Budget Discussions and Possible Impacts

Yesterday (May 12), Superintendent Thomas Taylor shared an important message with all staff regarding the operating budget for the upcoming school year. We recognize that this information may be difficult and that there is understandable concern about what the coming weeks could mean for MCPS employees and schools. It is important to note that the information shared yesterday was to communicate about possible impacts based on budget scenarios currently under consideration by the Montgomery County Council—not final decisions.

MCPS leadership, alongside our employee associations, continues to strongly advocate for the funding needed to support our staff, students and schools. Final budget decisions have not yet been made and will depend on actions taken by the Montgomery County Council in the coming days and the Board of Education on Thursday, June 4. MCPS remains committed to keeping staff informed and sharing updates as more verified information becomes available throughout the budget process.

myMCPS Classroom (Canvas) Update

As a result of the recent Canvas (myMCPS Classroom) owned by Instructure Inc. cyber incident, MCPS Technology Teams are continuing to evaluate and re-enable connections to our instructional platforms that use Canvas. We are waiting on a response for a targeted timeline for when Instructure will re-connect with our Student Information System for the grade sync. Gradebook grades listed in reports and gradebook dashboards will be updated as soon as the Canvas-Synergy sync is restarted by Instructure. Once this information is shared, an MCPS  Tech Advisory will be sent, including instructions on resubmitting failed submissions, and potential adjusted deadlines for MCPS grade submissions.

This cybersecurity incident was not unique to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Institutions across the country and globally were impacted by this attack. MCPS was a target of a situation created by outside actors and outside of our control. As with all cybersecurity events, we ask that all staff continue to be cautious with unexpected and suspicious emails that may be phishing attempts. If you suspect something, forward the email to abuse@mcpsmd.org for review.

Thank you for your continued patience. Additional updates will be shared as more verified information becomes available and you can view the Instructure updates at the Security Incident Update & FAQs | Instructure.

Student Stars Shine Bright

Dozens of MCPS high school seniors were recognized for their accomplishments in dance, theatre performance, technical theatre, choral and instrumental music, media arts, and 2D and 3D visual art at the 25th annual Superintendent’s All-County Visual and Performing Arts Celebration on May 11 at Seneca Valley High School. 

The event featured performances from Thomas S. Wootton High School, Seneca Valley High School Theatre, Quince Orchard High School Theatre and the All-County Dance team. 
Check out the photo gallery and see all the honorees.

Summer Work Schedule Update

Some of our colleagues have been asking: Is there a 4-day workweek this summer? MCPS explored expanding access to four-day workweek schedules for additional staff during the summer months. This year, that effort will not move forward due to the complexity of operational needs, staffing responsibilities, scheduling and compensation considerations that could not be fully resolved in time.

Important to Know: Summer school programs will operate on a four-day schedule as planned. Additionally, some employees in MCAAP/MCBOA may continue to have access to four-day schedules based on their existing association agreement. Staff members with questions should speak directly with their supervisor.

From the Employee Assistance Program

Join the EAP for a financial wellness webinar on Financial Planning with a Purpose at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Learn more on the MCPS EAP website and register.

Important Benefits Information for 10-Month Employees Retiring This Year

Ten-month MCPS employees retiring July 1, Aug. 1 or Sept. 1 will continue their employee benefits coverage through Sept. 30, 2026. Find out how this impacts the start date of your retiree benefits and your Medicare enrollment timeline.

Medicare and Retirement: Key Information for MCPS Employees

If you or your eligible dependent is Medicare-eligible, be sure to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B three months before you retire to maintain medical benefits through MCPS.

May Is National High Blood Pressure Education Month

One in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, a dangerous condition that can lead to serious health complications. But, there are ways to control it. During National High Blood Pressure Education Month, have your blood pressure checked and, if it is elevated, ask your doctor to recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications to manage it.

Hispanic Alliance for Education Honors Distinguished Scholars

The Hispanic Alliance for Education (HAE) celebrated 27 high school seniors during its 30th annual Distinguished Hispanic Scholars Recognition Ceremony on May 12. The event honored students for academic excellence, leadership and community service.

