Recognizing our Hard Truth and Setting a Course for the Future

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), a recommendation presented by Superintendent Thomas Taylor during the Board of Education meeting on Oct. 14, requests $2.7 billion over six years. However, it represents only about half of what district facilities actually need. Read more.

Wheaton Educator Wins National Project Lead the Way Honor

Jeannette Cruz, who leads the Bioscience Academy at Wheaton High School, has been named the 2025-2026 Robert and Patricia Kern Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Teacher of the Year. It is the highest teaching honor given to a PLTW teacher who demonstrates a strong record of delivering an inspiring and empowering student experience, developing students’ technical and transferable skills while expanding access to PLTW programs. Now in her 14th year teaching PLTW at Wheaton, Cruz was chosen from nominations across the country.

Celebrating National Principals Month

Throughout October, MCPS is recognizing the dedicated leaders who guide schools and support students, staff and families every day. To celebrate, we are highlighting Q&As with a few principals to learn more about them. 

• Karla Lopez-Arias, John F. Kennedy High School

• Mark Carothers, Poolesville High School

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, read about how the backgrounds of Ramon Pazmino, paraeducator at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School and Carla Garay, special education teacher and John F. Kennedy High School shaped who they became as educators. 

Who’s on Fire This Week?

Who is lighting it up this week at work? Going above and beyond? The Unleashing Potential Award celebrates excellence in teamwork, collaboration and peer support across MCPS schools and offices.

Classroom Grant Up for Grabs to Female Educators

The Maryland Beta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators, is offering a $300 classroom grant for women educators who teach in Montgomery County. This grant is designed to encourage certified female teachers to implement creative and innovative teaching and learning strategies in their classrooms. The grant must be used to purchase materials and services; it does not cover the cost of coursework or professional development.

Interested educators are asked to email Kay Caviness for an application. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. The classroom project should take place between Jan. 2-April 30, 2026.

Professional Development Opportunities

Higher education partnership opportunities are also 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.

October opportunities

Join PDO Webinar on Remembrance and Reconciliation Month Lessons

In Case You Missed It …

The latest episode of EdTalk is out, and discusses the arts in education.

Learn, Plan and Support: Upcoming Webinars for Staff

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has two upcoming programs for staff members.

• A financial wellness webinar on college planning will be held 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Learn more and register.
• A Dementia Friends Information Session on Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, communication tips and creating dementia-friendly physical spaces. This session will be held on Zoom at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Learn more and RSVP.

Making Time to Take Care of Yourself

In today’s fast-paced work environment, well-being isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. When we feel well, we are more equipped to handle daily tasks and deadlines, which is essential not only for individual success, but also for the team's long-term performance. As part of your benefits, Wellbeats Wellness offers a variety of classes and provides resources designed to care for your well-being.

Fitness, Mindfulness Classes Available This Fall

Join Well Aware for physical activity and mindfulness classes. This fall, Well Aware is continuing to hold live virtual, recorded and on-site classes. Join us for Zumba and total body conditioning, yoga/seated yoga, core workouts, mindfulness, tai chi and more. Email Well Aware to get the full schedule of classes. Opt in to this email distribution list. Read more.

The Latest from the News Page

It’s National School Lunch Week! We’re showing you how school lunches are made and sharing a few fun facts.
Watch and read more

MCPS hospitality teachers recently received hands-on industry experience at Marriott International.
Read more

Marching with Pride: Paint Branch NJROTC Commemorates 250 Years of Service
Read More

Dates to Remember

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

Tuesday, Oct. 28 –Board of Education’s Facilities and Boundaries Hearing

Thursday, Oct. 30 –Board of Education meeting

Friday, Oct. 31 –Payday

Friday, Oct. 31 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)