Save-the-Date 2024 MCPS Back to School Fair

SATURDAY, AUG. 24, 2024
10 A.M. – 1 P.M.

All MCPS students and their families are invited to kick off the new school year at the Back-to-School Fair. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system and county programs and services, while enjoying family-friendly activities, entertainment, a free immunization clinic and more.

Location: Westfield Wheaton is located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton.

Free Transportation Available: MCPS will offer free, round-trip shuttle buses between the fair and the following MCPS high schools:

• Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd., Gaithersburg
• John F. Kennedy High School, 1901 Randolph Road, Silver Spring
• Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring
• Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
• Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville
• Wheaton High School, 12401 Dalewood Drive, Silver Spring

The first shuttle will depart from high schools at 9 a.m. and the last shuttle will leave Westfield Wheaton at 2 p.m.

Reminder: First Day of School, Monday, August 26

Share Your First Day of School Photos

Whether it is a child’s first day of kindergarten or the beginning of their senior year, the first day of school is always a special time. Help us capture the excitement by sharing your first day of school moments! Staff, parents and students are invited to submit their favorite first-day-of-school snapshots on Monday, Aug. 26. Select photos will be shared on the district’s website and social media beginning Monday morning. By submitting a photo, you are agreeing to publication on the MCPS website or social media channels. You may submit a photo by emailing us or tagging us on social media. 

MCPS Welcomes 42 Educators from the Philippines in Cultural Exchange Program

The cohort of 42 educators, assigned to schools throughout the district, is part of a cultural exchange program that allows J-1 visa holders to teach in the U.S.

In partnership with Foreign Cultural Exchange Consultants, Inc., these distinguished educators from the Philippines are provided with comprehensive support, including assistance in arranging housing accommodations and essential needs such as food, household goods, transportation, and security. This support is aimed at ensuring a stress-free transition, allowing them to focus on preparing to teach our students on the first day of school. Foreign Cultural Exchange Consultants, Inc. also offers financial and informational support to the exchange teachers, further ensuring a positive experience while living in the U.S.

Cultural exchange teachers are compensated using the same pay table as Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) teachers, based on education and years of experience. They also receive the same benefits afforded to MCPS teachers.

“Programs like these are vital because they open doors to new perspectives, fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive,” said Danillya Wilson, vice president of the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA). 

Special education vacancies were particularly challenging last year. With this new partnership, MCPS has been able to significantly reduce that number this year.