Updated ParentVue App Launches May 15

The ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps are being refreshed with a new look and customized options. Starting Friday, May 15, an upgraded version of the apps will be available. Parents will be prompted to update their ParentVUE mobile app. A step-by-step guide will explain all the new features, including notification preferences, enhanced account management and quick access for what you use most. Watch the video and learn more.

MCPS Student Historians to Compete on National Stage

Sixteen projects from MCPS students at five middle schools and four high schools were selected to advance to the National History Day competition June 14-18 at the University of Maryland, College Park. Montgomery County's contest in March sent two projects in each category and division to the state contest, which took place on May 2.

2026 Sustainability Poster Contest Winners

MCPS students and staff recently participated in the 2026 Sustainability Poster Contest. The focus of the contest was to increase awareness and demonstrate the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling through creative artwork. This year's entries highlighted the students' and staff members' commitment to sustainability and encouraged others to be responsible environmental stewards.

More Than Half of MCPS Schools Now Certified Maryland Green Schools

MCPS continues its leadership in environmental education and stewardship, with 10 additional schools earning the prestigious 2026 Maryland Green Schools designation, bringing the district's total to an impressive 123 certified Green Schools. This achievement signifies that 58 percent of all MCPS schools have attained this recognition, surpassing the 50 percent target set by Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan.

The newly recognized schools include these elementary schools: Bel Pre, Burtonsville, Clopper Mill, Oak View, Dr. Sally K. Ride, Stonegate, Twinbrook and Waters Landing. Paint Branch and Watkins Mill high schools have also achieved this honor.

Excellence in Action

MCPS is stronger because of the dedication of our staff. Throughout our schools and offices, individuals lead with care, professionalism and a commitment to excellence. Join us in recognizing these outstanding staff members and the latest Unleashing Potential Award winners.

2026 Special Education Resource Fair

The 2026 Special Education Resource Fair brought together families from all over Montgomery County at Paint Branch High School on Saturday, May 9. The fair featured tables from MCPS resources and community partners, a raffle, live cooking and demonstrations, food trucks and games and entertainment for kids.

Students Invited to Compete, Create and Plan for College

Students in Grades 3–12 are invited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by entering the American Heroes Student Art Contest. Participating students can choose a hero from the provided list and create an original, handmade two-dimensional artwork and a 200-word artist statement (100 words for elementary students). Win a trip to the award ceremony at the Great American State Fair in July. Submissions are due Monday, June 1. Learn more.

Montgomery College (MC) is providing $1,000 tuition scholarships to Montgomery County residents who are spring 2026 graduates from a Montgomery County high school and are taking at least six MC credit hours this fall. The “Raptor Ready” Scholarships can only be applied to fall 2026 tuition and fees. Applications are due Monday, Aug. 3. The first 1,000 eligible applicants will be considered, with others added to a waitlist.

It’s Here: Gaithersburg Book Festival Is Saturday, May 16

Time to party, book lovers! The 17th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival returns this Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg.

The festival features workshops for aspiring authors, a children's village, author appearances, book signings and discussions, book sales, and the announcement of the winners of the high school poetry contest. This year’s author lineup includes Ashburton Elementary School art teacher Jonathan Roth, space loving author-illustrator of books for kids, including the graphic novel series “Rover and Speck;” Kristin Kowalski Ferragut, a Gaithersburg Middle School special education teacher, who has written full-length poetry collections, songs and a children’s book, “Becoming the Enchantress,” and former Watkins Mill High School educator Sara Goodman Confino, the best-selling author of five novels, with her sixth, “Off the Record,” coming soon.

Admission and shuttle service from Shady Grove Metro and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds are free.

Reminders

• Ready to Save a Life?: Learn hands‑only CPR and how to use an AED at MedStarHealth’s 3rd Annual Bystander CPR Workshop from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Montgomery Blair High School. Register.
• Fore the Kids Golf Tournament: Monday, June 8 at Montgomery Country Club, to benefit students at John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents.

Dates to Remember

Friday, May 15 – Payday

Thursday, May 21 – Board of Education meeting

Friday, May 22 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day; schools and offices closed

Wednesday, May 27 – Non-instructional day; no school for students and teachers (All Schools)

Friday, May 29 – Payday