Stone Mill Named National Blue Ribbon School, and Other Good News
Stone Mill Elementary School has been selected a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). The winners were announced on Sept. 19.
Stone Mill is the 43rd MCPS school to be named a National Blue Ribbon winner. The school was among 313 public and 40 private schools being recognized this year. It is one of six schools in Maryland to win the honor. The others are: Church Hill Elementary School and Matapeake Elementary School in Queen Anne’s County, Northeast Elementary School in Allegany County, Oakdale High School in Frederick County and Smithsburg Middle School in Washington County.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. These schools demonstrate what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students' lives.
Located in North Potomac, Stone Mill has 558 students and was named an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon award winner. More than three-quarters of its students are identified as gifted and talented or are working above grade level or both. It also has the largest special education preschool education program (PEP) in MCPS, and about 20 percent of its students are English Language Learners (ELLs). The school was able to earn this significant recognition because of its dedication to each of its students, its focus on individual data and its strong leadership.
“Congratulations to the Stone Mill Elementary School community on being named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight. “What an incredible example of how highly engaged staff can partner with parents and community members and get extraordinary results for our students. This is a perfect illustration of what the district prioritizes for all of its schools.”
Stone Mill relies on relationships and community to support its academic and social-emotional work with children. School staff work to create a positive, professional and engaging culture to inspire children to work hard. Children start every day with 'Stone Mill Expectations,' which remind everyone to be their best selves. Staff believe that everyone is important, and that diversity keeps everyone strong and learning. Stone Mill is a place where children can become all they imagine.
“I am incredibly proud of the staff, students and community who have worked tirelessly to make Stone Mill a shining example of student engagement, hard work and success,” said Stone Mill Principal, Dr. Kimberly Williams Cascio. “In my 23rd year as the principal of Stone Mill, I am still honored every day to work with the amazing people who call Stone Mill their home.”
The winners will be honored during a recognition ceremony on Nov. 16–17.
Actress Visits Her Alma Mater, Talk to Blair Students
Actress Lisa Ann Walter, known for her roles on Abbott Elementary and the Disney film, The Parent Trap, recently spoke to students at Montgomery Blair High School about her time growing up in Silver Spring, her experiences in theater and her career. A Blair alum, Walter talked about her love for the D.C. area, her time performing in The Music Man and Fiddler on the Roof and other experiences at Blair, including choir, chorus, art classes, the Poms and service organizations. She went to Catholic University before moving to New York and getting involved in theater. She answered students’ questions and offered life advice and gems on how to become successful in acting. Watch the video.
Kicking Off the School Year at the Watkins Mill Block Party
Crowds of people celebrated the start of the school year at the Montgomery Village Middle School Block Party on Sept. 14. Along with Montgomery Village, families and community members from Watkins Mill Elementary and Stedwick Elementary schools joined in. There was food, music and fun, games, free haircuts and lots of resources for families to pick up at the event.
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