Good morning, Gaithersburg.

On April 9th, 31 Hispanic community members finished a 13-week course and graduated from the Montgomery County Police Department’s Community Hispanic Public Safety Academy (7 p.m. ceremony) that taught them about police work and safety issues like domestic violence, DUI and traffic laws. Family and friends joined the celebration with food and live jazz (registration for the next session opens May 7) as the academy strengthens ties between residents and police.

At Potomac Elementary School, a student was found Tuesday, April 8 with a notebook page listing people they thought should be harmed—prompting school officials, Montgomery County Police, and MCPS security staff to quickly begin an investigation and offer support to students.

The City of Gaithersburg will host its first film festival at the Arts Barn on Kent Square Road from April 25 to 27 — the event will feature short films, feature presentations, filmmaker panels and receptions to celebrate the city’s rich diversity.

Montgomery County Public Schools announced a plan to overhaul its grading policy for the 2025—2026 school year after Superintendent Thomas Taylor presented proposed changes to the Board of Education on April 10.

The proposals include a new grade calculation for freshmen and summative assessments to improve attendance, with further details to be shared by July.

Governor Wes Moore signed three laws on April 8th—one to grow apprenticeship programs, one to help Marylanders with disabilities find work, and one to speed up health care licensing for former federal workers—as part of his plan to strengthen the workforce.

The measures will build job pathways and support those affected by federal layoffs.

Montgomery Parks will unveil a new accessible viewing platform at Brookside Gardens on April 15th at 10 a.m.—the platform, made possible by a gift from the late Joan O’Rourke, offers an inclusive view of the large pond in the Gude Garden.

A new report shows that Black mothers and infants in Montgomery County face greater health risks, with severe maternal issues occurring 54 percent more often than the countywide average.

The report recommends more support like increased access to midwives and doulas—steps that may help reduce these complications.

Celebration of Quilts

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Asbury Methodist Village, Rosborough Center — $10 for 3 days, $5 on Sunday — Explore over 150 quilts along with vendors, raffles, and a scavenger hunt.

G-Works: Workforce Development Class

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Gaithersburg Robertson Park Youth Center — Free entry with membership — A professional development opportunity for high school students in grades 10-12.

Open House at The Chase at Quince Orchard

2-4 p.m. — 54 Garden Meadow Pl, Gaithersburg, MD — $795,000 — Explore this contemporary 4-bedroom, 5-bath townhouse just 3 years young.

Kentlands/Lakelands Group Run

7-8:30 p.m. — Lakelands Park Pavilion — Free entry — Revive your running routine with group runs through the scenic Lakelands and Kentlands neighborhoods.

Half Price Games Wednesdays

11 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Gaithersburg — Half price games — Enjoy affordable arcade fun every Wednesday at Dave & Buster's.

Active Aging Expo

9 AM – 2 PM — Bohrer Park — Free entry — An inspiring annual event empowering older adults to live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Saints Row Pub Run

6-8 p.m. — Saints Row Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a 3-5 mile run through Gaithersburg followed by pints with fellow runners.

Skywatching: Telescope Fun

6:30-9 p.m. — Observatory Park — Free entry — Discover the cosmos with hands-on telescope activities and expert help as you gaze at Jupiter.

Fashion Show Fundraiser

12-4 p.m. — Signature Salon Pro — Tickets available — Enjoy a vibrant fashion show, live music, and delicious hors d'oeuvres while supporting future beauty professionals.

Skywatching: Telescope Fun

6 AM — Bohrer Park — Free entry — Learn how to use a telescope through hands-on activities.