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February 18, 2026
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Staff Support During Difficult Times
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Staff may be feeling impacted by the recent violence in our community and at Thomas S. Wootton High School last week. As a reminder, the MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides no-cost and confidential services to MCPS staff, including short-term counseling sessions with a licensed mental health professional, wellness workshops and referrals to community mental health providers for ongoing support. Call the EAP at 240-740-6500 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) to schedule an appointment. After-Hours Support
One important thing to acknowledge is that processing the emotional impact of a school shooting is personal and individualized. There is no “right” way to feel or respond. You may experience intense emotions right away, or notice reactions days or weeks later. It’s important to tune in to yourself, notice what you’re feeling, and respond to what you need with compassion.
Consider the tips below to care for yourself:
Give yourself permission to feel your range of emotions. Consider journaling, drawing and talking to people you trust who can support you. Prioritize time to take care of yourself.
- Drink plenty of water, eat nourishing foods, move your body and find time for restful sleep.
- Focus on aspects of your life that are going well and that you can control.
- Engage in safe activities that bring you joy.
- Make time to unplug and take breaks from the news or social media.
- Consider mindfulness, gentle stretching, yoga, deep breathing or spending time in nature.
Monitor yourself for a change in energy or activity level, sleeping or eating habits, irritability, alcohol or other drug use, difficulty concentrating or feelings of excessive worry. And notice when to seek support from healthcare professionals.
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Celebrating National School Social Work Week
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MCPS is recognizing its social workers during National School Social Work Week March 1–6. This is an opportunity for administrators and supervisors to acknowledge the vital role that social workers play to support students and staff—in addressing mental health well-being, special education behavioral needs, alternative program planning, Child Find initiatives, school-ready and family engagement, contributions to school climate, and equity or restorative practices.
Nominate a social worker today who has shown an exceptional commitment to schools, families, students, staff and the community. Make it quick though; nominations are due Friday, Feb. 20.
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Rockville HS Principal Wins Edward Shirley Award
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Rhoshanda M. Pyles, principal at Rockville High School, is this year’s winner of the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision. This award, given by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP), is presented annually to an administrator or supervisor who exemplifies outstanding leadership and accomplishments in purposeful leadership, instructional or systemwide leadership, human resources development, resource management, interpersonal skills, professional involvement, and community and stakeholder involvement.
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From Career Pivot to Calling: How One Educator Turned Uncertainty Into Impact
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“If you’d asked 17-year-old me if I’d become a teacher, the answer would’ve been no.” Today, Andre’ Wise is helping students discover confidence, belonging, and opportunity — in math, athletics, and beyond. Read how purpose and representation shape his work.
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Ring in the Lunar New Year—Reserve Your Seat for Feb. 26
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Tickets are now on sale for the Lunar New Year scholarship dinner, set for 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at China Garden Han Gong (note new location), 11333 Woodglen Drive in Rockville. (Snow date: Thursday, March 5.)
The annual dinner, presented by the League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP), is a scholarship fundraiser for Asian Pacific American high school seniors interested in pursuing a degree in education. This year’s event celebrates the Year of the Horse.
Individual tickets are $75. Tables for 10 are also available for purchase. Sponsorships are also available.
Buy tickets.
LEAPP Scholarship Banquet 2026
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SEIU Offers Financial Assistance for Student Debt
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Applications for student loan debt relief, which helps eligible employees in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 bargaining unit pay off their student loans sooner, are being accepted as of today, Wednesday Feb. 18. New applicants must attend a workshop to assist in filling out the required forms. The deadline is Tuesday, March 31.
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In Case You Missed It …
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Leul Dawit, a sophomore at Northwood High School, and Reemey Ghermay, a junior at Walter Johnson High School, are the finalists for the 49th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). Elections will be on Wednesday, Apr. 22.
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Latina Legacy Conference Will Be Held March 7
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An event to empower and inspire Latina female high school students, the 4th annual Latina Legacy Conference will be held on Saturday, March 7 at Gaithersburg High School. This event will include networking opportunities, workshops, a keynote address, panel discussion and performances.
This year’s conference is looking for workshop presenters, as well as staff to help set up, break down and chaperone buses. Learn more. Students can register using this form (sign up under the bus they will take or under ‘commuting on own.’)
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See You There!
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Make plans to support our talented student dancers, musicians and filmmakers at these upcoming events:
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Dance Showcase: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 at Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center at the Silver Spring campus (7995 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring). Buy tickets.
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Drumline Showcase: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road in Kensington. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.
- Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival: Watch student-made films from 10 a.m.–noon Saturday, Feb. 21 at Montgomery College, Cultural Arts Center (7995 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring). Buy tickets.
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Feeling the Winter Blues?
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How do you know when a change in mood is serious? Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder in the EAP’s winter newsletter.
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Excellence in Action
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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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Promise to Keep It Safe! And, Other Reminders
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High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to enter the Keeping It Safe essay contest, promising not to drink alcohol before, during or after prom. Two winners will receive limo rides to and from prom for themselves and nine friends. Entries are due Tuesday, March 31. Contest guidelines and essay submissions.
Here are other student, staff and community opportunities:
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Matters of the Heart with Wellbeats
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February is Heart Health Month and Well Aware is highlighting ways to support your heart and your overall well-being. One way is through Wellbeats, which offers supportive fitness, nutrition, and mind-body videos to help you care for your heart.
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