Things to Know

Making Up the Snow Days

As a result of the recent winter storm, MCPS needs to make up four instructional days. Two non-instructional days will be changed to instructional days: Friday, March 20 and Thursday, June 18, which will be an early release day and the new last day of the school year. Students observing Eid al-Fitr on March 20 will receive an excused absence.

Other make-up days are being considered, but no decisions have been made. MCPS will request a waiver from the state for some of the missed instructional days. Pending the outcome, the district will update its make-up plan and share a revised school calendar with families.

New Marking Period, New Momentum: Staying Connected for Student Success

Marking Period 3 officially started on Tuesday, Feb. 3. With the start of a new semester, families have the opportunity to reestablish communication to ensure everyone remains on the same page about student progress throughout the marking period and second semester. Read more for tips for a strong start and key dates. 

Superintendent Presents Boundary Recommendations and Regional Secondary Programs Model

During the Board of Education’s work session today (Feb. 5), Superintendent Thomas Taylor presented a set of boundary recommendations regarding Charles W. Woodward and Thomas S. Wootton high schools. He also proposed a regional secondary model that would provide students with increased access to a broad range of programs. Read more.

We Must Fund Our Future!

Make your voice heard on the MCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Recommended Operating Budget! It is critical that our elected leaders hear from you about the essential role school plays in your students’ lives, and the importance of giving students access to the opportunities and resources they need to be successful. Read more for a budget timeline and upcoming meetings where you can provide input. 

How MSDE Is Strengthening Math for College and Careers

During its work session this afternoon (Feb. 5), the Board of Education is discussing math policy and practice. Be sure to check it out. The Maryland State Department of Education has released a Math Policy that reimagines how students become college- and career-ready. One part identifies competencies for PreK-8 math that students need to know each year. Learn more in a Zoom meeting tonight from 6:30-7:45 p.m. More information

Spotlight on Black History Month

During Black History Month, the Board of Education is proud to honor the power, resilience and enduring legacy of Black history in Montgomery County. Learning, leadership and community first came together at Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, a space that became a foundation for education and opportunity. Read more and watch Echoes of the Ancestors. 

Also, learn more about principal James Allrich of Argyle Middle School, as he reflects on legacy, leadership and service. 

Planning Summer Travel? Fall Sports Tryouts Begin Around Aug. 12

Although temperatures have been bone-chilling, some of you are starting to plan summer vacations! Keep in mind that fall sports tryouts may begin Wednesday, Aug. 12. Once tryouts begin, teams may hold consistent practices Monday–Saturday until the end of the season. Read more.

Now You Know: Student Service Learning

Did you know that in Maryland, students need 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate? Doing community service is an opportunity to build skills, such as responsibility, teamwork and leadership. Students can start earning hours the summer after fifth grade by volunteering with approved organizations or joining school-sponsored activities. Read more. 

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

Save the Date: Used Car, Computer Sale Coming Feb. 28

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, Feb. 28, at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus. Read more.

Reminders

• Counselor of the Year: If you know a school counselor who has listened, supported and encouraged your child, help honor their dedication and hard work with this recognition.

• Watkins Mill Job Fair: Watkins Mill Elementary School is hosting a Community Schools Job Fair for families, caregivers and community members in the Watkins Mill cluster from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25. This event will connect families with local employers, job training programs and workforce resources. The fair is seeking organizations, employers and programs who wish to participate. 

• NAACP Scholarships: Submit a nomination for a $1,000 scholarship given by the Montgomery County branch of the NAACP. Apply.

Transfer Season Now Open

The MCPS 2026-2027 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season is now open and closes on Tuesday, April 7. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school. Read more.

Student Opportunities

• MoComCon 2026: Combine your love of art and fandom by entering MoComCon’s art contest. The theme of this celebration of comics, graphic novels and fandom is to draw an original character. Deadline: Monday, Feb. 9

• HBCU Fair: Register for this event, 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. If MCPS has an early release or closure due to inclement weather, this event will be moved to a virtual format.

• Choose Respect Video Contest: Open to middle and high school 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.

• Summer RISE: Student registration is open until Tuesday, Feb. 17. Open to high school sophomores and juniors, students will be matched with career hosts based on their industry preferences for a minimum of 50 hours from June 22–July 24.

• Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest: This year’s theme is “What Is Humanity?” Students must be in high school to participate. Deadline: Friday, Feb. 20.

• Heads Up, Phones Down: Create a 30-second video promoting pedestrian safety. Champion the importance of focusing on your surroundings and not your phone while walking, driving or riding a bike. Submissions can be in English or Spanish. Win a Macbook Air or hundreds in Visa gift cards. Deadline: Saturday, Feb. 28

• Congressional Art Competition: Open to all high school students who live in the 8th Congressional District. Entries must be submitted online. The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year with creative pieces from other congressional districts nationwide. Deadline: Monday, March 30

• Keeping It Safe Video Contest: Open to middle and high school students, the contest invites students to create a 30-second video on the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.

• Sustainability Poster Contest: All students and staff can participate in this annual contest to increase awareness of energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. Check out the new digital art category! Deadline: Friday, April 3.

The Latest from the News Page

• Preparing for the Future: During Career and Technical Education Month, MCPS is recognizing the 51 programs it offers in 12 careers clusters. Students have the opportunity to earn industry credentials, college credit, internships and apprenticeships.

• Maryland State SMOB Finalist: Lorena Wu, a sophomore at Poolesville High School, has been selected as one of two finalists for the 2026-2027 Student Member of the Maryland State Board of Education.