Montgomery Blair HS
Principal's Newsletter
April 2024
Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,
I hope that you and your family are doing well and enjoying the warmer weather. The search for the next Blair principal is in progress. Staff, students, parents, and community members have been selected to be part of the interview process. Once the next principal is named, you will be notified of meet and greet opportunities. I am committed to working closely with Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well Being and my successor to ensure a smooth transition and provide any assistance with learning all about our amazing school.
The third grading period will end on Wednesday, April 10 and report cards will be distributed to all students on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Please check ParentVue, https://md-mcps-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login.aspx, to monitor your teens grades and attendance.
Monday, April 22, 2024, is an asynchronous learning day for students in Montgomery County Public Schools. Students are expected to complete 4 hours of asynchronous assignments online. It's important for students to complete all assignments as as they will be graded and count for attendance of learning. Teachers will let students know how to access assignments online.
Thursday, April 25, 2024, is National Take Your Child to Work Day. If you will be taking your teen to work with you, please provide a note to Ms. Fus, our attendance secretary, prior to the absence from school and it will be excused.
Oliver! our Spring Musical, will open soon. Performances will be held, April 19 - April 27. Get your tickets on our website for each performance, https://mbhs.edu/, and enjoy the show. Oliver! cast and crew members are pictured with me in this section of the newsletter and below. The yard signs are a beautiful keepsake.
Our students need YOU! Blair After Prom is a safe event for all Blair junior and seniors. Students do not need to attend Prom in order to attend the After Prom event at Blair High School. We need parent volunteers to make this a successful event. Please sign up here, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A44AEA62FA2FE3-47958995-afterprom, to help us. There is more information below.
We will be administering thousands of standardized tests in May, so please review our testing schedule and make sure that your teen is in school for their scheduled assessment. Testing information is below for you to review.
As always, please check our website at https://mbhs.edu/ and social media pages for up-to-date school news and information.
Follow on X/Twitter @blairprincipal
Like Montgomery Blair High School on Facebook
Follow on Instagram @blairprincipal
Thank you for your support,
Renay Johnson
Proud Principal
VOTE: Maryland Official Ballot Box is at Blair HS!
Spring Testing Information and Schedule
MCAP Testing Schedule
In order to earn a Maryland high school diploma current students must participate in the MCAP Algebra 1, MCAP English 10, Government High School Assessment (HSA), and Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA). These assessments will be given in May. Please click the link below for more details!
Plan to Attend Montgomery County Education Budget Forum, Tues, April 16, 6:00 PM
Sign-up to Deliver Yard Signs to the Class of 2024!
We have 750-yard signs to deliver for our graduating seniors. If you would like to help deliver 15 or so signs, please sign up on the google form. Delivery is completely contactless, you just put the stake in the ground with the sign and off you go! Pick up is Wednesday, April 17 in the main office from 3:00-6:00 pm, we ask that the signs be delivered by the last week in April.
FREE PROM ATTIRE!
Our Kindness Corner will host a FREE Prom Attire give-away on Friday, April 12, during the lunch period. If you have new or gently used items that you would like to donate, please contact Ms. Nabavian, farzaneh_nabavian@mcpsmd.org.
ATTENTION ALL BLAIR FAMILIES!
After Prom is a FREE, post-prom celebration for Blair juniors and seniors; students can even come to After Prom if they do not attend prom! After Prom is a fun and alcohol- and drug-free event for our kids to enjoy after the Prom festivities. Students do NOT have to attend Prom to enjoy After Prom. Guests attending Prom with Blair students may come to After Prom. After Prom is a way for our kids get to spend more time with their friends after prom ends, and they can do so on campus, with no need to drive anywhere or attend private parties.
After Prom is held at Blair HS from 12 AM to 4 AM on May 19, 2024. Our students come over to Blair once Prom ends and the After Prom starts. Our students are not locked in at After Prom, but our last admittance is at 1:30 AM!
Before your kid says, “that sounds boring,” here’s how we make it fun for our Blazers!
- Prizes awarded to kids at the After Prom
- Fun activities (bubble machine, photo booth, shaved ice)
- Dancing (with a DJ playing music the kids like)
- Karaoke
- Games (board games, floor games, like shuffle board and ping pong)
Hosting a fun party for 600+ Blazers is not cheap – we need to rent equipment, have food and drinks, and run fun activities for our kids. There are several ways to support. Please consider the following and maybe all three if you can 😁
- Donate to support the After-Prom:https://blairptsa.org/join/
You can pay by credit card or by check
If you pay by credit card, you may also include an amount to cover the processing fees (we always appreciate that!)
