Things to Know

Save the Date—Our Back-to-School Fair Is Coming!

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall (11160 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton). Learn about the school system, and county programs and services, pick up giveaways and get your immunizations. Enjoy music, entertainment and children’s activities, such as the Bike Rodeo, a fun activity to teach kids essential bike safety skills.

Learn more.

Transition Day Is New and Coming Aug. 25—What’s That?

Student Transition Day is a new, full-day initiative in the 2025–2026 school year calendar designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings by fostering belonging, familiarity and preparedness before all students return to school.

Learn More.

Ch, Ch, Ch, Changes Coming to Grade Calculations

MCPS is making important revisions to grading and reporting at the secondary level for this school year. Final grades for students in grades 6 through 12 will be calculated using the average of the four marking period grades. These changes are designed to increase consistency, and strengthen expectations for student learning and truly measure actual student learning in school.

Learn More.

Less Phone Time = More Learning Time

As part of the updated Cell Phone and Personal Mobile Device Regulation (COG-RA), MCPS will limit how personal mobile devices can be used during the school day. At the elementary level, devices will need to be turned off and put away during the school day. At secondary schools, devices must be turned off and put away during class time unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for instructional purposes. These changes will minimize distractions, increase focus and strengthen the quality of in-person engagement among students.

Find Your Route! Bus Info Coming Aug. 15

Bus routes for the 2025–2026 school year will be available starting Aug. 15. Visit the Division of Transportation Services website to find your route and get set for the first day of school!

Do This Now! Apply for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) Today

Apply online for meal benefits today! A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Households meeting federal income standards are eligible for free school meals, but must apply to receive this benefit. Only one application is needed for all students in a household.

For more information, visit the Division of Food and Nutrition Services website.

MCPS Background Screenings: What You Need to Know

Student safety is the top priority for MCPS. If you missed the release of the report on background checks from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General, you can read it here. MCPS is addressing the problems identified in the report.

Read more about how we are doing that.

It’s Almost Time to Turn Those Tassels at Summer Graduation—Congratulations!

Summer School graduation is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at Gaithersburg High School. Check in with your summer school teacher(s) if you have questions.

Learn more.