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November 05, 2025

2026 Employee Benefits Open Enrollment Has Ended

2026 Employee Benefits Open Enrollment Has Ended

Employee Benefits Open Enrollment ended Friday, Oct. 31. If you enrolled in or made any changes to your benefits during Open Enrollment, your new elections will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Learn more.

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Schools Achieve Significant Gains on State Report Card: 95.5% Earn Three Stars or Higher

Schools Achieve Significant Gains on State Report Card: 95.5% Earn Three Stars or Higher

MCPS continues to demonstrate strong academic momentum, according to the 2024–2025 Maryland School Report Card released by the Maryland State Department of Education. Of the 200 MCPS schools included in the performance evaluation, 95.5% earned a rating of three stars or higher, significantly outpacing the statewide average of 86%. This achievement represents a 1.9% increase for MCPS schools compared to the previous year. Notably, 26 schools increased their rating by one star from the 2023-2024 to the 2024-2025 school year results.

Read the news release.

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Tell Us What You Think!

Tell Us What You Think!

MCPS invites staff to share their experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district. We want to improve our teaching and make our schools and district a more welcoming place for all students, staff and families.

All employees should have received an email invitation to provide confidential feedback. The results help leadership gain valuable insights into employee needs, professional culture and opportunities for growth.

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Awards Season Is Here!

Awards Season Is Here!

It’s time — nominations are now open for teacher, supporting services and principal awards. For the 2025–2026 school year, MCPS Teacher of the Year nominations have been expanded to recognize an exceptional educator at every school. Each school will nominate their own MCPS Teacher of the Year; three will be chosen as finalists. A winner will be selected from the final three; that educator will compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year honors. Read More.

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Don’t Miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 8!

Don’t Miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 8!

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) and it’s not too late for MCPS employees to participate. Visit the MHAW Staff Activities Website to check out the live, recorded and independent practice activities available to build resilience and nurture well-being. And, don’t miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Gaithersburg High School. Learn more.

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Parent-Teacher Conferences Coming Nov. 24-25

Parent-Teacher Conferences Coming Nov. 24-25

Parents will be arriving in schools for parent-teacher conferences on Nov. 24-25. These meetings are a great opportunity for parents to get information about how their child is doing academically and socially. MCPS has tip sheets available to help parents as they speak with teachers. They are translated in seven languages and available for each level — elementary, middle and high.

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Professional Development Opportunities

Professional Development Opportunities

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

November Opportunities

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Don’t Miss Upcoming Boundary & Secondary Programs Analysis Engagement Sessions

Don’t Miss Upcoming Boundary & Secondary Programs Analysis Engagement Sessions

MCPS invites the community to participate in a series of Q&A engagement sessions on the boundary studies and academic programs analysis efforts. See when and where they will be held.

Why It Matters

Academic Programs Analysis Webpage

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Webinar to Discuss Taking Care of Yourself During Menopause

Webinar to Discuss Taking Care of Yourself During Menopause

The transition to menopause can cause challenging physical and mental health changes in women? Join the Employee Assistance Program from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6 to learn about managing these changes and prioritizing your well-being. See the flyer and register.

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Staff Opportunities

Staff Opportunities

Shell Science Teaching Award: The Shell Science Teaching Award recognizes one outstanding K-12 teacher who positively impacts their students and community through exemplary science teaching. The winner receives $10,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Science Teaching Association national conference in the spring of 2026. Applications are due Friday, Dec. 19.

Teaching America250 Awards: The Teaching America250 Awards is an opportunity for K–12 teachers to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Educators can win a $5,000 grant to develop an educational project, field trip or event to engage their students in the principles of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more. Applications are due Sunday, Nov. 16.

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A Celebration of Culture and Community

A Celebration of Culture and Community

The annual Latin Dance Competition is being held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 at the Music Center at Strathmore. The popular event features dance groups from several high schools performing Latin dances. Tickets are now on sale.

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Who’s on Fire This Week?

Who’s on Fire This Week?

Which of your colleagues deserves a giant pat on the back? Going above and beyond? 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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Winter Coat Drive Underway

Winter Coat Drive Underway

The Prekindergarten and Head Start offices are requesting donations of new coats for students in need. Hats, gloves and boots for young children are also welcome. Donations of boys’ and girls’ coats in sizes 4, 5 and 6 are most needed. Suggested items may be found on the Head Start/Pre-K Amazon wish list.

Items can be dropped off at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141 in Rockville. Items may be dropped off in person from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, or may be ordered online and delivered directly to Rocking Horse Road Center, to the attention of Lisa Conlon.

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November Is American Diabetes Month

November Is American Diabetes Month

American Diabetes Month is held in November each year to call attention to this incurable disease and focus on prevention. If you are at risk for diabetes or have symptoms, read how to prevent or delay its onset.

Diabetes and Healthy Eating

Understanding how to manage food and nutrition is essential for individuals living with diabetes, as adhering to a balanced diet plays a crucial role in promoting overall health and vitality. Join Well Aware for its monthly webinar — Diabetes and Healthy Eating — on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Email Well Aware to register. After registering, you will receive a link to the webinar in your Outlook email and an Outlook calendar reminder.

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Reminders

Remembrance and Reconciliation Month: Students can earn two SSL hours for attending an online changemaker workshop on making a difference in your community from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. Learn more. There is also a webinar on the Impact of Montgomery County’s Urban Renewal Programs on African American Communities, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24. Learn more and register.

Cyber Safety for Families: The final webinar in the series will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Job Fair: Know someone interested in being a bus driver or bus attendant? Come see us from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. The fair will be held at the Division of Transportation Services (DOTS), 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. For more information, call 240-740-6080.

Dates to Remember

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Thursday, Nov. 6 – Board of Education’s Capital Budget and CIP (if needed)
Saturday, Nov. 8 – SAT administration
Tuesday, Nov. 11 – Board of Education’s Capital Budget and CIP Work Session
Friday, Nov. 14 – Payday
Thursday, Nov. 20 – Board of Education meeting

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