The Viking Weekly Newsletter

March is "National Reading Month"! A mystery reader is coming your way every Monday—can you figure out who it is? 🤔✨ The book they’re reading is available in the media center for you to check out and enjoy!

📖 Last week's Masked Reader: You guessed it! It was Ms. Bright!

📖 This week’s book: Class Act by Jerry Craft – a heartfelt and humorous graphic novel that follows Jordan’s friend Drew as he navigates life, friendship, and identity at a prestigious private school. A powerful story about race, class, and finding your place. 🎨📚

👀 Who’s behind the mask? Click here or on the image below to hear their voice. You’ll have to wait and see who it is! Stop by the media center, grab the book, and take your best guess! 🎭📖✨ #MaskedMonday #GMSReads

This is a 5-day week!

Here’s what’s blooming this week at GMS 🌼—mark your calendars and get excited!

• 📚 Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28: Spring Book Fair in the TV Studio – come find your next favorite read!
• 📝 Wednesday, March 26: Maryland School Survey – time to share your voice!
• 🌎 Wednesday, March 26 @ 6 PM: GMS Multicultural Night – food, music, and culture from around the world—don’t miss it!
• 🎵 Thursday, March 27: Band 3 Ensemble heads to Damascus High School for their District Assessment Field Trip – good luck, musicians! 🎺🎼

📢 Mark Your Calendars – Testing Season is Here! 📚✏️

It’s time to show what we know—testing season is right around the corner! 🏆✨ Please take note of the upcoming testing dates so our Vikings are ready to shine!

📅 Testing Schedule:

✅ MCAP – ELA & Math (Whole School) ➡️ April 7-10

✅ MAP-R (Whole School) ➡️ May 5-6

✅ MAP-M (Whole School) ➡️ May 7-8

✅ MCAP – Social Studies (8th Grade Only) ➡️ May 15-16

✅ MD School Survey (All Students) ➡️ March 26

📢 Important Reminder: On these days, students must bring their school-issued Chromebook & charger to ensure a smooth testing experience! 💻⚡

Let’s get prepared, do our best, and finish strong! 💙💛

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.

• Monday, March 31 - No School
• Tuesday, April 1 - 6th Grade Town Hall during 1st period and BOOST
• Wednesday, April 2 - 7th Grade Town Hall during 1st period and BOOST
  
• Wednesday, April 2 - Girls Soccer - GMS at Redland @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Wednesday, April 2 - Boys Soccer - Redland at GMS @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Thursday, April 3 - 8th Grade Town Hall during 1st period and BOOST
• Monday, April 7 - Friday, April 10 - MCAP - ELA/Math Testing
• Tuesday, April 8 - Girls Soccer - Shady Grove at GMS @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Tuesday, April 8 - Boys Soccer - GMS at Shady Grove @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Monday, April 14 - Monday, April 21 - No School (Spring Break)
• Thursday, May 1 - Girls Soccer - GMS vs Forest Oak at GHS @ 5:30 PM ⚽
• Thursday, May 1 - Boys Soccer - GMS vs Forest Oak at GHS @ 6:40 PM ⚽
• Monday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 6 - MAP-R Testing
• Wednesday, May 7 - Thursday, May 8 - MAP-R Testing
• Wednesday, May 7- Girls Soccer - GMS at Montgomery Village @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Wednesday, May 7 - Boys Soccer - Montgomery Village at GMS @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Monday, May 12 - Friday, May 16 - MAP-M Testing
• Wednesday, May 15 - Girls Soccer - Loiderman at GMS @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Wednesday, May 15 - Boys Soccer - GMS at Loiderman @ 3:30 PM ⚽
• Monday, May 19 - Friday, May 23rd - Clash of the Classes through PE/Health Classes
• Wednesday, May 21- Thursday, May 22 - Social Studies MCAP Testing (8th Grade)
• Tuesday, May 20 - GMS Spring Band and Orchestra Concert @ GMS Gym 7PM
• Monday, May 26 - No School
• Tuesday, June 3rd - 8th Grade Promotion at GHS
• Friday, June 6 - No School
• Friday, June 13 - Last Day of School

Planning ahead?

