Things to Know

Don’t Miss Upcoming Boundary & Secondary Programs Analysis Engagement Sessions

In the next few weeks, MCPS is inviting the community to participate in a series of Q&A engagement sessions on the boundary studies and academic programs analysis efforts. See when and where they will be held. 

In addition, be sure to join us for a virtual “Pregúntale a MCPS” live on Facebook for Spanish-speaking families at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The session will focus on the boundary study options and new academic programs in secondary schools. 

Why It Matters
Academic Programs Analysis Webpage

Take the Survey; Help Improve Your School!

MCPS invites parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district. We want to improve our teaching and make our schools and district a more welcoming place for all students, staff and families. 

Surveys are now available in eight languages:
English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese

The survey will ask for your child’s student ID number. You can find this by going into ParentVue and clicking on Student Information. Responses are confidential; the student ID helps us make sure responses are linked to the right school.

Turn Back Time This Weekend!

Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday, Nov. 2, as we return to Standard Time. With shorter days and darker evenings, it’s important to stay alert and safe.

Safety reminders:

• Stay alert on the roads and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Make sure your headlights are working properly.

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries if needed.

For more tips on staying safe during the time change, visit:

• MCPS Safe Routes

• Montgomery County Vision Zero

Now You Know: Drug Prevention

Sometimes parents need to have difficult conversations…

Making the choice to live free from drugs, alcohol and tobacco is one of the best decisions a young person can make. These substances can …

• damage your health.

• cloud your judgment.

• hold you back from reaching your full potential.

Parents, keep the conversations going, set clear expectations and be the support your child needs.

Read more.

Watch in Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese

Capital Budget Public Hearings and Work Sessions Set

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) requests $2.7 billion over six years. However, it represents only about half of what district facilities actually need. Join us for the upcoming public hearings and work sessions.

Don’t Miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 8!

MCPS is participating in 2025 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from Nov. 3-8. Don’t miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. Open to staff, students and families, this free event will include workshops, community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, a student forum and line dancing, Zumba and yoga. RSVP to attend.

Learn about Enrichment Opportunities for K–12 Students

In November and December, the Accelerated and Enriched Instruction office is offering a four-part webinar series to help families learn about enrichment opportunities for students in grades K–12. Another session will examine the Gifted and Talented identification process to help families better understand how it works. Learn more.

Interested in Driving a Bus for MCPS?

MCPS is hosting a job fair for bus drivers and bus attendants from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. The fair will be held at the Division of Transportation Services (DOTS), 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. For more information, call 240-740-6080. Read more.

On-the-Spot Admissions Event and Financial Aid Workshops

High school seniors are invited to an on-the-spot college admissions event with several Maryland independent colleges and universities on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Thursday, Nov. 6. Students are asked to contact their school’s College and Career Navigator or counselor to register. Learn more.

In addition, high schools are hosting financial aid workshops for families to learn about the options available to help students pay for college. Parents can attend any financial workshop at any school. Learn more. 

Smith Center Hosting Community Service Day on Nov. 15

The Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center’s (Smith Center) annual community service day will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Named for Mary Howard, longtime supporter and contributor to the Smith Center, the day provides an opportunity for adults and families to work alongside MCPS staff and friends to improve the center. There will be a variety of skilled and unskilled tasks, including painting/staining, splitting firewood and expanding recreational opportunities for students. Students can earn Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating, but they must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP.

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.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

The annual Latin Dance Competition is being held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 at the Music Center at Strathmore. The popular event features dance groups from several high schools performing Latin dances. Tickets, priced at $15, will go on sale on Saturday, Nov. 1. 

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 Bethesda-Chevy Chase 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.

Gobble, Gobble; Join the YMCA B-CC Turkey Chase

Join thousands of students, families and community partners for the 43rd Annual Turkey Chase Charity Race on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, or virtually from Nov. 24-30, sponsored by YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for summer camp, access to youth programs, wellness opportunities for seniors and grants to dozens of local nonprofits. However you choose to participate, everyone can be a part of this community tradition and run, walk, swim or bike! Learn more.

The Latest from the News Page

•  Building Connections and Career Pathways: More than 170 high school students gathered at Montgomery College’s Germantown Campus for the annual Youth Leadership Summit, a day focused on learning, leadership and connection.

•  Drumming Up the Rhythm: Twelve bands participated in this year’s Marching Band Showcase at Albert Einstein High School on Oct. 25.

• Big Bows and High Toes: Teams from 25 MCPS high schools performed amazing stunts during the 37th annual cheerleading competition on Oct. 25, held at Montgomery Blair High School.

• From the Principal’s Desk: Why They Love What They Do: October is National Principals Month! We asked MCPS principals to share their favorite thing about being a principal—here’s what they had to say.