Things to Know

Recognizing our Hard Truth and Setting a Course for the Future

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), a recommendation presented by Superintendent Thomas Taylor during the Board of Education meeting on Oct. 14, requests $2.7 billion over six years. However, it represents only about half of what district facilities actually need. Read more.

Full 2027-2032 Recommended Capital Improvements Plan

MCPS Staff Provided Update on Secondary Program Analysis and Regions Model

Montgomery County Public Schools understands that any change can feel uncertain. Today, MCPS presented an update to the Board of Education about the work on the Secondary Academic Programs Analysis, a plan focused on adding opportunities, not taking any away. This initiative represents a fundamental shift toward equity: ensuring every student, regardless of zip code, has genuine access to rigorous and engaging programs. Learn more.

Here’s How to See Your Student’s Interim Progress Report; Report Cards Coming Nov. 7

Interim progress reports are generated four times a year at the mid-point of each marking period, on the following dates: Oct. 3, Dec. 19, March 6, 2026, May 12, 2026 (for high school seniors) and May 22, 2026 (all other students). These reports are available for parents/caregivers to see in ParentVue. Here are the step-by-step directions for accessing these reports on ParentVue.

Report cards are sent home via backpack with all students for the first three marking periods. The final report card of the year is mailed to students’ homes. 

Report cards are mailed home for families who do not have a ParentVue account.

Meetings Set to Preview Second Quarter Instructional Materials, Math Policy

MCPS is hosting three community meetings next week for parents/guardians to preview instructional materials for the second quarter. Earlier this year, MCPS rolled out the initiative to make curriculum more transparent and family-friendly. The “Refrigerator Curriculum” provides a one-page overview of the main themes and texts students will study each marking period.  

• Secondary curriculum will be previewed Thursday, Oct. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. at Tilden Middle School, 6300 Tilden Lane, Rockville

• Elementary curriculum will be previewed Thursday, Oct. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. at Farmland Elementary School, 7000 Old Gate Road, Rockville

• MSDE Math policy will be previewed Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6:30-8 p.m. at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd., Gaithersburg

Regulation IFD-RA, Curriculum Transparency and Requests to be Excused from Instruction

Game Changer Conference Set for Oct. 25

Male students in Grades 4-12 are invited to attend the 2025 Fall Game Changer Conference for Young Males. This event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. noon, at Montgomery College, Germantown Campus. Register.

The goal of the conference is to craft an experience that reignites and builds the social-emotional wellness, confidence and values of young males. Some of the sessions include life skills stations, panel conversations, STEM exposure, an essay contest and a parent advocacy workshop. More information.

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 Kennedy 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.

Einstein to Host Marching Band Showcase on Oct. 25

Twelve bands will participate in this year’s Marching Band Showcase, set for 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Albert Einstein High School. The high school bands performing are: Montgomery Blair, James Hubert Blake, Damascus, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, Paint Branch, Quince Orchard, Rockville, Seneca Valley, Springbrook, Watkins Mill and Einstein. The national anthem will be performed by the MCPS Middle School Massed Band, led by Teacher of the Year Megan Campbell. There will also be a guest performance by the University of Maryland Marching Band, The Mighty Sound of Maryland.

This event is free and open to the public. Einstein is located at 11135 Newport Mill Road in Kensington. Any changes due to inclement weather will be posted on the Fine Arts X feed @MCPSArts.

Marking Remembrance and Reconciliation Month

For the fourth year, MCPS is observing Remembrance and Reconciliation Month with opportunities for students to learn about local African American history and support local Emancipation Day celebrations.

Secondary students are able to earn two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending an online changemaker workshop on making a difference in your community from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. The keynote speaker will be Maryland Delegate Greg Wims. Learn more.

Students are also invited to a free Emancipation Day celebration from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Button Farm’s Living History Center, 16820 Black Rock Road in Germantown. Students can earn up to three SSL hours.

Winter Coat Drive Underway

The Prekindergarten and Head Start offices are requesting donations of new coats for students in need. Hats, gloves and boots for young children are also welcome. Donations of boys’ and girls’ coats in sizes 4, 5 and 6 are most needed. Suggested items may be found on the Head Start/Pre-K Amazon wish list.

Items can be dropped off at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141 in Rockville. Items may be dropped off in person from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, or may be ordered online and delivered directly to Rocking Horse Road Center, to the attention of Lisa Conlon.

For questions, contact Lisa Conlon at 240-550-2615.

Athletics Championship Season Is Here!

Fall playoff and tournament athletic events begin Saturday, Oct. 18. For the schedule and to buy tickets, visit GoFan and search MCPS.

Now You Know: School Meals

Nutritious meals are vital to student success! The MCPS Department of Food and Nutrition Services serves over 18 million meals each year. Wondering what's for breakfast or lunch? Go to montgomeryschoolsmd.org and search “menus.” From there, you can find each school’s menu with pictures and nutritional information. 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. 

In Case You Missed It …

The latest episode of EdTalk is out, and discusses the arts in education. Check it out.

Nominations Open for 2026 Citizens Honors Awards

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is seeking nominations for its 2026 Citizens Honors Awards—two are youth awards.

• The Young Hero Award recognizes Americans aged 8-17 for their courage in a dire situation.

• The Youth Service Award honors Americans aged 8-17 for placing others before themselves through volunteer service.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 1, with the awards ceremony set for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

The Latest from the News Page

• Ever Wonder How Your School Lunch Gets Made?: In celebration of National School Lunch Week, check out these fun facts about the MCPS Department of Food and Nutrition Services.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations: Read about Ramon Pazmino, paraeducator at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School and Carla Garay, special education teacher at John F. Kennedy High School, and check out the photos from the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
• Celebrating National Principals Month: Read the Q&As with Karla Lopez-Arias, John F. Kennedy High School and Mark Carothers, Poolesville High School.
• Marching with Pride: Paint Branch NJROTC commemorates 250 years of service and participated in the 250th Navy & Marine Corps Homecoming Birthday Parade Celebration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.