Click here to see the 2024-2025 MCPS Calendar for this school year.

📅 Dates: March 24 - 28, 2025

📍 Location: Media Center/TV Studio
🎉 Family Event: Multicultural Night, March 26

💳 Payment Options:
✅ Scholastic eWallet (Set up yours today!)
✅ Cash, Credit Cards, ApplePay, GooglePay
✅ Checks payable to GMS PTA
🚫 No debit cards accepted

🔗 More Info & eWallet Setup: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/gaithersburgmiddleschool

🌟 New for Spring 2025: Coinless Fair! All rounded-up amounts support our "Share the Fair" initiative to help students in need.

🙌 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Sign up here 👉 https://bit.ly/4ifGrjd

Let’s make this a fantastic Book Fair! 📖💙 #GMSBookFair #ShareTheFair

Join us for a night of culture, performances, and celebration at GMS Multicultural Night on March 26, 2025, from 6–8 PM!

✨ We’re looking for students to:
🌎 Create a cultural display
💃 Perform (dance, poem, song, etc.)
👗 Join the fashion show

Earn 5 SSL hours for participating! Sign up now using the QR code or visit Ms. Dyson in Room 107 for more info.

Let’s celebrate the diversity that makes GMS amazing! 🎶🌎💛💙 #GMSMulticulturalNight

¿Quieres aprender sobre diferentes carreras, explorar D.C. y Maryland en excursiones, prepararte para la universidad y hacer nuevas amistades? ¡Entonces Liberty’s Promise es para ti! 🎉

✨ ¿Qué te ofrece el programa?
✅ Horas comunitarias 🏆
✅ Excursiones emocionantes 🚍
✅ Consejos para tener éxito en la escuela 📚
✅ Preparación para la universidad 🎓
✅ Oportunidades para ayudar a tu comunidad 🤝

📍 Lugar: Aula 114
📅 Cuándo: Miércoles después de clase (3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.) a partir del 19 de marzo

💡 ¡Lo mejor de todo!
🎈 Es completamente GRATIS
🍽️ Te darán comida y materiales

📩 Para más información, contacta a la Sra. Ingrid Ramos al 703-671-5316 o iramos@libertyspromise.org.

¡No te lo pierdas! 💙💛 #FuturoBrillante #LibertysPromise

Hey GMS Family!

We’re on the hunt for fun, candid pictures to make our 2024-2025 yearbook unforgettable! 🎉 Whether it's classroom moments, club activities, sports, or just everyday fun, we’d love to see them all!

📷 Got great shots? Upload them here: Dropbox Link

Help us capture the memories—because this year’s book won’t be the same without YOU! 💙💛

Thanks a bunch!
📚✨ The Yearbook Team

Calling all caregivers in the Gaithersburg cluster! You’re invited to a special evening of learning, connection, and support at Washington Grove ES on April 3, 2025, from 6:30-8:30 PM.

🌟 Topics include:

🔹 Restorative Approaches – Building strong relationships & fostering positive school environments

🔹 Bullying Prevention – Strategies to support and protect our students

🥘 Bonus: Free dinner provided! 🍽️

Join Olivia Laguerre, Well-being Social Worker, and Michelle Bateman, Restorative Approaches Specialist, for this engaging and informative session brought to you by MCPS Student Engagement & Behavioral Health.

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 #StrongerTogether #MCPSCaregivers

Calling all actors, writers, designers, and performers—the GMS Drama Club is ready to take the stage! ✨ Join us biweekly on Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15 PM in Room 601 as we write, produce, and perform an original play! Whether you love being in the spotlight or working behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in our Team of Stars!