Here’s how your donation helps us host an Awesome After Prom:
- $25 = 4 pizzas for hungry After Prom attendees
- $50 = 30 minutes rental for a karaoke machine
- $75 = airbrush tattoos for 10 After Prom guests
- $100 = 1 hour rental for 3 bounce houses
- $150 = 4 hours rental of a snow-cone machine at After Prom
- $250 = soft drinks for 200 After Prom attendees
- $500 = casino dealer for the night
- $1000 = Photo Booth/Selfie Station Rental for the Night
- $2000 = PTSA contribution to our Class of 2024 Graduation (what the After Prom seniors are looking forward to!)
- Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help the day of in several roles. Please click the link below to find out about the different volunteer roles.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A44AEA62FA2FE3-47958995-afterprom
3. Donate After Prom Prizes
We particularly need help with the following:
- Donate items from the After Prom Amazon Wishlist
- Join the committee to help contact area businesses (anywhere in MoCo or DC) to donate prizes or gift cards
- Donate a prize from your own abundance (new/unused birthday/holiday gifts, tickets to one game from your season tickets, etc.)
- Donate gift cards (we need a LOT of these) to everywhere from Four Corners eateries to whatever you have in your gift drawer from past holidays and birthdays!
If you have any questions about the prizes, please reach out to Sandie Angulo Chen at sandie.hans@gmail.com.
For general After Prom questions, please reach out to After Prom Chair Cecily Williams-Blijd at mbhsafterprom@gmail.com.
PTSA Meeting, Ayo Atterberry, President
Joining the Montgomery Blair High School Parent Teacher Student Association (Blair HS PTSA) is one of the best ways to get connected and support the Blair community.
Please see information about the PTSA and join here: https://blairptsa.org/join/
Please see our listservs here: https://blairptsa.org/listserves/
Mark your calendars for our PTSA meeting dates at 7:00 PM:
Below are the dates for our PTSA meetings:
- Tuesday, April 23, 2024
- Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/89219565825?pwd=TGhQd2ZydzhqSjFlQWxBUWt5WFhRZz09
Meeting ID: 892 1956 5825
Passcode: BLAIRPTSA
MCPS POLICY HANDBOOKS
In order to ensure a safe, productive, and positive learning environment, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) publishes these handbooks to help students, parents/guardians, and staff understand the Montgomery County Board of Education's core values and commitments; students' rights; school rules; expectations for student conduct; and the possible consequences for violating the rules. If you have questions, please speak to the administration at your school. If you have comments about any of these publications, please send them in writing to the MCPS Department of Communications at pio@mcpsmd.org.
REMIND APP FOR BLAIR INFORMATION
Parents: Have you been receiving our school communications via Remind? Check out the quick guide for how to set up and use the app.
For questions, please contact Mr. Bernstein, assistant principal, Aaron_M_Bernstein@mcpsmd.org
Report Card Distribution Dates
Quarter 1: November 9, 2023 ✅
Quarter 2: February 5, 2024 ✅
Quarter 3: April 18, 2024
Quarter 4: June 24, 2024
Interims and mid-quarter progress reports will be available on ParentVue and StudentVue.
End of Course Exam Reminder and Update on the Grading and Reporting Regulation
NEW ATTENDANCE REGULATION:
In order to be in line with Maryland State Department of Education guidelines and other school districts in Maryland, Montgomery County Public Schools will be reducing the number of unexcused absences from 15 to 10 for students to be withdrawn for non-attendance. Please email Roxanne Fus, Roxanne_F_Fus@mcpsmd.org, if you have questions about our attendance policy.
Counseling Department News & Information
Happy Spring Blazers! We are ending quarter 3, and beginning quarter 4, so we have a lot of information regarding report cards, summer school and more within our newsletter. Please know that summer school has a fee now, however financial waivers can be requested. We also share more details highlighting our Bridge to Wellness services while introducing the team that supports our students' well-being. Our amazing College Career Information Coordinator Ms. Delos Reyes is also sharing upcoming workshops, scholarships and so much more within the College Career Newsletter.
