Good morning, Rockville.

Katie Ledecky broke the 1650-yard freestyle record at the University of Maryland on Sunday by finishing under 15 minutes.

Washington Property Co. filed plans with Bethesda’s Design Advisory Panel to convert two office buildings into a 260-unit high rise, with proposal submission set for spring.

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse will open Friday at 1651 Chapman Ave in Twinbrook Quarter, serving fire-roasted meats tableside and an unlimited fixed-price dining experience.

The spacious restaurant seats 200 diners for brunch, lunch, and dinner and marks the chain’s first mid-Atlantic location.

MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor proposed a $3.78B operating budget that adds a 3.25% staff salary boost and aims to cut elementary class sizes by one, reflecting a 5% spending rise.

The plan, backed by enrollment-driven cost cuts, will go to the school board for sessions and public hearings in January.

On Dec. 17, AIM honored MCPS principal Stacy Ashton and Albert Einstein High School junior Sarah Insa Sadio for their leadership that advanced local school programs and community efforts.

Both were recognized for expanding after-school opportunities and advocating for important education improvements.

Seven Montgomery County Public Schools seniors earned full-tuition scholarships from QuestBridge, a nonprofit connecting high-achieving students with top colleges, with recipients from various local high schools (including Albert Einstein and Poolesville) now preparing for college. They have high GPAs and many are the first in their families to attend a four-year institution.

Students from John F.

Kennedy High School earned two Emmy Awards for a story on teacher retention from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences earlier this month — the only school in MCPS and Maryland honored during the 2024–2025 school year.

MCPS shared its baseline data (Future Ready: FY2025–2030) during a Board meeting on Dec.

11, showing improved math scores and lower absenteeism in Q1. The district will release further progress updates in Q2 and Q3 to guide next steps.

A PTSA meeting at Wootton High on Tuesday drew community members to discuss MCPS's proposal to permanently move the school to Crown High in Gaithersburg (option H), amid concerns over the aging facility and pending renovations.

Officials said no final decision has been made.

Reworld Montgomery received a notice of violation after tests in September found pollutant levels (83% above allowed limits) at its Dickerson incinerator; the facility was taken offline for maintenance on Nov.

7 and is now undergoing repairs as county officials review temporary waste hauling options.

Community leaders, minority business owners, and elected officials gathered in Bethesda for the 25th Annual Minority Legislative Breakfast, a forum for sharing first-hand stories (and) discussing policy issues like economic opportunity, housing, education, and health equity.

Beatles Tribute Night at Dietle's

5-7:30 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — Free entry — Celebrate the 50th show of Beatles music with classic hits and album cuts performed live by local talent.

Winter Jubilee Celebration

1-4 p.m. — F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre — $10, $8 for residents — Celebrate the season with games, crafts, and festive gingerbread house building.

The Buds Concert

2-4 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — $10 — Enjoy a mix of roots, blues, rockabilly, country, and power pop from the talented band, The Buds.

Winter Craft Week Camp

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Rockville Makerspace and Tool Library — Registration required — Enjoy three days of winter crafts, ice skating, and hot chocolate for kids aged 5-12.

Dan Hovey Live Performance

5:30-7 p.m. — Hank Dietle's Tavern — No cover charge — Enjoy finger-style guitar reminiscent of John Fahey during happy hour.