BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL … Rachel Carson Elementary School in Gaithersburg was recognized on March 6 by the Montgomery County Council for being one of six public schools in Maryland—and the only one in Montgomery County—to receive the prestigious Maryland State Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. Among the standout accomplishments of Rachel Carson Elementary are that its students have reached an all-time achievement high of 98 percent proficient and advanced levels in reading and 98.3 percent proficient and advanced levels in math. At the ceremonies in Rockville, left to right, were: Councilmembers Craig Rice, Valerie Ervin and Phil Andrews; Board of Education member Judy Docca; Rachel Carson Elementary Principal Lawrence Chep; Rachel Carson staff members Patti Connell, Nancy Blumenschein and Brenda Long; and County Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr.