Update on Academic Program Analysis, Region Realignment and Family Information Sessions

MCPS is taking important, coordinated steps to provide every student access to high-quality programs and learning opportunities — no matter where they live. The Academic Program Analysis and Boundary Studies are not separate efforts, but part of MCPS’ larger commitment to align planning and resources so students are challenged and ready for their future. Damascus High School (previously in Region 5) and Quince Orchard High School (previously in Region 6) will switch regions. Read more and learn Why This Matters

Wellness Initiatives Deadline for 2026 Will Be Here Friday

Have you taken the Wellness Initiatives for 2026? Reduce your health insurance costs by completing a biometric health screening and your medical plan’s online health risk assessment by the Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, deadline. If you do, you will pay up to 2 percent less of the total cost of your health insurance.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: The First Latina High School Principal in MCPS

When Alicia Deeny was announced as the principal of Richard Montgomery High School, she was the first woman ever appointed at Richard Montgomery. She was also the first Latina high school principal in MCPS. Deeny is now in her fifth year at the helm of Richard Montgomery. Born in Washington, D.C. to a mother from Puerto Rico and an Irish father from New Jersey, Deeny and her sister were surrounded by loving grandparents and many aunts and uncles who regaled them with stories of their ancestry and backgrounds. Deeny couldn’t get enough.

Boundary Study Options Meetings Begin Oct. 6

Join us for a boundary study options meeting in October. These public information meetings will offer the refined boundary options for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School, the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School for the 2027-2028 school year.

Grow with MCPS! Sign Up for a Higher Ed Partnership Program

Higher education partnership opportunities are available to MCPS employees who are seeking teacher certification or licensure, continuing professional development, or who are pursuing career advancement. Register on Professional Development Online (PDO). More information

McDaniel College, Educational Leadership Program: Administrator I licensure and Master’s degree programs: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 5-6 p.m., course #87534

“How To Become A Teacher in MCPS” Information Session: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 4:30–5:30 p.m., course #87524

Moreland University, TEACH-NOW: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5-6 p.m., course #91498

University of Maryland Creative Initiatives in Teacher Education (CITE): Wednesday, Oct. 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m., course #87596

MCPS Educational Foundation Offering Project Grants to Staff

The MCPS Educational Foundation is offering small grants to support staff, educators and administrators. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for individual departments and schools, and up to $5,000 for collaborative projects for multiple departments or schools. Funding is also available for successful projects that can be scaled from one school or office to another. The next round of applications is due Monday, Dec. 1.

MSDE Adopts New Licensure Regulation

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has adopted new licensure regulation COMAR 13A.12.05.05. All educators who now hold an Administrator I and/or II endorsement have the following options to add the new endorsement. Educators that allow the Administrator I and/or II endorsement to lapse must meet the new requirements to be eligible for the new endorsement.

For those working to gain the new endorsement, review the COMAR 13A.12.05.05 regulation. For questions, email Marie Bercaw

Fidelity Offering Workshops to Help Manage Your Finances

MCPS and Fidelity Investments are hosting upcoming virtual educational workshops to help employees reduce financial stress. Details and registration links are below:

·         Thursday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m., Maximize Social Security in Your Retirement Strategy

·         Wednesday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m., Managing My Money

·         Thursday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m., en Español, Comience ahora y ahorre para el futuro

EAP to Conduct Mental Health Screenings on Oct. 9, Throughout October

The MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will be conducting screenings for depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The screening appointments are available in-person or virtually on Thursday, Oct. 9, and throughout October. Screenings are free, confidential and available to all MCPS employees and their adult (18+) household family members. This is an opportunity to learn more about depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mood disorders, complete a brief screening questionnaire, and speak one-on-one with a mental health professional. Reviewing the results takes less than 30 minutes. If appropriate, referrals will be made for a complete evaluation. Call the EAP at 240-740-6500 with questions and for appointments.

Poder Educators Hosting Fundraising Dinner on Oct. 16

Poder Educators is hosting a Celebracion de Herencia dinner and fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 16 to support the Hispanic Alliance for Education student scholarship fund and the Poder organization. The event will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at Terra Mare restaurant in Wheaton. Tickets can be purchased here. Send an email for questions.

Who’s on Fire This Week?

Which one of your work colleagues deserves a pat on the back? Introduced this year, the Unleashing Potential Award celebrates excellence in teamwork, collaboration and peer support across MCPS schools and offices.

MCPS on the Move Returns!

This fall, MCPS on the Move is reprising its popular physical activity challenge, which will begin Monday, Oct. 6. Staff can participate as an individual or on a team as they work toward building long-lasting healthy habits. Schools and offices can work together and create MCPS on the Move teams, encourage activity and support each other through the six-week activity challenge.

Wellness Webinar to Focus on Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Discussing cancer can evoke fear and anxiety. An upcoming webinar, set for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, will provide comprehensive information on prevalent types of cancer, underlying causes, the latest treatment options and effective prevention strategies. The session will emphasize the importance of knowledge and early detection. Register

Celebrating World Teacher Day

As a thank you to educators, Max’s Best Ice Cream in Bethesda is offering a 50 percent discount on Sunday, Oct. 5 for World Teacher Day. The store is co-owned by Best Buddies International and about one-third of its workforce is young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The store has a close partnership with surrounding MCPS high schools, including Walt Whitman’s Learning for Independence program. A number of Whitman students participate in the shop’s school-based work-study program. 

Dates to Remember

Thursday, Oct. 2 – Non-instructional day; no school for students and teachers (All Schools)
Friday, Oct. 3 – Payday
Saturday, Oct. 4 – SAT administration
Thursday, Oct. 9 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)
Friday, Oct. 10 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)
Wednesday, Oct. 15 – PSAT administration
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Board of Education work session
Friday, Oct. 17 – Professional development day for staff; no school for students (All Schools)