Things to Know

2025–2026 Calendar Adjusted After Snow Days

On Thursday, Feb. 19, during its business meeting,  the Montgomery County Board of Education adopted technical changes to the 2025–2026 school-year calendar following multiple weather-related closures in late January and early February. These changes include updates that families need to know.

Maryland requires all public school systems to provide 180 instructional days each year. Because of the weather closures, MCPS must make up four instructional days to meet this state requirement. Read more. 

Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives

When gun violence touches our community, its impact is felt by everyone, especially in our schools, which should always be safe spaces to learn and grow. Responsible gun safety plays a critical role in safeguarding students and families in every community. We want to draw your attention to a critical issue affecting the safety and well-being of our children. Firearm-related injuries and deaths among youth have become a leading cause of death for children and teens (ages 1–19) in the United States. Read more.

Board of Education Approves Amended FY 2027 Operating Budget

Today, Feb. 19, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved a $3.78 billion Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget. The amended budget proposal, presented by Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor, is a 5.2% increase over current spending.

Since the first budget proposal was presented in December, MCPS has reduced its request for local county tax money by $331,161. This reduction was made after school leaders made adjustments based on feedback during community meetings, and the state is providing more aid than originally expected. Read more.

Three High Schools to Pilot AI-Supported Safety Tool

As part of MCPS’ efforts to strengthen school safety, the district has launched a one-month pilot program with three high schools — Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Col. Zadok Magruder and Seneca Valley. The pilot is scheduled to begin Monday, March 2.

This is a short-term opportunity to test a safety technology, VOLT-AI, to gather feedback from the school community and to determine whether it supports the work the staff and school already do to keep students safe. Read more. 

Summer School Registration Opens in March

Summer school registration for high school opens on Monday, March 9. For information about registration, students should see their school counselor. Read more about schedules and costs. 

Have Your Say: Public Hearings Scheduled on Boundary Recommendations

Superintendent Thomas Taylor presented a set of boundary recommendations, including a modified Option B for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School and a modified Option H for the relocation of Thomas S. Wootton High School. He also proposed a regional secondary model that would provide students with increased access to a broad range of programs. Read more.

Marking Period Update: Interims Available March 6

Students are getting closer to the halfway point of the third marking period. The marking period started on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The recent snow event impacted the number of days in the first half of the marking period. As a result, the interim due date for teachers to enter grades has been adjusted to Tuesday, March 3. Read more. 

What the New MSDE Math Policy Means for MCPS

During the Feb. 5 Board of Education meeting, MCPS presented a summary of the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) Mathematics policy to the Board. The new policy is intended to strengthen and modernize math instruction from Pre-K through Grade 12. Key priorities include revised instructional standards, a greater emphasis on using math learning to solve real-world problems, an Integrated Algebra pathway, 60-minute daily K–8 math blocks, and a multi-tiered system of support to prepare students for advanced coursework and future careers. What does all this mean for students and families? Read more.

Kindergarten Registration Now Open

For the 2026-2027 school year, kindergarten registration is now open and being held online through the ParentVUE portal. Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2026 are eligible. If your family is new to MCPS, you will need to create a ParentVue account here. After creating an account, you will be prompted to register when you first log in.

Registration sessions will be held in person beginning Monday, March 16. Schools will share further information about kindergarten registration with families. Early entrance to kindergarten and first grade opens on Monday, March 9.

Support for Families: Special Education Events Next Week

Are you looking for resources for your child who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? Are you looking to connect with community organizations or parents of other MCPS students with an IEP? If so, this is the event for you! Make plans to attend the Special Education Winter Resource Fair from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the Carver Educational Services Center auditorium, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

In other special ed news, join the February Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 on Zoom. The meeting agenda and Zoom information will be posted by Feb. 23 on the Family Support Center webpage.

Ready, Set, SAT: March 11 Is Test Day

The SAT School day is fast approaching! MCPS will hold its annual in-school administration of the SAT on Wednesday, March 11. All high school juniors (students who were first time 9th graders in the 2023-2024 school year) are required to take the SAT on this date. MCPS will cover the cost for students required to participate. Read more.

A Month of Reflection and Recognition

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. Watch Echoes of the Ancestors.

The Making of a Legacy highlights the powerful legacy of Carver High School, a cornerstone of pride, achievement and community for generations of students.

Board of Education Vice President Brenda Wolff reflects on Black History Month and the legacy of Black excellence. Watch: English | Spanish

Also, read about mother-daughter duo Dessalyn and Dasia Dillard, who are showing how leadership, representation and family can inspire student-athletes every day. 

