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August 12, 2026

Volunteer at a Back-to-School Fair

Volunteer at a Back-to-School Fair

Help us welcome MCPS families back for the 2026–2027 school year! 

This year, MCPS is hosting six regional Back-to-School Fairs to kick off the 2026–2027 school year on Saturday, Aug. 22. Three fairs will be held in the morning, and three will be in the afternoon. These events will offer students and their families help with registration, technology, transportation, school meals, school supplies and so much more. We are looking for staff volunteers to help make these events a success. No matter how much time you can offer, your participation will make a difference. Choose a fair that works for you and sign up to help and welcome our families back to school!

Back-to-School Fair Locations and Times: 

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School Safety Starts With Each of Us

School Safety Starts With Each of Us

With less than two weeks left until the start of the school year, there is a lot of excitement in the air and some trepidation. More important than school supplies, schedules and first day outfits, safety at school is on all of our minds. 

Superintendent Taylor emailed a safety message to all staff on Aug. 11. Along with training, secure facilities, strong relationships with law enforcement and mental health supports, we know that relationships and people make the most significant difference in school safety.

So, as we move closer to the first day on Aug. 25, remember:

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Fall Professional Development Course Registration Opens Aug. 17

Fall Professional Development Course Registration Opens Aug. 17

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for the fall semester will be open for registration via the Professional Development Online (PDO) system, starting Monday, Aug. 17. The fall semester runs from October through January. MCPS teachers have priority for course spaces. For details on eligibility, registration and course fees, visit the Continuing Professional Development webpage. Questions? Contact Kerri Davis in the Department of Talent Acquisition.

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New to MCPS? Learn How EAP Can Support You

New to MCPS? Learn How EAP Can Support You

The MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) wishes a warm welcome to new educators starting this week with MCPS at New Employee Orientation! The start of a new job and a new school year can bring up emotions from excitement to uncertainty. Learn more about how the EAP can support you this school year.

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Calendars Available to Help You Plan Your Year

Calendars Available to Help You Plan Your Year

The 2026–2027 Comprehensive Calendar is now available online. All staff members will receive one printed copy of this calendar at their work locations.

New for 2026-2027, this family-friendly calendar replaces the traditional month-view calendar with a simplified, more accessible format. It makes it easier to see at a glance when students are in school, have an early release day, plus winter and spring breaks, helping staff plan ahead while improving readability for all users, including those with visual impairments. 

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Take Time for Yourself: Pre-Service Week Wellness Opportunities

Take Time for Yourself: Pre-Service Week Wellness Opportunities

As MCPS prepares to welcome students back, Pre-Service Week will feature a variety of wellness opportunities designed to help you recharge; learn about resources available through Well Aware, the MCPS employee wellness program; and start the school year feeling energized. Learn more.

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Help Shape the Future of MCPS School Facilities

MCPS is seeking community members to serve on the Facility Advisory Committee for the 2026-2027 school year. Committee members will share their knowledge, experience and perspectives to help inform long-term planning for MCPS school facilities. Members of this committee will advise MCPS on a variety of topics related to the community’s vision for school facilities and planning that are outside the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) time frame, but that may require attention in the 10-15 year time frame or beyond.

Applications are due Friday, Sept. 4.

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Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases to 76 Cents Per Mile

Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increases to 76 Cents Per Mile

The Internal Revenue Service announced that beginning July 13, 2026, the standard mileage rate for the business use of an automobile will be 76 cents a mile, an increase of 3.5 cents per mile from the current 72.5 cent rate. All mileage reimbursement requests from MCPS employees for mileage incurred on or after July 15, 2026, will be processed using the 76-cent rate.

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Reminders

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week!: Save on qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less, plus the first $40 off backpacks. It runs through Saturday, Aug. 15.

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Dates to Remember

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Thursday, Aug. 20 – Board of Education business meeting
Friday, Aug. 21 – Payday
Saturday, Aug. 22 – Regional Back-to-School Fairs
Saturday, Aug. 22 – SAT administration
Monday, Aug. 24 – Student Transition Day
Tuesday, Aug. 25 – First day of school for students

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