LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT

Robert R. Gray Elementary School

Robert Ridgely Gray

(1910-2003)

Robert R. Gray Elementary is named after Robert Ridgley Gray. Mr. Gray was principal of the former Fairmont Heights Elementary School which was located at the intersection of Addison Road and Sheriff Roads. He served as principal from its opening in 1934 until his retirement in 1970. He was also mayor of Fairmont Heights from 1977-1989. Mr. Gray was an extraordinary educator, administrator, and role model for all children. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State University and his Master of Arts degree in Administration and Supervision from New York University. Mr. Gray believed that all children should receive a quality education. The administration and staff of Robert R. Gray Elementary work diligently to keep Mr. Gray’s dream active.

Robert R. Gray Elementary was built in 2001 on the grounds of the former Mary McLeod Bethune Junior High. The doors opened to staff and students in August 2001.  Mr. Prentice A. Christian, Jr. was the first principal and Mrs. Monique Davis was the first Vice Principal. When the doors opened, there were approximately 60 staff members and 600 students during the first year.

Mr. Gray was deceased on April 23, 2003 at the age of 92.  He is survived by his wife, Mildred.

Major Accomplishments in 2001-2002 Include:

• Successfully integrating 650 students from over 25 different county schools into a caring, nurturing environment which developed a culture of achievement and respect
• Establishing a strong instructional program to meet the diverse needs of our population
• Passing a school-wide mandatory uniform policy with approximately 80% parent approval

Major Accomplishments in 2002-2003 Include:

• Maintaining a strong instructional program to meet the diverse needs of our population

Major Accomplishments in 2003-2004 Include:

• Maintaining a strong instructional program to meet the diverse needs of our population
• Meeting the Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for all reporting subgroups

Major Accomplishments in 2003-2004 Include:

• Maintaining a strong instructional program to meet the diverse needs of our population
• Meeting the Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for all reporting subgroups 

Major Accomplishments in 2004-2005 Include:

• Maintaining a strong instructional program to meet the diverse needs of our population
• Host our 1st Annual Community Day!
• Created the ONLY elementary school marching band in Maryland Public Schools
• Established FREE morning and afternoon tutoring for our students  

Major Accomplishments in 2005-2006 Include:

• Maintaining a strong instructional program to meet the diverse needs of our population
• Meeting the Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for all reporting subgroups
• Our elementary school marching band made HISTORY as the 1st elementary school marching band to  participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival
• Established FREE morning and afternoon tutoring for our students
• Partnered with the national organization, First Books. As a result of this partnership, Robert R. Gray 

Robert R. Gray Elementary School was selected to participate in an Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration of Literacy sponsored by First Book and Abundant Forest Alliance, held on Thursday, April 20, 2006.   Approximately sixty of our second grade students participated in this celebration.  Each student received their own personal copy of The Tree Farmer co-authored by Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell and Nicholas Cravotta.  The book was read to the students by Tony Award winning and Academy Award nominated actress, Joan Allen, during a special assembly.  Ms. Allen is known for her roles on Broadway in Burn This and The Heidi Chronicles, as well as, her theatrical roles in Nixon,The Crucible, The Contender, and The Bourne Supremacy.  The celebration concluded with a special tree planting in recognition of Arbor Day and Earth Day as the students and Ms. Allen journey to the Media Center Courtyard to plant a Japanese Red Maple Tree.

Robert R. Gray Elementary won the grand prize in the Pennies for Patients Crazy Coin Contest!  The SGA sponsored a "Boy Power vs. Girl Power" Contest during the fundraising drive. The boys won by a few pennies.  The grand prize was a tour and celebration lunch at the ABC-7 TV     studios in Arlington, VA.  The students raised a total of $1,427.90 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

In 2006, Robert R. Gray hosted its first annual Field Day. Students were engaged in various physical activities they learned during their physical education courses.