05 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to 8200 block of Roanoke Ave., in reference to a missing 17-year-old Black Female, Olivia Woods. Olivia Woods is 5’10 and weighs 140lbs. She was last seen wearing a navy-blue jacket, green shirt and yellow / white Vans shoes. She is missing from home. Anyone with information on these events should contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100 and refer to case #230001801


Beyond MoCo

Per the Maryland Lottery: A Prince George’s County retiree who spent his career extinguishing fires is enjoying a flaming hot Lottery winning streak. After claiming two $50,000 Pick 5 prizes in November, the lucky player returned to Lottery headquarters this week to claim a third $50,000 Pick 5 prize. The Accokeek resident found his latest lucky ticket at 7-Eleven #38380 in White Plains. He stopped in for something to drink and then decided to place a $1 straight bet on the Nov. 19 Pick 5 evening drawing. The loyal daily player uses variations of an address for his numbers and selected the combination 15407 for this ticket.


Montgomery Mall

Australian based jewelry chain Lovisa opens today, January 12, at 11am at Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda). According to its website, “We are the fashionable on-trend jewelry specialist. See our latest styles & curated range for every occasion. From earrings, necklaces, rings & more.” The store is located on the lower level of the mall, next to Journey’s.  Additional jewelry stores  in Montgomery Mall include Elite Jewelers, Francesca’s, Gold Palace, Icing, Jewelry Corner, Kay Jewelers, Lilenquist, & Beckstead, and Pandora.  Click here to see a full list of new stores at Montgomery Mall.

 


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The fourth phase of Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program will close to new applications at midnight on Friday, Jan.13.  Phase Four of the Rent Relief Program will close because it is expected that the current pool of applicants will exhaust  the remaining funds available for the program, which provides financial assistance for tenants who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Furthermore, the County offers Emergency Eviction Prevention services.  Renters facing an immediate loss of housing should call 311 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. to be connected with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Housing Stabilization Services.