Kingsview MS Counselor Wins State Honor, and Other Good News

MCPS Bulletin Posted On February 8, 2023

Katie Mendelson, school counselor at Kingsview Middle School, has been named Maryland State Middle School Counselor of the Year. She was surprised with the news during an announcement at the school on Feb. 6. Middle school requires a delicate blend of skills to carefully use “push and pull;” two opposing forces to ensure the success of all students,” Kingsview Principal Dyan Harrison wrote in her recommendation letter. “Katie Mendelson masterfully exemplifies these skills in her role as school counselor.

“As you enter Ms. Mendelson’s office it is clear to see how much she values students and recognizes the importance of her impact as a school counselor. Deemed “a safe space” by students, the office is intentionally filled with positive messages, soft lighting and a comfortable couch. There is no doubt that you have entered a safe-haven free of judgment and full of love,” Harrison wrote.

Watch video of the surprise announcement.

DuFief Welcomes Montgomery County Police Chief

Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones speaks to students at DuFief Elementary School.

On Feb. 3, DuFief Elementary School welcomed Montgomery County Chief of Police Marcus Jones to speak to students on community leadership. The school is celebrating Black History Month by looking at ways to serve the community through leadership. Along with the parent community and the DuFief Diversity Committee, the month will include guest speakers, including Robert Frost Middle School students and students from the Thomas S. Wootton High School Minority Scholars Program.

Students Team Up with CAVA to Serve Four-Course Meal

Working with industry leaders, hospitality and restaurant management students at Seneca Valley and Sherwood high schools served a four-course meal at a pop-up restaurant in Potomac on Feb. 3.

The dinner was an opportunity for the students to experience the variety of activities necessary to stage a sophisticated experience—from social media and ticket sales to front-of-house management and heart-of-house hustle. With a team of chefs from CAVA, the students designed, prepared and served the dinner at the Falls Road Golf Course Café on Friday.

Prior to the event, CAVA restaurant owners Ted Xenohristos and Dimitri Moshovitis went to Sherwood to help students plan, create and execute an intricate four-course meal. Jana Anderson, Montgomery College professor, worked with Seneca Valley students to create the perfect ambience and ensure students were hospitable, eager and able to serve their clientele. Alan Squier, owner of Squier Associates, donated rented linens, china, table settings and serving pieces. Lizz Durante of Payroll Network helped to publicize and market the fundraising event.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will allow the Foundation for Hospitality and Restaurant Management (FHRM) to offer programs throughout Montgomery County and give high school students the opportunity to explore the variety of careers in hospitality, work opportunities and apprenticeships and find ways to engage students and educators in projects. FHRM had additional support from Marriott, Mamma Lucia Restaurants, Acme Paper & Supply, the Federal Insurance Federation, Shulman Rogers and Perfect Settings.