MCPS students, parents and staff at Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School ushered in the Lunar New Year in grand style with their annual show and celebration on Jan. 20. From traditional dances to vibrant costumes, students from all backgrounds celebrated Asian culture and traditions.
Students performed traditional Chinese and Vietnamese dances; sang; showed off martial arts moves; showcased a kids’ game; and played the flute, gourd flute and erhu, traditional Chinese instruments. Check out a photo gallery from the event.
Make-A-Wish Surprises Rachel Carson Fifth Grader
The Make-A-Wish Foundation surprised Rachel Carson Elementary School fifth grader Aubrey Campbell with a trip to Hawaii, where she will swim with dolphins and ride horses. Aubrey, who has an autoimmune disease, was surprised with the trip in front of her classmates, family and Make-A-Wish representatives on Jan. 25. Her doctor, Dr. Sangeeta Sule, and Dr. Kurt Newman, president and CEO of Children’s National Hospital, were also there for the presentation.
Springbrook’s Gary Frace Named MD Coach of the Year
From left to right, MCPS athletics director Jeff Sullivan; Springbrook principal Stephanie Valentine; Gary Frace; athletic director Dan Feher and athletic assistant Melissa Turowski.
Gary Frace, Springbrook High School’s longtime cross country coach, was named state Cross Country Coach of the Year by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA). He has been at Springbrook for nearly 50 years. Read more. Will Jawando, Montgomery County Councilmember and chair of the council’s Education and Culture Committee, offered his congratulations by video.
Students at Four Middle Schools Win Awards at Invent the Future Challenge
Students at Shady Grove, William H. Farquhar, Parkland and Briggs Chaney middle schools were named winners in this year’s Invent the Future Challenge celebration at KID Museum on Jan. 21. Through designing their own inventions and innovative problem solving, students answered the question: What will you make to improve life on this planet?
Invent the Future Award Winners, January 2023
