The Viking Weekly Newsletter
Week of October 20, 2024
Week of 10/20-10/26 at GMS 📰✨
Hello Gaithersburg Middle School Family,
This is a 5-day week.
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the “N” in Viking for our Viking Values initiative: NURTURE 🛡️. Let’s inspire our staff and students to nurture a safe & supportive environment. Those who embody these values will have the chance to earn V-Bucks as a reward for their dedication! 😊 Together, let’s continue to strengthen and celebrate the Viking spirit!
This week:
- Safety Checks continue this week! Just a heads-up: safety checks can happen at the end of any transition period between classes. Make sure you’re on time! ⏰ Any students arriving late without a pass will have a notification sent home. 📬 Consequences could range from a friendly reminder to a lunch detention 🍽️ or even some time in ISI. Let’s keep it smooth and safe, everyone! 😊
- Mental Health Awareness Week - Join us for a week dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness! Each day will feature special themes and activities to engage our students and staff in supporting mental well-being. See the flyer below.
- October 21st and 22nd - Hearing and vision screenings continue. All 8th graders will be screened and students new to MCPS will also be screened.
- Monday, October 21-Wednesday, October 23 - Outdoor Ed Session 1
- Tuesday, October 22 - Boys Softball Game vs. Montgomery Village at GMS @ 3:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 22 - Cross-Country Meet vs.Farquar at Farquar @ 3:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 22 - Join us for the MCPS 8th Grade High School Regional/Countywide Programs Information Session at 6:30 PM in the GMS Media Center!
- Thursday, October 24 - Boys Softball Game vs. Shady Grove at Shady Grove @ 3:30 PM
- Thursday, October 24 - Cross Country Meet vs. Shady Grove at GMS @ 3:30 PM
🔔 2025-2026 Bell Schedule: We are gathering feedback to potentially alter our current bell schedule to better meet the needs of our school community. Your input is invaluable to us! Please review the proposed bell schedule options and select the one you believe will best support our students' learning and overall experience at GMS, starting with the 2025-2026 School Year. VOTE HERE!
Reminders:
- Please be advised that students cannot be picked up after 2:30 PM (12:00 PM on half-days) to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted end-of-day process. We kindly ask that any necessary pick-ups be arranged before this time.
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🏀 Winter Sports Alert! 🏀 Hey GMS! Just a heads-up—Winter sports registration opens on October 28th! 🎉 To make sure our students are ready, we need to spread the word ASAP! All the details and steps to complete the registration can be found on the athletics page of the GMS website (available in both English and Spanish): https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/gaithersburgms/athletics/
Tryouts for basketball won’t start until early December, but the sooner students get their forms in, the better!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sofía Grant-Dewitt (she/her/ella)
Principal/Directora
Email: Sofia_M_Grant-Dewitt@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/gaithersburgms/
Location: 2 Teachers Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone: (240) 740-4950
Instagram: @GMSVikings
Twitter: @GMSVikings
Para traducir este boletín, seleccione "español" en "Translate Newsletter" en el recuadro negro a su derecha o en su cellular encima.
During the Next Two Months
- Monday, October 28 - Winter registration for Boys' or Girls' Basketball opens at 12 PM.
- Monday, October 28 - Wednesday, October 30 - Outdoor Ed Session 2
- Tuesday, October 29 - Boys Softball Game vs. Argyle at Argyle @ 3:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 29 - Cross Country Meet vs. Loiderman at Loiderman @ 3:30 PM
- Monday, November 4 - Tuesday, November 5 - No School
- Monday, November 11 - Veteran's Day Observed
- Tuesday, November 12 - PTA Meeting @ 6:30 PM
- Monday, November 18 - Tuesday, November 26 - Fall Book Fair
- Monday, November 25 - Tuesday, November 26 - Early Release
- Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 - No School
- Tuesday December 10 - GMS Winter Band and Orchestra Concert @ GMS Gym 7PM
- Tuesday January 7 - Gaithersburg String Orchestra Cluster Concert (ES/MS/HS) at Gaithersburg High School, 7PM
- Wednesday January 8 - Gaithersburg BAND Cluster Concert (ES/MS/HS) at Gaithersburg High School 7PM
- Wednesday January 15 - Gaithersburg CHORUS Cluster Concert (ES/MS/HS) at Gaithersburg High School Times TBD.
- Tuesday, May 20 - GMS Spring Band and Orchestra Concert @ GMS Gym 7PM
Planning ahead?
