Three Finalists Named for MCPS Teacher of the Year

Three teachers have been named finalists for the 2025–2026 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher of the Year. They are: Meredith Luther, kindergarten teacher at Rock Creek Forest Elementary School; Megan Campbell, instrumental music teacher at Parkland Middle School; and Pete Beach, social studies teacher at Richard Montgomery High School. Read more. 

MCPS Requesting MSDE Waiver for Feb. 12 Snow Day

Schools and offices were closed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, for inclement weather. This emergency closure may require an additional make-up instructional day to the 2024-2025 school year calendar. MCPS is requesting a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education for the state-mandated 180 instructional days. An announcement about how this will impact the 2024-2025 school year calendar will be shared in the next few weeks. 

Einstein High School Online Auction Set for Feb. 21-28

The Albert Einstein High School PTSA is hosting one of the largest community auctions in the region, open to all in Montgomery County. From Feb. 21-28, nearly 300 items for kids, teens and adults are up for bid. Items include indoor and outdoor activities, summer camps, kids’ parties, fitness classes, lessons, museum passes, theater tickets and restaurant gift cards. Local county businesses have donated professional services, and there is also a raffle for an authentic, autographed photo of Argentine soccer sensation Leo Messi. Proceeds support Einstein teacher mini-grants, student programming and a food pantry. For questions, send an email. 

Register for Inaugural WOW Event to Inspire Students

WorkSource Montgomery, in partnership with MCPS and Montgomery College (MC), is seeking about 150 employers and industry leaders to participate in the inaugural Worlds of Work (WOW) event at MC’s Rockville campus on March 17, 18 and 20.

In this pilot program, WOW will bring hundreds of MCPS 8th graders from eight middle schools to participate in interactive experiences about multiple industry sectors. The goal is to get students excited about careers and help them be more intentional about career choices and coursework that lends itself well to their interests. Industry exhibits might feature operating an excavator, setting up a distribution route, allocating limited funds to start a business, trying on public safety gear or using a virtual reality headset to take a patient’s blood pressure, for example.

The opportunity to participate in this event is free to employers. Employers can choose to participate in one, two or all three days from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

More details can be found in this Employer Toolkit. Register. Direct questions here. 

Watkins Mill High School Wrestler Leads On and Off the Mat

Jabea Ewane, a senior at Watkins Mill High School, has always been one of two female students in her wrestling program, but she’s never seen that as a challenge. She is a leader on and off the mat and has built strong relationships with her peers, coaches and wrestlers across the county. This weekend, she’ll compete in the county’s varsity wrestling tournament before competing in regionals and states over the next few weeks. Read more.

Nominations Open for the 2025 Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education

The Board of Education is accepting nominations for its 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 are due Monday, March 3. Learn more and submit a nomination.

Reminders:

Upcoming Literacy Curriculum Nights: Curriculum Nights are being held 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). More information and RSVP.

March 1 Family Forum: The Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention Family Forum is set from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 1 at Gaithersburg High School. Free and open to MCPS families, staff and community members. Workshops will be held in English and Spanish. RSVP.

Students Win Big at SkillsUSA Regional Competition

Dozens of MCPS students showed off their skills and expertise at a SkillsUSA regional competition held at Thomas Edison High School of Technology on Feb. 13. All had advanced from their local competitions, and the winners are moving on to compete at the state level in March. MCPS placed first, second and third in nine of the 10 competitions. 

SkillsUSA is a national workforce development organization that helps students prepare for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations. Through integrated curriculum and partnerships with industry professionals, students are empowered to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. Check out the photo gallery and read more.

In Case You Missed It … 

MCPS students and staff work together every day to foster respect, kindness and inclusivity in its school environments.Be sure and check out this awareness campaign: Confronting Hate-Bias and Bullying at MCPS.