Celebrating Educator Excellence

Two MCPS educators are being honored for their committed and inspirational work in the classroom. 

Nicole Murray-Lewis, history teacher at James Hubert Blake High School, has been elected to serve as the teacher member on the State Board of Education. Now in her 28th year of teaching, Murray-Lewis teaches on-level and honors 9th grade U.S. history. Previously, she spent 24 years at Gaithersburg High School. Read more. 

John Glodek of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School was named Middle School Physical Educator Teacher of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators Maryland (SHAPE MD), during its annual convention on Nov. 15. Glodek has taught P.E. at MLK since 2002.
Read more.

Engagement Sessions Set for Dec. 1-4 for Additional Boundary Options

MCPS is hosting a new round of engagement sessions on the Woodward/Northwood and Crown/Damascus boundary studies during the first week of December. Four will be virtual; two will be in person. Additional boundary options will be shared for each of the current boundary studies. These additional boundary options do not replace the current boundary options (A–D) that have already been released.

Join Us for Operating Budget Listening Sessions in December

MCPS is hosting three community listening sessions to discuss the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Operating Budget. Join Superintendent Thomas Taylor and MCPS leadership to share your insights on what should be prioritized for next year. Parents, staff, students and community members are encouraged to ask questions and engage in the conversation.

We Need to Hear From You!

The 2025–2026 Districtwide Culture and Climate Survey is now available — and we need to hear from you! Your feedback helps to ensure that every student and family in every school feels included, supported and ready to thrive. All employees 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.

MCPS Educational Foundation Offering Project Grants to Staff

MCPS Educational Foundation (MCPSEF) 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. This year, the MCPSEF is also offering funding to successful projects that can be scaled from one school or office to another.Applications are due Monday, Dec. 1.

Don’t Delay; Nominate Today!

Nominations are now open for teacher, supporting services and principal awards. For the 2025–2026 school year, MCPS Teacher of the Year nominations will recognize an exceptional educator at every school. Three educators will be chosen as finalists, and the winner will compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year honors.

Time is Ticking … We Need Your Help!

Do you know of an outstanding MCPS support professional with three or more years of service?  The Supporting Services Employee of the Year Award 2026 is now open for nominations. SEIU Local 500 and MCPS recognize first, second and third place winners in each of SEIU’s eight chapters with monetary awards. The chapters are: Building Services, Food Services, Maintenance, Media and Technology, Office, Paraeducator, Security and Transportation. 

MLK Week of Service Coming in January

MCPS annually recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) with a week of service projects and acts of kindness in schools from Jan. 17-25, 2026. All schools are encouraged to host a service experience. Read more.

Share Your Feedback on the 2026-2027 School Calendar

As MCPS continues to develop the 2026-2027 school calendar, the district is seeking more input from you! Please complete this survey to share input on the proposed draft traditional calendars for the 2026-2027 school year.

BOE Seeking Comment on Four Policies

The Board of Education is seeking comment on proposed amendments to four policies: Policy DIG, Operating Fund Investments, Policy DAA, Fiscal Responsibility and Control, Policy GIG, Funding Retirement/Pension System and Policy IGS, Emerging Technologies in Education.
Read more.

Interested in Driving a School Bus?

Come meet the Division of Transportation Services’ human resources team and learn how you can have a rewarding career with MCPS. Transportation Services will have an information booth at Westfield Montgomery Mall from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, and from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The team will be located at a table outside the Apple store at the mall, which is located at 7101 Democracy Blvd.

Staff Opportunities

Women Making History Award: The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women are now accepting nominations for the 2026 “Women Making History Award,” an honor that recognizes outstanding women in Montgomery County who make significant contributions to their profession and to the community. Nominees must live or work in Montgomery County. High school seniors are also eligible. Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.

Who’s Lighting It Up This Week?

Your colleagues do things every single day to make MCPS shine. Who deserves a round of applause and a gold star? Who is delivering outstanding results? The Unleashing Potential Award celebrates excellence in teamwork, collaboration and peer support across MCPS schools and offices.

Four Students Named Carson Scholars

Four high school juniors have been named Carson Scholars, earning $1,000 college scholarships. Carson Scholars are students in grades 4–11 who excel academically and donate their time and talents to others.

Cultivating Gratitude

Explore how the practice of gratitude can support your well-being and workplace climate in this on-demand webinar from the MCPS Employee Assistance Program. Closed-captioning is available.

Great American Smokeout and Quit for Good Can Help You Stop Smoking … for Good

Ready to quit smoking? Participate in this year’s Great American Smokeout and sign up for Quit for Good, Well Aware’s smoking cessation class. Both can help you successfully live tobacco-free.

Reminders

• 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. More information

• Fidelity is hosting an educational workshop on building a financial plan. Join the webinar at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Register.

Dates to Remember

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
Saturday, Dec. 6 – SAT administration