Things to Know: Back-to-School Edition
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Welcome to 2023-2024 School Year
We are so excited to welcome you to a new school year! On Monday, Aug. 28, close to 162,000 students will walk through our doors to begin the 2023–2024 school year. MCPS is committed to excellence, and by working in partnership with our families, we will pave the pathway to a bright future for all students in our community. Board of Education President Karla Silvestre and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monifa B. McKnight would like to welcome you with this video message.
Your Student's Bus Routes and Times
Parents and guardians can assist in a smooth school year opening by following simple guidelines and tips to ensure the safety of all students. You can access important information regarding school bus transportation including school bus routes and times (scroll to section labeled bus routes), Ride by the Rules campaign, and about riding the school bus on the MCPS website.
We are pleased to share that the Department of Transportation is fully staffed with bus operators and attendants, supplying 1,193 bus routes on 1,355 buses for our students. Eighty-six electric buses are currently in operation and MCPS is scheduled to receive more this fall.
Your Student’s Meals at School
Fifty-eight MCPS schools will operate under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) starting this school year. Students enrolled at these CEP schools may receive breakfast and lunch at no cost regardless of household income. A list of the participating schools can be found here.
We encourage all families with students enrolled at non-CEP schools to complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Application. All meals are free for students who qualify for the program.
Visit the Division of Food and Nutrition Services web page for information on prices, updated meal menus, including new menu items representing “Taste of MCPS” student picks and vegetarian options, how to add money to your child's account and more.
Stay Up-to-Date with Holidays, Professional Days and More with the 2023–2024 School Year Calendar
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Staying Healthy, Reminders from the MCPS Chief Medical Officer
As we wrap up the summer and get ready to return to school, here are some health reminders and COVID-19 information.
New to MCPS? Sign Up For ParentVUE
Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom and more.
ParentVUE Quick Guides
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Get Ready for the Fall Athletic Season!
As we get ready for opening night, MCPS is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and our communities. The MCPS Athletics Safety Plan will continue to drive operations and procedures for athletic events in order to promote a safe and welcoming environment for all. Read more
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This school year, MCPS announced a new partnership with Medstar Health to enhance the school system’s sports medicine program for athletics. Athletic trainers have been hired and have started working in all 25 MCPS high schools. A coordinator of health and safety, Mr. Shawn Hendi, has also been hired. Athletic trainers, now MCPS employees, will provide streamlined and enhanced care for student-athletes and across the program.
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Congratulations! Your Student-Athlete Has Made the Team…Now What – Quick guide for Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of MCPS Student-Athletes
How to Receive MCPS Emergency Information
MCPS uses color codes to indicate the six operational status options.
Visit the MCPS Operating Status and Color Codes webpage for more information on the colors and their meaning.
- MCPS Homepage
- Weather-related messages are posted in English and Spanish.
- Text and Email
- Alert MCPS provides you with emergency information about school operations. Weather-related messages are sent in English and Spanish. Sign up for Alert MCPS
- Social Media
- Twitter http://twitter.com/mcps, https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd, https://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol
- Instagram @mcps_md and @mcpsenespanol
- MCPS Cable Channels
- Emergency announcements are posted on the following cable channels:
- Comcast Channel 34
- Verizon Fios Channel 36
- RCN Channel 89
- Telephone Information Line: 301-279-3673
- Recorded emergency information.
- Tune in to local TV and radio stations
We Want to See Those Smiles, Share Your First Day of School Pictures!
MCPS invites parents/guardians to submit first-day-of-school pictures on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Pictures will be shared on the district’s website and social media pages beginning Monday morning. By submitting a photo, you are agreeing to publication on the MCPS website or social media channels. You may submit a photo by emailing us at pio@mcpsmd.org or tagging us on social media.
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
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