1. Superintendent Recommends $3.3 Billion Operating Budget

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight is recommending a $3.3 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. It continues the district's focus on preparing all students to thrive in their futures. 

The funding will maintain key investments that support Board of Education priorities to advance student achievement in math and literacy, agreed employee association agreements providing at least a 3% salary increase next year supporting recruitment and retention, and investments to support school safety and enhance communication between schools and families. Read more

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2. A Happy and Healthy Holidays, A message from the System Medical Office

As we get ready for winter break, remember that cold and flu season is in full swing! We have seen increasing staff and student absences in our schools from multiple illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, strep throat, hand, foot and mouth disease and other common infections.

Local hospitals have also been busy caring for patients with respiratory illnesses, especially those more susceptible to severe disease. This includes young infants and children, older adults and individuals with certain medical conditions. Read full message. 

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3. Reminders Ahead of Break 

Review Updated Inclement Weather Codes 

MCPS has six operational status options, which are reported by easy-to-understand, color-coded messages on the main page of the MCPS website, and this information is linked to each school website. Read more.

Testing Dates Available for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Award

Qualifying high school students are encouraged to sign up for testing for the prestigious Maryland Seal of Biliteracy at various high schools. Read more.

Student Service Learning Hours

Students are encouraged to turn in all SSL Activity Verification Forms for service completed during the summer of 2023 to their SSL coordinator by the recommended due date of January 5, 2023.

MCPS is also working with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) to promote service opportunities and acts of kindness for others during the MLK Week of Service (January 13-21, 2024). Visit the MCVC website for a list of multiple opportunities and visit the MCPS website for more information on opportunities and deadlines. 

Sign Up to Become a Summer RISE Host Today

Are you interested in sharing your career experience with rising 2024-2025 MCPS high school juniors and seniors? Learn more about how to become a host for the 2024 Summer RISE program! Read more.

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4. Pathway to College, Career, and Community Readiness – Early Literacy

Early literacy skills in Kindergarten is the first milestone on the MCPS Pathway to College, Career and Community Readiness. Learn why this milestone is so important and what MCPS is doing to prepare students. 

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5. MCPS News This Week 

MCPS Selected For Program To Develop Comprehensive Youth Mental Health And Suicide Prevention Approach

Montgomery County Public Schools has been chosen from dozens of school district candidates nationwide to participate in the District Comprehensive Approach (DCA) created in partnership by The Jed Foundation (JED) and The School Superintendents Association's (AASA) to strengthen the mental health and emotional well-being of its students. Read more. 

Watkins Mill High School Students Win Speak Up, Save a Life Fentanyl PSA Contest

Watkins Mills High School students Jabea Ewane, Steven Santiago and Thomas Pettit won the top prize and fan favorite vote for their PSA video contest entry, Forever 16. Read more.

Roberto Clemente Middle School Provides Holiday Mall for the Community

From toys to household items and bath and body items, families in the Roberto Clemente community were invited this week to stop by the school’s “Holiday Mall” and select free gifts. Teachers and staff along with parishioners at New Covenant Fellowship Church donated new and slightly used gifts last  January to prepare. Read more.

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Check out the MCPS News Center for news and information, the latest photo galleries and videos.