Click here to see the 2024-2025 MCPS Calendar for this school year.
GMS Upcoming Events 📆
Mental Health Awareness Week at Gaithersburg Middle School (October 21-25)
Join us for a week dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness! Each day will feature special themes and activities to engage our students and staff in supporting mental well-being.
MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Programs Information Session
📣 Attention 8th Grade Families! 📣
Are you ready to learn about all the exciting high school options for your 8th grader? Join us for the MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Programs Information Session on Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 PM in the GMS Media Center! 🎓✨
Mr. Bey and Ms. Ikpemgbe will be there to answer all your questions and guide you through the different high school programs—everything from leadership, healthcare, and visual arts to technology, ecology, and so much more! 💡
🗓️ Interest forms are due by NOON on November 1st, so don’t miss out on this great opportunity to explore your student’s future! 🚀
We can’t wait to see you there! 💙💛
Informative ParentVUE sessions
📢 Join us for an informative ParentVUE session and connect with your child's school! 🏫✨ Get help setting up your account, applying for meals, and more!
📅 Oct 29th & 30th, 5-7 PM
📍 Gaithersburg Middle School
MCPS staff will be there to assist. Don’t miss out!
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/ParentViewGMS
Spirit Week (October 28 - November 1)
Get ready for Spirit Week from October 28 to November 1! Each day brings a fun new theme, from dressing as your favorite animal, candy, or superhero, to celebrating Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos. Join in and show your school spirit all week long!
📚✨ Scholastic Book Fair: Save the Date! ✨📚
Get ready for a week of literary fun! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to GMS from November 18-22. It’s the perfect chance to discover new books, grow your home library, and support our school. Don’t miss out! 📖🎉
Students can preview and purchase books during their English classes, lunch/wellness and before/after school. Sign up to volunteer -https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844AFAA28ABF9C16-51321696-gmspta#/
🍕 Election Day Pizza & Snack Sale! 🍕
Come out on Tuesday, Nov. 5th from 4-8 PM to Gaithersburg Middle School for our delicious Election Day Pizza & Snack Sale! Grab a bite while supporting the school and enjoying the fun. All proceeds go to support our PTA, in partnership with the 8th Grade Committee.
Want to help? Volunteer or donate here: Sign Up. Let's make it a great event! 🎉🍕
Interested in your child attending the Peru Exchange Trip? Here is all the information that you'll need to know. This opportunity is open to students in Spanish Immersion 7, Spanish 3, and Spanish for Spanish Speakers (SSS) 1 & 2 ONLY. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience! 🛫
Drama Club sign ups are now live!
Do you like acting, art, or just being silly with your friends? Join us for GMS Drama Club, where you'll learn theatrical skills and create your own play! Sign up at https://forms.gle/8tedN8uBkHrPBQJK7!
6th Grade Outdoor Ed in October: Donations Needed!
Our 6th graders are heading to Outdoor Ed in October, and we’re seeking donations of gently used pillows and sleeping bags to support their trip. If you have any items to donate, please drop them off in the main office. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
8th Grade Bake Sale Fundraiser
GMS 8th Grade Families! To raise funds for 8th Grade Promotion and the End-of-Year Celebration, we will be holding a Bake Sale on Election Day (November 5th) at GMS. Please consider donating items to ensure our first bake sale is a success!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E45A8AF28A6F85-51327665-8thgrade#/
If you have any questions or would like to reach out for any reason, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mimi Campbell via email at mimi.b.campbell@gmail.com or cell at 240-832-1627.
The Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance for many families throughout the years. They will be providing support this holiday season as well, so if your family is in need of assistance, please go to the Gaithersburg Middle School’s counseling website. Click on the tab for Holiday Giving and complete the form.
You can also use this link or click the image above.
**Please note if you have signed up through another school, you do not have to sign up again.
Please complete the forms no later than October 22, 2023. If you have any questions or need assistance in completing the form, please contact your child’s school counselor.
GMS grade level contact :
Grade 6- Ms. Zhang
Grade 7- Ms.Ikpemgbe
Grade 8- Ms. Merrill Oben
District News
🎶 Exciting Opportunity for Music Lovers! 🎶
Marking Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
The Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation was established by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights in 2019 to promote a better understanding of its history and legacy of African Americans in the county. This is the third year MCPS has observed Remembrance and Reconciliation Month with mandatory brief K-12 learning on local African American history and support of local Emancipation Day celebrations.
