Congratulations on An Amazing 2023–2024 School Year!

Congratulations, everyone – we made it! Today is the last day of school for the 2023-2024 school year. Now, as we approach the end of June, I want to reflect on the time I've spent with you this spring at MCPS. Read the full message from Interim Superintendent Dr. Felder.

Journey to Graduation: Class of 2024 Stories 

• Winston Churchill High School graduate Caroline struggled with her mental health during her first two years of high school. Caroline shares how her school community and family rallied around her to receive the support she needed to flourish.
  Watch Caroline's story.

• Michell, a Watkins Mill High School graduate, began her journey to graduation when she arrived in the U.S. at 12 years old. She faced many challenges as she adapted to learning a new language, new culture and new school system.
  Watch Michell's story.

• Edna earned her high school diploma from her home school, Damascus High School, successfully completed the rigorous three-year cosmetology program at Gaithersburg High School and the requirements to earn an associate’s degree in behavioral health from Montgomery College.
  Watch Edna's story.

Board of Education Adopts $3.32 Billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025

On June 11, the Montgomery County Board of Education adopted a $3.32 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, an increase of $147 million or 4.6 percent, over the prior year. Although the adopted budget allows for MCPS to maintain a high-quality teaching and learning environment with highly qualified employees, it reflects a $30 million reduction for a same-services budget as FY 2024. Read more

• Understanding Class Size Increase – Class size guidelines will increase by one student in many classrooms for the next school year. Read more.

• Understanding the Delay in Prekindergarten Expansion in 2025 - MCPS will delay a plan to convert 520 seats in the pre-K program from part-time to full-day. Read more.

Free Online Resources for Practice, Prep and Review Available this Summer

Free online resources are available to support students who are not participating in summer tutoring or summer school. This document includes free academic resources and activities for elementary, middle and high school students to review content, practice skills and prepare for the 2024–2025 school year.

Summer School Session Two Enrollment Closes June 30 

The second session for the Regional Summer High School Program (in person) and Central High School Summer Program (virtual) will run from July 18–Aug. 6. Session two enrollment closes Sunday, June 30. Parents can register students on their ParentVue accounts. If you have registered for a summer course and have not received a payment invoice, please contact your student’s counselor. Read more. 

Mark Your Calendars for the Annual Back-to-School Fair

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. Enjoy family activities, music, entertainment and giveaways. There will also be an immunization clinic. Free bus shuttle transportation will be provided.

Westfield Wheaton is located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Stay tuned to the website for updates throughout the summer.

Stay Connected Over the Summer

• VISIT the MCPS homepage.

• CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish.

• READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS newsroom.

• FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in English and Spanish.

  http://twitter.com/mcps
  https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd
  https://www.instagram.com/mcps_md 

  https://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol
  https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
  https://www.instagram.com/mcpsenespanol/

• SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.  

• WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89.

Donate Today to the GIVE BACKpacks Campaign

Help students in need by donating to the 13th annual GIVE BACKpacks campaign to purchase backpacks and school supplies for MCPS students. For as little as $20, you can provide a student with a backpack filled with supplies including, paper, crayons, pencils/pens, a pencil sharpener, binders, folders, and more.

Innovative Schools First Day of School 

The first day of school for the one innovative calendar school in MCPS, Arcola Elementary School, will be Monday, July 10, 2024. 

For questions, contact the school directly: 

Arcola ES: 301-287-8585

Good News

Hundreds of students attended girls’ flag football skills clinics over the past week. MCPS will be piloting girls’ flag football at all 25 high schools during the upcoming Fall 2024 season through a partnership with the Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour. 

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Foundation Launches New Child Savings Program at Jackson Road Elementary School

Jackson Road Elementary School became the first school in Maryland to pilot The Greater Washington Community Foundation’s Brilliant Futures program. Brilliant Futures is a children’s savings pilot program that will provide kindergarten students with up to $1,000 each year from kindergarten through 12th grade. Read more. 

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Damascus Students, ATF, Family-Owned Company Donate Car to Local Family

Damascus High School students, the Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF), MCPS staff, and community members gathered together to support a family in need with the donation of a 2020 Kia Soul. Read more. 

Summer Opportunities in the County 

• Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge offers kids and teens a chance to fill their summer with great books and fun activities. Children 0-12 can earn e-badges throughout the summer. The Washington Nationals will give MCPL Summer Reading Challenge participants who earn Badge 2 a voucher for two to attend a regular season game for free. Vouchers are available while supplies last. More information

• Montgomery County Recreation offers a variety of exciting summer programs with an emphasis on safety, convenience, affordability and most of all fun! With such a broad range of programming, and experienced and innovative staff, there is something for everyone.

  Get the GUIDE- Montgomery County Recreation - Montgomery County Government

  Inside Recreation: Get Ready for Summer Camps!