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Board of Education Tentatively Adopts Operating Budget for FY 2026

Earlier this week, the Montgomery County Board of Education voted unanimously to tentatively adopt the MCPS Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The $3.6 billion budget, Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor's first for MCPS, focuses on fundamentals by investing directly in schools, supporting student success and addressing structural deficits. Read the full news release.

Girls With Impact Spring Program Now Open for Registration

Annelise Allport, left, and Jaylin Adames, right

Annelise Allport, a senior at Poolesville High School, has plans to own her own business one day. She came to Girls With Impact (GWI) last fall to learn how to be a business owner.

“My favorite part of the course was seeing my business plan presentation finally come together,” she said. “This program helped me solidify the direction I want to take in my career journey.”

Annelise said she learned a lot in the program’s 10 weeks, including budgeting, attracting and building relationships with customers, and dealing with finances.

GWI offers a free 10-week entrepreneurship program to MCPS high school girls. This program focuses on building critical business and leadership skills through a hands-on curriculum that covers topics including business planning, marketing and financial literacy.

A junior at Winston Churchill High School, Jaylin Adames got involved with GWI to gain leadership experience and pick up business tips. She was one of five students chosen to present her business venture—affordable curly hair products with healthy ingredients. She said that making the business pitch was her favorite part of the program; she also enjoyed collaborating with MCPS students from other schools.

She said that GWI helped hone her presentation skills and learn business management skills.

The spring session of GWI, which begins the week of March 3, is open for registration. Learn more and register.

BOE Seeks Community Leaders and Communication Experts to Join Advisory Committee

Montgomery County community leaders and professionals with expertise in communication and engagement are invited to apply to join the Board of Education’s newly formed Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement, a key initiative designed to deepen collaboration between the Board and the community.

This committee will play a critical role in strengthening community ties, improving transparency and driving meaningful engagement around the Board’s most important initiatives. By partnering directly with the school system, members will help bolster and amplify the district’s communication strategies and ensure that all voices are heard on vital issues impacting schools and communities.

For 2025, the committee's focus will be on the upcoming boundary studies for the Crown, Woodward and Damascus high school construction projects.

The Board is seeking individuals who are skilled in communication and engagement, especially with diverse communities. Highly engaged community leaders who are passionate about building strong, collaborative partnerships would be valuable to the committee’s work. The committee’s goal is to expand the reach and impact of district communications, ensuring that all communities—particularly those directly affected by the committee’s focus—are actively involved and informed.

The committee will meet throughout the year as needed. Members are volunteers who will serve a one-year term, with the Board's vice president serving as the standing Board representative.

Interested individuals are asked to complete and submit the application form by Friday, Feb. 28.

For more information, visit the Advisory Committee on Communication and Engagement webpage.

NAACP Awarding Scholarships to Graduating Seniors

The Montgomery County branch of the NAACP is awarding $1,000 scholarships to MCPS graduating seniors. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 21. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, participate in extracurricular activities, participate in faith-based, religious-based or volunteer activities, and submit a 300-word essay addressing the theme, “The Fight for Justice Continues!”

Completed applications should be sent to Rebecca Gibson, Board of Education office, 15 W. Gude Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD, 20850.

The scholarships will be presented during the annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, May 18.

2025 NAACP Scholarship Awards Application Form

More information

Student Opportunities & Reminders

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Students in Grades 8 through 12 and their parents/guardians will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 50 HBCUs. There will also be on-the-spot scholarship opportunities for seniors (offered by the National Pan-Hellenic Council), a panel discussion on college life and workshops. More information

FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at USG, this event is open to all high school seniors and their parents. Spanish interpreters will be available. If you would like individual assistance with the FAFSA or MHEC One application, sign up for an appointment. Walk-ins can also be accommodated.
More information
FAFSA, MHEC Completion Event Flyer, Feb. 14, 2025

Summer RISE 2025 Student Registration: This program is open to current sophomores and juniors who want to gain real-world experience over the summer. Participating students will be matched with career hosts based on their industry preferences for a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid opportunities from June 23–July 25. Registration closes on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Car and Computer Sale: Students in the Automotive Trades Foundation and Information Technology Foundation will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus. For a list of cars for sale, check the Automotive Trades Foundation website closer to Feb. 22.

Heads Up, Phones Down Video Contest: Open to all high schoolers, this competition raises awareness about the dangers of distracted walking and driving. Create a 30-second video to promote the importance of staying focused on your surroundings, not your phone, while on the road. Students could win an Apple MacBook Air, Apple Watch or up to $800 for group submissions (plus SSL hours)! Videos can be submitted in English or Spanish. Submissions are due by Friday, Feb. 28.

Marking Black History Month

The following event is open to students, staff and community members. Students can earn up to two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours:

Student-led Advocacy: Black Students Creating Safe Spaces for Learning

High school Black Student Union members will share how they use advocacy to create learning environments that embrace Black students. 

Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30-8 p.m.
Zoom Registration Link
Flyer

South Asian American Parents, Students Invited to Complete Survey

The Maryland Governor's Commission on South Asian American Affairs is asking parents and students of South Asian descent to complete a survey on their experiences and perspectives on education. This feedback will help the commission develop initiatives and strategies to better support students, families and educators in the South Asian American community. Complete the survey.

Mark Your Calendars!

Get ready to feel the excitement! The MCPS County Bocce Championships are happening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb.  8, at Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Road in Gaithersburg.  

The 60th Annual Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships will be held from Feb. 5-8. This event is a powerful testament to the spirit of young athletes as they dive into the waters of the Germantown Indoor Swim Center, chasing dreams and igniting the passion within all of us. Join us!

Cheering the Poms On to Victory! 

The 28th Annual Pompons County Competition brought high energy as teams from all 25 MCPS high schools competed for top honors. Damascus High School took first place in Division I, earning its fourth county title, while Clarksburg High School and Seneca Valley High School claimed victories in Divisions II and III, respectively. Read more on the winning performances and check out a photo gallery.