Links Embedded Above:
April Counseling Newsletter:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fLhRTm7R1VFsW3eIJgYihxSsP34QJ1PL/view?usp=drive_link
April CCIC Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZUKRHfcCVMAzqHlM5Tpm3aM5BD25GyA/view?usp=sharing
Mrs. Makeyda Soriano, NCC (she/her)
Resource School Counselor
Montgomery Blair High School
Phone: 240-740-7220
School Counseling Website: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/mbhs-schoolcounseling-team/home
Blair Academies
Blair's Preschool Program
Do you have a child who is turning 4 for the 2024-25 school year? Do you know someone that does? Sign your child up for the preschool Child Development program today! You can find information about our program on our website; It includes all the documents needed to enroll for next school year! Contact Denae_N_Guzan@mcpsmd.org for more information.
English Language Development News
Blazers in the Park will be in the community on Sunday, 4/21 for an Earth Day Cleanup and SSL opportunity! Contact Ms. Haas or Ms. Gil if you would like to volunteer.
English Department News
Young Master Writers & Artists Contests
MBHS is excited to partner with the Silver Spring chapter of The Links, Incorporated again! We invite all Blazer students to submit to the Young Master Writers and Artists Contest!
Please visit this website for contest rules and submission requirements.
The deadline is April 19th, 2024.
This year, all submissions must connect to one of five themes: Link up the Vote!, Police Reform, Principles of BLM, Prevention of Human Trafficking, and Environmental Justice. Student winners will receive cash prizes (up to $300!) and will move on to the regional contest.
Please contact English RT, Kati Holmes (Katherine_L_Ellsberry@mcpsmd.org) with questions!
Kati Holmes
Montgomery Blair High School
English Resource Teacher
Fine Arts
Congratulations Music Students!
Congratulations to the Montgomery Blair High School Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Philharmonic Orchestra, all of which earned ALL SUPERIOR RATINGS from ALL adjudicators at their respective festival adjudications this year! These festivals are essentially the musical equivalent of an AP or State standardized exam. We perform three prepared pieces of music on stage for three adjudicators who give us comments and a rating (Superior, Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor) before going into another room to receive a rating in “sight reading” – an activity which requires the teachers to teach a new piece of music to their students that they’ve never seen before in 3 minutes.
The adjudicators gave the students a lot of great feedback, including:
“Excellent teaching and learning happening. Loved it!”
“Great work - a professional ensemble. There is evidence of fine teaching - Bravo!"
"Stunning and just about flawless!"
"Tremendous understanding of the music!"
"Superb ensemble connectedness!"
Congratulations again, Blair Bands and Orchestras!
Raife Oldham
Instrumental Music Teacher
Director, Blazer Pride Marching Band
Montgomery Blair High School
51 University Blvd E
Silver Spring, MD 20901
www.mbhsmusic.com
Math Department News
Science Department News
Earth Month Calendar of Activities
Welcome to our Earth Month calendar of activities! Earth Day is a time to celebrate and cherish our beautiful planet while taking action to protect it.
Throughout this calendar, you'll find a diverse range of engaging and educational activities designed to inspire environmental consciousness. Join us in honoring Earth Day by participating in events that promote a healthier, more sustainable future for our school and planet.
This resource can be printed or distributed digitally. All daily actions can be done at home or school. Click on the icon for each day to see a curated list of educational resources related to the daily action.
Social Studies Department News
Student Government Association (SGA) News
This April, SGA is busy planning the third annual Spring Fling dance. The theme is decades and student and staff DJs will be featured. The event will be at Blair from 7-10 PM on Saturday, April 13. Tickets can be purchased on Go Fan. https://gofan.co/event/1482946?schoolId=MD24810 A ticket includes pizza, popcorn, snow cones, candy, and access to activities, games, DJs, and more. The Spring Pep Rally and Red Out will be held on April 12.
On Friday, April 26, SGA will be hosting Inova Blood Donor Services for our spring blood drive throughout the school day. Thank you to the 60 donors who registered to help save lives during the fall. We are now looking for donors to give blood. Students must fill out a parental consent form and any interested staff and students may register here. Donations take about half an hour to an hour and can save lives.
Please contact Mr. Kevin Shindel, kevin_m_shindel@mcpsmd.org, if you have questions about SGA activities.
World Languages Department: French Students Enjoy a Trip to Le Chat Noir!
Blair's Spring Musical
Blair's spring musical is Lionel Bart's Oliver!, the heartwarming tale of an orphan who dares to ask for more. Performances run April 19 - 27. Get your tickets at https://mbhs.edu/ and join us for the song-and-dance filled adventures of Oliver!
SCHOOL MEALS
NEW this year:
- Breakfast: FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS, 7:00 a.m. - 7:35 a.m.
- Lunch: Regular Price: $2.80 (Middle and High); Reduced Price (All Levels): No Cost for those who qualify.
