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May 20, 2026 |
Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget: What’s Next |
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During the Board of Education meeting tomorrow (May 21), MCPS staff will provide an important update following last week’s Montgomery County Council actions related to expected funding levels for next year’s operating budget. The discussion will include the potential impact on schools, staffing, programs and services, as well as next steps in the budget process.
Watch tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting. The Board is scheduled to take final action on the MCPS operating budget on Thursday, June 4.
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From the Employee Assistance Program |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We can all work together to increase awareness and acceptance, and reduce prejudice and discrimination about mental illness. Your mental health matters — it’s important to prioritize time to care for yourself. Check out this on-demand webinar on Building Resiliency.
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Graduating With More: Students Earn High School Diplomas and Associate Degrees |
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Nearly 450 students were honored in a dual-enrollment recognition ceremony on May 19 at Montgomery College. These students graduated with a high school diploma and an associate degree through Montgomery College. See who was recognized, view the photos and watch the ceremony.
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A Few Minutes Today Can Save You Money in 2027 |
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A small step can make a big difference. Complete your annual Wellness Initiatives health risk assessment to gain valuable insight into your health and get a clear picture of your current health status. Plus, complete it by Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, and MCPS will reward you with a 1 percent reduction in your 2027 health insurance premiums.
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Retiring This Year? Keep Reading! |
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Are you retiring this year, but not yet eligible for Medicare? The Wellness Initiatives program is available to you. If you plan to participate in the program for 2027 as a retiree, there are a couple of things you need to know — complete a biometric health screening and health risk assessment by Oct. 2, 2026.
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New ParentVue Features Are Here — Update Now! |
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The ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps have been refreshed with a new look and customized options. An upgraded version of the app is now available. A step-by-step guide explains all the new features, including notification preferences, enhanced account management and quick access for what you use most. Watch the video and learn more.
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Upcoming Schedule Reminders |
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Just a reminder that MCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday. Wednesday, May 27 is a non-instructional day; there will be no school for students and teachers.
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Student Opportunities |
- 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 this list and create original, handmade two-dimensional artwork and a 200-word artist statement (100 words for elementary students). 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.
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Grow Your Practice This Summer With Specialized Training Opportunities |
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The Department of Special Education Service is holding summer professional learning opportunities for special education teachers and paraeducators. These opportunities were developed in response to staff interest in specialized training that supports high-quality instruction and student success; they will provide staff with research-based strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
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My Future Fairs Help Families Explore New High School Options |
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Families of Grade 7 students are invited to attend My Future Fair information sessions to learn more about the high school options available in MCPS. Beginning in fall 2027, MCPS will launch a new Regional High School Model, expanding access to specialized programs across the county. Current Grade 7 students will be the first to benefit from these expanded opportunities. Students may choose to apply to regional programs based on their interests. These programs are designed to expand opportunities, not replace the strong programs available at every high school.
All in-person sessions will be available in English and Spanish. Each session will include an overview of high school options available at the local school and within the region. It is recommended that families attend the meeting for their region for specific information; however, families may choose to attend any meeting.
For more information, visit the High School Regional Programs webpage. For questions about the information meetings, send an email or call 240-740-7800.
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Check It Out! Booked for the Summer Digital Guide |
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As we head into the summer break in less than a month, MCPS wants students to stay engaged, active and fully supported. MCPS is excited to unveil Booked for the Summer, your digital guide to navigating the summer months!
What’s inside?
Academic Boosts: Fast access to summer learning programs like IGNITE Middle School Academy and Summer School.
- Community Fun: Direct links to the Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge and free activities in county parks.
- Wellness & Support: Information on summer meal sites and mental health resources to keep kids healthy and ready for the fall.
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Join the Conversation to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness |
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Join MCPS’ McKinney-Vento Unit for a morning session on supporting students experiencing homelessness. This event will be from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 108 in Rockville. It is designed for nonprofit, shelter and community partners, but is open to all.
The session is a chance to dig into the McKinney-Vento Act in a clear, practical way — what it is, who it supports and how it protects the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness. You will also learn how the team at MCPS works every day to identify, support and advocate for students in housing transitions.
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Excellence Every Day |
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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.
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Families Invited to Learn About Coming Math Changes |
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MCPS is moving to a new instructional model focused on building a stronger mathematical foundation and developing confident mathematical thinkers.
Beginning next year, MCPS will implement a cluster model for mathematics instruction. Cluster grouping is designed to allow students to move into advanced learning opportunities as they become ready. Classes will be organized to reduce the broad range of instructional levels within a classroom, which will make it more manageable for teachers to plan instruction effectively, differentiate learning experiences, and provide timely support and enrichment for students.
This model will begin in 2026-2027 for Grade 4 students only, with additional grade levels the following year. If your child is a rising fourth grader, your school will be in touch soon to share details. MCPS will also host the following community meetings for families to learn more. All meetings are from 7-8:15 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 26, Rosa M. Parks Middle School, 19200 Olney Mill Road, Olney
- Tuesday, June 2, virtual
- Tuesday, June 9, Silver Creek Middle School, 3701 Saul Road, Kensington
- Tuesday, June 16, virtual
Mathematics
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Community Events & Reminders |
- *NEW* Twinbook Elementary School in Rockville is hosting a Community Care Day from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. This family-friendly event to improve the school grounds will help create a welcoming environment for Twinbrook students. Volunteer!
- 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.
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Dates to Remember
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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
Wednesday, June 3 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)
Thursday, June 4 – Board of Education work session
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