📅 When? Wednesdays after school
📍 Where? Room 601

Scan the QR code to sign up and let’s bring stories to life together! 🎬✨ #GMSTeamOfStars

From May 19-23, 2025, show off your school spirit and compete with your grade level to see who has the most pride! 🏆🔥

🎭 Dress up each day during PE/Health classes to earn points for your grade level:

👚 May 19 - Pajama Day – Stay cozy and rock your favorite PJs or robe! 😴
👯 May 20 - Twin Tuesday – Match outfits with your bestie! 🤩
🎭 May 21 - Wacky Wednesday – Wear your clothes inside out, backwards, or mix & match! 🤪
🎨 May 22 - Class Color Day – 6th Grade: Yellow 💛 | 7th Grade: Blue 💙 | 8th Grade: White 🤍
💼 May 23 - Career Day – Dress for your dream job! 👩‍⚕️👨‍🚀👨‍🍳

Let’s see which grade has the most spirit! Bring the energy, dress up, and have fun! 🎉💙💛 #VikingPride #ClashOfTheClasses

📢 8th Grade Families, it’s time to celebrate!

Join us as we honor the GMS Class of 2025 at our Promotion Ceremony 🎉🎓

📅 Tuesday, June 3rd
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Gaithersburg High School (Football Stadium)

Come celebrate this exciting milestone with us, and stick around for a family after-party with food and fun at Gaithersburg High School!

💡 More Info Coming Soon: Stay tuned for details about the 8th Grade End-of-Year Field Trip—we can't wait to share the plans!

Let’s make the end of middle school one to remember! 💙💛

Scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, the first day of the 2025–2026 school year, Student Transition Day is a new non-instructional full day designed to support students transitioning to new school levels or schools by fostering a sense of belonging and preparedness.

This full day will welcome students entering kindergarten, Grade 6 and Grade 9, and those new to MCPS schools, ensuring that they receive a positive first experience with staff and other students. Schools will share individual messaging to welcome students with their communities. Parents and guardians are asked to fill out this brief survey to provide additional input for Student Transition Day.

Note: the first day of school for all students is Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando will host a series of upcoming forums on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Jawando, who also serves as chairman of the council’s Education and Culture Committee, will be joined by MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor and Montgomery College President Dr. Jermaine Williams.

The events will be held:

• Thursday, March 13, 6:30–8 p.m., Virtual Session via Zoom
  (Link to join: https://mcpstv-org.zoom.us/j/88481640202, Webinar ID#: 884 8164 0202)
• Monday, March 17, 6:30–8 p.m., Springbrook High School, media center
• Tuesday, April 1, 6:30–8 p.m., Rockville High School cafeteria

RSVP.

Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available.

The Elementary and Secondary Mathematics teams are hosting two Curriculum Nights, which will include information on math curricular resources, course programming for Grades K–12 and upcoming changes from the Maryland State Department of Education regarding Integrated Math. Attendees will also participate in learning experiences from the Eureka Math and Illustrative Math curricula.

The in-person sessions will be held:

• Tuesday, March 18, 6:30–8 p.m., Wheaton High School, 12401 Dalewood Drive, Silver Spring
• Wednesday, March 26, 6:30–8 p.m., Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Road, Gaithersburg

Recordings will be available on the mathematics website on Monday, April 7, in English and Spanish.

Math Curriculum Nights, 2025

As a reminder, the Elementary and Secondary Literacy teams are also hosting Curriculum Nights to introduce families to the new elementary literacy curriculum, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts. Upcoming sessions are:

• Wednesday, March 5, 6:30–8:30 p.m., John F. Kennedy High School, 1901 Randolph Road, Wheaton
• Thursday, March 6, Virtual session via Zoom, 6:30–8:10 p.m.

RSVP.

All MCPS students and staff members are invited to participate in the Division of Sustainability and Compliance's (DSC) 2025 Sustainability Poster Contest. The contest seeks to increase awareness and demonstrate the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible recycling.

All art must be a student or staff member's original work and not contain copyrighted elements. Posters should be no smaller than 8.5 inches by 11 inches and must not exceed 18 inches by 24 inches in size.

Please submit posters to DSC, 45 W. Gude Drive, Suite 4000, Rockville, by Friday, April 4, 2025. For more information, email or call 240-740-3210.

