1. Important Update on Instruction for April 22

Monday, April 22 is now an asynchronous learning day and will be used as a make-up instructional day for students. Students will be sent home with assignments to complete independently.

Asynchronous learning describes educational activities and assignments that engage students in learning without live instruction or the use of technology. Students must complete assignments to count toward their attendance for the day. Additional time for students to complete assignments will be granted for any challenges or unforeseen circumstances. Read More. 

2. Prekindergarten and Head Start Registration Opens March 1

Prekindergarten and Head Start registration begins Friday, March 1, for the 2024-2025 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024, and families must be income-eligible to apply. Families can register their children online or in person.

If your child was 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2023, you may still register for Prekindergarten/Head Start for the remainder of this school year.

Click here for how to register. 

For more information about eligibility guidelines, required documents or how to register online, call 240-740-4530 or visit the MCPS website.

3. Survey Open—Let Us Know How We Are Doing and Help Improve Your School and MCPS 

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 are essential in helping us understand what is working well and areas for improvement. Your participation and any identifying information are 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 surveys will close Friday, March 15.

4. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources 

RSVP Today To Attend the Next 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

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. 

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 how to become a host for the 2024 Summer RISE program! Read more.

Pregúntale a MCPS en Español Live 

In case you missed it, the “Preguntale a MCPS” team responded to parents’ questions and spoke about how to advocate for the changes parents want in our schools. The session was open to all parents to join the MCPS en Español Facebook page. The team also explained the steps for Pre-K and Head Start registration, asynchronous day on April 22 and COSA updates. Click here to watch.

5. MCPS News 

Montgomery County Board of Education Adopts Fiscally Responsible Budget for FY 2025
During its Feb. 22 business meeting, the Board of Education tentatively adopted an Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 that maintains teaching and learning supports and strengthens accountability, while also being sensitive to the tough economic climate. Read the full release. 

Choral Educator Named Rising Star Teacher of the Year
Less than two years on the job, Danielle Gover is knocking it out of the park. Gover, choral teacher at Westland Middle School, is this year’s Rising Star Teacher of the Year. Read more. 

Galway Elementary School Held Its First Ever Engineering Earth Fair Day. The schoolwide, all-day event gave students a chance to apply their engineering skills to environmental challenges, while celebrating all things Earth. 

Top 3 Winners of the First Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival
The first Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival was a resounding success. The event, hosted by the Minority Scholars Program, took place on Feb. 24 at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. MCPS students delivered powerful documentaries with messages that made it clear that there is no room for racism in the classroom. Twelve films were presented at the festival; there were more than 100 people in attendance. Check out the winner’s list.

Caps Youth Hockey Inspires Rolling Terrace Elementary Students 
The Washington Capitals hosted a hockey clinic for Grade 5 students at Rolling Terrace Elementary School earlier this week. Students learned the basics of the sport, including stickhandling, passing and shooting. Jennifer Rushin, a physical education content specialist, said the opportunity allowed students to practice skills and concepts learned in class. Students were able to get a feel for the sport with some one-on-one guidance with the clinic's supervisors.