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November 12, 2025
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Share Your Feedback on the 2026-2027 School Calendar
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As MCPS continues to develop the 2026-2027 school calendar, the district is seeking more input from you!
Please complete this second survey to share input on the proposed draft traditional calendars for the 2026-2027 school year.
Your feedback represents an important component of the development process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, and alignment with assessment schedules.
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MCPS Welcomed Furloughed Federal Families for Lunch and Career Connections
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Last week, schools across our district invited parents and guardians, who are furloughed federal government employees, to eat lunch with their students. Nearly 1,600 RSVP’d and close to 1,900 parents and guardians joined their children for lunch. At the same time, more than 120 guests attended the Central Office pop-up job fair to explore career opportunities within the district
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Don’t Delay; Nominate Today!
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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.
This year, MCPS is partnering with MCEA and SEIU respectively to expand the nominations and recognition process, shining an even brighter light on the many outstanding employees who make a difference every day. MCAAP continues to play an important role in identifying school and central office leaders for the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision.
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Introducing Roth Contributions in 2026
Good news! Starting Jan. 1, 2026, employees can boost their retirement savings in their MCPS Fidelity 403(b) and 457(b) retirement savings plans with the new Roth contribution option and higher catch-up limits for those aged 60-63.
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How Do the Changes to SNAP Affect School Meals?
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Students directly certified for free meals under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue to receive meal benefits for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year. Students newly eligible for SNAP benefits when their applications are processed will also qualify for free school meals this school year. Parents/guardians who are furloughed can apply for Free and Reduced-price Meals for their children here.
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BOE Seeking Comment on Emerging Technologies
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The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to Board Policy IGS, Emerging Technologies in Education, to update guiding principles for integrating emerging technologies into MCPS operations and instruction. The policy has been available for comment since Oct. 27, 2025. Public comments are due by Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
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Tell Us What You Think!
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MCPS invites staff to share their experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district. The district wants to improve its teaching and make the 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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Fidelity Offering Webinars to Help Manage Your Finances
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Join MCPS and Fidelity Investments this month for webinars on preserving your savings and building a financial plan.
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Know Someone Interested in Being a Bus Driver or Bus Attendant?
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Come see the Division of Transportation Services (DOTS) during its job fair from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. The fair will be held at 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. For more information, call 240-740-6080. |
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Save the Date: Used Car, Computer Sale Coming Dec. 6
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Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Gaithersburg High School. The school is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. The sale will be held in the auto bays (school entrance near Summit Avenue).
The cars and computers are refurbished and reconditioned by the students as part of their classroom and lab studies. The sales provide students with the opportunity to practice their sales skills, earn Student Service Learning hours and develop an appreciation for community involvement.
Inventory will be posted as the sale gets closer.
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Who’s Lighting It Up This Week?
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Your colleagues do things every single day to make MCPS shine. Which of your colleagues deserves a giant pat on the back? Who’s knocking it out of the park? The Unleashing Potential Award celebrates excellence in teamwork, collaboration and peer support across MCPS schools and offices.
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EAP Hosting Financial Webinar on Planned Giving
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Join the Employee Assistance Program for a financial wellness webinar on planned giving at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. This webinar will cover charitable trusts, one-time gifts vs. ongoing gifts, and tax ramifications to families and estates.
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Rock Terrace Hosting Dec. 5 Winter Market, Seeking Vendors
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Rock Terrace School is hosting a Winter Market from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. This will be an evening filled with shopping, fun and community spirit. The school is looking for local businesses, crafters and artisans to showcase their gifts, crafts and treats. Admission is free; the vendor table fee is $25. For questions, send an email to ptsgrockterraceschool@gmail.com.
The school is located at 11400 Marcliff Road in Rockville.
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Self-Care Is Not Selfish
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Wellbeats Wellness offers many resources to help you care for your whole well-being. This November, make space for self-care with help from the Wellness Time Savers program. Log in to Wellbeats to get started. Learn more.
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Reminders
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Smith Center Community Service Day: Happening from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. There will be a variety of tasks available, including painting/staining, splitting firewood and expanding recreational opportunities for students. Students can earn Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating, but they must be accompanied by an adult. More info and RSVP.
- Remembrance and Reconciliation Month: Students can earn one SSL hour for attending 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.
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Dates to Remember
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Friday, Nov. 14 – Payday
Thursday, Nov. 20 – Board of Education meeting
Monday, Nov. 24—Tuesday, Nov. 25 – Early release days for students (All Schools)
Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Systemwide closure; schools and offices closed (All Schools)
Thursday, Nov. 27—Friday, Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving; all schools and offices closed
Friday, Nov. 28 – Payday
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