To make sure you have all the latest news, you can continue to check this newsletter for updates. You should also do all of the following:

How to find out if we have a weather-related delay/closing:

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Dear MMBDA Families,

We are closely monitoring the weather forecast, which is predicting a major winter storm this

weekend with significant snow, possible ice, and extremely cold temperatures early next week.

The safety of our students, families, and staff remains our top priority.

As a reminder, Monday, January 26 is already scheduled as a Professional Development Day, and

there will be no school for students.

At this time, we anticipate that Tuesday—and possibly Wednesday—will be Virtual School Days if

weather conditions make in-person learning unsafe. During virtual learning, students will attend

school from home.

Here’s what families can expect:

● Teachers will provide synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) instruction

● Students will follow their regular daily schedule in 40-minute increments, including

Specials

● Whole-group class meetings and assignments will be posted in Google Classroom

● Parent Help Guides will be available in Google Classrooms and on our school website

● You will receive a letter from your child’s homeroom teacher that will include their

specific daily schedule

● Students are expected to attend all scheduled Google Classroom sessions and complete

all assignments

● Teachers will be available for office hours until 1:00 PM, especially to support families

with multiple children

We will continue to communicate updates as the forecast becomes clearer. Thank you for your

flexibility and partnership as we plan to keep learning moving forward—safely and smoothly.

Stay warm and safe,

At the Takoma campus, we are excited to share progress on an innovative partnership that will transform how our students experience science and learning beyond the classroom. In collaboration with Out Teach, we are thoughtfully planning the development of an outdoor classroom and garden that will enhance both instruction and play-based exploration.

Out Teach operates on a powerful belief: students learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences. By taking learning outdoors, they help bring academic concepts to life and nurture a scientific mindset—one that empowers students to ask questions, explore deeply, and move confidently from theory to action. Their work aligns seamlessly with our commitment to experiential, inquiry-based learning.

Over the coming months, our team will engage with Out Teach in careful planning and professional development for teachers, ensuring that outdoor learning is intentionally integrated into our broader educational vision.Our first PD will be on January 26, where teachers will help design the layout for the out door learning space. Out Teach’s expert team partners closely with schools and districts to establish shared goals, clear metrics, and realistic timelines from the very beginning—allowing us to measure impact and ensure long-term success.

In coordination with the Out Teach construction contractor, we will also be securing the necessary permits for construction and use of the outdoor classroom and garden. Based on their guidance, construction and activation of the space are planned for late spring, allowing us to launch the space safely and effectively for student use.

This program will significantly enhance our outdoor play-and-learn environment, creating a space where curiosity thrives and learning feels alive. We are confident that this partnership will help inspire the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers.

We extend our sincere thanks to parent Ann-Sofie Jespersen for introducing us to this outstanding partner and helping bring this vision to our school community. We look forward to sharing updates as this exciting project continues to unfold.

We are excited to share that The Wharf has invited MMBDA’s Soaring Eagles Drumline and Purple Diamonds Dance Team to return for Mardi Gras 2026, following a fantastic performance in 2025!

Last year, the energy, talent, and spirit of our students helped make the celebration a huge success—and organizers are eager to welcome MMBDA back for another unforgettable parade.

Event: Mardi Gras 2026 at The Wharf
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Parade Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Event Time: 3:00–7:00 PM
Participants: Soaring Eagles Drumline & Purple Diamonds Dance Team

We are thrilled that our students continue to be recognized for their excellence and look forward to sharing more details with families soon.