Boundary Study Engagement Sessions Set for May, June

The MCPS community is invited to participate in the upcoming engagement sessions focused on the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School, the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School. These sessions will cover the initial options for each study and share how potential changes may affect families with middle and high school students. The meetings will last about one hour. 

See the opportunities to attend a virtual or in-person session.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Sometimes, life’s most profound journeys begin with a moment of chance. What began as a shortcut for Lourdes Ferrer – choosing the shortest enrollment line — became a lifelong calling that has shaped not only her destiny, but also the lives of those she teaches and mentors. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Ferrer’s story is one of quiet courage, deep faith and the transformative power of believing in others — and in yourself. 

It's About Time!

It’s almost time to start turning those tassels. This year’s high school commencement ceremonies will begin Wednesday, May 28 with Wheaton High School, followed on May 29 with Winston Churchill and Quince Orchard high schools, RICA and Blair Ewing. They will continue through Thursday, June 12. Ceremonies will take place on individual high school campuses, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., at XFINITY Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, and on the campuses of Mount St. Mary’s University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

See the dates, locations, times and speakers for every MCPS school. 

SSL Hours Due Friday, May 30

Students who have completed Student Service Learning (SSL) hours since June 1, 2024, must submit the required SSL Activity Verification Form to their school’s SSL coordinator by the required deadline of Friday, May 30.

All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school. Summer break is a wonderful time for students to participate in these opportunities. To learn more about the required documentation and to find in-person and virtual/remote SSL opportunities, click here. Translated versions can be found here. Students may also access their SSL record, forms, guidelines and other resources at the MCPS SSL Hub for Students/Families. 

Pride Community Day Set for June 1 at B-CC

Pride Community Day will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1 at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.

Open to all ages, this event will include a variety of activities, including trivia, bingo, arts and crafts, and story time for younger students (read to them by middle school students). There will also be resource tables staffed by community organizations including Montgomery County Public Health Services, Live In Your Truth, Team DC, MoCo Pride Center and SMYAL.

Bethesda-Chevy Chase is located at 4301 East-West Highway in Bethesda.

MCPS Pride Community Day

In Case You Missed It …

MCPS has revised the Personal Mobile Devices regulation that outlines how students can use personal mobile devices—including mobile phones, e-readers, smartwatches, tablets, wearable technology, video and audio recorders and gaming devices—while on school property and during MCPS-sponsored events. The updated regulation will go into effect for the 2025–2026 school year. In case you missed it, read the message sent to the community on May 9. 

Spring Parent Academy Schedule Now Available

Families and students can stay engaged throughout the school year with Parent Academy TO GO. Parent Academy TO GO is a series of virtual webinars for families to watch at home.

The May and June webinars are available on the Parent Academy website. Register here.

Learn Lifesaving CPR in Just 10 Minutes

Want to learn CPR but don’t have hours to spare? Join MedStar Health providers Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services and MCPS athletic trainers for a free, hands-only CPR and AED workshop from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Montgomery Blair High School. Come and help your community by learning bystander CPR! No certification needed — take just 10 minutes to learn skills that could save a life. Brought to you by MedStar Health, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue, MCPS and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Omega Omega Chapter. Please register to attend.

Reminders

Kennedy Block Party: John F. Kennedy High School is hosting a block party for its cluster from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the high school, 1901 Randolph Road in Silver Spring. The event is free to attend (with free food and drinks, while supplies last), with community resources, games and a meet-and-greet with newly appointed principal, Karla Lopez-Arias.

Gaithersburg Book Festival: Set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Shuttles from the Shady Grove Metro and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds are free. This event will feature more than 100 authors for talks, panel discussions, programs, workshops for children, teens and adults, and activities to promote interest in reading, writing and illustrating.

Special Ed Survey: If you have a child who receives special education services in MCPS, the Maryland State Department of Education wants to hear from you by Friday, May 30.

The Latest from the News Page

• Honoring Hispanic Scholars: The Hispanic Alliance for Education celebrated 27 high school seniors during a recognition ceremony for academic excellence, leadership and community service.
• Shining Stars: Dozens of high school seniors were recognized for accomplishments in dance, theatre performance, technical theatre, choral and instrumental music, media arts, and visual art at the Superintendent’s All-County Fine Arts Awards Celebration.
• An Inspirational Journey: A Blake High School student won the school’s first Maryland English Language Learning Family Involvement Network Scholarship Award.
• Young Author Alert: A fifth grader at Bayard Rustin Elementary School won first place for her story in a contest hosted by the State of Maryland Literacy Association.
• Prom Under the Sea: Gaithersburg High School was this year’s host of the Alternative Learning Outcomes prom, welcoming students from five high schools.
• Happy Anniversary to the Hub!: A. Mario Loiederman Middle School celebrated one year of supporting local food production and climate resiliency at REACH Hub Urban Farm.
• 2025 Spring E-Sports Tournament: Students from four high schools competed for the championship. Watch to see who won.