- Supper: FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications
Apply online NOW! Families who meet certain federal income standards are eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits. All children use their MCPS ID number at the register so confidentiality is maintained and no child is overtly identified as receiving free or reduced-price meals. Only one application is needed for all students in a household.
A new application must be completed for any family requesting assistance this school year. The online application is now open for families to submit applications.
For more information, visit the Food Services website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/meal-payments/
George B. Thomas Learning Academy Saturday School at Blair!
Through this county-wide program, we strive to ensure every student believes they can achieve and has the tools to maximize their potential. SAT/ACT prep classes are also available at our site, in addition to general tutoring in the core subjects, for high school students. Please register online at www.saturdayschool.org.
Rahman A. Culver, M.P.A. (he/him) What’s this?
George B. Thomas Learning Academy Center Director
Montgomery Blair High School
51 University Blvd. East, Suite 340
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(240) 621-2760
rahman.a.culver@mcpsmd.net
www.mbhs.edu
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/blazing-toward-equity-mbhs
Twitter: @mrculverteaches
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrculverteaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrculverteaches
Explore Montgomery Blair High School's equity journey!
Register now for the 2022-23 year of the George B. Thomas Learning Academy Saturday School Program!
Blair Network Information (BNC) Daily Show
MDOT Heads Up, Phones Down Contest Winners!
Congressmember Jamie Raskin has selected the winners of MDOT’s Heads Up, Phones Down video competition as his Local Heroes. The local hero program highlights individuals in the community that are doing great work and making positive impacts. Congratulations to all student participants and Blair Blazers, Erol Kalayoglu, Zachary Carter and Ian Ha, Grand Prize Group Winners!🏆👏🏽
Meet the MCPS Student Member of the Board of Education Candidates
On Wednesday, April 17, all secondary students will cast their vote for the 2024 - 2025 Student Member of the Board of Education. The two finalists elected for the 47th Student Member of the Board of Education were Ms. Samantha Ross (Sam), Montgomery Blair High School Junior and Mr. Praneel Suvarna, Clarksburg High School Junior. Blair students will have an opportunity to vote online school-wide during an extended 1st period block that morning.
Ms. Ross currently serves as a member of the MCPS Well-Being School Safety and Districtwide Wellness Committee, the Social Studies Curriculum Advisory Committee, and is Chief of Staff for the current SMOB Advisory Council. She has served on the Maryland Center for School Safety Student Focus Group and is a member of the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association.
Mr. Suvarna serves as the vice president of the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association and is the junior class president for his school. His experiences include working with the Student Advisory Mental Health Board and MoCo for Change. He is also a certified presenter with the Maryland Association of Student Councils.
Congratulations Mckinley Jovanovic, All American Wrestler!
Congratulations Dermott Foley, First Place CSPAN Film Winner!
Congratulations Blazer!
Congratulations to Calvin, Jesse and William (1st place) and Jonathan, John & Leo (3rd place) for their results at the MCPS Cyber Forensics Challenge!
Congratulations Blazer!
Congratulations to Blair's Jason Youm, who was selected as an ISEF finalist in the Montgomery Science Fair!
Congratulations Goldie Siff, Signed to be a College Athlete at Bard College!
Blair Staff Spotlight!
Congratulations Ms. Patel!
Congratulations Ms. Patel, finalist for the 2024 -2025 MCPS Teacher of the Year! The MCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced at the Champions for Children Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2024.
Congratulations Ms. Roark!
Congratulations to Summer Roark, our Science Resource Teacher, on being honored by the National Society of High School Scholars and recognized as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction. Ms. Roark was nominated for the award by her student Quinn Stofa!🏆👏🏽
Silver Chips News
Be sure to check out Silver Chips' most recent issue! The magazine takes a deep dive into local and national politics. Have your student pick up a copy from their English class or Subscribe to get all 7 cycles mailed to you!
Blair's Kindness Corner
If you or someone you know needs resources and seasonal items, please refer them to Kindness Corner at Blair High School. Together, we provide resources and supplies to our students and families, through Kindness Corner and county and federal resources.
Please visit the resources page at https://blairpcc.weebly.com/
Kindness Corner at Blair is grateful to many for their generous contributions and we continue to collect gift cards and other items through the Kindness Corner registry.
Please contact Faye Nabavian with any questions.
Cell: 240-506-8576
Email: Farzaneh_Nabavian@mcpsmd.org
Kindness Corner
Distributes Free Coats, Clothes & Personal Items
To Our Students
WHERE IS MY TEEN?
