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August 26, 2026 |
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And, We’re Back! |
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As MCPS welcomes back more than 150,000 students to the 2026-2027 school year, the district is committed to student success, classroom focus and strong community partnerships. Read more about this year’s highlights, see photos from the first day, hear the excitement from staff and families in the first day video and take a moment to celebrate the return to school with students, staff and Superintendent Taylor in this back-to-school welcome message.
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Heroes at Sherwood |
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Today, Sherwood High School staff members and EMTs were recognized by Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor for their quick actions and care during a medical emergency. Join us in celebrating Ariana Peralta, Nathan Hilburger, Tamara Jennings, Christina Baldwin, Glenn Miller, Keri Sykora, Irene Gumucio and Patrick Cilento. Thank you for taking care of one another and showing all of us what Team MCPS looks like when it matters most.
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New Spaces, New Beginnings: MCPS Cuts the Ribbon at Three Schools |
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On Aug. 21, MCPS celebrated the completion of construction projects with official ribbon cuttings at Burtonsville Elementary School, JoAnn Leleck Elementary School and Poolesville High School. Montgomery County Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor were joined by school leaders, elected officials and community members to commemorate the events. See the photos and watch the video.
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MCPS Welcomes 26 Principals |
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More than 150,000 students headed back to classrooms on Aug. 25 for the 2026–2027 school year. The Bulletin asked the district’s 26 new principals (newly hired or new to their school) to share a fun or interesting fact with The Bulletin and their school communities. Here’s what they had to say.
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Setting Up Students for a Confident Start |
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MCPS held its second annual Transition Day on Aug. 24, an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings by fostering belonging, familiarity and preparedness. Students got a head start on navigating their new schools before the first official day, as staff helped them adjust to new environments, routines and expectations. They met principals and teachers, toured buildings, practiced routines and connected with classmates. See photos and watch the video.
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Show Us Your Welcome Back! |
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Are you doing something fun, new or different to welcome students back this year? We want to share it with the MCPS community!
Send us your photos and videos, or tag MCPS on social media so we can see how you’re kicking off the new school year. Need some inspiration? Watch how Poolesville Elementary School is welcoming back its students.
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Need Benefits, Pay or Leave Info? Start With Hub+ |
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MCPS Hub+, the MCPS human capital management system, is your gateway to employment-related business and work-related tasks. The system provides easy access to online benefits, leave, pay and retirement resources and much more. Discover Hub+.
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2026 Retirement Benefit Statements Available on PenPoint |
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Employee Retirement Benefit Statements as of June 30, 2026, are now available on PenPoint, the MCPS self-service, online retirement system. Your statement shows personal data, such as plan membership, the dates you become eligible for normal and early retirement, and your projected retirement benefits. Learn more.
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Full Paycheck Deductions Resume Sept. 18 |
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The Sept. 18, 2026, pay date will be the first of the academic year in which employees will see the full range of deductions withheld from their paychecks. Learn more.
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Six Fairs, One Big Welcome: MCPS Kicks Off the School Year |
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Thousands of MCPS students, parents and community members joined school system staff and community partners on Saturday, Aug. 22, to kick off the 2026-2027 school year at its six Back-to-School Fairs. It was the first time MCPS held regional fairs spread throughout the county. Students and their families were able to meet their principals, get their questions answered, pick up school supplies and important resources from community organizations, government agencies and after-school providers, and have a little fun. Check out the photos and watch the video.
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Be Kind to Yourself as You Start the School Year |
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During the first week of school, there are bound to be moments of joy and also moments of frustration as we all adjust to a new school year. Remember to be kind to yourself and others as we each settle into new routines this year. Join the MCPS EAP for a recorded self-compassion break.
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In Case You Missed It: MCPS High Schools Lead Maryland in U.S. News Rankings |
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Five schools have been recognized as some of the top public high schools in Maryland, according to the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, with Poolesville High School earning second place in the state. Read more.
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Let’s Hear It for Our Great Staff |
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We’re bringing back the MCPS Fire Ribbons for the 2026–2027 school year! After launching the recognition last year, we’re excited to continue celebrating the people who make a difference through teamwork, collaboration and peer support.
The Fire Ribbon is a peer-to-peer, crowdsourced recognition that shines a light on the colleagues who go above and beyond to support their teams and school communities. It’s a celebration of the everyday actions that build a strong culture and reflect our shared MCPS values of community, service and excellence.
Stay tuned as we celebrate our 2026–2027 Fire Ribbon Award winners throughout the school year! View the list.
As a reminder, the process to submit Fire Ribbons has changed. Please check in with your principal to learn how.
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Share Your Feedback on the 2027-2028 School Year Calendar |
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MCPS is seeking input as it works to develop the 2027-2028 school calendar. Please complete this survey to share your input.
Your feedback represents an important component of the development process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, and assessment schedules aligned to MCPS Board Policy IDA, School Year Calendar.
Take the survey.
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Shop the Gear Store! It’s for a Very Good Cause |
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All proceeds from the sale of MCPS-branded merchandise help pay down student meal debt — so you can show your MCPS pride while supporting students! Products in the online store will change with the seasons, so be sure to check back regularly for new items. Check out the shop.
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Fall Into Wellness: Find a Class That’s Right for You! |
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This fall, Well Aware continues to offer a variety of live virtual, recorded and onsite classes to fit your schedule and interests. Choose from Zumba, total body conditioning, yoga and seated yoga, core workouts, mindfulness, tai chi and more. With options for all fitness levels, there's something for everyone. Learn more and sign up.
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