Royals Summer Updates

Hi Royals!

As we wrap up another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we’ve celebrated growth, overcome challenges, and created lasting memories for our students.

Summer is a time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Whether you're traveling, exploring new hobbies, or simply enjoying a slower pace, I hope this season brings joy and connection. Encourage your child to keep reading, stay curious, and embrace opportunities to learn in new and exciting ways.

We’re already planning for an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to welcome everyone back refreshed and ready for new adventures. Be on the lookout for important updates in early August as we gear up for another successful school year.

Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and joyful summer!

Happy summer! 🍉

Ms. Langston

Principal

Hello Royals!

I want to keep you informed as we begin the important process of selecting our next Assistant Principal. We will officially begin interviews next week and are committed to finding a candidate who aligns with our school’s values, supports our mission, and brings strong leadership to our community.

Our goal is to engage in a thoughtful and inclusive hiring process that considers the needs of our students, staff, and families. I appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work through this transition. I will be sure to keep you updated as we move closer to identifying the right person for this key role.

Thank you for all that you do every day—it does not go unnoticed.

Ms. Langston, Principal

Please welcome our new family engagement specialist Mr. Getasew Mebrate. He is new to RICA but not to MCPS. He has been serving in this role for last four years and this year all schools in MCPS will receive a family engagement specialist. Mr. Mebrate is excited to be at RICA working with our families. In his free time he enjoys science fiction movies and listening to classical music. Please stop the office to say hello.

Hello Royals!

Students who have been identified for ESY and credit recovery have been contacted and transportation schedule for them to attend this year. Please contact the main office if you have any questions.

Children 18 years old or younger may come to summer meals locations Monday through Friday for a healthy and nutritious lunch. The Summer Meals Program is designed to bridge the “nutrition gap” when school is out at no cost to families.

Check out the list of 2025 summer food service meal sites. No appointment is necessary. Meals must be eaten at the location.

Summer meal menus:

Summer 2025 Bagged Sites Menu

Summer 2025 Cafe Sites Menu

Visit the summer programs website for more information.

To help your student prepare for the rigorous course load, students are expected to read 2 books and complete 2 writing assignments over the summer. These will be entered in the grade book in the fall. See the attached document for the directions and a preview of the units of study for next year.

Your student was given a paper copy of this assignment, but you can access the digital copy here.

If your student already has a College Board account, make sure they know the login information. If not, I will help them create one at school.

I will only be checking or responding to emails intermittently this summer so I can relax and spend time with my family. I am so excited to see everyone in the fall. If you have a non-urgent question, please reply to this email and I will get back to you when I can. If you have more pressing questions, you may contact the RICA front office: 301-251-6900 (Summer hours: 8:00 am - 2:30 pm).

The 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search application is now open to high school seniors to submit original research to the nation’s oldest STEM competition in the hopes of being named a scientific leader of the future – and of winning the top prize of $250,000.

The online application consists of an original research paper, essays, recommendations and transcripts. Visit our website for more information and spread the word with the young scientists in your network. This year’s deadline is 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Summer is a wonderful time for middle and high school students to participate in Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunities and earn hours towards meeting the 75-hour state graduation requirement.

Students who have completed fifth grade can start earning SSL hours. There are some fun in-person opportunities and select remote opportunities that follow the guidelines posted on the MCPS SSL webpage. Bet you didn’t know SSL could look like this.

July Opportunities

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. Enjoy children’s activities, music, entertainment and giveaways. There will also be an immunization clinic.

Westfield Wheaton is located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Stay tuned to the website for updates throughout the summer.