Changes Coming to Grading and Reporting for Secondary Students

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, MCPS will be making revisions to grading and reporting at the secondary level. This will include an update to the calculation of final grades for students in grades 6 through 12. These changes are designed to increase consistency, and strengthen expectations for student learning and accountability across schools.

Final grades will be based on the average of marking period grades for all secondary students. Other changes will include providing clarity on reassessment opportunities, due dates and deadlines, and providing timely feedback on student work. Additionally, required summative districtwide assessments will be implemented during the second and fourth marking periods for select courses.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to sign up for ParentVUE to stay updated on your child’s grades throughout the school year. Students should use Canvas to stay updated on academic progress.

More information will be shared by schools in the fall.

Grading and Reporting One-Pager, 2025-2026

Board of Education Approves FY 2026 Operating Budget, Adopts Strategic Plan

The Board of Education has approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget. This action affirms a shared commitment between the Board and Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor to tackle existing challenges, establish and strengthen vital school support systems and prioritize a renewed focus on academic excellence through long-term strategic initiatives.

The $3.595 billion budget is an increased commitment to foundational investments, directly supporting schools, fostering student success and addressing structural deficits. The approved budget represents 98.4% of the requested budget, reflecting a $273.2 million (8.2%) investment increase over last year's budget. Read more.

Also during its business meeting on June 10, the Board adopted the MCPS Future Ready 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, which represents a clear vision for student and staff success. The plan defines four objectives fundamental for a successful school system and identifies measurements to monitor progress for the next five years. The strategic plan also provides a Student Future Ready Framework that outlines a portfolio of skills students need to have to be successful in their future: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, community impact and well-being. Learn more. 

Tell Us What You Think!

Thank you to those who attended the boundary study 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.

The engagement sessions previewed proposed school boundaries for the 2027-2028 school year. It is important to know that these sessions presented initial options and the first step in this process. 

We know that you may still have questions or concerns about what the changes mean for your student. We encourage you to:

• Join Virtual Office Hours: Held weekly through mid-July on Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m., Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. and Fridays from noon-1 p.m.
  • Zoom link: Meeting ID: 812  8216  3918; passcode: MCPS
• Review the Initial Options: Explore the proposed options for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School boundary study and the opening of Crown High School and expansion of Damascus High School boundary study, including data tables, maps, articulation patterns and an interactive map tool for each option.
• Use our Interactive Map Tool: Enter your home address to see how boundary options could impact your school assignment. (Quick video guide for Woodward, Crown and Damascus).
• Visit our Website: For full details, timelines and resources: mcpsmd.info/BoundaryStudy. Your feedback is being incorporated into updated FAQs that will be posted to the Boundary Study website soon.
• Complete the Survey: The surveys for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School boundary study and the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School boundary study will remain open through mid-July so can review the initial options and accompanying resources and provide meaningful feedback.

More information on the Boundary Studies

Schools Over Capacity Will No Longer Accept COSA Requests, After July 1

MCPS is committed to supporting schools that are overenrolled. As a result, beginning on July 1, 2025, schools whose enrollment is 10 percent or more over their identified building capacity will be closed to Change of School Assignment (COSA) requests. Parents who believe they have a unique hardship may still complete a COSA request, but they will be asked to request a school that is not over capacity. Enrollment and building capacity will be reviewed monthly.

Students in Montgomery County are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or assigned in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students may apply for a COSA based on certain criteria. Learn more.

According to Board of Education Policy JEE, Student Transfers, a consideration for approval or denial of a COSA includes, “school capacity, including grade level and cluster capacity, and other issues that implicate the ability of the school to admit new students.”

Athletic Tryouts Scheduled to Begin on Aug. 13

Fall athletic teams may begin tryouts on Wednesday, Aug. 13 (but must begin by Saturday, Aug. 16). Teams may distribute equipment on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Contact your local school for more information.

MCPS also wants to congratulate the following spring champions:

• Sherwood High School for winning the 3A state championship in baseball.
• Walter Johnson High School for winning the 4A state championship in baseball.
• Poolesville High School for winning the 2A boys and girls state championships in tennis.

Earn SSL Hours This Summer!

Summer is a wonderful time for middle and high school students to participate in Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunities and earn hours towards meeting the 75-hour state graduation requirement.

Students finishing fifth grade can start participating in SSL opportunities beginning Wednesday, June 18.

There are some fun in-person opportunities and select remote opportunities that follow the guidelines posted on the MCPS SSL webpage. Bet you didn’t know SSL could look like this.

June Opportunities

Forest Oak Principal Honored for Championing Multilingual Learners

“This recognition isn’t just about me—it’s about the incredible staff at Forest Oak [Middle School] who show up every day with heart, purpose and a belief in our students’ potential. I’m just the face of it,” said Dr. Dacia Sewell, recipient of the 2025 MCPS Middle School Leader for Emergent Multilingual Learner Award. Read more about how her leadership, rooted in gratitude and equity, is making a lasting impact on the Forest Oak community. Read more.

Mark Your Calendars for the Annual Back-to-School Fair

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. Enjoy children’s activities, music, entertainment and giveaways. There will also be an immunization clinic.

Westfield Wheaton is located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Stay tuned to the website for updates throughout the summer.

Reminders

School Climate Survey: MCPS wants to hear about your family’s experience in our schools! The survey closes on Monday, June 16, so please complete it today! (To complete the survey, you will need your student’s ID, which can be found in ParentVue.) School climate is not just about how things are; it’s about how we make them better … together.

Learn Lifesaving CPR: 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. No certification needed — take just 10 minutes to learn skills that could save a life. Register to attend.

Summer Reading: Montgomery County Public Libraries will unveil its annual Summer Reading Challenge on Saturday, June 14, inviting children, teens and adults to “Color Our World” through books, music, theater and art. The program will run through Sunday, Aug. 31. Register.

The Latest from the News Page

• At Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, “You’ve got mail!” has become more than a catchphrase—it’s a celebration of literacy, creativity and student voice. Read more. 

• Graduations Wrap Up Today: Don’t miss the photo gallery!