Below are upcoming MCPS events for this year (other celebrations will be coming later in November):
Button Farm Living History Center’s Emancipation Day Celebration (16820 Black Rock Road, Germantown)
Saturday, Oct. 26, noon-3 p.m.
Students can earn up to 3 SSL hours.
Sandy Spring Slave Museum – Maryland Emancipation Day
Virtual Event: The Real Juneteenth
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:45-8 p.m.
Students can earn up to 1.5 SSL hours.
Registration Link (You must register to receive the virtual meeting link.)
Flyer
Sandy Spring Slave Museum’s Emancipation Day Celebration (18524 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring)
Saturday, Nov. 2, noon-3:20 p.m.
Students can earn up to 3 SSL hours.
National C-SPAN Documentary Video Competition Open to Secondary Students
Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to participate in C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary StudentCam competition, which encourages them to think critically about issues that affect our communities.
This year, students are being asked to create a five-to-six-minute video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “Your Message to the President.” Students may compete individually or in groups.
The submission deadline is Inauguration Day, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. C-SPAN awards cash prizes to the top 150 student documentaries.
Historically, MCPS students perform well in this contest. Last year, a Montgomery Blair High School 9th grader won the High School East Division and in 2023, two Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School 8th graders took home the Grand Prize.
Apply to Be Councilmember for a Day
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando encourages all middle and high school students to participate in the 9th Annual Councilmember for a Day Challenge by sharing their vision for a better community through digital storytelling. Video essay submissions are due Thursday, Nov. 7. The winner will be honored at council with a proclamation and serve as an honorary councilmember for a day. Submit here.
Nominations Open for 2025 Citizens Honors Awards
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is seeking nominations for its 2025 Citizens Honors Awards—two are youth awards.
- The Young Hero Award recognizes Americans aged 8-17 for their courage in a dire situation.
- The Youth Service Award honors Americans aged 8-17 for placing others before themselves through volunteer service.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, Dec. 1, with the awards ceremony set for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Join Us for Community Engagement Sessions!
Superintendent Thomas Taylor is continuing to meet with as many stakeholders as possible to learn about the Montgomery County community. Save the date for one of his two remaining community engagement sessions:
- Monday, Oct. 21, Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, 7-8 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 14, Walt Whitman High School, 7100 Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, 7–8 p.m.
Interpretation services will be available in Spanish and American Sign Language.
The sessions allow parents, students, staff and community members to connect with the superintendent and to share input on two key questions regarding the district's operations and academics.
- Regarding operations, what is working well in the district and what needs attention?
- Regarding academics, what should be done differently to improve student academic results?
Attendees will have the opportunity to voice feedback verbally during the session. Those who prefer to submit feedback digitally can do so on this Google form.
Fall Parent Academy Schedule Now Available
Families and students can stay engaged throughout the school year with Parent Academy TO GO, a series of free virtual webinars for families. October, November and December webinars are now available on the Parent Academy website. Topics include managing bedtime battles, learning skills for better communication and tools to diffuse power struggles, and handling disappointing grades. Registration is available here.
Register Now for Oct. 26 Game Changer Conference
The Game Changer Conference will be held from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Montgomery College, Germantown Campus, Globe Hall, 20200 Observation Drive, in Germantown.
This free mentoring conference is geared toward Black or African American and Latino or Hispanic male students in 4th through 12th grades. The conference theme is “The World is Shifting Forward! Focus Forward and Compete.
Parent workshops will also be held every half hour beginning at 8 a.m., with the last session at 11:30 a.m.
Students are encouraged to write and submit a 300-word essay based on the conference theme, “Being a Competitor is a Game Changer: How will you compete to win and own your future?” Essays are due by email on Monday, Oct. 21.
For more information, contact Dr. Everett Davis, director, Student, Family and Schools Services, or Dr. Karen D. Crews, director, Student Well-Being and Achievement.
Students and parents can register here.
Share Your Feedback on Upcoming School Year Calendars
MCPS is seeking the community’s feedback as it works to finalize the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school year calendars. Please complete this survey to share your input.
Your feedback represents an important component of the development process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, contingencies for inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, alignment with assessment schedules and more.
Both draft calendars for 2025–2026 include the following:
A new Student Transition Day will be introduced for the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar. This Student Transition Day, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, will be a re-imagined student orientation day to welcome students in kindergarten, third grade, sixth grade and ninth grade; students in any grade who are new to MCPS or new to a school; those who enroll through International Admissions; and students who receive special education services, language development supports or who are Emergent Multilingual Learners.
