Things to Know
October 9, 2025
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Join Us for Program Analysis, Boundary Study Meetings
MCPS is taking important, coordinated steps to provide every student access to high-quality programs and learning opportunities — no matter where they live. The Academic Program Analysis and Boundary Studies are not separate efforts, but part of MCPS’ larger commitment to align planning and resources so students are challenged and ready for their future. Damascus High School (previously in Region 5) and Quince Orchard High School (previously in Region 6) will switch regions. Read more.
Boundary Study Options Meetings Underway
Participate in virtual or in-person boundary study options meetings in October. These public information meetings will examine the refined boundary options for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School, the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School for the 2027-2028 school year. Read more.
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Hard Truths About Our School Buildings—and How We’ll Fix Them
Montgomery County expects its schools to be excellent—places that are welcoming, safe and inclusive. But our community is frustrated by the condition of too many school buildings, and Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor says it’s time to face the facts and chart a new course.
On Monday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. the superintendent will provide a candid look at the challenges ahead and the disciplined plan needed to repair and modernize our schools. He will preview the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) live. You can watch online at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org or on MCPS-TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 88).
Public feedback opportunities will follow during Board of Education hearings on Oct. 23, Oct. 28 and Nov. 6 (if needed). The superintendent will also host CIP Community Information and Listening Sessions on Oct. 21 (in-person) and Oct. 22 (virtual)—details coming soon.
Don’t miss it—this is where the hard truths meet the plan to fix them.
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Strengthening Our Schools: Background Checks and Badging Update
Background checks, fingerprinting and badging are moving forward as MCPS continues to prioritize the safety of all students and staff. Last week, our team visited the Walter Johnson cluster of schools and MCPS remains on track to complete the process by mid-December. Below is an update on our progress to date, reflecting the number of employees who have already been rescreened.
Metric |
Value |
TOTAL STAFF RE-SCREENED TO DATE |
3,399 |
% of School-Based Staff Completed |
32% |
# of Schools Completed |
77/211 |
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BOE Makes Changes to Public Comment Process
In an effort to encourage broader participation, the Board of Education has made revisions to its handbook to streamline the public comment process. Beginning with its Oct. 16 work session, the first 20 speakers who sign up to provide public comment during the designated sign-up process will be afforded two minutes to speak. Public testimony slots that remain available after the sign-up process closes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the meeting by signing in with Board staff no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the open session. For more information, visit the Board’s Community Participation website.
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Don’t Forget to Apply for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) Today!
Apply online for meal benefits today! Students without a 2025-2026 school year free or reduced meals eligibility as of today, Oct. 9, 2025, will default to a paid status and will be charged for meals. A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Student meal benefit eligibility from the prior school year carries over for the first 30 operating days or until a new eligibility is determined. Families can apply at any time during the school 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 Department of Food and Nutrition Services website.
Students enrolled at these 60 schools receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, and households do not need to submit a FARMS application unless they have another student at a school not listed.
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Winter Athletics Registration Open Now
Registration for winter athletics will open on ParentVue at noon on Monday, Oct. 13 for high school, and at noon on Monday, Oct. 27 for middle school. High school athletics include boys’ and girls’ basketball, cheerleading, corollary bocce, boys’ and girls’ indoor track, pompons, boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving, and coed wrestling. Middle school sports include boys’ and girls’ basketball. More information
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Driving with Heart
For nearly two decades, Hugo “Alex” Carrion has started his mornings the same way, greeting students with special needs as they board his bus, many in wheelchairs, some unable to speak, all of them, he says, "angels." Originally from Bolivia, Carrion has been an MCPS bus driver for more than 19 years. The bonds he's formed with students over the years are lasting and profound. Carrion’s empathy stems from his personal journey and his cultural roots.
Read more.
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Keep Your Family Safe in the Digital World
The Department of Educational Technology is hosting a free cybersafety awareness webinar series on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. in October and early November. Learn simple, powerful strategies to keep your family safe in the digital world.
Learn more.
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Now You Know: Pedestrian Safety
Whether you’re walking to school, the bus stop, or just around town, here are seven simple tips to keep yourself safe. Remember: Staying alert, looking both ways and putting away your phone while crossing keeps you in control.
Watch in Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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EdTalk: Making Space for Art Premieres Oct. 10
On the newest episode of EdTalk, Board of Education President Julie Yang is joined by Francisca Moraga Lopez, community engagement manager at the Glenstone Museum, and Joanne Lamparter, chief artistic programming officer at Imagination Stage, who discuss the importance of making “space” for arts in schools and providing access for students to explore the arts outside traditional classrooms. The episode will also air as a podcast, premiering at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 (at this link).
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Families: Know Your Constitutional Rights
MCPS schools are and will always remain safe places where every child — regardless of immigration status — is welcomed, valued, affirmed, validated, respected and loved. In the district’s ongoing commitment to ensure all families feel safe and supported, MCPS has a variety of immigration supports and resources available to families.
Know Your Constitutional Rights
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First PREPARE Podcast Focuses on Online Exploitation
Podcast alert! The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) PREPARE podcast has launched its first episode on online exploitation with guests Tim and Tamia Woods from the Do It for James Foundation. The PREPARE podcast shares solutions, best practices and real stories to keep students safe. Listen.
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Student Opportunities
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Applications are open for the Omega Psi Phi Achievement Week program scholarship applications. The program is open to African American senior male students who have made contributions toward improving the quality of life for Black Americans. Applications are available here. The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 24. This competition also includes an essay contest with scholarship awards. Essays are due Friday, Oct. 31. More information
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2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search: Applications are now open to high school seniors. The nation’s oldest STEM competition invites seniors to submit original research in the hopes of being named a top scientific leader of the future — and of winning the top prize of $250,000. The online application consists of essays, questions about students and their research, recommendations from teachers and mentors, and the submission of an original research paper. The deadline is Thursday, Nov. 6.
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Speak Up, Save a Life: The Montgomery County State's Attorney’s Office is hosting a public service announcement contest that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. The contest is open to secondary students who can earn 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating. Submissions are due Sunday, Dec. 7.
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Montgomery County Recreation Offering “Club Adventure” at 10 Rec Centers
The new school year is in full swing, and Montgomery County Recreation is helping students stay active, social and supported beyond the classroom. The popular “Club Adventure” after-school program is available at 10 county recreation centers. Designed for elementary school students, the program offers supervised activities in a safe, welcoming environment for $75 a month. Register through ActiveMONTGOMERY.
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KID Museum Has You Covered When School Is Out
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.
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Stay Connected
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Open Registrations
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