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October 08, 2025
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Employee Benefits Open Enrollment
Is Underway
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Employee Benefits Open Enrollment is underway on MCPS Hub+. Find out about important benefit changes coming in 2026, and be sure to enroll in or make changes to your benefits, sign up for a flexible spending account for 2026, add or delete dependents, and designate your life insurance beneficiaries by Friday, Oct. 31.
New for 2026: Preferred Care Management will be added to Cigna medical plans. If you are currently enrolled in a Cigna medical plan, your enrollment for 2026 will default to a Cigna medical plan with Preferred Care Management. Cigna is hosting town halls to have questions answered about Preferred Care Management. Find them here.
Read more.
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Hard Truths About Our School Buildings
—and How We’ll Fix Them
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Montgomery County expects its schools to be excellent—places that are welcoming, safe and inclusive. But our community is frustrated by the condition of too many school buildings, and Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor says it’s time to face the facts and chart a new course.
On Monday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. the superintendent will provide a candid look at the challenges ahead and the disciplined plan needed to repair and modernize our schools. He will preview the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) live. You can watch online at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org or on MCPS-TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 88).
Public feedback opportunities will follow during Board of Education hearings on Oct. 23, Oct. 28 and Nov. 6 (if needed). The superintendent will also host CIP Community Information and Listening Sessions on Oct. 21 (in-person) and Oct. 22 (virtual)—details coming soon.
Don’t miss it—this is where the hard truths meet the plan to fix them.
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Join Us for Program Analysis,
Boundary Study Meetings
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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. Read more.
Boundary Study Options Meetings Underway
Participate in virtual or in-person boundary study options meetings in October. These public information meetings will examine 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. Read more.
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Driving with Heart
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For nearly two decades, Hugo “Alex” Carrion has started his mornings the same way, greeting students with special needs as they board his bus, many in wheelchairs, some unable to speak, all of them, he says, "angels." Originally from Bolivia, Carrion has been an MCPS bus driver for more than 19 years. The bonds he's formed with students over the years are lasting and profound. Carrion’s empathy stems from his personal journey and his cultural roots.
Read more.
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Rolling Terrace Awarded $1,500 Grant
for Adapted P.E. Equipment
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In the last three years, P.E. teacher Charles Silberman has secured $20,000 in grant money for his school, Rolling Terrace Elementary School. The latest grant was the $1,500 Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant from SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) America to support recreational programs for students with disabilities. “I’m excited about it and proud of it,” Silberman said. “It’s nice to be recognized, but it’s really about the kids and what we’re able to do to help them.”
Read more.
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Mental Health Screenings
Scheduled for October
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The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is conducting free and confidential screenings for depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Screenings are available to all MCPS employees and their adult (18+) household family members. Learn more and call 240-740-6500 to schedule an appointment.
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Who’s on Fire This Week?
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Which one of your work colleagues deserves a pat on the back? The Unleashing Potential Award celebrates excellence in teamwork, collaboration and peer support across MCPS schools and offices. See the latest winners.
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Get Your Flu Shot
Before the End of October
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Flu season runs from October through April. An estimated 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans get the flu every year with symptoms lasting for up to two weeks. Avoid the flu by getting a shot before the end of October. Learn more.
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From The News Page
- Celebrating National Principals’ Month: Spotlight on Dacia Sewell, principal at Forest Oak Middle School and Stacey Brown, principal at William Tyler Page Elementary School
- Building Staff Unity: Twice a week, the pickleball courts at Gaithersburg High School transform into a hub of energy and laughter for a growing group of staff members who connect, compete and unwind.
- The Backbone of Kingsview: The values of relationships, relevance and rigor are embodied every day by the school’s nine-member building services team.
- Students Leading Change: Now in its 20th year, the Minority Scholars Program was recently honored during the Montgomery County Education Association Gala.
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Dates to Remember
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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)
Friday, Oct. 17 – Payday
Saturday, Oct. 18 – ACT administration
Monday, Oct. 20 – Non-instructional day; no school for students and teachers (All Schools)
Thursday, Oct. 23 – Board of Education’s Facilities and Boundaries Hearing
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