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February 25, 2026
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From Every Campus, A Champion: MCPS Announces Its Teacher of the Year Nominees
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Teacher of the Year finalists from last school year — left to right, Superintendent Thomas Taylor, Meredith Luther, Pete Beach and Megan Campbell.
For this school year, every school was asked to nominate an exceptional educator for the MCPS Teacher of the Year Award. From this field, three finalists will be selected — one each from the elementary, middle and high school levels — and one winner will move on to compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year honors.
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Investing in Excellence: 270 Educators Earn National Board Certification
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A total of 270 MCPS educators achieved National Board Certification in December; another 46 successfully maintained their certifications. This brings the total number of National Board Certified educators in MCPS to 1,205, the most in Maryland.
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A Month of Reflection and Recognition
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As MCPS continues celebrating Black History Month, the Board of Education presents this Leading for the Future video featuring Monique Ashton, the first Black Latina woman to serve as Mayor of Rockville. In this special, Ashton reflects on leadership, representation and the responsibility of opening doors for others. She discusses what it means to lead with courage and purpose.
And, meet Natlie Jenifer, a paraeducator at Odessa Shannon Middle School, whose commitment to students is rooted in a powerful family legacy. From her 4th great-grandfather’s secret school in the 1800s to her modern-day lunch bunches and leadership in the Minority Scholars Program, Ms. Jenifer helps every student find their “aha” moment. Read more about how she connects history to the classroom.
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Nominations Open for R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award
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Nominations are now open for the Department of Athletics’ R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award, given to an individual who exemplifies the R.A.I.S.E. core values in a leadership role for the 2025–2026 school year. The submission deadline is noon on Friday, March 6.
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Take Two Simple Steps to Reduce Your 2027 Health Plan Costs
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MCPS employees enrolled in a Cigna or Kaiser Permanente medical insurance plan can learn more about their health and reduce their 2027 health insurance premium contributions by participating in the Wellness Initiatives program.
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Do You Have Your Ticket? Last Day to Buy for Lunar New Year Dinner
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It’s the final day to buy a ticket for the Lunar New Year scholarship dinner, which will be tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 26) at China Garden Han Gong, 11333 Woodglen Drive in Rockville. Individual tickets are $75. Sponsorships for tables of 10 can also be reserved. A limited amount of tickets will be sold at the door.
The annual event—this year celebrates the Year of the Horse—is a scholarship fundraiser for Asian Pacific American high school seniors interested in pursuing a degree in education.
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Prekindergarten and Head Start Fall Registration Now Open
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Prekindergarten and Head Start registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open online. Free prekindergarten is available to income-eligible families with children who will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2026.
Parents can apply online or in-person at community locations during March. Families may also visit the Prekindergarten/Head Start office at 4910 Macon Road in Rockville, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information on free programs located in public and private settings, visit the MCPS Prekindergarten/Head Start website or call 240-740-4530.
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Updates to the 2025–2026 Calendar After Snow Days
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At its business meeting on Feb. 19, the Board of Education adopted technical amendments to the 2025–2026 school year calendar. The last day of school is now Friday, June 26.
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In Case You Missed It …
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Speaking to MCPS staff, Superintendent Thomas Taylor and Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven recently shared a brief video message and resources that reaffirm who we are as a school community and clarified the roles as MCPS employees during times of heightened concern, specifically as it relates to immigration enforcement. With amplified immigration enforcement likely to occur in Maryland and Montgomery County, it is essential staff is prepared by knowing their roles, responsibilities and how each of us can help best. More information is available in an Outlook email to staff on Feb. 19.
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Board of Education Approves Amended FY 2027 Operating Budget
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Last week, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved a $3.78 billion Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget. The amended budget proposal, presented by Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor, is a 5.2% increase over current spending, and has moved to the County Council for review.
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Learn Estate Planning Essentials at March 11 Webinar
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Join the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Foundation for Financial Education for a webinar on Estate Planning Best-Kept Secrets at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. This webinar will cover a variety of topics, including wills and trusts, tax-free inheritance, choosing an executor, and dealing with death and estate taxes.
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Spotlights, Songs and Showstoppers: Find a Performance Near You!
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Live theater is back! From High School Musical and Alice in Wonderland to Frozen, Annie, Jr. and more, check out the Fine Arts calendar or your school’s website to find a show near you.
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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 this week’s winners of the Unleashing Potential Award.
Every day, MCPS staff go above and beyond to help our school community shine. Which of your colleagues deserves to be recognized? Who is truly making an impact? Take a moment to celebrate this week’s Unleashing Potential Award winners.
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Dancers Dazzle at Annual Showcase
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Student dancers from eight schools boogied and showed off their moves during the annual Dance Showcase on Feb. 20. Students from the following schools performed: A. Mario Loiederman and White Oak middle schools and Albert Einstein, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, James Hubert Blake, John F. Kennedy, Northwood and Wheaton high schools. There were also performances from the All-County Middle School and High School Dance Ensembles.
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Reminders
- Service to Public Education Awards: The deadline for the Board of Education’s annual awards is Monday, March 9.
- Debt Relief: Workshops to learn more about financial assistance for student debt are happening five more times in March for SEIU Local 500 members. Application deadline: Tuesday, March 31.
- Drumline Showcase: Friday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. Albert Einstein High School, featuring more than 10 high school drumlines. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.
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Buy Used Cars and Computers: From 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus
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