MCPS Logo

Things to Know

August 28, 2025

English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

Table of Contents:
Welcome Back | Enhanced Security Protocol | Refrigerator Curriculum | Secondary Programs Update | Back-to-School Nights | Fall Sports Safety Plan | Dine with Dignity | School Menus and MySchoolBucks | Reminders | From the News Page

Welcoming Students to the 2025–2026 School Year

MCPS opened its doors on Aug. 26 to nearly 160,000 students, welcoming them to the 2025–2026 school year. A day before, MCPS held its first-ever Student Transition Day. Check out the photo gallery and watch a video from the first day. 

Stay up-to-date with holidays, non-instructional days and more with the school calendar.

2025-2026 Traditional School Year Calendar
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / ማርኛ

2025-2026 Innovative School Year Calendar (Arcola Elementary School only)
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / ማርኛ

Preparing for Emergencies—What’s New?

MCPS is now using an enhanced security protocol to effectively and efficiently respond to emergency and crisis situations that may impact students, families and staff. Here’s what you need to know:

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) includes five directives: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. This video explains more about (SRP).

Learn more about what’s new

Refrigerator Curriculum’s First Quarter Documents Now Available

MCPS has introduced the Refrigerator Curriculum—a one-page overview of what students will learn each marking period. Designed to post on the fridge, these guides help families stay informed about key themes and texts, stay engaged in their student’s education, and, if needed, request alternative assignments if a text conflicts with religious views. See the documents for the first quarter of the 2025-2026 school year.

More Opportunities for Every Student: Secondary Program Updates

As MCPS continues to consider changes to secondary programs, the district realizes that families and students may have questions. MCPS is considering changes to make programming more abundant, accessible and equitable across the county. The move would allow every student the same opportunities to engage in high-quality programs, no matter where they live.

At its meeting on Aug. 21, the Board of Education heard the latest update on the secondary program analysis. You can watch that discussion here

Read Frequently Asked Questions and learn more

Don’t Miss Back-to-School Night

All schools are holding Back-to-School Nights in the upcoming weeks. This can be a wonderful opportunity to meet teachers and staff, find out more about what your student will be learning in class and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Find your school’s event date and time.

Be Aware of Safety Updates Ahead of Fall Sports Opening Night on Sept. 3

MCPS is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and our communities. Opening night for the fall sports season is Wednesday, Sept. 3. The MCPS Athletics Safety Plan drives operations and procedures for athletic events. The fall season will open in Tier 1 status of the safety plan for all varsity football games and other large events. Learn more.

Nourish a Mind; Fuel a Future

Imagine the relief a child feels when they can choose their favorite school meal, knowing it's already paid for. For many of our students, this simple dignity is a daily concern. By donating to the MCPS Educational Foundation’s Dine with Dignity campaign, you directly provide a vital lifeline for students, ensuring no child goes hungry or feels anxious about a financial responsibility in the school lunch line.

Help the Foundation reach its $500,000 goal this year, ensuring every MCPS student has the fuel they need to succeed. Donate today.

All You Need to Know for Lunch

The Department of Food and Nutrition Services has made it easier than ever to see your school’s breakfast and lunch menus and get nutritional details. Visit the MealViewer webpage.

Families can also learn how to add money to your child’s account through MySchoolBucks. This optional online service is for parents/guardians to make prepayments with a credit or debit card to a student's cafeteria account for breakfast, lunch and à-la-carte items. Learn more.

Looking for something from a past issue?

Need to review? Here’s what to know:

Remind, ParentSquare, ParentVUE: What’s the difference?
Student Code of Conduct: Read the revised document and watch the video.
Changes to Grade Calculations at the secondary level: Watch the video.
Find Your Bus Route: Easy as 1, 2, 3
How We’re Handling Cellphones in School: Less phone time means more learning time.
Vape Detection Sensors in High School Bathrooms: Helping to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Search your ParentSquare account for past Things to Know issues.

From The News Page

Stay Connected

Stay Connected

Open Registrations

More from MCPS

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr LinkedIn
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
Montgomery County Public Schools
©1995–2025 Montgomery County Public Schools