First official day of school for all students: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2026.
Spring break: Monday, March 30, 2026, through Monday, April 6, 2026.
The primary difference between the two draft calendars for 2025–2026 is the length of winter break—one has an eight-day break and the second has a 10-day break.
The committee is in the early stages of planning for the 2026–2027 calendar and would like feedback on:
The first week of school.
Winter break.
Thanksgiving break.
Survey in Other Languages
Comentarios sobre el calendario escolar de MCPS (2025-2026 y 2026-2027)
MCPS 校历反馈(2025-2026 和 2026-2027)
MCPS 학교 달력 피드백(2025-2026 및 2026-2027)
Commentaires sur le calendrier scolaire du MCPS (2025-2026 et 2026-2027)
Phản hồi về Lịch học của Trường MCPS (2025-2026 và 2026-2027)
Applications to High School Regional/Countywide Programs Open Oct. 7, Due Nov. 1
MCPS students have a range of opportunities available at their local high school, as well as regional and countywide application programs. Beginning Monday, Oct. 7, Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to apply for the regional/countywide programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for part-time career-readiness programs at various locations throughout the county. Applications for the upper grades will also be open beginning Monday, Oct. 7. Links to interest forms are below:
Information sessions are going on now for students and families. All dates can be found on the special programs webpage.
The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. Learn more about the programs, eligibility and open house dates.
Town Hall w/Superintendent Taylor
The Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence (BBC) is excited to invite you to an important Townhall. This event will feature special guest, MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor, who will discuss key issues affecting our community and schools.
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Time: 6-8pm (doors will open at 5:30pm)
Location: Wheaton HS auditorium – 12401 Dalewood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906
Childcare (for up to 80 students, k-2nd grade)
Catered meal will be provided
Spanish, Amharic and ASL interpretation will be available
Shuttle Bus service will be available, from local Elementary Schools
This Townhall will introduce our community to Dr. Taylor and provide an opportunity to hear his plans for:
Improving reading data for all students, including a focus on Black and Brown students
Enhancing school safety and security
- Implementing an equity plan that includes resources to support MCPS students
- Strengthening community engagement and support services, including counseling, mentorship programs, and academic assistance for students
Your presence and participation are crucial as we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for our children. We look forward to seeing you there and working together towards a brighter future for our community. Please share the attached flyers!!
Please RSVP usingthe link below by Friday, October 18th to ensure we can accommodate everyone.
Register using this LINK.
Mental Health Awareness Week Set for Oct. 21–26
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will host Mental Health Awareness Week Oct. 21–26 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of issues. A Mental Health Resource Fair and Student Forum will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.
The event is open to students, families and staff and will include MCPS and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, as well as a student-lead forum focused on issues impacting Montgomery County youth. Students may earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating in the resource fair. For more information, visit the Mental Health Awareness Week website.
The keynote speaker is Charles A. Barrett, Ph.D., NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, who practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he trains future school psychologists. The keynote and student forum are set for 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration Now Open for Saturday School
Registration for the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc., also known as Saturday School, is open for the 2024–2025 school year. Saturday School provides K–12 academic support programs in math and English/Language Arts.
The mentoring and tutoring program in Montgomery County will begin classes on Sept. 28 in nine locations, and also will provide a virtual option. The curriculum is aligned with MCPS and is taught by certified teachers. The locations are: Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, Paint Branch, Springbrook, Wheaton, Gaithersburg, Clarksburg, Rockville and Northwest high schools. The annual cost is $85; $40 for families eligible for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMs).
Registration for Saturday School, Grades 1–12 is here (English) and here (en Español). Kindergarten registration is here (English) and here (en Español). For an additional cost of $150 for a five-week session, Saturday School also offers classes in Coding and Robotics (English) and here (en Español).
Call 301-287-8980 for general information.
Make Plans to Join Us!
As part of Superintendent Thomas Taylor’s entry plan, he will be meeting with as many stakeholders as possible to learn more about the Montgomery County community. Part of this includes upcoming listening sessions at four schools. Save the date for one of these sessions:
- Monday, Sept. 16, Poolesville High School, 17501 West Willard Road, Poolesville, 7–8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 18, (Updated Location) Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road, Rockville, 7–8 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 23, Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring, 7–8 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 21, Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, 7–8 p.m.
