1. Inviting All Students, Staff and Families to Share Your Feedback

We want to hear from you on how we are doing. MCPS is inviting ALL students, staff and parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication, and overall satisfaction with your school and the district and/or experience working at MCPS. Your input and insight is essential in helping us understand what is working well and areas of improvement. Your participation and any identifying information is completely confidential. The feedback collected will be used to inform decisions and help create a more supportive and enriching environment for students, staff, and families in our district.

Click here to access more information about the surveys. 

The survey will be open until March 15.

2. Board of Education to Hold Public Hearing Feb. 20 to Consider Modifications to or Elimination of Three MCPS Programs

The Board of Education is actively working to develop a responsible and effective Operating Budget for FY 2025 that focuses on the needs of MCPS students and employees. 

As part of that work and after listening to extensive public comment, the Board is considering making modifications to or eliminating three programs in FY25: The MCPS Virtual Academy, which was funded through the use of the ESSER grant during the COVID-19 pandemic; The MCPS Innovative Schools Initiative that includes an extended academic calendar at Arcola Elementary School and Roscoe R. Nix Elementary School; and The Leader in Me Program, offered at a handful of schools across MCPS. Read more. 

3. Four Finalists Named for MCPS Teacher of the Year

Four teachers have been named finalists for the 2024–2025 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher of the Year. They are: Janie Earle, kindergarten teacher at Poolesville Elementary School; Carrie Kraynak, English Language Development teacher at Flower Hill Elementary School; Morgan Patel, social studies teacher at Montgomery Blair High School; and Melissa Porter Parks, English Language Development teacher at Gaithersburg High School.

Read more about the finalists

4. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources 

MCPS to Host 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

Family Forum on Mental Health & Substance Use Prevention Set for Feb. 24 

Join Springbrook High School PTSA on Saturday, Feb. 24 for a Family Forum on maintaining strong mental health and preventing substance use. Attendees will learn about the dangers of fentanyl, alcohol and other substances; information to keep students safe; school and community-based substance use prevention, harm reduction treatment initiatives and what insurance is required to cover. RSVP

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.

MCPS Partners with Girls With Impact

MCPS is partnering with Girls With Impact to bring a free Business and Leadership program for girls and gender expansive youth in Grades 9–12. Developed with leaders from Harvard University, this 10-week, online program begins March 11, and equips girls with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. Read more. 

5. MCPS News This Week 

To the Point: Work-Based Learning Program at MCPS

MCPS provides students with work-based learning opportunities which include internships and apprenticeships where students gain career skills, confidence and even money. The program is a part of many of the Career Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at MCPS in alignment with district priorities and the Blueprint For Maryland’s Future. 

Student dancers from 10 schools showed off their moves during the annual Dance Showcase on Feb. 12. Students from the following schools performed: A. Mario Loiederman, Kingsview and White Oak middle schools and Albert Einstein, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, James Hubert Blake, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, Rockville and Wheaton high schools. There was also a performance from the All-County Dance Ensemble. Check out the photo gallery.

MCPS in the News: MCPS is gearing up for the 16th Annual HBCU Fair This Friday. 

Watch FOX 5 DC segment