More information: Contest Flyer

To enter, complete the Contest Entry Form

Read about Contest Guidelines

MCPS has clear procedures in place to ensure student safety if immigration officials visit a school. These steps help staff respond appropriately while prioritizing student well-being:

• Verify the visitor's identity and obtain official documentation.
• Notify MCPS legal counsel for guidance.
• Contact the impacted student’s family in their preferred language.
• Follow security protocols to protect all students and staff.

For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, visit the MCPS Immigration Supports page.

The MCPS 2025-2026 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season opens on Monday, Feb. 3, and closes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school.

Students are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or are assigned based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Learn more about the criteria.

Important changes for the upcoming COSA transfer process:

• Requests submitted after April 1, 2025, will not be considered unless there was a recent move or an emergency event that could not have been foreseen prior to April 1.
• All COSA requests must be submitted online through ParentVue in Synergy. Parents who need support on how to use ParentVue to complete an online COSA request are encouraged to reach out to a staff member at their child’s assigned school.
• Detailed information related to the COSA process can be found in the 2025-2026 COSA information booklet, which will be available at the end of January.

For questions, call the Division of Pupil Personnel and Attendance Services at 240-740-5620.

Families and students can stay engaged throughout the school year with Parent Academy TO GO, a series of virtual webinars for families to watch at home. The January, February and March webinars are available on the Parent Academy website. Registration is available here.

As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to remind students and their families of the many resources available to support everyone. These resources also reflect our shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.

Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
MCPS is committed to fostering civic engagement and civil discourse among our students. These are essential skills and strategies that empower young people to navigate a diverse world with respect and confidence.

• The MCPS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Google Site provides centralized resources for staff and is easily accessible via the MCPS Resources tab in Google Chrome. The website provides resources to support creating an environment where students can participate productively, engage safely, and experience uniform rule application across the district.

• Strategies concerning political engagement, including guidelines for students.

Supporting Our Diverse Community
Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind:

• Immigration Resources for students and families

• MCPS Immigration webpage with more resources

Addressing Hate-Bias and Antiracism
MCPS tiered protocols are critical for addressing hate and bias incidents, ensuring we respond thoughtfully and effectively when these situations arise.

• Procedures for reporting and responding to hate-bias incidents.

The Board of Education has approved the traditional and innovative school year calendars for the 2025-2026 school year.

Key Highlights

• Student Transition Day Introduced: Scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, this new non-instructional full day is designed to support students transitioning to new school levels or schools by fostering a sense of belonging and preparedness.

• Traditional Calendar Overview:

• First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

• Last day of school: Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

• Includes 181 instructional days, with six contingency days built in.

• Key holidays and breaks align with state requirements, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and other observances.

• Innovative Calendar for Arcola Elementary:

• Features 206 instructional days, beginning July 8, 2025, with an extended break in August.

• Aligns with the traditional calendar for holidays and closures, while incorporating additional instructional days and unique scheduling features.

See the calendars.

We’re thrilled to announce that Montgomery County Public Schools has launched MealViewer, a new interactive platform for breakfast and lunch menus!

With MealViewer, you’ll enjoy:

🌟 Real-time menu updates

🥗 Item-specific nutritional and allergen information

⭐ The ability to rate meals, star favorites, and use a nutrition calculator (optional)

📱 Mobile and browser-friendly access—use the app or a browser with no sign-in required!

The traditional PDF menus will still be available until December 31, 2024. Starting January 1, 2025, all menus will be accessible exclusively via MealViewer.

Here’s how you can get started:

• Explore MealViewer via browser or download the app on Android or iPhone.
• Check out the MealViewer Introductory Video and other helpful resources (like how to print menus or use the nutrition calculator).
• Access menus for our school easily with the custom link provided: http://schools.mealviewer.com/school/GaithersburgMS
• We’re excited about this upgrade and hope it makes staying informed about meals easier and more fun for everyone!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Let’s make MealViewer a delicious success!

The Montgomery County Commission for Women is excited to invite your students to participate in the 8th annual “Girl Power Contest," which will run from March 1 to March 31! This annual contest is open to all Montgomery County residents ages five and up and encourages young people to use their creativity to explore themes of confidence, ambition, and self-worth.

