1. End of Course Exam Reminder and Update on the Grading and Reporting Regulation 

As a reminder, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) End of Course (EOC) exams for science and government will count as 20 percent of the final grade for ninth grade students (Class of 2027) in their respective high school level biology and government (NSL) courses starting this spring. This is due to changes to high school graduation requirements issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Read the full details.

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2. Tell Us What You Think on Decisions Impacting You and Your Student 

Share Your Input on the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program 
Take this five-minute survey to share your feedback on the MCPS and Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program. 

Inclement Weather Communication and Make-up Days 
Please provide your feedback on communication around inclement weather that may impact school operations. We would also like to hear your preferences on how MCPS approaches inclement weather make-up days. 

Tell Us What You Think About Our Food
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) is collecting feedback on what you want to see on school menus. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. Survey results will directly impact menu development.

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3. Student Transfer Application Season Is Now Open

The 2024-2025 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season is now open . The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school. All COSA request applications must be submitted no later than Tuesday, April 2. Read full details.

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4. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources 

MCPS to Host a Girls’ Summit on March 9
Join us for the Girls’ Summit on Saturday, March 9 at Northwood High School. This event will provide informative workshops geared towards students in grades 6–12 on a variety of current topics. Read more.

RSVP

Choose Respect Video Contest Is Now Open!
Are you looking for an opportunity to display your creativity and earn Student Service Learning hours? The Choose Respect video contest is open!

Read more.

Register Today to Attend the Annual HBCU College Fair
Registration is open for the 16th Annual HBCU College Fair. This free in-person event at The Universities at Shady Grove will provide students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Read more.

Summer RISE 2024 Student Registration Open
Registration is now open for students to be part of Summer RISE 2024. Summer RISE provides hands-on, career-based learning experiences to rising juniors and seniors and helps employers cultivate a talent pipeline. Registration closes Feb. 27. Learn more.

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5. MCPS News This Week 

WATCH: Springbrook High School Students Help Students at Burnt Mills Elementary Learn Coding
The Microbits Masters Program brings MCPS high school computer science students to elementary schools to teach them coding and robotics. 

Five MCPS Media Specialists Nominated for the Maryland Librarian of the Year
Five MCPS media specialists are nominees for the 2024 Maryland School Librarian of the Year award, which honors a school librarian for exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media. Read more. 

MCPS Student Selected for United States Senate Youth Program
Richard Montgomery High School senior Angelina Xu will represent Maryland during the U.S. Senate Youth Program Washington Week in March. Xu, who currently serves as the president of the Maryland Association of Student Councils, was selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104-student delegation. 

Hundreds of Students Participate in Out of School Time Activities
Dozens of students visited with representatives from more than 10 colleges and universities during Junior Day at Wheaton High School earlier this month. The event was open to rising seniors who are underrepresented minority students. Breakout sessions included discussions on researching colleges, making the most of a college visit, finding financial aid and scholarships, and having a productive summer before senior year.