NASA Astronauts Surprise Students at Rolling Terrace, and More Good News
Students at Rolling Terrace Elementary School received a big surprise just before spring break. Three National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts visited the school to talk about their experiences in our galaxy.
Frank Rubio, a board-certified physician and flight surgeon, holds the record for the longest single duration spaceflight for an American astronaut. Sultan Al Neyadi is the first United Arab Emirates astronaut to serve a six-month mission on the International Space Station. Stephen Bowen, an American submariner, is the first and only astronaut to fly on consecutive space shuttle missions to the International Space Station.
The astronauts shared information from their studies in space and answered questions from what it felt like to float in space to where they get water to drink.
They had incredible stories of how NASA chose them to become astronauts. Each of their stories had a common theme—the importance of not giving up on your dreams and that goals are different for everyone. The astronauts said that mathematics, science, technology and engineering are the key focus areas for students who want to follow in their footsteps. They also highlighted the importance of participating in STEM programs.
Before saying goodbye, the space adventurers presented Rolling Terrace principal Isabelle Mensah with framed photos of their missions and an American flag that was in space. The items will be on display at Rolling Terrace to inspire all students to follow their dreams.
Districtwide MCPS 2023 Graduation Rate Is 89.6 Percent
According to data released last month by the Maryland State Department of Education, the four-year graduation rate for MCPS students in the Class of 2023 was nearly 90%—at 89.6%. The MCPS graduation rate declined by 0.7 percentage points compared to last year and is higher than the state average of 85.8%, down from 86.3% in the prior year. Students graduating in 2023 entered high school in 2019-2020 and a significant portion of their high school experience was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting virtual and hybrid learning environments. Read the full press release.
Student Leaders Visit Capitol Hill
Last month, student leaders from the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association (SGA), the countywide high school SGA, held their first in-person National Legislative Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. The student leaders, who represent high schools from across MCPS, researched current legislation and prepared legislative platforms to share their voice and advocate on youth-centric bills covering a variety of critical topics (including racial equity, mental health, finance, school safety and environmental protection). Students also had advocacy meetings with legislators, including U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Reps. Jamie Raskin and David Trone and their staffs.
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