Interpretation services will be available in Spanish at each event.
The upcoming community engagement session will allow parents, students, staff, and community members to share their input on two key questions regarding the district's operations and academics.
- Regarding operations, what is working well in the district and what needs attention?
- Regarding academics, what should be done differently to improve student academic results?
Attendees will have the opportunity to voice feedback verbally during the session. Those who prefer to submit feedback digitally can do so on this Google form.
Updated Timeline for Blended Learning Program for Long-Term Medically Impacted Students
MCPS is moving forward with its timeline for establishing a new Blended Learning Program for Long-Term Medically Impacted Students. This program will provide consistent and comprehensive educational services in both synchronous and asynchronous virtual environments to students with medical conditions who, as identified by a licensed medical professional, cannot be served in an in-person school environment for up to one year.
An application for the program will be available online starting Oct. 1, 2024, and the program will officially launch on Nov. 6, 2024. As the development process continues, more detailed information about the program's logistics will be communicated.
2024-2025 High School Program Resources for 8th Grade Families
Dear 8th Grade Families,
We are excited to share important resources and timelines regarding high school regional and countywide programs for the 2024-2025 school year. Below you will find essential information, including eligibility details, open house dates, and application deadlines.
Key Resources:
• High School Programs At A Glance for 8th Graders: Includes eligibility and open house dates, and program eligibility listed by high school cluster.
• 2024-2025 Grade 8 FAQ: This document is updated regularly, so please check back for updates.
• Screencast on How to Access the Application
• Grade 8 Common Application Support Guide for Families
Important Dates to Remember:
• September 16, 2024:
- High School Preview Presentation - Broadcast on the MCPS website
- English Presentation at 7 p.m.
- Presentación en español a las 8 p.m.
• Early October 2024:
- Eligibility Reports available in ParentVUE
• October 4, 2024:
- Application opens (on or about October 4) in ParentVUE
• November 1, 2024:
- Application deadline
• Last Week of January 2025:
- Notification of results
• February 14, 2025:
- Deadline to accept a program invitation
- Deadline to appeal results (criteria-based programs only)
Please make sure to stay updated with these important timelines and utilize the resources provided to support your student in their application process. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to your student’s counselor. All documents and translated materials can be found here.
District Upcoming Events
NAACP Parents' Council Meeting
You are invited to attend the upcoming NAACP-MC Parents’ Council meeting on September 18, 2024! This event is a fantastic opportunity for new and returning Parents’ Council representatives to connect, engage, and learn more about our shared mission.
Event Details:
Date: November 20, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM Via Zoom
Focus: SIP; CCR Pathway, Navigating a Changing College Application Landscape
Please Register in advance for the meeting. Registration is required for each meeting, and you can save and use this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qdeGoqD4pE9aLT2sFRTAFIwGguj02g0q1. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Don’t miss this chance to get involved and make a positive impact in our community. Here are the foci of future meetings:
- December 18, 2024: Anti-Racist School District Plan; Student Well-Being;
- January 15, 2025: The MSDE Blueprint and How it Impacts Students and Families; Planning for Summer
- February 19, 2025: Conversation with the Superintendent
- March 19, 2025: Special Education Advocacy and Support; Mid-Year EOL Data Update
- April 16, 2025: Meet the Board of Education
- May 14, 2025: Recognition of Exemplary Leaders, Teachers, and Staff : Best and Brightest Celebration
- June 11, 2025 : Progress Assessment & Planning for the Upcoming School Year
Social Studies Holding Series of Curriculum Nights
The Social Studies team is hosting a series of Curriculum Night webinars for families to learn more about how social studies is taught in MCPS and how its curricula in kindergarten through 11th grade incorporate the history of various ethnic and cultural groups. The webinars will be held from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- Thursday, Oct. 24–Arab History
- Thursday, Nov. 7–Indigenous History of the United States
- Thursday, Dec. 5–LGBTQ+ History (Middle and High School Only)
- Thursday, Dec. 12–Jewish History
To attend, families must register at the above links and a link to attend the webinar will be sent to them.
SSL Opportunities
SSL Opportunities
The following leadership and extracurricular opportunities are available to students:
- Health Education Advocacy: Do you want to make a difference with students’ health and well-being in MCPS? Join a Zoom meeting from 6:30–7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 to learn more about a new countywide student-led School Health Council. More information. For questions, email Dr. Cara Grant, supervisor of prekindergarten–Grade 12 Health and P.E.