This Year’s Theme:

The media we consume plays a powerful role in shaping confidence, ambition, and self-worth, especially for young girls and women, by providing representation, positive role models, and stories that challenge stereotypes. What kind of media (TV shows, social media content, YouTube series, movies, books, etc.) would you create to inspire, uplift, and empower girls and women in the community?

Students can submit short stories, poems, drawings, or any other creative work that reflects their vision by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31.

This is a great opportunity for students to express themselves, develop their creative skills, and be part of important conversations regarding representation and empowerment. So please make sure to share this opportunity widely through your networks, newsletters, morning announcements, and more to encourage as many students as possible to participate!

Winners will be chosen in four categories: elementary, middle, high school and adult. They will be featured on the CFW’s social media platforms, invited to a recognition ceremony and receive a certificate and Girl Power swag bag. Winners will be announced in early May.

For more details or questions, please contact cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-8300.

The Division of Sustainability and Compliance is holding its annual poster contest to increase awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate, and to vote online to determine the winners in the spring. The deadline is Friday, April 4.

2025 Sustainability Poster Contest Entry Form
Contest Guidelines

Student Service Learning (SSL) Opportunities in January

Attention all middle and high school students across MCPS!

Here’s your chance to make a difference in your school community while earning 1 SSL hour per meeting! Learn about restorative approaches, engage in meaningful discussions with peers and specialists, and discover how you can lead in building community, wellness, and resolving conflicts at your school.

📅 2024–2025 Meeting Dates (3:20 PM–4:15 PM on Zoom):

• April 23rd

Let your voice be heard and take part in creating a positive impact! Students can click here to join the conversation.

All meetings are virtual—see you there! ✨

🏆 Middle School Students: If you’re completing the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement for the first time in middle school, you’ll receive the Superintendent’s SSL Award—but you must submit your hours by April 4, 2025!

📅 Important Deadline: All SSL forms must be submitted by April 4, 2025 to be considered for these awards!

🔗 Submit your SSL forms here: MCPS Form 560-51 or turn them in to your school’s SSL coordinator!

Hey Vikings! Looking for a fun and meaningful way to earn SSL hours? Join BetterPlanet4Kids for an Earth Day Park Clean-Up Drive! 🌱💪

📅 When: Friday, April 26

⏰ Time: 12:00–2:00 PM

📍 Where: Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park

12121 Skylark Rd, Clarksburg, MD 20871

💚 Help beautify our planet while earning 2 SSL hours! Bring your energy, a smile, and get ready to make a difference! 🧤🗑️

✅ SSL Eligible

📧 Questions? Reach out to Raj & Parnika Awasthi at betterplanet4kids@gmail.com or visit www.betterplanet4kids.org

Let’s show the Earth some love, Vikings! 🌎💙💛

Parent/guardian discretion and supervision required outside of school hours.

• The 2024-2025 MCPS Student Expectations Training Module is available on Canvas for students to access. Students must fully complete the training module to earn 3 SSL hours. (Report U-STU703 in Synergy can be used to generate a list of students who have not yet completed this training module.)
  
  
• Women’s History Month Webinar (March 4, 2025, 6:30PM-8:00PM) - Join us for a webinar about Women’s History Month hosted by Tara Sullivan (they/she) and Arushee Bhoja (she/her) from the University of Maryland’s Lavender Lab.
• Students may earn up to 2 SSL hours for participating in this advocacy opportunity.
• To learn more, please visit this link - https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1057326
  
  
• MCPS National History Day (March 8, 2025, 8:00am - 2:00pm) - For MCPS Students 18+ - MCPS is looking for HS students 18+ to judge student projects at the National History Day County Competition on March 8, 2025! Students will receive 6 SSL hours, as well as breakfast and lunch on the day of the event. To learn more, please visit this link - https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1014803
  
  
• Women’s History in Montgomery County Webinar (March 12, 2025, 5:00PM-6:30PM) - Join us for a webinar where Montgomery Parks shares how women in the past shaped life in Montgomery County.
• Students may earn up to 2 SSL hours for participating in this advocacy opportunity.
• To learn more, please visit this link - https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1058116
  
  
• The Keeping It Safe Video Contest (Deadline: March 23, 2025) is now open! Students may earn 5 SSL hours for quality video submissions about healthy teen dating and the impact of teen dating violence. Interested students may view the contest rules and additional information at this website.
  
