| CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF DARNESTOWN ES! It was truly heartwarming to see our Darnestown community come together, as students, caregivers, alumni, community supporters, local businesses, and past and present staff, to celebrate seven decades of learning, friendship, and Mustang pride. The joy, laughter, and genuine sense of connection that filled our school during Saturday’s Platinum Pumpkin Palooza beautifully reflected the enduring spirit of Darnestown Elementary. This special edition newsletter captures the magical Mustang moments we’ll cherish for years to come. |
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Celebrating DES: Honored by the State of Maryland A highlight of the day came when Alicia Davis, an incredible PTA leader and event visionary, surprised us with a Governor’s Citation from the State of Maryland, recognizing Darnestown Elementary School’s “outstanding commitment and dedication on the occasion of its 70th anniversary.” Presented in appreciation of our many contributions to the education and enrichment of the youth of Montgomery County and the State of Maryland (signed by Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee) this special honor was a heartfelt reminder that the spirit of Darnestown extends far beyond our school walls. We were also proud to welcome David Chia, Director of the Division of School Leadership and Improvement for MCPS, and Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe (District 2), leaders whose dedication helps our schools thrive. |
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PREMIERE PARTNER SPONSORS |
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR SPONSORS |
Our PTA extends heartfelt thanks to Neil Tyra sharing his talent as our musical guest, and supporting the celebration as a Premiere Partner Sponsor. The community is deeply grateful for his generosity and continued support. Links to stay connected with Neil can be found at: Facebook. YouTube Music Channel. _________________________________________________ Thank you to Ms. Nance and Ms. Daley for stepping into the spotlight with Neil as special guest performers, and for treating us to a delightful surprise musical appearance on stage. |
A HUGE thank you to the marvelous and magical Alicia Davis, 2nd grade parent and dazzling event designer, for her stunning balloon creations and marquee numbers/letters. Mrs. Davis made the event sparkle and shine in the most remarkable ways! |
PUMPKIN for Everyone at 70th Anniversary From the gym’s science by the Fisher Family, raffles led by Laura Hassett, photo booth by Whitman Events Co., music by Bach to Rock, coloring station with Bar-T, fairy hair with Sparkle Locks by Jackie Miller, face painting with Face Painting Style by Claudia Figueredo, and glorious DES grade level tribute to Darnestown’s decade scarecrow display by Marina Bogatine and Diana Foley… to the cafeteria’s Mini Mustang Museum organized by Vicki Mostrom and Debbie Waechter in the cafeteria, alumni reflections, and time capsule dedication, the day was packed with joy. Down the hallway of banners for alumni to sign according to the years when they attended Darnestown ES, you could also stop by the Media Center’s Book Fair with Robin Lang, the Sensory Friendly Zen Den coordinated by Nannette, Nico Gittings Critcher, Yvonne Patron-Esipila, and Allison Castel, and Staff Cider Lounge for Past and Present Staff added even more spirit. Outside, families enjoyed live music by Neil Tyra (featuring special guests, DES’s very own – Ms. Cheryl Nance and Ms. Kai Daley), inflatables by Whitman Events Co., fall food from Delicious Gourmet, community service Thanksgiving drive opportunity with Danielle Everson-Riley, sweets treat station by Lauren Bolding, homemade commemorative birthday cake by Tiffany Johnson, pumpkin painting by Marina Bogatine, ice cream with DHD Soft Serve Ice Cream, and activities from i9 Sports. Additionally, alumni-led SSL school tours connected Mustangs past and present. Thank you, Lauren Mooney, for coordinating tours and developing the script for our historic tour. |
DES grade level tribute to Darnestown’s seven decades scarecrow display by Marina Bogatine and Diana Foley with help from students in every class created during recess is pictured above. We applaud additonal volunteer support from Dori O'Sullivan, Laura Baker, Mary Parcelles, and Jessica Torres. |
Thank you to Vicki Mostrom for spearheading our Mustang Museum and Time Capsule. Your vision, care, and dedication brought our history to life in the most meaningful ways. |
Storybook Pumpkins & Literati Book Fair were READ-y to go for our 70th Anniversary thanks to the hard work of Robin Lang with special thanks to many volunteers who aided with the day in our Media Center and decorated the creations. |
The DES PTA thanks Nannette, Nico Gittings Critcher, Yvonne Patron-Esipila, and Allison Castel for coordinating our first-ever Sensory-Friendly Zen Den at Pumpkin Palooza. (Pictured: Alison Castel, left, and Nico Gittings Critcher, right.) We also extend our appreciation to Freddy Venturozo, our new Building Services team member, for his outstanding support throughout the event. (Featured with Mrs. Paloma and Lauren Mooney.) |
Our food team gave us PUMPKIN to talk about! We are grateful for the homemade sweets generously donated by so many in our community, coordinated beautifully by Lauren Bolding, and for the stunning commemorative cake crafted by Tiffany Johnson. We also loved the festive fall menu thoughtfully planned by Kara Abul Hawa of Delicious Gourmet and Tiffany Johnson (parent of a 3rd and 4th grader). |