- Choose Respect Student Advisory Council: Applications are now open for students who are interested in dating violence prevention and wish to serve on this council. The deadline for applications is Monday, Oct. 14. Apply here. For questions, email Ashley Noy.
- Speak Up, Save a Life: The State’s Attorney’s Office’s “Speak Up, Save a Life” student video PSA contest is open to middle and high school students. The videos must focus on the dangers of using drugs, opioids and fentanyl. Students can earn 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours by participating; the top prize is $1,000. Entries are due by midnight on Friday, Nov. 8. Submit an entry. For questions, send an email.
- The KID Museum has two opportunities available for families:
Middle School Maker Night: Friday, Oct. 18, 5-8 p.m., Register here. When school is out on Monday, Nov. 4, the museum will be open for 2nd to 8th graders from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Register here. Scholarships are available.
Urban Farm Volunteer Event Set for Nov. 9 at Loiederman MS
Middle and high school students are invited to participate in a Veterans Day volunteer opportunity from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School, 12701 Goodhill Road in Silver Spring. Students will help build garden beds and benches for the first urban farm being built through the REACH Hub and learn from professionals in the field. SSL hours and lunch will be provided. Registration
The Future Vote Program
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is looking for student election aides and ambassadors to help at the polls on election days. Students can be paid or earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, depending on their age and the position.
For students aged 16 and older: These volunteers can receive a minimum of up to $250 or 25 SSL hours for each full day of service. To apply, visit this website and follow the directions under “New Applicants.”
High School Election Worker
Position Description and Stipend/SSL Information
For students 15 years old and younger: These students can be Future Vote Ambassadors, and can also earn SSL hours. Training is required for both students and their parents/guardians. Details and volunteer expectations are provided at the training.
The Melodic Minors
Are you a musician interested in spreading your talents throughout your community? Want to earn SSL hours too? Join The Melodic Minors!
We are a group of musicians who aim to play musical concerts at senior homes and centers, especially to those who need it most. We also volunteer and play music at elementary schools to introduce kids to the world of music. We have played in Bethesda, Kensington, Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Rockville! Our locations will be located at venues such as the YMCA, and anybody who wants to perform will be able to! Performances will be directly supervised by organizations that have met the MCPS SSL guidelines, and students’ SSL hours will be verified by the supervising MCPS SSL organization.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please fill out this following form: Mailing List . You can also check out our flyer, attached below for more information.
Please note that filling out the form does not obligate you to any performances, but rather adds you to our mailing list and means you want more detailed information about opportunities!
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to melodicminors2022@gmail.com and Brian.Hauer@ymcadc.org
Other Resources & Events
Costa Rica & Panama Trip - June 2025
Thank you again to those of you who were able to attend our informational meeting. HERE are the slides in case you missed it! To the travelers who have already taken advantage of the $100 discount and enrolled on the trip … welcome aboard!! We are so excited to have you 😊
For those not yet enrolled, the sooner you are able to enroll ($95 Enrollment Fee on the Automatic Payment Plan), the higher the chance there will still be room on the trip. With EF’s risk-free enrollment period – you will also have the chance to cancel with a full refund, should your plans change!
You can enroll now at www.eftours.com/2663008EV or by calling EF’s Traveler Support Line at 800-665-5364.
The official deadline for enrollment to receive the discount is coming up September 20th, and we cannot guarantee there will still be space should you wait to enroll. We want you there!
Have a great day!
Ms. O'Neal
Please note this is a non-school sponsored trip.
George B. Thomas Saturday School
Affordable academic tutoring for grades K-12 at Gaithersburg High School, other high schools, and on-line. Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Program begins September 2024. Click here to register and learn more.
MCPS Parent Academy
Student, Family, and School Services is very excited to provide "Parent Academy TO GO," a series of virtual presentations for families to participate and view at home. Click here to learn more and register.
Gaithersburg Youth Club
Click here to learn more about the GYC, an after-school, supervised, and fun club for our students. The center is right across the street from GMS and the program costs only $20 or $25 per year.
City of Gaithersburg Resources
Contact Us
Contacting Us
During the school year, if your question is about your child's class, the first person to contact is always your child's teacher. Use Synergy to quickly email your child's teachers or see our Staff Directory.
Email: Sofia_M_Grant-Dewitt@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/gaithersburgms/
Location: 2 Teachers Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone: (240) 740-4950
Instagram: @GMSVikings
Twitter: @GMSVikings