Math Curriculum Nights Scheduled for March

The Elementary and Secondary Mathematics teams are hosting two Curriculum Nights, which will include information on math curricular resources, course programming for Grades K–12 and upcoming changes from the Maryland State Department of Education regarding Integrated Math. Attendees will also participate in learning experiences from the Eureka Math and Illustrative Math curricula.

The in-person sessions will be held:

• Tuesday, March 18, 6:30–8 p.m., Wheaton High School, 12401 Dalewood Drive, Silver Spring
• Wednesday, March 26,  6:30–8 p.m., Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Road, Gaithersburg

Recordings will be available on the mathematics website on Monday, April 7, in English and Spanish.

Math Curriculum Nights, 2025

As a reminder, the Elementary and Secondary Literacy teams are also hosting Curriculum Nights to introduce families to the new elementary literacy curriculum, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts. Upcoming sessions are:

• 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.

MCPS Graduation Rate Rises, But Gaps Remain

MCPS saw a 91.8% four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2024, according to the Maryland State Department of Education. This is a 2.2 point increase from last year and 4.3% above the state average of 87.6%. Notably, the graduation rate for Hispanic/Latino students increased by 6.6 percentage points and was up 12 percent for multilingual learners. While overall progress is positive, some student groups saw declines, including students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with a decrease of 2.8 percentage points, students identifying as Two or More Races down 2.2 percentage points, and White students with a decrease of 0.6 percentage points. Read the full release.

Join Councilman Jawando, MCPS Superintendent, MC President for Operating Budget Forums

Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando will host a series of upcoming forums on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Jawando, who also serves as chairman of the council’s Education and Culture Committee, will be joined by MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor and Montgomery College President Dr. Jermaine Williams. 

The events will be held:

• Thursday, March 13, 6:30–8 p.m., Virtual Session via Zoom
  (Link to join: https://mcpstv-org.zoom.us/j/88481640202, Webinar ID#: 884 8164 0202)
• Monday, March 17, 6:30–8 p.m., Springbrook High School, media center
• Tuesday, April 1, 6:30–8 p.m., Rockville High School cafeteria

RSVP.

Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available.

Magruder Baseball: From State Champs to the State House

The Col. Zadok Magruder High School varsity boys’ baseball team won the 2024 3A State Championships. It was the school’s first appearance in a state championship game. After an 0-3 season start, the Colonels rattled off 20 wins in their next 22 games, ending the season on a 14-game winning streak in five weeks. 

They were recently recognized by the Maryland House of Delegates for this incredible achievement. The team is now focused on what’s ahead, with high hopes for the upcoming season. Watch the video story.

Save the Date: Aug. 25, 2025—Student Transition Day

Scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, the first day of the 2025–2026 school year, Student Transition Day is a new non-instructional full day designed to support students transitioning to new school levels or schools by fostering a sense of belonging and preparedness.

This full day will welcome students entering kindergarten, Grade 6 and Grade 9, and those new to MCPS schools, ensuring that they receive a positive first experience with staff and other students. Schools will share individual messaging to welcome students with their communities. Parents and guardians are asked to fill out this brief survey to provide additional input for Student Transition Day.

Note: the first day of school for all students is Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Special Ed Hosting Two Virtual Parent Workshops

The Office of Special Education is hosting upcoming virtual workshops for parents. See details below:

Monday, March 10, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (All presentations will offer the same information.)

MCPS is partnering with the Autism/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Unit of the Montgomery County Police, Autism Society of Maryland and local swim schools to present water safety workshops supporting children with disabilities in and around water. This one-hour workshop is for families and caregivers to learn safety tips, how to respond in an emergency, information on adapted swim classes and other free resources.

Register.
Water Safety Workshops, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 7 p.m. The Black Coalition for Excellence in Education is hosting a workshop and breakout sessions with speaker Marcy Rachamim Jackson. She is a special education advocate and author of Pour the Water: Transformative Solutions for Equity & Justice in Special Education.

More information and register.

BCEE Workshop, March 11, 2025

Donate New or Gently Used Items for ‘Prom Couture Closet’ Event

Montgomery County Recreation is helping make the dream of attending prom a reality for high school students. The department is collecting gently used and new dresses, suits, shirts, shoes, ties and accessories that students will be able to choose from during the Prom Couture Closet giveaway.

The event seeks to eliminate the financial obstacle of attending prom.

Through Friday, Feb. 28 (from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.), dresses, suits and accessories can be donated at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center. Donations can also be dropped off on Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road in Germantown.

By showing their I.D. card, any high school student will be able to “shop the racks” and select an outfit for free from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.

Student Opportunities

Heads Up, Phones Down Video Contest: Entries are due by Friday, Feb. 28 for this competition, which raises awareness about the dangers of distracted walking and driving.

Women’s History Month Webinar: From 6:30–8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4 join the University of Maryland’s Lavender Lab for a webinar and earn two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Register.

Keeping It Safe Video Contest: Learn more about this contest, which invites middle and high school student teams to submit a 30-second video on the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use. Entries are due Sunday, March 23. More information.

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. Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Apply.

KID Museum Offering Programs for MCPS Students

KID Museum is offering opportunities this spring for students, including middle school Maker Night and spring after-school classes. What’s coming up:

Middle School Maker Night: Friday, March 7, 5–7:30 p.m., for 6th to 8th graders, at 3 Bethesda Metro Center. Tickets are $10 per person. Pizza and drinks will be served. Register. Scholarships are available! If cost is a barrier, please fill out this Access for Every Maker form.

Spring After-School Classes:

• *NEW* 6th–8th Grade: KID Museum, Wednesdays – Invent the Future Club
• 2nd–5th Grade: Davis Library, Thursdays – Big Idea Workshop

Learn more and register.

Coach Tom Martin Named Finalist for PCA National Coach of the Year

Walter Johnson High School's cross country and track coach, Tom Martin, has been named a Top 10 finalist for the PCA National Coach of the Year award. With 28 years of experience and a legacy of over 17 state championships, Martin’s impact goes beyond wins—he’s built lasting relationships with his athletes, helping them connect hard work to success on and off the track. Want to learn more about how his coaching philosophy has shaped countless lives, including inspiring former athletes, such as Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Florent Groberg? Read the full story. 

Reminders …

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.

Celebrate Those Who Make a Difference in Education: Nominations are open for the Montgomery County Board of Education’s Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education, which honor individuals, groups, and businesses that have made a lasting impact on the educational experience in the county. Submissions are due by March 3. Submit a nomination or learn more.

Summer RISE Host Registration: Registration is open for businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations to host students for Summer RISE 2025. This five-week program provides hands-on, career-based learning experiences to rising juniors and seniors and helps employers cultivate a talent pipeline. Host registration is open through March 7. For questions, email Davida Gurstelle or call 240-740-5599.

Latin Dance Competition Celebrates Culture, Rhythm and Community

More than 800 people attended the Annual Latin Dance Junior Division Competition at Seneca Valley High School, where more than 160 students from nine high schools showcased their talents. The competition featured students performing in seven categories. Read more and see more photos.