The Grand Finale: Pumpkin Plop Roof Drop! Cheers and laughter filled the blacktop as Tim Foley kicked off our 4th Annual Pumpkin Plop Roof Drop, a Darnestown tradition that never fails to delight! Thanks to our Team Alumni, Team Admin, Team Staff, and Team Parents for bringing the creativity, the imagination, and the full Mustang spirit to this year’s competition. This year’s top honors go to: We are truly grate-FALL for all of our fearless plop teams who help keep this beloved Mustang tradition alive year after year. A special shout-out to the Sanders family, who won the opportunity to launch our daring STUNT-kin Daredevil as the very first pumpkin drop through the PTA’s fall fundraiser drawing! Bach to Rock - Gaithersburg (Kentlands) is extremely appreciated for sharing their unbe-LEAF-able DJ skills for our Pumpkin Plop Roof Drop soundtrack. What a plop-tastic way to celebrate 70 years of Mustang Magic! |
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Gratitude to Our Platinum Pumpkin Palooza TeamFrom our planners, innovators, decorators, movers, business connectors, and behind-the-scenes helpers in countless ways, we are overflowing with gratitude. You know you’re part of something truly special when the list of volunteers to thank stretches three miles long. A special shout-out of heartfelt thanks to: Alexandra Raymond Alicia Davis Allison Beall Allison Castel Amy McKenna Angela Romano Bahar Kost Becky Woods Carrie Gruver Casey Kost Chelsea Cook Cheryl Nance Contessa Ng Danielle Everson-Riley Danielle Sharrocks Darshan Jain Debbie Waechter Diana Foley Dori O'Sullivan Freddy Venturozo Jackie Miller Jake Hsieh Janine Gonzaga Jared Fisher Jason Gruver Jenn Whitman Jessica Torres Kai Daley Kate Poppe Kevan Miller Laura Baker Laura Hassett Lauren Bolding Lauren Mooney Lauren Swan Martha Driscoll Martina Bogatine Mary Parcelles Nico Gittings Critcher Nooshin Kostkowski Nora Moore Rebekah Douglas Robin Lang Shannon Barrett Steve Moss Tashhina Giraud Terry Cordell Tiffany Johnson Tim Eisnaugle Tim Foley Veronika Ruf & Family Vicki Mostrom Victoria Fisher & Family Yvonne Patron-Esipila.
SSL Volunteer Mustang Families: Bolding Family • Chaudhuri Family • Cook-DeCarlo Family • Crouzier Family • Danoff Family • Fongyen Family • Foster Family • Gonzaga Family • Kost Family • Lucas Family • McAllister Family • McKean Family • Miloski Family • Monteiro-Singh Family • Mostrom Family • Orrison-Jones Family • Parong Family • Poppe Family • Sharrocks Family • Silverman Family • Takai Family • Zaner Family
Please know how deeply we appreciate everyone who attended, supported, and lent a hand to make our 70th Anniversary Platinum Pumpkin Palooza such a joyful success. |
THANK YOU: MUSTANG MEMORIES ON THE MIND It is our earnest hope that the dreams of Darnestown days and the memories of magical Mustang moments remain forever in the hearts and minds of our students, staff, families, alumni, and the entire community. May the spirit of learning, belonging, and Mustang pride continue to shine brightly for decades to come. Thank you for making the 70th Anniversary of DES so special1 |
UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES
Tuesday, Nov 18 DONATIONS FOR THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE (part I) DELIVERED TO DES - Click Here To Sign Up
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM MCPS BOUNDARY STUDY & ACADEMIC PROGRAM ANALYSIS Q&A at CLARKSBURG HIGH SCHOOL Learn more about Boundary Study Here IMPORTANT: Complete MPCS Boundary Study Here
Wednesday, Nov 19 DRIVERS NEEDED TO DRIVE GROCERIES TO SISTER SCHOOL, GAITHERSBURG ES, LINKAGES TO LEARNING PROGRAM Click Here To Sign Up
Thursday, Nov 20 4:00 PM MCPS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING WITH CAPITAL BUDGET & CIP DECISIONS Watch Meeting Online Here
Monday, Nov 24 DONATIONS FOR THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE (part 2) DROPPED OFF AT DES & DELIVERED TO GES Click Here To Sign Up
Monday & Tuesday, Nov 24-25 EARLY RELEASE DAYS at 1:20 PM
Wednesday – Friday, Nov 26-Nov 28 NO SCHOOL
Wednesday & Thursday, Dec 17-18 4:00PM - 9:00 PM Restaurant Nights Ledo Pizza Travilah
Dec 24 - Jan 2 NO SCHOOL: WINTER BREAK |
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| STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING (SSL) We love welcoming high school and middle school student volunteers who want to earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours while giving back to the Mustang community. By signing up HERE, your family will stay in the loop about a variety of SSL opportunities as they pop up throughout the year - so you’ll never miss a chance to pitch in and earn hours! |
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DES PTA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY The PTA is pleased to offer a comprehensive Financial Assistance Policy to eligible families for PTA events throughout the school year. If your family needs support with costs associated with any event or joining the PTA, please contact our school counselor, Mrs. Karen Traub at Karen_C_Traub@mcpsmd.org. The DES PTA 2025-2026 Financial Assistance Policy can be accessed HERE. |
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CONTACT THE DES PTA Whether you’re curious, creative, or just want to connect, our Mustang doors are always open! Contact Jenn Moss (PTA President) and the PTA Board anytime at DarnestownPTA@gmail.com. We’re here to help, cheer, and steer the way with you! |
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