Bells Mills, Woodfield Elementary Schools Win National Blue Ribbon Awards

Bells Mill Elementary and Woodfield Elementary Schools have been recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. They are the 44th and 45th MCPS schools to receive this distinction.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps. These two join a select group of 356 schools nationwide and 10 in Maryland to receive this recognition.

Bells Mill Elementary School

Located in Potomac, Bells Mill serves approximately 610 students. The school's commitment to academic excellence, respect and inclusivity has fostered a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. Students benefit from rigorous curriculum, effective teaching and a collaborative learning environment.

Woodfield Elementary School

Woodfield serves more than 300 students from diverse backgrounds. The school's focus on fostering a sense of community and belonging has created a positive and inclusive learning environment. Students participate in various school activities, including a student garden, leadership programs and peer mentoring.

A Q&A With Karla Silvestre

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. More than 34 percent of MCPS students are Hispanic or of Hispanic descent. This month brings an opportunity to highlight the contributions and rich diversity of the many Hispanic cultures across Montgomery County. It also gives us a chance to celebrate some of our wonderful staff members and leaders who are of Hispanic heritage. Don’t miss this Q&A with Board of Education President Karla Silvestre.

Oct. 9 Hispanic Parent Night Will Discuss Financing College

The Hispanic College Fair is being held from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. A Hispanic Parent Night: Financing College Information Session is being held in conjunction with that event. The Parent Night will be held from 6–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 15 W. Gude Drive, Third Floor, Potomac Room.

The event will include presentations from Beverly Coleman, director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at Montgomery College (MC), and Rhonda McLaren-Scott, financial aid outreach counselor at MC, to discuss options for financing college. Attendees will learn about the Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID) number and have an opportunity to create one during the workshop. Spanish-speaking interpreters from MCPS and MC will be on site. 

Hispanic Parent Night Financing College Registration

Hispanic Parent Night—Financing College

Noche de Padres Hispanos -  Cómo Pagar por Estudios Universitarios

Collegiate Directions and MCPS will also host a Financial Aid Night on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3. Register here. This event will be in Spanish. The Zoom information will be shared after registering. Email questions to Jill Semmens. 

In addition, all high schools hold free financial aid nights for MCPS students and families.

Reminder: Apply for FARMS by Oct. 8

The Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application is available for this school year. Families must reapply every year to determine whether they are eligible for the FARMS program, even if their child qualified the previous year. Tuesday, Oct. 8 is the last day that student eligibility from last school year carries over into this year. After Oct. 8, students without a new eligibility will revert to a paid status and be charged for meals. Students/families can request a paper application at any school, but processing is faster online.