  
• Delegate Pam Queen’s Living Organ Donor Video Contest (Deadline: March 31, 2025) is now open! Students may earn 10 SSL hours for quality video submissions promoting the importance of living organ donations. Interested students may view the contest rules and additional information at this website.
  
  
• Choose Respect Montgomery - RespectFest - March 30 - April 6, 2025
• March 30 - April 5, 2025 (virtual/online) - Middle school and high school students will have the opportunity to earn up to 5 SSL hours for actively participating in online activities and virtual workshops centered on dating violence and prevention!
• April 6, 2025, 1-4 PM - Wheaton Community Recreation Center (in-person) - Middle school and high school students will have the opportunity to earn up to 3 SSL hours for attending this in-person festival focused on spreading awareness about dating violence and prevention! Registration will occur on-site.
• Interested students may view additional details at the following link.
  
  

• C&O Canal and Potomac Riverside Cleanup (April 12, 2025, 9AM to 12 noon) - Help us clean up the Potomac River and its huge watershed area! Interested students may view additional details at the following link.
  
  
• Students Teaching Students Video Series (Ongoing) – MCPS is seeking students interested in creating a video presentation that teaches a skill or process that would be inspiring or useful for students in middle or high school. Students may earn 10 SSL hours for successful submission of all items identified in the submission form.
  
  
• Additional March 2025 SSL Opportunities

Looking for a meaningful way to earn SSL hours? 🌟 Arise & Flourish is offering MCPS middle and high school students the chance to learn about addiction and recovery while earning up to 4 SSL hours!

✅ Watch real stories from people in recovery

✅ Learn about the cycle of addiction

✅ Submit a reflection or artwork

✅ Earn 1-4 SSL hours!

🔍 How to Get Started:

1️⃣ Visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website.

2️⃣ Search “Arise and Flourish” under “Find a Volunteer Opportunity.”

3️⃣ Sign up & receive instructions (use a non-MCPS email!).

4️⃣ Watch, reflect, and earn SSL hours!

Looking for a fun, creative space to spark your imagination and make new friends? 🎨💕 Come hang out at the SMYAL Teen Series at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library! 📚✨ Join us every session from 4–6 PM (drop-ins welcome, no registration needed!). From creating DIY zines and learning about Queer Art History 🌈📖 to chatting about important topics like racism, painting ✏️🎨, and crafting your next masterpiece 💡—there’s something for everyone! Plus, we’ll wrap it up with a Teen Book Club (title announcement coming soon! 📚👀)

Have you heard the exciting news? We’re going to PERU in July 2026, and YOU’RE INVITED! 🎉🌎 This trip is open to all grades, all ages—parents, siblings, and more!

I’m thrilled to be planning this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with EF Tours, my trusted educational travel partner. Traveling is an incredible way for students to expand their world, discover more about themselves, and gain confidence—and I’d love for your student to be part of this journey!

✨ Join our info session to learn more! ✨

📅 RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/aa4t6b2

✨ Join our interest meeting on Tuesday, March 25th in the Media Center at 6PM! ✨

At this meeting, we’ll chat about:

✅ How to save $300 by enrolling before April 1st 💰

✅ The amazing sites & experiences on this trip 🏛️🌄

✅ How your student can earn academic credit 📚✏️

✅ Everything included in this safe & affordable experience

✅ How to enroll before spots fill up! 🚀

🌟 Spots are limited, so don’t miss out! 🌟 I can’t wait to share more details with you and help make this an unforgettable experience for your family!

See you there! 💙

Ms. O’Neal

(This trip is not sponsored by GMS or MCPS, but by an accredited 3rd-party travel company. Learn more about them here.)

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