Board of Education Seeks Nominations for the 2025 Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education

The Montgomery County Board of Education is accepting nominations for its prestigious Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards celebrate individuals, groups and businesses that have made a lasting impact on the educational experience within the county. Awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Business Partner
• Community Partner
• School Service Volunteer
• Student Service Award

Nominees should have demonstrated:

• A significant contribution of time and expertise to MCPS programs.
• The development and/or implementation of exemplary programs or projects.
• Contributions that benefit the entire school system.

The Student Service Award will honor a current MCPS student who exemplifies these qualities in service to the community.

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 3. Learn more and submit a nomination.

Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Brenda Wolff

MCPS is proud to honor Black History Month with its celebration and recognition of Black history, culture and achievement. Throughout February, students, staff and the community will engage in meaningful activities that highlight the contributions of Black leaders. Don’t miss this Q&A with Brenda Wolff, a dedicated member of the Board of Education representing District 5, as part of this month’s celebration. Read the profile.

Nominations Open for R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award

Nominations are now open for the MCPS Department of Athletics’ R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award, given to an individual who exemplifies the R.A.I.S.E. core values in a leadership role for the 2024–2025 school year. All MCPS athletics specialists, athletic coordinators, coaches, sport directors, district representatives, student-athletes, athletic trainers and other stakeholders are eligible. The nomination deadline is noon on Friday, Feb. 28.

R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award Nomination Form

Save the Date: Family Forum Set for March 1

In partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Montgomery Goes Purple, MCPS is hosting a Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention Family Forum from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 1 at Gaithersburg High School. It is free and open to all MCPS families, staff and community members. Workshops will be held in English and Spanish. Secondary students will receive four Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending.

Attendees will learn about the dangers of fentanyl, alcohol and other substances; information to keep students safe; school and community-based substance use prevention; and harm reduction and treatment initiatives. Narcan training will also be provided. Details will be posted on the event website. 

Breakfast will be provided. RSVP. 

Gaithersburg High School is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg.

Literacy Curriculum Nights Scheduled

The Elementary and Secondary Literacy teams are hosting three Curriculum Nights to introduce families to the new elementary literacy curriculum, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), and to discuss how to support your child in reading as they transition from elementary school (Grade 5) to middle school (Grade 6).

Two sessions will be held in person—Tuesday, Feb. 25 and Wednesday, March 5—and the third will be virtual. The same information will be presented at all three sessions. Details are below:

• Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  Kingsview Middle School, 18909 Kingsview Road, Germantown

• Wednesday, March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  John F. Kennedy High School, 1901 Randolph Road, Wheaton

• Thursday, March 6, Virtual session via Zoom, 6:30-8:10 p.m.

RSVP.
Literacy Curriculum Nights, 2025

Student Opportunities

LEAAP Scholarships: The League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP) of MCPS is offering $3,000 scholarships to graduating MCPS Asian and Pacific American high school seniors and plan to major in the field of education. More information
The deadline is Tuesday, April 1.
LEAPP Scholarship Flyer 2025

Keeping It Safe Video Contest: The Montgomery County Keeping It Safe Coalition for Under 21 Alcohol Prevention is inviting middle and high school student teams to submit a 30-second video on one of the following topics:

• Standing Your Ground: Fighting Peer Pressure from Friends to Drink
• How Does Social Media Affect Under-21 Alcohol Use
• Dangers of Under-21 Alcohol Consumption

Students can win cash prizes and earn five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Entries are due Sunday, March 23. More information

RespectFest: Save March 30–April 6 on your calendars for middle and school students, and their parents to learn about healthy relationships, dating violence prevention and consent, and resources in the community. This event will offer virtual workshops and an in-person festival at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. Learn more and subscribe for more info.

The Matt Papirmeister Award: Youth Art for Healing created two $3,000 scholarships for student artists who are creating, giving and doing good in their community. Winners' paintings are installed in a healthcare partner's hospital or clinic setting to provide comfort, inspiration, and healing for patients and their loved ones, healthcare staff, and all who view their works of art. Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Apply.

FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Universities at Shady Grove, 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. This event is happening concurrently with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair, open to students in Grades 8-12 and their parents. More information

Model Railroading Scholarship: The Rockville Model Railroad Society (RMRS) is awarding a $2,500 scholarship to a graduating senior active in model railroading and pursuing a degree in one of the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts or Math). Apply by Wednesday, April 30. 

COSA Transfer Season Closes on April 1 

The MCPS 2025-2026 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season will close on Tuesday, April 1. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school. 

Students are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or are assigned based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Learn more about the criteria. 

• Requests submitted after April 1 will not be considered unless there was a recent move or an emergency event that could not have been foreseen prior to April 1.

• All COSA requests must be submitted online through ParentVue in Synergy.

• Detailed information related to the COSA process can be found in the 2025-2026 COSA information booklet. Other languages:
  Spanish | 中文 | français | tiếng Việt | 한국어 | አማርኛ | Portuguese

For questions, call the Division of Pupil Personnel and Attendance Services at 240-740-5620.

Good News

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School music department has won an Exemplary Music Program Award from the Maryland Music Educators Association. The school has about 400 students participating in a variety of music classes, including guitar, piano and music technology classes and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Music. The school has three bands, three orchestras, jazz and percussion ensembles and  two choirs. Read more.

Students from nine middle and high schools performed during the 11th annual MCPS Dance Showcase held at James Hubert Blake High School. Check out the photo gallery.