Things to Know
February 26, 2026
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Prekindergarten and Head Start Fall Registration Now Open
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Prekindergarten and Head Start registration for the 2026–2027 school year is open online. Free prekindergarten is available to income-eligible families with children who will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2026.
Parents can apply online or in-person at community locations during March. Families may also visit the Prekindergarten/Head Start office at 4910 Macon Road in Rockville, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information on free programs located in public and private settings, visit the MCPS Prekindergarten/Head Start website or call 240-740-4530.
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Take the First Step — Enroll in Kindergarten Today
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For the 2026-2027 school year, kindergarten registration is 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. Don’t delay; do it today! Registration sessions will be held in person beginning Monday, March 16.
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Board Work Sessions Scheduled on Boundary Studies
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The Board of Education is holding work sessions on a modified version of Option B for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward and a modified version of Option H for the relocation of Thomas S. Wootton High School to Crown Farm in early and mid-March. Read more.
Watch previous public hearings:
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Ready to Roll? Join the Team at the Job Fair for Bus Drivers March 17
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MCPS is hosting a job fair for bus drivers from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. The fair will be held at the Division of Transportation Services, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville.
To become a bus driver, the minimum qualifications are:
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A high school diploma or GED.
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At least 21 years old.
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A clean driving history, no more than one point on driver’s license.
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At least three years of driving experience, with at least one year driving in the U.S.
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The ability to meet all pre-service training and testing requirements.
Interested candidates are invited to create a profile on the MCPS Careers portal. For more information, call 240-740-6080 or send an email.
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A Month of Reflection and Recognition
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As MCPS continues celebrating Black History Month, the Board of Education presents this Leading for the Future video featuring Monique Ashton, the first Black Latina woman to serve as Mayor of Rockville. In this special, Ashton reflects on leadership, representation and the responsibility of opening doors for others. She discusses what it means to lead with courage and purpose.
And, meet Natlie Jenifer, a paraeducator at Odessa Shannon Middle School, whose commitment is rooted in a powerful family legacy and who works to help every student find their “aha” moment.
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Future Ready Starts Here: Career and Technical Education Month
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February marks Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, highlighting this year’s theme, Future Ready Starts Here: CTE for What’s Next. Throughout the month, students have explored potential career pathways and participated in learning experiences building on the knowledge and skills needed for their futures. MCPS CTE programs help students develop problem-solving, collaboration and digital literacy skills, while earning industry-recognized credentials and engaging in real-world learning experiences. Read more.
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Reminders
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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.
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Interims available March 6: We are closer to the halfway point of the third marking period. The recent weather events have 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.
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SAT School Day: 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.
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Service to Public Education Awards: The deadline for the Board of Education’s annual awards is Monday, March 9.
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Buy Used Cars and Computers: From 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus.
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Now You Know: 2026-2027 Calendar
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It’s never too early to start planning for the next school year. The Board of Education recently approved the official calendar for the 2026–2027 school year. Student Transition Day will be held on Monday, Aug. 24 and the school year will run from Tuesday, Aug. 25 through Tuesday, June 16.
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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Spotlights, Songs and Showstoppers: Find a Performance Near You!
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Live theater is back! From High School Musical and Alice in Wonderland to Frozen, Annie, Jr. and more, check out the Fine Arts calendar or your school’s website to find a show near you.
Also, new this year, coming in March and April, don’t miss our all-county community art shows — allowing elementary, middle and high schools within a geographic area to showcase their work together, creating an atmosphere for young artists to envision what their future may look like as they continue their arts classes in MCPS.
In case you missed it, check out photos from the annual Dance Showcase, which featured student dancers from eight middle and high schools.
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The Latest from the News Page
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Updates to the 2025–2026 Calendar After Snow Days
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At its business meeting on Feb. 19, the Board of Education adopted technical amendments to the 2025–2026 school year calendar. The last day of school is now Friday, June 26. Read more.
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Student Opportunities
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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
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“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.
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Latina Legacy Conference: Open to Latina female high school students, this conference will be held Saturday, March 7 at Gaithersburg High School. Register
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The Matt Papirmeister Award: Open to high school senior art students. Cash prizes: $3,500, $3,000 and $2,500. Deadline: Sunday, March 15.
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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.
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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.
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Sober Vibes Essay Contest: High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to write an essay persuading their peers not to drink before, during or after prom. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.
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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.
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Stay Connected
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