Things to Know

BOE Approves 2026–2027 School Calendar

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved the traditional and innovative school year calendars for the 2026-2027 school year at today’s (Dec. 11) meeting.

Traditional Calendar Overview:

• Includes a total of 181 instructional days, including four contingency days.

• Student Transition Day, a non-instructional day: Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

• First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

• Last day of school: Wednesday, June 16, 2027.

• Winter break is Dec. 23, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027. Spring break is March 26, 2027–April 4, 2027.

• Key holidays and breaks align with state requirements, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and other observances.

Innovative Calendar for Arcola Elementary:

• Features 206 instructional days, beginning July 6, 2026, with an extended break in August.

• Aligns with the traditional calendar for holidays and closures, while incorporating additional instructional days and unique scheduling features.

Middle and High School Student Grading: An Update for Families

All first marking period report cards are now available in ParentVue. Please check ParentVue to review grades and check for updates to your child’s current second marking period progress. The second marking period ends Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Interim grades for the second marking period will be available on ParentVue on Friday, Dec. 19. Read more.

Debunking Myths about the Regional Programs

MCPS remains committed to ensuring that every student in every community has access to high-quality academic programs that match their interests and ambitions, without barriers of distance or opportunity. The work the district is doing is an important step toward a more equitable system. 

We know that families may still have questions about this work. Here are three myths we have been hearing, and the truth. Read more.

Latest EdTalk Focuses on Building Student Leaders

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

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 MCPS TV on cable (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 88).

The superintendent has heard from staff, parents and community members during listening sessions. Attendees have raised important questions and shared honest feedback. Read more.

Check Out Additional Boundary Study Options and Share Your Feedback

A reminder that families should check out the additional options on the Woodward/Northwood and Crown/Damascus boundary studies. These options (added on Dec. 1, 2025) are in addition to the current options A–D available on the boundary study webpages, so please take a look and share your feedback on a survey by Friday, Jan. 9.

• Options on Woodward/Northwood

• Woodward/Northwood Boundary Study Survey
  
  

• Options on Crown/Damascus

• Crown/Damascus Boundary Study Survey

Boundary Study Webpage

Now You Know: MCPS Information

In the past, MCPS sent individual alerts whenever there was something the community needed to know. This year, we’re sharing everything you need to know in our Thursday “Things to Know” newsletter. Read more.

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Annual HBCU Fair Scheduled for Feb. 13

Registration for the 18th annual HBCU Fair opens on Friday, Dec. 12. This free in-person event will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. The fair will provide students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 30 historically Black colleges and universities. This year’s event will include on-the-spot admissions, workshops on financial aid and FAFSA; and a separate workshop and activities for middle school students.

Parent Academy Workshops Jan. 6, Jan. 14

Parents are encouraged to check out two virtual Parent Academy To Go workshops coming in January. Parent Academy TO GO informs and empowers families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Upcoming sessions are:

• Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6-7 p.m., Saturday School Spotlight: Boosting Skills, Building Confidence

• Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6-7 p.m., Nature as Classroom: Inside the Smith Environmental Experience

If you are unable to join a Parent Academy workshop, visit the MCPS YouTube channel for recorded sessions.

Learn more.

Turn In SSL Hours by Jan. 9

Students who have completed Student Service Learning (SSL) hours since June 1, 2025, should submit the required SSL Activity Verification Form to their school’s SSL coordinator by the recommended due date of Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.

All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school; earning at least five SSL hours outside of class every year will help students stay on track to meeting this requirement. Winter break is a great time to participate in SSL opportunities outside of school! Learn more. Translated information can be found here. In-person and virtual opportunities, reminders and updates are available on the SSL Hub.

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.

Vote for One of Our Own!

Last month, the Board of Education recognized National Family Engagement Month, celebrating the essential role families play as partners in education and highlighting the shared responsibility of schools, families and communities in supporting student learning and well-being. In fact, Dr. Everett Davis, director in the Department of Family Engagement, is one of nine finalists for the Constantino Family Engagement Practitioner Award. Read more and VOTE. 

A Reminder of the New Safety Protocols

Safety is a priority in MCPS, and we all share responsibility for knowing and communicating what to do during a serious incident. Since the start of this school year, MCPS has been using a new Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergency situations. You’ve probably seen the new posters in classrooms, offices and throughout all MCPS buildings. The new posters clearly communicate the five SRP actions: HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE and SHELTER. Read more about these actions.

Nearing the Finish Line

Last week, MCPS teams visited the Springbrook and Damascus 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.

Student Opportunities

• What Does the SMOB Do?: Virtual meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Come learn about the election process for the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) and what the SMOB does.

• Montgomery County Science Fair: offers middle and high school scientists and engineers an opportunity to showcase their work and compete for cash prizes. Learn more.

• Speak Up; Save a Life: Create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid/fentanyl abuse and overdose among teens. Deadline: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

• C-SPAN StudentCam Competition: Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to create a video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “Exploring the American Story through the Declaration of Independence.” Top prize is $5,000. Deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.

•  Black History Oratory Contest: This essay content is open to 9th–12th grade students. Twenty finalists will be invited to read their essays in front of a live audience for prize money. Deadline: Sunday Jan. 25, 2025.

• Choose Respect Video Contest: Open to secondary students, this contest challenges teens to create an original video promoting awareness of dating violence/abuse among teens. Videos can be in English or Spanish. Top prize is $1,000. Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

• America’s Field Trip: This contest invites students in grades 3-12 to submit writing or artwork in sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at historic and cultural landmarks. Deadline: March 30, 2026.

From the News Page

• Inclusive Schools Week: Check out Q&As with Benjamin Banneker Middle School, Snowden Farm Elementary School, DuFief Elementary School and Flower Hill Elementary School as MCPS highlights the importance of creating learning environments where every student has the opportunities and access needed to thrive.

• Generations of Giving: How senior volunteers are making a difference at Fields Road Elementary School.

• From the Soccer Field Into the Community: Quince Orchard High School varsity soccer players spent time cleaning up and beautifying the Pleasant View Historical Site in Gaithersburg.