1. Student Transfer Application Open Until April 2

The 2024-2025 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season is 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 by Tuesday, April 2. Read full details.

2. Update on CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made notable changes on March 1 to guidance regarding COVID-19. MCPS is working with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services to update COVID-19 procedures for students and staff members, to align with this updated guidance. More information will be communicated in the next week. Further adjustments can be expected as the Maryland Department of Health releases additional recommendations.

3. Share Your Experiences and Feedback About Your School and/or MCPS by March 15

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 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 

Nominations Due Friday March 8 for BOE Service to Public Education Awards 

The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking nominations from the public for its 27th Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards are sponsored by the Board to recognize and show appreciation to individuals, groups and organizations that have made exemplary contributions to public education in Montgomery County. Read more. 

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Career Day For Students Set For April 10 

MCPS will host a “Grow Your Own” career day from 9 a.m.–noon on Wednesday, April 10, at Northwest High School when students are off from school. High school students are invited to learn about job opportunities and careers available in Montgomery County and take advantage of on-the-spot job interviews. Please RSVP by April 1. 

Visit the Out-School-Time website to learn more about opportunities offered through the year. 

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Next Pregúntale a MCPS on the Community Engagement Officer Program

Be sure to tune in at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, for the next “Pregúntale a MCPS” on the Community Engagement Officer program. This interactive session will be in Spanish and hosted live on the MCPS en Español Facebook page. Tune in to learn about how officers support schools and bring any questions you may have about the program. 

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Become a 2024 Summer RISE  Host and Help a Student Gain Work Experience

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! The Department of Partnerships is seeking businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations to host students for a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid experiences. Read more. 

5. MCPS News 

Two MCPS Media Specialists Named Finalists for State Award

Lisa Hack from Silver Spring International Middle School and Melissa King from Flower Hill Elementary School are finalists for the 2024 Maryland School Librarian of the Year award. Read more. 

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Celebrating National School Breakfast Week 

Happy National School Breakfast Week! This week, we celebrate the nutritious breakfasts served to students across MCPS, fueling them to learn each day. The Division of Food and Nutrition Services hosted a breakfast tasting this week with students at Cannon Road Elementary School. More than 100 students were invited to taste a variety of possible new breakfast items, including a breakfast sandwich and blueberry-pomegranate bar. Read more. 

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Top Three Winners of the First MCPS 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. Read more. 

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MCPS in the News:

• John F. Kennedy Alum Wins Gold At World Athletics Indoor Championships 
  Read more from My MC media

• MCPS students featured in Moco360’s 10 Extraordinary Teens in Montgomery County