Things to Know

Help Shape Next Year’s School Calendar—Share Your Input!

MCPS is seeking input as it works to develop the 2026-2027 school calendar. Complete this survey by Tuesday, Sept. 30, to share your feedback. Your input is an important component of the development process. Take the survey today!

Stronger Background Checks, Fingerprinting and Badging Underway

The safety of our students and staff always comes first. The recent report from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General made clear that background check procedures had not been as strong or consistent as they needed to be. We agree with those findings, and we are acting quickly to correct these issues and catch up. This work has begun across the district. Learn more.

Next Round of Boundary Study Options Meetings Set for October

You spoke; we listened. Make plans to attend a boundary study option meeting in October. During public information meetings for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School, the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School, the community will hear about refined boundary options for the 2027-2028 school year, including accompanying maps, articulation patterns, data tables and an interactive map tool. MCPS will also share surveys for each boundary study so that attendees can continue to provide meaningful feedback. See the opportunities to attend a virtual or in-person session.

MCPS Boundary Study webpage

EdTalk Premieres Sept. 12

Here's a sneak peek at the lively conversation between Montgomery County BOE President Julie Yang, Anne Khademien, Executive Director of the Universities at Shady Grove and Kate Stewart, President of the Montgomery County Council, as they talk about future-ready education. The full episode will also air as a podcast, premiering at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12. 

Don’t Forget Your Immunizations!

Through September, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering free back-to-school immunizations for Montgomery County school-aged children at county locations.

Learn more and make an appointment.

Learn How MCPS’ New Grading Policy Connects with College Admissions

Join us for a webinar on the new MCPS Grading and Reporting Policy and the College Admissions Process from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25. Hear from admissions directors at Johns Hopkins University, Towson University and the University of Maryland, College Park. Register.

Grading & Reporting and College Admissions, Sept. 25, 2025

Standard Response Protocol: Now You Know

MCPS has implemented an enhanced security protocol to describe serious incidents. The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) includes five directives: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. Schools will review safety procedures, share resources and conduct drills to ensure preparedness. Learn more. 

Summer Student Service Learning Hours Due by Sept. 26

Students who completed Student Service Learning (SSL) hours over the summer must submit their Activity Verification forms to their school’s SSL coordinator by Friday, Sept. 26. All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school. Students who enroll in MCPS after Grade 6 will receive a waiver that prorates the SSL requirement.

A full list of in-person and virtual opportunities, reminders and updates are available on the SSL website.

September Opportunities

Want to Volunteer in MCPS?

MCPS welcomes volunteers! MCPS schools are stronger because parents, caregivers and community members step in to help. Whether it’s chaperoning a trip, coaching or lending a hand in the classroom, volunteers make a real difference for students. But, nothing matters more than keeping every child safe. That’s why we require all volunteers to complete required training—and some volunteers must also complete a fingerprinted background check. Learn more.

School’s Out? KID Museum Is In Session!

KID Museum has camps available on days when school is closed. Day camps are open to kindergarten through 5th graders from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 20. KID Museum is located at 3 Bethesda Metro Center in Bethesda. There is a cost to attend

Learn more and register.

From The News Page

• Pickleball Diplomacy: Continuing MCPS’ cultural exchange, MCPS recently welcomed visiting students from China.

• ReImagine Your Classroom: A special education teacher at Sherwood Elementary School teacher got to do just that.

• Stay tuned to the news page for the latest information.