850 students compete in STEAM event
More than 850 middle school students from 34 county schools took part in the “Invent the Future Challenge Summit” at the Bethesda-based KID Museum last week.
Students demonstrating skills in problem solving, collaboration and perseverance joined the challenge and showcased inventions to “protect life of this planet.”
Student inventions were reviewed by a team of judges, which included more than 50 professionals from energy and biotech companies and local colleges.
Several county leaders, including County Council members, County Executive Marc Elrich, Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman and Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard attended.
The second-annual event doubled in size from the year prior, according to KID Museum staff, and was designed to increase students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, or STEAM.
School board recognizes Mark Mann award winner
The Montgomery County Board of Education this week recognized Oak View Elementary Principal Jeffrey Cline as the annual winner of the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award.
Cline was praised for his commitment to “providing a challenging academic program for every student,” according to a school board resolution.
Cline was credited with encouraging staff, students and community members to “be their absolute best” and believes everyone he encounters has “limitless potential,” according to the resolution.
The Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award was established in 1991 in memory of the late Mark Mann, former principal of Parkland Middle School, to honor an administrator who demonstrates “exceptional performance in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach.”
Three middle schools receive state Green Schools Award
Three Montgomery County middle schools were recently awarded Maryland Green Schools awards for demonstrating “a continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental practices, curriculum, professional development and community engagement.”
Redland, Roberto Clemente and Rosa Parks middle schools received the award, announced this week.
The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education will hold an award celebration to honor the schools at its 10th Annual Maryland Green School Youth Summit on May 30 at Sandy Point State Park.
There are 86 MCPS schools participating in the Green Schools program, which encourages an increased awareness and understanding of environmental issues that impact public health and local communities.
Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media
