Local News Updates
Program Summary
1. Fire at Vacant Montgomery County Elementary School Under Control
A fire broke out at the vacant JoAnn Leleck Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Tuesday night, and Montgomery County firefighters had the blaze under control Wednesday morning. Fortunately, the fire caused no casualties.
The initial call of the fire led firefighters to Eastern Middle School, about three-quarters of a mile away, before they followed the smoke to the vacant elementary school at 710 Beacon Road and found flames coming from the roof.
Montgomery County Fire Department spokesman Pete Piringer revealed that the fire appeared to have started in the classroom area and quickly spread to the roof, posing a great challenge to firefighters. About 95 firefighters from Montgomery and Prince George’s counties participated in the firefighting operation.
Although most of the flames were extinguished by midnight, firefighters continued to work into the early hours of Wednesday to ensure that the blaze did not reignite. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and the vacant school is expected to be demolished with plans to build a larger school on the site to accommodate the growing student population.
2. Maryland Teacher Wins National Award for Inspiring Student Change
A few winters ago, a petition about snow days went viral online, and Christian Pencillo, a fifth-grade teacher at Veterans Elementary School in Ellicott City, Maryland, noticed that the petition was signed by several of her current and former classmates. Student drafted and signed.
Inspired by the students’ actions, Pensiro began to encourage students in the classroom to pay attention to and solve problems they believed should be solved. “It’s really cool to see them still doing it in middle school and high school,” she said.
Earlier this month, Pensillo became one of three teachers to receive this year’s American Civics Education Teacher Award. This award recognizes educators who inspire students to become active citizens and learn about the U.S. Constitution and government.
“My goal is to do everything I can to get students to love social studies,” Pensillo said honestly, “to let them know they have a voice and can fight injustice and learn from the experiences of those who have done it.”
Whenever students come to her with questions or complaints, Pensillo always encourages them to take action, perhaps through peaceful protest or drafting a petition. Some of her students successfully submitted petitions to the school asking for specific activities during recess.
Pensillo emphasized that her goal is to help students understand their rights and know how to exercise them. As the November election approaches, she also encourages students to join their parents in voting.
Pensillo’s impact extends beyond the classroom, with some of her courses aligned with U.S. Citizenship exam content to help prepare students for parenthood.
