Things to Know

Join Us Saturday, Aug. 23 for the Back-to-School Fair

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall, 11160 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton. This free event will feature family-friendly activities, entertainment and an immunization clinic, as well as information and resources from dozens of offices and departments in the school system, and from county government programs and services.

MCPS will offer free, round-trip shuttle buses between the fair and Wheaton, John F. Kennedy, Montgomery Blair, Paint Branch and Richard Montgomery high schools.

Learn more.

Remind, ParentSquare, ParentVUE—What’s the Difference?

Families often hear about different platforms for school communication, and we realize there’s confusion. Here’s a quick guide.

Questions about Transition Day? We’ve Got You Covered!

On Monday, Aug. 25, MCPS will hold its first-ever Student Transition Day, an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings. It is a good day to try out your school routine and get prepared before all students return to school. Learn more. 

Watch the video.

What’s New and Why It’s Important

Ensuring Students Feel Safe, Included and Supported at School

The MCPS Student Code of Conduct has been revised for the 2025–2026 school year. Changes include making behavior rules easier to understand and establishing a standard process across the district to investigate incidents. This document outlines expectations for student behavior and the consequences for violating various policies, regulations, and rules. The focus is on helping students learn from mistakes, repair harm and rebuild trust. Learn more.

2025–2026 Code of Conduct One Pager

Changes Coming to Grade Calculations

Important revisions to grading and reporting at the secondary level take effect this school year. Final grades for students in grades 6 through 12 will be calculated using the average of the four marking period grades. This change, among others, is designed to increase consistency, strengthen expectations for student learning and truly measure actual student learning in school.

Learn more.

Less Phone Time = More Learning Time

For the 2025–2026 school year, MCPS will limit how personal mobile devices can be used during the school day. Limiting phone use during class helps students stay focused, engaged and better able to retain information. Learn more.  

Away All Day flyer

Student Safety Is Our Top Priority: Here’s What We Are Doing

Recent findings from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General identified areas for improvement in how background checks are processed and monitored for school-based employees, contractors and volunteers. Your children are safe at school, and we are taking immediate and sustained action to make sure it stays that way.

Read more. 

Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Environment in Schools

Vaping devices, tobacco products and illegal drugs are prohibited on school grounds. Students found in possession of or using these items may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. MCPS has installed vape detection systems in all high school student bathrooms. The sensors provide school administrators with an important tool to address the issue of vape device use in schools and to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for students, staff and visitors. These sensors detect vape emissions, including those from nicotine and THC (the active ingredient in marijuana).

VAPE Frequently Asked Questions 

Find Your Bus Route—It’s Easy As 1, 2, 3!

Bus routes for the 2025–2026 school year are now available and they’re easy as 1, 2, 3 to find! Learn how. 

What is Your Child Learning in the Classroom? Here’s What to Know

MCPS is rolling out a new initiative to make curriculum more transparent and family-friendly. Starting this school year, families will receive a simple, one-page overview of the main themes and texts students will study each marking period—nicknamed the “Refrigerator Curriculum” because it’s designed to be easy to post on the fridge at home. Learn more. 

Send Us Your Best First Day Photo!

Help us capture the excitement of the first day of school by sharing your special moments! Parents and students are invited to submit their favorite first-day-of-school snapshots on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Select photos will be shared on the district’s website and social media beginning Tuesday morning. You may submit a photo by emailing us or tagging us on social media.

All You Need to Know for Lunch

The Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application is available for the 2025–2026 school year. A new FARMS application must be completed every school year. Meals are free for students who qualify for the program. Only one application is needed for all students in a household. Learn more. 

Visit the Department of Food and Nutrition and Services webpage for information on breakfast and lunch menus and how to add money to your child’s account through MySchoolBucks.

Don’t Forget Your Immunizations!

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering free back-to-school immunizations for Montgomery County school-aged children at county locations through September.

More information.

From The News Page

• Best High Schools List: All 25 MCPS high schools earned spots on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best High Schools List. Four were in the top 500 nationally, and eight were ranked in Maryland’s top 25.

• Girl Power: Students from Walter Johnson, Paint Branch, Seneca Valley and Wheaton high schools showed off their flag football skills during halftime of the preseason game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals. 

• Celebrating Our Summer School Graduates: Don’t miss the photos!