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September 02, 2026 |
Thank You for a Strong Start to the School Year! |
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As we wrap up our second week of the 2026-2027 school year, we want to thank you for your hard work, patience and dedication the past two weeks.
The school year has certainly heated up — literally and quickly! We appreciate your flexibility, preparation and care during this week’s heat wave, which placed additional strain on HVAC systems across MCPS. Despite the challenges, you worked together to keep our schools safe, comfortable and ready for learning.
Thank you for everything you do each day to support our students, families and one another. We’re grateful to have you on Team MCPS!
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Share Your Feedback for Next Year’s School Year Calendar |
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MCPS is seeking your input as it works to develop the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school calendar. Please complete this survey by Sept. 20 to share your input.
Your feedback is critical to the 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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Get Financially Fit This Fall |
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Join the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for a financial wellness webinar on Budgeting, Relationships and Life Events at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Learn more and register.
Fidelity Investments is also offering two upcoming virtual workshops to help employees reduce financial stress and enjoy financial freedom. Details and registration links are below:
- Tuesday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m., Retirement Basics: Learn about the power of saving and the different types of accounts, including your workplace savings plan. Register.
- Tuesday, Sept. 22, 8 p.m., Understanding Roth Contributions in Your Workplace Savings Plan: Learn about the Roth contribution option, now available in your workplace savings plan. Register.
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MCPS Educational Foundation Offering Project Grants to Staff |
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MCPS Educational Foundation (MCPSEF) is offering grants to support staff, educators and administrators. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for individual departments and schools, and up to $10,000 for collaborative projects for multiple departments or schools. The MCPSEF is also offering incentive funding to successful projects that can be scaled from one school or office to another. The first round of applications is due Wednesday, Sept. 30. A second round of applications is due Monday, Nov. 30. Learn more about applying for grants or becoming a Scaling Success Coach to help scale your successful project.
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New Webpage Makes It Easy to Find Approved MCPS Digital Tools |
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MCPS now lists its online digital tools on an easily accessible webpage. Every digital tool approved for our classrooms undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure it directly supports MCPS’ commitment to our Future Ready Framework and prioritizes high-quality instructional materials that follow local, state and federal guidelines for data privacy and security, as well as accessibility standards.
The webpage includes filters that staff can use to search for approved software, apps and digital resources by Grade Level, Subject Area or Approval Status. Staff can verify whether a tool is cleared for classroom use, currently undergoing evaluation or prohibited.
Technology is never a substitute for teacher-led instruction. Digital tools are selected to elevate learning with intention, to enhance student engagement and to support diverse learning needs without leading to excessive device exposure.
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Who’s On Fire This Week? |
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If you could give one of your colleagues an award, who would it be? The MCPS Fire Ribbons recognize those who make a difference through teamwork, collaboration and peer support in MCPS schools and offices. This crowdsourced honor builds culture and reflects the district’s values of community, service and excellence. See this week’s winners.
As a reminder, the process to submit Fire Ribbons has changed. Please check in with your principal to learn how.
And, take a look at how Lakewood Elementary School welcomed back its families for this school year.
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Six MCPS Schools Named Among America’s Healthiest |
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Six schools are being recognized as the healthiest in MCPS — Burtonsville, Sargent Shriver and Twinbrook elementary schools, and Martin Luther King, Jr., Hallie Wells and Redland middle schools. Read more.
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Grow Your Career With Higher Education Partnerships |
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Higher education partnerships offer opportunities to MCPS employees seeking teacher certification or licensure, continuing professional development, or who are pursuing career advancement. Register on Professional Development Online (PDO). Below, get more information on the first interest meetings of the new school year:
- Notre Dame of Maryland University, LEARN-AI Graduate Certificate: For permanent MCPS employees. This program emphasizes practical strategies for improving teaching, learning and assessment, while fostering ethical awareness of AI’s role and implications in education. Course #93947
- Thursday, Sept. 17, 6-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6-7 p.m.
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Global Learning In Action: Taiwanese Students Visit Hoover Middle School |
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A delegation of Taiwanese college students and their professors visited Herbert Hoover Middle School during pre-service and the first week of school to observe MCPS educational practices and processes. From the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), members of the group were each paired with a Hoover teacher to spend time in their classroom, meet students and teach a lesson during the opening week of school. See the photos.
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Get Moving! Train for a 5K |
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This fall, MCPS employees can join Run Farther & Faster’s 5K virtual training program. The 10-week program starts the week of Sept. 14, and is suitable for new or experienced runners. By the end of the 10 weeks, you’ll be prepared to complete a 5K with confidence, pride and a new sense of accomplishment — just in time for the Thanksgiving turkey trots. Learn more.
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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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