Rachel Carson Elementary School PTA

Teacher Appreciation Week Recap

Teacher Appreciation Week concluded last Friday, and it couldn't have happened without our amazing volunteers. Thank you to Brooke Whitson, Rebecca Levy, Tina Adams, Kate Wernick, Colleen Reeves, Maddie Kaufmann, Melanie Huttner, Rani Nguyen-Khoa, Dijana Maunaga Trajkovic, Ariunaa Sagduyu, Betsey Poulos, and Amanda Lorman for helping make the week's events run smoothly.

A special thank you to Jen Cole for the beautiful door hanger menus on Mocktail Monday, and to Zeina Kinkel and her company, Mosaic Creative Agency, for the stunning floral arch that helped our staff feel loved before they even walked through the door.

Finally, the PTA would like to personally thank board member Elyse Shull, who organized and coordinated this entire week-long event. None of it would have come together without her dedication and hard work — thank you, Elyse!

We also extend our gratitude to the following generous businesses that donated to the staff raffle:

Moco Glow
Dr. Benjamin Levine, MD
Rue+Roe
Skin Spirit – Gaithersburg
Nothing Bundt Cake
Sportrock Climbing Center
New Ways Barre

Dear Rachel Carson Families,

Our annual Apex Fun Run is our school's largest fundraiser of the year, and it plays a vital role in supporting programs and improvements that benefit every student.

Thank you again for your incredible support! Because of you, our PTA has been able to invest directly into our school in meaningful ways. From the funds raised last year, we committed approximately $30,000 in contracts with MCPS to beautify the landscaping around the school entrance and fencing, as well as improve the blacktop and recess area. We've received quotes and are eagerly awaiting the start of these projects!

Looking ahead, we're just as excited about what this year's Apex Fun Run will make possible. Funds raised will support classroom upgrades, including new technology, improved equipment, and enhanced tools to enrich your students' learning experience every day.

We are truly grateful for your continued support in helping our school grow and thrive!

We're also looking for volunteers and encourage you to attend the APEX run on March 26th and cheer on your child!(Volunteer at this link: http://tinyurl.com/rcesapex26

If all volunteer slots are filled (we're adding a few more soon!) you are still welcome to attend and cheer on your child! See the times for each grade below!

Time Grades
9:15am – 10:15am K and Grade 3
10:15am – 11:15am Grade 2 and Grade 4
11:15am – 12:15pm Grade 1 and Grade 5

Lastly, SAVE THE DATE! April 21st will be RCES Heritage Night where we celebrate the cultures that represent Rachel Carson Elementary School. Sign ups coming soon!

Apex Run Volunteers Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

Arts Night is coming! 🎶🎨

Join us for RCES’ 2nd Annual Arts Night on Wednesday, January 28, from 7–8 p.m. at the Blue Heron Gallery & Concert Hall (APR)!

Enjoy a Student Art Gallery from 7–7:30 p.m., followed by instrumental performances led by Ms. Smith and a choral concert led by Ms. Vanek.

It’s a wonderful evening to celebrate the creativity and talent of our students.

Families are welcome—we hope to see you there! 💙💛

Hey RCES! Lost and found items included below. Please see and claim any lost items by December 1st. After 12/1/25 they will be donated.

Join us at Shake Shack for a delicious meal and support our school on Monday, November 3rd from 11AM- 9:30PM. 🥳 Every bite helps. See you there!

🎃🍩 October fun at RCES! 🍩🎃

The Treat Fairy is back to surprise our amazing staff with coffee, muffins & donuts!

Trunk or Treat signups are also open if you would like to host a trunk!

💛 Want to sign up or donate? Visit 👉 http://rces-pta.org/volunteer

Let’s make this month extra sweet for our staff and students!

Volunteer | RCES PTA This page will have links to sign up and assist with PTA events and Teacher and Staff support. Please check back on this page frequently for opportunities!

🍩 Book Fair Week is Nearly Here! Starting Monday!!!

🥐 Pastries with Parents
📅 Monday, October 6 • 8:30–9:00 AM
➡️ Walk your child into the Book Fair, then join us in the courtyard for a PTA-sponsored donut before school!

✨ Tuesday, October 7
🕕 PTA Meeting • 6:00–6:30 PM (kids can enjoy a fun craft while parents attend)
🍕 Pizza Bingo • 6:30–7:30 PM
💲 $8 per person — please register by October 6

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/YZJ9udZD1taE39bcA

Shop the book fair Tuesday night during pizza bingo!

PIZZA BINGO! Called by our Principals is this coming Tuesday October 7th 6:30PM-7:30PM.

A PTA meeting will be held right before from 6P-6:30P with a fun craft for the kids.

Please register your family if you are planning on joining us for pizza. There is a cost of $8 per person.

Pizza Bingo-October 7th, 2025 (6:30-7:30pm) Please join us for Pizza Bingo on October 7th in the All Purpose Room at RCES directly after the PTA meeting. Also, the Book Fair stays open late for Pizza Bingo night! This event requires your registration and an entrance fee of $8 per person to help cover costs. Families who qualify for Free and R...