Our military families bring a unique perspective and incredible richness to our communities through the diverse experiences they’ve gathered from around the world. April is designated as the "Month of the Military Child," a special time to recognize and honor the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of these families who serve across all branches of the military. As a school community, we deeply value and support the men and women who serve our country, along with their children and loved ones.

Military life can bring challenges—especially during deployments, which place an extraordinary amount of emotional and logistical pressure on families. Often stationed far from relatives and familiar support systems, these families may feel isolated and must rely on schools for connection, understanding, and assistance. We are proud to be a safe and welcoming place for military children, offering not only education but also empathy, encouragement, and a sense of belonging throughout their journey.

This time of year can be challenging as we enter testing season. Students often experience fatigue, and teachers feel the pressure that comes with it. That’s why it’s so important to pause and recognize the many positive things happening in our building. Celebrating these moments helps keep our spirits high and reminds us of the extraordinary work being done every day.

Ms. O’Brien: Ms. O’Brien is my son’s classroom teacher and works with him through Math Pentathalon. In addition to supporting my son’s academic goals, she has been very helpful in communicating using the Rooms app. If I have a question, she is very responsive and helpful, and also provides information as necessary about upcoming events. The Type A person in me appreciates the level of information given.

Ms. Barter: On Friday evening when I had a question about the recently released gifted services information, I emailed Ms. Barter with an expectation to have a response at the top of the week. I was pleasantly surprised to have received a very detailed response on Friday evening after 9 PM. While it wasn’t expected, it was very appreciated. 

Congratulations to Kasey Hancock, Intervention Specialist at Harry Russell, who is being inducted into the Autism & Low-Incidence Coaching Team's A-LIST (Autism Low Incidence Support Team). The Montgomery County ESC recognizes A-LIST teachers and states that only a small fraction of the educators we coach each year are nominated. CLICK HERE to find out more about this honor!

We are in testing season, and want to emphasize the importance of these assessments in helping us understand each student’s progress and academic needs. To help your child perform their best, please ensure they get a good night’s sleep, eat nutritious meals, and take time to relax and recharge. These simple routines can improve focus, energy, and confidence during testing.

Your encouragement and support also make a big difference, helping students feel prepared and motivated. We appreciate your partnership in creating a calm, positive environment that supports student success. Together, we can help our children show what they’ve learned and shine!