Things to Know

Questions about Transition Day? We’ve Got You Covered!

On Monday, Aug. 25, MCPS will hold its first-ever Student Transition Day, an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings. It is a good day to try out your school routine and get prepared before all students return to school. Watch the video.

Learn more.

Ensuring Students Feel Safe, Included and Supported at School

The MCPS Student Code of Conduct is being revised for the 2025–2026 school year. Changes include making behavior rules easier to understand and establishing a standard process across the district to investigate incidents. This document outlines expectations for student behavior and the consequences for violating various policies, regulations, and rules. The focus is on helping students learn from mistakes, repair harm and rebuild trust. Learn more.

2025–2026 Code of Conduct One Pager

Changes Coming to Grade Calculations

Important revisions to grading and reporting at the secondary level take effect this school year. Final grades for students in grades 6 through 12 will be calculated using the average of the four marking period grades. This change, among others, is designed to increase consistency, strengthen expectations for student learning and truly measure actual student learning in school.

Learn more.

Less Phone Time = More Learning Time

For the 2025–2026 school year, MCPS will limit how personal mobile devices can be used during the school day. Limiting phone use during class helps students stay focused, engaged and better able to retain information. 

Learn more. 

Preparing for Emergencies

All MCPS schools are required to complete a series of emergency drills by the end of October. Schools will also take time to review safety procedures, such as how families would be reunited after an emergency and how staff and students might respond in the unlikely event of a serious threat. These drills and conversations are age-appropriate, focused on building confidence and preparedness in a calm and supportive way. Read more about Standard Response Protocol.

Learn more.

Student Safety Is Our Top Priority: Here’s What We Are Doing

Recent findings from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General identified areas for improvement in how background checks are processed and monitored for school-based employees, contractors and volunteers. Your children are safe at school, and we are taking immediate and sustained action to make sure it stays that way.

Read more. 

Don’t Miss It—Back-to-School Fair Is Aug. 23!

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.

Apply Today for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS)

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.

Learn more. 

You Have Questions; We Have Answers!

Just Ask MCPS! The district’s revamped website offers improved access to information. From the Most Requested webpage (simply search “most requested” in the main search box on the MCPS website) to the informational AskMCPS chatbot (it can answer MCPS-related questions in any language), we’ve got your questions answered!

We’re Hiring! – Your Future Is With MCPS

MCPS is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team. Whether you are an experienced educator or exploring a new career path, there’s a place for you. Explore opportunities, including special educator, paraeducator, security and transportation positions, that match your skills and interests and make a meaningful impact in the lives of students.

Get In the Game! High School Tryouts This Week; Middle School Athletics Registration Open Now

High school tryouts for fall sports are happening this week. For sport-specific information, contact the athletic director at your school.

Registration for all middle school fall sports is now open via ParentVue. Contact your school’s athletic coordinator with any sports-related questions.