New Badges = Stronger Safety: What the Colors Mean

You may have noticed—your new MCPS badge looks different. That’s not an accident. The redesigned, color-coded badging system is all about one thing: safety.

In any emergency, seconds matter. Clear, fast identification of roles and areas of responsibility helps first responders, staff and school leaders immediately understand who is in the building and what role they play. These new badges support that goal.

So, What Do the Colors Mean?

• Blue – Administrators, school leaders, Central Services administrators

• Red – Educators

• Purple – Support professionals

• Yellow – Security staff

• White – Contractors, volunteers

This simple visual system strengthens safety across all our buildings by ensuring everyone—and their role—can be identified quickly, whether during the school day or during a serious incident.

Are You Seeing the Correct Safety Poster? CHECK YOUR CLASSROOM

Since the start of this school year, MCPS has been using a new Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergency situations. You’ve seen the new posters in classrooms, hallways, offices and throughout all of our buildings. The new posters clearly communicate the five SRP actions: HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE and SHELTER.  

If you still have an old safety poster hanging, please take it down and discard it — we’ve heard a few are still floating around. The older posters don’t mention HOLD and SECURE, and we want everyone using the same, current guidance so there’s no confusion during an emergency.

Safety is a priority, and we all share responsibility for knowing and communicating what to do during a serious incident. Clear, consistent guidance helps everyone respond quickly and confidently.

Latest EdTalk Focuses on Building Student Leaders

Hosted by Board of Education member Julie Yang, the newest EdTalk podcast discusses the importance and benefits of providing students with leadership experiences and how those experiences are provided. Guests share their leadership journeys and skills they’ve learned along the way

Awards Nomination Time Ticking Down!

The deadlines to submit nominations for MCPS awards is fast approaching—make sure to get those applications in!

• Have an outstanding administrator? Nominate them for the 2026 Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision.

• Work with a terrific support professional? Nominate them for the Supporting Services Employee of the Year Award 2026 or the (new!) Worksite Support Staff Excellence Award. More information on the nomination process for this new SEIU award is coming soon!

• Know a top-notch teacher? The MCPS Teacher of the Year Award is for them!

Be sure to check out all the awards and celebrate your amazing coworkers today!

Save the Date: FY27 Operating Budget Presentation Live Online 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 MCPS TV on cable (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 88).

The superintendent has heard from staff, parents and community members during listening sessions. Attendees have raised important questions and shared honest feedback.

Vote for One of Our Own!

Last month, the Board of Education recognized National Family Engagement Month, celebrating the essential role families play as partners in education and highlighting the shared responsibility of schools, families and communities in supporting student learning and well-being. Don’t miss this story about Family Engagement Specialists and how they bridge the connection between school and home. Check out the photos from a recent team celebration.

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

MCPS Athletics Unveils Redesigned Website

MCPS Athletics has a new website, which includes all the information you’re used to getting—schedules, ticket information, registration and health/safety resources—as well as features from across the county, some written by MCPS students, and stories on “legends” of MCPS athletics. A ticker across the top of the website directly links users to any MCPS high school athletics webpage. The site also features video highlights from around the county, snippets from Instagram, and includes the option to share a sports story. Check it out!

Who’s On Fire 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.

EAP Hosting Financial Education Workshop

Join the Employee Assistance Program for a webinar on Financial Planning in Uncertain Times at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec.16. Learn more and register.

On-Demand Wellness Resources to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Permanent MCPS employees have access to Wellbeats Wellness, a virtual, on-demand fitness, mindfulness and nutrition resource. Join via the mobile app or on your browser for thousands of workouts, routines and classes.

Summer RISE 2025 Host Registration Now Open

Host registration is open for the Summer RISE 2026 program, which will be held from June 22–July 24, 2026. Open your workplace to rising MCPS juniors and seniors for 50 hours of hands-on learning—virtual, in-person or hybrid experiences. Learn more by scheduling an informational meeting or contact Davida Gurstelle at 240-740-5599.

Don’t Forget …

• 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.

From the News Page

• Generations of Giving: How senior volunteers are making a difference at Fields Road Elementary School.

• Inclusive Schools Week: Check out Q&As with Benjamin Banneker Middle School, DuFief Elementary School and Flower Hill Elementary School as MCPS highlights the importance of creating learning environments where every student has the opportunities and access needed to thrive.

• From the Soccer Field Into the Community: Quince Orchard High School varsity soccer players spent time cleaning up and beautifying the Pleasant View Historical Site in Gaithersburg.

Dates to Remember

Thursday, Dec. 11 – Board of Education meeting
Friday, Dec. 12 – Payday
Saturday, Dec. 13 – ACT administration
Monday, Dec. 22—Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Early release days for students (Arcola Elementary School only)
Wednesday, Dec. 24—Thursday, Dec. 25 – Winter break; all schools and offices closed
Friday, Dec. 26—Monday, Dec. 29 – Winter break; no school for students and teachers (All Schools)
Friday, Dec. 26 – Payday
Tuesday, Dec. 30—Wednesday, Dec. 31 – Systemwide closure; all schools and offices closed