And read the story of Andre Wise, a Damascus High School educator who turned uncertainty into impact.

In Case You Missed It …

Leul Dawit, a sophomore at Northwood High School, and Reemey Ghermay, a junior at Walter Johnson High School, are the finalists for the 49th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). Elections will be on Wednesday, Apr. 22. Read more.

Now You Know: Welcoming All Students

Recent federal immigration enforcement actions have caused concern for many families, especially when it comes to children and school. MCPS schools are safe places for every child. MCPS does not ask about immigration status at enrollment or at any time, and student privacy is protected by law. Learn more.

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

More Than a Game: Building Belonging

This spring, all 25 MCPS high schools are recruiting for Allied Softball, a varsity sport focused on inclusion, teamwork and growth. Student-athletes build confidence, friendships and school pride while earning varsity letters and competing for championships. Interested students can register in ParentVUE or contact their school’s athletic director for more information.

In other athletics news, registration is open for the Student-Athlete Leadership Conference on Thursday, March 19. This conference is open to all 9th, 10th and 11th grade student-athletes who are ready to level up their leadership, amplify their voice and connect with athletes from across MCPS and Maryland. See your athletic director to sign up.

And, get your tickets for the varsity county wrestling championships, starting today (Feb. 19) through Feb. 21, at Gaithersburg High School. 

Reminders

• Service to Public Education Awards: The deadline for the Board of Education’s annual awards is Monday, March 9.

• Summer RISE Host Registration: Deadline is Friday, March 13.

• Buy Used Cars and Computers: From 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus.

Visual and Performing Arts Events Are On the Way!

Don’t miss these upcoming events. There is something for everyone!

• Friday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center, Silver Spring campus, 7995 Georgia Avenue, 12th annual Dance Showcase. Tickets for the public will be available on Saturday, Feb. 14.

• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., Gaithersburg High School, Middle School Honors Chorus Concert. 

• Friday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. Albert Einstein High School, Drumline Showcase. Will feature more than 10 high school drumlines. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.

Amazing MCPS artists will be showcased at community shows in March and April. Montgomery College locations throughout the county will host these shows where artwork from K-12 students will be featured. Each show will last multiple days and host a closing reception. Three shows will be held:

• Upcounty: March 11–15, Montgomery College Germantown Campus, 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown

• Midcounty: April 8–10, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville

• Downcounty: March 18–25, Montgomery College Silver Spring Campus, 930 King St., Silver Spring

More information

Live theater is back! From Alice in Wonderland to Annie, Jr. and so much more, check out the Fine Arts calendar or your school’s website to find a show near you. 

Student Opportunities

• D.C. United Buy One, Get One Free: Students who buy a ticket to D.C. United’s home opener against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, Feb. 21 will receive a free one. Tickets start at $32. English | Spanish

• 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

• Latina Legacy Conference: Saturday, March 7 at Gaithersburg High School. Includes networking, workshops, a keynote address, panel discussion and performances. Register. 

• “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest: Fourth grade students are invited to participate in the “If I Were Mayor, I Would …” essay contest from the Maryland Municipal League. Deadline: Thursday, March 5.

• The Matt Papirmeister Award: Open to high school senior art students. Cash prizes: $3,500, $3,000 and $2,500. Deadline: Sunday, March 15.

• BWI Airport Youth Art Gallery: In partnership with the Maryland Art Education Association, the airport is hosting a K–12 art show this spring. Deadline: Sunday, March 1.

• Maryland Center for School Safety’s Prepare 2026 Art Showcase : This year’s theme, Future Ready Schools, calls on student artists in Grades 3-12 to share their perspectives on what school safety means to them. Deadline: Sunday, May 31.  

Click, Bid, Win: Einstein’s Auction Goes Live on Feb. 20

The community is invited to Albert Einstein High School’s annual online auction from Feb. 20–28. Items include restaurant gift cards; tickets for sporting events, theater performances and museums; kids’ parties; indoor and outdoor adventures for children, teens and adults; lessons; summer camp and pool discounts and a variety of professional services. Here’s a sneak peek; be sure to pre-register.

The Latest from the News Page

• Poms Dazzle with Precision and Power: Teams from all 25 MCPS high schools cheered, jumped and danced through the 29th annual Pompons competition at Montgomery Blair High School. 

• Tradition in Motion: See the celebration of Lunar New Year at Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School.

• Sampling, Scoring and Shaping: More than 150 students evaluated new MCPS menu concepts and sampled innovative flavors that will help guide future menu development.