Things to Know

Important Student Performance Results Available in ParentVUE

Fall Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) growth assessment results are available for parents and guardians to view in ParentVUE. Click the documents tile, then click the MAP Report-Fall 2025 link to see the report.

Beginning with the fall 2025 results, MCPS is applying new national comparison data (norms). This means your student's RIT score is compared to a new national average, which may result in a higher percentile rank than in previous years, even though their actual RIT score hasn't changed. Learn more.

Latest EdTalk Focuses on Building Student Leaders

Hosted by Board of Education member Julie Yang, the newest EdTalk podcast discusses the importance of providing students with leadership experiences, how those experiences are provided and the benefits. Guests share their leadership journeys and skills they’ve learned along the way. Watch the show.

Don’t Delay; Take the Climate Survey Today!

MCPS invites parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district. The survey is closing soon; do it today!

Surveys are available in eight languages.

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. 

Get Your Comments In!

The Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to four policies: Policy DIG, Operating Fund Investments, Policy DAA, Fiscal Responsibility and Control, Policy GIG, Funding Retirement/Pension System and Policy IGS, Emerging Technologies in Education. Comments are due Wednesday, Dec. 17 and Monday, Jan. 26.

See the draft policies and submit comments.

Save the Date: FY27 Operating Budget Presentation Dec. 17

Superintendent Thomas Taylor will deliver his Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Join us virtually by watching online and on TV. Details are coming soon.

The superintendent has heard from staff, parents and community members during listening sessions this week; one has been in person and one virtual. Attendees have raised important questions and shared honest feedback. Read more.

Reminder: Used Car, Computer Sale Coming Dec. 6

Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Gaithersburg High School. The school is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. Inventory is now posted.

The Time for Winter Sports Is Now

Winter sports are here! Events begin Friday, Dec. 5. Visit GoFan to see schedules and purchase tickets.

Now You Know: Weather Information

We’re getting ready for winter. Are you ready? Sign up for Alert MCPS/Alerta Montgomery to get texts or emails about weather closings and delays.

When bad weather hits, MCPS monitors the forecast and works closely with county agencies to decide if schools should open, delay or close. Safety always comes first!

How do we share those decisions? Our color codes are BACK!

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

MCPS Athletics Reveals Redesigned Website

MCPS Athletics has unveiled a redesigned website. The new website includes all the information you’re used to getting—including schedules, ticket information, sports registration and health/safety resources—as well as features from across the county and stories on “legends” of MCPS athletics. A ticker across the top of the website directly links users to any MCPS high school athletics webpage. The site also features video highlights from around the county and snippets from Instagram, and includes a feature to share a sports story. Check it out!

What Does the SMOB Do? Find Out on Dec. 16!

All MCPS middle and high school students are invited to a meeting to learn more about the election process for the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) and what the SMOB does. Those who attend the SMOB 101 program will hear from former SMOBs and finalists. The virtual meeting will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. RSVP.

Next Special Ed Citizens Advisory Meeting Will Be Dec. 8

The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 via Zoom (Meeting ID: 891 9108 9916; Passcode: 886463). The featured speaker is Superintendent Thomas Taylor. More information, including the agenda and Zoom link, are available on the Special Education Services webpage.

The next SECAC meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

Know a Budding Scientist or Engineer?

Registration is open for the Montgomery County Science Fair, which offers middle and high school scientists and engineers an opportunity to showcase their work and compete for cash prizes.

Students in the Senior Division have the opportunity to advance to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), while Middle School Division participants can qualify for the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC).

Learn more and register.

Prioritizing Safety in Our Schools

Last week, MCPS teams visited the Whitman and Sherwood clusters of schools. The district remains on track to complete the background check, fingerprinting and badging process this month. Below is an update on the progress to date, reflecting the number of employees who have already been rescreened.

Summer RISE 2025 Host Registration Is Now Open

Inspire the future! Guide students on their career journeys! MCPS is seeking hosts for the 2026 Summer RISE program, which will be held from June 22–July 24, 2026. Open your workplace to rising MCPS juniors and seniors for 50 hours of hands-on learning—virtual, in-person or hybrid experiences.

Learn more by scheduling an informational meeting, visit www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org or contact Davida Gurstelle at 240-740-5599.

Want to Learn Better English? Montgomery College Has You Covered

Montgomery College offers several classes for adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

• ESOL Classes: Basic English language and life skills instruction for those whose native language is not English. English | Spanish | Chinese | Korean | French | Vietnamese | Amharic

• GED Test Preparation Classes: This program is for adults in Maryland who need to get their high school diploma. More information and register.

• English for the American Workplace: Classes to improve your English skills- (reading, speaking, listening and writing) to help you in your job. Learn more.

Learn more. 

Middle School Night at KID Museum

Parents, have your 6th-8th graders hang out with fellow middle schoolers during Middle School Night at the KID Museum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Try out a variety of hands-on STEM activities. The cost is $20 per student. If cost is a barrier, fill out the Access for Every Maker form.

From the News Page

• From Classroom to Community: Longview School’s adapted art teacher Sara Lucas-Dreiss leads students in making all kinds of art, some of which is sold to raise money for the school. The bestselling item: student-made stationery.

• Latin Dance Lights Up the Stage: The annual competition at the Music Center at Strathmore was a night full of rhythm, passion and spectacular performances. 

• Bridging School and Home: MCPS celebrated National Family Engagement Month, recognizing the essential role families play in a child’s learning, growth and overall well-being.