Save the Date for FY27 Operating Budget Presentation on Dec. 17

Superintendent Thomas Taylor will deliver his Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Join us virtually by watching online and on TV. Details are coming soon.

The superintendent has heard from staff, parents and community members during listening sessions this week; one has been in person and one virtual. Attendees have raised important questions and shared honest feedback. 

The final operating budget community session is tonight (Dec. 3), from 6:30-8 p.m., at Northwest High School, 13501 Richter Farm Road in Germantown. Parents, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend and offer input on what should be prioritized for next year.

Awards Deadline Extended; Get Those Nominations In!

Do you know outstanding administrators or support professionals? Nominate them for 2026 Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision or the Supporting Services Employee of the Year Award 2026. In addition, the deadline has been extended for the MCPS Teacher of the Year Award—send in your names by Dec. 5 and completed applications by Dec. 23. Be sure to check out all the awards and get those nominations in. Celebrate your amazing coworkers today!

In Case You Missed It …

During the Montgomery County Board of Education meeting on Nov. 20, the Board elected Grace Rivera-Oven as president, and Brenda Wolff as vice president. Grace Rivera-Oven began her first term as president on Dec. 1.

We Need to Hear From You!

The 2025–2026 Districtwide Culture and Climate Survey is 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.

Sign Up Today for Higher Ed Partnership Program

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

Save the Date: Used Car, Computer Sale Coming Dec. 6

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. Inventory is now posted.

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. You can change your contribution at any time by logging in to the Fidelity website or by calling Fidelity at 1-800-343-0860.

Get Your Comments In!

The Board of Education is seeking public 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. Comments are due Wednesday, Dec. 17 and Monday, Jan. 26.

See the draft policies and submit comments.

Reminders

• FY 2027 Operating Budget Listening Session: Tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Northwest High School, 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown.

• Caregiver Support: Join the Employee Assistance Program at 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11 for a webinar on Building Foundations of Caregiving. Register.

• MLK Week of Service Planning Workshop: A one-hour, virtual planning workshop for staff to learn more about service projects during Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11.

• Division of Transportation Services Info Booth: Learn how you can have a rewarding career from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd. in Bethesda.

• Fundamentals of Retirement Income Planning Webinar: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m. For anyone starting to plan for retirement who wants to learn about the key considerations for building an income plan. Register.

Caring for Yourself While Leading Others

Are you an MCPS supervisor, administrator or in another leadership role? Join the MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for supervisory training on Caring for Yourself While Leading Others: 

• Leader Well-Being, noon on Thursday, Dec. 11. Register on PDO, course #92916, section 143000.
• Cultivating Psychological Safety, noon on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Register on PDO course #92917, section #143006.
• Non-Defensive Communication with Employees, noon on Friday, March 20, 2026. Register on PDO course #92918, section #143007.

Know a Budding Scientist or Engineer?

Registration is open for the Montgomery County Science Fair, which offers middle and high school scientists and engineers an opportunity to showcase their work and compete for cash prizes.

Students in the Senior Division have the opportunity to advance to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), while Middle School Division participants can qualify for the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC).

Learn more and Register.

Who’s Lighting It Up This Week?

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.

Are You Ready to Cook?

Are you looking for some healthy holiday recipes? Follow along with this seasonal cooking demonstration at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec.18. Chefs will create a meal based on the winter season and provide an interactive demonstration with cooking and nutrition tips.

Email Well Aware to register. Once registered, you will receive webinar log-in information and the recipes.

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, in person from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, or ordered online and delivered directly to Rocking Horse Road Center, to the attention of Lisa Conlon.

From the News Page

• From Classroom to Community: Longview School’s adapted art teacher Sara Lucas-Dreiss leads students in making all kinds of art, some of which is sold to raise money for the school. The bestselling item: student-made stationery.

• Latin Dance Lights Up the Stage: The annual competition at the Music Center at Strathmore was a night full of rhythm, passion and spectacular performances. 

• Bridging School and Home: MCPS celebrated National Family Engagement Month, recognizing the essential role families play in a child’s learning, growth and overall well-being.

• Giving Thanks: For the 47th year, Walter Johnson High School welcomed about 150 senior citizens for a Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 20.

Dates to Remember

Saturday, Dec. 6 – SAT administration
Thursday, Dec. 11 – Board of Education meeting
Friday, Dec. 12 – Payday
Saturday, Dec. 13 – ACT administration