Second and third-graders at Potomac’s Cold Spring Elementary were treated to a rare chance to play outside and learn something about the environment at the same time on June 5. Environmental educator Jennifer Reinfeld conducted improvisational workshops with the students, encouraging them to take on the persona of animals typical to the local habitat and then react to changes in that habitat, such as the loss of a food source or nesting area. Reinfeld’s approach uses drama and role-playing to get students to think about problems threatening the environment and then brainstorm to develop solutions. From left second graders: Steven Sullivan, Michael Avergun, Grant Fox, Janet Dong, environmental educator Jennifer Reinfeld, Jessica Wung and Emma Montgomery.
Awards and Achievements
Potomac residents Erik Schaeffer and Shin Uesugi won their respective divisions at the Maryland State Chess Championship Tournament at Northwest High School on May 17. Schaeffer is a ninth-grade student at Winston Churchill High School, and Uesugi is a fifth-grade student at Beverly Farms Elementary.
The Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA) honored outstanding educators, parents, students and educational programs that have made notable contributions to the success of students with special needs in a ceremony held May 14. The football coaching staff at Walt Whitman High School was recognized as Outstanding Educators. Receiving honorable mention awards were educators Janice Williams of Winston Churchill High School and Stephanie Chaplin and Diane Long of Whitman.
One-hundred-eleven Senior Girl Scouts from the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital were awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award on May 18 at the council’s annual “In Your Honor” ceremony. The Gold Award is the highest award achievable in Girl Scouting and is earned by only one percent of the nation’s Senior Girl Scouts annually. The following Girl Scouts are recipients of the Gold Award: Meghan Ball of Bethesda led low-income children in a series of body and vocal warm-ups, games and other activities. Kimberly Bedell of N. Potomac organized a Best Buddies School Group to make and donate items to children at the Children’s Inn. Susanna Brach or Rockville organized a two-session instructional sewing class for low-income Hispanic women. Sarah Byrne of N. Potomac worked with children in fist through eighth grades to produce and perform a play for a nursing home. Lauren Connelly of Bethesda led theater workshops and provided costumes, props and instructions for low-income children ages 5-14.
The Potomac Almanac welcomes school news and events, as well as notes on the accomplishments of local students. Mail to 10220 River Road, Potomac, MD 20854, fax to 703-917-0991, or e-mail at almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos are encouraged.