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February 4, 2026
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Behind-the-Scenes Heroes: Snow Cleared, Meals Served
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While some sledded, lounged and basked in the warmth of their homes in the aftermath of last week’s storm, many MCPS employees were braving frigid temperatures to clear snow and scrape ice, working to ready buses to roll and schools to reopen. Others braved the bitter cold to distribute free meals to families. Check out photos of our teams at work: Snow and ice removal and meal distribution. Read more.
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New Personal Information? Update Your Records!
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Does the Employee and Retiree Service Center have your correct address and phone number? How about information for your direct deposit account? Are your beneficiaries up to date? Find out how to make any needed updates to your personal information.
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Reminder: Nominations Open for Service to Education
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The Board of Education is accepting nominations for its 2026 Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. Awards will be presented for:
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Business Partner
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Community Partner
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School Service Volunteer
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Student Service Award
Nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, March 9. Nominations may be submitted in English or Spanish.
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Spotlight on Black History Month
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During Black History Month, the Board of Education is proud to open this month by honoring the power, resilience and enduring legacy of Black history in Montgomery County. Learning, leadership and community first came together at Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac. Built by freed slaves and their descendants and opened in 1924, this space became a foundation for education, support and opportunity long before a formal school existed. Watch Echoes of the Ancestors. |
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Leadership Rooted in Community
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Now in his 25th year with MCPS, Argyle Middle School Principal James Allrich leads through relationships, connection and growth. This Black History Month, he reflects on legacy, leadership and service.
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Preparing Students for Their Futures
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February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a national initiative that recognizes the value of career readiness and impact of its programs. MCPS offers 51 CTE programs across 12 career clusters, serving more than 17,000 students with opportunities for industry credentials, college credit, internships and apprenticeships.
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It’s Freezing Outside … But Here’s Who’s Hot!
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Your colleagues do things every single day to make MCPS shine. Which of your colleagues deserves the spotlight? Who’s knocking it out of the park? See the latest winners of the Unleashing Potential Award.
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Fidelity Offering Webinars to Help Manage Your Finances
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Join MCPS and Fidelity Investments this month for seminars on managing money (via Zoom) and understanding Roth Contributions (in person). Read more.
Tomorrow’s session (Feb. 5), starting at 6 p.m., is on maximizing Social Security in your retirement.
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Reminders
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- Lunar New Year Banquet: This annual scholarship dinner will be held from 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at China Garden Han Gong, 11333 Woodglen Drive in Rockville. Snow date: Thursday, March 5.
- School Counselor of the Year Awards: Completed packets must be submitted by Friday, March 13 (nominees must be notified by Feb. 13).
- Athletic Administration: A seminar from 4:30–7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 will be held for anyone interested in athletic administration within MCPS at the high school level. Register.
- Montgomery County History Day: This March 7 competition is looking for judges to evaluate student work. The event is from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sligo Middle School.
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Coming Soon: Future Administrator and Principal Workshops
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The Division of Human Resources and Talent Management has a yearlong schedule of information and support sessions for aspiring administrators — for those who are interested in the Pre-Qualified Principal (PQP) Pool, Principal Internship, Assistant Principal (AP) Pool and Assistant School Administrator Pool. In-person and virtual sessions are available.
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PQP window open now through June 30, 2026.
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Principal Intern application window open through Jan. 30, 2026. Those who apply after Jan. 30 will be considered for the 2027–2028 internship program.
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AP application window open until July 24, 2026.
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Elevate Your Leadership with EAP Coaching
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TAre you looking to increase your self-awareness and enhance your leadership skills to better support your staff? The MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offering a one-on-one, four-part leadership coaching series to supervisors.
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Transfer Season Now Open
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The MCPS 2026-2027 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season is now open and closes on Tuesday, April 7. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school.
Students are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or are assigned based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Red for a Reason: Heart Health Awareness
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Well Aware invites you to wear red on Friday, Feb. 6. The American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day helps to bring attention to heart disease.
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Save the Dates: A Celebration of Rhythm and Story: Dance, Drumline Showcases & Film Festival
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Three February events showcasing talented student dancers, musicians and filmmakers are coming up:
- Dance Showcase: This 12th annual event will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 at Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center at the Silver Spring campus (7995 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring). Tickets for the public will be available on Saturday, Feb. 14.
- Drumline Showcase: Will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road in Kensington. This event, which will be held indoors, will feature more than 10 high school drumlines. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.
- Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival: Sponsored by the Minority Scholars Program and Listen Tell Media, this event will feature student-made films from 10 a.m.–noon on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Montgomery College, Cultural Arts Center (7995 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring). Buy tickets or a sponsorship.
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Good News — Credit Union Supports Auto Trades with Van Donation
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Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has donated two 2019 Ford Transit Connect vans to the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF). The vans will be refurbished and resold by high school students through the ATF’s automotive technology program. The donation continues nearly two decades of partnership supporting ATF’s student-run auto sales and affordable financing for community buyers.
“By donating these vans, Educational Systems FCU is helping students apply real-world skills in maintenance, safety and sales while advancing a program that also provides affordable, reliable vehicles to local families,” said Girado Smith, president/CEO of Educational Systems FCU.
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Flights to Fitness: The Power of Stair Climbing
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Join Well Aware, the MCPS wellness program, for this winter’s Flights to Fitness. Climb iconic U.S. landmarks — or their equivalent — in flights of stairs. Learn more.
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From the News Page
Maryland State SMOB Finalist: Lorena Wu, a sophomore at Poolesville High School, has been selected as one of two finalists for the 2026-2027 Student Member of the Maryland State Board of Education.
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Dates to Remember
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Thursday, Feb. 5 – Board of Education work session, with spring Facilities and Boundaries presentation
Friday, Feb. 6 – Payday
Friday, Feb. 13 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)
Saturday, Feb. 14 – ACT administration
Monday, Feb. 16 – Presidents’ Day; all schools and offices closed
Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Non-instructional day; no school for students and teachers (All Schools)
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