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September 16, 2026 |
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Don’t Forget: Complete a biometric health screening and your medical plan’s online health risk assessment by Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, to save 2 percent on your health insurance cost in 2027. Learn more.
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Celebrating Outstanding Achievement in Literacy |
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William B. Gibbs Elementary School is shining bright! The school has been recognized as a Bright Spots Top School in literacy by The 74, a national nonprofit education newsroom. The honor recognizes public schools whose students significantly outperform reading expectations based on student poverty levels. At Gibbs, which has a poverty rate of 37 percent, The 74 projected that 56 percent of third graders would be proficient in reading. Instead, an impressive 83 percent of third graders demonstrated reading proficiency. That’s a bright spot worth celebrating for our students and Team MCPS! Read more.
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Last Chance to Offer Your Feedback! |
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Complete this survey by Sept. 20 to share your input on the development of the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school calendars.
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Board Unveils Key 2027 Legislative Priorities |
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The Board of Education held its annual legislative summit at Richard Montgomery High School to unveil its 2027 legislative platform. This event brought together members of the Montgomery County Delegation and local leaders to preview the Board’s legislative priorities for the upcoming 2027 Maryland General Assembly session. The Board’s four priorities were: securing adequate school funding, preserving local autonomy, recruiting top educators and maintaining safe learning environments. Read more.
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Meet This Week’s Standout Stars |
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Special education teacher Vanessa Wilson and paraeducator Karen Torrico at Burning Tree Elementary School are bringing the fire this week.
According to the Burning Tree team, Vanessa brings joyful energy, high expectations and unwavering dedication to supporting every student in her self-contained classroom. Karen’s positivity, flexibility and commitment to students embody MCPS values and light the way for a new school year.
MCPS Fire Ribbons recognize those who make a difference through teamwork, collaboration and peer support in MCPS schools and offices. See this week’s winners.
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Got a Great Idea? The Ed Foundation Wants to Fund It! |
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The 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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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month |
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Students at Watkins Mill High School kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15 by showing off their pride with festive temporary tattoos.
Through Oct. 15, MCPS celebrates the traditions, cultures, stories and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino/a/x students, families and staff. More than 35% of MCPS students identify as Hispanic or Latino/a/x. From our classrooms to our communities, their voices, creativity and achievements help make MCPS stronger every day. Schools throughout MCPS are marking the month in various ways — with guest speakers, field trips and cultural performances and activities. What is your school or office doing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Drop us a line and let us know. You could be featured in The Bulletin or on social media.
There are also county celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month. The Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival in downtown Wheaton will be held from noon–4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. It is free and open to the public.
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A Grand Day at Lakewood Elementary |
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For the fifth consecutive year, Lakewood Elementary School welcomed grandparents and grandfriends for a special day filled with love, connection and joy! Students had the opportunity to share meaningful moments with the special people in their lives, creating memories that will last for years to come. View the photos.
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EAP Workshops to Focus on Perinatal Mental Health and Menopause |
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Join the Employee Assistance Program for two October virtual workshops:
- Tuesday, Oct 6, 11 a.m.: Perinatal Mental Health Information Session
Are you or your partner pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant or within one year of giving birth? Pregnancy and postpartum bring changes physically, emotionally and mentally. This information session is designed for expecting and new parents, as well as those supporting them, and will explore the unique mental health challenges of the perinatal period. The workshop will cover signs of mood disorders during the perinatal time, coping strategies and resources for support. Register.
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m.: Well-Being Strategies During the Menopause Transition
Did you know that the menopause transition can cause challenging physical and mental health changes in women? Learn how to manage these changes and prioritize your well-being. Register.
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Wake Up Feeling Refreshed |
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Quality sleep is the foundation of your energy, focus and overall well-being. In this wellness webinar, learn what disrupts healthy sleep and the practical, research-supported habits that help you unwind, fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling restored. Discover changes that make a meaningful difference — starting as soon as tonight. Join us for this webinar at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Be sure to check out upcoming wellness programs, classes and resources on the Well Aware News webpage and in the Well Aware Wellness Toolbox.
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Calendar Reminder: Friday, Sept. 18 is an early release day for all students. Monday, Sept. 21 is a non-instructional day; there will be no school for students and teachers.
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