We receive many calls and visits from parents looking for their teens after school. Here are a few safety tips for parents:
1. Speak with your teen about their after-school plans. School dismisses at 2:30 p.m. for students who have 8 class periods, and 3:20 p.m. for students with 9 class periods. After school, students must be under the direct supervision of a staff member or participating in a school-sponsored activity to remain in the building.
2. Make sure your teen has their cell phone charged and turned on after school and is checking phone messages.
3. Cell phones have a locator function, have your teen turn it on so that you can know their location.
4. Students without cell phones, can come to the main office to call their family or ask a staff member for assistance. Our main office is open until 3:50 p.m. daily.
A SAFE PLACE FOR TEENS AFTER SCHOOL? BLAIR AFTER SCHOOL RECREATION PROGRAM: REC ZONE IS BACK!
Montgomery Blair High School in partnership with Montgomery County Recreation Department offers a FREE after-school recreation program, Monday - Friday • 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., in Blair's cafeteria. The program has begun, but students can still register for the program and attend on the same day. This program is open to all students. In addition, free dinner is available for students.
Blair Fair!
Mark your calendars and RSVP for a day of fun, food, and festivities. Blair Fair will be on Saturday, May 4th from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. Come enjoy the arts, shop local vendors, and participate in a variety of activities. Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, there's something for everyone at Blair Fair. Check out our website for more information. Want to help out? We are accepting parent volunteers, items for the silent auction, and monetary donations. Please reach out to Jacqueline_A_Armtead-Thomas@mcpsmd.org for more information.
School Information
ParentVUE: If you need support with log-in information for your teen, please contact Ms. Maria Tanos, Latino Achievement Coordinator, Maria_E_Tanos@mcpsmd.org, or Ms. Andrea Lamphier, Media Specialist, Andrea_Lamphier@mcpsmd.org.
Scheduling, Transcript, Social Emotional Wellness Questions, Contact Your Teen's Counselor
School Counseling Department:
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/mbhs-schoolcounseling-team/home/mbhs-school-counseling-team
All Things College and Career: Contact Jazmine Delos Reyes, College and Career Coordinator. jazminechareez_g_delosreyes@mcpsmd.org
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/mbhscollegecareercenter/home?authuser=0
MyMCPS/Synergy Parent Portal Staff Liaison: Maria Tanos, Maria_E_Tanos@mcpsmd.org
Social Worker: Emily Callaghan, Emily_P_Callaghan@mcpsmd.org
Health Room: Full-Time School Nurse: Anisa Harris, Anisa_Harris@mcpsmd.org
Health Room Tech: Angela Romero, Angela_Romero@mcpsmd.org
Principal's Administrative Secretary, Ms. Eileen Heiss, Eileen_F_Heiss@mcpsmd.org
Attendance Office: Roxanne Fus, Roxanne_F_Fus@mcpsmd.org
Blair Security Office: Adrian Kelly, Security Team Leader, Adrian_D_Kelly@mcpsmd.org
Financial Specialist: Donna Franklin, Donna_M_Franklin@mcpsmd.org
Parent Community Coordinator: Faye Nabavian, Farzaneh_Nabavian@mcpsmd.org
Pupil Personnel Worker: Tee Clark, Tee_Clark@mcpsmd.org
MBHS ADMINISTRATION:
Renay Johnson: Principal, Renay_C_Johnson@mcpsmd.org
Adriana Burgos-Ojeda: Grade 12, Administrator, Adriana_Burgos-Ojeda@mcpsmd.org
Rahman Culver: Grade 11, Administrator, Rahman_A_Culver@mcpsmd.org
Aaron Bernstein: Grade 10, Administrator, A-L, Aaron_M_Bernstein@mcpsmd.org
Ramona Washington, Grade 10, Administrator, M-Z, Ramona_L_Washington@mcpsmd.org
Tracy Pettis-Jones: Grade 9, Administrator, A-L, Tracy_Pettis-Jones@mcpsmd.org
Brenda Barrera Mercado, Grade 9, Administrator, M-Z, Brenda_A_BarreraMercado@mcpsmd.org
Peter Ostrander: Magnet Program, Peter_M_Ostrander@mcpsmd.org
Andrew Fields: School Business Administrator, Andrew_S_Fields@mcpsmd.org
Montgomery Blair High School
Website: http://mbhs.edu/
Location: 51 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Montgomery-Blair-High-School/1631578030396596
Principal, Montgomery Blair High School